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?

One Free Week at the Vintage Pattern Archives!

I just learned about this, so I'm passing it on to you!

Want to research the roaring 20's era fashion? Are you interested in the clothing style depicted on Mad Men? You can go take a look at patterns from those periods for free!

The University of Rhode Island is allowing FREE access to their Commercial Pattern Database for a whole week, starting Wednesday, August 19th, and lasting through Tuesday, August 24th. This database contains pattern designs and, when available, small scale pattern illustrations for more than 45,000 patterns dating from 1868 through 2000.

In order to access the database for this free trial, one must login as "guest." The password is "pattern." To search the database, choose the "search" link at the top of the page and then choose your criteria from the scrolling boxes. Should you need assistance with using the database, instructions are available.

Thanks to Kathleen of Fashion Incubator for getting the word out!

Zippy Case inspired by Jan

My day job's ISO consultant, Jan, visits us every few months and helps me to ensure our ISO system is running smoothly. It's a GINORMOUS job, especially after adding our largest manufacturing department to our certificate, and I’m still learning all the nuances of it.

Side 1

When she was here in June I noticed her digging in a pencil pouch for her thumb drive. At that moment, the inspiration struck to use some of my Moda "Pack Your Bags" jelly roll to create a cord and electronics pouch for her. It was so apropos; this lady travels a TON. I give props to her, because even though I like to travel, I don't think I could handle doing it all the time. I hope this bag makes her smile a lot. :)

Side 2

I decided I wanted to try my hand at a different type of free-motion quilting. Patsy Thompson Designs has some great templates and ideas on her free downloads page. She does some incredible work with her sewing machine. I'm in awe.

Incidentally, the back of this pouch is what is shown in my “New used Machine and weekend projects” post.



I'll have one similar to this up in my Etsy shop soon. I needed to finish hers first, though, since she was only here on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

First Quilt Finished & Crinkly!

Here it is, all crinkly and soft. I'm very pleased with it, even though it is as flawed as I am. :)

I think I have to take my machine in for a tune-up now. Stay tuned for more purse goodness soon!