Custom Halloween Pillows

A while back, I fell in love with this pillow.  It was on my list of Halloween crafts, but I just hadn't found the right template for my oversize couch pillows (remember them from this?). 

Flash forward a few weeks, and I found the above skeleton sketch in the trash!  Little E had drawn it to carve on her pumpkin, but didn't like it after all.  I pulled it out, enlarged it on the copier and turned it into a felt applique for the pillow cover.  Instead of a blanket stitch, I made coordinating felt piping (see here for the how-to).  I didn't have to worry about cutting on the bias because the felt is stretchy enough with the straight cut.  I basically followed these directions to make the pillow. 

With one pillow done, I was inspired to cover the other two in the same fashion.  Little E supplied the ghost.  Little A was more hesitant to draw on demand, so I found one of her drawings of a happy face and turned the hair into a stem.  Can you keep a straight face when you look at him?

 

I'm so excited to have festive, custom pillow covers for the Halloween season.  They are even more special because they are based on my girls' art work.  I know we'll have fun pulling them out every year and remembering their 4 and almost 7 year old versions of these Halloween classics. 

 

 

 

Orange and Pink

This fall, oranges and pinks seem to abound.  My eye is drawn to this vibrant combination, and I can't seem to get enough!

While walking through Joann's a few months ago, I spotted this fabric.  I couldn't resist scooping it up - especially with two new baby friends in the world.  

Two simple baby blankets, with rounded corners and a cozy chenille backing.  Perfect for that tummy time, and totally machine-washable for the mamas.  I hope the baby girls love the colors and print as much as I do!  Perhaps I'll inspire a (very) early love of fabric.

Wishing you a vibrant day!

Skirt-A-Day Sewing: Book Review and Giveaway!

Happy September, everyone!

I'm so excited to share another new book with you all: Skirt-a-Day Sewing: Create 28 Skirts for a Unique Look Every Day

If you've read my blog at all, you know I aspire to sew more clothes for myself.  I've attempted store-bought patterns but am always stuck when it comes to sizing - my curves don't fit exactly what's on the package!  Enter: Skirt-a-Day Sewing

This book walks you through the steps of creating your own customized sloper (a pattern made exactly to YOUR measurements).  From that sloper, the book shows you how to springboard and create 28 different skirts, based on four basic styles: wrap, straight, flare and high-waisted.  Each project is rated beginner, intermediate or advanced.



To start, I went with the author's advice and sewed a wrap skirt.  It was hard to choose because all the skirts are so cute! 

Creating a sloper, and the subsequent patterns takes time.  These are not one-hour projects.  But, the time put in is well worth it as you'll create a skirt that fits you EXACTLY how you want it! 

I treated myself to a new tool suggested by the author: the Dritz Styling Design Ruler
It helps draw curves (which I definitely have!) and other pattern needs.

Because it's getting cool here in New England, I wanted to use a fabric that would transition into fall - a light-weight corduroy felt right.  Works with wedges for now, tights and boots later.  My goal was to use leather trim for the ties and pocket.
 

A work in progress here.  I ended up cutting the ties too short (so they don't actually wrap!) and I decided to forego the pocket.  But...can you see the fit?  Pretty spot on for my curves. 

I'm looking forward to trying more skirts (27 to go!) and working more with my sloper.  For never having done sewing like this, Skirt-a-Day Sewing is a great resource for construction, drafting, designing and sewing. 

Would you like to try your hand at it? 

Thanks to the lovely Storey Publishing, I have a copy of Skirt-a-Day Sewing to give away!

Leave a comment about which style you would try first.  Giveaway is open until Monday, September 16th at 11 p.m. EST.  Open to U.S. residents only. 

And, if you just can't wait for the giveaway, you can find a copy HERE !

Good luck!

And, for more chances to win, check out these amazing blogs:

9/10 http://www.sewingrabbit.com/

9/13 http://www.kollabora.com/blog

9/16 http://www.windylou.com/

9/17 http://www.brettbara.com/

9/18 http://www.craftbuds.com/

9/19 http://hodgepodgefarm.net/

9/23 http://sewmamasew.com/

 

Beginning of school projects abound

It's that time of year again - back to school!

This year, we have a first grader in the house.  Her little IKEA craft table wasn't cutting it anymore - her sewing machine barely fit on it, and she was hunched over sewing.  Time for a grown up desk.



Enter this guy from Salvation Army.  I loved the slightly smaller size, but still lots of storage and space for homework and a sewing machine.



Here it is after MANY days of sanding off that ugly dark brown stain and finish!  Already looking better.



And here it is done!  I had to negotiate a bit so the whole thing didn't end up magenta, but I think Little E did well with the drawer pulls.  Stay tuned for the matching (and I mean hot pink) stool I'm working on now.



With the desk finally done, and Little E sewing up a storm, I had some time to get back to my machine too.  First up, some snack sacks for three friends starting new schools.  Pattern based on this tutorial. 

Next up, a book sling for Little A.  She starts preschool this year and was in need of a spot for her books.  Remember the one I made for Little E?  That was already 3 years ago!



Last but not least, I couldn't resist this "apple for the teacher".  Based on this tutorial and using this pattern, I sewed this up the morning school started (it's super quick).  I have another one for Little A's teacher for next week, too.  

Phew!  I think that makes us officially ready for the start of school!  Now, to get to some selfish sewing (and a giveaway for all of you)...stay tuned...

Crafty Warning!!

water bottle holder

If you purchase a copy of Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing; 20 Projects Kids Will Love to Make, you might create a sewing monster!  We certainly have one in our house!

sleepy bear

As I said in my book review HERE, these projects are so appealing and accessible for young sewists.  Little E has been sewing up a storm, and is SO proud of her accomplishments (could her smile be any wider?). 

I am enjoying being able to repurpose so many scraps and see them turned into something wonderful and loveable.

I'll be back soon to share some of my completed projects - just in time for school!  And, I'll have another book review and giveaway soon. Stay tuned!

Sewing School 2 Book Review and Giveaway!

 

I'm so excited for today's post - a book review and giveaway.  The mom, teacher and sewist in me all LOVE this book and think it's a must-have for any young crafter!

Our review copy arrived just before the last day of school - perfect timing for planning out some summer projects.  My little sewist (age 6 1/2) has been eager to sew on her machine, but I've been a bit stumped as to how to make projects accessible, fun and appealing to her.  Thank goodness for Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing!  There are over 20 projects organized into four kid-appropriate chapters: "In My Room", "Let's Go", "Time to Play", and "The Great Outdoors".

The book starts out with a series of 12 lessons to start young sewists with the basic skills they'll need to complete the projects.  The book is written for children, but certainly doesn't "talk down" to its readers.  I found the information to be concise, quite clear and intuitive.  For example, some standard sewing terms that could be confusing were changed - "good side" vs. "right side", "one-way print" vs. "directional", and "everything else scissors". 

Speaking of which, the book offers up realistic suggestions for setting up a sewing space, and supplying it with kid-appropriate tools.  Again, not watering anything down - these kids are using real fabric scissors, but they are ones suggested for younger fingers.  And, all the suggestions are accessible - with a few simple ground rules and supplies, anybody can get sewing.  And, that's just what we did!

Little E's first job was to choose some projects that appealed to her.  To help that process, all the projects in the book are rated with one, two or three stars.  Always positive and supportive, the language used to describe these ratings talk about how much time the project might take (vs.level of difficulty). 

Each project has a list of materials needed, and skills used in that project.  Additionally, the authors provide page references to go back review those skills.  Throughout the directions for each project are quotes from kids that help reinforce lessons and points.  These are visually appealing, appearing in little speech bubbles with a fun font.

All the patterns for the book are located in the back in a very sturdy pocket.  There is a list of all pattern pieces on the pocket for easy location.  My favorite of all is that most of the pattern pieces have a picture of the completed project right on them!  So, for even the emerging reader, s/he can be independent finding the necessary pattern for the project. 

Little E chose the "Art-to-Go-Go" project first.  Another thing I marvel at with this book is that it offers multiple suggestions for how to customize each project.  So, while very much encouraging creativity, it provides guidance and support to young sewists.  The directions for this project call for felt, but we found this great piece of corduroy little E wanted to use.  

The authors suggest using chalk to trace and mark patterns (including "stop and start marks" when sewing "good sides" together).  I discovered Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pens and have been using them in my sewing.  It marks fabric easily and disappears with heat (erasing or ironing).  I LOVE this pen for sewing with a little one!  

This book incorporates beautifully clear photographs to show each step of each project.  All the "models" are kids, and the projects are sure to show imperfections - supporting the authors' ground rule that "nothing has to be perfect".  I think it really helps young sewists see similarly-finished projects in the book.  

Here's little E's completed "Art-to-Go-Go" case - customized for the materials she wanted utilizing the books' directions.  Upon completion, we went out for pizza, and the art case came with us.  I wish you could have seen how proud and grown-up little E was pulling out her art supplies at the dinner table.

Soon after our book arrived and little E finished her first project, we were heading out on vacation.  But, look what came with us!  She picked two projects, gathered all the materials and packed them up.  Another appealing aspect about Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing is that the projects are all things kids can really use.  And, the materials are basic and easily-attained, never calling for anything expensive.  Little E was able to "shop" my sewing supplies and fabric, and pack it all in this bag.

Little E tried out the "Extra Pocket and Belt" project as well.  It was her first foray into handsewing, and I found it soooo helpful to have the book spell it out for her.  I read the directions, and she followed step-by-step.

As soon as she finished the project, she put it on and headed to the beach to collect shells.

Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing makes sewing fun, appealing and accessible to kids.  Projects are clear, interesting, and manageable.  Even my 6 1/2 year old could finish a two-start project within an hour or so.  She is so proud of her accomplishments.

So...have I teased you enough with how wonderful and amazing this book truly is?  Would you like a chance to win your very own copy?



Leave a comment telling how you learned to sew, or with whom you would use this book.

Giveaway will be open for the next week.  Winner will be announced Wednesday, July 17th.  Open to U.S. residents only (sorry, international readers - but PLEASE click on any Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing or photo for the link to purchase).  

And, just for fun, I'm also giving a pack of Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pens  to two lucky winners!  Winners for the book and pens will be chosen at random.

Thank you to Alee at Storey Publishing for asking me to be a part of the Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing blog tour.  For more reviews of the book and chances to win your own copy, check out the full tour HERE.

Good luck and happy sewing!