Selfish Sewing Week // Fancy Tiger Crafts Sailor Top Meets the Kraken

When it comes time to actually select and sew a project, it is so hard. I have so many ideas and want to sew every pattern with every fabric out there and while working at a fabric shop is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for the world, it can sometimes be overwhelming with all of the new & old amazing fabrics to pick from, and just as I settle on something and get it cut out, a new shipment comes in and I want to drop everything and play with it --> insert Tula Pink Elizabeth coming in the day I cut this top out! Over the years I have had to force myself to finish things before jumping onto something new, and I am so proud of myself for starting and finishing this top in a couple of days without cutting 100 other things out leaving everything unfinished.

Selfish Sewing Week came along and my motto was to just jump in and do something I've been dreaming about. Ever since we got this amazing Octo fabric in (part of Tokyo Train Ride by Sarah Watts for Cotton + Steel), I have been wanting to make something amazing & fun that I would actually wear! I bounced back and forth from a skirt, to a dress and then ran across the Sailor Top pattern and it was over, I knew it would be perfect. I am so happy with the way it turned out! I happen to live in a very eccentric town, Eugene OR, and while I am not brave enough to rock a lot of bold and daring things, I had so much fun wearing this around town yesterday. Everywhere I went from local wineries to local pizza joints, someone commented on how fun and awesome it was. I cannot wait to get tons of wear out of it this summer, and who knows it may even make an appearance at Quilt Market this spring and our trip to Hawaii this summer!

Straight Stitch Designs // Laurelhurst Pattern Test

Just as I thought life might slow down for a moment I blinked and it was time for selfish sewing week, and my friend Kimberly of Straight Stitch Designs posted a call for another pattern test just in time! I absolutely love her patterns and pattern testing for her, so even with a completely full plate I could not say no.

 












Her newest pattern, the Laurelhurst (available soon), is such an easy, fast & rewarding sew. While I don't mind and sometimes love intense, complex & time consuming garments/bags/quilts, sometimes it is nice to be able to sew something up in a couple of hours or less!

I went from wondering how on earth I was going to find the time to sew one up to sewing two up in no time at all.

This pattern is so comfy, I could live in these shrugs! Both of the ones I made are from knits I have been hoarding for quite some time waiting for the perfect project (they are both knits I used to sell in my online Etsy shop, and were the end-of-bolt remnant pieces), so being that this was all I had of them I wanted to make sure I used them for something amazing & I am so happy with my choice for both of them!

Laurelhurst #1:

The first one I made is out of a medium weight jersey, and I just love the drape. The pattern went together perfectly and I finished it with a rolled hem all the way around and love it.

Laurelhurst #2: 

I love the first one so much, and since it is selfish sewing week, I had to sew up another one! I used a lighter weight jersey knit and machine hemmed 1/4" all the way around, it is so cozy & comfy, and I love the color -- perfect for spring!

I will post more details on how to purchase the pattern when it is released.... stay tuned! 

Clover and Violet // The Louisa Bag Tour

It is no secret I love bags/purses & so when an opportunity came across my Instagram feed to join in on this bag tour, I couldn't resist! I am a huge sucker lately for quilted bags that use scraps and/or a mashup of lots of fabrics patch worked together. The Louisa Bag is from Clover and Violet is perfect for this. It combines a patchwork look on the main exterior with lots and lots of quilting throughout the entire bag. It is spacious and includes 2 interior pockets, but my favorite detail is the side pockets/ties -- so fun & cute and it really adds something to the bag.

This bag is great for confident beginners  to advanced sewists. It took me about a day and a half (5 movies later) from start to finish, counting in life's little distractions.... you mean we actually have to stop and cook a meal and run errands?!

I had so much fun making this bag, it really allows for your creativity to run wild with the fabric selections/placement and the quilting.

It took me a week to decide on my fabrics... there are so many amazing new (and older) collections out there right now and I am having a hard time making time for everything! I was standing at the counter one day at my fabric shop I help run and Doe just screamed out at me for this pattern. I knew the moment I saw Carolyn Friedlander's new collection, Doe, I had to make something, it was love at first sight after all, and while a quilt will happen eventually I needed something with more instant gratification. I am so happy with the way it turned out, I cannot express how much I love the Doe fabrics. I paired it with a Robert Kaufman Essex linen and feel that they were a perfect match.

I currently have the Louisa Bag patterns on order and the paper pattern will be available in both our storefront & online Etsy shop soon. We currently carry some of Carolyn Friedlander's Doe collection that I used as well as the Essex linen.

Get the Louisa Bag PDF Pattern // here. 
Shop our selection of Carolyn Friedlander's Doe fabric // here.
Buy Robert Kaufman's Essex linen // here. 

You can view the other wonderful bags that were made as for this tour on Instagram:
#louisabag
#cloverandviolet

Clover and Violet will also be going a bag tour blog post tomorrow that I will link up here!

Straight Stitch Designs // The Bellevue Top Pattern Test

I am so excited to share with you guys my first pattern test of 2015! I was so happy when my friend, Kimberly of Straight Stitch Designs announced her newest pattern, the Bellevue Top, available online in her pattern shop, here.

This is my 3rd time pattern testing for Straight Stitch Designs, I also tested the Ballard Top/Tunic and the Capitol Hill Dress/Tunic (see previous posts). I fell in love with Straight Stitch Design patterns from moment one, but the Bellevue Top has easily become my favorite. I absolutely love both the Ballard & the Capitol Hill and plan to make more, but the Bellevue has my heart! I am constantly looking for a base pattern that is a staple for my wardrobe. It has to be easy, well fast is more the goal but something I can sew up in a few hours (I am an instant gratification kind of girl when it comes to sewing for my wardrobe).

My favorite thing about this pattern is the ruffle/scooped bottom. It allows for such creativity with fabric choices/combos and it feels so girly and flirty! I have an extra pep in my step when I am wearing these tops!

Not only is this an easy and quick sew with amazing instructions, but it is extremely versatile, which for me is a huge plus. One of the girls in our test group made an alternate version, which was quickly incorporated into the pattern as an alternate option (seen in image 2 below).

One of the things I love most about testing for Kimberly is that she really goes above and beyond to make sure that the pattern is something that is not only fashionable, but functional too. She really listens to her testers when we have ideas and/or alternate versions!

The Bellevue Top is described as comfort meets elegance, and that is exactly right!

Bellevue #1:

My original Bellevue was made from one of the first versions but it was perfect for me. I was so impressed on how well the first draft came together and fit so good, and it is so comfy, yet elegant (hence the perfect description). Again with the whole sewing my stash thing I have going, I had been saving the black/gold polka dot chiffon for the perfect project, I mean it is not everyday a pattern calls for chiffon. I knew I did not have somewhere to wear an entire dress or top made out of it to, but when I saw the pattern design, I knew pairing it with a solid black jersey knit would be perfect, and I am so happy with it! It is perfect to wear with leggings and boots for work, and then dress up with heels for date night or going out (it will be going with me for sure on our next Vegas trip).

Bellevue #2:

After whipping up the first top, I knew I was hooked, er addicted! I was planning on making a second one almost identical with a few pattern edits, but then I saw an alternative version posted by a girl in our test group and while the original version with the bottom pieces is my favorite, the alternate version is an easy edit for a completely different look/feel that definitely has its place in the wardrobe too! I used a scallop edge lace from my shop and paired it with a ponte floral knit that we are now sold out of. This one challenged me creatively as I had to actually fussy cut the scallop off the original lace, and re-sew it back on to form the curves with the scallops! I will eventually get around to a blog post on that technique! :)

Bellevue #3:

Over the weekend the hubs and I decided to make it a stay at home weekend since I had sewing to do and he had house projects he wanted to finish up, so I had all the time in the world in my studio and found myself cutting yet a 3rd Bellevue, I am seriously addicted. However, this one has a whoops moment that was totally unrelated to the pattern and all my fault, but I made it happen anyway! I had been hoarding way some OOP polar bear Kokka Voile and had a white sweater knit that matched perfectly for the look I was going for... problem was I did not have enough to make the long sleeve version, which I knew I wanted for this top/fabric. I had a genius idea to cut the sleeves on the diagonal/bias even though the rest had been cut normal.... I liked the diagonal stripe look  it gave the sleeves and it seemed like a good idea at the time.... well lesson learned that doesn't work so well when trying to make the sleeves work with the neckline and the neckline was inches larger than where the sleeves ended. I took  it one step further and cut, yes CUT, off the extra neckline and yea...... I went to try it on and it wouldn't even go halfway up my arms. Sick to my stomach thinking it was done for, I made a call to my mom aka Superwoman when it comes to sewing (the owner of our fabric shop & alterations lady for 30+ years), she knows everything. She came over and helped rescue me, and in the end we made some edits and decided to add a ribbing neck back and it working amazingly, I was so relieved because I love this top! For this top I also used the alternative waistband option where you sew a piece onto the bodice to break it and the bottom piece up, it is included in the pattern as an option.

Bellevue #4:

I think it officially safe to say I am obsessed with this pattern... I really have no idea how the 4th one came about, but it seemed to have just happened late Sunday night before the work week started. Again sewing from my stash, I paired a mint rayon we just got into our shop (we got in black, white, mint and peach... they are amazing), with a tribal jersey knit I have had in the stash for awhile now. I made the most updated version, but made it more like my first top, except with the longer sleeve option, did I mention this pattern has 4 amazing sleeve lengths?! This being my 4th top in a matter of days, it kind of just went together, I really didn't even think about it and I didn't have the instructions anywhere nearby.

I really felt like this pattern/week has helped me get out of my sewing funk. I have so, so, so much fabric and so many ideas/patterns I love and much prefer handmade clothes over store bought, I am excited once again to make my closest and I know this pattern will forever be a staple of my wardrobe. 

Did I mention I have 3 more cut out?!?! I can't wait! 

Thanks Kimberly for such an amazing pattern. <3

Disclaimer: I received the Bellevue pattern as part of the pattern testing, but all opinions are my own!

Straight Stitch Designs // Capitol Hill Pattern Test

I had the chance to test my second pattern for Straight Stitch Designs, and like the Ballard top I tested, it is amazing! This time we were testing Kimberly's new design, the Capitol Hill dress/tunic. This was one of those tests where we went from version 1 to 6, stuck with it and got amazing results (plus multiple garments!!). I had so much fun doing this test, and really learned a lot. I learned what not to do for certain things, what to do and above all some new techniques like double pleats that look hard, but are surprisingly easy with the amazing instructions.

Originally this pattern was made as part of a Sew Fab Bundle, but the pattern is now available through Straight Stitch Designs here.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am working really, REALLY hard to sew from my stash (it is hard being that I work in a fabric shop, which is where most of this fabric originally comes from), but I have been telling myself not to cut anymore off until I use what I have. All 3 of these versions were made from knits we once sold, but are now sold out of. I took the end-of-bolt remnant pieces home and got creative with my cutting! V1 is made with a nice ponte knit and both V3 & V6 were made with jersey knits. Even though V6 was the final version, I love all 3 versions and wear them constantly.

The Capitol Hill dress is described as style meets comfort, which is the perfect description!

Straight Stitch Designs // Ballard Top Blog Tour

Hi! My name is Shawna, welcome to my stop on the Ballard Top Blog Tour. 

My goal lately has been to sew more for myself & finally use up some of my *cough* insane garment fabric collection... addiction.... hoard... whatever. I find that the more I sew for myself, the less I want to go out and buy clothes in the stores, and I am loving all the indie pattern designs surfacing lately. I grew up surrounded by fabric and sewing as part of our family business and have longed for the day when patterns are modern & something I would actually want to sew/wear. 

I came across Straight Stitch Designs via Facebook and connected with Kimberly. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful pattern testing group for the amazing Ballard Top! The Ballard Top is available exclusively through IndieSew at the moment, but will soon be available through Straight Stitch Designs. It is Straight Stitch Designs’ second pattern release, a tunic-length top designed for all knits.

My fabric is from my fabric shop, Jean Marie's Fabrics -- we have a great selection of one-of-a-kind knits including; sweater knits, sweatshirt knits, ponte, jersey, rayon, poly blends, spun poly, Aztec, tribal, floral & more. Check out our Etsy shop, (online at www.etsy.com/shop/jeanmariesfabrics). 

I am offering a special blog coupon code good through the end of the year: HANDMADE15 at checkout in our Etsy shop for 15% off all orders!! (Cannot be combined with other offers or codes). 

This is the perfect top for fall, and it is so comfy. I made mine with a 4way stretch sweater knit that is so soft, and I could seriously live in this top. I am a leggings girl and am always looking for longer tunic-length shirts and patterns because I am in the "leggings are not pants" club, and the Ballard is perfect. It can be dressed down with leggings for a more relaxed look, or dressed up with other pants and heels for a dressy look, it is definitely a versatile staple of any wardrobe. 

Don't mind the umbrella photos, fall has officially settled in here in Oregon and I couldn't be happier! I opted for the mid-long sleeve option as I love to layer and find that this is the perfect length for me.

This pattern is great for sewers who want to dive into knits. I would say it is for intermediate sewists. The directions are clear and everything goes together so fast and easy. There are several style options to choose from as well! 

One of my favorite things about this pattern since the very beginning is the neck. I am almost impossible to fit in the shoulders/neck and for the first time in my life I did not have to do any altering to the pattern! I love the simple gathers and the way it fits around the front. The neckband went on perfectly and lays great, something that doesn't always happen with knit patterns. 

For my sleeves, I decided to change things up a bit for a different look and reversed my fabric and love it. It was such a fun, simple twist that didn't involve any pattern changing. 

And now onto the best part........ the back! This is initially what made me fall in love with this top. I saw a preview image on the Straight Stitch Design Facebook page where just the back was shown. The back was so easy to sew, and I just love the sassy twist on this basic top. I always feel a little sassier when wearing the Ballard. 

I mean seriously..... the back! LOVE!

My goal was to make a few tops for the blog tour, but alas, life happened and needless to say I have 4 cut out on my sewing table in my "to do" pile..... I am sure no one else has one of those?! Right? While I did not get them made for the tour, I am planning on making them in the next couple weeks and will be posting again!

I absolutely love that this pattern can be made using a variety of knits. I think almost everyone on the tour used a different kind of knit from sweater knits to activewear and they are all so amazing, great work everyone!

Thank you Kimberly for allowing us to test your pattern and for this opportunity. I am currently pattern testing another pattern for Kimberly from Straight Stitch Designs, and while details will not be released for awhile, I have to say it is amazing and you guys will want to stay tuned!

Check out everyone else's designs on the blog tour, here.
View everyone's amazing creations on Indie Sew, here.

Quick, Easy & Simple // DIY Infinity Scarves

There are so many DIY infinity scarf tutorials out there, I am not going to add another so I followed a super simple one I found on Pinterest. I have made infinity scarves several different ways, but I recently found a tutorial that I like best, on Pinterest here. 

One of my most recent swaps on Instagram was the #kittyminiquiltswap. For those of you not familiar with Instagram swapping, let me tell you, it is an addicting && fun social culture. I am currently a part of 5 including Harry Potter & Disney ones! Basically you make a main handmade item (usually a mini quilt) and then you add in other handmade items, goodies & gifts! The swap partners are kept secret and you don't necessarily have the same person who has you. It is so fun! 

To go along with my mini quilt (cat themed as well), I made my partner this KOKKA Sketched Cat Voile xx Kaufman Chambray Union Indigo Dot infinity scarf. It was so soft and dreamy that I just had to have one too! 

With the holidays just around the corner, infinity scarves are quick & easy gifts for all those girls in your life. I have about 10 more to go for various family & friends.

Tutorial: Two Sided Infinity Scarf // Decor & the Dog, found here.

Fabrics: KOKKA Sketched Cats Voile // available here.

             Robert Kaufman Chambray Union Indigo Dot // available here.