Silhouettes Classic Blouse by Peggy Sagers

This is the Classic Blouse #600.  I absolutely fell in love with this peacock print.  It has a great drape in a herringbone weave.  Darts give the blouse fit and shape while still being loose enough to be comfortable.  I left the front pockets off.

Button close up- plastic and very washable.

Collar and band cut in one.  Quick and easy construction.

Kwik Sew Top 3302

As you may know, I love using stuff I just happened to have already.  So here is a blouse from fabric that I just happened to have (no idea where it came from!).  It is a synthetic crepe in a diagonal dot pattern.  It looked a little plain when I finished so I added 3 bias flounces to the front neck.  I didn't hem them, so I'm hoping my hunch is correct that raveling shouldn't be a problem.

Easy Changes to a Skirt Pattern for a Hawaiian Border Print

This beautiful print was a gift from my sister in Hawaii.  To make a skirt out of a border print, the hem needs to be mostly straight as opposed to curved like an a-line or circle skirt.  This New Look pattern #6843 is slightly a-line, but it still works.  The print is curvy and varied so I laid the tissue pattern on top to eyeball the best placement.  I didn't even try to match the side seams because I didn't want to waste any fabric and with the lively print, I don't think it matters!

The pattern called for darts, but I used gathers instead.

Recently Spotted on my Sewing Room Table and other things

First the other things:

A lightweight, reversible jacket, great for spring/summer.  Cuffs can be worn up or down.  This jacket is for a customer who saw mine and wanted one.  Mine was a sample I made for a class I taught using Kwik Sew 3564.  Very easy, beginner jacket- no interfacing even.  A button can be added if desired.

My dad made me this dollhouse a long time ago and I played with it so much; I can't part with it.  My daughter has enjoyed it too.  Then it was a book case in the living room for awhile.  Now it has moved into my sewing room to hold books, rulers, pressing hams, and other sewing supplies.

 

Now for what was recently spotted on my sewing room table:

???

Besides the usual colored pencils, markers, fabric, sewing supplies and projects lined up to do, there is a bird house waiting to be hung in the yard and a mandolin in clamps.

How do I get anything done like this?  Sometimes I don't.

McCall's 4878 Jacket

I sewed this unlined jacket out of an ecru cotton.  McCall's 4878 has patterns for pants, skirt and a camisole top as well.  Great pattern, but always check the sleeves.  Frequently the sleeves are drawn or photographed with out gathers in the cap, but in reality, they end up with excess fabric there.  For a good shoulder fit, I had to move the seam line in a little so that took care of the problem.

My husband gave me these beautiful copper conchs buttons for Christmas last year.

I used cotter pins to attach them (make an eyelet on the machine).  This way they are removable for washing and I won't have to worry about them doing something strange and

leaving marks on the fabric.

And here is why I usually don't model my clothes for this blog!



Pattern Review- Butterick 5030 Dress

This pattern features 6 easy variations of a very flattering flared wrap dress.  I chose view A with contrast bands.  Easy to sew.  The waist is secured with two hooks inside.  I used a knit that is printed to look like lace and a black knit contrast band.  This really started as an inexpensive test fit garment, but I like it so much, I will definitely be wearing it often!  I plan to make another one soon, in a woven peacock print without contrast bands for a different look.



Feline Friday- I mean Saturday!

I could give you a whole list of excuses on why I am a day late, but suffice it to say, its summer, and I was out of town.

Since this is Saturday (not Friday), here is a picture of raccoons (not cats), that my daughter Grace and I sewed from an American Girl Kit.  We were having a mother/daughter afternoon.  The kit was fun to make, easy and contained everything we needed.

I sewed the mama raccoon and she sewed the daughter one.

Meow.

Pattern Review- Simplicity 4273

Happy First Day of Spring!  It has been feeling like Spring for at least a week here.  In my effort to use fabric I already have, I sewed up a nice warm weather top.  Plus I was test fitting at the same time.  The top has a seam and shirring under the bustline for a nice fitted look.  There is a side zipper.  The top really wanted some lace around the neckline.  The button came from etsy, buttons by robin.  This was a freebie she sent with my order!

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!

Pattern Review: Butterick 5495 Knit Top

 I love this top!  I usually have good results with Butterick patterns and this is no exception.  Instructions are easy to follow and the top goes together very quickly.  I made a size smaller than my measurements instructed me too (oops, picked up the wrong size!).  But I love the results and get loads of compliements.  My daughter even wants to borrow them!

 I used a Norma Kamali slinky rayon knit for the one above and a different Kamali knit for the long sleeve version below.  I also made a green polka dotted sleeveless top.

I have to admit I skipped the stay stitching steps and several other steps too in the name of speed.  It worked fine.  Sewing knits doesn't have to be hard or scary, in fact, I used a straight stitch for all of these.

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!       

Pattern Review: McCall's 4066- American Girl Doll Clothes

 I sewed this as a gift for my cat-loving niece.  I used McCall's 4066.  I changed the skirt to an elastic waist (just stretch and sew the elastic to the wrong side- no casing). I serged the hem.  The top is a lined wrap, with side snaps.  I used a suede like trim.  The pattern goes together very easily.  It also has pieces for a raincoat, pants and a puffy-sleeve top.

If your American Girl Doll needs undergarments, Check out how to sew doll bras .

Really Easy Quilt Pattern

 I made this quilt for a friend using my Flip Quilt Instructions .  Super easy, it can turn non-quilters into quilters! This quilt is 33"x33", but often I make them 45" or 60" depending on the size of my backing fabric.  Usually I choose a print out of my stash and then choose other fabrics to go with it.  I started this one with the narrow print strips.  I like mixing quilting cottons with upholstery fabrics and clothing fabrics. 

The quilt reverses to red on the back.  It took about 3 hours to complete and was fun to sew!

Happy Villages by Karen Eckmeier

I had the best time making a Happy Village- it felt like playing.  I used Karen Eckmeier's very easy instructions.

 I used fabric already in my stash, and arranged the shapes, then added the roofs and details.  Cover the whole thing with tulle and stitch.

 Adding the church was my idea.  My village is roughly 16"x16".  I bound mine, but in the book, Karen has the villages backed with felt that frames it from behind.  I just didn't have any felt on hand.

 Even the back looks really neat, with all the stitching.

I will definitely be sewing more of these!  My next village will have trees and maybe a fountain.

Most Popular Purse Pattern

My most popular purse pattern is the Weekend Bag or Lola.  She is relaxed and easy going, no hardware involved so you probably have enough supplies at home already!  A great summer bag as shown or change the fabric to richly textured upholstery remnants for an autumn/ winter bag.  I was inspired to create this pattern because a friend gave me the fabric and I was excited to make something RIGHT NOW!  So I used what was in my stash and I love the results.

PDF Pattern- Attache Case to get you organized!

Want a pretty way to organize your papers?  Sew your own Attache Case !  Create your own look for meetings, errands etc.  Finished size is 15"x 12", closed.  Hold everything in 10 pockets, ranging from large to small zippered ones.  Attache closes with a button and loop.  8 pages of clear instructions in English.  Free shipping- I email it to you. 

 I designed this pattern to brighten up meetings and paperwork.  Happy Sewing!

Pattern Review: Simplicity 3796

This is going to be my new go-to skirt for fall.  I have sewn this pattern before (capri pants) and love its easy style.  The details add alot, but I tend to skip some of them for speedy construction.  To make the waist more comfortable, I add elastic to the drawstring so it will hug me better.  I can see myself wearing this from early fall with sandles, all the way through winter with boots.

What's New At Cat Song Stitchery- Cat and Mouse Sewing Pattern-pdf

Meet Cat and Mouse, they are great friends and love hanging out in unexpected places around your house.  In fact, once I get started, it is hard to stop sewing them!

These can be stuffed with catnip for a real cat treat.  My kids love playing with them too!

Free shipping- I email the instructions and pattern straight to you!  Check it out http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com/

Pattern Review: Christine Jonson #714

This is my new favorite top!  I used Christine Jonson's #714, Cross Your Heart Top (green illustration).  It was quick and easy to sew (took about 1 hour 15 min.).  The instructions and pictures are clear and informative. The illustration shows a little more gathers than there really are.  The length is very flattering and the v neck is comfortable- not too low as some wrap-style tops are. 

It is hard to tell details with the print I chose, so I skipped any extra topstitching.  I just know I'm going to wear the life out of this top and then sew more of them!  http://www.cjpatterns.com/ Visit her website to see other patterns available.