Sew what's up?

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Hope everyone has a lovely day!

I really enjoyed the March & April fab shop hops! In March I won a $10 gift certificate to Heart of Dixie Quilt Shop. I used it to buy some of the "I Love you Zoo" fabric I'm going to use in the baby quilt I have to sew (soon, I don't know when they'll have the shower).

The next Hop starts June 1, if you like to browse fabric stores online this will be a blast (or very expensive!).

I also picked up a bunch of fabric at Wal-Mart this month. There is a nice brown with copper details that I bought enough of to make 4 dresses, and a green with black knit. Now I just have to find the right patterns, that's always the hard part for me. Cutting and committing to a pattern, even when I only paid $1.50 a yard, is not so easy a task for me! I don't have this problem with quilts or with clothes for the kids, just me. I have lots of stash fabric that I just haven't found "the right pattern" for. Anyone else have this issue? Or am I just whacky???

My must haves for 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Sewing Room Wants for 2009...

Singer® 151 Adjustable Dressform - Medium

A good selection of Home Decor Fabrics
I have 19 windows to sew treatments for, 4 chairs to re-upholster and new pillows for the couches.

A bunch of cutlery caddies and the rail to hang them on.

I would rather have a collection of Longaberger wall pockets, if money were no object of course!

Desk Chair
To replace the one I stole from hubby's desk.

Buy one of these...

I have 2 45mm (one pinking, one regular) rotary cutters and it just isn't large enough some times! I'd also like to pick up a
Clover New Slash Rotary Cutter-28mm
I made a "slash" trivet/hot pad when I worked at the sewing store, it was a fun project

Today's projects

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:06:00 +0000

I couldn't believe it, the bandana skirt is now doll clothes... The Princess has a large Dora doll & it fits her perfectly. Of course my Princess is a petite thing & it still fits her waist, it just isn't even close to appropriate length!

I made my first 3D paper snow flake, just as a trial and error. Didn't need to it's so simple & looks so beautiful. here and here are some good tutorials. I have some 2 sided wrapping paper that I am going to make some out of next!

I am also going to attempt a mushroom ornament collection. I have the fabric cut for 3, but we'll see how the first one goes! My sister will love these if they turn out!

I also have a dress I'd like to recycle for the Princess for Christmas. It's a size 10/12 & she is a 5! But the fabric is perfect & it shouldn't be too hard to fashion a smaller outfit out of it.

We also will be Christmas cookie baking, so we'll see just how much I can actually get done today!!!

Misc Project Links

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:04:00 +0000

Collection of easy sew girls skirts

Twirly Skirt tutorial I think I've linked this one before, but it's a good tutorial!

Part of the Handmade Holidays series.

Twirls for Girls - Toys for Tots

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:01:00 +0000

Twirls for Girls is back!!!

Use your talents & some of your stash to give to a child in need! These skirts are adorable and look easy enough to make. I am going to try to make 2 today and see how long it takes.

There is a form and instructions for donating them to "Toys for Tots" so they will know what it is & who it's for.

~Remembering back to our own girlhoods, some of our most cherished gifts were handmade clothes for our beloved dollies. Whether they were made by moms, grandmas, aunts, or even purchased from craft bazaars, they were unique and special, just like the women who created them.~

I can whole heartedly agree with this quote from the website! I still have most of the handmade doll clothing I received or purchased at craft shows. Now my little princess is dressing her dolls (and mine) with them! They are special and usually very well constructed.

Sewing Room Re-organization

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:47:00 +0000

Well the cooler weather has chased me inside & I am greeted with my disorganized sewing space every day. My Frugal efforts have lead to accumulations of stuff (old clothes, towels, blankets, scraps, bits & pieces, etc) and they are just everywhere.

I broke down and cut squares out of a pile of old t-shirts. I cut up about enough squares to sew 2 twin size quilts. Woohoo! Squares take up far less space than t-shirts. I also cut a pair of shorts for the prince out of an old polo shirt. I cut up 2 old flannel blankets that I was going to cut into rags "SOMEDAY." Well that day finally came! Now I have enough rags to last for a while.

My next step will be to organize my denim collection & then my actual fabric!

I found some help from The Domestic Diva's Disasters and I'm an Organizing Junkie. Lots of creative ideas here for storage of all the STUFF, and links to pictures of REAL studios, that's always a help! Sometimes I see a room & think, yup it'll never look that good again!!!

I'm also purging too, trying to finish some UFOs & generally cleaning the room up! So if ya don't hear from me for a long time, send help, bring shovels!!!

Halloween Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:55:00 +0000

How cute are these!!! I am giving them until the end of September to decide what they want to be, just so I have plenty of time to get them done!!!

I'm not sure what they are even interested in for Halloween. Neither one of them has said a word. I'm hoping the Prince will be obvious, Football player???? I can only hope!

I'm sure the Princess will want to be a Princess, but we do have fairy wings already...

The Belle Elysse is Done!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:59:00 +0000

I am finally finished with the Belle Elysse. I think the Princess is going to wear it for her first day of school. It turned out great & I'll snap a picture after I get new batteries in the camera!!!

Other Dish Towel Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:47:00 +0000

Star Dishcloth

Kitchen Crochet Patterns there are a couple for towel toppers, which I'm going to attempt for gifts as well!

Crochet Dishcloths

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:41:00 +0000

I used the Simple Dishcloths pattern to make this. I am making sets of these for a shower this weekend & for my sister's b-day coming up in a week. I got this easy pattern from Crochet Pattern Central. There were lots of choices, I think I went with one that was really simple, mostly because I need to crank out a few in a short period of time. I made 2 last night. I hope to do 2 more tonight while watching the olympics!

Giveaways for school

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Click over and enter a comment in the giveaways you are interested in, you have to comment on each post to enter that giveaway...

I hope I get the label maker, but if not it's on my Christmas list!

Giveaways

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:01:00 +0000

Little Einsteins and Handy Manny DVD giveaway.

Another giveaway for the Little Einsteins DVD

Root & Sprout giveaways

Free Sewing Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Free Sewing Projects for Children to learn to sew.

Sulky Project Library

Sewing.Org

Free Sewing Projects

All Free Crafts

Recylced Denim Scatter Rug

Craft and Fabric Links

Halloween Already

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Halloween Catalog of patterns is available for pre-order by August 31, 2008 and receive a copy of holiday decorating pattern 3642 FREE. Offer good while supplies last.

What time is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:55:00 +0000

Need a new watch? I'm not currently in the market, unless it's water proof, kid proof & doesn't EVER need a battery replaced, LOL!!! My only "nice" watch is a few years old and seems to need a new battery every 6 months. Kind of a pain. After browsing this luxury watch website, I might be...

The Watchery has been selling luxury watches on ebay since 1999 with a 100% positive feedback! That is impressive, I sold a few books and had one negative (they just wanted a free book at my expense). They have a ton of brand names to choose from including TAG Heuer, Movado, Cartier, Citizen, and Bulova. Just to name a few.

I can't really judge their pricing but it seems fair enough. IT's been a long time since I've priced a watch! I looked at several models that gave you a free second watch, up to $95 or a selection of 80% off watches with purchase. They offer free FedEx & UPS shipping in the USA.

I consider my watch as part of my jewelry, so paying a little more for an attractive piece makes sense! I have always LOVED the Movados, so simple and stunning all at the same time. The gold plated Amorosa with the black dial and the diamonds (of course) really caught my eye!

Ruffle skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:37:00 +0000

Crafty Daisies recycled denim ruffle skirt tutorial.

Thanks to The Queen of Re for the info!!!

New Mom blog

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:18:00 +0000

I was just informed about Moms in a blog by
My Trendy Tykes.

Looks like it could be a good resource for us Moms!

Yard Sale find & a Threadbangers video

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:19:00 +0000

My yard sale fabric find, $1 for about a bolt. It's going to be curtains for the front room/dinning room.

Cool Fashion show followed by a stippled t-shirt project done with the darning foot. This I could do, I love free motion, sew relaxing!!!

Janome partners with ThreadBanger

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000

The DIY Scoop Janome has partnered with the awesomely cool ThreadBanger.com. I watched one of their videos & subscribed to their podcast. I am hooked! Of course I am still out of my sewing studio. I figure I have a week left of stuff in my spring cleaning downstairs, then I move up!

Of course my sister called & got me out the door before The Prince even left for school to hit a couple yard sales. I am always on the look out for sewing & crafting junk when I go & I found it today!!! Two complete purse projects for $2, fabric, pattern, thread (Mettler even) & the velcro for $1 each! SCORE.

Progress on the "Belle Elysse"

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:09:00 +0000

I picked up some cotton fabric for the Belle Elysse dress. So far I have cut out the material & started sewing the bodice & sleeves. The only reason I stopped is because the step I'm on required ironing for the elastic casings before sewing them, so I am on hold until I can get to the iron (it's upstairs in what will be the sewing room).

There are some adorable pics on the page of dresses that have been made by customers. It never ceases to amaze me the impact of fabric choice!!!

Michael Miller Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:22:00 +0000

Making it Fun Michael Miller Fabrics Blog by Kathy Miller.

Knitmare on Elm street and Goth Baby are a couple of my favorite Michael Miller fabric collections.

My old favorite is the Eiffel Tower collection, but it's still a favorite!!!

I just had to have it!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:12:00 +0000

My first You Can Make This purchase is the Belle Elysse Tiered Dress. I am hoping I have the 1 1/2 yards up in the storage room to give it a try, then maybe I'll forge out & buy some really fantastic fabric & make more!

My next project

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:08:00 +0000

Finally I have tied up some of my loose project ends & will be starting a new project! Woohoo!!! I picked up the fabric this weekend & it will be a cover for my new stand mixer, and hopefully a couple of matching hanging towels.

I am starting to browse for some summer sewing for the kiddos, PJs and of course some dresses for the Princess! Not sure if I have any patterns in mind I'm hoping to find inspiration in the fabric!

I can be found...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 01:17:00 +0000

Since I am so obviously not sewing a cotton picking thing you can find me over at The Frugal Momma and Lisa's Cook Book.

What Lisa Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I have 3 weddings in 2008 EEK!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Knight) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:41:00 +0000

I have 3 weddings this year a cousin in August, a friend in October & a Niece in November. I know that I have NOTHING to wear & that is a possible understatement!!! So I will be sewing (or buying) myself something to wear. Hopefully I'll find something to sew I'd love to take on a project like this. I'm sure I'll keep my eyes peeled for good deals while I'm out shopping too, I just don't get to stores where I could buy something like this that often. It usually means a trip to the mall & I think I was there maybe 6 times last year & that could be a stretch! Usually it was just to run in & out of Bath & Body Works with my Mom any ways.

So I was sitting here trying to work but distracted by pattern shopping... Here are some potential candidates.

Kwik Sew 3536 Wrap blouse

M5484

M5314 Wrap Dress