Want to come to Sew South? Miss out on a ticket last Fall?
Well, you are in luck!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Top 5: Hey Girl!
What could be better on this rainy Friday than a little Ryan Gossling? Hey girl...
Enjoy your Friday!
xo,
Jennifer
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Dress for Me & A Washi Dress Pattern Review
I did it! I made a Washi dress for me.
This is the first garment I've made for myself and really only the second garment I've sewn.
I used the pdf pattern, taped it together on Sunday and got to work that night cutting out my fabric. So all in all, it took me three days to make the dress which is really quick I think.
The pattern:
OK, the pattern comes in pdf and in paper form. It's well organized with lots of information and clear steps. With that being said, I'm a really inexperienced garment sewer and I still had to look up a few key terms like understitching and overstitching.
Then I wasn't sure how to finish the seams. I don't have a serger but I do have an awesome machine that has 10 different overlock stitches. Overlocking is totally new to me so I experimented with a few different types and found one I was happy with. The part I wasn't sure about was how much to trim the seam before I did the overlock stitch. The pattern called for 1/2" seams and only said to trim the side seams so I trimmed to a little bigger than 1/4" and then did the overlock. I'm like to be sure of the right way to do this technique so I'll be hitting up my sewing teacher for answers on Friday.
I left out the pockets and didn't think I'd miss them but I'm definitely adding then next time.
The fit:
I think the fit is pretty good. I made a medium and did a muslin of the bodice first which came together quickly and is something Rae recommends. I fell right between the small and medium but I definitely need the medium across my shoulders and back. I need a bit more practice with bust darts (are they supposed to be lower?) and think they might be less noticeable on a printed fabric instead of a solid.
I made my dress with the scoop neck without the keyhole which was a good choice for me. It's still a little gappy so I'll need to wear a tank or camisole underneath. I also had a thought that I could raise the neckline and do less of a scoop which would probably solve that issue. I think I'll play around with that on the next go round.
I also think the skirt is a little more full than I'd like. I want to reduce the amount of volume in the skirt for the next time which is yet another thing I will be asking my garment teacher how to do this week. I'm thinking that would it would be as easy as redrawing the lines of the skirt pattern, and taking it in some but I'm not sure. I'll let you know.
The pattern includes a cap sleeve but I opted for the long sleeve version. Rae has a free sleeve pattern on her website that is a compliment to the Washi dress. It was super easy to make and install because you sew it in as a flat sleeve. All that means is that you sew the sleeve seam and dress side seams all at the same time in a straight line. It's easy-peasy.
I'd love to make several of these for summer. I love that they just pull on, can have several sleeve options and think they would be so cute in fun summery cotton prints. A knit would be fun too.
All this to say that my daughter will be getting some summer dresses too... after a bit more practice for me. :)
So tell me, what other dress patterns should I try? I'm excited to be making things to wear!
xo,
Jennifer
Sewing Clothing: A Washi Dress
How was your weekend? We finally had some snow on Saturday- the big, fat, powdery flake kind that makes everything beautiful.
With a little extra time in the long weekend and spurred on by the success of my WIP top (New Look 6871,) I jumped into the Washi Dress pattern.
I discovered my sewing machine has tons of overlock stitches which is great since I don't have a serger.
I followed this tutorial (with great results I might add) for shirring with elastic thread in a drop in bobbin. Don't be scared- give it a try!
My plan is to finish it up today and I'll post a little more of a pattern review when I share the finished dress.
What are you working on today?
xo,
Jennifer
And just like snow in the South, it was 50 degrees and all gone by the end of Sunday. Just the way I like it.
I discovered my sewing machine has tons of overlock stitches which is great since I don't have a serger.
I followed this tutorial (with great results I might add) for shirring with elastic thread in a drop in bobbin. Don't be scared- give it a try!
What are you working on today?
xo,
Jennifer
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Top 5: A New Series!
Time for a new series y'all!
The Top 5 at Ellison Lane.
It combines my love of lists with a bunch of eye candy coming your way each week.
The Top 5 what you ask? Well just you wait and see.
That's the beauty of this series- there are no rules. The top 5 will cover all sorts of topics, tutorials, inspiration, travel, music, books and beyond.
Really, nothing is off limits.
Ready to get started? Yeah, let's do this.
First up! Top 5 Pincushion Tutorials
2. Oh So Cute Tiny Houses by Kim of Retro Mama
3. Teeny Tiny Hexies by Corey of Little Miss Shabby
4. Dresden Pincushion by Heidi of Craftnosis
5. Scrappy Ticker Tape Cushion by me.
(Well you know I had to include my own!)
Stay tuned for the next Top 5!
xo,
Jennifer
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Sewing Clothing- Round 2
So, after making a muslin for the Tova tunic, I decided that it just didn't fit me well. I found that I am in between two of their sizes and didn't want to make the larger one so I ditched it. It was a really good learning process for me (my first garment for me,) and it convinced me that I needed to take a garment sewing class from somebody that could show me the ropes in person. (Thanks for all of your great comments on that post too- very helpful and most appreciated!)
So, a friend found a teacher for us, we picked a pattern and we jumped in.
We're making the New Look 6871 pattern and so far so good. You can follow my progress on Instagram and over at Threadbias. I'll be finishing it up next week after I learn how to put in the sleeves and finish all the seams without a serger. If this whole sewing clothing thing goes well, guess what will be on my birthday wish list this year!
Our teacher mentioned doing a class on techniques which I think would be great too. I really just want to learn the right way to do things so I don't have to google every step along the way!
I think after we finish this top, I'd like to make the Washi dress and add sleeves to that. I'd really love to have it finished by Sew South. I've got 5 weeks to go so I better get a move-on!
Any garment patterns you love? I'd love to hear some recommendations!
xo,
Jennifer
So, a friend found a teacher for us, we picked a pattern and we jumped in.
Our teacher mentioned doing a class on techniques which I think would be great too. I really just want to learn the right way to do things so I don't have to google every step along the way!
I think after we finish this top, I'd like to make the Washi dress and add sleeves to that. I'd really love to have it finished by Sew South. I've got 5 weeks to go so I better get a move-on!
Any garment patterns you love? I'd love to hear some recommendations!
xo,
Jennifer
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Valentine Crown Tutorial! My Pellon Project
Hey y'all! So excited to share my first Pellon project with you today.
Check out the Queen of Hearts crown!
It's a quick and easy project that will turn your little princess into the Queen of Hearts, just in time for Valentine's day!
Pop on over and check it out.
xo,
Jennifer
Monday, February 11, 2013
A Quilty Finish
Last Friday, a special package arrived from Spoonflower.
Have you ordered from them? You can print your own designs on all kinds of fabric and they've branched out into wall paper and wall decals too. There are a ton of ready-made designs to choose from as well.
I'm so excited that they sent some cute fabric for Sew South. They also sent a very cool panel printed with my Sew South logo which I whipped up into a banner for the retreat.
Kinda awesome, right?
The gray letters faded some in the wash but I am still really pleased with how it turned out. Less than 6 weeks to go and I can't wait!
What have you been quilting lately?
xo,
Jennifer
Have you ordered from them? You can print your own designs on all kinds of fabric and they've branched out into wall paper and wall decals too. There are a ton of ready-made designs to choose from as well.
I'm so excited that they sent some cute fabric for Sew South. They also sent a very cool panel printed with my Sew South logo which I whipped up into a banner for the retreat.
Kinda awesome, right?
The gray letters faded some in the wash but I am still really pleased with how it turned out. Less than 6 weeks to go and I can't wait!
What have you been quilting lately?
xo,
Jennifer
Monday Morning Smile
Have you seen this Disney short? I saw it over at Madam Samm's. It'll make you smile. Pretty good way to start a Monday. PS: How about Downton last night! Love a 2 hour DA!
xo,
Jennifer
xo,
Jennifer
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Scrappy Drawstring Bags
Have you ever done a sample swap? We're having one at Sew South. Each person makes 4 of the same item, and we swap in groups of five people.
I used my drawstring bag tutorial, pulled out the last of my Hope Valley and got to work.
I'm pretty sure a few goodies will find their way inside these bags before we swap.
Wonder what I'll come home with? :)
What are you sewing this weekend?
xo,
Jennifer
I used my drawstring bag tutorial, pulled out the last of my Hope Valley and got to work.
Wonder what I'll come home with? :)
What are you sewing this weekend?
xo,
Jennifer
Friday, February 8, 2013
Sew South Garment Teacher!
Today I'm excited to introduce you to the Sew South garment workshop instructor, Jennifer Roycroft!
Jennifer is the owner of We're Sew Creative, a Sew South sponsor and a great local quilt shop just outside of Charlotte. We're headed there before we hit IKEA on our Sew South fabric field trip!
I'm so excited that Jennifer is teaching our pajama pants class. I can hardly wait to make myself some comfy and cute lounge pants!
Jennifer is kind, thoughtful, creative and fun so I thought you might enjoy getting to know her a bit more. Read on below!
Jennifer is the owner of We're Sew Creative, a Sew South sponsor and a great local quilt shop just outside of Charlotte. We're headed there before we hit IKEA on our Sew South fabric field trip!
I'm so excited that Jennifer is teaching our pajama pants class. I can hardly wait to make myself some comfy and cute lounge pants!
Jennifer is kind, thoughtful, creative and fun so I thought you might enjoy getting to know her a bit more. Read on below!
 |
| Jennifer Roycroft Shop: We're Sew Creative |
EL: How long have you been sewing? I've been sewing since I was little.
Both my mother and grandmother liked to sew. I thought every little
girl knew how to sew!
EL: What do you love about sewing? I have always liked to create.
I learned how to knit and crochet at age 6 by my Great Aunt Anna. I
guess I had the patience for it at a young age and like to keep my hands busy. Nothing
says love like something handmade!
EL: What inspires you? I love color!!! Red is probably my favorite
but I'm not opposed to any color. I also like unique things that spur me
on to sew and thinking through what someone else would like and creating/making
it for them.
EL: What do you love about having a fabric shop? Having the fabric
shop has given me the opportunity to surround myself with some very talented
people and customers. I love learning new things especially when it has
something to do with fabric. It’s also given me the opportunity to get to
know more people in this industry. I love hearing the personal stories of
how people got started in this business. I really enjoy hearing customer’s
stories of what they are making and who they are making items for. It
truly is a business built on relationships and personal interaction. I
enjoy getting to know new people and hope they feel welcomed into the
"sewing family" when they visit the shop.
I think you're going to really enjoy Jennifer, her shop and her workshop at Sew South. And for those of you not attending, We're Sew Creative will soon be opening an online shop! Exciting!
Have a great day people!
xo,
Jennifer
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Behind the Scenes
With Sew South 6 weeks away, I've been busy behind the scenes coordinating details, awesome sponsors and supplies.
I'm getting to so excited!
I hope to finish up my sample swap items today.
These little drawstring bags will have some surprises inside. First I need to switch out the blue ribbon for a fabric one then I have two more to make. That is unless I change my mind and go with something different...
BTW, thanks to all of you that entered the Valentine blog hop giveaway! The lucky winner is: Beth W!
I'm getting to so excited!
I hope to finish up my sample swap items today.
These little drawstring bags will have some surprises inside. First I need to switch out the blue ribbon for a fabric one then I have two more to make. That is unless I change my mind and go with something different...
BTW, thanks to all of you that entered the Valentine blog hop giveaway! The lucky winner is: Beth W!
Be sure to pop back over tomorrow for another Sew South Teacher Announcement!
Happy sewing!
xo,
Jennifer
Monday, February 4, 2013
Free Log Cabin eBook
Looking for ideas for your next quilt?
How about a free log cabin eBook to get the ideas flowing? Fons & Porter offers this eBook with several patterns that might be just what you are looking for.
While the patterns look quite traditional, playing with colors, fabrics and solids would give them a whole new life and a modern flair.
Enjoy this free resource!
xo,
Jennifer
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Valentine Tutorials!
Just in case you missed any of the Spread the Love Valentine Tutorials and Giveaways, you can find all of them right here.
A BIG THANKS to all of my friends that participated and to all the shops that sponsored the giveaways. (There is still time to enter each giveaway so make sure you visit everybody!)
Happy Weekend!
xo,
Jennifer
1/28:
Blog: Ellison Lane (Drawstring Pouch) - Giveaway: Papa's Old Shirts Fabric Shop
Blog: Doodle Do Designs (Postage Stamp Magnet) - Giveaway: Material Girl Quilts
1/29:
Blog: Canoe Ridge Creations (Patchwork Heart Block) - Giveaway: Knotted Threads Fabric Shop
Blog: LR Stitched (Fabric Chain Garland) - Giveaway: Lima Sews Fabric Shop
1/30:
Blog: Owen's Olivia (Fabric Suckers) - Giveaway: During Quiet Time
Blog: Petit Lyons (Heart Pillow) - Giveaway: Stitch By Stitch Long Arm Quilting
1/31:
Blog: Jednoiglec/Sewing Under the Rainbow (Heart Pillow) - Giveaway: By Mary Fabric Shop
Blog: Stitchery Dickory Dock (Valentine Wreath) - Giveaway: Knotty Gnome Crafts
2/1:
Blog: From the Blue Chair (Reverse Applique Heart Pillow) - Giveaway: Our Epoch Fabric Shop
Blog: Sew Crafty Jess (Heart Garland) - Giveaway: Hot Pink Stitches
A BIG THANKS to all of my friends that participated and to all the shops that sponsored the giveaways. (There is still time to enter each giveaway so make sure you visit everybody!)
Happy Weekend!
xo,
Jennifer
Friday, February 1, 2013
Rounding out the Valentine Hop!
Today's the last day in the Spread the Love Valentine Hop!
Check out these fabulous projects below!
Julianna from Jednoiglec (Sewing Under the Rainbow) has a tutorial for this adorable pop art Valentine pillow. Love those colors!
Amy from Stitchery Dickory Dock has a kid-friendly Valentine wreath tutorial, perfect for sprucing up your front door.
Then head over to see Kati From The Blue Chair and check out her modern take on a patchwork pillow. She's got an easy reverse applique tutorial for you!
And don't miss Sew Crafty Jess' heart garland tutorial! How cute is this Valentine garland?
Make sure to enter all of their giveaways too!
You can check out all the stops in the hop below:
Happy Sewing!
xo,
Jennifer
Check out these fabulous projects below!
Julianna from Jednoiglec (Sewing Under the Rainbow) has a tutorial for this adorable pop art Valentine pillow. Love those colors!
 |
| Source: Jednoiglec |
Then head over to see Kati From The Blue Chair and check out her modern take on a patchwork pillow. She's got an easy reverse applique tutorial for you!
 |
| Source: From the Blue Chair |
 |
| Source: Sew Crafty Jess |
You can check out all the stops in the hop below:
1/28:
Blog: Ellison Lane - Giveaway: Papa's Old Shirts Fabric Shop
Blog: Doodle Do Designs - Giveaway: Material Girl Quilts
1/29:
Blog: Canoe Ridge Creations - Giveaway: Knotted Threads Fabric Shop
Blog: LR Stitched - Giveaway: Lima Sews Fabric Shop
1/30:
Blog: Owen's Olivia - Giveaway: During Quiet Time
Blog: Petit Lyons - Giveaway: Stitch By Stitch Long Arm Quilting
1/31:
Blog: Jednoiglec/Sewing Under the Rainbow - Giveaway: By Mary Fabric Shop
Blog: Stitchery Dickory Dock - Giveaway: Knotty Gnome Crafts
2/1:
Blog: From the Blue Chair - Giveaway: Our Epoch Fabric Shop
Blog: Sew Crafty Jess - Giveaway: Hot Pink Stitches
Happy Sewing!
xo,
Jennifer
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