Girls in the Garden

Holiday Table Runner - mySewnet

2024-12-27T11:33:00.003-06:00

If your December is like my December, it is busy and finding time to sew and create is challenging. To add a bit more to my Christmas Decor, I wanted a new table runner.

I purchased one in a cream linen look from Amazon, making sure it was the right length for my table. That helped to ensure this project would get completed, now to design.

Of course I opened mySewnet and started exploring my design options in the Superdesigns. I thought a an outline of a tree was my starting point and I found such a good one. I made it big to fill the 200 x 200 hoop, checking first to make sure that hoop would be a good size on my table runner.

Of course, I added a star to the top of my tree. I kept playing with the bows, they are just so cute and with two colors, this design has some visual impact. I tried every bough but that was just too much, so I just deleted them all. My thought was to fill the inside of the tree with a Christmas looking flower instead of ornaments. With a trunk, this tree was an outside tree and I wanted a natural look. I used the same flower, in two sized and repeated them throughout the tree. I went back to the bows, I just couldn't give them up. So every other bough worked.

My tree looked great and was the perfect amount of color for my runner.

I did use the same green for the trunk, grass and tree, I wanted a monotone look for that. Adding gold and darker reds for the rest.

It looks great. The design didn't take too long to stitch and I repeated for the other side.

Please note - I am an mySewnet ambassador

Kid's Apron with mySewnet

2024-12-27T11:24:00.003-06:00

Planning and designing in mySewnet is one of my favorite things. The possibilities are just endless and each time, I discover something new. For this project it is the Christmas font

I clicked on it and put in the entire 26 letters of the alphabet to just to see all the images. I knew on this apron I wanted something with the word cookies. The wreath for the "O" would be perfect.

I used two different fonts in addition to the Christmas font, an applique Santa hat, two gingerbread girls and a snowflake. A very Christmasy apron was designed.

This apron pattern I found online years ago, it is a cute design and quick to make.

I am an ambassador for mySewnet.

mySewnet Graphic Sweatshirt

2024-10-26T16:29:00.001-05:00

I had this idea in my head, to use a font to create a design. I thought it would be fun to use a singe letter or number or character and repeat it. Possibly rotate it and change the spacing.

Well, that idea really turned out fun. mySewnet is just so fun to use and the possibilities seem endless! I used the Art Deco font and once I had the character I wanted, I repeated it in Encore. Most of the time, I did rotate it. My endgame was not for it to look say like the 9 but more of an effect. Occasionally, I had to ungroup my Encore element and space my characters a bit more.

Here is a close-up of the front and then a photo of the design in mySewnet with what the letters are.

I repeated a smaller item of the design on the upper center back and on the sleeve. I like how the designs have your eye moving around the garment

As I stated, this was a fun design to create and I really enjoyed experimenting with the fonts.

I am a brand ambassador for mySewnet

Pattern - Classic Sweatshirt from Peek-a-Boo patterns

Fabric - Style Maker Fabrics

Don Shorts

2024-10-10T14:57:00.000-05:00

In June we went to Oklahoma for vacation, really for a meeting from my husband but all the kids and grandkids came. My husband was becoming president of our trade organization.
I knew it was going to be hot so I made one more thing for vacation, a cute pair of shorts.
I used the Don Shorts again and a beautiful linen check from Style Maker Fabrics this fabric is expensive but the colors called my name.

I cut this fabric out in a single layer for the plaid matching. For the front pocket (pic above) I placed the front piece on the fabric and matched for placement. After that was matched I cut out the pocket.

I did shorten the pocket, it is long and came close to the hem, I shortened by 1.5 inches.

Winnie Pants

2024-10-10T14:34:00.004-05:00

A pair of knit pants was needed for my wardrobe, I am lacking in this department.

These pants were inspired by an IG post, which led me to order the fabric and the pattern and copy just like the post! The pattern is the Winnie Pants from Made for Mermaids  and I used the Cupro Double Knit from Surge Fabrics . The fabric is soft but thicker so I did not wear them much this summer but the color and the weight will be great for fall.
I did sew a very narrow pintuck for the front 1/16" the pattern calls for wider but the on the thick fabric, that didn't look right. The cupro does shift quite a bit so I did lots of pinning.

The elastic doesn't look distributed the best and I did fix that after the pics!

I made the green size with the 32" length, next time I will add an inch to the rise

Coppelia Cardi - Papercut Patterns

2024-10-10T14:27:00.004-05:00

I purchased some new patterns to jumpstart my sewing back in May. The Coppelia Cardigan was one of those patterns . I can say I love this pattern and need to make it again!

I made the shorter version of this pattern but I did add 2 inches to the length and one inch to the sleeves. The fabric is Modal Jersey from Surge Fabrics and it is a nice weight for summer.

I made this up in a morning and it was the perfect make to start my sewing again. I need to find a good knit for a fall/winter version.

Embellished jeans

2024-09-08T17:08:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite distressed jeans slowly was getting too distressed, the hole at the knee getting bigger and bigger. An idea from Instagram provided the inspiration. I went and purchased some batiks at the quilt shop (they don't wrinkle). Next step was to use my Singer Momento to cut out these shapes. My next step was to embroidery some of the patches and finally stitch them onto my jeans. I did use some decorative stitches to attach the patches to the jeans.

Do note, I opened up the leg at the side seam so I could lay the jean leg flat to stitch them on. This was a perfect solution for the hole and I have a very cute pair of jeans.

I am a mySewnet ambassador and the Singer Momento was gifted to me.

Fluer Top

2024-09-08T17:00:00.003-05:00

This front tie top is all the style this summer. I love how it looks but I wasn't thrilled with the peek-a-boo look between each tie. Enter the Fleur Top from Fabric Godmother, which has a privacy panel I purchased it right away

It took me a bit to get it made but I had this beautiful Linen Slub from Surge Fabrics the description states heavy but I really don't think so. The great factor is the drape which is beautiful. The fabric is 80% rayon and 20% linen so that explains the drape.

I lengthened the body one inch and put a snap on the front where the body meets the peplum. I love everything about this top. The pattern and instructions were excellent and it was so fun to make

Knit Shirts

2024-09-08T16:52:00.000-05:00

Every summer I need new t-shirts and here are 4 I made throughout the summer. I thought I would put them all in one post. My go to t-shirt is the Union St. Tee and it is the one above and below. My two colorways are sold out but there is a olive option This fabric is so good, the quality, feel, stretch and recovery is fabulous.

Next up is the Just Patterns Tyra Tee an oversized boxy tee. This fabric is from Core Fabrics it is nice but thick and a bit heavy. I thought the boxy style would be better for the heavy fabric. I like this but didn't wear it much this summer, just too heavy and thick. I will see what fall and spring bring.

Last is the Galaxy Tee Pattern made from a Joann Fabrics knit. It is also on the heavy side but not as much as the one above. Next time on the Galaxy I am going to cut the neckband with less width, there is alot of neckband and I think it needs to be reduced in width.

The sleeves are so fabulous!

Balka Top - Style Maker Fabrics

2024-09-08T16:38:00.001-05:00

First let me start by saying this fabric reminds me of curtains my mom and dad had in their bedroom in the 70's! So I had to order this beautiful patchwork rayon from Style Maker Fabrics

I always watch The Fold Line's You Tube channel and it is a great way to see new patterns. That is how I found this one, Wardrobe by Me's Balka Dress and Top I really loved the front inset of this pattern (see pic above)

This is a great pattern and the Style Maker Fabric in rayon is the perfect drape. I wore this in May to a Parker McCullom concert with a new pair of boots, it was a fun outfit.

Flannel Carry Blouse with inside yoke embroidery

2024-09-08T16:30:00.001-05:00

This flannel was in the selvage yard section of Style Maker Fabrics in March. I thought what a perfect color for spring. I still need the warmth from the flannel but so ready for spring colors and this flannel looks so spring-like.

I used my Fibre Mood Carry Blouse for the oversized look and used my go-to tutorial for plaid matching at Grainline Studio

This can be worn open like a shacket, or half tuck or full tuck. Although with all the extra volume of oversized and the think flannel a full tuck is tight!

Here you can see my plaid matching across the sleeves and front. I really do like matching plaids, not only is it challenging but when it works out it is so rewarding. I am sure this fabric is sold out at Style Maker but here are all their flannels.

I didn't have plaid for the inside yoke but I did have this perfect pink chambray. The solid just needed some embroidery, so I googled a cute plaid saying and got this. Once I had the saying, I just used several fonts to create the design.

Here it is in mySewnet and you can learn more about mySewnet here

I did cut the back yoke on the diagonal.

Minerva Kit - Mitchell Pants

2024-09-08T15:46:00.001-05:00

I had lots of fun making these Mitchell Pants from a Minerva Kit, check out all the info on my Minerva Post

Minerva Fabrics - Georgia Portfolio's Don Shorts and Grainline Studio's Archer Shirt

2024-05-12T20:36:00.004-05:00

I am so excited with my set - top and bottoms matching, read all about it over at Minerva

Made for Mermaids Women's Pepper Puff Sleeve Top and Sweater

2024-04-21T21:23:00.004-05:00

A good sweater knit is always so fun and combine that with a fun pattern makes a great combination.

This pattern is Made for Mermaids Pepper Puff Sleeve Top and Sweater and this pattern has several possibilities. Four necklines, 5 body shapes, sleeve options, band and length options

I did lengthen the cuffs so my sleeves were longer. My fabric reminds me a vintage pattern with the muted tones, the fabric is from Style Maker Fabrics Vintage Garden Rose Jersey

I went with the round neckline, shorter length and wide band.

Viola Vest

2024-04-21T21:14:00.005-05:00

I bought this pattern several months ago and it waited patiently until I could get to it. Finding the right sweater knit was part of the wait.

The pattern is Viola Vest by Swim Style Patterns which is a great layering piece, side slits and a cute v-neck with a wide band. I did close my side slits up, I just didn't want that much of slit. This was a quick sew once the neck and neckband was finished.

My fabric is from Style Maker Fabrics a soft cable stripe sweater knit in Rose. This fabric might have been to lightweight for this pattern but I do like how it turned out.

I tried it with a button up and a knit shirt, I like it best with the knit shirt

A couple more pictures of some details

Archer Shirt and Minerva Plaid shirting

2024-03-27T18:00:00.001-05:00

Check out my plaid Archer over at Minerva

Lulu - Fibre Mood pattern and Poplin Fabric Minerva

2024-03-24T20:31:00.002-05:00

Check out my post at Minerva for my new Lulu Blouse

Rhea Top MInerva Knit

2024-02-15T20:05:00.003-06:00

Check out my latest post on Minerva, all about my Rhea Top

Madou Coat - Fibre Mood

2024-02-15T20:03:00.002-06:00

I have been wanting a chore type denim coat and evaluated so many options, I finally went with the Madou. It is a great looking coat.

The Madou which on Fibre Mood's website is described as an overshirt is for making and wearing without much ado. Denim, checked flannel, plain, sturdy linen – it’s all good. Just take your pick. The same goes for the length. The long, narrow chest pockets are shoo-in crowd-pleasers and the two rows of topstitching throughout are a must.

I made it from a medium weight patchwork jacqard denim from Style Maker Fabrics

I really like how the sleeve seam matches with the shoulder seam. Also all the details with the front chest pockets.

I did not match anything as I cut out, the fabric was just too busy.

I did order attachments and size 24 snaps from KAM, I did like using this so much for the setting of snaps.

This will be a great jacket now and the spring.

mySewnet - Spiros and buttonholes

2024-01-23T20:14:00.002-06:00

Once again RTW is my inspiration for my embroidery

This from Anthro, can't find it online to link

I went to mySewnet with the Spiro feature in the Create tab, a cute pattern from Super Designs under the encore category. Then used Encore to repeat the design across the hoop and finally wavy lines from the mySewnet library,

This looks so good on my sleeves, I used a darker aqua thread and I like the same color family as my fabric

I thought about grommets in the hoodie for my drawstring, but decided to use one of the buttonholes in mySewnet, there are so many to use!

So here is the result, I did use the french terry for the drawstring and fold it in half, stitched the raw edge

I used a strip of the fabric to hide the center seam of the hoodie adding some decorative stitching

I wanted a more deconstructed look, so I did not hem the bottom or the sleeves, I did take a strip of fabric and hide the seam allowance on the sleeves

one more look at the sleeves

The fabric is June and Lu - See You at Six Ether Blue French Terry

and the pattern is Chalk and Notch Page Hoodie

disclaimer I am a mySewnet ambassador, I am sharing this software and my opinions here

Grace Cardigan and Tyra Tee

2024-01-23T19:36:00.004-06:00

This set is thanks to extra fabric! I made the cardigan first and then had enough for a tee.

The cardigan is Grace Cardigan and I did slash and spread the sleeves for a fuller sleeve. I have made this one before with the original sleeve and this is a great look but very slim. I wanted to layer this cardigan and the fuller sleeve is a good option, especially in winter.

The fabric is a gorgeous one from Style Makers, a wide rib knit is Ocean, I love this color

The extra fabric was made into the Tyra Tee

Herron Shirt with mySewnet Design on Sleeves

2024-01-04T20:49:00.003-06:00

This idea was sent to me my Lindsey of Inside the Hem, a shirt very similar to this Herron with an embroidered sleeve

I used two designs from the mySewnet Library

The design numbers are 600342017 and 600342019

Using mySewnet I used the Encore feature to combine them in a straight line pattern. I did stitch this out one line at a time. I wanted to get a nice balanced line and even spacing throughout the full sleeve.

It did take two hoopings to get the design across the entire sleeve.

The Sewing Revival Herron Shirt is perfect for adding embroidery, it has the sleeve pattern drafted perfectly for embellishment. The fabric is a shirting from Joann Fabrics.

Berlin Coat - Boiled Wool

2024-01-04T20:36:00.005-06:00

My second or third foray into boiled wool and I am hooked! I say first foray, but in the deep recesses of my mind, I think I might have made something years and years ago from boiled wool. I don't remember wearing it much and I think in my inexperience did not do a good pairing of fabric and pattern.

Here is a boiled wool jacket from last year

In person I saw the Berlin Jacket made from a rust boiled wool and new I needed to try it. All the raw edge details were just too fun and a bit of that deconstructed look. I went with a wine boiled wool from Style Maker Fabrics, the wine is more in my colors

This Berlin jacket was made all in one night - cutting to construction. The pattern was easy to follow and had very thorough instructions for the exposed seam allowance.

I have worn this jacket quite a bit and find it goes with many things. Here it is with my Carol Sweater - still need to blog that one

and here with my Page Hoodie and Amazon fleece leggings and tshirt.

Give this great jacket pattern a try you will really enjoy.

Flannel Carry Blouse

2023-12-26T21:36:00.003-06:00

A flannel shacket next on my planned makes and this one did not disappoint. Plus I had fun styling it three different ways, my favorite is the gray turtleneck sweater

I used The Carry Blouse again, which is perfect for the shacket I wanted. The fabric is another one from Style Maker Fabrics and it is a gorgeous one. For this one I made the cuffs wider and longer. On my previous Carry, the cuffs were just a bit too tight and with layering this one, I knew I needed more room

I love sewing with plaids and matching plaids, it is challenging and fun at the same time and rewarding. I did the back yoke on the bias

Fibre Mood Carry - Minerva Fabric

2023-12-26T21:22:00.005-06:00

A new favorite blouse pattern, Fibre Mood Carry Blouse. I had been using the Archer Blouse for years but wanted a change. I wanted something with the style which has that oversized look and a long length.

I purchased this pattern from The Fold Line, I have the worse luck with Fibre Mood's sight. I don't know what it is but I can't stay logged in and then have the hardest time getting the pattern and directions downloaded. I was so happy when I found Fibre Mood on The Fold Line

I used a Minerva shirting and it was so good, I wish I could link it but I didn't keep the information. It was a delight to sew and press and stitch. You can see the results on this pocket.

Back View

I did add one inch to the sleeves and it was not quite enough.