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Friday, February 28, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Mood Fabrics' Floral Anorak -McCall's 6531
I have a confession to make, I love to make jackets, from outerwear to blazers to cardigans. I love to have a closet full of outerwear options for any kind of weather condition. So when this Mood Fabrics' Soft Floral Outerwear appeared online, I knew it had to be shipped to my home.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Organization
I finished my Anorak jacket on Saturday morning (it will be on Mood Sewing Network Monday Morning, February 24th).
I took one look at my sewing room and knew it was time for a good cleaning. After a couple of hours of cleaning shelves, drawers and countertops it was looking better. I have been wanting to buy some storage containers to keep all my interfacing, so a quick trip to Dollar General for several sizes. I order several yards of interfacing in different types and keeping track of the various ones was difficult. Not too mention when your pieces get small. I needed a solution!
Here is what I did, placed the interfacing (Fashion Sewing Supply) in the container. On the top, I put the fusing instructions and on the front of the box the type of interfacing
and if I had smaller amounts, I used a zipper bag
I added more storage containers for more interfacing and ribbing
Rick rack and foldover elastic
Quilting projects, this was a big need, Meredith and I both have projects going. This leads to small pieces disappearing. The storage container keeps all our quilt projects safe and together. The green container holds my snaps for my press.
Here is the bottom shelf.
I did tidy my stash, too
A short description:
The top left piece is a red wool, which I had hoped to make a new winter coat. That will wait till next year. Under the red wool, a brown plaid wool (Mood), then a teal ponte (Fabric Mart) and a blue shirting (Mood) The next pile is from a friend, little girl prints mostly corduroy, they will be good for a granddaughter someday. The next stack on the top row is knits, just arrived in the sewing room from Fabric Mart and Mood.
Now the second row, the first two stacks are knits for the little guy. Well, except for the black houndstooth, it is a leftover yardage from my dress. The last stack is from Mood, a blouse and pants are planned.
Yep, that is my stash.
What are your storage solutions?
Oh, one more thing, don't forget to enter the giveway , the first of 6 leading up to my August anniversary.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Eight Years of Blogging in August and a Giveaway
I was recently asked when I started blogging, so I went back and checked. August 2006 was my first month of blogging and my first post was fabric notecards
I think my photography has improved through the years!
My second post is a jacket, which is still in my closet and I love.
I truly love blogging for many reasons, here are a few:
- It is a way to document my sewing
- I have found many new sites for fabric, patterns, notions and blogs!
- It has given me an opportunity to be part of the Mood Sewing Network
- Most, most, most importantly I have made so many friends through this blog and had the opportunity to meet several people.
To celebrate my upcoming
8 year blogiversary......
I am going to have a giveaway each month for the next 6 months.
8 year blogiversary......
I am going to have a giveaway each month for the next 6 months.
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
Since March is just around the corner, I am going to announce the March giveaway today
This baby quilt I made last year. It has been in the closet waiting for a sweet baby girl to be born.
If you have read my blog for the past year or so, you know I have made several baby quilts to keep on hand to give as a present to new parents. In the last year, I have given away 6 quilts. I am not sure why this one wasn't selected (the girls help pick the quilt) but I love it and I want one of you to love it.
So just leave a comment about anything and on March 10th I will draw a winner (using Random.org)
One more thing, I want to welcome all the new subscribers via Bloglovin'. I am not sure how you found my blog, but my numbers have just jumped via this reader. I am so happy to have you here. Look at the numbers of followers via Bloglovin'
Wow, that is my largest following ever. Thank you!
So don't forget leave a comment to be entered into the giveway
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Flat Fell Seams Tutorial
As I said in the previous post, I am using flat fell seams for this Anorak jacket. A flat fell seam is "a seam made by placing one edge inside a folded edge of fabric, then stitching the fold down. It includes a topstitched finish. It is useful for keeping seam allowances flat and covering raw edges." (Wikepedia source)
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Next Up - Anorak Jacket
McCall's 6531 in View C ( the white one in the bottom right corner)
From McCall's website This is the pattern for my next Mood Sewing Network project using Soft Purple Floral Outerwear - the description
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I am not going to line this coat but instead use flat fell seams throughout. This feature will be particularly nice with the rolled up sleeves.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Mood Fabric's Stretch Cotton Skirt -McCall's 5523
This winter has been a very long and very cold one for much of the United States and I for one am getting quite tired of it. So if I can't beat the cold temperatures, my wardrobe can add some warmth to winter. Color.... bright and bold to counteract white snow and gray skies. For the brightest and bold color, I picked Mood Fabrics' Nanette Lepore Orange Retro Print Stretch Cotton, it is just a mid-winter's dream. I love this pop of color, gives me hope spring is coming (only 40-some days away)
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My pattern for this fabulous fabric is McCall's 5523, a skirt that is business in the front, look at those classic lines
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My pattern for this fabulous fabric is McCall's 5523, a skirt that is business in the front, look at those classic lines
Monday, February 10, 2014
My Fourth Archer Shirt in Plaid Flannel
Oh, Archer Shirt, how I love thee, let me count the ways! I count four to date
1. Polka Dot
2. Linen
3. Gray/red plaid
4. Blue plaid
I know I have a thing for plaid. My latest Archer is from Mood Fabric's Blue Plaid Flannel, which is oh so soft.
1. Polka Dot
2. Linen
3. Gray/red plaid
4. Blue plaid
I know I have a thing for plaid. My latest Archer is from Mood Fabric's Blue Plaid Flannel, which is oh so soft.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Adhesive to Hold seams
I briefly described this technique on a previous blog post but thought pictures would be better
I use Steam-A-Seam 2 for my adhesive choice.
I use Steam-A-Seam 2 for my adhesive choice.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Another Archer and a Tip
The last two days I have been working on another Archer shirt (made here and two here). This time is a plaid flannel from Mood Fabrics:
I wanted to share with you a tip I learned many years ago at a workshop by Louise Cutting. She uses Steam-a-Seam to hold certain areas in place. For instance, on the front button band, when you turn under the seam allowance, place 1/4" steam-a-seam under this seam. Then press in place. Now the front band stays in place and you can topstitch without any worries.
I use Steam-A-Seam in the front band, collar band, cuffs, anywhere I want to hold the seam before I edgestitch or topstitch.
Check out a tutorial at Louise Cutting's site to see more and photos to help explain.
Here is a photo of the Steam-a-Seam I use
It is on a roll with a paper backing on one side.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Toddler Shirt
How did he grow this quickly? All of a sudden the little guy's 12 month clothes are too tight around his belly. I told his mom, daughter Erin, that I would make him a couple of shirts. So while the red thread was on the serger, I pulled out some red fabrics.
Now for the pattern, just a simple long sleeve t-shirt. I automatically went for the Sewing for Babies book and the largest size was 12-18 months. I thought that might be too small, so I pulled out Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers. Now that makes me a bit sad, already on the Toddler book?
A happy little walker but the shirt is a bit short, I added 1" to the length on the next shirt.
I just had to show this face, it was so funny. Meredith snapped the picture at just the right time. I believe he is not happy with me.
Here is the other shirt, I made him. I used a red knit, with some leftover stripe from this onsie and a label for the front. He wore it the other day but I think it was about 3 minutes and he had graham cracker on the front. So this picture will have to do.
Little guy, his mom and dad will be moving out in 2-3 weeks, their house is almost complete. I know we will miss his sweet little face to greet us each morning but I am sure his parents are ready for their own space once again. Me? I have some painting plans in the house and plan on spending lots of time in the sewing room. After all, I need to keep him in shirts!
Now for the pattern, just a simple long sleeve t-shirt. I automatically went for the Sewing for Babies book and the largest size was 12-18 months. I thought that might be too small, so I pulled out Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers. Now that makes me a bit sad, already on the Toddler book?
If you are not familiar with these Kwik Sew books, don't let the awful cover deter you. The patterns are wonderful basics and the fit is perfect. A good bargain when you factor in all the patterns and design options included in the book.
I traced a 1T and went to work. The first fabric is from a box of fabric given to me by a friend of my mom's. A stripe knit perfect for a boy and navy ribbing from stash.
Sitting so nicely for a picture.
A side view on the next shirt/
A happy little walker but the shirt is a bit short, I added 1" to the length on the next shirt.
I just had to show this face, it was so funny. Meredith snapped the picture at just the right time. I believe he is not happy with me.
Here is the other shirt, I made him. I used a red knit, with some leftover stripe from this onsie and a label for the front. He wore it the other day but I think it was about 3 minutes and he had graham cracker on the front. So this picture will have to do.
Little guy, his mom and dad will be moving out in 2-3 weeks, their house is almost complete. I know we will miss his sweet little face to greet us each morning but I am sure his parents are ready for their own space once again. Me? I have some painting plans in the house and plan on spending lots of time in the sewing room. After all, I need to keep him in shirts!
Monday, February 03, 2014
McCall's 6844
Have you seen the Best Patterns of 2013 over at Pattern Review?
Great article once again by Diane and it moved McCall's 6844 up on my sewing list.
Great article once again by Diane and it moved McCall's 6844 up on my sewing list.
I used this really nice ponte from Mood Fabrics'
Well, I don't love it, first I made a size too big. After several adjustments, it is better but still not great. I look a bit frumpy in this jacket. Maybe belted would help it or maybe not
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