stitch.tac.sew

Pattern Source: Amy Butler’s “Little Stitches”

Materials:

Fabric (Refer to pattern)
Elastic
Thread
Scissors
Measuring Tape

About the Fiber: I used fabric remnants from previous projects on this dress and was lucky to have just enough to cover all of the required pieces. All fabric used is 100% cotton and pre-washed.

I take all necessary precautions when beginning any Amy Butler pattern. I pre-wash fabrics, double check materials and re-read the patten multiple times and yet there always comes a point in every pattern that something goes wrong, doesn’t seem to computer or turns out completely backwards. This time around I completely abandoned the instructions for the would be cuffed sleeves and decided to simply use my own instincts to create hemmed edges. Overall it was a very simple pattern, even with excess gathering and elastic pieces. I am looking forward to seeing my daughter (who will be here at the end of May) wear it next January.

Bow Detail

Pattern Source: Inspired by Jenny Ryan’s “Sew Darn Cute”

Materials:
3/4 Yard Printed Fabric
1/4 Yard Solid Fabric
Sewing
Scissors
Measuring Tape
Stencils
Fabric or Multi-Purpose Paint

DIY Sewing Machine Cover

About the Fiber: I used fabric remnants from previous projects on this sewing machine cover originally purchased at www.ReproDepot.com. All fabric used is 100% cotton and pre-washed.

The original dust cover to my sewing machine was quickly destroyed within a few uses and a new cover was a necessity now that I have a little sewing table set up at all times. In Jenny Ryan’s “Sew Darn Cute” she offers a simple pattern and inspiration to design your own Sewing Machine Cover - exactly what I was in the mood for! I loosely measured the height/width/depth of my machine and cut out three pieces of printed fabric. Next I measured around the base to pair a solid colored trim. From there I followed Jenny’s instructions to sew in side panels, then added to the trim myself using pinking sheers to fan the bottom edge. Finally, I stenciled some hot pink scissors using a template from Ed Roth’s “Stencil 101″ and multipurpose paint by The Crafty Chica (available at Michael’s). Overall my DIY masterpiece serves its purpose and was constructed using extra craft materials (no purchase necessary!) - always a bonus!

Pattern Source: Lion Brand Yarn Free Pattern Finder “Serene Shell”

Materials:
4 Skeins LB Collection Bamboo/Cotton in Hyacinth
Size F Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Measuring Tape

About the Fiber: LB Collection Cotton Bamboo combines the softness and drape of bamboo with the durability of cotton. Available in 8 colors the super soft blend is very strong and has a nice, cool feeling for summer projects. Light DK/Weight Category 3.

I anticipated a quick project with this summer shell sweater and was surprised that by adjusted my needle and pattern size to meet the appropriate gauge, it took a much longer time to complete. My rows were yielding about a 1/3 of an inch instead of just over half causing me to make far more stitches than expected. Still this timeless piece will last me a lifetime and the fiber selection drapes beautifully. At 39 weeks pregnant I cannot fit into it just yet but am anxious to wear it at the end of summer.

When Lion Brand announced a new line of affordable luxury yarns I was anxious to begin playing with some textures I haven’t explored yet - mainly due to their price tag! Even after donating over 1/2 of my yarn stash I have an entire cabinet to work with before I allow myself a yarn shopping spree.

Lion Brand Spring Ripple Throw

This project followed the free pattern on LionBrand.com to a T. The fiber is LB Collection Superwash Merino in Antique, Dijon, Peony, Spring Leaf and Denim. A size H hook is used to make teeny tiny stitches with this super fine yarn for over 80 rows. The finished project is incredibly light, yet very warm and one of my favorite pieces so far. I made this for my daughter Genevieve (due in May) and think it will be the perfect spring/summer stroller blanket.

Vickie Howell recently posted this adorable free pattern for Lollipop Leg Woolies - little legwarmers for babies.

Lollipop Leg Woolies

This pair is made with size 6 double-pointed needles and Yarn Bee/Sweet Delight Baby Bee in the color “Pink Baby Camo”. I have yet to add any embroidery or embellishments, I haven’t decided on a design just yet.

Thanks for the awesome pattern Vickie, this is great for a novice kniter like me, get a copy of the free pattern here!

I made these wrist warmers/fingerless gloves using a free pattern from the Lion Brand Pattern Finder at www.lionbrand.com. I used the same yarn referenced in the pattern - Lion Brand’s Sock Ease in Taffy.

This was my first time to work with a light-weight/fine yarn (or a category 1 which makes it sound like a natural disaster). It took me a little while to get used to the very tiny stitches and I realized my eye-sight is not what it used to be. Once I got into a rhythm though, it was very easy to whip up the second glove in about 1/2 the time it took to the make the first. I will still get some wear out of these before spring gets here and adjusting the pattern for the larger size helped me to create pair that fit perfect. In time I hope to add a few more sets in some of the other fabulous colors available in Sock Ease.

Next up - Vickie Howell’s Lollipop Leg Woolies. I am about 1/2 way through with the first woolie and I’m using Yarn Bee, “Baby Bee” in a variegated pink, green and white.

TITLE:  Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing
AUTHOR: Anna Maria Horner
PUBLISHER: Wiley Books
RELEASE: October 20, 2008

Excerpt:

Anna Maria Horner’s signature style combines the techniques of a seasoned sewer with the vision of an artist. In Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing, she walks you through the fundamentals, offering practical advice on everything from fabric selection to color choices to choosing and buying a sewing machine. Simple step-by-step instructions show you how to turn her designs into fanciful creations:

Sideways Squares Skirt, Prairie Blouse, Full Contact Cooking Apron, PlayingAlong Quilt, Doggie Dreams Bed and so much more!

Vivid full-color photographs and designs will invite you into the creative process. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, the twenty-four projects in this beautiful book will transform your home and wardrobe into a collection of unique treasures. (Amazon.com)

Do not let the book excerpt fool you - ‘beginner to veteran’ is not an accurate description of the patterns within these pages. Although Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing is brimming with fun and unique patterns, the construction is less than simple! The front section of the book serves as a basic “how-to” manual (or refresher for the seasoned seamstress). It is informative and thorough without overwhelming the beginner.

The patterns themselves though are quite difficult to read. I found the lack of step-by-step illustrations made the projects more confusing. A few steps are featured for each pattern but not near enough and the cryptic pattern instructions coupled with little-to-no visual allows a lot of trial-and-error sewing and plenty of confusion.

To be extra careful I read through the two patterns I started with several times before even cutting out the paper patterns and still found construction was difficult. The finished projects are both gorgeous and I’m very happy with the final results, but the road there was a rocky one. Perhaps a little more editing and more concise instructions would benefit the novice to intermediate crafter. A veteran may find this book a breeze.

While learning more about Anna Maria Horner online I stumbled upon her blog at www.annamariahorner.blogspot.com and quickly fell in love with the posted designs and vibrant pictures. A definite add to my daily reads, Seams to Me certainly inspired me to take a few leaps with patterns outside of my realm of sewing knowledge but I learned that I will need to budget far more time and patience when I attempt more from this book.

BurdaStyle.com Vivienne Jumper Dress

Pattern Source: BurdaStyle.com Vivienne Jumper Dress Pattern (Free!)

Materials:

1 1/4 yards printed fabric (I purchased this fabulous print at www.fabriccarnival.etsy.com)Matching Thread
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Straight Pins
Iron
2-4 buttons (or 3 if you’re sassy)

About the Fiber: This Michelle Miller print is 100% cotton fabric and 44″ wide.

I wanted to sew-smart with this extra easy pattern so I began the construction process by washing and drying my fabric on regular settings before cutting my pattern. Being 100% cotton I wanted to make sure any potential shrinking was out of the way and was pleasantly surprised to see how well this fabric retained its original size.

Next up I printed a FREE pattern from BurdaStyle.com. If you haven’t joined this FREE sewing community yet, now is the time! Fresh new patterns are uploaded daily in several different categories for sharing and for purchase. The dress pattern is only three individual pieces (bodice/skirt/back) and is easy to print and tape together straight from your inkjet printer.

Total construction time? Less than an hour (including pressing). I notice I tend to be an impatient crafter but I strive to take more time to follow a pattern as closely as possible the first time I use it. When I made a second dress the next day, the instructions were tossed aside and I whipped it together in about 20 minutes. My favorite part? The adorable button closures at the top! My least favorite? I’m not a fan of hemming anything.

Sized for a 2T - I think this runs a bit on the small side. It is deliciously easy and suitable for any beginner!

Second Dress made with fabric from Hobby Lobby.

Candy Crochet Granny Square Coat

Pattern Source: ”Candy Crochet” by Candi Jenson

Materials:

Vanna’s Choice Worsted Weight Acrylic from Lion Brand in: Colonial Blue, Scarlet, Antique Rose, Purple, Kelly Green and Terra Cotta

Size I Crochet Hook

Size H Crochet Hook

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Measuring Tape

About the Fiber: Vanna’s Choice is 100% acrylic fiber from Lion Brand. The texture is surprisingly soft and is an easy-care yarn. Easily washed and dried on normal settings.

Whew! I knew this would be a large project but I didn’t anticipate how frustrated I would get in the assembly process. I think the next time I work with granny squares I will do more assembly along the way rather than stitching all 158+ squares then arranging and assembling afterwards. I did learn to connect all of my squares with stitch markers to make a “working fabric” that was easy to lay in my lap as I seamed all of the rows together.

The coat is nice and heavy but provides a lot of moment. I think it will keep my daughter warm (in 2-3 years when she is old enough to wear it!). As it will wear extremely well it can easily be passed on to future siblings and cousins as well. It was a fantastic project to add to my collection, if enough time is set aside to work on it, it is simple enough for the novice crocheter.

Candy Crochet Granny Square Coat

Read our Book Review on Candy Crochet
Purchase a copy of Candy Crochet

Did you notice? As this is one of s.t.s’s first book reviews - the library page has been updated with both the product link on Amazon.com and a link to this post for the review! I will also be adding “project” links next to titles as they are posted. Check back for more!

TITLE:  Candy Crochet: 50 Adorable Designs for Infants and Toddlers
AUTHOR: Candi Jensen
PUBLISHER: Sixth & Spring Books
RELEASE: April 1, 2007

Excerpt: The very best designs from Candi Jensen—author of perennial favorites Candy Tots, Candy Babies, and Candy Blankies—have now been anthologized in one volume! Jensen’s innovative patterns for cozy blankets, snuggly hats, and charming dresses have received updated yarn selections, but all the style is still there, along with something for knitters of every skill level. The cheerful favorites, featured in adorable full-color photographs, include a Preppy Preschooler outfit, Pastel Parfait hat and vest set, Princess-Pink cardigan, and Navajo Throw. A handy reference section covers everything from selecting yarns and determining gauge to reading charts and patterns. (Amazon.com)

I first blogged about Candy Crochet: 50 Adorable Designs for Infants and Toddlers on December 9, 2008, as I began searching for projects to make for my daughter (due in May). I am still in awe of the incredible collection of patterns contained within this one title – and it’s priced under $20! I have made two of Candi Jensen’s patterns within a month and found both to be well-organized projects that can be made both quickly and inexpensively.

The book features 50 patterns for little ones ranging in size from newborn to toddler. There are various projects for girls, boys and both and luckily only a few blankets are featured. I have found most baby-crochet pattern books are filled with the same building blocks and baby blankets where Candy Crochet is focused on apparel and accessories, all displayed in vivid and bright colors compared to the ever-popular baby pastels. Most projects are completed in worsted weight yarns, which allow a large range of substitution fibers without having to worry about sizing. In addition the skill levels range from beginner to intermediate with a glossary and stitch guide in the back of the book.

This is a wonderful book to add to your craft collection!

http://www.candijensen.com