Category Archives: Stuff to make

Sewing patterns for spring

Posted in Sewing, Stuff to make by

How excited was I when I saw that Liesl Gibson, the incredibly talented designer behind Oliver and S, teamed up with Simplicity to make patterns for women? Well, over the moon. I’ve made one dress for my daughter using an Oliver and S pattern and just bought the fabric to make another. Liesl’s instructions are wonderfully clear and the patterns have details that make the end product look professional, not like something made in home-ec class. The woman’s line, Lisette, is supported by a blog, which promises to offer tips and additional instruction. I’m already planning to make the traveler dress (pictured here from the Lisette site) and the market skirt. I will post the results!

 

Update: I just purchased three yards of lecien yarn-dyed gingham in large blue and ordered the pattern from Sew Lisette. I can’t wait to get started, but before I do must finish: quilted placemats and napkins, dress for miss b., quilted play mat for expectant friend. Best get cracking!

Sock Dog

Posted in Recycled materials, Sewing, Stuff to make by

We’re just back from a long weekend in the Deep North at my brother’s house–skiing, ice skating, and, in my case, suffering from a stomach bug. What is more pleasant than a puking houseguest? you might ask. I’m pretty sure Ben Franklin coined a pithy adage about it.

Not only was my beautiful sister-in-law, Toni, gracious about my digestive turmoil, but she also let me photograph her latest sewing projects.  

She made this polka dot pooch from a couple of old socks. Such a cute pup! The pattern comes from Martha Stewart Crafts (step-by-step instructions here). You can also find it in Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts.

Toni also made this pretty drawstring  bag from a pattern in Heather Ross’s Weekend Sewing.

    

And this canvas bag (perfect size for an IPad or say, those paper things formerly known as books) from Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter.

Thank you ever so much, T. I promise not to return for a while. Love, m.

House quilt blocks

Posted in Sewing, Stuff to make by

What do you think of these? I was inspired to make them when I saw the flyer for the upcoming exhibit from the Folk Art Museum, Infinite Variety, Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts. I’ll post more about this later, but will just say now that I am inordinately excited to go and see this in March. I imagined a quilt with little rows of tidy houses, but thought I’d start with a few blocks, just to see how they looked. My husband, who is usually very complimentary of my crafts, said, “Um.” Not good. It turns out that he finds the houses not charming but creepy. Why? There’s no door, for one, and even worse in multiples they look like sinister barracks. (They are also very fiddly to make, so another strike against them.) But, I’d still like another opinion. Charming or not so much?

Little presidents from Heidi Kenney

Posted in Holiday, Kids, Stuff to make by

I’ve never given much thought to crafting for President’s Day, but it does fall at a good time for some indoor fun. These are so adorable, and look like fun to make. I can imagine making all kinds of little people! Maybe a chess set! The idea comes from Heidi Kenney’s new book Every Day’s a Holiday: Year-Round Crafting With Kids, which I definitely plan to check out, and Etsy has a how-to for this project on their blog here. You can find plain pegs at Caseys Wood or on Etsy.

Please let us know if you give this a try!

Swanky swell fabric

Posted in Sewing, Stuff to make by

I love buying things on Etsy. There is something so satisfying about supporting someone’s crafty endeavors, and the homemade packaging that the purchase arrives in, often with a charming note from the artisan, makes me feel like I’ve received a present. Then there is the element of surprise. What will the item really look like? In the case of swanky swell, the Etsy store of San Francisco-based designer Nina Jizhar, the answer is fantastic! I purchased two fat quarters to make new covers for some seriously worn out throw pillows. I think they look great, and they are doubly crafty and unique, which I love.

Skinny laminx is another Etsy source for fabric. I haven’t bought any fabric from this store yet, but it’s on my list! I love the Cloud Birds pattern, and the palette is super appealing.