sew darn cute

Remember me saying something about doing a book review of Sew Darn Cute? Sorry it took me so long. Here's what I made.

My version of the Necklace Tank. Such a cute idea. Since there is no pattern, just instructions, I made my own. Appropriately sized circles to fit on a bunch of baby onesies. I also omitted the buttons around the neckline since it's for baby.

I love using my fabric scraps. That's what drew me to this sewing idea. These little pieces were from the baby booties that I make. When do you think a piece of fabric is too small to keep? I can never seem to part with them.


I used my little shot glass from Belgium to draw half circles onto the fusible webbing. My glasses are often used as circle patterns. I sometimes have to get a few glasses out to get just the right size. Use what you've got, right!


And here is a cute pink version. Can you tell that is Amy Butler fabric? I love that they have such a sweet vintage touch, but I can use new fabrics and they have that same feel. They have been a hit in my shop. I have even made a few custom onesies with booties to match.

So, yes, I do love this book! I plan to also make a few more items from it. Like the super cute doll quilt at the end of the book. It's made using vintage sheets, and I happen to have a few of those.

sew darn cute

Last week was my birthday. Since it comes just after Christmas, it always seems to take everyone in my house by surprise. My kids look at me like I have two heads. You have a birthday?

Well, my husband did remember with a little help. By way of a list of books that I would like. Like I needed more! I'm sure that if you don't already have this book, you have walked by it and picked it up many times. Sew Darn Cute will be the book that I am reviewing next. And if all goes well, a little giveaway will soon follow!

reviewing

My sewing goal for 2011 is getting into my sewing book library and actually doing some of the projects. This is the first book I picked. Seams To Me by Anna Maria Horner.



And this is what I wanted to sew, a simple fabric covered cushion. Not for my dog, but for my girl. The directions called for an inner cover and an outer removable cover. So it could be taken off and washed. I just wanted one cover, so it should be simple, right?



And I also wanted to follow the directions exactly. I usually sew something the way I want to sew and don't use a pattern. It's a habit that I learned from my mom who is a master sewer. This time I was a good girl and not a pattern rebel.

Well this did not go very well. I measured my cushion, cut my fabric, and sewed it up. It was just too big. The problem came with the directions asking me to add 2" to my cushion measurements, and use a 1/2" seam allowance. This did not equate to making a nice fitting cushion cover like the directions said it would be.



So I ended up sewing in another 1/2" on my side seams. And taking up the bottom seam when I was stitching the opening closed. A little to adjust too. So it came out alright in the end, but thankfully I knew how to fix it and not get frustrated.

I did add a little handle on the cushion. Making it so much easier for my girl to take it and sit down by the fire with our dog. And I am not giving up on this book. I will give another Anna pattern a try and hope it's better.

book review

My local library is having a summer book club for the kids. I love these! Since we already read with them every night, this was an easy way for me to keep them motivated. It also ensures a weekly visit to check out new books.

Once I got them all signed up the librarian told me about the adult summer reading group. Cool! I can win a little prize too. Maybe a Target gift certificate? Doesn't take much for me.



Well, one of the adult requirements was to write a book review. Easy for me to do since I found the fabulous book "Quilts" by Denise Schmidt. love her!

Denyse makes quilting look fun and untraditional. Her quilts look like they are made to break all the rules. I consider her to be a quilting rebel! And yet her quilts are beautiful and full of texture and a mix of modern simplicity and style.

When I was recently faced with another growing pile of fabric scraps. I turned to this book for a little scrapping fun.



I decided to make one of these fun and easy dis-cards. I sorted through my fabric and found about five pieces that went together and grabbed a blank card to sew these scraps onto.



It was easy-peasy! I love the randomness of it. And I always thought that this criss-cross sewing looked confusing. But after reading the directions and doing it myself, what a breeze!



So, check out this book out at your local library. And then buy it because there are so many cute projects in it you will get some late fines charged to you any way!

great review

Here's another great book review that I had to share with you!  It's from someone that has no personal ties with me, so is unbiased.  They even mentioned my coaster's!

And remember to enter the pillowcase challenge being held over at Lark Books!  You have until April 30 to participate.