Virginia Fashion Week

The fourth annual Virginia Fashion Week is going on now through Nov.14, 2010.  Lots of shows and events featuring lots of different designers.  Exciting to have this all happening here!  Unfortunately, I can't attend any of it.  To see designers involved http://vafashionweek.net/

Another Good Sewing Resource and Cat Pictures!

A catalogue from Connecting Threads arrived the other day.  It is beautiful and inspiring.  I haven't ordered from them before, but I did check out their website.  http://connectingthreads.com/ is well worth visiting.  They have over 81 tutorials, 124 free patterns!  In Nov. they are supposed to be featuring beginner machine quilting and finishing will be in Dec.

 Emma, trying to doze.

 Sleepy Emma on top of the freezer.

Emma, caught on my watch and hat!  The whole rest of the bed was empty!

All right, back to sewing.

Cardigan to Purse

This is a special order to make a purse from a cardigan.  The sweater is 100% wool but refused to felt, so I inserted a sturdy lining to keep it from sagging.  There were alot of holes that needed mending.

I replaced all the buttons with more substantial metal ones.  I used everything except the sleeves.

The finished purse has a large outside pocket created by the V neck (see left, below).  It also has a large secret pocket reached by unbuttoning the front (see right, below).  The strap is webbing with a strip of the lining fabric sewn on top.

For step by step instructions on how to make similar purses from sweaters, see my shop http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com/

Book Review: Pretty Little Presents

It is that time of year again.  If you haven't started sewing gifts, check this book out.  Pretty Little Presents published by Lark Books contains 29 gifts suitable for weddings, babies, hostess, housewarming, but of course would be good for the holidays too!

I sewed these baskets and found the directions to be easy to follow with beautiful pictures.

These cute ladies were shown strung from a ribbon.  Fun, quick and easy!

Fantasy Fabric

I bought this fabric panel from Quilting Adventures because I love the vibrant colors and intricate design.  It is Oceanica by Julie Paschkis for In The Beginning Fabrics.  Now, what do I do with it?

I also wanted to mention http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/ is having a Holiday Quilt Show Contest soon-  starting Nov.14th.  I started my quilt today!