Tuesday, November 15, 2016

One Thimble, Issue 13

I’m a day late, but it’s my turn on the One Thimble blog tour!
There were some really, really great patterns to choose from this time around and I chose a not so new-to-me designer, Felt With Love. (I previously shared the 3-D puzzle animals.)

There are actually two patterns here today, Kawaii Felt Purse and Kawaii Felt Charms. In case you don’t know (I didn’t), kawaii means “cute.”  And these patterns certainly are cute!  So are all of the other sneaks I’ve seen from this issue of One Thimble! :)
It has finally started to feel like fall here, so I am digging all of the cool summery designs found in OT 13.

I deviated a bit with each pattern, but think I stayed true to the designer with each one.



When I read the description for the Kawaii Felt Charms pattern, I thought I read that instructions for paper clips were included.  Not so. I think I read bookmark and hair clip and interpreted "paper clip." LOL! Options actually include making a charm, bookmark, pencil topper, hair clip, headband, and brooch. Nonetheless, I had my heart set on making some attached to paper clips and I love the way they turned out!  That watermelon has been peeking out of my notebook all week.  I can’t help but smile when I catch a glimpse of it.





As for the Kawaii Felt Purse pattern, the bags remind me of those emoji pillows you see in stores. I couldn’t resist making a few modifications and turning them into pillows for my nieces!  The popsicle is made from felt, the sun uses minky and felt, and the watermelon uses quilters’ cotton.








Both of these patterns were very well written and I am already planning matching purses for the pillows.  My nieces will love them!

Just wait until you see what everyone else has made. You will be hoping for warmer weather soon! ;)



8/12

8/13

8/14

8/15

8/16

8/17

8/18

8/19

Sunday, August 14, 2016

One Thimble, Issue 12 Review


Can you believe it's time for another issue of One Thimble?  I got to preview this one (and try a couple of the patterns) and I must say, it's a fantastic read!  With 10 pdf patterns (and some tutorials)  and seemingly countless articles, there is sure to be something for everyone. 

The two patterns I got to try out are both by "Molly and Mama."   Unfortunately, my little model couldn't make it and I only have pictures of the finished items. 
The Darling Daisy bag is simply adorable!  I chose to leave off the flower "face," but may add it on later with a pin as it will make a wonderful brooch!


I also stitched up the Flutterby Kite. I chose to piece my front a  little differently to use up the dots I found in my stash and love the way it came out.  I also left off the trim going around the kite to see how it looks (quite nice ;) ) without it.


Over all, both of these patterns were so easy to make! The directions were clear and I would definitely recommend either of these for a beginner. They would even be a great project to work on with a child!


What else might you find in this issue?
TONS of great info! Including how to make your own sew-in magnets-I do want to try that one!
Awesome looking clip/headband holder tutorial--I'm seriously thinking of making this one for myself, lol! Who says it can't hang in my closet? ;)
Tips for spring cleaning your stash.  As if you could ever have too much fabric!  This article has actually inspired me to take another look at my hoard  collection after the kiddos have gone back to school next week!

There's even an article that walks you through making your own fabric with what you only thought was meant for the trash!  As if  I need another reason to save everything, lol!  I hope I follow through with this one, I can't wait to make a cute little zipper pouch with fabric I have made myself!  (Thanks for the inspiration!!)


Here's the schedule so you can follow along with the rest of the OT tour!

8/12

8/13

8/14

8/15

8/16

8/17

8/18

8/19
Made by Sara


What's the first thing you'll make from this issue?

Happy Sewing!!

Sunday, May 15, 2016

ONE THIMBLE, ISSUE #11

(I was provided a copy of One Thimble to review, but all opinions are my own.)
This time around, the theme for One Thimble is "Urban Vibes" or, as I keep saying to myself--"It's a Jungle Out There!"
Issue 11 is packed with of inspiration for girls AND boys of all ages.

 I started with the Felt 3-D Animal Puzzle by Felt With Love Designs (http://www.feltwithlovedesigns.com/).  As you can see these are loads of fun! You can make each animal a different color or use the same color throughout to make matching up the legs a little more difficult.  Of course it really won't matter because chances are the kiddos will mix it all up themselves! Obviously that's just part of the fun!!
See? Elephant legs on an Alligator...what were they thinking, lol?!?
These little guys were easy, but time consuming to make.  (I'm already plotting some for Christmas gifts!)

 Next up:  Adventurer Pants by Rabbit Rabbit Creations! (https://www.facebook.com/RabbitRabbitCreations/?fref=nf)


 I started with a sheet that has just been sitting in a closet for many, many years...like 12 or so years, lol!   Quite some time spent fussy cutting and voila! Super cute Adventurer Pants that this little guy adores!
I love the detail you get with the contrast fabric.  You can't see a lot of contrast with my side panels, but I love how the pocket trim pops!

Were they a quick sew? Yes, I would say so.  The only thing that held me back the slightest bit (aside from fussy cutting, of course) was that I only print in black and white and the cutting lines are very close together in places. Definitely not a deal breaker and I'm pretty sure that he would like another pair. :)


As for the e-zine itself--My first thought was, "Yikes!  That's a lot of pages!!"  393 to be exact, but the first 100 or so are articles and pattern previews.
Oh, the articles will blow you away!
Not only are there inspiring pictures for making all kinds of goodies, there are tips for sewing with laminates, using rivets, even converting single-pull zippers to double-pulls!

I was taken back to a time when my boys were little and loved having me sew for them. Ari from Max California shares tips for sewing for boys, including finding your/his style.  If you aren't used to sewing for boys, hopefully you will be ready to start after reading this issue!
Not only is there a quilt pattern included in this issue, you will also find a tutorial for making a cute bunting with quilt blocks and tips for including rag quilting in your sewing.

I think my favorite article this time around is about using a Brother Scan n Cut.  I actually got one for Christmas, but haven't even turned it on! :/   After reading all about it, I know that I am ready to get started...just as soon as I clean up my crafting space, lol!

Did I mention the freezer stencils?  Guys...there are freezer stencils! (and of course a very comprehensive how-to)  AND, a file with the specific format the Scan n Cut uses so I don't have to figure out how to convert them, YAY!!  If you haven't joined in on this latest, greatest craze, here's your chance!

I know there's tons more to tell, but really, I think you should go grab a copy and read it all yourself. Don't believe me?  Check out what these fabulous bloggers have created along the way as part of the Pattern Revolution (https://www.facebook.com/PatternRevolution/?ref=br_rs) blog tour. Well, okay, some of them haven't been published yet, but I've seen some sneak peeks...EEK, the cuteness!



5/18 Rebel & Malice, Threading RainbowsFinn's Door, Bee Quilted & More, Snickerdoodle Stew



I can't decide what I want to make next...hoody appliques (maybe on a  pillow), the cute stuffies, something with freezer stencils or the Scan n Cut...
What do you think your first project will be?
Feel free to link back here if you blog about your next creation. 
Happy sewing!  :)

Monday, March 7, 2016

Perfect for Spring--the FHS Perfect Petal Purse Pattern by FABulous Home Sewn

Spring has finally sprung!!  Not really, but that's how it has felt around here for a few days. ;)
Earlier this week Fenna of FABulous Home Sewn patterns was looking for a few people to sew up the FHS Perfect Petal Purse.
I couldn't resist the chance to make a little something for SPRING!! Clicking here (http://swhettybettie.blogspot.com/2016/03/easter-sewing-perfect-petal-purse.html) takes you to Fenna's post of fabulousness!
The minute I saw the pattern, I knew the PERFECT young lady for this Perfect Petal Purse!  Miss "R" loves all things "animal" so even though I had just used this cute fabric for another project, I pulled it out and dug through my scrap bins for some bright and cheerful petals.

Was this an easy sew?  Yes!
Was this a quick sew?  Yes!
Is this fat quarter-friendly? Yes!  In fact, all you need is about nine inches for the bag and scraps for the petals.
Does she LOVE her new "nature bag?"  Yes, absolutely!  Look at that smiling face!  Of course, she could just be happy to be playing outside. ;) ;)

 Do I want one for myself?  Maybe, lol! 

 The strap length is perfect for my little friend, but I think I would like to try one with no strap to toss in my bag as I head out the door.  It's the perfect size for cash/driver's license and a few necessities.

Do you want one for yourself?  Sure you do!  Maybe you know a little girl that would love to have a cute flower bag to match her Easter dress...
Entering  EASTER2016 will get you 30% off in the Etsy shop, expiring March 12, 2016.  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FABulousHomeSewn
There is also a Rafflecopter giveaway (link below) for a copy of the FHS Perfect Petal Purse Pattern!     Good luck!  Who do you know that would love this bag?





a Rafflecopter giveaway









Saturday, February 13, 2016

One Thimble, Issue 10 review and a giveaway!

It's here!!  Another issue of  One Thimble (http://www.onethimble.com.au/) was just released!! I was lucky enough to get to read through the whole magazine (e-zine?) and stitch up two of the featured patterns! :) I am absolutely in love with all of the patterns and plan to review at least two more soon.
This issue is packed full of adventure-themed patterns that will be sure to delight the children in your life.
Not only that there are TONS of articles to help you get creative, offer sewing tips and advice, and point you in the right direction if you are business minded. (Even if you aren't, these were great reads!)  And projects!  In addition to all of the fabulous patterns included (that you can also buy separately at  www.onethimble.com.au) there are also some great free projects that are only in the e-zine!!

My first pattern is The Adventure Case by Emkie Designs.  This is a super cute pattern for a lunch bag, but I decided to skip the insulating and vinyl layers and have it be for holding treasures. ;) 
This pattern is very well written and easy to follow. I think it took me a couple of hours to finish (after cutting), but if I had not turned on Netflix, it would have been much quicker, lol!   
       The only change I made to this pattern was to leave off the "Tongue Locks"  and use Velcro instead. I want to make sure my little nephew can open/close everything by himself when his big sisters aren't around to help! 

 
Next on my list was the Treasure Map Embroidery Pattern by Hugs are Fun.  This is a new-to-me designer and I was very pleased!
This was the perfect project for on-the-go.  I slipped everything I needed in a zip-top bag and kept it in my tote/bag of the day.  I pulled it out several times over the last few weeks, most notably during my son's weekly violin lesson. It really helped the hour pass quickly.  I need to find something else to work on this week!
After stitching the treasure map, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it.  Should I stick a backing on it and let it be a map they can carry around or make it a pillow to put in their play room or frame it to hang on the wall???  Oh, sometimes it's agonizing (ha!) to make decisions!  I think I'll make a pillow, framing the map with the fabrics from the Adventure Case.  I'll be sure to edit this post when I do to include a picture of the pillow. 
Leave me a comment letting me know how you would use your treasure map. ;)
 
Not only was I super excited and honored to get to review the whole issue and sew up a couple of items, I have been blown away by what everyone else is making.  Be sure you check out everyone's posts for this blog tour!! Don't forget to enter the giveaway-link below the schedule. Good luck!! :)

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                                             Enter giveaway here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading. Until next time, "Happy sewing!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Can you see my crunchy winter grass?  I'm SO ready for Spring/Adventuring weather!!