Ruffled Girls skirt!

Even though I don't wear many "frilly" things myself, I adore making them.  My neighbor's and friend's little girls' birthdays were a perfect excuse to make some adorable ruffle skirts from Snazziedrawer's "Ooh La La Ruffled Skirt Pattern."

Here are a few pictures of my process and one of the finished skirts.

I must say that Snazziedrawer's pattern is great for beginner and experienced sewers.  She gives enough information that a person can start sewing with this pattern.  Those who are more experienced can use her pattern and alter or skip some of her instructions, as necessary.  


For example, instead of making the requested 1/4" turned hem on the ruffles, I used my serger to make a narrow rolled hem on each side.  The results weren't quite as pretty, so I stitched grosgrain ribbon over the top hem of each ruffle.

Personally, I think the ribbon trim gives the design some kick:

What do you think?

Dreams of Sewing...

I love my job, truly.  It is so fun to be able to order fabrics, "treasure hunt" for patterns, and make things to sell as well.


Because of a recent Fabric Love site snafu, I've had to do more fixing, listing, and what I call "squid work" than actually creating things.  I started a victorian-style purse.  Here is a picture of my plans for it a few weeks ago:  

I've made a few changes and would really like to get back to it sometime soon.  

Of course, while I'm doing said computer work, sometimes I veer from the path for a few minutes to look at interesting things.  For example:
 

Wouldn't the above fabric from Fabric Mart look stunning when used with this pattern?  

Perhaps in a bias... (evil genius hand-rub) ye-e-es.  


Now I must decide whether I will keep or sell this 1949 treasure of a pattern.

Valentine's Day Sale

 

Wishes you a very happy February and Valentine's Day.

So now that we're in the spirit of things, we'll spread our love around by giving you a coupon code for a 10% discount at checkout.  Yep, this Valentine's Day Sale allows you to take 10% off your total amount (excluding shipping).  Now through February 14, take 10% off your entire order at Fabric Love or Sanourra Designs by entering the code BEMINE*.  

*You must enter the code to get the discount.  Orders through Etsy will have discounts refunded through paypal.  Discounts at Fabric Love calculate automatically in the cart.

Do you <3 handbags? Drool over retro fabrics? Get a spring in your step when you see a beautiful vintage item?  

Would you just love to sew a dress designed in your mother's or grandmother's heyday?  Take a look at some of my favorites here, then go find them in my shops, Fabric Love and Sanourra Designs.  All items will be shipped as quickly as possible, sometimes even the same day.

Click on the image below for a better look.

Richie (wonderful tech-god of a husband that he is) got my new site implemented, so it's much easier to navigate now.  New patterns, fabrics, and vintage up soon!

Yarn bag in process - updated frequently and randomly during project

In order to get the yarn busket to stand upright on its own, I used Pellon Peltex Ultra Firm single-sided fusible interfacing. I used my iron to fuse this to the Soft 'n Crafty polyester fiber fill. I used the interfacing as the under layer, the fiber fill as batting, and laid the pieced outer fabric covering on top for this "quilt sandwich."


I've noticed in the past that sometimes the fabric takes on a "wavy" or "crinkly" appearance when fusing it to the interfacing, so I'm pleased with the results of the suggestion I found in Ric-Rac's fabric bucket tutorial.



After quilting the "sandwich" with some simple lines, I trimmed and squared the edges. Now both pieces measure 16.5" x 18.5".



Here's a closer shot of the finished Denny Kitty appliqué (a.k.a. Knittin' Kitten by Urban Threads), crossed eyes and all. I machine appliquéd on all pieces, then used a bit of fabric paint to put the lines on the ball of yarn.



I had seriously considered embroidering the yarn ball to show the threads of it, but unfortunately I am on a bit of a deadline. Grandma's birthday is Sunday, and I'll be leaving town to see her on Saturday. I'd also like to whip up a laptop bag before leaving. I'd better stop blogging and start sewing!

I'll be adding more to this post in the coming day, so stay tuned!


Update: Put ribbon handles and decoration on bag, sewed up corner darts, and added zippered interior pocket.


Up next: Creating and securing pocket panel for crochet needles, yarn (thread) snips, and a yarn needle cozy with a velcro closure.

The purple needle cozy is made of two layers of felt sewn to a canvas flap. It features a .5" x .75" velcro closure.


I sewed a strip of Moda's Calypso to the outside of the flap to cover the velcro and felt secureing stitching, and to give it a more finished look. This is the same fabric from which I'm making the zippered interior pocket.