Ah-ha I found that hoodie jacket pattern

Filed Under (Sewing) by Loretta on 20-10-2007

I mentioned the other day that in my blog surfing I saw a nice hoodie jacket pattern, but I forgot to make note of the name of the pattern or the blog. Well, I’m sitting in the living room sorting through a pile of mess from unpacking and talking with Brian and all of sudden, WAMMMM, I remember the name of the blog I saw the pattern review on! Sew Mama Sew!!! I got up really fast and ran to the computer and typed it in and bookmarked it and added it to my feed reader before I forgot again. Then I went back to finish what I was doing … and promptly returned here to tell you that I remembered! LOL

The pattern was The Little Hooded Jacket by Favorite Things. When I’m ready to go pattern shopping this little devil is on my shopping list for sure.

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oops wrong power cord!

Filed Under (Sewing) by Loretta on 15-10-2007

I actually got out my sewing stuff to start a quilt this afternoon. I spent some time cutting and playing with arranging fabric and wanted to sew the first few blocks together to see how it was going to look. So, I get out the sewing machine, unwrap the pedal and cords to set up - yes, it’s the very first time the new sewing machine has been used. And ugh, just my luck it’s not the right power cord! And I’m not sure if the wrong one came in the box or if I mixed them up when we were moving. So now I’ve got to put the sewing machine back away, look for the missing power cord, or pick up a replacement one. I really wanted to put these blocks together and get started today. Pooey. I guess I’ll just keep cutting my fabric so that when I find the right power cord all I have to do is sew. Seriously, I think I might cry now. I was looking forward to some sewing. Sewing is like drug rehab for a failed crafter, I need to just do it already!

National Sewing Month

Filed Under (Sewing) by Loretta on 09-09-2007

That’s right it’s September again. I bet you thought I had forgotten hadn’t you? No, I haven’t forgotten. I was hoping to have found my box of fabric in time to share some sewing with you for the Online Craft Club but I was not. I will find it all and get some sewing done this month in honor of the event though I swear I will.

So, what can you sew during national sewing month. If you don’t know how to sew yet now is the best time to learn. Pick up some fabric and just dive right in, or take a class at your local craft and fabric shop. Sew up a new hair scarf, or an apron, or a tote bag!! Be bold and go for a quilt as your first project ever. Fabric is like the paint for a sewing artist, you can make it into whatever you want.

If you enjoy what you’ve learned or you’re already an avid sewing artist then make the leap and join your local chapter of the American Sewing Guild. Whatever you decide to do, have fun and enjoy your sewing time! It can be a wonderful hobby and you might just find yourself with a pile of fabric and sewing dreams.


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If you are determined on enjoying your travel experience, it does not matter if you are using car rental or a cruise. The vacation deals may have a travel lodge or the top of the line resorts, but the happened comes from inside.

retro sewing patterns

Filed Under (Sewing) by Loretta on 21-08-2007

I was browsing some retro sewing patterns tonight online. I really want to get back into sewing and being crafty again, I just haven’t had the time or the proper project motivation, you know? I was hoping to get some ideas sparking again. I did see a cute skirt pattern that I wouldn’t mind trying out, and I’ve got a cute quilt block pattern to make, I even found some cute patterns for small stuffed animals that I might use. Although, I’m thinking of modifying and making appliqués instead, like with the facial features from the animals. I’ve made a promise to myself to be creative again….I’m getting there slowly but surely.

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Discount Designer Fabric

Filed Under (Sewing, Misc Happens) by Loretta on 31-05-2007

Finding the perfect fabric for your project is never an easy task, and sometimes it can be a little pricier than you had hoped. Finding deals like discount Scalamandre fabric is becoming easier thanks to internet ordering from some shops. Design Diva Fabrics has weekly specials and huge selection of designer fabrics in more styles than you can imagine.

embroidered silkI was surprised to find this pretty embroidered silk on the website. Not your typical fabric, and a little of out of my price range at the moment. But, not as highly priced as it would normally be. Definitely a deal considering what silks like this tend to cost in fancy designer shops.

not the same old sewing kit

Filed Under (Sewing, Product Reviews, General Crafts) by Loretta on 04-03-2007

So Girly! Flip Flop Travel Sewing Kit Who wants a boring sewing kit in their purse? You know the one I’m talking about, with the clear plastic case and the little bits of thread and some needles, costs a few bucks at every grocery store and gas station. It’s functional, but it’s definitely not fun. Here’s a totally fun solution to that boring old sewing kit! This flip flop sewing kit is the perfect fun accessory for purse, office desk drawer or travel. Three-zippered compartment holds scissors, thread, needles and pins, everything a plain old boring sewing kit would hold but with a funky display of color. Brings a little personality to the functional and very handy sewing kit! I love seeing old things made new, and this is a great example of that. Next time you need to fix a button or a hem and you whip this out of your bag, people are sure to be interested.

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Quilting Fabric ~ Deal or No Deal?

Filed Under (Project Ideas & Articles, Sewing, Quilting, Misc Happens) by Loretta on 22-08-2006

Quilting Fabric…Deal or No Deal?
by Gloria Massard

Why do quilt shops charge more for their quilting fabrics? Don’t they know you can buy it from a discount store for less? Sure they do. But they also know that “bargain” fabrics are not always a deal.

Discount stores and quilt shops buy their fabric from the same manufacturers. But that doesn’t mean they’re buying the same quality. That’s because fabric mills produce different grades of fabric for different end users.

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How to Choose Quality Quilting Fabric

Filed Under (Project Ideas & Articles, Sewing, General Crafts, Quilting) by Loretta on 16-08-2006

How to Choose Quality Quilting Fabric
by Gloria Massard


When I shop for quilting fabrics, I’m in heaven. To me, it’s an exciting part of quilting. But I didn’t always feel this way. As a beginner, I thought all fabrics were created equally. If it looked great on the bolt, I bought it.
I put this notion to rest after I washed my “discount” fabrics for the first time. By cycle’s end, I had a load of frayed and twisted fabrics. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: Always buy quality quilting fabrics.

Totally Tubular Quilts: A New Strip-Piecing Technique     Quilts Through the Seasons: A Quilt for Each Month of the Year (Quilt in a Day)     One-Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-of-a-Kind Quilts

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Sewing Machine Sale with Free Shipping

Filed Under (Sewing, Free Free Free!!) by Loretta on 25-04-2006

Visit JoAnn’s Today for Your New Sewing Machine!

Free Shipping on Entire Order with any Singer Sewing Machine….

which are of course ON SALE :)   Our two favorites are the Futura Embroidery machine for those that want super fancy stitching and design embroidery functions….

If you just want to sew, quilt, maybe make some handmade clothing items, and even buttonhole we highly recommend getting the Singer 7462, currently on sale for an amazing $199!!! Great value, great machine!  Perfect to add decorative stitching or just to do basic hemming and button holes.  Automatic tension is a hugely appriciated feature on this sewing machine.  No more fussing with the tension knob!

Take advantage of the whole order free shipping and grab yourself a new Ott Lite or one of the great sewing table cabinets they have on sale also!