Reversible Skirt

So here’s a pattern that I am thinking of putting in the pattern shop (which only exists in my head at the moment).  A reversible skirt.  If your little one spills on her skirt, flip it inside out and there’s a clean skirt!  You also could make this with two sets of different fabrics, making in fact two completely different skirts.  I like the idea of reversible things because if you’re going to go to the trouble to make something, isn’t it nice to make two at one time?

This vintage-inspired fabric in my favorite color combination is from Moda (Urban Chiks 1974, available at Sew, Mama, Sew!).

Hey Sewers!

Not the place that carries waste, but those who sew. Sewists, seamstresses, tailors, those of you who bought a sewing machine but haven’t plugged it in yet. I’m talking to you. I am planning to start a pattern business and want to get your feedback.

  1. What kind of patterns interest you most? Patterns for clothes, accessories, kids’ stuff?
  2. Do you prefer tissue paper patterns or would you like downloadable .pdf files with drawings and photographs? I am thinking that downloadable files would provide instant gratification and be kinder to the environment, but want to know your opinion.
  3. How much are you willing to pay for a pattern?
  4. Would you be interested in a subscription service where you pay a flat fee and get a new pattern every week or month? Maybe within a category — like kids, home and accessories?

These are the questions that have been on my mind lately. I have some great ideas for you, just need some time to get them all done!

While I’ve got your attention, I also wanted to let you know about an upcoming book project from Storey Publishing called One Yard Wonders, which is being put together by Rebecca Yaker and Trish Hoskins. It will be full of projects that you can make with one yard of fabric. Doesn’t that sound fun? The deadline for submissions is August 31, so get your original sewing pattern together and submit it here.

Ponytail Holders

I bought these tiny little crochet flowers from Etsy seller CraneCrochet and sewed them onto ponytail holders for the girls.  That’s about all I made today.  Off to try some sewing before the exhaustion overcomes me.

Flower Pot Pincushion

I thought I’d try to make one of the little pincushions in a flower pot that I’ve seen lately. It requires no sewing! Ha, but you probably won’t want to make one of these unless you like to sew. I added a little felt flower (like the hair clips I wrote about in my last post) and a button. And I used this Liberty of London fabric again. There’s still some left, so you’re sure to see it more!

Supplies:

  • small flower pot
  • fabric scrap
  • polyfill stuffing
  • hot glue gun
  • rubber band

  1. Cut fabric about three times the width of the top of your pot. My pot was 4″, so I cut a 12″ square.
  2. Place some polyfill in the center and wrap loosely with a rubber band.
  3. Continue stuffing with polyfill (as much as you possibly can, and then some).
  4. Wrap rubber band around a few more times to tighten it.
  5. Adjust fabric evenly and try it out in the pot.
  6. Glue all around the inside of the pot, about an inch from the top. Quickly stuff in your fabric.

All done! If you make one of these, be sure to post a photo over in the Make it Monday Flickr photo pool. Check out these flower pot pincushions from Betz White for some more inspiration.