Super Hero Mask

Have you ever needed a last minute project? I don't typically sew on the fly, but this time I just had to make an exception. My kids were getting ready to go "trunk or treating" with their cousin. My son said to me, "Mom, I really wish you would make me a super hero mask." I sent my 16yo to JoAnn's to get some felt (it's super nice to have an extra driver in the family now). By the time she was home with the supplies, I had the pattern printed and cut out.  

The rest of the project was a simple matter of cutting out the felt and sewing the mask together. It was really, really easy to sew. And he had a mask in less than 15 minutes. As payment for making the mask for him, he agreed to be photographed. And I think he even had fun doing that!

The mask attached with a piece of elastic. There is an option in the pattern to make masks out of cardboard. I think this would be a great idea for a kid's craft project at a party. In fact I even tried to talk my son into that idea, but he really wanted a sewn mask. I love quick and easy sews that make boys happy!
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You can purchase this pattern at UpCraft Club. If you make a super hero mask, I'd love to see it!

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Appaloosa Bag by Sew Sweetness

With the change to cooler weather, I decided it was time for a new bag for me. I have been contemplating making this one for some time now and I finally went ahead and made it. I have sewn several purse/bag patterns by Sew Sweetness. I love the structure and sturdiness that these bags have. I also appreciate the simple construction and easy to follow patterns. This pattern was no exception. I was even able to modify the pattern to have a special feature.

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I adore the fabric that I used. It was on the clearance rack at Hobby Lobby so I picked it up not knowing what I would use it for. I think it's perfect for this bag. I also like the two front pockets located just under the flap. They are perfect for keeping items that you want easy access to.

I modified one of the pockets so that I could carry my essential oils with me. I like to take along my oils, but I don't like it when they are just thrown in my bag and then end up getting lost amidst all my other belongings. This modification keeps my oils close at hand and easy to find. It was really simple to modify. Once the pocket was sewn and before attaching it to the purse, I used knit elastic to create little holders for each of my oils. It has space to hold six 10ml roller bottles. I included a couple larger elastic holder slots to keep my hand sanitizer bottle and perhaps a larger bottle of oil. I like that it didn't add any bulk to that pocket and they are still secure within the front flap.

Another modification that I made is that I placed the zipper pocket on the outside of the back of the bag. I did this so I could have an easy to access place for my iPhone. It's perfect because it's secure and I don't have to dig through my bag or hold the flap open awkwardly while out and about. Next time I make this pattern, I will make that zipper pocket opening wider. Also I learned that attaching this kind of pocket doesn't work well with foam as an interfacing. Next time I'll interface the lining so the zipper pocket will install much easier.

Since the zipper pocket went on the outside, I added a simple patch pocket to the inside of the main compartment. I didn't want to go crazy with pockets but felt like maybe the main compartment would be too large and roomy and that I might want a smaller pocket for necessities that often get lost in the bottom of the bag.

The final adjustment that I made is that I extended the strap. I am a huge fan of cross body bags. Cross body bags also happen to work well for my body type, so naturally I would want to wear this one that way. The original length of the strap didn't allow the bag to hand at the desired height. I needed to extend the strap by about 15 inches to get the desired length so it would sit at my hip instead of my waist.

Are you inspired to make your own Appaloosa Bag?

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You can find the Appaloosa Bag pattern at UpCraft Club.

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3 Tips for Successfully Sewing A Bra

This post might contain TMI for some of my readers...feel free to skip it if it's too close for comfort for you! (I am sparing you from modeled shots though! NO ONE needs to see THAT much of me!)

I'm super excited that I recently learned how to sew my own bras! I was in the test group for the Greenstyle Creations Endurance Bra. I was a bit skeptical at first for a couple of reasons: one being that I have not really had too much success in sewing anything for myselft, and a second being that it's a bra. I mean I had never sewn a bra before.

I did however learn a lot through the process. Keep in mind that this is a sports bra with a front zipper (which I totally love). It is comfortable and as far as fabric choices go--the sky is the limit!

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Here I'm posting 3 tips that I learned, and I'm sharing to hopefully encourage you to sew your own bras too! (This post contains affiliate links. When you use my affiliate links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my efforts!)

1. Use Klasse' Stretch Needles

OK. This first tip is actually one that I learned long ago when sewing anything stretchy. Forget ball point needles. Just use needles that are marked "stretch". Specifically, I use Klasse' Stretch Needles. Since first using these needles, I know that I will never use another.  For these bras I used size 75/11 needle.

2. Buy a whole yard of cut and sew foam (and order 1 inch FOE online too).

The pattern calls for a piece of cut and sew foam that is basically a fat quarter. You will be able to get 2 bras out of this amount. But after sewing my muslin and getting a good fit, I wanted to sew several more bras. Purchasing a whole yard of cut and sew foam saved me waste and also saved me from needing to buy more and pay more shipping. This foam is not readily available in local shops, so you will need to order it online. I ordered from Arte Crafts. When I did the math, it was less expensive to buy a whole yard than to buy 4 fat quarters. That was a no-brainer at that point. Oh and I got free shipping because my order was over a certain amount. Sewing the foam is so much fun and it is easily my favorite part of the bra sewing process. 

Second place is attaching the FOE. By the second bra, I had realized how much I needed to stretch the FOE in order to get enough support and fit from the elastic, so all of my bras fit really really well. The foam adds support in the bra so you definitely need it. It's also soft and comfy, so no worries about rubbing or itching.

My local sewing supply store only sells 1 inch FOE in basic black and white. While that is ok for some bras, I wanted a nice chocolate brown, so I ordered online from Diaper Sewing Supplies. I must say I am impressed with their color selection of 1 inch FOE--they even have prints. You need at least 3 yards per bra using the Greenstyle Endurance Bra pattern, so again order plenty so you can make more than just one or two bras.

3. Once you have a good fit, cut out several bras at one time, then sew them production line style.

Trust me when I say that you will want to sew more than 2 bras! The first bra is definitely a muslin. While it might be wearable, it might be your perfect fit. You will definitely know what adjustments need to be made after making a muslin in order for the second bra to be a perfect fit. For my first muslin I used this orange flower print. it is actually swim lycra. For the lining I used solid white swimwear lining, although you can use the outer fabric as the lining as well.

My second bra fit exactly the way I wanted it to fit. I had to go down one cup size, after making the muslin, for the perfect fit. Once I had that perfect fit, it just made sense to cut out several bras and then sew them all production line style. Much, much faster that way! Also once you have made one bra, the sewing really goes much faster. I found that I didn't even need the instructions for the future bras that I sewed.

There are three back options in the Greenstyle Endurance Bra pattern. You can make a traditional sports bra with racer back, criss-cross straps, and there is even an option for adjustable back bra straps. This bra pattern could easily become an everyday bra with that last option. I still need to cut out and sew at least 2 more bras. I'm so excited to be able to sew my own bras! Bras are expensive to purchase and I've only ever been able to own one or two new bras at a time. This pattern has definitely opened up possibilities to me!

This pattern also allows you to customize the bottom band. For this bra I added 2 inches to the bottom of the band and used 1.5" elastic instead of 1" elastic. I love the support that this added to the bra. This pattern calls for knit elastic. I always just thought that elastic was elastic. Not true! Knit elastic retains its shape when stretched. I am now a huge fan of knit elastic for certain applications.

Before sewing these bras, I had already watched a Craftsy class about bra making. The class is for a more traditional bra with underwires and a back closure. You can totally sew Greenstyle Endurance Bra without the Craftsy class, but I did find the information helpful as far as measuring and terminology. There is even an entire lesson in one of the bra making classes on sewing with cut and sew bra foam.

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Back To School--Teacher Gift Idea

Back to school. I love that time of year. New backpacks. And books. And school supplies. Shoes. New clothes. It's all just so much fun...for the kids at least. This post includes a giveaway and links to other stops on today's back to school tour--so don't forget to read to the end for all that good stuff!

It's also a good time for sewing up new clothes for the kids. Last year I wrote about my favorite patterns for back to school. And this year I released my very first sewing pattern--a lunch bag (also a market tote). Now is the perfect time to sew a new tote as well! This month I'm offering a 50% discount on my pattern with the code BACK2SCHOOL2016 in my Etsy shop. Coupon is valid until the end of August 2016.

(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase by using my affiliate links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my creative efforts!)

Even though I homeschool my kids, I decided to participate in the back to school blog tour anyway. I mean we are always learning and growing, and we do officially start our new school year in August. BUT instead of making something for the kids, I made this apple core mini quilt, which I picked up from UpCraft Club. It's a perfect seasonal quilt or one that's perfect for anytime. 

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I haven't quilted too much in my sewing career. I have made a couple rag quilts, also some quilts out of some amazing ModKid knit fabric. Last year I made a diamond quilt from an issue of One Thimble. I really love that one--the colors are amazing!

So mini quilts are really fun for me because they can be started and finished in one day (or several short sewing sessions). I happened to have an afternoon without any distractions, so I was able to finish it right away. And this pattern has instructions for making a larger quilt if you would prefer.

The instructions for this quilt are simple and straightforward. I have not sewn this type of block before with curves. Naturally I was a bit hesitant to use any of my really nice fabric, but I just went ahead and used this lovely print that I really love. The instructions guided me to first cut strips of a certain width, cut them into squares, and then use the curved shapes to cut accurately. The quilt is a variation of the drunkards path. Once I had made one block, the others were really easy to churn out. The leaf shape and seeds are appliqued onto the quilt front after it is assembled.

I used solid white fabric for the background and the backing as well. The binding is the same print used in part of the apple. I also inserted pockets into the binding so I could hang it. I decided to quilt this mini quilt with a continuous spiral. It really wasn't as easy as I though it would be. And now I wish I had quilted with straight lines to be a contrast to the circular shape of the apple. But really, I'm quite pleased with the finished result.

I think I'm going to hang this in my kitchen area. I'm auditioning hanging spots, and I think I really like this one. (I received this pattern for free. I wasn't required to write a blog post about it, nor was I required to share about the pattern on social media. I only share with my readers those products and services that I love.)

What back to school sewing are you doing this year? Don't forget to check out UpCraft Club for all your sewing pattern needs!

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Check out the rest of today's stops on the tour:

Filles à Maman - Sew Happily Ever After - Tales of a Tester - 5 Out of 4 Patterns - The Crafting Fiend - Lulu & Celeste

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Thank you to all the sponsors for this tour!

DIY Crush Guest Host

Hello! And welcome to a new DIY Crush link up party! I'm so excited to be hosting this week's link up on my blog. I'm glad you have visited me here in my corner of the blogosphere. While your here, check out my tutorials and freebies page for some great ideas and inspiration. And don't forget to check out my very first sewing pattern that I released earlier this year. (It's on sale for half off right now until August 31, 2016. Use code BACK2SCHOOL2016 in my Etsy shop.) Thanks for visiting! 

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Here are the favorites chosen from last week's party. I hope you had a chance to see them. If not, see last week HERE.

Domenica picked this Easy Half Apron Tutorial from Lolly Jane, a blog full of amazing DIY and decoration ideas! I love the fabric chosen and that pocket would be so perfect for holding a few things that you need to keep close during a project.

 
Marsha picked this amazing Robo Quilt by Threading My Way. All of the drawing of the robots are from her son. She is also providing templates for download so you too can make a stunning quilt for a special little (or big) boy for Christmas!

My favorite post from last week is this Paper Guided Stitched Graduation Card from Joy's Jots, Shots & Whatnots. This is a great project to use up scrap fabrics as well! I'm sure the card maker in my family would love to use this idea in the future. I just have to be willing to give her a bit of sewing time on my own sewing machine!

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Meet your hosts!

Last week we had a lovely guest host, Annalee from The Salt Water Blog!

You can follow her here: facebook // instagram // pinterest

Our co-host, Marsha, from Seam Of My Pants will sadly be taking a break from partying with us, but hopefully she'll return soon! Farewell, Marsha!

Our permanent co-host is Domenica from Easy Sewing For Beginners, a blog full of tutorials, projects and videos!

Please follow your hosts:

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Easy Sewing For Beginners: blog // facebook // twitter // pinterest // youtube // instagram

Seam Of My Pants: blog // facebook page //twitter // pinterest // facebook group // instagram

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We would love for you to spread the word about this party!! We want everyone to join!

Ready to party now?? We sure are! Let's see what you have been up to lately! It's time to show off!

What Can You Show Off?

• free craft tutorials & patterns
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Get Out of That Sewing Funk!

Have you ever been in one of those funks? You know the one where you want to sew, you just don't know what exactly it is that you want to make. You just don't know where to start. Or which fabric to use. Or what pattern to sew. You start browsing Pinterest hoping to find some inspiration, but 3 hours later you realize that you have been completely sucked in, you didn't get any actual sewing or crafting time, and now your kids are ready for dinner. Yep, true story. It's happened to me.

(This post contains affiliate links. When you use my affiliate links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my site!)

I'm always so glad when a new issue of (affiliate) One Thimble comes out. I love the fresh layout and the sewing articles, but mostly I look forward to the new patterns! Each issue is packed with not only information, but also brand new patterns. The patterns in each issue are drafted specifically for the theme of that issue, so you are guaranteed to have several new patterns all at once and none of them will be duplicates.

The theme for this issue is watercolor--what an inspiring and pretty theme for this season.

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I was able to get my hands on two patterns from this issue, both from the designer Molly and Mama. The(affliate) Darling Daisy Girls Bag is a darling little open purse with a beautifully hand embroidered smiling daisy on the front. I opted to leave the daisy off of this purse. It's a very darling little size and I can just see some little lady carrying this beauty into church one day with her crayons and a little Bible inside.

I added the ribbon ties as an afterthought to keep it closed. The purse is a very easy sew, which would make it a really perfect project for a child learning to sew. The embroidery instructions are very well written as well and I do believe a beginner with patience could accomplish that bit of hand sewing as well.

The (affiliate) Flutterby Kite pattern is a beautiful pattern for learning beginning quilting techniques. I chose to make the strip work version and boy did I have a fun time sifting through my scrap bins! I pretty much pulled fabrics that I liked and cut them into 1.5 inch strips. I was really going for a scrappy look so I didn't pay any attention to the colors or patterns that I chose. I simply chose the ones that I liked or that reminded me of a special event or project. I even managed to sneak a strip of already pieced fabric from the Whip It Up challenge that I participated in.

I love how it turned out! I have done some quilting before, so this wasn't a new type of project to me. I did choose to do a traditional quilt binding on this kite rather than the bias tape binding that is called for in the pattern. I actually used some of the same 1.5 inch strips from the main kite to make a very narrow binding. I love attaching the quilt binding to quilts. I know that seems a bit odd, but I really love this aspect of quilting. It is just very satisfying to see all the pieces finally come together!

You definitely won't want to miss this issue. Purchase your copy today and get out of that sewing funk! It's the perfect opportunity to sneak in some back to school sewing too. You can check out all of the individual patterns in the One Thimble shop, but really purchasing the entire magazine is the best way to purchase because then you can read all of the articles and features and gather a little extra inspiration from the photographs.  Don't forget to share what you create. I love seeing what my readers sew. (I received these patterns for free. I wasn't required to write a positive blog post about it. I only share with my readers those products and services that I love.)

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Don't miss a stop on the tour!

8/12

Call Ajaire

Bunch O Berries

Sew Happily Ever After

8/13

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Tales of a Tester

All Things Katy

8/14

House Of Estrela

Sun Flower Seams

Stitches by Laura

8/15

That's Sew Kari

Coral and Co.

Threading Rainbows

8/16

Lulu and Celeste

Max California

Pearberry Lane

8/17

Sprouting JJ

Create Three Point Five

Made By Melli

8/18

Snickerdoodle Stew

Beri Bee Designs

Candice Ayala

Sew Sophie Lynn

8/19

Pattern Revolution

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Made by Sara

Fjara Racerback Tank

This is my first time sewing a pattern by Pienkel. I am really pleased with the results of this pattern. For this first "wearable muslin" I used this striped very thin knit for the main bodice with solid gray rib knit binding. For my 13 year old, I made size 8. She was actually between size 7 and size 8 and the pattern suggests sizing up if between sizes. (This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase by using my affiliate links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my creative efforts!)

Overall I'm pleased with the sizing and fit. But I think on the next one that I make, I will make a few adjustments--the first one will be in the arm scye. I think I'll cut a size 7 along that line. I am thinking it would help with the little bit of gaping going on in the back. I also won't top-stitch the bindings in place. I usually don't top-stitch knit bindings in place unless I have a really good knit with some spandex for good recovery. This knit is thin and almost no recovery to it. That's the thing with knits, you just never know how they are going to respond until you have completed the project. So that's why I'm calling this one a wearable muslin. She can wear it as a layering tee, and now I know what to adjust on the second one.

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A major issue that I have with sewing for this girl is finding patterns that don't appear too childish for her size. She is a teen and has a very specific style that she likes, but most of the sewing patterns in her size are meant for girls much younger than her. I like this pattern because it's in her size, but is also modern and more suitable to her age.

She does like the style of this tank and has requested a few more to be made. She even picked out the fabric, so my only job now is to get those made. It really is a quick sew--just 3 seams and the hem. Adding the bindings really takes the longest. I think I'll try one with FOE instead of rib knit binding. While this pattern doesn't have a ton of options, it is a great tank pattern that can be worn year round as a layering piece in the fall and winter or alone in the spring and summer.

You can purchase your copy of the Fjara Tank Pattern by Pienkel at the (affiliate) UpCraft Club. If you are a member you can get this pattern for free with your monthly credit. (I received this pattern for free. I wasn't required to write a blog post about it, nor was I required to share about the pattern on social media. I only share with my readers those products and services that I love.)

What sewing patterns are on your end of summer sewing list?

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Summer of Sewing--Soleil Dress

I'm back today with my favorite dress pattern to sew for summer. And modeling it is my adorable niece. Her measurements were just under the recommended measurements for the Soleil Dress pattern for size 12 months, but since that was the smallest size available in the pattern, I went ahead and made it for her. So she has a little bit of room to grow into it, and maybe it will fit her next summer as a little tunic. 
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(This post contains affiliate links. When you use my affiliate links, I get a small commission. Thanks for supporting my efforts!)
My very favorite detail in this dress is the back opening. I love that little surprise. An option for a closed back is also included in the pattern if you wish for that instead.

My second favorite detail in this dress is the pockets. They are so adorable in size 12 months, but you can see in my previous post that they are just as fun in the larger sizes.

This dress calls for knit fabric and ribbing for the bindings. You could also substitute fold over elastic (FOE) if you prefer that look. I like working with FOE but it is a bit tricky to really get the hang of it. The best tip I can give is to stretch the FOE slightly while applying and be sure not to stretch the fabric at all. But truthfully it just takes practice. My first few attempts at FOE ended up in the trash can. #truestory

I also really love how the gathers in the front of the dress are all bunched together at the center. This helps the pockets to be shaped well. In fact this pattern is the first one that I have ever made and bound pockets in this way, so it took me a minute to wrap my mind around the construction. If you have never sewn with knit, this would be a great dress to try it out on--especially if you choose the solid back option. Normally I like to sew knits with my serger, but lately I've been finding that I really love my standard sewing machine for knits by using the knit stitch. If you don't have a special knit stitch, just use a short zig zag stitch.

I love patterns by Lauren at Baste and Gather. You can purchase all of her patterns at (affiliate link) UpCraft Club. If you are a member, you can even purchase them with your monthly credit too. 

Who will you be making a Soleil Dress for?

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