Katie Sews It All

No time.....

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:40:00 +0000

Well, I wanted to have a finished product to show off for you by tomorrow. Unfortunately, that has not happened and I haven't sewn a stitch in days! I just haven't had the time - I worked a double shift on Thursday, then I was exhausted on Friday night and today, I came home - ran 3 miles - stretched and showered - napped - cooked dinner - watched a stand-up show on Netflix with my boyfriend and now I'm ready for bed and typing this up.

Maybe at some point this week I can work on my Pixie bag - I also have some Pyrex to share so hopefully I will have something interesting to post this week :) Thanks for sticking around even though it's been pretty boring around here!

Things I Love Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Hi there! Time for another Things I Love Thursday!

This recipe that I made last night........

Source: emilybites.com via Katie on Pinterest

And this one that I want to try very soon.......

Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com via Katie on Pinterest

These beads that arrived in the mail this week (purchased from this seller)......

This pretty room I found on Pinterest......

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Katie on Pinterest

Have a great day!

Things I Love Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Hey all! Paige over at Pink Lemonade is having a linky party with Things I Love Thursday posts so I thought I would share a few things I'm loving right now and hopefully I can make this a regular post :)

One of the sights from my walk this morning with one of my best friends....

Opening Day!!!

This purse, which inspired me to get out the pattern and start sewing one up for myself (wish I had that sushi fabric!!!)

This Ikea piece which I will make a road trip to Ikea for and will promptly fill with sewing stuff :)

Source: honeyandfitz.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

This tutorial, which I'm going to make up as soon as I'm done making the bag I mentioned already :)

Source: punkinpattern.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Oops!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Wow - that was a crazy long blog break! All I can say is that I think I got overwhelmed with sponsoring other blogs and trying to post a lot and only sewing for giveaways and starting to feel stressed out about it. Plus, I went to California and Florida this month and I worked a bunch of extra shifts.

But, I'm back and re-energized and re-focused! I'm definitely going to get back to posting regularly and hopefully sewing a bunch more :) I was looking through my Flickr Favorites and I realize how much I love little and colorful sewing projects, so I'm going to focus on some simple and small projects with pretty colors and prints :)

I've been buying a ton of fabric and patterns lately - look at all the chevrons! And the matryoskas!

And today, I sewed myself this little guy - the Basic Wallet in this awesome chevron print. Can't wait to put it to good use!

Happy Sewing and I'll be back soon!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Source: befickle.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Dressing up the Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:26:00 +0000

I've made a couple of changes to the blog -- if you are viewing this in a reader, please click through to see the new updates!

First, I changed the background. I got this digital scrapbook pack of chevrons from this etsy shop. Then I simply changed my blog template to Simple and uploaded the blue chevrons as the background design.

I also used Photovisi and Picnik to make a new header. I'm so sad that Picnik is closing, I was just getting comfortable using it -- figures!

Lastly, I wanted to make my own social media buttons, but couldn't come up with a design that I liked. I found these buttons on etsy with this seller and I'm really happy with them. Just what I wanted :)

I had a lot of fun spiffing up my little blog. I'd love to become better at it - does anyone have any suggestions/websites/tips for me? Thanks!!

Oh yeah, and one more thing I did - I created this blog signature using My Live Signature...super easy and it adds a nice, little touch :)

Happy Sewing!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:24:00 +0000

Source: illustrationink.com via Jill on Pinterest

Hi there! So, I took a little bit of an unplanned blog break - nothing happened, I guess I just needed it. I really missed posting here though :) So, I'm back! I think that I stressed myself out of blogging....I had all of these great posts and design ideas and lots of things I wanted to make and share, but I just haven't had the time. I did spend a little bit of time working on my blog design, but the only thing I keeping right now is the chevron background (I'm obsessed with chevrons lately!). I'll be working on some buttons and a new header over the weekend and I'm going to work on a sewing project so I have something to share! Thanks for sticking around while I disappeared! :):) Happy Friday!

Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

So, I am really bad about using Twitter. I use it instead of Facebook for all my bloggy/sewing things and I keep my Facebooking to personal stuff. But, I just can't seem to get into a groove of tweeting. I check it occasionally on my phone, but last night I logged into it to link yesterdays post to a new tweet and I saw that I had 62 follower requests!

First - that is freaking awesome! 62 more followers! Whoa! Followers to my blog and my Twitter make me so happy! And second - jeez, I need to be better about Twitter! They didn't just all try to follow today, right?

Does anyone have any Twitter tips for me? :) I have gotten a little better since I got my iphone, but am I missing something about Twitter? And is there an easier way to link blog posts to it? Thanks!!

Getting Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:15:00 +0000

I've been working hard since January 1st at getting back to being healthy and in shape. To help, I started a Get Healthy board on Pinterest, so I could gather some inspiration and recipes together in my favorite forum. Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorites from that board - I haven't tried any of these recipes yet, but I have my eye on that healthy mac and cheese, that may be made up soon!!! And I'm hoping that once I get a free minute I can visit all the sites that these pins have come from :)

Source: iowagirleats.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Katie on Pinterest

Source: eatingwell.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: thejoyofcleaneating.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: confident-beautiful-motivated.tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: allwomenstalk.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: ohsheglows.com via Katie on Pinterest

What about you? What are you doing to get healthy in the new year?

Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Hey! Remember this pouch from Instafriday? It's being given away (along with a pair of rosebud earrings - and some other amazing prizes) right here!!! Go check it out :)

The Best Recipe I Made This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:54:00 +0000

Source: emilybites.com via Katie on Pinterest

Just popping in to gush about this recipe that I made tonight - I have tried a bunch of new recipes over the past few weeks and most have been successful. I'm planning to share the good ones in an upcoming post, but for now I'm going to share just this one (click on the picture to go to the recipe).

It's good....so good. Layers of roast beef, au jus sauce and cheese, placed inside won-ton wrappers and baked. Delicious and Weight Watchers friendly! This recipe is from the Emily Bites blog - go check her out, I have made a few and they are all simple and delicious!

Instafriday - Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I didn't take a lot of pictures this week, I'll have to focus on some more for next week's Instafriday :) For now, here are some shots from the past 7 days....

I love this old mail slot in my parent's building - I should take a pic of the mailbox on the first floor too - it's very vintage :)

Went shopping last night and came home with these cozy pink slippers and a bathrobe to match...

Did a little sewing - this is for a giveaway coming up next week :)

Sushi baby! Yum!!

Rainy Day Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:42:00 +0000

I almost forgot to post this!!! Enter to win this (and a TON of other awesome prizes) right here!!!!

Inspiration Workshop - Bedrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:04:00 +0000

Whoops! After posting that I wanted to put more of "me" into this blog and dedicate more time to it, I flaked and haven't posted since! And I flaked on the return of the Inspiration Workshop run by Maggie at Gussy Sews!

Maggie decided to change the Inspiration Workshop to a monthly linkup, which I think makes sense. I thought it would be easier for me to plan out my post and have it all ready to go....well, maybe next month! Since this month's prompt is bedrooms, I was going to share some pics of my bedroom/sewing room - but, it's a mess, so that will have to be another post for another day :) Instead, I will go to my faithful and reliable Pinterest Home Inspiration Board and share some of my favorite bedroom Pins. Seriously, what did I do before Pinterest? :)

Source: houzz.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: capecodcollegiate.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: kikis-list.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: img4.myhomeideas.com via Katie on Pinterest

Instfriday - Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Yay for Friday - even though it's Friday the 13th!!! I took a couple of pictures with Instagram this week to share :)

Rainy day at the beach....

I made some healthy dinners this week - recipe reviews to follow - first up are Spinach Lasagna Rolls...

And Cheesy Taco Pasta....

Cute little pouch that's up for giveaway here....

I love old signs - I'm going to be better about taking pictures when I see them now :)

More sewing for another giveaway coming soon :)

Thanks for looking!

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Source: designismine.blogspot.com via Karisa on Pinterest

I'm thinking about making some changes here at the blog...a new look, a new name (what I don't know yet!) and some changes to my posting. Don't get me wrong, I will still be featuring sewing front and center since it's my most favorite activity in the world, but I want to inject a little more of "me" into my posts. I kind of feel like I need to make this blog a little more well-rounded and talk about some other things that I enjoy.

Source: spirituallythinking.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

For example, I'm getting back into eating healthy and working out and I'd like to talk about that a little bit. I have tried some awesome recipes that I want to share. I've been slowly teaching myself how to do some graphic design and I'd like to share some of the tips and tricks I've been learning. I might do a book review or some other post that doesn't have anything to do with sewing - or share some pictures that have nothing to do with sewing. I don't know, I feel like I want to make this blog into more of a conversation place, a community where I can talk to my readers and maybe you can talk back :) Looking back on some of my old posts, I feel like I'm being kind of generic instead of just freely writing about something that I enjoy. So, starting with this post, I'm going to try and be more open. Share some more. Post more often as I'll have more to talk about :)

Source: Uploaded by user via Olivia on Pinterest

What do you think? Do you like blogs that just focus on sewing/crafting or do you like when people get a little more personal, a little more conversational?

Owl Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0000

My first sewing project of the New Year! This fabric has been in my stash for ages, I just love the little, winking owls :)

I used the Zip Pocket Pouches Pattern by Keykalou and made up the Tall size. I wanted this pouch to hold my iphone, but it won't fit with the cover on it. And I love the cover so much there is no way I will take it off! It's so cute....see what I mean?

haha anyway, this pouch will make a great wallet - it's got a zipper pouch inside it too....

And, I got to use my new labels! Love them :) Hmmm...not the best picture, I'll have to find another pic...

So, do you like this little pouch? Well, guess what? I'm giving it away - along with the earrings pictured below! Go check out Gentri's blog and enter to win right here :)

Dessert of the Month Club

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:29:00 +0000

I have a fun, new project to share! Well, I haven't started it yet (I'm waiting for some of the supplies) but I couldn't wait to talk about the Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's Dessert of the Month Club :) Each month you will get a cute, little dessert cross stitch pattern emailed to you! January's dessert is the adorable little truffle in the pic below - I plan on making these all into a sampler and then hanging it in my kitchen. I ordered a pretty piece of linen to stitch it all on right here after seeing a link on Amanda's blog :)

Oh, and I almost forgot! Today is the last day of the sale, but if you order a membership it's only $10!!!! The price will go up to $16.95 after today so if you are interested, don't wait!!!

InstaFriday

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:16:00 +0000

I've been reading about Instafriday for ages now and since I finally have an iphone and am obsessed with Instagram (follow me at katieallen27), I finally decided to join in!! Here's a look back at the past week:

New Year's Eve Dinner at a local favorite.....

Whale mug I found at Target.....

Custom Make-up Bag order -- finally complete!!!

Healthy cooking (Mediterranean Garlic and Herb Salmon from Whole Foods...yum!)

Guest Post - Dianapantz Nov

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I completely forgot about this post, and just found it while cleaning up my blog stuff a bit. I did this guest post on Dianapantz a few months ago - it's about getting the most out of your creative time. It's definitely something that I still need to work on! :)

1. Be Inspired

Not on Pinterest? You must be!!! It is easily the most inspiring place to go (follow me here!) I love to Re-pin all of the pretty things I see on the site, especially craft and sewing tutorials, recipes and blogging info. If I'm short on time I can quickly browse through my Pinboards to find something that lights that crafty fire :) I found the pin below on Diana's board and I'm dying to try it! I actually went looking for the supplies last week, but came up short. I will find suitable marbles and end-caps, so keep an eye on my blog for the results! Edit - I have the supplies and will be trying this out very soon!!!!

Source: craftster.org via Katie on Pinterest

2. Get Organized

Something that really helps me is to stay organized. It just makes things easier! I have been slacking on the blogging front lately and I found this awesome blog planner that I think will help me organize and pre-plan my posting. I went to Staple's and got it laminated and it's good to go! For me, list-making and calendars are crucial to staying organized and getting things done. I'm on the hunt for the perfect planner for 2012 - so many fun projects to do, I need to keep track of when to get them done!

Source: livinglocurto.com via Katie on Pinterest

3. Plan Ahead

When it comes to sewing projects - planning ahead is so important! I read this tip ages ago - when prepping for a new project, get all your fabrics and interfacing cut ahead of time. Lay out all the needed notions, thread your sewing machine and/or serger with coordinating thread, read over the pattern and then take it step by step. Breaking each piece down into smaller steps will help you get a little bit done each day. Sometimes when faced with starting a new project and I haven't gotten everything prepared ahead of time, makes me feel overwhelmed and I just put it aside, but pre-prep and small steps really do help you get more done in the long run :)

4. Try Something New

Stretch your creative muscles! For me, my fave thing in the world is sewing. But, I've also dabbled in jewelry-making, embroidery and cross-stitch and I'm dying to learn to crochet (this will be the year, I swear it!!) As much as I love to sew, it's not very portable and it's fun to have a craft to work on while in the car or watching TV at night. Doing anything creative makes you feel so good! And trying something new will keep you sharp :)

Source: tipjunkie.com via Katie on Pinterest

5. Reach Out

I have blogged and read blogs for years before reaching out to other gals that inspire me daily. I have been loving my sponsorship dealings with Diana - it's kept me motivated to blog and to create fun giveaways and posts that she can share with her readers. I also highly recommend linking up! Link parties are so much fun and you can find so many creative people and awesome blogs when you check them out - plus you get to share your awesome creations with a bigger audience. Tons of blogs sponsor link parties - they are lots of fun!! Social media is another great way to reach out (I'm on Twitter here - posting infrequently but I'm trying to get better!) You can find tons of great info like tutorials, products and even discounts by liking someone on facebook or following them on Twitter. Getting connected with other bloggers will totally motivate you to create, I promise!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Source: the36thavenue.com via A Spoonful on Pinterest

Hello there to 2012! I'm so ready for this fresh start :) I have lots of plans for this space in the upcoming year so stay tuned!! :)

I've done resolution posts in the past, but I'm not going to do one today. I want the same things I always do: sew more, learn to crochet (I will this year!!! Look for an upcoming post about my plan to finally learn this craft) and just all around more creating. And blogging :)

PS - check out the link above, it's actually a free printable.

2011 Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:38:00 +0000

Happy New Year's Eve! Boy, this month really flew! I'm glad it's over though, I didn't get to enjoy the holiday season the way that I normally do, so I'm ready to move on :) And I'm ready to put 2011 to bed and get started on 2012!

But, before I do that, I wanted to take a look back at 2011 for the blog :) This year was a great one for the blog, as I finally started reaching out to other bloggers with sponsorships and to readers with some really fun giveaways. I sewed a ton, sold a good amount of my work, started teaching myself some html tricks, worked on my photos (although I never made that lightbox - it WILL be done in January!) and put some real work into my blog.

Here's a look at some of the things I sewed up. I had a blast making purses and pouches and will definitely by keeping that up in the New Year:

I also collected a ton of Pyrex!!! It was a really good year for my collection:

Thank you to everyone for reading along this year. I promise lots of fun things to come in the New Year. Oh and hey, can you believe, I actually started this blog 4 years ago today - I was at home by myself, drinking wine and watching the Three Stooges Marathon when I decided to take the plunge :) It really grew this year and I can't wait to see how much I can put into the blog and get out of it in 2012. :) Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year's :)

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:47:00 +0000

Source: flickr.com via Sharon on Pinterest

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas! This space will be quiet until next week - but stay tuned for a yearly wrap-up post and some New Year's crafty resolutions! :)

Katie Sews It All

No time.....

Things I Love Thursday

Things I Love Thursday

Oops!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dressing up the Blog

Twitter

Getting Healthy

Giveaway!!

The Best Recipe I Made This Week

Instafriday - Week 3

Rainy Day Pouch

Inspiration Workshop - Bedrooms

Instfriday - Week 2

Changes

Owl Pouch

Dessert of the Month Club

Top 10 Sewing Tutorials to Try in 2012

InstaFriday

Top 10 Crafty Tutorials I Want To Try in 2012

Guest Post - Dianapantz Nov

Happy New Year!

2011 Year in Review

Merry Christmas!