sewing

Stitch Sampler


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When I was looking to buy my first sewing machine over 10 years ago one of my requirements was that it had a few decorative stitches.  I ended up buying a Viking Husqvarna 350 which has several decorative stitches and is programmable so you can combine them together.

vikingsampler2

 

How often do I use these decorative stitches?  Pretty much never! But they are pretty and I would like to use them. So while I had some black thread in my machine and some muslin scraps I made myself a little stitch sampler. I’m going to hang it near my sewing table so I can be inspired while I’m making things.

vikingsampler1

Even now I’ve got some ideas to use these stitches. For example, I love that double cross stitch pattern that’s below the flowers. I can totally see that on a hem or neckline.  I like the satin stitch beading pattern too.

So I’m going to challenge myself to use some decorative stitches in my next project.  D

Do you ever use decorative stitches in your projects?

 

Burda Spring 2014 Patterns


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I can’t say I buy many Burda patterns, but since I was browsing the Simplicity website I figured I would take a look and I found a few great patterns.

Burda 6968 – This is a vintage pattern for a very cute top. It’s nice to see some retro patterns from the 1970s,  and Burda has 4 in their new collection.

6968-M

Burda 6970 – I just love the vavavoom style of this sweetheart neckline dress. The bustier/skirt combo seems very Kim Kardashian to me.

6970-M

 

Burda 6916 – I’m intrigued by geometric construction of these dresses.  I do worry about trying to do an FBA.

6916-M

 

Butterick Spring 2014 Patterns


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I really liked several of the new Butterick Patterns.

Butterick 6019 – This is a Patterns by Gertie (Gretchen Hirsch) design. She was inspired by Alfred Shaheen’s 1950’s designs and on her blog you can see some photos of Shaheen’s dresses. I’m going on a family trip to Hawaii later this year and this might be a fun dress to make.

B6019

Butterick 6020 – What I like most about this ivy + blu shirtwaist dress is the the stitched pleating on the waistline. I like full skirts but I don’t like the bulk created by gathered skirts.

B6020

Butterick 6014 – Like the previous pattern, I dig the pleating around the waistline.  The pleated asymmetric peplum is also a nice change, and since its a knit dress it looks easy to wear and comfy.

B6014

Butterick 6010 – Because who doesn’t need a strapless romper/jumpsuit???B6010

Vogue Spring 2014 Sewing Patterns


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I’ve been looking through Vogue Patterns website to see what new patterns they have for us in 2014. Here are a couple that I may be picking up next time Joann’s has a $4 pattern sale.

Vogue 8927 – I love the waist detail that makes this not your everyday sheath. Plus the “Custom Fit” Means I may not need to do an FBA!

V8972

Vogue 1379 – I like the gypsy vibe of this Tracy Reese Dress.  It would make a comfy but stylish summer dress in matte jersey.

V1379

Fab Fabric Finds


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I was in Jo-Ann yesterday to pick up some black thread cones for my serger, when I decided to look for some fabric for a Thanksgiving skirt.  I ended up picking up 2 amazing fabrics. The first thing I found was this drapey grey knit fabric with black sequins. It was $11/yd but I had a 40% off coupon. I have no idea what I’m going to make but I much I got 4 yards.

Then I was looking for some fabric to make a Liesl + Co Everyday skirt and I ended up grabbing 2 yards this thick  metallic heather knit fabric. It was 50% off so I paid around $7 per yard. When I got it home I realized it was too awesome for a mere skirt and started looking for dress patterns. I think I’ve settled on making Vogue 8787 view B. Thankfully Vogue Patterns go on sale for $4 at Jo-Ann on November 23. V87872

 

This article was originally posted on Craftcake.com on November 18, 2013. I am planning on reposting most of my existing sewing related content from Craftcake on this site.