Embroidery Brooch Kit For Kollabora Open Lab Evening

 

This little embroidery brooch kit can be purchased through Kollabora here: Chained Embroidered Brooch Kit and here: Native red/purple Brooch Kit. 

I made this when I went to visit the office of Kollabora for work and play. I am one of the "Kollabora Community Experts" that helps out with any questions that our community might have. 

Now on to the play time (open Lab). I was traveling from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and did not bring a project to work on but was given one of these wonderful Brooch Kits by Urbahnika that they had in stock. I found it quite fun to make and think I did okay for my first one. I hope to do more soon. Simply too much fun not to.

Even more fun was meeting the wonderful friends to craft with and they were all working on their own crafts, from knitting, sewing, embroidery, leather work and chain jewelry. If you are ever in the New York SOHO area when Kollabora has their "open lab" on the first Tuesday of each month, please attend. You will love it!

Hi!

I just signed the petition "Restore funding to the military tuition assistance program." on Change.org.

It's important. Will you sign it too? Here's the link:

http://www.change.org/petitions/restore-funding-to-the-military-tuition-assistance-program

Thanks!

Sewing Books I'm Using and Reading

 Sewing Books I'm Using and Reading

Here is some photos of the lovely sewing books I am presently using, reading or intend to use in the near future. Also, I would like to note that I am a sewing book enthusiast and will probably need to seek help for this problem in the near future. Hahahah...

Starting from the top photo at the top of the books I will list the books and author if you wish to check on these for your self.

1. "The Dressmaker's Technique Bible" A complete guide to fashion sewing by Lorna Knight May be purchased here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dressmakers-technique-bible-lorna-knight/1009176798

2. "Hat Shop" 25 Project to sew, from Practical to Fascinating. By Susanne Woods May be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Hat-Shop-Practical-Fascinating-Collective/dp/1607056208/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362195502&sr=1-1&keywords=Hat+Shop

3. "ShapeShape" Sewing Clothing Patterns to wear Multiple Ways. Natsuno Hiraiwa  May be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Shape-Sewing-Clothing-Patterns-Multiple/dp/1596683554/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362195446&sr=1-1&keywords=ShapeShape

4. "Sewing Bits & Pieces" 35 projects using fabric scraps. by Sandi Henderson May be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Bits-Pieces-Projects-Fabric/dp/0470539240/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362195379&sr=1-1&keywords=Sewing+Bits+%26+Pieces

5. "Sewn by Hand" two dozen projects stitched with needle & thread. by Susan Wasinger May be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Sewn-Hand-Projects-Stitched-Needle/dp/1600596681/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362195321&sr=1-1&keywords=Sewn+by+Hand

6. "Couture Sewing Technique" Revised & Updated  by Claire B Shaeffer May be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Couture-Sewing-Techniques-Revised-Updated/dp/1600853358

7. "One-Yard Wonders" 101 sewing project to be made with one yard of fabric. by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins may be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/One-Yard-Wonders-Sewing-Fabric-Projects/dp/1603424490

8. "Amy Butler's Little stitches for little ones" 20 keepsake projects for baby and mom. May be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Little-Stitches-Ones/dp/0811861287

9. "The Burdastyle Sewing Handbook" 15 creative projects & master patterns. By Nora Abousteit with Alison Kelly. May be purchased here: http://kollabora.com/store/products/burdastyle-sewing-handbook?tab=details

10. "Burdastyle Sewing Vintage Modern" Mastering Iconic Looks from the 1920's to 1980's. 19 creative projects with master patterns. May be purchased here: http://kollabora.com/store/products/burdastyle-sewing-vintage-modern?tab=details

11. "Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing" A modern guide to couture-style sewing using basic vintage techniques. by Gretchen Hirsch  May be purchased here: http://kollabora.com/store/products/gertie-s-new-book-better-sewing?tab=details

12. "The Colette Sewing Handbook" Inspired Styles and Classic Techniques for the New Seamstress. Includes 5 Exclusive patterns from Colette Patterns. By Sarai Mitnick  May be purchased here: http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/colette-sewing-handbook

13. "Sewing Clothes Kids Love" 10 Full size Sewing patterns & instructions for boys and girls outfits. by Nancy J. S. Langdon & Sabine Pollehn may be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Clothes-Kids-Love-Instructions/dp/1589234731


I wish you luck on not becoming a collector of sewing books as I have! If your already hooked then your in good company. Enjoy the books and keep sewing with a smile!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing - Pew Decor Tutorial

As we prepared for my daughters wedding the cost continued to rise, so after seeing that the pew decorations were going to cost $12 to $35 each pew, we decided to take this matter in to our own hands. There were no patterns on line to help and there was one on etsy with a cost of $10, so I would pass on that and just make up my own. After all how hard could a cone be?  I grabbed a plate and traced around it on cardboard to make a template/pattern for my cones, and all 24 came together quickly. My tutorial is included if you find you are in need of quick wedding decoration. I also have made on a little larger to use as my door decoration for Valentines Day, so you can use yours for other things than just weddings. Maybe goody bags for a party, put on placemat to hold napkins and cutlery. The options are endless! Good luck and Happy sewing!

My Tutorial will start below:

Supplies needed:

1. Plate or bowl to trace around
2. Cardboard for template/pattern
3. Markers
4. Scissors
5. 3yards of Burlap will make 24 small 10" pew cones
6. 3yards of lining fabric "   "   "    "    "  "   "   "   "   "
7. Thread
8. Sewing machine
9. Hand needle
10. Jute rope/string

DIRECTIONS:
1. take plate and lay on cardboard. Trace around edge of plate. This will be your pattern for cutting out all of your fabric.

2. Cut out all fabric pieces using the pattern and place them right sides together. 
3. Mark an 6 to 7 in opening space to turn the circle later and for jute rope placement.

4. Sew around the edge using a 5/8" seam or width of your choice. Make sure not to sew between the two areas as these need to be open.

5. Now you will want to clip in around the edges. You do this by clipping in to close to the seam. Do Not clip the stitching. This will help your circle lay flat when it is turned to the right side.  

6. Turn your circle to the right side and press with the iron. Press to the inside the edged of the opening and press. Put aside for the moment.

7. Take your jute rope and a ruler and cut into 12" long pieces. You will only need one on each cone.

8. Take your circle and your 12" of jute and lay on a flat surface. Place one end of the jute about 1" into the edge opening on one side and then do the same on the other end and pin.

9. Take to your sewing machine and stitch about a 1/4 of an inch in from the edge and then stitch again as close to the edge as you can. Now you have a hanging circle, but keep going.

10. With your circle laying flat fold over one side and then the other making the opening at the bottom as small as possible and make sure your jute hanger is at the top.

11. Pin in place and grab your hand sewing needle and thread. You will want to start at the bottom on the underside and hand stitch all the way along the curve of the edge. Tie the end of the thread and your finished.

Now stuff them with your choice of greenery or goodies. Please post photos if you make these. I would love to see your work!  Happy Sewing!

Wedding Bells are Ringing - Honeymoon series #3

              Nightgown and matching robe peignoir set. The perfect honeymoon or wedding night lingerie,
matching robe features long-sleeves, a ribbon front tie and a long silhouette. Eyelet lace with pink ribbon laced through by hand embellishes the edges. The under gown is made of eyelet with a decorative border edge.


 
 
Simple design and so comfortable.

Give Away for Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet

Win a copy of Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet.

Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet
Gifted By: Pottage Publishing
Reviewed By: Jeanette Benoit, Editor for AllFreeCrochet.com

 

Crochet Unravelled by Claire Bojczuk is a must-have book if you or someone you know is learning how to crochet. She truly "unravels" even the most confusing parts about crochet in the easiest way imaginable.

Win a copy of Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet.
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/sweeps/Crochet-Unravelled-Guide-To-Learning-Crochet

ONE FOR ONE Charity Challenge

Recently a friend, Debra, had posted a link to a charity on her facebook page and it really got me to thinking about how I might do my part. I have decided to challenge all of my sewing friends to make a charity project for every project they do for their self. I'm calling my challenge ONE FOR ONE. Just think, even if you do one project a month that would add up to 12 projects to donate by the end of the year. If you sew more often or do a few extra it could really add up!

If you do participate please leave a comment and let me know if you posted pictures, which charity or a new charity not listed.

Here are some links to some of the sewing charity's:

1. http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com
    (Go to the patterns section for projects. Pillowcase dress, Humanitarian dolls, T-shirt dress, britches for boys)

2. http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/pillow-case-pattern/
    (Pillowcase dress)

3. http://www.projectlinus.org
    (Loads of projects under Patterns/links section.knitting, crochet, sewing)

4. http://soldiersangels.org

• Blankets of Belief - Showing our deployed heroes, "We believe in you!"
• Blankets of Gratitude - Knitted/crocheted/loomed blankets for hospitalized veterans
• Blankets of Hope - Handmade sewn and no-sew blankets for the wounded
• Patriot Pillowcases - Handmade pillow cases to bring cheer to troops hospitalized in the war zones
• Scarves - Simple scarves to protect and cool deployed troops
• VA Crochet and Craft - Knit/crochet/sew a variety of items to improve VA patients' dignity and comfort
• Operation Top Knot - Not part of the sewing team, but includes sewing for infants of deployed fathers

5. http://www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=creative

    (A variety of charity to sew for here: including animals)

6. http://www.threadsoflove.org
   (Infant Burial gowns, preemie gowns)

7. http://www.sewingforbabies.com/Help.htm
   (Infant clothing)

8. http://www.snugglesproject.org
    (The Snuggles Project is well-known as a multi-beneficial project. The first, and most important, benefit is to the animals. After being given a Snuggle, a frightened and/or difficult to handle animal is able to become calm)

9. http://pleasebekind.com/ccp.html#start
    (Animal blankets, toys)

10. http://www.thesleepingbagproject.org/help-us/instruction/
     (homeless quilt/sleeping bag)

11. http://www.friendsandco.net/benjamin/benamin-smiles.html
      (make travel size pillowcases for children suffering from cancer.)

12. http://www.conkerrcancer.org
     (The brightly colored pillowcases that the ConKerr Cancer volunteers make for children ill with cancer brighten and cheer up the sterile hospital rooms.)

13. http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/patterns.htm
     (Hair loss is just one of the icky side effects of chemotherapy.)

14. http://www.heartpillow.dk
      (The Heart Pillow Project was created to help ease the pain of breast Cancer Patients. The pillow is designed to be placed under the arm to ease pain from the surgical incision and tension along with helping reduce surgical swelling under the arm.)

15. http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172837.asp
       (Big list of Military charities.)

16. http://friendsofpineridgereservation.org/difference/craftforprr.shtml
      (The residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota live in extremely poverty striken conditions.)

17. http://www.pfaffusa.com/media/Projects/11-05_-_Consumer_1_-_Wheelchair-Walker_Tote.pdf
      (This is a pdf download by pfaff for a WHEELCHAIR-WALKER CADDY )

18. http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mcshelpsite/sewingstuff/freepatterns.html/#charity
      (Huge list of charity sewing and places to donate)

19. http://www.newbornsinneed.org/html/baby_patterns.html

(They have variety of FREE patterns for you to make for our tiny babies.  The patterns available:

	Crochet Patterns Knit Patterns Sewing Patterns Keepsake Bracelet Pattern Folded Box Pattern

Wedding Bells are Ringing Flower Girls. Series #2

100% Linen Flower Girls Dress. This Princess Dress is perfect for a Flower Girl Wedding Dress, Pageant Holiday Dress, Easter Dress, and a Special Dress for her birthday Party or Heavenly keepsake pictures. The bodice is made out of high quality linen with linen under skirt and beautiful Offray ribbon to gather the wrist of the sleeves. Waist sash is ivory cotton. The skirt has 2 layers for additional fullness. The back of the dress has three buttons and a tie sash for a perfect fit at the waist. Absolutely Gorgeous!

The linen was purchased at http://fabrics-store.com in the color of "aluminum" that seems to no longer be available. Maybe try to have it dyed by request?

The pattern is by Olabelhe in "Clara" design available here: http://www.olabelhe.com/shop/Clara.html

This will be a series of items made for the wedding on Dec. 15, 2012 and there will be a free tutorial sometime during the series so check back often to see when it's posted.