I absolutely adore my new coasters! The embroideries are from the To The Letter design CD from BERNINA. The detail of each letter and the hand-look of the stitches is phenomenal. We’ve made several projects with this particular design package. It’s definitely a shop favorite right now.

The fabric I used for the back is from the Tsuru collection by Rashida Coleman-Hale. This fabric collection ranks right up there with Kate Spain’s Fandango as one of my all-time favorites. So far I’ve used them for my coasters, made a Washi Dress (photos coming soon), and have some fabric cut for either a Wiksten Tank or other dress … and that’s just a start!

We have the fabric in stock now if you’d like to pick some up for you (before I take it all home with me). If you’d like us to reserve one of the To The Letter CDs for you, just let us know. We’ve been selling out of them and always have more on order. If you’re not local to SW Louisiana, you can pick up a copy of the CD at your local BERNINA dealer.

Happy Sewing,

Jen

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Also arriving was the new Modern Patchwork magazine. If you’ve been looking for a new project, this is definitely the magazine for you! Chock full of great quilts and other fun projects including pillows, aprons, and totes. Plus this great idea for fabric frames from Jenean Morrison ..

I will definitely be holding one of these magazines back for me. There are some great Christmas present ideas in here!

There’s only 3 of this magazine left in stock. If you’d like us to reserve one for you, just let us know. They run $14.99.

Happy Sewing!

Jen

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The new Stitch Style magazine is now available and full of inspiration and patterns.This easy kimono sleeve dress definitely caught my eye. Now to get some new knits in stock!

They also included a fantastic article on Jenny Gordy of Wiksten fame. She sounds just as lovely as I always imagined her to be. Now it’s gotten me inspired to crank out some more tanks and Tovas!

We’ve got a handful of this magazine up front by the counter. If you’re not able to drop in the shop, let me know and we can ship one out to you. The price is $14.99.

Happy Sewing!

Jen

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These prints remind me of two previous collections of hers, Leanika and Kumari Gardens, rolled into one glorious collection. Any one of these prints would look amazing made into a sweet bishop dress for spring. The love birds even make their triumphant return!

Get them while they’re here … if they sell anything like Leanika or Kumari Gardens, these sweet prints won’t be around long.

Happy Sewing!

Jen

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Remove waistband, add some shirring and some ribbon for straps and voila … you have a super cute dress that any little girl would love.  So cute and so easy!!

But this brings up something else that I have been too chicken to try … shirring!! The concept seems easy enough and is according to Melanie but I don’t know … Maybe it’s time to fish the elastic thread out of the back of the drawer and give it a go. This tutorial from Pink Fig made it seem not as terrifying! Shirring has officially been added to my list of techniques I must try before the year is up … unless I chicken out

Would love to see some of your repurposed goods to get me inspired. I figure the more I see, the easier it might become for me to start seeing things in a new way. Post your links below to share.

Happy Sewing!

Jen

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Tula using the CutWorks tool with fabric …

Tula using the CutWorks tool on wood!! … WOOD!

Tula Pink using the new PaintWorks tool:

and last but not least … Tula Pink using the 780 embroidery:

I absolutely love how she took one of the ordinary designs that I’ve looked over dozens of times and turned it into something cool! The genius of Tula Pink just blows me away.

We’ve gotten the opportunity to meet her several times at Market and she is one of the sweetest people we’ve met. So friendly and down-to-earth. We’re hoping to get her down to Lola Pink in the near future!

Want to see the 780 and DesignWorks tools in person? Come stop by the shop! The 780 is definitely a Lola Pink favorite.

Now off to play on the 780!!

Jen

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Type by Julia Rothman is a playful collection with a soothing color combination and a cool retro vibe. The collection is filled with patterns of vintage typewriters, tossed paper clips, typewriter keys and notepads. Put your thinking cap on, grab a pencil and paper and whip up the perfect project for your home or office.

If you are not familiar with the talented Ms. Rothman, you’ve got to check out her website. Her designs can be found on everything from wallpaper to temporary tattoos!

There’s also a great free pattern that uses these fabrics. The pattern was designed by the lovely Heather Jones of Olive and Ollie. We’ve got a kit made up and ready to go. As an added bonus, the price marked is 10% off retail!

You’ll definitely be seeing this fabric made in to tote bags, iPhone/iPad cases, and zippered pouches very soon!

Happy Sewing!

Jen

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I think one of the things that trips me up is trying to find things that I want to make. Pinterest has been an incredible help but I still find that I’m Googling tutorials late into the night. Often I will think of an idea but then promptly forget what it was I wanted to make. Isn’t getting old fun?!

I decided I’d start a go-to list of ideas, tutorials, and patterns that make great gifts. Some I’ve made (and loved) before; others I’m sure I will make one day. This list will be ever growing as I find new gift ideas. (I put an * by the ones I’ve made.)

Last Minute Gift Ideas to Sew

 For Kids:

• Pillowcase – Valori Wells Pillowcase Sewing Card – who doesn’t love getting a new, fun pillowcase? *
• PJ Pants – Make It Perfect Slumber Party Jammies – again, who doesn’t love getting new PJ pants?
• Toy Bag – Valori Wells Project Bag Sewing Card – three sizes to choose from. Would be cute with their initial appliqued on the front of the bag.*
• Crayon Roll/Toy Car Roll – Prudent Baby tutorial The tutorial is for the crayon roll but could easily be modified to fit matchbox cars instead.

For Teens:

• Pillowcase – Valori Wells Pillowcase Sewing Card – I dont’ think you ever get too old for a fun pillowcase *
• PJ Pants – Make It Perfect Slumber Party Jammies/Sweet Dreams – same statement applies .. does anyone ever get too old for new PJ pants?
• iPhone/iPad Case – ModKid Mod Cases Sewing Card – love these … just haven’t had a chance to make them yet
• Earbud  Pouch – Dog Under My Desk tutorial – a great tutorial for a zippered earbud case
• Covered Journal/Notebook – Valori Wells Journal Cover Sewing Card – combines my love of notebooks and fabric – perfect!

For Mom:

• Monogrammed Wine Bag – Valori Wells Project Bag Sewing Card – use the medium size bag directions but cut the width in half. I also moved the tie from 2″ to 4″ below the top of the bag.*
• Quilted Grocery Bag Dispenser – Gen X Quilters tutorial – made these last year and love them. Easy to make and supersized to hold lots of bags. *
• Organizer Wallet – LBQ Studio tutorial – also made these last year and love them. *
• Jewelry Roll – ModKid Jewelry Roll Sewing Card
• Knitting Needle Roll – RosMadeMe tutorial

For Dad:

• iPhone/iPad Case – ModKid Mod Cases Sewing Card
• Coffee Sleeve – Jeni Baker In Color Order tutorial – I’ve made one similar but with just one fabric. Love the patchwork look of this one though.
• Tool Belt Apron – Sugar Bee Crafts tutorial -  have made one similar but could easily be modified for dad’s tools.

Hope this helps give you some ideas as to what you can make last minute for the people in your life. As I said before, this will be an ever growing, ever evolving list. A great reference for when you need to make a gift last minute.

Happy Sewing!

Jen

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Happy Sewing!

Jen & Janet

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Ok so I admit it … I LOVE Pinterest!! There is so much inspiration to be found .. now to find the time to make it all! This week I fell in love with these fun projects …

Starting at the top and working clockwise ..

1. Four Leaf Pillows with Piping – http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/08/make-four-leaf-pillow-cover-with-piping.html

2. Oliver + S Tea Party Sundress made with Sarah Jane Out To Sea fabrics – http://www.flickr.com/photos/aliceloveshandmade/7970507346/

3. Refracted Quilt Tutorial – http://www.madebymarzipan.com/?x=3285

4. Gingham Inspired Quilt - http://craftyblossom.blogspot.com/2012/09/gingham-patchwork-quilt.html

5. Fat  Quarter Tote Bag – http://cicadadaydream.blogspot.com/2009/02/fat-quarter-tote-bag-tutorial.html

6. Pretty Strip Quilt – origin not known

7.Pouf Pin Cushion – https://sew4home.com/projects/fabric-art-accents/you-can-do-it-s4h-ez-2-do-mini-pouf-pincushion

Have a great Friday and Happy Sewing!

Jen

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