Martha Stewart on the Today Show

I was eating my morning oatmeal and watching the Today when Martha Stewart appeared. She said there are about 20 million American women that sew! I am thrilled to know this. I had a feeling it was alot. She went on to demonstrate some super easy projects for spring. They are on her website www.marthastewart.com . I'm going to try some soon.

Tapa Bark Cloth from Hawaii

My grandmother lived in Hawaii in 1936 and brought back this bark cloth. It is made (we think) from a coconut palm tree. It measures 71" x 49". Each "square" is 14" x 12". It is rather stiff and is starting to rip in places. I can't imagine people actually wearing it. Maybe, like linen, it would soften with age or maybe this was a wall covering.

This shows the back. Right now, I have it rolled loosely on a shelf, wrapped in a sheet. I would love to display it somehow, but I currently don't have any wall space left!

Spring Sewing

It is only a few days into spring and the weather is just starting to warm up. Time to plan your spring sewing! Each season I clean out the old clothes and accessories that just aren't working anymore. They might not fit well or be too worn for me to wear. I wash winter coats and put them away. Draw up a list of activities you plan on doing (biking, work/church clothes, hanging out with the kids etc.). This year, I'll be needing a fancy dress for my high school reunion. I've been shopping sales for t-shirts, so I'm covered there. I always make sure I have a light sweater in a go-with-everything color for spring. Look at fashion ads and magazines to get an idea of whats new. Once I decide what I need (reunion dress, top to go with print skirt, etc.), then I decide which ones to sew and which ones to buy. Next I "shop" my fabric stash in case I already have fabric. Then I go shopping with my plan!

Cheerful Fabric Coiled Bowl by catsongstitchery on Etsy

Want to add a ray of sunshine to your table? Cheerful Fabric Coiled Bowl by catsongstitchery on Etsy The colors make me smile.

30 Hour Quiltathon

The Quilting Adventures 30 hour Quiltathon is coming soon! For more info and to sign up go to this link first- http://www.quiltingadventures.com/classes-detail.php?ID=241&mth=2 . You will need to register and pay at Quilting Adventures. Then go here- http://www.quiltingadventures.com/classes-detail.php?ID=241&mth=2 and make sure you register for Team 7 (my team!). We will be machine quilting Fri. April 30, 7-10p.m. This is to raise money for cancer support provided by Massey.

Pattern Review: PJ Pants #210

This is an easy to sew, comfortable to wear pattern for PJ pants. Available now at http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com . I call it a "Body Space"(c)2007 pattern because instead of giving you the pants shape, I give you the shape your body will occupy in the finished pants! This method saves paper when printing and allows the pattern to be adjustable without having to cut and tape.  You will need to measure on the fabric, the length of the pants needed and the circumference desired.  Drawstring and elastic waist for comfort.  Easy instructions!

Pattern Review: Mad Money Wallet

This is a really cute wallet that can be tossed into a bigger bag or worn around your neck.
The pattern is by www.turkeytrackdesigns.com . I found the instructions easy to understand. There are a lot of pieces, so be sure and label them as you cut them out (I used sticky notes). I didn't have any Wonder Under so I substituted canvas for the outside wallet and flap. I didn't back the other pieces and it turned out fine.

I substituted an elastic hair band for the button loop.

There is a safety flap that covers the cash and card area.

Here is the change purse (the wallet is open).

I'm excited, it turned out great and I'm looking forward to using it!

Book Review: Sew Deadly

"Sew Deadly" by Elizabeth Lynn Casey is a fun mystery that even includes sewing tips and a pillow project at the end! Tori is new in town and quickly finds herself a murder suspect. With support from her new sewing circle friends and a love interest, she learns the truth. A great easy read that doesn't get all technical and gory like some murder mysteries do. www.elizabethlynncasey.com

What's New

I've been doing some more charity sewing with the American Sewing Guild and working on a PJ Pants Pattern that will be available later in March at http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com . Mark your calendars for National Quilt Day- March 20! I will be at Quilting Adventures (www.quiltingadventures.com ) meeting and greeting in the morning. I'll have class samples to show.

Small Appliqued Wall Hanging

Made from scraps I had on hand (as a lot of my projects are!). This is early sunset. Clouds machine zigzagged and then pieced around the edges. There is a dowel in a pocket on the back so it doesn't droop when hanging.

I added a couple of beads to the bottom. The whole thing is 12" long. It was fun and fairly quick and easy to sew. Years later, I still remember the evening I got the inspiration! Try capturing a moment in time.

Organizer to Go-#2

This is another organizer that I made a while ago. I think I was inspired by one I saw on Sewing with Nancy. I pieced the outside and added a little free motion sewing. I attached a handle along the "spine".

I used zipper bags because I liked the closing on them, but I wish I had found some completely see through ones (if they exist).

The contrasting pocket could hold a small calendar or note pad and pencil etc.

You just sew through the plastic baggies. I used 6. Then I top stitched the fabric strip over them. This is great for organizing receipts, errands, parts for toys, fabric swatches etc.

Donated More Cat Beds

Just got back from donating 4 more cat and dog beds to the SPCA. They are really easy to make. Here are instructions: http://catsongstitchery.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-make-pet-pillow.html The kids love seeing the animals enjoying the beds. It uses scraps and old rags that would be thrown away otherwise.

Crazy Cabin Table Runner

Hot off my sewing machine-I call this a Crazy Cabin runner. Beautiful desert colors.

15" wide x 48 1/2" long. Flannel backed. Available in my shop:

http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com

Organizer to Go

I sewed this organizer a year or more ago to keep my class notes and samples together. I was inspired by another one I had seen, but I made this pattern to fit my needs. I used pre-quilted fabric, cotton for the bias, ribbon and a hand painted button to close it with.

Two big pockets outside, 3 pockets on each side of the inside. All of the large pockets fit standard copier paper. The shortest pockets have a zipper closure and are divided for holding smaller odds and ends.

I used ribbon printed like a tape measure for fun. The colors are so cheerful and the carrier is very handy, I love using it. Try making one yourself with pockets in custom sizes to fit your needs!