Category Archives: Sewing

All things Sewing

Free Amy Butler Quilt Pattern

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Many of you are familiar with wonderful Amy Butler fabrics, but the famous designer also designs sewing patterns. Amy Butler’s Sunshine quilt pattern is a stylish pattern for intermediate and advanced quilters. Featuring a different pattern on front and back, the Sunshine quilt is reversible.

Click image to go to AmyButlerDesign.com

The Sunshine quilt is available for free download. While not a quick project, this lovely quilt is suitable for intermediate sewers, even for those who have not done piecework before.

Notice the young woman’s jeans on the cover photo of the quilt pattern. Another cool way to use Amy Butler fabrics. And guess what?  Amy has a free pattern that shows you exactly how to embellish your jeans with these stylish fabric scraps.  This quick project is suitable for beginners; teens and the college set will love it, too. And what a great mother-daughter project – maybe on Mother’s Day?

Amy Butler prints can be used to wrap gifts.

Amy Butler fabrics are so versatile. Made of 100% woven cotton, the easiest type of fabric to sew, these stylish prints are loved by advanced sewers, but are suitable for any skill level and many types of projects ranging from quilts and home accessories to clothes.

These lovely prints make stylish dresses, skirts, and tops for everyday wear and dressy occasions such as church, school, or the office. Use them by themselves or combine them with coordinating solids.   Cotton fabrics are so cool and comfortable; they get softer the more they are washed and worn.

Prom Dress Fabrics

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An elegant tulle skirt makes this prom dress special.

Today’s sewers have an enormous variety of materials to choose from when it comes to making prom dresses.  So, how do you know which to choose?

First, don’t get your heart set on a particular fabric before you select the style of dress. Consider whether you want a ball gown to the floor or something tea length or a mini skirt.  Do you like strapless or strapless with a bolero or off the shoulder or spaghetti straps?  There are no right and wrong answers here; it’s all about personal style and what will make you feel beautiful on your special night.  Remember that A-line styles (princess styles) look great on all figures.

Once you have chosen the style of dress, look for an appropriate sewing pattern.  If you are not certain what style you want, the pattern catalogs will give you many ideas.

Commercial sewing patterns tell you exactly which fabrics are suitable for each style. This information is found on the back of the pattern envelope. Usually more than one type of fabric is appropriate.  Different fabrics are often combined in one garment. For example satin, silk or lamé  fabrics make beautiful bodices combined with a tulle overskirt.

A luxurious, elegant look can be achieved by using several layers of tulle. Tulle is available in virtually any shade you desire.  It also comes in a glamorous, glitter variety.

Glitter Tulle

Lace is another beautiful option for the over layer of a bodice or skirt.  Interesting, out-of-the ordinary lace patterns can make great wraps, boleros, or shrugs to highlight a solid color dress.

Lamé

Lamé is an excellent choice for many shorter styles of prom dresses.  This exciting fabric is available in several colors and varieties.  Satin lamé is great if you want a fabric with slightly less sheen.

What are you sewing for prom?

 

 

 

Learn to Sew with this Patchwork Bag Pattern

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Patchwork fabric can be used in many ways. It’s not just for quilts!

Patchwork fabric can be used for far more than quilts. It makes delightful purses and tote bags.

Here’s a Learn to Sew pattern dear to my heart. As many of you know I love to make bags. This clever pattern teaches basic sewing techniques and more. Learn to piece patchwork, insert a lining, and use a rotary cutter while making charming handbags that all ages will love. This is also a great mother/daughter project.

Corduroy is a great choice for handbags.

Any cotton print or solid is great for making patchwork fabric. Lightweight corduroy makes beautiful textured patchwork and is a sturdy, durable fabric for both purses and backpacks.  Today’s corduroy comes in wonderful brights and pastels, in addition to traditional neutrals.

Of course, this project would look great in Amy Butler fabrics, too. The popular designer has such a range of fun, vibrant fabrics available, and they are so fun to mix and match in a patchwork design.

Some of Amy Butler’s many designs.

The Learn to Sew bag can also be made with canvas or linen. Canvas is sturdy choice. It is a popular upholstery fabric, especially for outdoor furniture.  Canvas is available in several prints in addition to traditional solids.

Linen is a classic fabric.  It is available in a variety of shades and is easy to sew, although it does tend to ravel. Raw edges of linen should be edge-finished.  Pinked edges are a traditional method of edge-finishing this fine fabric.

A bookbag?  A lunch bag?  A purse for Mother’s Day?  Go and sew!

And the Answer Is . . .

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Chanel hat from Les Modes 1912
Mlle Gabrielle Dorziat wearing one of Chanel’s first hats. Photograph by Talbot. Wikipedia Commons

And the answer is Coco Chanel.

How many of you got it?

I could have also said that she was responsible for a famous perfume, but that would have been giving away, wouldn’t it have?

Chanel, who died in 1971, is famous for the classic Chanel suit, Chanel jacket, and of course, Chanel No. 5 perfume.

She began her career as a hat maker, and by the 1920s, owned a thriving design business. Her designs were a far cry from the stiff Victorian and Edwardian fashions that had been the norm, and she became a leader in the women’s clothing “revolution” of the 1920s.  Chanel designs featured shorter skirts and comfortable fabrics. One of her famous designs is the classic “flapper” dress.  Chanel liked to wear mannish styles, and she popularized pants for women.

Despite her alleged association with the Nazis during World War II, Chanel went on after the war to build up her fashion industry, the world-famous  House of Chanel.

Polyester Poplin

Many modern fabrics are suitable for fashions that echo Chanel’s style.  Gabardine and poplin are great for the classic Chanel suit and for many styles of pants; these fabrics are easy to care for and are great for business travel.  Lightweight wool is also another good pick for jackets, pants, skirts, and suits.  Chanel would have enjoyed the wide assortment of apparel fabric choices available to contemporary designers and sewers.

Modern gabardine is available in polyester as well as the traditional wool.

Do You Know This Fashion Maven?

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During the great change of the “Roaring Twenties,” women’s fashions went from demure, even prudish, floor length and ankle length costumes, to revealing, lightweight “flapper” dresses. Our mysterious fashion maven was at the head of this fad. She took advantage of some the newer fabrics, including rayon, just coming into vogue.

Peau De Soie “Skin of Silk”

Today’s fashion designers have far greater range of apparel fabrics to choose from than designers in the past had. Our mystery designer would  have loved today’s fabrics.

Do you know the name of this famous fashion designer?

She started a hat making shop in 1910. Some famous socialites of the day loved her hats.

Crepe Back Satin

She is known for the ______ suit, ______ jacket, and bell bottoms.

Doing World War II, she was thought to have been involved with some unsavory characters. This association, however, did not keep her career down for long and did not prevent her name from ultimately becoming famous. Today, women the world over still enjoy the basic styles she popularized. The fashion house she founded is going strong.

Have you guessed who I’m talking about?  Check my next post for the answer.

Sheer Fabrics in Spring Fashion

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Chiffon evening wrap

Tulle is fun all year around, and it is great for spring fashion updates. Tulle, organza, chiffon, georgette and other sheer fabrics can be used for lightweight wraps for evening and bridal wear. These delightfully delicate-looking sheer materials can also be used as head scarves and head bands. Organza, chiffon and georgette scarves and head bands can be finished with an overlock stitch.

Crushed organza makes gorgeous wraps, headbands, and scarves.

Tulle and organza hairbows are easy to make for the little princesses in your life.  Simply cut tulle the desired length and tie it in a bow which can be attached to a barrette. Tulle doesn’t ravel, so no need to worry about finishing the edges.  You can use the same method for organza, but finish the edges with an overlock stitch.

Add a tulle petticoat underneath last year’s dress for an inexpensive new look that has a touch of nostalgia reminiscent of the fabulous 1950s and early 1960s.  If you want to flare the skirt of dress out, you can use tulle for the entire slip. Gather the tulle on an elastic waist band. Again, there is no need to edge finish it or hem it.   For comfort you will probably want to wear a nylon, tricot, or cotton slip next to your skin, underneath the netting petticoat.

Crystal organza features a lovely sheen.

If you just want the look of tulle peeking out from underneath the skirt, you can make a batiste or nylon slip and then attach a tulle ruffle.  You can also simply make a tulle ruffle and attach it to the skirt on the underside.

Sheer fabrics are so fun and feminine.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with them and find the looks you like.

Spring and the Sewing is Easy

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I simply love to make children’s clothes, and I miss having my little niece and nephew to sew for (they are all grown up now).   Spring time brings out the creative juices afresh in me, and I’m swimming in ideas.

 A tulle ruffle makes this simple dress extra sweet.

While new colors hit the fashion scene every year, some colors are perennial favorites, especially for kids’ clothes.  What little girl can resist a pink dress or top, and of course, lavender is lovely for any age.   Little boys look great in blues and greens.

If you haven’t had the chance to make an Easter outfit there is still time to make something for late spring.  Amy Butler prints make charming warm weather dresses for any age.  These lovely cotton prints are so stylish and fresh.

Seersucker makes cute rompers and play clothes for both boys and girls.  Seersucker fabric is easy to sew and to care for.

Classic seersucker is cool and comfortable. It comes in a variety of colors.

Classic linen can also be a good choice for a dressy spring outfit for any age. Irish linen is lightweight and comes in a variety of bonny colors just right for your lass or lad (or yourself).  When sewing linen, keep in mind that it does ravel easily and should be edge finished.  Pinking the edges of the seam allowances is a classic, easy way to finish linen.

Netting gauge tulle

Of course, if you are sewing a spring church or party dress, it is hard to resist the charm of sheer fabrics such as tulle.  A tulle underskirt peeking out from underneath a spring frock is a popular look this year.  Tulle is fun and inexpensive and can be made into accessories as well.  It is available in a variety of grades (from large netting to very fine) and an amazing array of colors.  In my next post, I have some ideas on how to use tulle for quick, easy fashion updates.

 

Making Simple Napkins and Placemats

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Placemats and matching napkins enhance the beauty of this lovely wooden table.

Making napkins and placemats is an inexpensive way to add elegance to your table setting. Cotton fabrics and linen are ideal for napkins, tablecloths, and placemats because they are easy and quick to sew. For both beginner and advanced sewers, stitching up some new placemats and napkins gives a new season or a holiday a special feel.

Handmade table decorations also make delightful gifts.  Make a set of matching placemats and napkins and place it in an attractive basket for a fun housewarming gift; the recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness.  Handmade gifts are always a warm way to show you care.

Quilting fabric can be used to make placemats and napkins.

 

Napkins:

Cut out a square of fabric the size desired, plus a ½ inch hem allowance. Press in a narrow hem and machine sew it. Napkin edges can be finished with an overlock stitch, but personally I think a narrow handkerchief hem looks much more professional and finished. You can make four 16″ square napkins out of one yard of fabric.

Placemats:

Cut out a rectangle of fabric the size desired, plus a ½ inch hem allowance. Press in a narrow hem and machine sew it. Placemat edges can also be finished with an overlock stitch if you prefer. Typical rectangular placemats measure 13 x 19 in or 12 x 16 in.  A good sized square mat is 13 x 13 in.

Vibrant oilcloth makes great placemats and tablecloths.

Oilcloth (vinyl) can be cut to the proper size for placemats without the need for hemming or any sewing. Use pinking shears or other decorative scissors to create a decorative edge.  What could be easier?  You can make a different set for each day of the week!

 

Fabric for Napkins and Placemats

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These elegant pink linen napkins feature a rolled hem and a simple threadwork border which adds interest.

Fabric napkins, tablecloths, and placemats add style to your table. Fabric napkins are environmentally friendly, too, since they can be washed and used for years.

A wide variety of fabrics can be used to make placemats and napkins. Elegant napkins and tablecloths are often made with fine linen. More casual napkins and placemats can be made with broadcloth, and other cotton or polyester materials. Fabric for napkins must be flexible enough to roll or fold, while fabric for placemats can be stiff. Cotton duck and some drapery material is suitable for placemats.

Terrycloth and Irish linen displayed on oilcloth.

Wipeable placemats can be made with vinyl fabric, which is also called oilcloth. Vinyl fabric comes in wonderful array of designs and it does not need hemming. Simply cut it to the size desired. Use decorative scissors to give vinyl a scalloped or zigzag edge.

Gingham adds nostalgic charm to a casual dining area.

Gingham is a traditional fabric for tablecloths, and it still brings cozy style to the table.  Decorate the breakfast nook with gingham curtains to match the tablecloth.  If you have a breakfast area with a window seat, a gingham cushion and pillows can add charm.  Gingham now comes in many colors besides the traditional red and white. Checks can also be large or small.

Fabrics for Wallcovering–Part II

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Fabric can be used in many ways to add style to any room in the house.

Many stylish interior décor fabrics make ideal wallpaper. Textured fabrics add interest to both contemporary and traditional rooms.

Textured designs such as this Robert Allen Floral Texture Ruby Fabric can add interest to a wall.  Robert Allen Saddle Creek fabric (shown below) is another great textured fabric that can be used on walls.

You can also use cotton apparel fabric such as Amy Butler prints. Imagine an entire bedroom decorated in coordinating Amy Butler prints: sheets, comforter, pillows, curtains, and wall covering. But, coordinating fabric accessories and wall covering needn’t be limited to the bedroom. Using fabric wall covering to match your upholstery and drapes is a great look for the living room and dining room as well. It can look chic in the breakfast nook, too.

Fabric wall covering can be placed directly on the wall or you can use a thin foam backing or carpet padding as a base.  When working with expensive fabrics, the foam backing is the best option. Foam or carpet padding adds soundproofing and insulation to a room.

Sunset Books Complete Paint and Wallcovering explains in great detail what is needed for successfully covering your walls with fabric.  It describes the types of foam, padding, or batting to use.  This inexpensive guide also explains more about installing fabric wall covering and covers options such as stapling the fabric to the wall at the top and the bottom.  It gives information on molding and how to choose a suitable fabric.