Hawaiian Dress

I am so happy to have finally finished my Hawaiian dress from fabric sent to me from my sister in Hawaii!  I started it back in June.  I used New Look 6053.  I chose to underline the whole dress since the back ground is white and I want to wear it in the summer without having to wear a slip. 

It is knee length with a back zipper.  The fabric has a design running down the middle of it as you can see and both selvidges have ferns. 

I am so excited- I can't wait for summer! 

Copying an Existing Skirt

A customer asked me to copy her favorite skirt.  First, I measure the skirt and make note of all its features such as an elastic waist and how wide the elastic should be.  I take lots of measurements and note everything.  This was an easy garment to copy because it is flat, no darts or shaping seams.

There are inseam pockets.  Lay them flat and trace around them for the pattern.

Cut 4 pocket pieces for 2 inseam pockets.

The skirt is a 4 gore design, so I traced one gore and cut it 4 times.  Remember to add seam allowance to all pieces!  I try to do similar hem allowance and top stitching as the original.  She loves the new skirt (sorry, I can't find my finished picture!).

Flip Quilt- Easy, Easy, Easy

I had lots of similar floral upholstery scraps so I decided just to use them all together in a super easy Flip Quilt.  Here is the quilt before binding.

All finished, on my sofa.

Binding close-up.  I used fabric I already had.

Back of the quilt.  Did I say this is really quick and easy to sew?  Perfect for people who say they don't do quilts!

Etsy now offers Instant Downloadable PDF Sewing Patterns

Great news- now my etsy customers can download my sewing patterns instantly!  No waiting!  Start sewing while you are inspired and in the mood. 

The Winner is...

Most popular PDF Sewing pattern by Cat Song Stitchery is the Gig Bag!  The Gig Bag is so much more than a custom musical instrument case; it is also a custom sports equipment bag!  Anything you want a case for, can be made using these instructions.  Available on etsy, patternspot, and craftsy.  

Recent customer comment: "Thank you. The instructions look easy to follow." - Rebecca from Aberdeen, WA.

Easy Table Runner

Using this super easy flip quilt pattern, I sewed this graphic table runner in black and white with pops of hot pink and touches of periwinkle and green.  The runner is longer than the above photo.

Here is a close up of the binding and corners.  This pattern is perfect for non-quilters and

un-perfectionists!  A great way to use up scraps too.

Feline Friday- Sewing runs in the Family

Two paperweight kitties in their new home!  My aunt (who inspired me to start sewing in the first place) sent me this picture of her new cats along side of a puppy made by my grandmother (also inspiring).  Actually my mom was the first one to teach me how to sew, on her old black metal Singer (I remember the smell of machine oil and the hesitating hum of the engine before it took off- ahhh I was hooked). Soon I'll be posting a picture of my daughter's school art project- a dress.  So yes, sewing does run in the family!

National Get Organized Month

Sew your own Attache Case!

Great for carrying and organizing paperwork, notes, projects, documents, etc. 

Finished size, closed, is 15"x 12". Button closing, 4 inside zippered pockets, a total of 10 pockets for all your organizing needs! 

I designed the Attache Case when I needed something pretty to take to classes.

Brighten up budgets and make meetings merry with a beautiful attache case made by you!    

                                       



Black Friday & Cyber Monday on Craftsy

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale on Craftsy!   Online Sewing Classes are $19.99 or less!!  This is a great time to try them out.  I've signed up for a pant technique class.  Don't forget to check out my sewing patterns too!

Happy Feline Friday!

Locals:

Come visit me tomorrow from 9-4 at St.Mathews Church

corner of Forest and Patterson at the Annual Sewing Guild Bazaar!

I will have gift items from $1-$130!

Also my pattern samples will be there in person in case you've been eyeing a pattern...

 

Speaking of patterns-

Catsongstitchery PDF Patterns are available from Craftsy, PatternSpot, and Etsy!

Etsy has added direct checkout so now you can easily use a credit card for purchases.

Craftsy and PatternSpot offer automatic downloads- no waiting!

 

Alice



Holiday Gift Ideas

Now is a great time to buy pdf sewing patterns!

All patterns are $7.00.  I am happy to email them straight to the recipient or to you.

Check out the selection - catsongstitchery

With just a change of fabric selection, you could tailor a special gift to suit all the folks on your list!

 

 

Locals- Don't forget about the

Annual Sewing Guild Bazaar

Nov.17, 2012

9-4

St.Matthews Episcopal

(corner of Forest & Patterson)

Lots of great gifts!

Tennis Racket Case

I sewed this tennis racket case for my daughter, using the instructions from Gig Bag.

Fully lined with a zippered pocket and a zippered closing.  The strap is a cotton web belt.

It actually matches a skirt I made for her, earlier this year.

Remember to allow an inch at least, all around, for ease.



Feline Friday- Cat Sewing Pattern

Cat and Mouse, stuffed, toys, decor, paperweight, pin cushion, easy Sewing Pattern -pdf

From catsongstitchery

Meet Cat & Mouse, they are great friends and love to sit in unexpected places around your house. Cat makes a fun paperweight and pin cushion; Mouse can be a cat toy. Easy and quick to sew from scraps, they make adorable gifts. This is a pdf pattern and 5 pages of English instructions. Free shipping! I email it straight to you. Cat is 6" tall and weighted so she will sit up straight- great for displaying broaches too! Mouse can have catnip added for a little extra fun.

Visit catsongstitchery online shop to order!



Tetrahedron Kite

Need an idea to use those old pattern tissues?

My daughter made this tetrahedron kite for school.

She used straws, glue, string and, of course, old pattern tissue.

Want to try it yourself?  Instructions for tetrahedron kite.

Tangerine Tango is Hot!

Tangerine Tango, Pantone's Color of the Year 2012, is taking fashion by storm.  I have always loved this reddish orange hue.  Want to get in on the excitement? 

Accessories are a great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe. 

Purses are quick and easy to sew.  My sling bag pattern includes a pieced version (shown) and a whole cloth version that takes even less time to sew!

My weekend bag (named because of its casual attitude) has touches of orange here. 

Want some tangerine for your house?  Try this crazy cabin pieced table runner in a toned down paprika shade.

 

Tax Organizer

I hate to bring up the "t" word, but tax time is upon us.  I usually do mine in February.  That would give you plenty of time to sew up an organizer to brighten up the task!  This one has loads of pockets and can be sewn using your favorite color scheme.  Then you might even enjoy doing paperwork.  Get the pattern here. 

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!

New Chatelaine Pattern- keeps your most used sewing tools handy!

A chatelaine was the mistress of the chateau and/or keeper of keys and household tools.  I just finished this pattern to sew one yourself!  The chatelaine features 5 pockets and a pin cushion.  I load mine with scissors, flashlight, screw driver, post it notes, pen, pencil, pins, needles, thimble, bodkin and a seam ripper.

It has been a real lifesaver when I teach classes.  I was always ending up at the opposit end of the room from my tools.  It would be quite handy for any kind of craft really.  There are 2 safety straps on the 2 bottom pockets to keep tools where you need them!

As always, free shipping!

New Pattern- Cabin Pillow and Quilt

I just finished up a new pattern- Cabin Pillow and Quilt
You get 8 pages of photos and instructions explaining how to make this great pillow and quilt. Instructions are in English and come straight to your e-mail so shipping is free!

I call this a Cabin design because it is based on a log cabin block. Easy to sew. Use up your scraps!

These would be great as a matching set or, like my examples, separates destined for different houses. I actually made a pair of pillows to sell but my family liked them so much I had to keep them!       

Grab 'n Go Bag- Super Easy Errand Tote

This bag is super easy yet strong and versatile!  I use mine for errands, shopping, library, camping etc. and I've made several to donate to a local women's shelter.  Foster care uses them too.  Ones I sewed years ago are still hauling cans from the grocery every week!  Did I mention they are great gift bags too?  Use sturdy decorator fabric for a pretty, strong tote! Grab 'n Go Bag- Super Easy Errand Tote- FREE instructions!