Quilted Wallhanging for Spring

I needed something new to hang on the quilt hanger I have in my entryway. I love the new "modern" quilt style that has become so popular in the last few years. I have always been drawn to simple designs and bright colors in quilts. One of my favorite quilts of all time was a shoo-fly quilt made by my great-grandmother, with a white background and 1930's fabrics (the real stuff, from the 30's, not reproduction). Sadly, that quilt is long gone. So I guess the "new" trend of simple lines, and bright colors with lots of white space isn't so new, is it?

I made this simple quilt with a charm pack of Connecting Threads "Botanical Beauty" collection. I love the bright blues and greens in this collection, with a little purple and gray mixed in. I made simple half-square triangle blocks with white Kona cotton, and simply sewed the squares together.

If you've never ordered from Connecting Threads, and you are a quilter, you have got to check them out. I believe the way they keep they prices so low is because they design their own lines of fabric instead of carrying other companies fabric lines. Their prices just can't be beat. And their collections are only around for a short time, so if you see something you like, you better jump on it. They won't be around long, and they will have something new before you know it. I think that adds to the appeal- the ever changing selection. (I am not affiliated with them in any way, I am just a happy customer :))

I did a simple machine quilted stippling on this one,  and it is happily hanging in my entryway, adding some cheery color to the room.

Charm Pack:                               $2.48
One Yard for backing and binding:  5.96
Batting and thread (already had)         0
Total cost of project:                  $ 8.44


Up next, a pair of shorts, much needed in my wardrobe.

Blessings-
Lisa

Jumping on the Lace Trend Bandwagon

I've had a vision in my head since the fall of 2011 of a simple black lace top, a shell basically, that could be worn under jackets or cardigan, or even alone with the right underpinnings. When I found this fabric on clearance at Hancock's, I quickly snatched  up two yards, but still hadn't married my vision of this top with this fabric.

This spring, after seeing all the great lace projects on the Mood Sewing Network, I was inspired to pull out this fabric, and make my vision a reality.

I choose Simplicity 8523, which is a terrific pattern for a woven top, with many neckline variations. I choose to make view D, which has a scooped neck.

What I love about it? I love the pattern, it fits great and is a nice addition to my pattern collection. What do I not like so much? Well, my fabric shrank up quite a bit when I pre-washed it, and instead of being open and lacy, it is more bunched up and lumpy. I am guessing the fabric is a cotton, which is why is shrank so much. I may try ironing it well before wearing it to see if it will "flatten out" some.

Overall, I like my top, and will be playing around with the styling of it to decide how to wear it. I am considering a narrow belt at the waist, in a bright color. I am also planning to try it with a bright blue pair of cropped pants that are in my project queue.

Here is a close up of the lace:

In the background you can see my Snowball Shrub (which I have trimmed into a tree shape). In these pictures, it is at the end of it's bloom, but it was so pretty this year, just loaded with blooms. I guess it didn't mind to cold, wet spring we had. In this picture you can see that it was already dropping it's petals. They ground looks like it is covered in snow. While these blooms only last a short while, they are such a pretty start to the flowers that bloom in my gardens all summer.

Up next, I finished a small wallhanging, and I am finishing up a pair of short that are a muslin for a new pants pattern I am trying. I am happy to report, the fit is perfect, right out of the envelope! Stay tuned...

Blessings-
Lisa

Burda 8497

While my hubby and kids were gone on a fishing trip a couple weeks ago, I took advantage of my alone time to do some sewing. I choose this blouse, Burda 8497, because my work wardrobe has been boring me to tears lately. I like blouses for work because it makes for easy dressing. Dress pant, a blouse, add a necklace to jazz it up, and you look professional and pulled together.

Not sure what my hair thinks it is doing today, but it's not good. :)

The fabric I used was a poly crepe-backed satin from Joann's, and I used the crepe side as my right side. It was easy to work with, and surprisingly took a press well for a poly. This is not a fabric for someone who is in their hot-flash phase of life though, as it doesn't breathe well. But since I am a freeze-baby who is always complaining  saying how cold I am, it works fine for me.

I like this blouse, but I don't think this pattern is for me. The fit is off, I think I could have gone up a size, and I am not sure what the deal was with the ties. They are much shorter than they show on the pattern envelope. Maybe I cut them out wrong? In the picture above, I only have them single tied. If I do a knot, the short ties stick straight out and look funny. I guess my options are to lengthen the ties, or wear them as is and hope there will be no wardrobe malfunction and they don't come untied.

I do like how the band wraps around the back:

All in all, I like the blouse. I may like if better if I lose some of the extra "fluff" I gained over the winter. This past winter was a long one, and my figure sure shows it. :)

Up next, I have two very different projects almost completed: a lace top and a small quilt.

Blessings-
Lisa

New Patterns

It's been a while since I bought new patterns- I have been restraining myself until I make up some of the ones I have. But while at Joann's yesterday, I stumbled upon their 5 for $5.00 Simplicity sale, and my resolve broke down. There is nothing like buying new patterns to get a person's sewing mojo fired up, and that is just what I needed. Plus, at $1.00 each, how can you go wrong?

Here are the ones I choose to bring home with me:
(all images from the Simplicity website)



I have been wanting to make a maxi skirt, and some of the other options are cute too. (I can see making view C (without the gathers) as a work option, possibly in a ponte.) Now if I can only find the fabric I want for the maxi skirt. I have been on the look out for a navy and white stripe, to no avail. If anyone knows a source, please let me know.



This knit wrap dress is so cute. A wrap dress has been on my to-sew list for a long, long time. What an easy work outfit- just one piece and I'm out the door. I want to find a not-so-wild print in bright colors for this one.



I bought this one for the color blocked dress, and the cute jacket. I can even see the jacket worn with dress pants. I am always looking for layer options for the summer months to combat the office air conditioning.



A slim pant, and I want to make it in a bright color- possibly the same blue as in the model photo. I recently made a pair of pants that actually turned out OK, so now I think I can make pants (ha ha). Hopefully my confidence will work in my favor and I will be able to conquer any fitting issues I may have. Wish me (lots of ) luck!



While traveling last month to San Antonio for a weekend getaway, I had to borrow a carry-on from a friend because, sadly, I have no luggage. While there I saw everyone carrying pretty Vera Bradley bags. From purses to carry-ons to luggage pieces, each one as pretty as the next. Well, I don't have a Vera Bradley budget, but I CAN sew, so you can guess what I am gonna do. Yep- make myself a carry-on. I will make the large bag, and if it turns out well, I may make the matching tote and make-up bag. I am on the lookout for a pretty cotton fabric to use.

I can't wait until I have some time to spend in my sewing room and get started on one of these projects!

Blessings,

Lisa

Burp Cloths for a Baby Girl

As you may know, I have three boys. So any time I have a chance to sew something, anything, for a little girl, I take advantage of the opportunity. My boss and his wife just had a baby girl, and I thought it would be fun to make something for the new little one. I found this tutorial for burp cloths at the Cloud9fabrics blog. I love that one side is contoured.

I went to our brand new Joann Fabrics here in my hometown and checked out the flannel. Lucky for me, they were on sale for 60% off. I found some really cute selections for baby girls.

I bought half a yard of each three fabrics, and made three cloths and have enough to make three more. Total cost for fabric was $4.20. I already had the thread, and the tutorial and pattern were free on Cloud9's blog. (thank you!) So, total cost for this gift was $2.10 and an hour of my time.

My boss's wife loved them (she commented on how soft they were) and I got to play with girly fabric. It was a win-win!

Up next, I am either going to continue on my voyage to find and fit a pants pattern, or make some new blouses for work. Stay tuned!

Blessings-
Lisa

Butterick 5354

I am currently trying to beef up my spring/summer wardrobe in anticipation of an upcoming trip to San Antonio. This top is another piece to take on the trip. It is a pattern I have used before, and is a great fitting t-shirt, and the pleat detail gives it some added interest.

Sorry for the not so great picture. Why is navy blue so hard to photograph? The color isn't represented very well here. It is actually a true navy blue.

Don't have my receipt, but I think I paid $5.00 for this fabric? And I already had the pattern and thread. So total cost is $5.00.

Pattern Sizing: 6-8-10-12. I cut a size 10.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are easy to follow. The pleats are a little time consuming, but not difficult.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the pleats, and that it dresses up what would be just a plain t-shirt.

Fabric Used: A cotton interlock found in the remnant bin at JoAnn Fabrics. There was a little less than a yard.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added a couple inches to the length. I also tacked the pleats to the facing on the inside so the facing would stay tucked in and not flip to the outside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is the second time I have sewn this. The first time I made it sleeveless. I have received many compliments on that top. It is a nice t-shirt with added interest with the pleats.

Conclusion: A great wardrobe basic for spring or summer.

Up next, I made a baby gift for my bosses new baby, and will post about it soon.

Blessing-
Lisa

New Look 6940

Ever go though your fabric stash and "find" things you forgot you even had? Yep- happened to me a couple weeks ago. I was digging around in the shelf where I keep my fabric, and out rolled two remnant pieces I forgot I even had. Both knits, both about 1 yard. When ever I am in JoAnn's or Hancocks, I always check out the remnant bin. You never know what kind of goodies you can find in there. While one yard of fabric isn't much, it is usually enough for a knit top (short sleeved or sleevless) or for a skirt. I also find pieces of by-the-yard batting in there, which are big enough for a quilted table runner. And with Hancock's new remnant price structuring, most pieces are $2.00. Bargain!

This piece was a knit from Joann's. I love the berry color, and I only paid $4.58 for it. I didn't have a project in mind, so into the stash it went.

I have a tentative weekend trip to San Antonio in April, so decided to make a coupe knit tops for the trip. For this one, I used New Look 6940. This is a pattern I have used before, so knew there would be no fitting issues. I made view B, but without the slit up the front. (not sure who that slit would look good on, but it defiantely wouldn't look good on this 40+ year old body that's had three kids!)



 

I love how this top turned out. I would like to try view C next. 

Here is my review:

Pattern Sizing:Size A (4-16). I made a size 10.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the variations of this pattern. And that it is an easy top to make, but is a notch dressier than a plain t-shirt.

Fabric Used: I picked this fabric out the remnant bin at JoAnn, so I am not sure of the content. I think it is a polyester interlock, with two-way stretch.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I sewed clear elastic all the way around the neckline and then turned it under and top stitched. This holds the front close to the body, so no gaping. I have made this top one other time, and use a self-fabric binding, stretching it as I went. That worked well too.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is the second time I have made this pattern, and both tops look very different. If you are looking for a "dressier t-shirt", this is a great pattern.

Conclusion: Cute, easy top. I could see making a few of these to fill out my summer wardrobe.

Blessings-

Lisa