Monday, December 21, 2015

Christmas Pajamas







When I look at these cute Christmas pajamas, they just bring a big smile to my face and these words pop into my head "the children were nestled all snug in their bed" (from the Twas the Night Before Christmas).  I decided to start a tradition of making Christmas pajamas for the little people (aka grands)  in my life.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Neptune Tee - Two Ways




Indiesew Neptune tee with triangle cutouts using a plaid knit


I am always on the lookout for new t-shirt pattern and found a fun one over at Indiesew, called the Neptune Tee by Sew Kate Sew.  The description of this top, 
A knit tee with triangle cutouts at the sleeves, back, and front.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Butterick 6244 - Coat

Butterick 6244 wool coat made from Mood Fabrics' wool coating


Okay, first off, I love, love, love this coat and you all are going to have picture overload.  I was so pleased with the coat and I just kept taking photos.  This is the road in front of my house and for the longest time no one drove by.  It was a great spot for photos, so I just kept pushing that remote

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Stylemaker's Sweater Knit - On the Eighth Day of Sewing



Style Maker Fabrics' sweater knit made using Seamwork Oslo cardigan
Have you all been keeping up with Michelle of Style Maker Fabrics  and her 12 days of Sewing?  There are some fantastic gift ideas, not to mention quite do able in these last 17 days until Christmas!
Michelle asked me if I wanted to participate in this event and I jumped at the chance to be part of the fun.   The two of us tossed some ideas back and forth and decided on a quick garment sew.  I went with Style Maker Fabric's plush sweater knit in teal.    Let me tell you this is an incredible fabric, soft, lush and washes beautifully.  
Style Maker Fabrics' sweater knit made using Seamwork Oslo cardigan


Now for a pattern, the  Oslo by Seamwork has been on my to-do list for quite some time.  You might be thinking I don't have time to make this for myself or for a gift.  I want to say yes you can.  I did this in three small sewing sessions.  One night last week, I cut it out.  Saturday morning before heading out of town for the night, I did about 30 minutes of sewing.  This included the shoulder seams,  setting in the sleeves and side seams.  When, I got home on Sunday, I did the cuffs, hem and collar.  Ta-da, done and beautiful.

Style Maker Fabrics' sweater knit made using Seamwork Oslo cardigan

The Colette blog and SeamWork has great sewing with sweater knit tips.  On this sweater knit, I used some knit interfacing (non-stretch direction) at the shoulder seams and used the differential feed on my serger to attach the collar.  If you are using a twin needle to hem, I like to use the knit interfacing, in the non-stretch direction at the hemline.  This helps prevent the tunneling you get at times with a twin needle.


This Oslo cardigan would be great for gift sewing, it is quick and one that does not need much fitting.  Or better yet, sew one for yourself !

Now to keep this Holiday theme related, let me reference some of my favorite Christmas Songs


 and this sweater knit is great for the cold!
Style Maker Fabrics' sweater knit made using Seamwork Oslo cardigan
And of course the classic, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
Style Maker Fabrics' sweater knit made using Seamwork Oslo cardigan

I have to share this one coincidence, I did the photo with the sign last.  After that, I put my camera, tripod and sign back in the car.  This time of year, my radio is mostly on a Christmas song station, which I love, family not so much!  I will give you one guess as to the song playing on the radio when I turned on my car.  Yep, it was It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year by Andy Williams!  That brought a big smile to my face as I looked at my canvas that was part of the photo shoot.
Today only, Tuesday, December 8, 2015, all sweater knits are 20% off and there is a special price on the pattern notcher, too.
Disclosure - I was given this fabric by Style Maker Fabrics to be part of the 12 Days of Sewing, the opinions of the fabric greatness are all mine.
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Monday, December 07, 2015

Basic White Archer Shirt


Girls in the Garden Basic White Cotton Grainline Archer Shirt
Yes, I made the Archer again - this is lucky number 9, if my count is correct.  I really needed a nice basic white shirt in my wardrobe and I knew the Archer was just the pattern.

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Butterick 6208 - A White PIntuck Tunic


Mood Fabrics' White Pinpoint Cotton Shirting Tunic - Butterick 6208



I just love a white blouse and feel like it is a basic item needed for any closet but one was not found in my closet.  Time to take care of that situation and make a white blouse.  I wanted a twist on a wardrobe basic, a blouse with some visual interest.    First, I needed to find the right fabric for my blouse and went with Mood Fabrics' White Pinpoint Cotton Shirting.  The description states a good staple fabric with a bit of crispness.


Monday, November 30, 2015

McCall's 6996


McCall's 6996 from Joann's knit

 I found this knit at Joann's and knew I wanted a cardigan so I ordered McCall's 6996 during one of the McCall's sales.

Monday, November 23, 2015

McCall's 7093 - Silk

McCall's 7093 top in Mood Fabrics' Jason Wu Silk


As I have said before, I like to keep my thread on the serger and sew several things that will work with that colorway.  I had a light brown on the serger from my Morris Blazer

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Winner of Tailoring Book



Thanks everyone for the nice comments on my Grainline Blazer, I really like this one, too.  The plans are to reply to each of your comments but I just didn't want to fill up the comments section before the giveaway.

The winner per Random.org
and that is

Fabulous! You are such a wonderful jacket maker. I bought that pattern several months ago but haven't had the chance to use it yet.

Congrats Faye - email me with your mailing address and the book will be heading your way.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 36




In part of the world, winter is coming and I love winter coats.  I must get it from my husband, he has always loved to have several different coats.  This funnel coat is a good one - this from Loft
see source above photo

Use this new coat from Closet Case Files - The Clare
see source above photo

Monday, November 16, 2015

Grainline Studio Morris Blazer - Striped Ponte

Grainline Studio Morris Blazer in Striped Ponte

Finally,  I got back to the Morris Blazer and made myself another one.  The first one was a
textured knit in blue/cream combination

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Check Plus Quilt

Check Plus Quilt made with Cotton and Steel fat quarters

Here is another quilt to show on the blog today.   I finished the top in June and it has been back from the quilter for a couple of months.  

Monday, November 09, 2015

Sewing for a Daughter - Lindy Skirt and Marianne Dress

Kaitlyn is a Junior in college (majoring in secondary math education) and starting to spend a couple mornings a week observing in the classroom.  This means her wardrobe is changing from college student to sometime college student and sometime teacher.
This teacher wardrobe needs more professional clothes that still look young and stylish.  She is on a college student and newlywed budget, which enters mom to help with some clothes.
The first one is the Itch to Stitch Lindy Petal Skirt, elastic waist pencil skirt with front overlaps.  I added 1" to the length, Kaitlyn is 5'8" tall and wants her skirts and dresses to hit right above the knee for teacher wear.  This skirt is a free pattern!
Itch to Stitch Lindy Petal skirt from Joann's polka dot knit

Thursday, November 05, 2015

Vogue 1467 - Italian Wool Coating



Vogue 1467 Pea Coat in Mood Fabrics' Italian wool coating


   What makes a great coat?  Well, I think many things but the first is great fabric and Mood Fabrics' Italian Navy Wool Blended Coating is great fabric.  This fabric is luscious yardage that sews beautifully and worked its way into a gorgeous pea coat, Vogue 1467.  I knew when this pattern was released I wanted to make this coat in a deep, dark navy and this Italian Coating was perfect for the project.  The fabric is wool, nylon and cashmere, which is wonderful to the touch but also has loft and warmth.

Monday, November 02, 2015

Vogue 1467 Progress

My Vogue 1467 is complete!  Woo Hoo
I participated in the Vogue 1467 sew along hosted by Meg at McCall's and 
Rachel at House of Pinheiro.  These two blogs provided such wonderful information to help construct this coat and I printed off every post for the sewalong.  Running currently with this sewalong, Erica hosted the Amazing  Sewalong with valuable information on tailoring.  One more sewalong/tutorial that started just a couple of weeks ago and I used so much information.    This sew along is from Gail at Today's Agenda and I found it invaluable.  The posts were concise, well-written, full of photographs, too.  The format made it so helpful to construct this winter jacket with concise tailoring instructions.  Take a look at Gail's blog, you will find it beyond helpful

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Spell it with Words Quilt

Girls in the Garden - Spell it with Fabric quilt

I have another quilt to share with you today, it is Spell it with Fabric, a booklet I purchased at my local quilt shop and took me about a year to get around to make.  A very pleasant surprise, is how quickly it went together.  I made it at three monthly  quilting nights and then one night at home to set the blocks.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 34



A cute plaid skirt with trim would brighten up a winter day.  This one is from JCrew

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Ginger Jeans and Butterick 6175

 
Mood Fabrics' white denim for Ginger jeans and quilted knit for Butterick 6175



  No white after Labor Day, how many times have we heard this?  Well, I am not following that ancient rule.
 For two reasons....
 1.  I love white jeans, they go with anything and can go from casual to dressy with a few changes
 2.  I have had this fabric since June and didn't get my white jeans made!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Marianne Top from Indiesew

Indie Sew Marrianne Dress made in tunic length

Fall is a bit in the air here in Missouri but is temperamental.  Here one day and then gone the next, letting summer back in.  That's okay, I am going to be prepared, plus I am sick of wearing my summer clothes.  Anyone else tired of their summer clothes/

Friday, October 16, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 33



Okay, I know I covered statement skirt last week but this one is gorgeous from Net-a-Porter
source info above photo

Vogue 8750 would work
source info above photo

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Sew Over It - Joan Dress




Have you seen the new Sew Over It pattern called the Joan Dress?  It is such a fun retro style based on the wardrobe of Mad Men's iconic Joan Holloway. I was drawn to the lines of this dress right away, such a classic look.

Only one problem, I really didn't know if I would wear a dress in this style much.  I did know I would wear a top based on this pattern

Monday, October 12, 2015

Emily Culottes and Kathryn Top - Itch to Stitch Birthday Tour

Itch to Stitch Birthday Blog Tour - Girls in the Garden version of the Emily Culottes and the Kathryn Top
I was very excited when Kennis Wong invited me to be part of the Birthday Blog Tour, celebrating Itch to Stitch one year anniversary.
Now this blog tour had one condition.... We had to hack the pattern.  How you ask?  By changing it, tweaking it, adding your own design flair to the pattern.
Itch to Stitch Birthday Fun
I went with two patterns, the Kathryn Top & Dress and the Emily Culottes.  Initially, I thought I would pair the two garments together but I was distracted by fabric at Michael Levine and went a totally different way.  I knew I wanted a pair of black wool culottes, so I ordered this wonderful stretch wool
Itch to Stitch Emily Culottes made with slant front pockets and center back zipper

Friday, October 09, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 32

Back with part 2 of the Top 10 Fashion Trends for Fall 2015
See Part 1 here 
5.  A statement Skirt for Fall
this is what Glamour says about that trend
This year, pick up a wrap, tiered, or asymmetrical skirt. Long or short, the ready-styled silhouette makes it easy to mix with a simple T-shirt or blouse
source info above photo

Monday, October 05, 2015

Colorblock Quilt








This cute quilt is for Erin, I knew the moment I laid eyes on this Michael Miller fabric, I had to make a quilt for Erin.

Everything about the fabric is her, orange, favorite color.  Large graphic print with a modern edge and a touch of gray to calm it down, is also her.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Winter Wear Designs Champs Elysee Cross Back Blazer Sewing Pattern - Girl Charlee Denim


Winter Wear Designs Champs Elysee Cross Back Blazer made using Girl Charlee stretch denim.

That is quite the title, right?  Well, it is quite the pattern, so a fitting name.    I loved making the Winter Wear Designs Champs Elysee Cross Back Blazer  with this Girl Charlee Stretch Denim .

Monday, September 21, 2015

Julia Cardigan in Garnet



Julia Cardigan in knit from Fabric Mart

Time for take two on my Julia Cardigan, the first one was in a leopard knit.  I have been working my way through some fabric piles.  I had a pile of knits on the floor and I am happy to say that pile is almost all sewn up!  This garnet color rayon knit came from Fabric Mart a few months ago.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 31





Last spring I did the top 10 trends for Spring 2015 and the was a good way for me to focus my search.  So this post is a combination - trends and classics for your closet, starting with 5 for today.

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Style Arc's Clover (love the toggles)
Add caption

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Navy Women's Raglan Sweatshirt


Girls in the Garden - Stylish Fabrics used to make the Women's Raglan by Patterns for Pirates



After my Vogue 1329 dress, I needed a quick project and I had this sweatshirt cut out and ready to sew up.  The pattern is Women's Raglan by Patterns for Pirates

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Vogue 1329 - Mood Fabrics Geometric Stretch Woven


Vogue 1329, a Kay Unger design using Mood Fabrics' stretch woven cotton in a geometric pattern.



Summer is winding down here in the Midwest but occasionally it comes back with bursts of hot and humid.  I am not quite ready to move onto fall and winter sewing and knew I needed to sew up this gorgeous Mood Fabrics’ black and beige geometric squares stretch cotton woven (or you can go with the  cream and brown).  After all, this is wonderful fabric to feel and touch and I knew it needed to be a garment quickly.    I loved sewing it into this Vogue 1329 dress ( Kay Unger design).