I have just re-opened the shop with new five new colorways of camera straps.  Please take a look if you are so inclined. Thanks!

I have just re-opened the shop with new five new colorways of camera straps.  Please take a look if you are so inclined. Thanks!

I'm postponing the shop update until Wednesday, September 22 at 12:30 EST.  I hate to do this with little notice, but being sick most of last week just put me behind in all endeavors.  This will be the biggest group of camera straps to date - five colorways and a total of 48 camera straps.  If I have time, I'll put a few scrap bags in there too.

All right.  I'm turning the sewing machine off and going to bed.

Oh, and don't forget that Meg is hosting her Kids Clothes Week Challenge this week.  I plan on joining in as soon as I can. Jane actually wants me to sew her something!

I'm postponing the shop update until Wednesday, September 22 at 12:30 EST.  I hate to do this with little notice, but being sick most of last week just put me behind in all endeavors.  This will be the biggest group of camera straps to date - five colorways and a total of 48 camera straps.  If I have time, I'll put a few scrap bags in there too.

All right.  I'm turning the sewing machine off and going to bed.

Oh, and don't forget that Meg is hosting her Kids Clothes Week Challenge this week.  I plan on joining in as soon as I can. Jane actually wants me to sew her something!

The fall issue of Stitch hit the newsstand yesterday and I couldn't be more excited because it features three of my projects!  This issue focuses on different fabrics and was a great opportunity forme to use something other than quilting cottons for a change.

I had the idea for this firewood tote as soon as I saw the jute upholstery webbing at Jo Ann's.  It's hard to see here, but the webbing is folded and sewn together at the top to make handles for the cotton duck and home decorator fabric bag.  It's also generously sized so you can haul a decent amount of wood in one trip and will still look good sitting by your hearth.

This apron is also made from a home decorator fabric with a mid-weight linen for the pocket.  I think this is a great way to use a bold, geometric print.  It's sized to fit most adults and would be great as a chef's apron, too.  It comes together really fast - maybe an afternoon at most?  It'd be a great gift for almost anyone on your list, men included.  Fatty has one like it, so the sample I sewed for the magazine is now mine.  A girl can't have too many green aprons, I say.

Finally, this velvet and silk cowl is probably my favorite of the three projects.  I love sewing with really luxurious materials and because it only takes 1/2 yard of each the velvet and the silk, it didn't break the bank.  Before I sat down to sew this, I wrangled with the construction in my head.  I was really worried that it would be complicated, but then I had a light bulb moment!  It comes together fast and easy.  I think it would be super pretty and just as soft with voile or Liberty lawn for the lining.  A lightweight, drapey wool would be equally as lovely as the velvet.  Great for gift giving, too.

This issue is packed with great projects including some by Blair, Melissa, Beki and Linda.  There is a fantastic section on items made from one yard - awesome for stash busting!  This magazine has been one of my favorites since its debut two years ago and I am so excited that it will now be published four times every year.

If you make any of the projects I designed, please let me know. I'd love to see your take on them.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today. I knew I was fighting something after I slept for 9 hours on Thursday night and 11 hours on Friday night.  I felt good on Saturday, but yesterday I woke up with an achy body.  I'm resting up, drinking lots of tea with honey and hoping that tomorrow I'm back to feeling myself again.

I had planned on updating the shop this week, but it'll be next Monday, September 20th instead.  When people email me and ask when I will have more camera straps available, I always respond that I will announce the update a week in advance.  Consider this the requisite announcement.  I haven't pinpointed a time yet - I'll let you know that later this week.  I'm going to try to have five colorways available this time.  I also plan on doing two more shop updates this year - one in October and one in November.  More details on those specific dates as they get closer.

Back here soon with more news. Until then, take care.

The first day I was in Nashville (more on that soon - I promise!), Anna Maria's right hand gal, Alexia, was wearing the cutest dress.  Turns out it was the slip from the Roundabout Dress pattern (that's Alexia on the cover!) with an added ruffle on the bottom.  Even Fatty commented on the dress which was about all I needed to hear before the pattern jumped in my bag, along with some of that lovely Little Folks voile, to come home with me. 

Before cutting into the voile, I thought I'd make a muslin to use as a nightgown.  Last night I pulled out this Alexander Henry fabric and got started.  I traced the size large and cut it out.  This morning I sewed it all up.  It came together super fast - maybe about 2 1/2 hours including the time last night.  I did have to let out the side seams so that added a bit of time.  It *just* fits in the hips, but is pretty good elsewhere.  As a slip, it would work great.  As a dress, I think I will have to re-work it a bit and add quite a bit of length - it hits mid- to upper thigh.  And that is exactly why I am not modeling it for you all.

I'm going to try it out tonight.  I figure if I don't like sleeping in it, I can cut some of the length off and I will have a new camisole for under cardigans this fall.  In fact, I may just make a few camisoles from this pattern for that very use.

Hands down, my favorite part is all the edge stitching.  I know this might drive some people batty, but for some reason, I love detail sewing like this.

I am trying to get over my fear of sewing for myself.  I've pretty much given it up because I always have fit issues and I hate wasting fabric.  Those are lame excuses.  I'm not going to get better unless I try and if I screw up, I can always use the fabric for something else.

At least that's what I'm telling myself.

I always visit Purl Soho.  I always leave inspired to create.

And never empty-handed.