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There are certain events that get a crafter giddy from the creative possibility – weddings, birthdays, holidays, changes in season, etc.  One event that has always seemed to inspire my family of seamstresses most is the birth of a child.  Just think about it; all of those cute blankets, pillows, decorations and itty-bitty clothes just begging to be handmade.  Sure, you can go to the store and buy any of that, but there’s something so special about a handmade baby item or gift.  Whether the item in question is of better quality than a store counterpart, made to custom specifications (I’ll get to this later), or simply brimming with love and care that just can’t be replaced, there are so many reasons to spend the time and effort to welcome baby into the world with a one-of-a-kind, handmade gift.

Which brings me to my dilemma…  As mentioned previously, I come from a crafty family where baby-time meant“sewing time.”  Well, it’s my turn now, and June 8th seems to be coming at me both excruciatingly slow and frighteningly fast.  I want nothing more than to hold my little kick-boxer-in-training, but there’s still so much to do in preparation for his arrival.   My sewing list for my little guy is so long, but there is only so much time (and energy!) that I can devote to it before showtime.  What’s an expectant mom to do?

Before I start paring down my list to a more realistic size, I thought I would share it with you, our craft-minded readers.  Whether you’re searching for ideas or can offer a few tips to help me narrow this down, I would love to hear your thoughts.

A Minky Blanket -  I’ve seen these popping up in stores all over the place, and on my “Can IMake It?” scale they fall somewhere between “Heck yes I can make that” and “Why wouldanyone pay that much for something so simple?!”  When it comes to luxury and softness, minky is probably tops in my books.  The only drawbacks I can see to making one would be the mess and possibly the price (I would certainly save money by making my own, but we’re tightening the purse strings at the moment and minky is on the costly side).  On the other hand, I could make more of a throw with slightly larger dimensions and both of us could cuddle under it.

Oversized receiving blankets – I’ll admit it; I’m spoiled.  My mom had my brother when I was 11 and my sister when I was 16, so I was exposed to the wonders of the oversized receiving blankets my aunt made for her and could truly appreciate them.  Whether she laid them on the floor for tummy time or used them for a little extra privacy while breast feeding, the extra coverage made a great difference in their usefulness.  It wouldn’t be hard for me to make this myself, but then again I could always put them on my wish list and hope my aunt loves me as much as she loves my mom.

Clothes – He’s not even here yet and he’s already got more clothes than I do, but it’s hard to resist the urge to make him a couple outfits when I work around temptations like the Sew Baby patterns.  This will probably be the first thing to get cut from my list, but I’m still very tempted to make a replica of the adorable seersucker outfit I saw in a rather pricey catalog the other day.


Baby Sling – We recently started carrying a pattern for the Mei Tai baby carrier, and I can’t help but picture walking around with one in a cool Amy Butler fabric.  My only concern is with entrusting my child’s safety to my sometimes shaky sewing skills.  I might go sneak a peak at the pattern so see if it’s something I could handle or if I should just leave this one to the pros.



Sew Baby Snappy Wrap – Despite the teasing my Canadian friend throws my way, it does in fact get cold in Georgia.  This cute little wrap just screams “useful” to me, and I am all about the functional along with the cute.  Fleece is such a breeze to work with, this might become a standard baby gift if it’s as easy to make as it seems.


Baby’s First Quilt – Our lovely graphic artist, Moniqa, had a wonderful idea the other day.  She suggested taking little hand and foot prints of our little guy, printing them onto fabric, and making a quilt out of the blocks.  I always talk myself out of making a quilt because there are so many quilters in my family who are so much more talented than myself, but this idea might actually be one I could justify doing myself.  I’m getting misty eyed just thinking about it.

That’s all I want to think about for now.  I still need to get my sewing room cleaned and situated so that it can double as a nursery (I waited WAY too long for a sewing room to just give it up.  He can share for now).  All I can say is that part of me is glad I am not having a little girl – my sewing list went down by half once all the little dresses and baby doll clothes left the picture.  If you can think of anything I should add to my list, please feel free to let me know.  I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Many people are hesitant to sew with minky because they are afraid it is difficult to work with.  While minky projects can offer a new challenge to sewers, a few simple tips can make take the fear and difficulty out of the experience.

• Minky is stable parallel to the selvage and stretches perpendicular to the selvage (along the width).  

• Before you start a project, make sure to note the nap on the minky and cut pieces accordingly if you want the nap to lay a particular way.

• Minky, like fleece, will not shrink with washing.  However, make sure to pre-wash all other fabrics you may be using in your project since they may.

• When cutting minky, be prepared for a cloud of fuzz!  Try cutting pieces with a rotary cutter then taking them outside to shake them off, putting them in the dryer on the air dry cycle (NO heat), or keep a vacuum handy to cut back on some of the mess.  

• Test, test, and test your stitch length, width and tension on a scrap piece before you start your project.  Did we mention that you should test?

• Pins are your friends.  Pin every 1” to 1.5” to ensure the minky stays in place.  It may be time consuming, but you’ll thank yourself.

• Use a walking foot to help with slipping.

• To further prevent slipping, you can hand baste the layers before machine stitching.

• If you are working with one layer of minky and one layer of another fabric, stitch with the minky layer down and let the feed dogs guide the fabric.

• Give a generous seam allowance (about 1/2”) as minky tends to curl.

• DO NOT iron minky directly.  Instead, place minky face down on a towel and press gently on low heat or steam it.  Ironing and high heat will ruin the nap and any embossing in the fabric.

• Don’t forget to clean your machine’s throat plate, feed dogs and bobbin case often.  All that fuzz can get messy and clog the works.

• If you are making a quilt, use only a low-loft polyester or pre-washed cotton batting.  Even better – skip the batting altogether and save yourself the extra work.  The minky is fluffy and offers a great deal of warmth.

Those are just a few tips.  If you are an experienced Minky Master and have anything else to add, please feel free to leave your own tips and tricks in the comments section.  Don’t forget to post pictures of your minky masterpieces on the gallery, too!

One of my duties is to stay on top of the trends and up to date on the latest fabric lines and it is a my favorite responsibility. While performing the usually hunting techniques last week, I discovered a very happy finding! The host of One of my favorite blogs and children's clothing designer, Sandi Henderson of Portabellopixie, has announced her first cotton print fabric line produced with Michael Miller Fabrics, Ginger Blossom. You really need to check out this new cotton line; it is fresh, bright, happy and everything you want a quilt, skirt, dress or top to be. Here is just a little bit of what Sandi says on her blog about her new line: "I am a huge lover of textiles-I have literally every genre presiding happily in my stash.  Retro, vintage, modern, shabby chic.  I enjoy it all, and eventually I found a style that was all me-a little bit of everything.  Eclectic and Happy". You can read more here. I am so excited about the great shapes and hues that Sandi has so artfully combined in some wonderful prints. This is definitely the look I envisioned for my new sewing room. I can't wait for December!
P.S. Be sure to check out Sandi's whole blog. She has some really great photos!

FASHION TRENDS TRANSCEND TO THE GYM

AND

ACTIVE/FITNESS INDUSTRY
By Karen Howard

 

There was a time, without revealing my age let's just say around 20 years ago,  when dressing to stay in shape, maintain your health or step up one's active lifestyle  was all about oversized cotton or poly/cotton tees, sweatshirts, jackets, pants and shorts.   Colors were drab and silhouettes were loose and unflattering.

 

Well, in the last 7 or so years things have REALLY changed .... Fashionable styles, silhouettes and fabric trends have invaded the active/gym wear industry.  With the huge surge of everyone, from 5 - 100 years, looking to maintain their health and fitness .... Top designers and active wear brands have transformed the industry attire to include more fashion forward fabrics like washable silk lycra blends, cotton lycra spandex, quilted broadcloth, quilted nylon, decorated/printed fleece, stretch fleece, lycra knits, poly lycra knits, nylon lycra swimwear, stretch velvet, cotton flannels as lining and stretch velour.

 

Silhouettes are following the current fashion trends ranging from tastefully fitted and revealing to loose, very fashionable less revealing looks, empire waist tops and leotards, short and long shorts, various pant lengths from extremely long yoga pants to extremely short running shorts.    

 

Famous sports, movie and designer personalities are launching their own high-fashion active wear lines ....  adding even more fashion flair and trends to the once drab apparel industry ...thus taking active wear apparel beyond the limits to carve out its own place in the fashion industry.

 

Now is the season for marathon training and running.  Die-hard fitness enthusiasts never let the cold or the approaching holiday season keep them from accomplishing their fitness goals.  Now they look forward to touting their physiques in fashionably layered, cold weather active attire highlighted in with layered, lined or accented as trim with quilted faux suede, faux fur / minky accents, spa minky and various unique trims. 

 

Athletes and wannabe athletes are not only now inspired by the motivation to get and stay fit, but by the fashion inspired attire that now allow them to personalize and individualize their active persona.

 

Editor's Note: Check out our Jalie Patterns for your active fashion needs. I love the jogging suit!  

 

 

Sew News is offering a free purse pattern that I think is the cutest! This is perfect for the stock of fun new cotton prints we have in stock. Dick & Jane, Look & Learn & Fresh Air by Moda.

Sew News also features an offer for a free McCall's Pattern. Don't miss out on the free embroidery pattern by Heather Bailey!

Quilt Magazine offers over a dozen free web patterns, including small projects like pillowcases, fabric stash blocks and quilt patterns. See the small projects here.

McCall's Quilting is also offering lots of free quilting patterns such as: Golden Quilts, Holiday, Patriotic and Blocks. Check them out here. 

   

Don't forget to check out Whipup.net. I love this site. It is full of full pictures and lots of tutorials. One of which was the inspiration of Melanie's Pumpkin.

 

The holidays are swiftly approaching, which means a lot of us are on the hunt for presents.  As I sat in my sewing room this past weekend making my (overwhelming) "gifts to make" list, I glanced over at my bookshelf and had an idea.  Not only are craft books a great source of handmade-gift inspiration, but they can also be great gifts themselves!  I know some of my favorite gifts have been books, and I thought I would share a few of them here. 

Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay (Workman Publishing) 
When I found out there were entire books dedicated to T-shirt makeovers, well, my little creativity-cup not only overflowed - it nearly erupted.  Although definitely aimed at a younger audience, this one is my favorite of the few t-shirt books I have seen.  Using primarily T-shirts as your materials, projects range from simple top renovations to skirts to swim suits - even a complete wedding dress!  There are even a couple projects for men's shirts, and t-shirt trivia throughout the projects is a fun distraction.  This book is perfect for any crafter whose style has a bit of edge to it. 






Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make With Fabulous Fabrics by Francesca Denhartog & Carole Ann Camp (Storey Publishing)
This book has just about everything you need to know about making a skirt without a pattern, and then some.  It starts with a pretty thorough guide to the basic techniques needed when starting a project.  The writing was detailed enough for a beginner to understand, but still informative enough to give an experienced sewer a refresher without boring them.  Once you take a few measurements (the book shows you which ones) you can begin whipping out adorable skirts that are tailored to your taste, without the hassle of confusing patterns or aggravating tissue paper.





Making Vintage Bags: 20 Original Sewing Patterns for Vintage Bags and Purses by Emma Brennan (Guild of Master Craftsman Publications) 
This book is perfect for the handbag enthusiast.  Using clear instructions and photographs, this book shows you how to make handbags fashioned after trends from the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's.  Many of the bags have smaller matching purses, all of which you can find the pattern for in the back of the book.  Even if you aren't making of the bags featured in the book, the instructions and photographs make it a great reference for techniques and styles that can be used in your own creations.






 Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects by Amy Butler (Chronicle Books) 
Ever a Fabric.com staff favorite, Amy Butler's book appeals to a wide audience with its varied projects.  There are projects for just about every room in the house, but don't be fooled into thinking that this is a strictly home décor book.  The "Bedroom Projects" section has instructions for an absolutely beautiful duvet cover, as well as some for comfy and stylish wide-leg lounge pants.  This book works well as an inspiration for gift making, but would also be a welcome gift in and of its self.   You can even see a couple of the projects on her site.  I personally cannot wait to find the time to make the patchwork handbag on page 162 - too cute!  But, hey, it's Amy Butler; how can you go wrong?


Happy Stitching!
Melanie

I've been looking at all sorts of websites and magazines about Halloween the last couple weeks.  Among the pages of kids' costumes and pumpkin carving techniques, it's hard to miss the tempting images of Autumn inspired baked indulgences.

One of my favorite fall recipes is my great grandmother's pumpkin cookies.  I'm not a huge sweet fan, so I love how these lovely, little, bite-sized morsels have such wonderful flavor without putting me into sugar overload.  I particularly like them topped with a dark or semi-sweet chocolate ganache (which I have included here), but I also found a pretty good cream cheese frosting recipe that compliment's them well (Laurie's idea).

********************************************************************
My Great-Grandma's Pumpkin Cookies
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degree.  Mix dry ingredients and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Next, add the pumpkin, egg and vanilla and mix well.  Slowly add dry ingredients until fully mixed.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and drop cookie dough in blobs about 2 inches apart.  Grandma's recipe called for "teaspoon-sized dollops" but I am impatient so mine were more like "Tablespoon-and-a-half-sized dollops."  If you use Granny's way, bake them for 14-16 minutes; 18-20 minutes my way. They should be firm and slightly golden (don't over bake them or they will become dry).

Grandma's way yields about 5 dozen or so smaller cookies.  My way gets you about 3 dozen (try not to eat too many between batches).

*********************************************************************
Chocolate Ganache
(this recipe will make enough to cover all your cookie and then some)
1/2 cup of heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chips work fine, but you can be decadent and use one of those fancy bars, too)
1 tablespoon butter
Put your chocolate and butter in a bowl.  Heat the cream up to boiling and pour it over the chocolate.  Stir until smooth.

(Note: while certainly not the most healthy idea, you can mix a couple spoonfuls of the leftover ganache into some heated milk for an absolutely sinful cup of hot chocolate)

********************************************************************
Cream Cheese Frosting
2 packages of cream cheese (8oz.)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
Blend the cream cheese in a mixer until fluffy.  Mix in the powdered sugar, and then add the milk and vanilla.  Mix everything until smooth.  If the frosting is too thick, add more milk a little at a time.

********************************************************************
For the chocolate ganache, the best way to apply it to the cookie is to just dunk the top of the cookie in (giving it a swirl for good measure).  You can do the same with the cream cheese, or you can use a spatula or pipe it on.

Enjoy!

Melanie

I am all moved in to my new house and I am loving it. However, I need a bit of a break from home decorating but can't get it completely out of my mind. With the promise of fall around the corner (in Georgia that means the temperture comes down to only 80 degrees) I am distracted by thoughts of new fall clothing. Being surrounded by home decor fabrics all day but thinking of apparel allowed me to find inspiration in using home decor fabrics to wear, Amy Butler's Nigella not withstanding. Here is what my wandering mind has come up with. See if you don't agree. 

Coat, Trench & Blazer I am all about the coats this fall. Heck, I am all about the fall period! I cannot wait for crisp mornings, cooking stew and wearing sweaters and coats.I am cold blooded by nature so according to my family as soon as the temp reaches 69 degrees I reach for outerwear. I figure they are just jealous that I get to wear my awesome coats before them. More for me!  

        We have some really great options no what what your coat preferences. However, let's step outside the norm just for fun and look at what home decor fabrics have to offer for coats. I think this embroidered microsuede is so beautiful and different. It would really great with a trench pattern or if you prefer something classic and demure. Try this pattern with our Faux Suede in dark grey that is so popular this season.




    Finally, don't forget about the fuschia this fall. Our Fall Forecast predicts this is one of the hotest colors this fall. And all too rightly! Who says we must bundle up in darker colors the rest of the year. Carry your favroite spring and summer colors with you to brighten the shorter days. Perfect for this task is this combo of Fuschia Polka Dots (Who doesn't love Dots!) with a fun, funky for fresh jacket pattern by Favorite Things. The non-tradional closure and new spin collar coupled with classic dots in a feminine color make this combination a sure thing and a staple.

Dresses I have recently been watching reruns of Sex in the City and fell in love with Charlotte's entry, whose walls are covered in a blue plaid. Ever since I have been on a plaid kick. It reminds me of so many things I love, Family, warmth, crisp weather and Scotsmen (wink). It is not tricky to wear and is a must for keeping warm and sheik this season. I love this print with this dress pattern.The modern cut and details make it perfect to take the 'school marm' image out of this plaid. The shorter hem makes it so tempting to wear tights in either a trendy or classic color. This dress is also perfect for either boots, heels or flats, your choice but you can't go wrong with this lovely plaid.

Another great trend this season are bright colored or patterned tights. This simply shaped retro style dress is perfect to show off your fashionable legs in the best colors or patterns. I used Simplicity's Retro Pattern 3833 with our new Ultrasoft Sueded Twill in Rasberry. I paried it with dark grey tights. It looks so comfy but so sleek. Great for a lunch with friends, shopping or to wake the weekday doldrums.

I can't wait to get started on my Fall Fashions and I hope you will join me. Be sure to post your pictures in our Sew and Tell Gallery so everyone can admire and be jealous! And remember "If you don't look good, we don't look good."

Oh wait, wrong slogan, but still true!

Tara Miller

 

 

One of my many joys (or chores depending on the day) is to create custom design coordinate groups for our customers to use as a guide, inspiration or template for their homes. Since you know your schedule and your family's needs, how you use these groups is entirely up to you. But isn't it great to have some of the work done for you! I research market trends and color combinations and hunt through our warehouse to bring you fabric combinations that include color, pattern and texture that will work perfectly together so all you need to know is which colors work for you and your rooms and your yardage needs. I hope these postings will be the next best thing to hiring an interior decorator. About once a month I will feature a new design inspiration, whether it be your dream bathroom or that family dining room you have always dreamed of. First, let's focus on the center of the home, that family room or great room. Since this room will probably be the most popular and most used, it needs to feel calm, crisp and clean (even if it isn't). 

  Let's use our Khaki and Robins Egge Blue Collection. It has just the right amout of color without being overwhelming and the blue with khaki is very refreshing without being washed out. The sofa would look great with P. Kaufmann Sarita Cocoa. This pattern should hide dirt and light stains that little hands tend to share but with still look great when friends drop by.

 

  Don't forget the pillows for extra Pop and comfort on movie night. Try 2 in P. Kaufmann Jacquard Picnic Check Azure and 2 in P. Kaufmann Vassar Paisley Horizon. Both prints with compliment the sofa beautifully.
      Next we will need some extra seating. Try pairing to comfy but stylish club chairs with our new Matleesse in Ivory. This will add duribility and texture to really make your room come to together. On the windows, I love the idea of roll up shades with Dupioni Silk Bisque on the underside (to show just a hint when you let the light in) and P. Kaufmann Yazman Cocoa on top as the dominate. Finish off your room with accents of Chocolate Brown, Ivory and Blue to really bring in that clean, airy feeling. It will look like you paid high dollar and spent hours pouring over design books, when all you really did was jump online amd visit my hand picked collections! Be sure to post pictures of you finished rooms or design inspirations in our Sew & Tell Gallery. And don't forget, I am here if you have any questions and would love to hear what rooms you are looking for advice or just a few tips.

Enjoy your home,

Lauren!

   

 Hi!
A few years back my best friend Ann purchased a furnished "rental" condo in a resort area on the South Carolina coast. While the place had good bones, it was blah, blah, blah. Think basic furnishings, sparse accents, no window treatments...just no personality. Our mission was to turn this place into a cozy nest without breaking the bank account. We purchased new bedding, lamps, accessories and fabrics.  We set out on a six hour drive to begin a two day makeover. While Ann got busy hanging pictures and arranging things, I got busy with the fabric. First up for me...drapery panels. I used a plaid promotional dupioni silk. Wow, they instantly brightened and added life to the room!  Next, it's on to decorative throw pillows. I really wanted to pull all the colors from the plaid silk throughout the room.  Accent pillows are such a quick way to accomplish just that. My last significant project, and the one I am most proud of, is that I covered a headboard. I had no confidence that I could pull this off. As it turns out, it was so simple!  All I did was lay batting, then stretch and staple the fabric. Bye, bye boring old headboard!  I wish I would have known it was going to be this easy.  I am sure I could have used Fabri-tac to add some cute embellishments!

 

We are so proud of our quick makeover. It must have turned out well because I have not yet been able to claim my free week...The place is always rented!  I have 2 projects under way right now that I am excited about.  Vicki is going to help me because these are more detailed. Hope to have them ready by my next blog entry!

Ciao for now!

Nancy