sewing – Page 3 – the long thread

July 26, 2015

Windows

After working on my fall fabric collection using paper cutting, I have been thinking more about working with mixed media. This morning I experimented a bit with cathedral windows and paper. Here I used some double gauze cottons from my Framework collection and the dark gray paper cranes from my Monochrome collection. Just cut circles and fold them over fabric squares. I think this would be a lovely way to display special fabrics. These are 1″ squares, but you could make them any size.

My Cathedral Windows Quilt from 1, 2, 3 Quilt is still one of my favorites and was the most fun to make. This technique seems intimidating, but is really just about folding fabric. Simple.

January 24, 2015May 14, 2015

Sewing with Double Gauze

Some of the prints from my latest collections are printed on double gauze cotton, so I thought I’d talk a bit about the fabric for those of you who haven’t tried sewing with it yet. Above are the double gauze prints in my Charms collection for Kokka (shipping to stores now).

As you can see in the photos below, double gauze cotton is made of two layers of loosely woven cotton, stitched together every centimeter or so to keep the layers together, which you can see on the back side. These two gauzy layers together make for incredibly soft fabric, perfect for baby items, clothing, or quilts.

When I first bought double gauze for myself, I assumed the layers would make the fabric pucker or be difficult to manage when sewing, but in fact, that’s not the case at all. It sews very well and has a nice drape, perfect for garments. It makes a super soft quilt back and I often mix it with quilting cottons and linen in my quilts. Below are some ideas and links for things you can sew with double gauze cotton. I also created a Pinterest board with more sewing project ideas.

Right now, it looks like you can find my Charms double gauze fabric online at Fabricworm, Imagine Gnats, Pink Castle Fabrics, and Gooba Designs. For wholesale ordering information in the US, contact Seven Islands Fabric.

double-gauze-projects

Sailor Top from Fancy Tiger Crafts.

Double Gauze Scarf from Poppy Makes for The Daily Stitch.

Prefontaine Shorts sewn by SewBon.

Circle Skirt from You and Mie.

Lap Duvet from Purl Soho.

Tunic from Stylish Dress Book sewn by Make Something.

Geranium Dress sewn by Probably Actually.

Infinity Scarf from Imagine Gnats.

Shearwater Kaftan sewn by Skirt as Top.

November 2, 2014November 2, 2014

Zippered Pouch Tutorial

Head over to Skip to My Lou for this quick pouch tutorial as part of the Bake, Craft, Sew, and Crochet holiday series. This holiday season, I am going to try to make only useful things!

This pouch’s finished size is 5″ x 7″, so it will hold your phone and cards. You could add a wrist strap to take it with you and skip the purse. I used some faux leather and my Framework fabric that you can buy here and here, among other places.

October 29, 2014

Emery Dress

emery-dress

I wanted to post another one of the samples that I made for Quilt Market — the Emery Dress by Christine Haynes. Lots of people asked about the pattern, so I thought I’d share. It’s now available in a .pdf version as well as a paper pattern. You can add the optional collar, bow at the waist, or longer sleeves. The fit of the dress is perfect and the instructions were easy to follow. It came together very quickly.

This dress above is made from one of my double gauze fabrics with metallic ink from the new Charms collection for Kokka. The double gauze fabric sews really well and makes the dress so comfortable!

emery-dress-pattern

emery-dress-detail

October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

Present Perfect

present-perfect

Today I’m excited to be part of the sew-along for Betz White’s new book, Present Perfect: 25 Gifts to Sew & Bestow from Interweave. The book has some very useful and fun projects that you can create quickly.

Since I am busy sewing for the upcoming Quilt Market, I decided to use some of my new Charms fabric to make the Eye Candy Glasses Case as you can see below. I made a simpler version without the contrasting fabric on the front of the case. Super quick pattern and as usual, Betz’s instructions and illustrations are clear and helpful.

eye-candy-glasses-case

eyeglass-case

You can see the full sew-along schedule here:

Sew Mama Sew – Make & Bake Apron excerpt – Mon, 10/6

Stacy Sews – Falling Leaves Appliquéd Placemats – Tue, 10/7

House on Hill Road – Hot Mitt House & Tea Towel Set – Wed, 10/8

A Happy Stitch – Sweet Life Pillow – Thu, 10/9

Sew Sweetness – Wool Courier Bag – Fri, 10/10

Raspberry Sunshine – Gentlemen’s Travel Case – Mon, 10/13

Pink Chalk Fabrics – Pasha Pleated Clutch – Tue, 10/14

Made with Moxie – Cargo Tablet Sleeve – Thu, 10/16

Bixou Lovely – Coffee Cash Coin Pouch – Fri, 10/17

Flax and Twine – Forest Friends Finger Puppets – Mon, 10/20

Imagine Gnats – Bib, Rattle & Burp Baby Set – Tue, 10/21

present-perfect-eyeglass-case