Swoon-y Floor Pillow and Basket

Swoon-y Floor Pillow

I finished the items for Modernista Homemade Swap, a floor pillow cover and basket. My partner requested  a floor pillow in navy and dark browns, which I didn't have much of in my stash. So this was an excuse to shop, but the ideas just were not coming and I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the color scheme. Then I saw Kirsten's 'Love of Solids' pillow she made for a swap - is it not amazing!!
Check out her blog Gemini Stitches, she is sooooo talanted!!!

Swoon-y Floor Pillow another pic

I started pulling what Kona solids I did have and added a few more to include the light turquoise blue, khaki and even a rich reddish brown ***need to add names of the kona colors***

Draft in EQ7

I used Electric Quilt 7 and changed all the colored areas to gray - this way I could calculate the colored shapes and the background shapes without being influenced by the colors as I wanted a scrappy yet planned block. I love the whole design process and I have to admit that its my favorite part of quilting! Sometimes I purposely start from scratch and draft designs that may have already been created. I know - just a little bit weird I am. Now I know I could have purchased the pattern, and in no way do I want to offend the pattern designers out there and I am not selling or distributing this block in any way and will not do any tutorials on it either.

Back of Swoon-y Floor Pillow

The back is done envelope style using two different fabrics. I love the navy text with the brown print.

Fabric Basket

For the basket I used Domestic Groove's "Basket Tutorial" and have to say her tutorial was well written and a breeze to sew! It's a great size, much larger than I expected. I will definitely be making more of these!!

Glamour Shot of Swoon-y Pillow and Basket

The pillow cover size is 26 1/2", just the right size for the 27" pillow form (this way its a fluffy pillow) they sell at JoAnn's. I sure hope my partner likes it!!

Sharing the Mug Rug Love...

Erin at 'Two More Seconds' is hosting 10 days of mug rug madness. Now I have known about mug rugs but never made any, well Erin got me excited about these cute little quilts. Also a friend's birthday was coming up and she loves turtles, sooooo ta da.......

Two little turtles

I used Moda Spirit by Lila Tueller that I had in my stash.

Machine pieced, raw edge appliqued and quilted all in one afternoon.

I drafted the shape of a sea turtle and then re-traced the individual shapes, as in the head, body, two arms and legs - are they called arms and legs or flippers?  anyhoo...   onto card stock to use as templates.

I fused the fabic for the turtle shapes with paper backed fusible web and traced all the pieces, cut them out and then removed the paper and fused onto a strip pieced base rectangle of 9" by 6.5"

Freemotion outline stitching on all the turtle shapes and then made the quilt sandwich (you know layer the backing, batting with top and pin) and freemotion quilted the background.  Trimed to 8.5" x 6" and rounded the corners, then added bias binding.

They were quick easy and fun to make!!

(blurry pics from my cell phone)

Now, I kinda like the idea of mug rugs!

Even in the heat of summer you can have some quilty goodness with you where ever you go!

Yummy, yummy color all stitched in scraps!!

Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along} by Stitched in Color.

What a lovely idea!! Pop over to Rachel's blog Stitched in Color and check it out!!!

Maybe for once I can join in - "it's a leisurely quilt-along inspired by Rachel's own bottled rainbows."

See, she even said it too!! Leisurely - I think I can handle :-)

Jammies Sewalong Pattern

I am contemplating using the free pattern at Simplicity, it's part of their Sewing 101. I would be simple and quick to make for the pajama sewalong.

It's a simple pj pant, in Misses', Men's and Teens' sizes.

Basically x-small, small, medium, large and x-large.

How can you beat a pattern that is simple and has only 2 pattern pieces!

Not sure about sewing a top as of yet.

Now if I could only find the fabric before Thursday.

Jammies Sewalong

Ann of Gorgeous Things is hosting a pajama sew along on Thanksgiving weekend. Sounds like fun!!



Genie's Skirt

Here I go again, I have become captivated by Genie's Skirt at Anthropologie.ue. It is so cute, and in gray corduroy - my oh so favorite color this fall!!

Genie's Skirt

"Pilcro's cord fit-and-flare skirt rises like a dream from a flowing hemline into a contouring pencil frame."

Could you just see this looking pretty with a classic cardigan sweater set, lovely tights and retro heels?!!! Corduroy in a flirty ruffle-y feminine 8 gore fitted skirt!! And how did they get the corduroy to cooperate and create that flirty ruffle?

Why do I do this to myself? Find something there is no pattern exactly like it and feel as I have to make it. (feeling a little down about having to draft or alter a pattern - yet again)

Ok lets see - the Genie skirt is an 8 gore fitted pencil skirt with ruffle/flounce attached hem, 21 inches long, the front hem is slightly higher than the back hemline, traditional waistband, side zipper, back yoke and topstitching details.

The contenders are...

New Look 6433

View C

This pattern is in my stash, but I have never sewn it. I like the hemline, although it goes up in the back also that would need altered. The length is much longer than 21 inches (21" is a bit to short for me anyway) but it could be shortened to hit at the knee. I would need to create the 8 gores and remove the darts, add the yoke and then add a waist band.

Simplicity 3881

View A

I have sewn view 'A' a few times and it fits and flatters my figure. The skirt it's self is a slight A-line and the ruffle does not have the oomph the Genie does. The hemline would need altered lifting the front up a bit, create 8 gores removing the darts, add the yoke and waist band.

After work I may pull out my Burda mags and see if there are any close patterns. BUT if you know of one that might work please oh please let me know!!!

My Son's Vest'ed Interest 2

Sorry for the sad pictures and all the wrinkles but I had to grab a shot when I could and that happened to be after he had wore it all night long. (and he has the bottom button undone - this what I get after a late night and a "come on mom hurry up I am tired")

Here's a review on Simplicity 2870

Pattern Description: Project Runway Men's lined vest. Vest with front darts, 6 front buttons, various optional pockets and back tab or back buckle .
Pattern Sizing:
AA has sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and BB has sizes 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. I made a size 44 for my son.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it was exactly what he wanted.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Somewhat, I did not use the pocket instructions. Nothing that stood out as incorrect, but the welt pocket was just to fiddley - so I use a tutorial online at Burda Style One Piece Welt Pocket
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the various options and styles that make this men's vest versatile.
Fabric Used:
Crepe backed satin from fabric.com and some fancy silver buttons and poly gray lining from JoAnn's.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No real alterations other than the one piece welt pocket (which is awesome by the way!) I did line the satin with poly fusible interfacing - but would use woven fusible instead next time.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, but not sure when it all depends on if my son asks for another one.
Conclusion:
Great vest with many style options.

My son's 'Vest'ed Interest

My son has me working on Simplicity 2870

Men's lined vest, we are working on a vest with the collar, lower welt pockets and back tab.

In this fabric Silver polyester satin

I have it all cut out and ready to sew up.

Cleavage Control!!

If your like me and are a bit top heavy sometimes the tops you like and that would be flatterning just don't feel comfortable - well, put it this way they leave way to much for viewing if you know what I mean. I usually pull out a trusty cami or tank to wear underneath, but lately here in Florida the temps are soaring and with humidity making the heat index at record temps it's just to hot to be layering clothing.

Moda Bake Recipe by Kim Walus

Kim Walus of bitty bits & pieces got together with Moda and stirred up one awesome recipe the Faux Cami. What a lovey creative and helpful fashion addition to anyone's wardrobe. I can see these used in so many ways, and so many different fabrics. Couldn't you just see this done in a lovely soft lace also.

Pink and Green Nomad

Pattern Description:

Hot Patterns Nomad Hobo Handbag

Free pattern from Fabric dot com 

Lined Hobo has a square base, a seamed front & back and wide cut-on handles. Hobo is open at the top with an optional magnetic closure, and features optional phone and zippered interior pockets.

Pattern Sizing:

One size, but depending how you print it out you can change the size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Well, kinda, but different because of the fabrics.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, but there was a problem with the placement of the magnetic closure. If you do it as the instructions say it would be located on the sides of the straps. I changed this and placed the snap on the other sides.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the slouchy, casual hobo look to it. And it holds a lot of stuff! The placement of the magnetic snap in my opinion should be on the open sides not the strap sides.

Fabric Used:

Cotton fabric for the outside and a silky poly print for the inside all from JoAnn’s fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

When I printed the pattern I changed my printer preferences to print it at 90% of the original. This made it a tiny bit smaller than the original size, but it still is a large bag and holds so much. For the outside of the bag I sewed fabric strips in a quilt braid design. Like this Quilters Cache Braid. I traced the pattern onto cotton muslin and then marked placement for the fabric strips. Sewed the strips and when finished I trimmed to the pattern size.

Then like a quilt - I used a muslin backing layered with cotton batting and then the pattern piece on top. I hand quilted each piece with cotton pearl in pink. For the straps I did not cut and quilt as the rest of the outside, I made handles that I inserted when the outside and inside were stitched together.

After all the pieces were quilted I then assembled the outside as the instructions. I sewed the inside as the instructions except for the zipper pocket. I did the zipper pocket as I always do like this toot at Handbag-U.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, thinking of gray suede for this fall.

I would say its an easy sew, and fun.

Conclusion:

Cute, casual and fun. Pay close attention to the magnetic snap placement.

Make it fun or funky depending on the fabric choice.

Oasis Zest Dress Copy Pt 1

I found a large floral jersey at JoAnn's, it's not what I wanted as in a border print in woven but it is pretty and will  look just lovely.

Also because it's a knit I can stick with the size 16 and not worry so much about excess fabric. I do however still need to measure the pattern in the hip area to make sure I have the correct amount of ease for a knit. When I made the first dress I had to pinch a wedge from the front yoke just a tad to fit which made it a bit more curvy than it was.

The drawing is in a pink color but I will make the yoke in black to draw the eye up because in this dress I am not going to add a draw string like in my first N6778. The Oasis dress has a deeper neckline and short hem line. I am not to crazy about both together, you know it's always good to show off one or the other but if you show off to much leg and cleavage - well lets just say it's not my style! I am going to sew up the shorter hem line and keep the neckline up a little.

I am going back to the sewing room and get started drafting today. I'll post more as I go.

toodles lovelies!!

An Oasis of Inspiration

I found a new web shop for some dress ideas at Oasis, new to me but prolly not so new to you - hey I am slow ya know ;0)   Oasis is a UK based company that offers a feminine fashionable fun line of clothing. Some of the items remind me a little of Anthropologie, and we just love the vintage vibe there right!?! Well I do!!!

All three of these dresses remind me of....

Favorite Things Praire Girl dress pattern.

Little changes here and there, some lace, eyelet and a pin tuck or two. It is amazing how looking at ready to wear for insiration and paying close attention to the design lines can translate into a pattern you might already have or never would have thought about sewing for yourself. And if your lucky enough maybe a few $$ less than the RTW price.

Now all those dresses are ones that I love the look of and would wear. I have this pattern in my stash and would like to make a few in different styles and colors, but this has to go on the design board for now as I have so much waiting to be cut and sewn already.

Something else to drool over...

Oasis Zest Border dress!!

This dress just screams 'sexy on a hot steamy summer evening sipping cosmos by the pool' and not to mention comfortable!! Also this dress would be great for my up coming trip to New Orleans, don't you agree?

I am obsessed! Yep, obsessed with this dress!! I am thinking that if I take New Look 6778 which I have already made here. Using a solid color for the yoke and a border print for the body of the dress. The inspiration dress is a halter dress and New Look is not, but I think the curved yoke that N6778 has will have a similar look and feel to the original's U-shaped neckline and with straps I don't have to worry about bra peek-a-boo. Now my only real problem is that my trip is a week from today, and ordering fabric might be risky so on my way home tonight I will stop by JoAnn's and see if I can find some fabric. Otherwise I will order and cross my fingers it gets here fast!

New Look 6778

Pattern Description: Easy *2 Hour A-line sundress, view A and B have front yoke and gathers, view C and D have a gathered front and optional accents. Two lengths with side ties and 4 strap options

Pattern Sizing: 6 thru 16. I cut view A in size 16 and added to the waist and hips, as this pattern does not come in a plus size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Somewhat, I added a drawstring to keep it from looking like 'what you got hiding under there?'

Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, I didn't read them. Sorry but it is a pretty basic pattern, other than the gathers in the front.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 Nothing to dislike. What I like is it was fast and easy. I cut it out on Thursday and sewed it up after work on a Friday to wear to a Luau party on Saturday. The drawstring added more time to my sewing than the envelope stated but in the end the results were worth the extra effort.

Fabric Used: I really wanted a festive and colorful fabric but this being a last minute project I did not have the time to order fabric. A woven rayon faux batik in browns from the local JoAnn's, it's not the festive and colorful fabric I wanted to use but I am sure will get lots of wear out of. It has nice drape and is very cool for hot summers.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the side ties. When cutting out the pattern I cut a size 16 for the front yoke and yoke facing. For the front I added a one inch to the center front at the fold (this added more gathers to the center front so I would not need a FBA) and graded out one inch on the sides starting just under the bust to the waist and hips. For the center back I cut on the fold instead of having a center seam, I also added 1 to the back sides starting just under the bust out to the waist and hips. I gathered and stitched the front to the front yoke then sewed the sides together. Found out where the straps should be and basted them in place. Then sewed the facing of self fabric to the front yoke right sides together. I made a back facing in self fabric and stitched that right sides together. (both facings are finished on the bottom edge with my serger before sewing to the dress) I did not turn the facings right side out yet, I made bias tape from self fabric and stitched this starting ontop of the front facing and under the arm until I reached the back facing, then did the same to the other underarm - this way when the facing is turned right sideout is will hide the beginning of the bias that is finishing off the under arm ~ is that clear as mud??

Maybe a picture would help:

Turned it right sideout and pressed, top stitched the facings down about 1/4 inch from edge starting at the right underarm and continuing all the way around and back to the starting point. Hand stitched the bottom of the front facing. I added a casing for the drawstring on the inside of the dress and used button holes for the draw string.

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will be sewing this again. I have a trip to New Orleans coming up and would like to make another one to take with me.

Conclusion: Cute easy dress, but might look a bit like tent without the drawsting. Quick easy and cool for the hot Florida summers. With a summer cardigan it will fit right into my office attire.

I am my own worst critic!!! My husband snapped photos as we were heading out the door to the luau. Out of 10 photos this is the only one I would post due to the unlady like faces and robot like poses.

Sociable Guerilla Bagging

How do we stop using these?

PLASTIC BAG CONSUMPTION FACTS

• Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year.

• According to the EPA, over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in the U.S. each year.

• According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. (Estimated cost to retailers is $4 billion)

• According to the industry publication Modern Plastics, Taiwan consumes 20 billion bags a year—900 per person.

• An estimated .7% or 49,600,000 end up as litter each year.

• Four out of every five bags handed out at grocery stores are plastic.

• They are rarely recycled and don’t degrade in the natural environment, much less in a landfill.

Morsbags

It can be hard to make a difference in the world, but even something as small as a reusable fabric tote can make a big impact on the world. They have a free pattern for an easy to make tote, a forum and even printable lables to spread the word. Check out the flicker group too!!

And whats better than making a fashion statement and saving our ecosystem at the same time?!!!

all photos courtesy of www.morsbags.com

What does one wear to a luau?

I have been invited to a luau party this weekend, but the question remains....

Hummmmm, nope not going the coconut bra and grass skirt route.

Now this might be a good idea....

Now if I could just find some fabric and fast!!!!

One More Reason to Love Sewing....

I was surfing the Boden site for inspirations last night and found the lovely 'Tea Dress'.

A cute summer dress in lovely floral prints with lovely velvet ribbon trim and gathers. A few things I noticed - they don't have sizes larger than 18 and this dress would look very pretty on plus gals! The price tag is way more than most would want to spend at a whopping $128.00. This Boden dress has a close twin .......

Rebecca Taylor's Vogue 1152 pattern

Isn't Rebecca so lovely in her own creation of the V1152 dress in a deep sapphire blue. Just beautiful with her fair skin and blond hair.

This Rebecca Taylor dress retails for $320.00 - Now that is like my monthly car payment!! It is pretty and I would looooove to own it - but alas I am not infinitely rich. Which brings me back to the reason why I love sewing. The only difference I can see is the hemline, that's all  - and at the sale price of $3.99  on my last JoAnn's visit - Well thats much closer to fitting in my budget!

The line drawing is actually prettier than the photo of Vogue 1152. There is a side zipper and the pattern calls for crepe de chine, charmeuse and matte jersey fabrics, but i am wondering if it was made in a knit with a good amount of stretch the side zipper might not be needed. Doing a FBA should also be simple due to the princess seam. Designer clothes made for you with price tags that fit into your budget, you just can't beat that!!!