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

Butterick 5493- In a Woven, oops!

I was drawn this cute polka dot fabric at Joann's a few months ago (who doesn't like a cheery polka dot, right?) First off, I really liked the colors. As someone who works in a corporate environment, I have to dress up for work, and any fabric that has black in it is always a conender for me, since I wear black about 80% of the time. My coworkers and I joke about how much we wear black, but it really does go with everything, and it makes choosing something wear so much easier. I am determined to branch out and get away from so much black, but that is another post for another day. Sorry for digressing. Back to today's post....

I also liked the light blue color in this, since it is something different. The fabric is a poly-silky-something-or-other, and it was suprisingly easy to work with. It held a press well, which is what I usually get frustrated with in a poly. It also has a nice drape, and while it is satiny, it isn't really shiny.

When I first spotted this fabric I thought it would make a cute bow-front blouse, and that was my plan for it until I got to the cutting counter and there was only a yard and an eight on the bolt. Bummer. But I bought it anyway figuring I could find a pattern in my stash that takes only a yard. Enter Butterick 5493, view A: (the brown and white)


So I cut out the pattern, and started sewing (this pattern goes together really quick, only 4 pieces). It wasn't until I got to the instructions where they have you sew the neckband on, streching it as you go, that I realized my mistake. This pattern is for KNITS, and my fabric was a woven. Uh-oh. My first clue (besides reading the fabric suggestions) should have been the pattern layout. If it was made for wovens, it would have been laid out on the bias. At this point, I had much of the construction done, so I decided to continue and seee what happens.

I couldn't use the neckband, so I had to modify the pattern at the neckline. I sewed the ruffle to the front matching the right side of the ruffle to the wrong side of the front. Then i turned it to the outside and topstitched on the front. Then I serged the back neckline edge, and turned it under and stitched it in place. I then sewed the front and back together at the shoulders.

The front was a little low for my liking, and the armholes had a lot of room, so I just took up the shoulder seams about an inch, and that solved the problem.

Here is how I will wear this top to work, with a cardigan (black, of course!) But I will be on the lookout for a cardigan in the pretty light blue color. I will carry a swatch of the fabric in my purse while shopping so I can get the right shade of blue.

The top fits great, even as a woven. I am happy with my top, and can't wait to wear it when the weather get a little warmer. The temp here has been in the single digits most days for the past week. Too cold to wear a light top and cardigan!

Up next, I have a couple one-yard knit pieces i snagged from the remnant bin that I am going to make a couple summer tops with. Can you tell I am wishing for warmer weather? I am sick of winter!

Blessings-
Lisa

First Wadder of 2013- McCalls 6512

I think Kenny Rogers said it best- "You gotta know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away..."

I had such high hopes for this projext. I have seen a few versions of this pattern around blogland and they all turned out great.



I bought this pattern a long time ago, and pulled it out to match it up with a piece of black silky poly of some sort which I bought at Hancock's. The fabric is a very fluid, lightweight, soft, fluid, silky, fluid (did I mention "fluid?) fabric, and I thought it would be perfect for view B. The fact that this fabric is fluid is what made this project fail. This fabric would shimmy and shape-shift just by looking at it. I like that fabric, and may try it again for a different project, but it just didn't work for this one.

I tried and tried to make it work. But once a project crosses the line to where it feel like a chore instead of being enjoyable, well, that is when I decided to give up. The fabric all went in the trash and the pattern got filed away...until I can find a more siutable fabric. I WILL be trying this pattern again. Stay tuned. :)

Up next, I need a quick and easy project to get me over this fail, so I am making an out-of-print Butterick woven tank with a ruffle detail on the front. Only four pattern pieces, easy peasy. Although, I am using another silky fabric....wish me luck with that. :)

Blessings-
Lisa

A Week Late, or 51 Weeks Early?

Embroidered Snowman Quilt/Pillow

                                 

This cute little snowman has been languishing in my craft cupboard, half finished, for over 3 years (or 4, or 5?). I can't remember how long ago I started this project, but the important thing is, I finally finished it, right?

(Excuse the not-so-great picture. I am still learning how to use my new camera)

The pattern is from Crab-apple Hill Studio. The pattern is to make this a pillow, and I made an envelope back so it can be used as a pillow, or can be hung on the wall as a wall quilt. It measures 14 x 15".

Here you can see more detail of the embroidery. I love the colors in this. Two shades or red, three shades of green, and a pretty aqua blue give this piece a vintage look.

                               

I really enjoy embroidery like this, but patterns are not easy to find. Most on the market are "primitive" styles, which just aren't my thing.

I am happy with how this turned out, even if it took me way too long to finish it. Oh well, I can say I am 51 weeks ahead of the game, and I will love pulling this out next year and have a new Christmas quilt to display.

Next up, a blouse I have been working on, that is frustrating me so much, it may end up as a wadder. Stay tuned.....



Blessings-

Lisa

Shared on: Little Becky Homecky Fantabulous Friday Link Party, Naptime Crafters Friday Favs Party, and Crazy Mom Quilts Finish It Up Friday.

Husbands: do not try this at home

...unless your wife is a sewist.

This is what was under my tree this year, from my darling hubby:



An Oliso Smart Touch iron. I have been wanting one of these bad boys for some time now. My previous iron was a wedding gift to us, over 20 years ago. So while it was a nice enough iron, it had seen better days. And it had developed the habit of spitting up water and built-up gunk.

If you aren't familiar with the Oliso irons, what makes them unique is the itouch feature. When you let go of the handle, little feet emerge from the bottom to lift it off the ironing board. So instead of tipping it up and resting it on the heel of the iron, you simple let go of it, and the feet raise it off the ironing board. Touch the handle again, and the feet raise up, letting you proceed with your ironing.

My new iron works beautifully. It heats up fast, and glides smoothly. I especially like that it has 3 levels of steam. I love my new iron, and used it the first day to make a quilt block. I will post more about that later...

So husbands, if your wife uses an iron for her hobby, or just really loves to iron, this is a great gift. If she only uses it to iron your shirts, maybe something else would be more appropriate. :)

Simplicity 2148- Inspired by Pinterest

Do you Pinterest? Or should I ask, are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am? I love Pinterest, and can spend hours on there discovering new recipes, interesting websites, terrific blogs, more home improvement projects than I could ever have time for, more gardening ideas than I have garden space for, and lots and lots of sewing inspiration. One of my pins was from early this spring, a cute pink cardigan with khaki shorts and a white t or tank underneath. I think this outfit is really cute, looks very comfortable, and I thought "Hey, I can make that!" The cardigan, anyway. I already have khaki shorts and  a white t.

I looked through my pattern stash for a pattern that would work and decided on Simplicity 2148.

I used view C, the purple velvet one.I did have to make a couple changes to make it more like my inspiration. I used the sleeves from a different pattern, because I wanted full length, narrow sleeves. I also left off the pockets and tab closures on the front. The pattern went together very easily, the only other changes I made were in the order of construction. I added the sleeves in flat, the sewed the side seam and sleeve seam as one. Here is my version:

All I am missing is the Coach bag and other accessories. Since I am too cheap  conservative with my money, you won't see me buying a Coach any time soon. But I bet I could find a suitable replacements for the bag and the accessories at Target.

I have already worn this, and I really like it. It is a great layering piece for the office on those days that the A/C is cranked up. Also, for those summer evenings when it gets chilly after the sun goes down.

This weeks goals:

- Blog about the adorable bibs I made for my Godson. they turned out really cute!
- Make another batch of rhubarb sauce
- Help my son get packed for his mission trip (he leaves on Saturday for 10 days! *sniff*)

Have a good week! Blessings-
Lisa

Rhubarb Sauce

Nothing says spring like rhubarb. This mysterious vegetable(?) fruit (?) is a staple in most farmhouse gardens. I remember when I was a kid, my mom and all the aunties and neighbor ladies would always get excited when the rhubarb was ready. I think it was because it was one of the first things harvested in the spring. With it, they would make pies, crisps, bread, muffins. They would kick off the canning season by making jams and sauces to can. It also pairs perfectly with strawberries. I think God planned it perfectly that strawberries and rhubarb are in season at the same time. :)

While I don't live on a farmstead with a huge garden or large patch of rhubarb, I do have generous neighbors that share their bounty with me. In return, I share my rhubarb sauce with them. Here is the recipe I use:

Here's what you need:

Sugar, rhubarb, and cinnamon.

Yep, that's it. Just three ingredients. The process it just as simple. first, chop the rhubarb. Measure 5-6 cups into a large pot, along with a cup of water:

Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the sugar and cinnamon. If your rhubarb is mostly green instead of red, you can add a few drops of red food coloring. I try to use mostly red, if I can get it, because it makes the prettiest pink color once done. Then let it simmer, uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Once it is done simmering, ladle it into jars, and it is ready to go in the freezer.



The finished product!

There is nothing better in the middle of a Minnesota winter than having some of this sauce over ice cream. Tastes like summer!

I do have a rhubarb plant in my backyard, planted a couple years ago. It is finally big enough that I can harvest a few stalks from it this year. By next year, I may be able to make sauce with my own rhubarb!

Here is my recipe, if anyone wants to give it a try:

Rhubarb Sauce:

5-6 cups rhubarb, chopped
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Bring rhubarb and water to a boil. Add cinnamon and sugar. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes. Ladle into containers and freeze. Makes 3-4 pints.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Why I Haven't Been Sewing...

It’s been over a month since my last post (and I had been doing so good there for a while, SHOOT!) but I have some good excuses as to why.

                                                                                          

1.       My oldest son graduated from High School. To say I am proud of him would be the world’s largest understatement. I have been filled with mixed emotions about it these last few weeks. On one hand, I am sad to see him head off to college, but on the other hand, I am so excited to see where life’s path takes him. Also, everyone who has kids in their 20’s has been reassuring (or is it warning me?) that they all come back at some point.  J I am sure that is true, especially when mom and dad’s house has a nice comfy bed, home cooked meals, and free laundry.

2.       We have been doing home improvements. This is directly related to #1 (above).  We choose this spring to replace the roof, and install new siding and windows. We thought it would be nice to have the house looking it’s tip-top best for the graduation party. And it did, but OH MY it was a lot of work. We hired my nephew-in-law to do the carpentry, but we did all the painting ourselves. (The type of siding we choose needed to be painted. ) It was a struggle to get it done between all the rainy days we have had the last month, but we managed to get it done. Along with cleaning the garage, installing drywall in the garage, cleaning the basement, spring cleaning the house, weeding the flower beds and putting down new mulch, and planning annuals. Whew! It was so much work, but I have to admit the house looks great! We do have some more project we would like to get done this summer, but it is nice to have so many big projects out of the way. This picture shows the color we choose for the house- a barn red. It was a bold choice, but we love how it turned out.

Now that all the excitement is over, we can settle in to our summer routine. On my agenda this week:

-          Make rhubarb sauce

-          Finish sewing my coral “Inspired by Pinterest” cardigan.  (finished this last night, post to come soon!)

-          Make a couple adorable bibs for my Godson from a pattern in Quilter’s World magazine.

-          Paint the front door and back garage door.

I hope everyone is having a good week! Blessings-

Lisa

Cathedral Window Pillow

I saw this tutorial over at Moda Bake Shop and immediately knew I wanted to make my own version. A traditional quilting technique that has been updated with machine sewing to make it quicker? Sign me up! I love tradition quilting design with a modern twist. 

The instructions in this tutorial are very good. They walk you through the process step-by-step with pictures along the way to make it easier. Notice: two of the adjectives I have used to describe this project are QUICKER and EASIER, but I wouldn't say this is a quick or easy project. It is very time consuming, and at one point I was tempted to give up and throw what I had done so far into the scrap bin.

But, I persevered, and I am very glad I did. I think the pillow turned out nice, and I love the bright colors. I used fat quarters I had picked up at Joann's on a February day when I was craving some spring color. I do have to say, I wouldn't use those Joann fat quarters for anything other than a small project like this. I was stunned at how thin and poor quality those fabrics were. I think you could read a newspaper through them they were so thin! The white fabric (also picked up at Joann's) is a Kona cotton, and was a dream to work with. Next time I am there and armed with a 50% off coupon, I think I will stock up on several yards of this. I am itching to make a quilt with a white background.

The fabric I used on the back of the pillow (also from Joann's) is a cathedral window print. Pretty clever, huh? I didn't even buy it specifically for this project- I had just picked it up because I liked the print and didn't have any black and white in my stash. I worked perfectly for this project.

Close up of the front:

Up next- I currently have another quilt project in the works. It is a twin sized quilt from a kit my mom has had in her stash for a few years. She told me I could have it because she has more fabric than she can use in her lifetime (don't we all?). So I am sewing it up for her, and will have it machine quilted, then I am going to surprise her by giving to her for her bed. I think it will brighten up her room.

Blessings-
Lisa

Spool Quilt and Nice Fabrics Now Available at WalMart (?!!?!?!)

I made this wall hanging for my sewing room. I thought the spool design was perfect for a sewing room. The fabrics are a couple of Moda charm packs, with a few other fabrics from my stash. I like the simple spool design, and the combo of colors- aqua, corally-red, and beiges. I also like the scrappyness of it. (i love me a scrappy quilt!). I can get away with the floral and pink because this will hang in my sewing room, a room that my boys and hubby don't spend time it. I think if I tried to hang this in another part of the house, I would get some resistance from the guys in the house. *sigh* That's what happens when you are outnumbered 4 to 1.

The pattern is called "Gentle Art" and it is from Miss Rosie's Quilt Company.

I didn't have any fabric in my stash for the binding, so I was prepared to drive out of town to buy some (we don't have a quilt store here in Red Wing), when I remembered some pretty blue polka dot fabric I had seen at Walmart. YES, Walmart. While most Walmarts did away with their fabric departments (including ours) they have since started bringing them back. At first it was all the same low quality fabrics they used to carry, but lately they have been getting in some really nice quality quilting cottons. I would compare them to quilt-shop quality. They are in the $7.00-8.00 range, so a little more than their lower quality $3.95 ones. Don't get me wrong- I fully support shopping at local quilt shops, and do so every chance I can get. But when you are in a pinch, and have no fabric store in town, it is nice to know you may find what you need at the local Walmart.

It was a fun little quilt to make, and looks great in my sewing room! Some day, when my sewing room is neat and clean and organized (OK, quit laughing, it WILL happen someday) I will take you on a guided tour. I love my sewing room, and feel so fortunate to have a space all my own to do my creating.

Blessings-
Lisa

New Summer McCall's & a Walk Down Memory Lane

I usually don't get too excited about McCall's patterns, but the new summer collection has some great patterns. Easy-to-wear summer dresses and cute tops are on the top of my must-buy list. Here are the patterns I will be picking up at the next McCall's pattern sale:



M6551. I like the version in the orange and white print. I could see making a couple of these. It could be dressed up for work, or add some sandals and a denim jacket to dress it down for the weekend.



M6563. I like the version the model is wearing, and also the view in white, with the sleeve tabs. I can see these done up in light weight charmuse (silk or poly) or voile or lawn.



I love this pattern for cute tops. I really like the fact that this pattern (and the previous one) are not for knits. So many or the cute top patterns are for knits, and I struggle to get my knit garments to look professional. I much prefer working with wovens. These would be just as eady to wear as a t-shirt, but so much dressier.



M66564. I think this tie blouse looks so polished. I like wearing blouses for work, because they give me a pulled-together look with one piece. I think this would be nice in a rayon challis in a pretty print.



M6534. Another cute dress that can be dressed up or down.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if only I had the time/energy/money to make all the patterns I love, my wardrobe would be HUGE! But it is fun to dream and look at patterns anyway.

If you haven't been to the fabric store lately, and are looking for a little spring pick-me-up, you should go. I love browsing the aisles of spring fabrics- the seersuckers, the pretty, delicate cotton prints, all the spring colors.

It takes me back to my childhood, going to the fabric store with my mom to pick out pattern and fabric for my Easter dress every year. We would look at the new fabrics, then study every pattern book until we found just the right one. Then, back to the fabric to find the perfect fabric for the pattern. A stop at the notions department to buy matching thread, zipper, and lace or ribbon trim. Leaving the store with all these things in a bag, knowing that my mom would transform them into a beautiful dress just for me was such a great feeling. Not to mention the time my mom and I spent together.

My mom isn't able to fabric shop with me anymore, but if she could magically have a day in which she was physically able to go anywhere and do anything, I would love to go to the fabric store with her again, We would spend hours looking a fabric, sitting at the pattern table looking at patterns, and choosing new things to make for spring. Then as we walked out of the store we would say what we would always say when leaving the fabric store- "We better get home, and get sewing!"

Blessings-
Lisa

New Set of Crocheted Dishcloths

How many dishcloths does one person need? This is the question I am sure many of my friends and family ask themselves every time they see me making more of these. I can’t help it. Making these quick and easy projects is just so addicting. And the colors? The colors of the yarn are so fun, I want to buy a skein of each color!

Here is the latest set I made, in a springy, bright coral color, along with a matching variegated one, and one in white.  My next set is going to be in earth colors, brown and sage and ecru. It is a custom order for a customer.

Blessings-
Lisa

Simplicity 2942

Pattern Description: Juniors/Juniors Plus dress, mini dress, and tunic with sleeve variations. I made the tunic.
Pattern Sizing: Size AA (5/6-15/16)

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 were very good.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how the front facing and back facing were done. It gives a very finished look to the top.

Fabric Used: I think it is a cotton. I found it in the bargin bin at JoAnn's. It is a bright pink color, which I think fits in with the "bright colors" trend this spring. It has a silver thread running through the stripes.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: It called for a casing at the waist with a drawstring. I omitted this and just sewed some 1/4" elastic there instead.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew it again, but I would recommend it. It is a cute top.

I was able to spend some time in my sewing room this weekend, and last, and this top was easily completed in just a couple hours. It went together very easily. I was nervous about the fit because it is a juniors pattern, but it fits well, and doesn't have all the extra ease you find in most misses patterns from the Big 4.

I am also working on a cathedral window pillow like this one from Moda Bake Shop. I just need to add the borders and sew it to he backing.

Blessings,

Lisa

Simplicity 5813- Baptism Outfit for my Godson

Pattern Description: Baby christening outfits. I made the boys romper and matching jacket.


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

Pattern Envelope:



Were the instructions easy to follow? These instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was very well drafted. It went together with no problems at all. I liked that the sleeves on the jacket easy to ease in. Usually pattern companies put too much ease in the sleeve cap. That was not the case with this pattern. I also liked that the jacket was lined. It made for a nice finish on the front edges, bottom, and neck. No turning under and stitching.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a small pom-pom type trim instead of the middy braid the pattern called for. I think if I were to make this pattern again, I would line the bodice of the romper to give it a more finished look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recomend this pattern.

Conclusion: This outfit lokked adorable on my Godson. It is a very cute outfit for a baby boy's baptism day.



Were the instructions easy to follow? These instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was very well drafted. It went together with no problems at all. I liked that the sleeves on the jacket easy to ease in. Usually pattern companies put too much ease in the sleeve cap. That was not the case with this pattern. I also liked that the jacket was lined. It made for a nice finish on the front edges, bottom, and neck. No turning under and stitching.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a small pom-pom type trim instead of the middy braid the pattern called for. I think if I were to make this pattern again, I would line the bodice of the romper to give it a more finished look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recomend this pattern.

Conclusion: This outfit lokked adorable on my Godson. It is a very cute outfit for a baby boy's baptism day.
I love the pale blue trim and the cute little buttons!