Zaaberry

Teacher Gift: FREE PRINTABLE

2013-06-15T21:23:00.001-04:00

10 months ago, we sent our oldest child off to kindergarten. Our tentative, quiet, little girl cried every morning for the first week. It was a tough week.

And what feels like a short 10 months later, she's blossomed into an outgoing, curious, little chatterbox who rushes to get dressed and teeth brushed at the mere mention of missing the bus.

It's been an amazing year and I'm so thankful for the great school and teachers we have.

So I put together some little gifts to say thank you.

I found these cute metal tins at the Dollar Store and used a hammer and nail to poke holes in the bottom. We bought a 6 pack of thyme and a 6 pack of oregano at our local Farmer's Market and put one of each into each tin.

Oregano is a great container plant since it self seeds and can take over a yard in no time flat. Better in a container than in your lawn!

I used paper, punches, and sticks that I had around the house to make the labels.

Free printable HERE.

The least I could do to thank our teachers for helping my little girl grow.

High Low Maxi Skirt - TUTORIAL

2013-05-30T19:13:00.000-04:00

Two years ago I bought a cute maxi skirt. Looking in my closet the other day I realized, I've never worn it. I always admire maxi skirts on other people. But, when I look closely, I'm reminded of why I never wear them myself. Most of the time, people are holding them up as they walk. Not very practical, especially when you're spending your day at work or with kids, or both!

So, in the midst of my sewing slump, I had an epiphany. I love the high-low skirt trend and I love the maxi skirt trend. Why not a high-low maxi skirt!

This skirt is super easy to make and even easier to wear.

Are you with me? Let's get started.

All you'll need is 1.5-2.5 yards of stretchy fabric, depending on your height and size. I only had a yard, so I made my waistband from a different color. I used a rayon jersey knit that was very drapey and stretchy.

My 1 yard of fabric (36 by 60 inches) was the perfect length and width for my skirt. In the photo above, I have the fabric folded in half for the skirt front and back.

Fold the fabric in half again, so now it's quartered. Measure around your waist, divide by 4 and add 1. Using that measurement, make a mark that distance from the fold. Now draw and angled line all the way to the bottom and cut. You should end up with a nice looking A-line shape.

With right sides together, sew side seams.

Now let's do the waistband. I ran out of the main fabric, so I'm using a different color. Cut a piece of fabric that is 2/3 your waist measurement by 8 inches, and with right sides together, sew short sides making a loop.

Fold the waistband in half with wrong sides together, matching raw edge.

Match the raw edge of the waistband to the raw edge of the skirt, pin and sew.

Your skirt is almost done!

Now, let's make the high low hem. Lay the skirt flat so the the side seams are matched up. Figure out how high you want the front, keeping in mind you'll still need to hem the skirt. Draw a nice angle from the front to the back and cut.

Fold the bottom of the skirt 1 inch to the wrong side and topstitch to hem. When you hem, keep in mind you'll be able to see the wrong side of the back of the skirt. I used white thread for my bobbin and didn't realize until later that you can see it from the front. Oh well, I definitey see another one of these in my future.

So fun. So versatile.

Mustaches and Motivation

2013-05-29T16:03:00.000-04:00

Mustaches are huge lately, though I'll be honest and say I don't quite get it. They're cute, but I guess it's over my head.

I've been in a bit of a sewing slump lately. A few failed projects coupled with nice weather = lack of motivation. I have not however lost the motivation to fabric shop. So to justify my recent Girl Charlee order, I added this mustache fabric to my cart under the guise of making some new boy clothes. I made this cute newborn onesie as well.

The hubby is heading out to play music with the guys tonight, so I'm hoping once the kids are in bed, my mojo will return. I've got some fun ideas....stay tuned and wish me luck.

Skirt As Top TOP

2013-05-14T21:11:00.001-04:00

This cute scoop neck top by Skirt as Top has been popping up here and there and since the pattern is FREE, I thought I'd give it a try.

Though I do really like the style, I was worried it would be a bit big on me. I'm a pretty small person and big and flowy doesn't really flatter my lack of curves (if you know what I mean). So I grabbed a shirt with a similar cut and brought the side seam in a bit. I ended up taking it in even more after finishing.

The style is great, really easy to make and to wear. I would definitely recommend this pattern as a great way to dive into the world of knits. For me, it helped me tackle my ever growing pile seen here.

And, while you're thinking of shirts, don't forget that you need a skirt to go with that shirt! Crafterhours has launched Skirt Week 2013.

Are you entering? Look here for some inspiration. Maybe I'll make another Simplicity 2226 and play along.

Knit-aholic

2013-05-11T08:25:00.001-04:00

I have a confession....

I've been hoarding knits lately. The time I've been spending acquiring fabric is starting to far exceed the time I'm been spending sewing fabric. It's a problem. But, I'm working on it, and hoping to tackle this pile this Mother's Day weekend.

What about you, do you love fabric shopping like I do? Got any fun weekend plans?

Jersey Summer Dress TUTORIAL

2013-05-07T06:43:00.002-04:00

The warm weather has finally arrived and with it, dress season. I was playing around the other night and made myself 2 cute jersey dresses that I just had to share.

A few notes before we get started.

This is not a pattern rather a tutorial that requires that you have a shirt or tank top pattern that fits and that you generally know how to make. Alternatively, you could use an existing shirt or tank for the top of the dress.

Fabric amounts will vary with size. I always opt to buy more rather than less.

I sew all my seams with my serger. You can definitely do it on your domestic machine, but I'm not going to talk about that here. This post would be waaaay too long if I did. Check out some tips HERE.

Always remember to pay attention to the direction of stretch of the fabric. You want your stretch to go side to side for ease of wear. When in doubt, test it out.

Here's what you'll need:
- about 2 yards of a medium weight jersey (I used THIS cotton spandex for all of mine)
- about 1/2 yard of contrasting knit for the border (this is optional - you can bind the neck and arms with the main fabric if you like)
- 1 yard 1/4inch elastic
- T-shirt or tank top pattern that fits you (I made my pattern by following THIS tutorial)
- measuring tape for taking body measurements

Figure out about where you want the skirt portion of the dress to start and shorten (or fold) your shirt pattern to that point. Cut out a front and back (and sleeves if you are using them).

1. sew one shoulder seam

2. add binding to the neck and one arm

3. sew the other shoulder seam

4. add binding to the other arm.

There are many ways to finish the neck and arms. I have a coverstitch machine with a binder (birthday present to myself a few years back).

You can get the same effect using a bias tape maker or by cutting a 1.5 inch strip, folding it in half, pressing and then sewing on. See HERE for a really great video on how to measure and sew neck binding. You use the same principle for the arms.

If you are adding sleeves, put them in now, and sew down the side seams. At this point you've basically got a short little top. Try it on and make sure you like where the waist is. You can trim it if you want it to be higher.

Next, we need to take some measurements to make the skirt.

SKIRT LENGTH

Figure out how long you want your skirt to be by putting on your top and measuring to where you want it to fall. Add 1.5 inches for a 1/2 inch seam allowance and a 1 inch hem.

I wanted the contrasting band to be about 3.5 inches when finished. So, 3.5 inches + 1.5inches for seam allowance and hem, means my skirt length will be 5 inches shorter.

SKIRT WIDTH

You also need to figure out how full you want your skirt. I figured this out by looking at skirts and dresses I own and measuring across the bottom. Add 1 inch to this measurement for each 1/2 inch side seam. The wider your skirt, the more fully and gathered it will be.

For me:

Total skirt length 23.5" + 1.5" seam allowance and hem = 25" - 5" band = 20"

Bottom Band 3.5 inches + 1.5 inches for seam allowance and hem = 5"

skirt width 21" + 1" for side seam allowances = 22"

Cut 2 main skirt pieces and 2 contrasting band pieces using your measurements.
For my dress I cut 2 main skirts that are 22" by 20" and 2 contrasting bands that are 22" by 5".

Sew the band to the main skirt panel with a 1/2 inch seam. Press the seam allowance.

Now lets make the skirt a little more A-line. Fold the front and back skirt pieces in half. Measure in 1.5 inches from the non-folded side. Draw a line from that point to the bottom and cut along that line.

Pin skirt front and back at the sides, being careful to match the band, and sew with a 1/2 inch seam.

Mark the center on the front and back of the dress top and skirt.

With right sides together, pin dress top to the skirt bottom matching center markings and side seams.

Sew the dress top to the bottom with a 1/2 inch seam. The skirt is larger than the top so you will need to gently stretch the top as you sew.

Your dress is almost done!

Try on your dress and measure around the waist (where the top meets the skirt). We are going to add elastic so that the dress is a little more snug and gathered at this point. Since the elastic will stretch out a bit, I measure my waist, then cut my elastic to be 1 inch shorter.

Sew the elastic ends together to make a loop. Fold in quarters and mark. Match the quarter points to the dress side seams and top/skirt center markings. Pin (making sure the elastic isn't twisted) and sew to the seam allowance, stretching the elastic as you sew.

The elastic will stretch out. If you run some steam over the elastic, it will relax a bit.

Fold the hem 1 inch to the wrong side and topstitch. Try it on and make any necessary adjustments.

Phew, we're done! I hope you enjoy this tutorial. It ended up being more involved than I thought it would be. But truthfully, it's not as hard as it may look. Give it a shot....and do let me know what you think.

Summer Dresses for Me

2013-05-03T06:29:00.000-04:00

It finally feels like Spring in W. Massachusetts. The perfect weather for some new Spring dresses.

I had a vision and remarkably, it came together pretty easily.

I used a simple scoop neck T-shirt pattern for the top, cut short for where I wanted the skirt to start. The skirt I cut a little larger than the bottom of the shirt, gathered it with elastic, and then attached it to the top. Really, it's pretty easy.

I didn't take any photos as I put these 2 dresses together, in part because I wasn't sure they would work out. Not only did they work out, but I can't decide which I like better. I'm definitely going to make more, and can hopefully put together a tutorial.

So, find your favorite T-shirt pattern and I'll be back next week with some instructions.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Backpack Baby Gifts

2013-04-21T21:42:00.000-04:00

My wonderful neighbor is single-handedly keeping my backpack business afloat.

She recently commissioned me to make 2 backpacks as baby shower gifts.

Matching bibs and washcloths complete the set. Something for now, something for later.

And a matching little purse for the big sister.

It's really a win win situation. For her, it's one-stop shopping. And for me, I get to play with these fun fabrics.

Thanks Lisa!

Another Simplicity 2226 - Summer Skirt for Me

2013-04-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

I recently got an email from a reader who'd seen this skirt I made and was wondering how I'd modified the pattern. I used Simplicty 2226, and actually made a muslin, something I almost never do. I've learned that for me, store bought patterns never fit right. The muslin was really, really poofy, too big even though I'd used and followed my measurements, and altogether unflattering. But, I thought that I might be able to make some simple modifications and in the words of Tim Gunn, make it work!

I love this skirt and it's probably the first thing I made for myself that I actually wear a lot. So, in case it helps, here's how I modified the pattern.
I cut a size 12, but ended up using a size 6 band. I cut about 3 inches out of the center of the front, which ends up being 6 inches since it's cut on the fold.

I did the same on both back pieces. Since I took a lot of the poof out of the skirt, it needed to be wider at the bottom so I cut the sides to be more A-line rather than straight.

I kept the gathers just in the front middle, and very little gather in the back. The invisible zipper always gives me trouble. Anybody know of a good tutorial for putting in invisible zippers?

I love, love, LOVE my new skirt! And if it ever gets warm here in MA, I'm sure I'll wear it a ton.

I bought this fabric last summer when my husband and I were in NYC with this skirt in mind...almost a year later, here it is.

Lastly, the requisite photo with my face. Trying not to laugh at myself....

Clutch with a....

2013-04-01T20:29:00.000-04:00

...strap! Is it still a clutch?

In honor of Roselee's GIVEAWAY, I made one more Girls Night Out Clutch with a new twist.

A simple little shoulder strap that tucks inside the bag.

Instructions on making a strap are not in the pattern currently, but it's really easy and I'd be happy to post a step by step here, just let me know. And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY. You have until Friday, April 5.

Think Spring.....TOPS!

2013-03-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

Though it doesn't feel much like it around here (W. Massachusetts), it's Spring Top time! I made 2 new shirts for myself last week, kind of itching for it to be warm.

Total side not, you can choose to ignore if you want....one of my New Year's resolutions, even though I don't do New Year's resolutions, is to not crop my face out of all my pictures. It's silly, but I always crop my face out. Why? There a million reasons probably going back to my childhood (just kidding), but it's time to just grow up and put it out there. Ok, back to things that really matter, spring tops!

This shirt was a nod to one of last year's shirts with the shirring. This time I decided to try it out at the sleeve end rather than at the shoulder. I like it!

This next top I made with this this fun bird fabric. I got both fabrics from Girl Charlee.

For this top, I did a cuff on the end. I wish I had made the sleeves either longer or shorter. It's not really a 3/4 length and ends up feeling a bit awkward. I do still love it and have already worn it a few times.

You can't really tell from the pictures, but both shirts also have a bit of a scoop neck in the back too. I traced the pattern from a shirt I own that I've had for many many years. Had to add some length to it. Is it just me or do shirts get shorter and shorter over time? I know I'm not getting longer....

Will definitely be making more Spring Tops, so check back soon.

Don't forget to enter the Girls Night Out clutch GIVEAWAY over at Jane of all Trades.

Girl Night Out Clutch - Bag and Pattern Giveaway

2013-03-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

All I can say is WOW! Have you been following Roselee as she posts 5 Girls Night Out clutches this week?

Not only did she make 5 bags, she's giving away the pattern and to a second winner, the bag of their choice!

Go leave a comment on her GIVEAWAY PAGE now to enter to win.

Take a closer look at each of her bags HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Which one is your favorite? So hard to choose! Take a look at some other cute versions HERE.

Can't thank Roselee enough for hosting this giveaway. Sending some blog loving her way...

In the Clutch - Pretty Bags and a Giveaway

2013-03-25T14:36:00.000-04:00

My Girl's Night Out pattern has only been out a few weeks, and already it's popping up. Here's a beautiful version that showed up in the Flickr group belonging to Jill at Homemade by Jill. A-maze-ing to have such a great sewist and blogger make one of MY patterns.

This version comes from my local friend Sarah. Teacher extraordinaire and mommy to 2 beautiful girls.

And if you aren't a follower of Roselee at Jane of All Trades (why aren't you a follower?) now's the time. She's my dear friend, busy super-mom of 2, Daisy leader, blogger, and oh yeah, she tested my pattern and made 5, yes 5 clutches!

She'll be posting them, each with a twist, with a pattern giveaway at the end. Check out this super springy version.

I've been super grumpy this week because it just doesn't feel very Spring-like. Looking at this bag cheers me right up. Hard to feel blue with such a pretty bag tucked under your arm.

Coconut Banana Nut Muffin RECIPE

2013-03-24T08:50:00.000-04:00

Here's an easy, yummy recipe, for your Sunday morning.

I love coconut and there's some evidence that coconut oil might have better fats than butter. Truthfully, I just love the flavor. You can subsitute an equal amount of vegetable oil if you don't have coconut oil, but you won't get that subtle, yummy coconut flavor.

Coconut oil is generally solid at room temperature, so just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to liquify it.

Combine the wet ingredients.

Combine the dry ingredients.

Gently fold the wet into the dry.

This is a fairly thick batter, so I use a cookie batter scooper to transfer the batter to the oiled muffin tin.

Makes for even muffins.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Eat them while they're still warm.

Yum.

My New BFF - In Duck Tape!

2013-03-17T11:25:00.002-04:00

Ever since my last Washi Dress, I've been thinking that having a dress form might be useful. I've been looking at all the options and thinking....and finally decided to try the duck tape route. There are a million different tutorials for making a duct tape dress form, so I won't add another. But, I will my general advice based on my experience.

Here are my tips in a nutshell:

buy quality tape - and you probably only need 1 roll
wear something thin and fitted underneath
I used fiberfill to do the chest area and wasn't happy with the results so I went back and filled with plastic bags
don't be afraid to cut her open and refill areas - I did this A LOT
take measurements as you fill - my rib cage ended up being too big after filling, so I added more tape to cinch it down
use cardboard to stabilize areas - I used cardboard at the base, neck, and armholes

Overall, I think she came out pretty good. I'm not thrilled with the chest area, but that's true in real life too, so I guess she's accurate :)

I haven't used her for much yet, but I'm happy to have her around, even if it's just for taking pictures of finished garments. The kids enjoy hugging her too. It's pretty funny.

I used this tutorial from Crafterhours to make the cover. I did mine in a cream color first, but you could see the duct tape through the fabric, so I went back and made another cover out the brown. It's a little closer to my own skin tone too, so I guess that might be helpful.

My favorite part is the stand. I bought a 1 inch dowel and some PVC pipe that the dowel could slide in to. I put the PVC pipe up through the form, slid the dowel in, and used an umbrella stand from Home Depot for the base. The great part is, it all comes apart for easy storage. When all was said and done, it cost about $30. Perfect for my budget. It didn't take much time either, which fit my needs as well. I've had my eye on a Uniquely You form, but felt like I wouldn't have the time or patience to really customize it as it requires.

So, do you use a dress form?

I'm curious to hear about what other sewists are using.

Bag Loving Blogs Blog Hop

2013-03-15T06:30:00.000-04:00

Spring is right around the corner and I could certainly use some inspiration for a new bag. I added my Girls Night Out Clutch to a fun blog hop over at ChrisWDesigns.

Here's the scoop from her blog if you want to join in:

One very obvious reason you may be visiting my blog is because you love BAGS just as much as I do! It is FUN and so inspirational to see what bags other people have been making so I thought it would be great FUN to start a Blog Hop so those of us who love making bags can 'Hop' from one Bag Lovin Blog to the next! :)
What do you have to do? It's easy! (Please note links now require approval due to spamming :( so will be approved after all 3 steps have been carried out! Please make sure your blog has posts about BAGS!)
Step 1) Just add your blog link below by clicking on the "Click here To Enter" link and follow the easy steps to add your blog!
*Step 2) IMPORTANT! Click on the "Get the code here" link shown to grab your copy of the code and add it to your blog! Please include these instructions so that new members will know what to do! :)
*Step 3) Grab this button: (Right Click and Save)

and pop it in your sidebar linking to your Bag Lovin Blog Hop post so that we can leave this blog hop open and people can keep finding it and hopping on! :)
After all 3 steps have been completed, your link will be approved and added to the blog hop! :)
That's it! :)
* Please note it may take me a little while to approve your link due to the time differences! If you have any technical difficulties or you can't see your link within 24 hours, please don't hesitate to email me so I can see if I can help! :) Thanks for joining in!
This is a Blog Hop!

You are next... Click here to enter

Pattern Pouch Tutorial

2013-03-12T21:24:00.000-04:00

Now that there are all these amazing PDF patterns out there (shameless plug, I know), you're going to need a good way to store them and keep them organized. How about a simple, reusable pattern pouch.

Here's what you'll need to make one:
- one piece of clear vinyl, 24 by 9.5 inches (I used 12 gauge)
- one package, 1/2 wide double fold bias tape, or make your own
- one piece of hook and loop tape, sew in or stick on

Measure 13 inches from one edge and fold the vinyl back. The top part should be 11 inches and the back should be 2 inches longer. The 2 inch excess will be the flap. Sew the bias tape across the top of 11 inch side of the vinyl.

Round the corners on the flap

At the center of the bias tape, sew or adhere a strip of hook and loop tape that's about 2 inches long and cut in half lengthwise.

Take the remaining bias tape and fold one raw edge to the inside to finish it off. Starting at the bottom of one side enclose the vinyl in the bias tape and sew all the way around.

When you get to the other side stop about an inch short of the other end and cut off the bias tape leaving about a 1 inch tail (sorry if this is confusing, I didn't realize until I put this together that I flipped it over from the previous picture).

Fold the raw bias tape edge in like before, and finish the seam.

Adhere or sew the other half of the hook and loop tape on the flap.

All done! Fill it up with your favorite pattern!

Not just for patterns either. Great for organizing school-work as well.

What will you put in yours?

Girls Night Out Clutch - New Pattern!

2013-03-10T09:48:00.002-04:00

After putting together my first PDF pattern for the Mirabelle Messegner Bag, I didn't think I'd have it in me to do another pattern. Then one night, I went out with some girlfriends and realized all my purses are big, kid snack toting, former diaper bags. With both kids out of diapers, it was time for a cute little, going out bag.

So I came up with this pattern, and made a few. Well, 5 to be exact. The thing is, the pattern requires so little fabric and hadware that making 5 is pretty easy. You could easily make one for every outfit!

The size is big enough to fit your wallet, keys, phone, even some tissues, yet small enough to tuck under your arm or carry on your wrist. The side strap attaches at the top so you can just tuck it into the purse if you don't want to use it.

There are so many possibilities for this bag. I show you how to add some pretty piping along the flap.

You can keep is simple with a beautiful print.

You can add a chunky button to the flap.

Want to make your own? You can buy it here, from my shop,

Or if you'd rather buy it through etsy, they now offer an instant download feature as well. Get the pattern HERE.

Add your finished bags to my Flickr group. I love seeing what you come up with!

Pajama Day

2013-03-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

My son's preschool does some fun activities for the month of March, the first of which is pajama day. A great excuse to make some new PJS. I found these great flannel prints at Joann's and used Dana's Basic Kid Pant Tutorial and Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee for the shirt.

Dana's tutorial includes a PDF pattern that's sized at 2T-3T, but for my skinny boy was almost a 4T. I laid a pair of his pants on top of the pieced pattern before cutting and just added a little bit to the top. I actually made the legs a bit skinnier as well. I've used the pattern before and remembered that the pants were a bit wide in the leg for my taste.

It was so great to have both these patterns right at my finger tips. I have both size ranges for Rae's tee pattern and I use them regularly. Definitely worth the investment.

The boy was very happy with his new PJs. He put them on in the afternoon for the photo shoot, and wanted to take them off before dinner because he didn't want them to get dirty.

What a ham! Love this pose.

~Flip Vest Pattern~ Review and Giveaway-WINNERS

2013-03-04T06:30:00.003-05:00

Wow, thanks for making this my most successful Giveaway!

Here are the winners.....

76. Tara said " I love this pattern--would be good for BOTH of my boy/girl twins!"

94. KellyF said " my Godchildren would look fab in flip vests! "

78. Anonymous said " Would love it for my boy!"

Congratulations winners!

~Flip Vest Pattern~ Review and Giveaway-CLOSED

2013-02-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back Dana from Made asked me to test out her newest pattern. I was so excited to just be asked and then even more excited when I found out it was for a vest. Not only a vest, but a reversible vest! I am a lover of vests and I've got 2 kids that love being cozy, how perfect.

Dana gives great tips and fabric suggestions in the pattern and in typcial fashion I decided to push the envelope. I upcycled a sweater for one side and used microfleece for the other. The vest and pattern are great, but I wasn't thrilled with my initial fabric choices.

For my second attempt I used flannel and blizzard fleece. Much better choices in my opinion.

The blizzard fleece and flannel are a little less floppy and gave the vest little more structure.

I cut a 3T/4T for the skinny 4 year old boy, and the sizing is just right. He's on the taller side too, so I think next time I might make it longer.

I cut a 4T/5T for the 6 year old, who is also a tall and skinny. I added a few inches to the length and made the armholes bigger before adding the binding.

She's all about the pink and was in love with this flannel. I convinced her the green buttons would be a nice touch rather than pink. And the fit is great too.

So overall, the pattern is great! There's one pattern piece, awesome, and the instructions are really easy and clear. I sewed both of my second attempt vests in under 2 hours! Including cutting time! It doesn't get much better than that.

Checkout some other great Flip Vests here and here. You can read more about the pattern (and purchase a copy) HERE.

So, are you ready to win a copy of your own?

Leave a comment with your email address to enter to win a printable copy of The Flip Vest pattern (pattern will be emailed).

Giveaway ends FRIDAY, MARCH 1, at midnight Eastern Time.

3 winners will be chosen at random!!

1 entry per person please.

And, a huge thank you to Dana for including me in this recent pattern launch. So fun!

DIY St. Patrick's Day Garland

2013-02-22T17:37:00.000-05:00

I'm not typically big on decorating for holidays. It feels like by the time I get something out, it's time to put it away and get out another set of decorations. We missed the boat on Valentine's Day. But, since we're home for February break, I thought it might be time we made a St. Patrick's Day garland.

I grabbed my big bag of felt scraps and pulled out all the green shades and some white. I punched out a cardboard circle and my daughter and I got to work tracing and cutting. We cut 47 circles, then laid them out in a random pattern.

I stacked them up in order, which was really helpful when it came time to sew. I didn't have to worry about the pattern. Just grab the circle on top and sew.

I left just a tiny bit of space in between each circle. I've seen these kinds of garlands done many times, but never actually done it myself. So easy.

So pretty.

Reminds me of Spring.

Guess I can keep it up for a while beyond St. Patty's Day. Definitely my kind of decorating.

WOW....I'm in a Magazine!

2013-02-15T15:27:00.003-05:00

I have some exciting news to share. A few months back the editors at Sew-It Today contacted me and asked if they could feature my fold-up tote tutorial in their Spring Issue. I can't even tell you how excited I was to get this opportunity, and now to see it in print...

Sew-It Today is a new sewing magazine featuring lots of approachable and fun projects. Check out this cute coloring book holder. Will definitely be making one of these for each of my kids.

Eliza the Chicky might be making an appearance in our Easter baskets this year. Too cute!

They also published my washcloth tutorial, which I got to photograph myself! That's my tub and rubber ducky. Well, not my personal rubber ducky...

And, wow, I get to be featured next to Jessica of Running With Scissors!

Thanks for letting me share my few minutes of fame with you. I really enjoy sharing sewing projects and connecting with other sewists out there through this blog. It's really rewarding and helps me keep some balance in my life. And every once in while, I get to feel famous. Then it's back to rushing off to work or the bus stop.

Oh, and remember that giveaway I mentioned? Sometime next week I'll be giving away 3, oh yes 3, copies of Dana's new Flip Vest pattern.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

Boy, the time does fly these days! I can't believe it's already half way through February. I've got some great posts planned, including a really fabulous giveaway for a new pattern from a well-known blog friend....are you dying with curiosity? Stay tuned...

In the meantime, I thought I'd share our Valentine's day so far.

This little girl wanted to make something special for her brother and sewed a cute heart shaped pillow all by herself! The focus she has is amazing.

I got some beautiful handmade cards from the little ones.

And the kids headed off to school to celebrate in their new Valentine's Day shirts. I've never made one of these tie applique shirts, but I see more in our future. So adorable!

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Refashioning

2013-02-03T15:45:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to be better lately about not buying clothing that I won't or don't wear. I love clothes and I'm often swayed by a good deal. So, in an effort to be more economical, I went through my closet and tried to come up with ways to refashion things I have.

I have a wonderful and expensive down coat that I bought years ago when I worked at an outdoor clothing store. It's really great quality, but there are things about it I no longer love.

I found some cheap faux fur and decided to add some fur trim to the hood. I also wanted to get rid of the snaps that I never use and don't really like.

I cute a strip 4 inches wide, pinned it to the right side of the hood an sewed it in place with the ends folded up.

I folded the trim to the right side and topstitched. It looks much better in real life that this picture shows, and now I love my coat again.

This sweater refashion was really easy and I really love my "new" sweater. The neck on the original was just too big and the fit overall was reminiscent of maternity clothing aka not very flattering. All I did for this one was to move some hidden snaps from the turtle-neck to the neck center, fold the turtle-neck down and move the buttons to the other side of the newly created collar. I sewed up the sides a bit to make it a little more fitted. So much more wearable.