Counting Down the Days

If you are planning to sew gifts for the holidays, time to start now if you haven't already!  There are a variety of patterns and instructions available in my shop- all for a low $7!  The pajama pants pattern is quick and easy to sew.  Pick out a fun print that reflects the recipients interests and you could knock out several gifts in one weekend!  For the musician on your list, a nice new Gig Bag would be much appreciated.  Of course bags and purses are always welcome, and I've got several to suit your specific needs.  Anyone who sews or crafts would love a chatelaine , so handy for holding tools etc.  Don't forget, I've got a free tutorial here on this blog, just click on the tab at the top.  This shopping bag style tote is great for filling with items to match each recipients hobbies and interests for custom gifts sure to please.  Don't wait any longer to get started, that way you can enjoy the sewing as much as your friends and family will enjoy the gifts!

Etsy Patterns and Your Long Weekend

What could be easier? 

Sit at home, eating leftover Thanksgiving meals,

Shopping on the computer.  You can buy etsy patterns all weekend long, I'll be checking my shop frequently, so you can start sewing gifts without ever having to leave your house!

Sounds pretty good to me!

Happy Sewing.

Aprons from Pre-Printed Vest Panels

I recently ran across some pre-printed vest panels. I didn't think I'd wear them as vests, but maybe as aprons.   I don't have all the steps pictured here (I was in a rush to get them ready for the bazaar).  Basically, I used the vest back as the apron top and the vest fronts as the apron lower half.  I had to trim off the shoulders.  I used the same arm shape.  After trimming as needed to fit together, I sewed the 3 pieces together.  The fabric was a lightweight, so I lined the entire apron (making it reversible too!).  The photo above shows the wrong side after the lining has been sewn on (right sides together).  The ribbon ties were inserted and sewn at the same time.  I turned the whole thing right side out through a small hole I'd left open.

Then I edge stitched all the way around, closing the turning hole at the same time.

I like that they are heavy enough now to really protect your clothes.  So dig through your stash and see if you have any pre-printed panels waiting to be sewn!  Actually, I've often thought it would be cool to make something using the panel as yardage and having the directions showing too!  An interesting thought for another time...

Great Bazaar!

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the Sewing Guild Bazaar today!  If you missed it, just visit my shop .  I had many more items that aren't listed too.  If you came and saw something you wanted, but it is not in my shop, just email me.

American Sewing Guild Bazaar

The American Sewing Guild Bazaar

Sat.Nov.19,2011

9-4

St.Matthews Church corner of Forest and Patterson

Lots of great items by a bunch of talented ladies!

I'll have plenty of pattern samples so you can see them in person

plus fun bags, aprons, quilts, dolls, table runners etc.

Stop by and say hi!

Pillow Case Class

The past few weeks, I have been teaching an afterschool sewing class.

Here are students showing off their pillow cases. 

They have been bitten by the sewing bug.

Good work ladies, keep on sewing!

Lovely Lace

I love lace in all its delicate forms.  I don't wear much, but I'd like to.  I've just never thought of myself as a ruffles and lace gal.  Here is an exhibit, "Lost in Lace" , that promises to be anything but traditional.  Here is another photo .  Of course I love lace wedding cakes .  There are lots of types to choose from.  Lace dresses currently in fashion (not really into see-through, but the red undies really make an impact!).  Lacey looks for resort 2011.  I think lace is always classic and in style to some degree, like the Little Black Dress.  Come to think of it, I don't have a LBD but I do have a lacey Little Navy Dress.  Haven't had the chance to wear it yet, but looking forward to it when I do!

Annual Sewing Guild Bazaar

Attention all locals:

November 19, 2011, the American Sewing Guild will hold its annual bazaar at

St. Matthews Episcopal Church

1101 Forest Avenue, Richmond, VA

9-4p.m.

There will be all kinds of fabric items, great for gift giving as well as plenty of non-fabric crafts.

Stop by and see me!

DIY Polka Dots

Sophie Okulick shares a simple but effective way of adding perfect polka dots to your projects.   More polka dot inspiration .  And more from etsy!  Dots are so classic, but never boring.  You just can't go wrong with them.

Joann's Quilt Your Colors Contest

Here are the winners from 2010 .  I think the Taxi and the Rooster are my favorites, but they are all quite good.  I don't know if I'll get a chance to enter, but here are the details .  Great prizes too!