Pattern Scout –Beautiful Belle Handbag

I’ve never been disappointed in a handbag pattern from Amy Butler.  Her bags are often complex and require your full attention, but you’re always rewarded upon completion if you stay on task.  Her new “Beautiful Belle Handbag” is no exception.  And, the title is appropriate, because it truly is a beautiful bag.

Pattern:  Beautiful Belle Handbag from Amy Butler

Fabric: All from the Rendezvous Collection  by Khristian A. Howell for Anthology Fabrics.

Other Stuff I Used:   Baby Lock Esante sewing machine, stabilizers as listed on the pattern

Things I Changed: Amy Butler’s patterns often include an interior pocket that goes completely to the bottom of the bag.  I think this is sometimes sloppy (at least when I use the bag!) so I made my interior pocket only 5 1/2″ tall and left the width the same as the pattern showed (the entire width of the bag.)  The directions called for the interior pocket to be divided into two sections.  I like a little more definition to my interior pockets, so I divided the two larger sections in half so I’d have 4 smaller pocket sections.   I love the idea of the nested pockets with a dedicated cell phone pocket, but the placement for the cell phone pocket was now a bit low since I’d made my large interior pocket shorter.  I didn’t want to dig for my phone, so I positioned the cell pocket about 3″ from the top of the bag.

Other Items You’ll Want: You know my edge joining foot was perfect for topstitching the pocket tops and the handles.

Worthy of an Encore?:  I love the use of the firm stabilizer in the bottom of this bag.  It really does help it retain its distinctive curved shape.  I used the Baby Lock stabilizer, Shape Flex, rather than the stabilizer suggested by the author.  This bag can take on many looks and is especially suited for large scale prints.  I bet it will look different every time you make it.  Amy Butler’s new fabric line, Lark, should arrive next week and I can’t wait to make another bag using some of  those prints!

Make it Your Own: I think handles from corduroy or denim would be great alternatives.  A quilter would really like cutting the exterior pieces from a quilted panel for a unique, personal tote.

I would recommend adding about 2″ in the center of the handles to make them a more comfortable length to throw this versatile, roomy bag over your shoulder.  It’s nearly the perfect length for me, but if you’re more average height, you’ll need more strap to use this over the shoulder.  As far as it being a handbag, well, it’s just too large for me to think of it being used in that context, and it has no closure.  I see it more as a great tote.  And, next time I make this, I’ll topstitch along the angled side edges so that my lining is a tad more secure.

Scout Says: The great directions of this bag make it easy enough for a beginner sewer to achieve stunning results.  Make several!

30 Minutes to Sew!

Late last night I got a hair-brain idea that I should make the scarf that our friend Patty Young designed for Quilts & More magazine.  I knew I had some Grand Bazaar fabric leftover from another project and wondered if it was enough.  I wanted to use the fabrics we carry at the store, and make only 1 scarf!  So, the challenge was on.

When I got up this morning, I slipped on khaki capris and a black tee.  I figured it’d look nice with the charcoal Grand Bazaar fabrics (and, even though I simply despise getting my photo taken, I knew I would have to do it to complete the challenge!!)  I went into the sewing room and rooted through the stash to see what was left.  Not enough of the pear, but no worries there…it’s in stock at Sew Much More!  The focus piece wasn’t wide enough; I only had a 22″ wide piece, but figured I could make a seam right down the center to create that 42″ wide piece for the scarf center section.

Armed with the printout from the website, I arrived at the store at 8:30 and made a cup of coffee and turned on the iron.  I had to cut out my pieces of fabric, and ponder if the paisley should be on the end or near the center.  Then, I headed to the thread display to find the correct charcoal thread.

I pressed all of the seams open and squared up my corners and, of course, anyone who knows me knows I didn’t slip stitch the opening, but used 1/4″ Steam-a-Seam Lite to close the opening in the seam.  Viola!

Our heads are spinning with ideas of many combinations for this fun scarf.  It really only takes 1/4 yard of 4 different fabrics to make a single scarf and Patty’s Sanctuary and all of the Kaffe fabrics we stock are in this shirting weight.  It’s a perfect drape for this scarf!  And, again, I don’t take a photo for just anybody!

Dog Days

The dog days of summer are upon us.  Usually, that means anticipating the arrival of Baby Lock’s convention and the introduction of the newest products.  But, this year, the announcements came early.  Social media has jolted us into a new world, and information is power, right?!  So, the savvy sewist “likes” Baby Lock on Facebook and keeps up with the latest news.

I thought you might enjoy a short list of blogs and other places I routinely “stalk” to keep up on things.  You can also subscribe to many blogs and get announcements of their latest postings right in your email bin.  But, I’m a bit old-fashioned still, and randomly scouring my bookmark list is more fun for me.

You can get lost by clicking on some of the links that each of these link up to.  It’s a big sewing frenzy on the internet.  Who knew?  Don’t get lost, and pack a few snacks for the trip.  You won’t believe how long you’ll be “gone”….

Cloud 9 Fabrics – We carry their latest line of organic cottons, Miscellany.  One co-founder has her own personal blog, too.

Modkid – Our friend Patty Young’s blog.

Sew4Home – Projects and more.

Jenean Morrison – I love Jenean’s style and we carry her fabrics.

Sweetwater – One of my very favorite design teams.

Kate Spain – Ever cheerful, I would love to be Kate Spain’s friend.  And, her fabric is divine.

Robert Kaufman fabrics – The official blog of RK fabrics.

Totally Stitchin’ – Info-packed and funky.

Amazing Designs – Even Amazing Designs has a blog chock full of embroidery ideas.

Moda Fabrics – Also check out their famous Moda Bake Shop.

Riley Blake Designs – Lots of great tutes here.

Diane Kappa – She’s a designer for Anthology fabrics.

Michael Miller fabrics – Projects and contests!

Nancy Zieman – She’s everywhere, even on Blogger!

Cosmo Cricket – One of Moda’s designers.

Lily Ashbury – Since lots of fabric designers also do paper products, sometimes you get tons of printable freebies!

Oliver + S - A favorite pattern line.

Sandi Henderson – She designs for MMF and has lots of recipes and other goodies.

Valori Wells - We have some of her books and fabric at the store.

Paula Prass - Ah, just to have half of her design ability!

Anna Maria Horner – She’s a great writer and a beautiful woman with a houseful of beautiful children and a great husband, too.  And, she’s a businesswoman and a successful designer.  If she wasn’t nice, too, you’d actually be mad!

Well, enough of this list for now.  I’ll save the rest for another time…

 

 

Pattern Scout – Naomi

I was smitten when I first saw this new sundress pattern from my friend Patty Young.  It is simple to make, and her directions are, as always, impressively written so that even a beginner can have success.  I think my version turned out even cuter than I had hoped!

Pattern:  Naomi from Modkid

Fabric: All from Kaffe Fassett (Westminster Fabrics).  The dress is Guinea Flower, the ruffle is Spots and the bodice is Serape Stripe.  This shirting weight fabric is simply sensational for garments!  The drape, the soft gathers and the ease of shirring make it a dream for sewists!  All of the Kaffe fabric is printed on this weight of fabric, and Patty Young has 2 lines of fabric for Michael Miller fabrics (including her newest, Grand Bazaar) that are printed on this weight fabric.

Other Stuff I Used:  Baby Lock Evolution serger; Baby Lock Esante sewing machine, elastic thread, buttons from Riley Blake

Things I Changed: I put a simple tack-down stitch on each edge, right at the top of my dress back, to keep the side seams facing toward the back.  There is a little bulk there, with the seam allowance and elastic, and I wanted it to go against its natural tendency to lay flat toward the front.  The instructions call for 1/2″ elastic.  My 3/8″ elastic was too narrow, so I opted for some 3/4″ elastic I had in my stash, and it fit snugly into the casing.  I tied my neckties into a bow through the loop, as instructed, and trimmed off the excess fabric.  Then, I un-braided the 3 pieces and left it fray out.  It’s too cute!

See the little stitch on the blue stripe on the elastic casing?

Other Items You’ll Want: You know I always use my edge joining foot for any topstitching!  Remember to check out my little shirring tutorial for good directions on your Baby Lock machine!

Worthy of an Encore?: You can get so many summer looks from this dress, your little darlin’ could have a new dress for every summer day! 

Make it Your Own: Omit the ruffle and lengthen the dress for a totally different look!  I might omit the pocket next time, or leave off the pocket ruffle, or put an embroidery design on the pocket for another variation!  Make the skirt and bodice all one fabric for a more simple look.

Scout Says: I’ve had success with every Modkid pattern I’ve sewn, and this is no exception.  Hurry up and get this pattern, as summer only lasts so long!

And, now, introducing Mini-Naomi…get yours!

Pattern Scout — Wine & Dine

I’ve been looking for a quick pattern, and this new one from Atkinson Designs caught my eye.  I love the lunch bag idea, the companion wine tote, and the zipper application is so interesting, and really simple (yes, it’s true!!)

Pattern:  Wine & Dine from Atkinson Designs

Fabric:  Kumari Garden by Dena Designs (Free Spirit);  handle fabric from Gypsy Bandana by Pillow & Maxfield (Michael Miller Fabrics)

Other Stuff I Used:  Iron-on flexible matte finish vinyl (HeatnBond); 14″ zipper

Things I Changed:  Not a thing!

Other Items You’ll Want: You will want to use a non-stick (Teflon) foot when you sew this bag.  I also used the narrow zipper foot when I attached the zipper.  Keep your peel-away paper from your vinyl so you can use it when you press the bag after you put it together.  I used a sleeve ironing board to get inside the bag and press well against the binding.

What I’d Change: I don’t think I would change anything.

Worthy of an Encore?: I love the size of this lunch bag.  The surprise inside is ingenious, too!  The “seat belt” for your can or bottle works perfectly to keep it from crushing your delicate lunch items and the silverware “straps” secure your plasticware from getting snapped in half!  You will love this bag!

Make it Your Own: The front of either bag is the perfect canvas for machine embroidery!  It actually begs for embellishment!

Scout Says: This pattern is a great value, offering you both the wine tote and the roomy lunch bag.  It goes together quickly and you’ll love the explicit directions.  And, how cute is that zipper, anyway?!  Yes, make both for yourself and then, make them for someone else–you’ll be able to assemble these totes with ease and they make a perfect gift! 

Guilt

Guilt is a strange thing.  I can feel guilty over lots of things…chocolate, not doing my nails, not exercising, and wearing jeans to the store on a Tuesday.  Right now, I’m feeling guilty about this blog.  I’ve been lax at posting interesting, informative, reflective, cheerful, or even soap-box worthy blog entries.  I mean, what’s the purpose of the blog if you don’t blog, right?!

Should I make excuses?  Well, I guess I could.  We’ve had quite a few sewing machines in for their annual checkups in recent weeks.   I’ve rearranged the shop (again) and we’re headed to Ikea (again) this weekend.  There have been some fabric shipment mix-ups (this one I could elaborate on, but suffice it to say that I was not pleased!)  I’ve had to sew a few more diapers for my grandson (he has a tendency to wet A LOT.)  I have 3 projects in varying stages on the sewing table at home, all of which got bumped to help my friend Patty Young make a few samples for quilt market.

In spite of this, I’ve been a little productive.  I’ve started making the blocks for this summer’s Hoopsisters Mystery Quilt.  I cut the pieces too small, so I’ve had to re-work 3 blocks. For interested customers, we’re going to have a Mystery Meeting on Tuesday, June 7th at 5:30.  We’ll go over the unique Hoopsisters techniques so you don’t fall prey to reading the directions incorrectly and we’ll get you organized so you can enjoy the magical mystery!  This will be a fun project, especially if you want to get more from your embroidery machine.  My daughter chose the color scheme for this one.  It was a complete 180 from her regular style/color choices.  She has also laid claim to the finished product!

What?  Can’t make out the pattern?  Well, I’m sworn to secrecy by the Hoopsisters, so you’ll have to trust me that this quilt is going to be fabulous!  Hope to see you at the Mystery Meeting on the 7th and/or the Show-Off night for the 2010 Hoopsisters BOM on Tuesday, June 21st at 5:30.  Our group of dedicated Hoopsisters will be showing off their finished (or nearly finished) TNT quilts.  I can’t wait to see these, so plan to join us for wine and snacks that evening (RSVP greatly appreciated!)

No Time for Slackers

I know you’re all asking, “What’s UP?”  It’s not like I’ve been a slacker, rest assured.  But, sometimes, LIFE just gets in the way!  So, here, in list form, is what has been happening.  Really, I promise, more Pattern Scout columns to follow and more store news.

• After several false alarms, our first grandchild, a big 9 pound boy, Sam, was born March 1.
• Birthday party for 6-year old Braden in mid-March.
• Shopping trip to St. Louis to help son accessorize his new condo.
• Daughter & son home to see new baby and daughter home again to visit…we’ve seen these 2 kids(?) lots this month and they’re headed home again tomorrow for their big sister’s birthday party!
• Sewed 2 Sweetwater label crew buckets for Easter.
• Sewed 2 Sweetwater label crew birthday bags.
• Sewed 1 Sweetwater label crew apron for store sample from Jenean Morrison’s Wild World fabrics.
• Sewed 30 all-in-one cloth diapers for Sam (still need more)…photos, and maybe even a Pattern Scout review of our favorite pattern will be a topic later, promise.
• Sewed 1 sample quilt for store (Sam’s quilt).
• Sewed 2 metal frame clutches.  There are 2 more cut out but not sewn.
• Cut out 1 tote for store sample.  It is not even begun, but I have the thread and all the stuff ready to sew.
• Sample for Scrap Therapy group nearly done (7/8 of the way??)

More fabric comes today and also on Monday (the organics from Nancy Mims’ new collection).  We’ve had Hoopsisters twice, 2 Scrap Therapy cutting sessions, Sewing Club and Embroidery Club since I last blogged.  The sun has decided that, even in Central Illinois, it must be spring, and my energy is rebounding from the winter doldrums.  More blogging and sew much more to come…

TTFN (that’s ta-ta-for-now, for those of you unfamiliar with the wisdom of Pooh and Tigger!)

Pattern Scout – The Madison Bag

Ever since we got in my friend Patty Young’s new Sanctuary line of fabric, I’ve been searching for something to showcase some of my favorite prints.  I think I’ve found it in this bag!

Pattern:  The Madison Bag by Two Peas in a Pod

Fabric:  Sanctuary by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics; lining is from Sweetwater’s Sunkissed (Moda)

Other Stuff I Used:  Fusible woven interfacing, SF101 and fusible fleece Pellon TP971F.  Of course, I pulled out my handy Baby Lock Edge Stitching foot and my bamboo point turner to get crisp points on my pocket corners.

Things I Changed: Since Sanctuary is printed on a shirting weight fabric, it needs a little more support when you make a bag or tote.  So, I used woven fusible interfacing on the bag in addition to the fusible fleece the pattern required.  As I always do, I used fusible interfacing on the lining and the interior pocket for added body. In Step 2, I pressed my seams open and then topstitched on either side of the seam.  At my daughter’s suggestion, I used a contrast thread (grey) and a longer stitch length (3.0).  I was pleased with the results.

Other Items You’ll Want: I used monofilament thread to attach the ribbon onto the flap.

What I’d Change: I don’t think I would change anything.

Worthy of an Encore?: Yes, this bag goes together very quickly.  I like to cut out my pieces and fuse all the interfacing before I begin sewing.  If you do this with the Madison Bag, you’ll only have a few seams to sew before the bag is finished.  In about an hour of sewing time, even with pressing at every step, I was ready to finish up.  Now, that’s what I like in a bag!

Make it Your Own: Add some jazzy ribbon or trim or a decorative button for a polished look.  Zippers by the foot, yo-yos, or 3D machine embroidery flowers are other great suggestions.  You can vary the look of the bag by reversing the position of the flap–the right and left sides of the bag are different, so depending on which side you put the flap, you’ll have a different finished look.  Be sure to audition your flap before you sew it on.

Scout Says: If you’re looking for a bag that affords you a variety of looks to meet just about anyone’s style (from sophisticated to eclectic), then, the Madison Bag is for you.  And, because it’s so simple to put together, you’ll be able to make several!

Pattern Scout–A Freebie!

If you’ve been in our shop, you know we simple adore the Oliver + S patterns!  I’ve been meaning to sew out Liesl’s freebie for a long time, and I finally got a chance.  I think you’ll agree it’s adorable.  And, how generous that Liesl has provided a pattern for an 18″ doll, too.  Vacation Sarah just loves new clothes.  Lucky she has shoes to match!

Pattern:  Popover Sundress by Oliver + S

Fabric:  Daisies and Dots by Piece O’ Cake Designs (Robert Kaufman)

Other Stuff I Used:  Mary Ellen’s Best Press.  This gives the fabric a wonderful finish and removes that stubborn wrinkle on the center fold from the fabric bolt.

Things I Changed: I added lace ric rac trim on the front yoke only.

Other Items You’ll Want: It goes without saying that the addition of a Baby Lock serger (I have the Evolution) makes sewing garments a breeze.  The finished product looks much more professional and you actually add durability to your finished product–no raveled edges!  The Simplicity Bias Tape Maker is helpful.  The standard tip will work for the girl’s dress.  You’ll need the 1/4″ tip for the dolly dress.  I also used Steam-a-Seam 2 tape in 1/4″ width to position my lace trim before I topstitched it.  If you use this tape, you’ll iron the lace into position and eliminate the need for pins!

What I’d Change: I didn’t change a thing.

Worthy of an Encore?: Absolutely!  What a freebie find!  Cute and simple to sew.  The clarity of the directions and the concise diagrams make sewing any Oliver + S pattern enjoyable.  This is a classic A-line shift that your girl (& dolly) will enjoy all summer long.  I have it in my mind to use a print from Anna Griffin’s Carmen Collection for a great Lily Pulitzer look-alike dress to match the Mother-Daughter tote I have already made (another freebie from Oliver + S).

Make it Your Own: You can add lace or ric rac, add a border hem, embroider, applique, whatever.  The plain style of this dress gives you an empty canvas to decorate.  Use hip, bold colors or a more simple color palette to achieve a variety of looks from this simple pattern.

Scout Says: Get this pattern.   You’ll fall in love with the Oliver + S pattern line.  We have all the new designs for spring, as well as the new fabric Modern Workshop from Moda (due in April) and the new book, Little Things to Sew scheduled to arrive when they become available.  I’m sure you’ll become an Oliver + S fan, like we are!

Hurry Up and Wait

My lovely daughter and her husband are expecting their first child together and of course, we had to decorate the nursery.  He didn’t want dots (too clownish) but wanted bright and cheery.  She loves turquoise and red.  The room had to be gender-neutral, because the little darlin’ is keeping his/her identity a secret.  So, as soon as I saw City Weekend from Oliver + S , I knew that it was the perfect fabric to use as the basis of the nursery.  My daughter fell in love with it right away, too, and her husband agreed.

We used the turquoise fabric with the twigs for the curtains, and I even covered an IKEA table with that fabric so they’d have something on which to set the monitor.  The cute melon dots made great tab tops and coordinates with the ties we made on the bumper pad.  With the pre-made bumper pad forms and the pattern from Sew 4 Home, they were a snap to make–I got them done on a Sunday morning.  I made some sheets to match (the tutorial is here), and when the Hideaway fabric from Lauren & Jessi Jung came in, I had to make another sheet using the clock fabric.  The color blends nicely and I love the “time” theme for a crib sheet!

I’ve loved these quilt patterns from the Moda Bake Shop and so I had to make them both.  Using the Palette 9, I created embroidery applique files for the words on the baby life quilt.   I used the Quilt Motion software on the Baby Lock Jewel to get the stunning quilt patterns on both quilts–just what I was after!   Of course, a soft taggie blankie is a must.  Luckily, I found the perfect soft yellow “minkee”.

There was enough fabric left over from the bumper pads to make basket liners.  The 1″ twill tape makes a cute knotted closure without being too girly.  Another print from the Hideaway line called to me, so we used it to cover the changing pad.  No pattern here ladies, although I’ll tell you I made it similar to the crib sheets.  There is elastic on each of the corners to keep it in place.  Since she chose a 3-sided changing pad, I had to improvise in creating its tapered shape.  It fits pretty well, actually!

Notice the twigs painted on the wall?  Baby’s Auntie M painted them.  We projected an actual image of the fabric onto the wall and she used it as a guide.  The paint was mixed to match the fabric–just get some samples mixed up at your local home improvement store.

Along the way, there was a damaged crib in delivery, so we were fortunate to find this darling white crib at a store in St. Louis.  Uncle E delivered it over Thanksgiving.   I think my daughter has created a sweet sanctuary for her little lovely.  And, we are pleasantly surprised at how well all of that bright baby gear coordinates with the decor!

We’re in the final weeks of waiting…it won’t be long now until our sweet pea comes home to snuggle in.  What a delightful space to make his or her own.