I found it at the library

I recently borrowed this book ‘Stitch by Stitch, Learning to Sew One Project at a Time’ by Deborah Moebes which I thought would be really good for those of you out there who are or consider themselves beginners.

The first thing that grabbed my attention about this book was the fact that the patterns, stitch guides etc from the book are on a CD.  As I have mentioned before I love this idea as you don’t have to worry about trying to scan your book to get the template for the applique designs or that you might rip your tissue paper pattern. 

The author Deborah Moebes taught sewing classes at public schools, designs children’s clothing and now owns Whipstitch Lounge, a popular sewing destination in Atlanta.  She also has a blog and an online fabric shop at etsy.

The book is split into 2 parts, the first is about getting started, where Deborah shows you what tools to invest in, getting to know your machine and understanding fabric.

Part 2 is the lessons and Deborah has 11 projects for you to tackle from Home Decor and Personal Style (napkins, placemats, tote) to Sewing Clothes (wrap skirt, a-line skirt cap sleeved blouse).

Each project has a technique for you to learn like mitered corners, bias bound edges, zippers and darts on clothing.

I love the way this book is laid out and it has lovely pictures and clear instructions for each step of the project.

So if you are a beginner or not you will love creating the projects in this book.

Is it are your local library?

Happy Reading!!!!

I found it at the library

 

Have you ever wondered how patterns are created or even wanted to design your own.  Well this is something I have been thinking a lot about lately so I thought why not checkout what’s at the library.

So far I found two books that I thought were interesting.  The first book is ‘Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit’ by Steffani Lincecum.  Steffani is a Hollywood and theatre costume designer and her book shows you how to design clothing using the rub off technique. 

There are 2 methods using the rub off technique. The first method is where you place the garment on a piece of paper and mark the outline on to your paper by placing pins through strategic points of the garment.

The second method is where you place tracing fabric or muslin over the garment and you trace the seams etc of the garment onto your paper. 

As with all books to do with sewing, the first chapter is all about the tools and equipment you need, knowing your fabric, taking measurements and sewing essentials. 

The following chapters show you how to draft a skirt, dress, blouse and handbag using these methods and then once you have designed your pattern the author then shows you how to make variations.

 

The second book I found is called ‘Design It Yourself Clothes Patternmaking simplified’ by Cal Patch who is a former urban outfitters designer.

Cal Patch teaches you how to draft your own patterns from taking specific measures from head to toe. 

Of course the first chapter is your sewing basics and Cal shows you how to prepare to make the pattern and the taking of the measurements. Then there are 5 key projects for you to design: the perfect fitting dress, the t-shirt, an a line skirt and pants/trousers.

Part 2 of the book is the making of each pattern and part 3 is the customizing fitting and grading of the pattern.

As per the first book Cal also shows you how to make variations of the each pattern.

Both books have very clear instructions/illustrations for you to follow and I love the fact that they encourage you to alter the patterns to make different versions of the garments.

But out of the two books I think Cal Patch book appeals to me more and I have put it on my must have booklist.

Have you found a patternmaking book that you think is a worthwhile read?

Happy Reading!!!!

Linkup Party Likes #16

 

Hello everyone, how has your week been.  I have been busy making trolley covers to add to my Made It store.  I have also been doing a lot of late spring cleaning.  I just was so over the clutter in my cupboards and the kids bedrooms oh and our study (we have a lot of magazines that we read and keep).  So look out charity bin here I come.

My little man also has turned 5 months.  He has rolled onto his tummy a couple of times and is trying to sit up by himself at the moment oh and he has been really grumpy lately do to toothing.

And on the craft side of things, I’m a bit behind on my Art of Knitting teach yourself to knit, so I have been trying to catch up each night.

So what have you all been up to lately.  I have noticed that the Christmas crafts are starting to appear along with thanks giving projects overseas.  This year I have decided to make most of my nieces and nephews Christmas and have found a few ideas through Pin Interest.

Well what have you been up to over the last week.  Lady with the Red Rocker has made this beautiful felt headband and provided a great tutorial on how its done:

 

Finding other peoples complete knitting projects makes me want to dive in and start on something for the kids for next winter but I don’t think I’m quite ready to do that yet but I just loved this Cardigan that McGreen Experience has just finished:

 

I have never been one for ruffles on shirts but lately I have come across some lovely items that you have all made, like this lovely ruffle shirt that Cobblestones & Ivy has made after finding a tutorial over at Tea Rose Home :

 

And who doesn’t love a homemade softie.  A Creative Princess has used an applique pattern to create these cuddly fellows:

 

Miss G loves wearing stockings and I thought that this DIY tights tutorial was a great idea over at Southern Lovely:

 

Hating Martha has a great tutorial for a baby shower gift.  Why not make your own for the next baby shower you are attending:

I’m thinking about making the girl’s some pj’s for Christmas.  I have the pattern for the pants but wasn’t to sure about the top.  I thought about doing the usual applique on a t-shirt but I think I might us this tutorial for a tubular singlet I found over at Cass Can Sew:

And a dress or two never goes astray and here is one I found by the lovely ladies over at A Couple of Craft Addicts:

Hope all these lovely ideas have given you some inspiration for this week.  Today I am trying to take my own family photo’s instead of getting a professional to do them so wish me luck.

Happy Sewing!!!!

I found it at the library

 

I have been waiting for this book for a while now and by this picture you can see why:

 

Sewing Clothes Kids Love by author Nancy J S Langdon is a gorgeous book.  I noticed this book doing the rounds on the blogs about a year ago and was on the waiting list at the library for sometime

 

There are some great projects in this book and the fabric that is used is just fabulous

 

 

 

There are 10 full sized patterns from size 18 months to a kids size 12 inside

 

So what are you waiting for, checkout your local library and see if they have a copy!

 

Happy Reading!!!

Link Party Like #13

 

Well what a week, my baby girl turned 4 yesterday (how did that happen lol and where did the years go) and we had Father’s day on Sunday.  Have so much that I want to do but seem to be getting no where.

Finally finished the last 2 dresses for ‘Dress a girl around the world’ thank goodness and am now working on making some IV Shirts to give to a lady to donate to a hospital for bubs.

So after a much needed cuppa I had a look at what you all have been up to in the last week:

This felt owl is just adorable, you can find the tutorial over at The Orchard in Bloom:

 

 

Sara vs Sarah have put a personal touch to these lovely pillowcases they have made with a crochet edge:

 

 

One of my favourite blogs Sumo Sweet Stuff has made this lovely lanyard.  I must make one of these for my girls to attach to there library card:

 

 

Sandy Sewz has made this lovely blanket as a gift, which reminds me I have a baby shower to attend on Sunday for one of my closest friends so I better get my thinking cap on:

 

 

My girl’s have grown out of there old jeans so this is a great way to repurpose them.  Thanks for sharing Artfully Caroline:

 

 

And isn’t this dress gorgeous, it’s over at Kristina J:

 

 

Minimoz has come up with this great idea for storing your ribbons:

 

 

How great have these skirts turned out using dad’s old work shirts.  You’ll find the tutorial over at lil pink pocket:

 

 

Hannah Handmade has come up with a great idea for using up your scrap material with this little clip:

 

 

Thank you everyone for sharing your great ideas in last weeks link up parties.  I don’t know about everyone else but I’m dying to get back to the sewing machine now lol.

Happy Sewing!!!

Link Party Likes #11

 

Last week I finally managed to get in front of the sewing machine.  It was so great to finally make something again.  I had a lovely lady ask for a bib and burp set made these lovely owl prints:

It was also my birthday on Friday and my wonderful husband bought the Simplicity Bias Tape Machine that I have been wanting for ages:

So I had to go to my local spotlight and stock up on all of this:

I also had the pleasure of testing a pattern for Sumo Sweet Stuff.  Just loved making these dresses for my girl’s.  Very easy to follow instructions so keep an eye out for this one:

I’m also part of a charity drive for Dress a Girl Around the World so will post some pictures of the dresses when they are finished.  It’s a great cause and if you love sewing why not take part.

But for now here are a few things I found and loved on the Link Up Party’s last week:

Sew much ado has shared this maxi dress tutorial.  Going to give this one a go as I would like to make a few dresses for myself this summer:

Katie J. Gibson show’s how to make a nursing blanket:

Etcetorize made her own version of a victoria secret dress:

Everyday Art, again love what Emily comes up with:

 

Got to love the owl craze that is going on at the moment. Here is another take on the owl craze by Off My Hook:

Love this 3 Stitch Summer Dress over at A Law Students Journey:

 

And last but not lest, why not refashion your old t-shirts into something new just like over at Just Down the Hall has:

I’m off to sit in front of my sewing machine.  Happy Sewing!!!!!!