Some Swatch Books!

(First off, I missed Finish It Up! Friday!  Where is my head?  I am so sorry! Since there are only two days left in the challenge I am going to switch it to Monday to show you all my progress over the whole challenge!  So come back Monday to let us know how the challenge went!  What would you do differently?  Are you pleased with the progress you made?)

On to a little project...

I made these little Swatch Book covers!  I used the Keyka Lou pattern that I bought last week.  I have been working on so many quilty projects lately that I forgot how fast a simple sewing project can be!  I had so much fun making these!

I made this little owl one for my partner in the Doll Quilt Swap as a little extra, and I put them upside down!  Boo!  I didn't notice until it was all nicely sewn together.  Hopefully, my partner won't mind. *bangs head against wall*

I thought that while I was making one that I might as well make a couple of extra ones.  This one I made out of some ticking. 

  

I love the simple look of this one.

This one is bright and citrusy!

These little notebooks are perfect for using as a swatch Book (just staple your little fabric samples inside!), grocery lists, or any other notes you like to keep handy.

The first two I have put up in my Etsy shop!  I can't remember the last time I made anything for the shop!  I still also have a few patterns left in the shop at 50 % off from my pattern selling days if you are interested in taking a peek!

Happy weekend!  

Patchwork Placemats

I have been wanting to make placemats for the kids for awhile now.  I wanted something eye spy-ish because my girls love looking for special little things.  I also wanted to use some of my Heather Ross goodies that I have been lucky enough to get my greedy little hands on.  

I was browsing through Etsy and looking at Japanese crafting books and saw a patchwork placemat with rounded edges and knew that is how I wanted to do mine.  Someone asked what I meant by zakka, which I referred to in my mug rug tutorial.  Zakka is a term that Japanese crafters use for handmade household type items like placemats, potholders, bags, etc.  The items often involve cute little critters, patchwork, and linen. Ayumi's blog, Pink Penguin, is a good example of this style of crafting. Here are a couple of my favorite Etsy stores for zakka fabrics and trims and Japanese crafting books. 

 So back to the placemat...I fussy cut all my little Heather Ross scraps and pieces and pieced them together.  I do love how all her fabric lines go so well together.

 For the back I used this sweet little David Walker print that I had leftover from making Juliana's Ice Cream Top.  I quilted it just by outlining each edge of the squares which you can see better here on the back.

Then I made a little reversible napkin and stamped some twill tape with Felicity's initial as this set is going to be hers.

I bound it in some red polka dot bias double fold binding, and...ta da!  A cute little patchwork placemat set.  I am also going to make one for Juliana and Josiah, and put them in their Easter baskets.  I have plans to do a little tutorial for these placemats as well that I hope to have up this weekend!  You can find the tutorial HERE.

In other news, I have re-opened my Etsy shop to try to finish clearing out the patterns I still have leftover.  I have some good ones including some by Pink Fig, Bari J, and Anna Maria Horner!  They are all 40% off, and you can use the coupon code "BLOGREADER" for an extra 5% off!  Thank you for your support and happy sewing!

The Girl is Three!

 

(Making a fishy face.)

My little Felicity is three!  She was so very excited about her birthday.  She has been anticipating it ever since Juliana's birthday, and finally her turn arrived!  She requested a fishy skirt for her birthday outfit.  I made her the Insa Skirt from the book "Sewing Clothes Kids Love".  I got this book back on my birthday.  It has lots of great patterns.  I think I was put off making anything from it because you have to add seam allowances, but it really wasn't that difficult.  (So don't let that deter you!)  I have never made a gored skirt before, and I love the way it falls.  I will definitely be making more variations of this. 

This girls loves horses.  So my mom made her a little cowgirl outfit similar to Jessie's from Toy Story.  Her favorite parts were definitely the boots and hat.  She didn't even want to go outside in case the boots got dirty!

She also got this wonderful peg doll set from her godmother for her birthday.  It is our family!  She loves that it is all of us.  The details on these little dolls are really amazing.  (My husband loves his chest hair.) My dear friend has recently opened a little Etsy shop for these sweet little dolls.  Go take a look: Maids in a Row!

Big Pattern Closeout Sale!

Fall is here, and it is time for a change!  I have been running my little etsy shop now for over two years!  I can't believe it has been that long.  While I have enjoyed my time running the pattern shop, I am ready for something a little different.  (The shop won't be closing...I just have plans for something else!)  So, hop on over and take a browse!  I carry lots of fun indie patterns!  Perfect for your holiday sewing!

Plus, if you are in the USA all patterns ship for $2 no matter how many you buy!  International customers- I will try to adjust your shipping costs if I have charged too much!

New Kitchen Curtains!

I finished our kitchen curtains or valances or what have you! Yay! I bought this fabric back in October when we moved in this house, and finally...project complete. I got this fabric from Fabric.com for some ridiculous cheap price like $2.50 a yard. It is really nice and heavy, and I really like all the different colors in the stripes. I originally wanted to make all our curtains. Psshh. It wasn't going to happen. I made these and a valance for the girls' room. Good enough. So I went on a curtain rampage both buying and sewing last week, and now five months later all our rooms have curtains. They really do make such a big difference for a room!

It is also incredibly difficult I found to take good pictures of curtains. I used Simplicity 4497 for these. They really are just simple long valances folded up every 18" inches or so to give the folded look. Very easy.

Also in the shop I have the three new Anna Maria Horner patterns! The ziz zag dress really is so pretty!

The Shop is Open!

Just a quickie post to let you all know that the shop is now open! Thanks to all those who waited patiently! I do have some new patterns in the shop as well, so check those out.

Over the next couple of days I will be discounting a lot of patterns to make room for some new ones! Please let me know of any specific patterns you would like to see in the shop! The new Sew Liberated Patterns should be here any day!

Crazy

That is the only word I have for describing our August and September. The move itself went pretty smoothly. Closing on the house took a month longer than anticipated. However, we are here! I have lots to write about, and I haven't sewn for weeks. I am totally feeling the itch. I did, however, purchase this sewing cabinet yesterday and can't wait for it to get here.

I am planning on reopening the shop on Monday October 12th! I have some new patterns already here and others on the way. I love the change of seasons! Always brings new inspiration!

The above photo is something made last fall, but I really like it. It is an Apron Overlay from Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirts pattern. Have you seen her new patterns coming out? Oh, and the fabric! Yummy. Anyhow, it just feels too weird to post without a picture, and I don't know where our camera cord is yet. Still sooooo many boxes to unpack. Boo.

We have...

a job in California and we are officially in escrow for a cute little house! Life is busy and is only going to get busier. I expect sewing and blogging are going to be taking a backseat over the next month. We are excited for the upcoming changes and a little nervous too! We feel very blessed.

I will be closing up my etsy shop for the next month starting next Tuesday, August 11th. So if you have been eying a pattern and can't wait until September I suggest you order in the next week! I know I want to rearrange the shop as well, and I think taking this month off will let me reassess and pray about what direction the shop should take.

Since there isn't any crafting in this post, have a little look at some of these fun tutorials that I have bookmarked in my favorites!

Knitting Needle Roll by Lupin Bunny
How to make a digital quilt mockup by Sarah Seitz
Little Patchwork Dress by Crazy Mom Quilts (Really love this!)
Birthday Banner by See Mommy Sew
How to sew a double sided purse strap by Fat Orange Cat
Superhero Cape Tutorial by Puking Pastilles
( I made one of these for a little boy and it was the hit of the party!)

Shoppity-shop udpate!

I have lots of new patterns in the shop and more coming! These ones are from Australia though and particularly awesome!

I had so many requests for the Candy Girl Quilt pattern after my last giveaway that I now carry it! It really is so pretty.

I also got in Melly and Me's new book, Kaleidoscope! Twelve projects all in one book. The pictures are really pretty. Quilts, softies, and bags. Just what you would expect from Melly and Me.

Also, this little lady and her brood are joining the group. I love Clucky and her chicks! The little pocket for the chicks is so cute!

I also have Make It Perfect's Downtown Girl jacket pattern back in stock. Those went so fast last time!

Pattern Review: Little Picasso- A Simple Play Smock

Front view

Little Picasso Pattern- You can find it in my shop!
Description from back of pattern:

These simple painting or playing smocks are cut from two squares and sever rectangles total. No templates or patterns, just a few cuts will yield these sweet little apron styles msock great for kids of any age. This loose fitting, casual size fit ages 3-5 with simple strap and gusset alterations. Tips given for easy sizing up to 7 years old. A simple size chart is also provided for reference. Choose patchwork or plain styles, gathered or tucked...a fun afternoon project any way you stack it!

Material and material requirements:

This pattern uses quilting cottons.

Patchwork Smock:
1 Charm Pack OR 16 5" squares for front
1/4 yard for pocket back
5/8 yard for back
3/8 yard for pockets
1/4 yard for gusset
1/8 yard for straps
1/8 yard for facing

Soft Vintage Smock:
5/8 yard for front & back (OR 2 separate 5/8 yard cuts if you want different colors on front and back)
3/8 yard for pockets
1/4 yard for gusset
1/8 yard for straps
1/8 yard for facing

Plus two buttons for straps.


I used different fabric scraps for the different parts of the apron, which I always find fun. It is nice putting those nice scraps to use! The only part I didn't use a scrap was the back, which I used a fat quarter for. For the buttons I used two little green vintage buttons that I got awhile back from our farmer's market.


Pattern as described/shown?

Overall, I was very pleased with how this smock turned out. I made the patchwork version with the center pleat. I do think it turned out just how it was shown on the cover. However, I think this pattern is maybe a little more complicated then it is made out to be because you do have to "make" the pattern pieces yourself as you cut.

Juliana shows off her straps!

How were the instructions?

This is where this pattern falls short. I thought there were some definite areas that needed more explaining (especially if you haven't made clothing before) For example, she doesn't explain to clip the corners on the straps so that the points come out nice and smooth, and she doesn't give instructions at the end for a buttonhole an far down to place the buttons.

Shorter back matches the patchwork pocket front.

I also thought some of the measurements were off.
1)In the patchwork version she has you cut out two 5 1/2" x 18 1/2" rectangles for the back of the pocket. However, this did not match up when you added the front part of the pocket. So, I cut these out 5" x 18 1/2". I don't think this is a problem in the simple version since you just cut one big piece and fold it in half.

Gusset

2) I also thought the gusset measurement was too long, but this isn't that big of a deal since you can just shorten it once you sew it all together and before you hem it to see where it needs to be.

Back of Smock

Difficulty of pattern?

Intermediate
This pattern wasn't difficult but because you have to cut and make the pattern pieces and the instructions were not the clearest I would not recommend this pattern for beginners. Since I have made similar things to this I didn't find it that big of a deal, and it still came together fairly quickly. It only took me about three hours. So, if you are familar with clothing, I think you will be able to see what needs to be done and where you need to "fill in".

Alterations made?

I didn't make any alterations to the pattern except for making the measurement changes that I mentioned above. I also used a fat quarter for the back which was 1/2" shorter than what the pattern called for, so I sewed on a little strip at the bottom to lengthen it.

I think this pattern could easily be made without the gusset. I don't know if it adds much to the pattern necessarily, except I think it gives it a cute patchwork look! However, if you want to skip a step this would be it. I also think you could make the whole thing out of patchwork if you wanted. She has you use a single piece of fabric for the back, but you could easily make a patchwork back for this as well.

Overall Impression

I really liked this pattern. I think it is super cute and pretty quick to make! I think next time I make it I could sew it under two hours. It is perfect for Juliana for her art projects and when she helps me make choc-o-latte cookies with me! She immediately stuffed some crayons in her little pockets at the bottom, and she was all set!

Make It Perfect Patterns

Love the ruffles!

Just a shop update. I got some of the Make It Perfect patterns from Australian designer Toni Coward and the Frilly Dilly bag pattern (see above) from Australian designer Janelle Wind. They look so awesome! I am a pattern addict, and it is so much fun carrying all these fun patterns so I don't have to buy them myself. I touch and feel them and feel satisfied that others get to make beautiful things....okay, and sometimes I make them myself too. ;0p

Perfect summer overalls!

These look so summery and cool.

This jacket is reversible! I didn't get too many of these ones, but I am thinking I should have gotten more it is just so darn cute.

Stitch

Erica's sent me a birthday coupon, so last weekend I went browsing. I have bought so much fabric lately that I couldn't justify getting more. Then I caught sight of the new issue of Stitch. I loved the last issue, and this one is just as much fun! Look what pattern made it to their Summer Picks- the Mail Sack! Check my shop if you are interested.

I love this zigzag apron! I love the a-line shape of the apron as well.

I have to admit- I think a serger is coming my way this Mother's Day. I am so excited. I can't wait for all the new possibilities this will open up in my sewing endeavors. I think this knit dress would be a great project to try out! I love the simplicity of it.

I have also stocked the shop with some new vintage linens. Lots of pretty prints!

Birthday fun and giveaway winner!

I received some lovely birthday presents. I received my first Japanese sewing book, and I am in love! Isn't that elegant?

I am really digging both of these as well. I like the little tissue holder pouch that goes with the bag on the right.

This is the one I have fallen in love with though. I love messenger bags, and I think the little tie idea for the strap is genius!

Here is the front cover. I love the piping on the top and the ruffly look on the bottom one. My mom got this book for me from etsy seller PinkNelie. She has really lovely looking books!

My mom also made me a gorgeous Paris Traveler Bag. I carry this pattern in my shop. I love these Amy Butler prints, and I am so sad they will not be making this fabric anymore. She also made me a little laundry bag. I can not wait for my next trip!

Also, *drumroll* the winner of the giveaway was #7- Melina! Congratulations! I will be contacting you for your address!

Modkid Patterns by Patty Young are in the shop!

I just received Patty Young's new patterns! They are just as beautiful as they look! Get them while they are hot! I will closing up shop later tonight until after Easter to celebrate with my family.

Smashing smock in a vintage linen...

I made my first top for Spring Top Week, which of course was not on my list of ones to make. I wanted to start on the summer blouse, but was getting stuck at a certain part. Rae mentioned the Smashing Smock from "Seams to Me" as a possible easy pattern. It was. I made it out of a vintage sheet because people had mentioned that the pattern ran small. I followed Anna Maria's instructions for enlarging it though, and I think it fits pretty well. I put the front yoke an inch away from the fold and added an inch to the back yoke pieces as well.

Otherwise, it was smooth sailing. It went together really fast. Too cold for a sleeveless shirt here in the Midwest, but I like it with this green cardigan!

I also added some pretty vintage linens to the shop (including the one I made my shirt out of. ;0p)

Anna Maria Horner Patterns are in the shop!

Anna Maria Horner patterns are here! I have all four up in the shop! She has two bag patterns- The Multi-Tasker Tote and the Ruthie Clutch- and two clothing patterns- The Socialite Dress and The Study Hall Skirt. I am in love with The Multi-Tasker Tote!