Saturday, November 11, 2017

One Thimble: Issue 17 Blog Tour



Can you believe it's already time for another issue of  One Thimble? With 14 patterns and countless articles, Issue 17 is sure to have something for everyone!
My favorite is that there are several smaller projects included that are perfect for Christmas gifts!


 I focused on the Fruit Bags by Sewperior, the Teachers' Gift Pack by one + two, and the Fabric Wrap Bracelet by Sarah of Pattern Revolution.
All three of these patterns are suitable for beginners, which means that you can easily sew up more than one of them in an evening. Won't that make your holiday sewing fly by? ;)

Here's my fruit bag.  It's just perfect for apples and bananas. I can't wait to get to the grocery store with it!


 I'll admit my "teachers set" may be a little cliche, lol, but I like this fabric made me smile.  I'm sure your child's teacher will be thrilled to receive this set in any fabric! This set includes a cozy for a takeout coffee cup and a coaster for your wine glass that won't fall off!

My last project for this issue is the bracelet. So fun!  I decided to go with the same fabric and will probably include this one for teacher gifts this season. :)

I can see these bracelets being a hot trend this season!














What else is in this issue:  Well, have you ever heard of an interactive applique?  Me either! But, you will find one inside the covers of this fabulous e-zine!
Do you remember a few months ago when OT had a contest?  The “Gifts to Sew Competition?"  
The winners are in here too!
Let's not forget about the Festival Clutch, Sol dress, Nori dress...There's even a pair of shorts (half fly? I'm very interested in this pattern!)  and a jacket that you don't want to miss!  Want to slow down, maybe do a little deliberate sewing? The Flora Fiesta hand embroidery pattern may be for you!  I may have missed mentioning one or two patterns. If so, it's only because my head is spinning at how fun this issue is!
Go, see what your favorite designer has to offer this go round or, maybe, find a new favorite!


This issue is all about festivity and does not disappoint with the first article that celebrates the life and influence of Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist who still impacts art and fashion in today's times--50 years after she lived.

Have big dreams for your crafting, but a small budget?  No worries! In "All I Want for Christmas...) you'll find budget friendly alternatives to some of the fancy machines and gadgets on the market.

I do love giving handmade for special occasions and this issue has plenty of suggestions for everyone in your life, and the whole family can create together, to help you through the giving season.

Are you giving handmade?  Be sure to check out the article on wrapping your precious gifts!

As always, there is a section meant to help your handmade business thrive--really a lot to think about here.
Not only will you find tips for sewing faster, but there is also a focus on slowing down.  From the hand embroidery pattern to the list of podcasts, you'll enjoy every moment of it!

Now to choose which pattern to work on next...

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on the tour and happy sewing!!
11/9/2017

11/10/2017

11/11/2017

11/12/2017

11/13/2017

11/14/2017

11/15/2017

Friday, October 20, 2017

Button Up Blog Tour





 This week we are "falling" into button up love with Winter Wear Designs!
I'm the last stop on what has been an amazing tour for a great pattern.
The Button Up top for women is on sale for $6.50 right now, so grab it while you can!

What a versatile wardrobe piece. Straight from the website, here are the options:
 

• Long Sleeve with tab
• Long Sleeve with cuff and placket
• 3/4 sleeve plain
• 3/4 sleeve with tab
• Short Sleeve
• Sleeveless
• Front Pockets with optional Pocket Flaps


I'm not big on long sleeves, so my version features the short sleeves.  I realize that's not much of a "Fall" look, but it would be great layered with the Provence Pea Coat!  (Psst...I saw that there will be a sew-a-long for the PPC at the end of the month!)


This pattern has been updated with LAYERS!!  I love it when I can only print the size (or two if blending) that I need!  If you haven't tried French seams, this pattern could be your introduction to the method.  Of course, you can always finish seams any way you'd like. ;)
AND princess seams!! I love those!  All the shaping you need without worrying about dart points! ;)
You are led step by step through the pattern, so no need to fret if you aren't familiar with one of the techniques I've mentioned.

I picked a cotton fabric that I've had in my stash for probably 16-17 years, lol. I think I'll try my next one out of something a little more flowy and see how I like that.  

Once again, mad props to my son for his (lack of) photography skills! :D













Check out all the stops of the tour:

Lunatiek 10/19
Stitches By Laura 10/20


What fabric will you use for your next Button Up?



Friday, September 29, 2017

Love Notions Origami

Fall is finally here! Well, according to the calendar it's here. Who knows when we'll actually have cooler weather in the South, lol!
As it is officially Fall, it's a great time to be along for the Love Notions' Origami Tunic and Cardigan Tour! 

What a versatile pattern! The Origami Tunic and Cardigan is available in both women's and girls' sizes!
Cowl neck, banded neck, handkerchief hem, non-handkerchief hem. It was really hard to decide which version to make.
Ultimately I chose the cardigan with 3/4 sleeves (Did I mention THREE different sleeve lengths?!) and non-handkerchief hem (only because I didn't have quite enough fabric, lol!). I think I'll make another with some really flowy knit and definitely use the handkerchief hem!
I love that my son takes the pictures for me, but LOL!
I gotta say, I'm loving the length of this cardigan--long enough for coverage, but not so long it pulls when I sit down, lol!

Be sure to check out all the other bloggers and their great makes.  If you like what you see, the patterns are on sale right now, go grab a copy! ;)
Don't forget to enter the giveaway (link below) for some incredible prizes!!

Tours LOVE to have a sale!

So this week only, grab your copy of the women's Origami for $8 or the girl's version for just $6. Sale ends Saturday September 30 at 11:59pm cst.

Stop by and say hi to all the fantastic bloggers joining in!

Wednesday September 27: Ma Moose Back40Life 


RAFFLECOPTER a Rafflecopter giveaway







Happy sewing!




Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Hip Hop Tank Tour


 Don't you just love a great tank?  Me too!  The Hip Hop Tank is just such a tank. There are 4 options, including sleeves, meaning this pattern is SURE to be a favorite sew!

I chose to try the knit version (yes, woven fabrics work too!) and it was a super fast project, meaning you have time to start another! ;)


 Love Notions was a "new-to-me" pattern company and I'm so glad I had the chance to try this one!  If you are in the market for a new tank, I highly recommend the Hip Hop Tank.
Now, to make one using a woven fabric...
Happy Sewing!


How about a giveaway?  Enter here to win great prizes!

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on the tour!


Monday, June 12, 2017

Sew What do I Wear-Vacation Edition


I'm so excited that I got to sew along on this blog tour!  Even though I love the Patterns for Pirates patterns that I have, I "dug" through my stash to find a couple of Made for Mermaids favorites.
Both of these patterns turned out to be perfect for our "staycation" and definitely will be packed when we get a chance to go away for real.,,I'll just be over here dreaming about a hot sandy beach...;)
 I tested the Mama Ava what seems like ages ago and still think it's one of the most comfortable tees I have!  Mama Lucy I got on sale a while back, but hadn't made it until i was ready for this tour.   These shorts are so "livable."  I can see myself wearing them around the house all summer...Maybe another pair with a ruffle around the hem?
Don't forget to visit the other blogs and check out their great vacation makes!!
Happy sewing,
Laura :)






Tuesday, May 16, 2017

SLPCo Blog Tour

Guess what?  Simple Life Pattern Company and Sew Caroline have joined forces to create a new collection featuring "mommy and me" sets.
I don't have any little girls here, so these "Tammy" shorts are just for me! The tulip hem is very flattering and the bias trim in a different fabric adds a nice pop. (The girls' pattern offers a ruffle trim option and that may be worth a "hack" to have ruffles on my next pair!)

To say that this was a quick sew would be an understatement. The paper pattern pieces fit together nicely and the instructions were very clear and easy to folow. :)  I went from printing the pattern to the last stitch in under two hours AND I had to stop several times for one of the kids or to take a phone call. Definitely on my "sew again" list!

I was lucky to receive this fabric from Riley Blake Designs Juxtaposey Collection. (Thank you, Riley Blake!) I knew I wanted to use this fabric the moment I saw it. Aren't the llamas fun? And the turtles and chickens and birds, too!  If you've never sewn with fabric from Riley Blake, it is simply dreamy!  So soft and comfy, it's the perfect fabric for summer shorts.
My son was my unfortunate photographer for this project and even though he didn't get any shots of the front,  I thank him for taking the time to snap a few pictures for this blog post. ;)

Now, go and see what everyone else made!!
May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18



Sunday, May 14, 2017

One Thimble, Issue 15


Can you believe it's time for another issue of One Thimble already?  I haven't seen much of it this go round, but what I have seen is simply amazing!  I was lucky enough to get to try out the "Oh Teddy! FMA" from this issue and simply adore the finished product!

With clear pieces to work with and easy to follow instructions, this Oh Teddy! applique was a joy to make.  I took a little creative license and made my little bear a girl!
 So easy to move the bow to the top of the head and not cut the legs of the pants to make a skirt. ;) And those sunglasses? If you look closely at the border fabric, you'll see a familiar outline...that's right, I traced the shape from the fabric!! The hardest part for me will be deciding which of my sweet little great nieces will be the proud owner of this "beary" cute pillow!

One of the other patterns in this issue is a messenger bag by FABulous Home Sewn.  I was lucky and got to test the FHS Military Messenger Bag a while back. (It's been hard not to shout out about it so everyone could see how great this bag is!)  Here's the bag I made during testing:
Seriously, I liked it so much that I decided to make another for this blog tour.  Thankfully, my son likes it too.  He is currently taking violin lessons and it's not always easy for me to find his books and shoulder rest before I pick him up from school, so...this bag will be the perfect solution!  I did stray from the pattern just a tad to give him a separate section to keep his books in apart from the shoulder rest. (The last thing I want is to pay for another shoulder rest, lol)  I've been hoarding this violin fabric for ages waiting to pick the perfect pattern for him and I'm so glad I finally did!
I'm ready to take it for a test run tomorrow afternoon. Wish us luck!

Don't forget to stop by and see what everyone else gets to sew for this issue!


Saturday, April 15, 2017

Show your Stoff

It's my turn on the "Show your Stoff" blog tour today!  This tour showcases patterns from Zierstoff Patterns and let me tell you, there are some really good ones!
This was my first foray into Zierstoff and though it was hard to pick just one of the MANY fabulous looking patterns, I chose the Lilia Jacket.
Such a cute and comfy jacket designed for fleece!
As it is already quite warm here, I chose to leave off the sleeves and make a hooded vest. I love it!  It's perfect for this in between weather...no longer cold, but not yet hot.  Great for early morning walks!

This would be a wonderful pattern for mommy and me outfits as it comes in sizes all the way from kids' medium to women's XXL.  It comes together very quickly and the directions are very easy to understand.

I am looking forward to trying out more patterns from Zierstoff Patterns, go check them out!
Don't forget to have a peek at the other stops on the blog tour:
Monday April 10- Anne-Mari Sews, Inspinration, Tenille’s Thread, Sew Cucio, Embrace Everyday, Tuesday April 11- Musings of A Seamstress, mahlicadesigns, Anna's Heirloom Boutique, Ronda B Handmade, FABulous Home Sewn Wednesday April 12- Sprouting Jube Jube, Glitter in my Coffee, Thread and Scissors, Kaleidothought, Idle Sunshine Thursday April 13- mahlicadesigns, Very Blissful, Sew A Piece of Joy, Zowie Zo, Nina Makes, Lulu & Celeste Friday April 14- Tales of a Tester; Anne-Mari Sews; Bless, by Tone; Nap Time Creations; Needles to Say, Adventures with Bubba and Bug Saturday April 15- Sprouting Jube Jube, Musings of A Seamstress, Stitches by Laura; Tea, Dust and Stitches, Anna's Heirloom Boutique

Monday, February 13, 2017

Timber!

Don't you just love it when it's time for another One Thimble release? I sure do! The only thing more fun than reading through the great articles is sewing up one of the fabulous patterns!
This time around, I got to try out the "Timber!" quilt pattern by Rachel Rossi Designs as part of the OT blog tour for Pattern Revolution.

Have you never read a One Thimble e-zine? If not, you are missing out! Look at all the great contributors featured in this issue.


Look at this beautiful cover!!

I have a niece who's expecting a baby girl in May and I decided this quilt would be a perfect gift!
She's actually naming the baby "Willow" and I think these are birch trees, but I don't think she'll mind, lol!
This was my first time sewing up a project from Rachel Rossi and, WOW!, it's a very in-depth pattern!  The instructions are very clear and precise, leaving you very little room for error.
I appreciate that the applique pieces print in reverse so you don't need to worry about flipping anything around when you trace it out.

One thing I didn't do according to the pattern is cut my strips long enough. The pattern comes in two sizes-crib and twin. I had planned on making the crib size...but, then I came home from the fabric store, lol.  I picked up this black and gold fabric with zero projects in mind, but realized it's perfect for this quilt-makes it look like a starry night to me. ;)
Anyhow, the fabric is only 42" wide and I didn't buy enough to cut lengthwise, so I ended up with a quilt that's only about 40" long after quilting. (Honestly, this may never see the inside of a crib, so I'm good with the size.)
I amped up the comfort on this quilt with the pink swirl minky fabric.  It matches great with the bear on the front and I used one of the bear fabrics for the binding to pull it all together.

I am very pleased with how the quilt came out and I bet my niece will be, too!

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on the tour!!

2/9/2017

2/10/2017

2/11/2017

2/12/2017

2/13/2017

2/14/2017

2/15/2017
Happy sewing! :)