Patterns

Apron Patterns + Tutorials & #Sewing Aprons For Haiti

17 May posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I am starting to sew some aprons for Haiti using a pattern & tutorial I came across. This volunteer apron project is going on at Craft Hope until the end of May if you haven’t heard of it. It is for a great cause & I did a little round up of easy to do apron tutorials! Yes, you can make one in ten minutes or more if you want to join in. I promise to share what I make, but being so busy this week I don’t have time for pictures, editing… { all about the apron project & address at end of post} First up the tutorials & patterns.

This is a 10 minute apron tutorial for a pillow case apron from Betz White.

Quick & Easy Apron Tutorial via Feathered Nest

Quick & Easy Apron Tutorial
Apron Tutorial Shinyhappyworld.com via WendiGratz who has more options
Simple Tea Towel Apron
Lined Apron Tutorial

& if you’d like to do some searching here is a round-up of round-ups! So many to choose from.

Tutorial & Pattern Round Ups

Tip Nut 40 Free Apron Tutorials
ChickenSense.com Apron Tutorials {at least 40}
Craft Sew
Simply Frugal

Craft Hope Project # 17

It is unlikely that the average Haitian woman will ever receive anything that is special and pretty, something just for herself. Daily life for the Haitian woman is grueling and backbreaking. Most have to carry 5-gallon buckets of water on their heads from miles away. Cooking is done in a pit in the ground from handmade charcoal. The few pieces of clothing they have are washed in the river and hung to dry. To receive something as precious as an apron made with love from pretty new fabrics would go a long way in making a Haitian women feel special. We would love for you to join us as we sew and collect aprons for the women of Haiti!

Craft Hope on Facebook – Aprons for Haiti

Guidelines for Project Apron:

–Pretty-but-practical full or half aprons (nothing too frilly, ruffly or lacey)
–Washable fabrics only please
–Pockets are a plus
–You may include a handwritten note with your apron if you like. Someone will be available to translate when we deliver the aprons

Please send all aprons to:
HAITI BY HAND
3333 Benton Road
Cedar Hill TN 37032
–Contact Rebecca at haitibyhand@att.net with any questions.

For more information about Haiti by Hand please visit their blog at www.haitibyhand.typepad.com

Deadline: May 31, 2012

If you are just learning to sew Aprons are a great starter project! Join in if you like!

Do you sew?

Have you heard of Craft Hope? Have you done any other projects for Craft Hope?

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Filed Under: Charities, Crafts, Patterns, Sewing

Thrifty Tuesday

24 Apr posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, Happy Tuesday to you! I am sharing some great deals you might want to take advantage of today! Just click the images to grab your offers or help for a great cause!! One offer expires soon, so don’t delay!

When I am on the hunt for a creative pattern my new go to shop is Craftsy. If you haven’t been there to see the great offers you are missing out! Yes, I may have shared this before, but they also have deals on classes so just click the image & visit to see all the great things you can find!

Its that time of year when I can use a new pair of walking & hiking shoes. My brother lives in South Lake Tahoe CA & we plan on visiting his family this summer, that means I need to get outdoors more to keep with with them. They are avid hikers & kayak often, as soon as the snow melts. When I am looking at gear like shoes, windbreakers, fleeces I do get mine at LeftLane sports they carry some of the best brands out there for great prices. I am ready for spring & a little shopping. How about you? Now here is a little about the company. LeftLane Sports is an exclusive, members-only shopping community featuring the world’s leading Outdoor, Fitness, and Action Sports brands at up to 70% OFF retail price. Our Prices are guaranteed lowest, and our products are guaranteed premium quality.

You know I love good causes, so when it comes to my kids school I want to help them all I can. One of the easiest ways is to sign up for Box Tops for Education! I know our school received many vital funds, especially since the cutbacks in CA. By using this program our school raised $400.60 so far & almost reached their goal, but I think they should raise it! Last year American schools raised $49 mil. for our kids combined! Why don’t you click the banner & sign up its so easy to sign up along with finding out how you can earn bonus’s for your children’s school or just pick a school in your area to help out!

The clock is ticking on this offer!! Ends 4-30

Only 6 days left on this offer! Grab a life time membership for free by taking this code over & using it when signing up for free!! free offering use promo code SPRINGFREE throughout the month of APRIL!!*** must use this promo code!

I hope this finds you getting a little thrifty & finding time to give back along with being creative! & don’t forget if you are looking for other deals check the goodie bag & drop down menu from there in the navigation bar. I will be updating that next!

What is your favorite way to help schools raise money?

I have to admit one of my is the boxtops! Don’t for get to enter the giveaway today too! Nothing like a chance at winning something for free!

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Filed Under: Patterns, Shopping, Thrifty Tuesdays

Sewing Project Love & Freebie Pattern List

21 Feb posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, There is nothing love more than checking a project off my list. Well, maybe there are a few more things beside that, but any how I thought I would share my sewing that I completed of the Schoolhouse Tunic with the Sew Liberated pattern I purchased. If you didn’t see the post with all the pretty patterns I was contemplating you can see a link later in the post. I also have a few new sewing project loves to get onto my to do list & maybe onto your list too, just after my share.

DearCreatives.com

Here is the Schoolhouse Tunic finished. I wish I had taken a photo of it on, maybe another time. The pattern itself is pretty well explained. I think with basic sewing skills you can probably tackle this one. I love that it feels so good on. Cotton fabric is by far my fabric of choice when sewing. This was a light weight 100% cotton material with a lovely pattern on the fabric. I was hoping to find one with more of the blue, but they didn’t have enough of it left. Then I found this material, end of the bolt & just enough!

So much of the pattern was detailed straight stitching. Measuring, pressing, stitching.

There are box pleats on the front & back of garment. Easily explained in the pattern of how to do them. If you try the pattern be sure to pin in place first, turn inside out & check that you matched your seams properly. I had to readjust my pinning just a bit. But, that second check is what keeps you from ripping out stitches & redoing. Like that old saying twice checked once cut. Twice pinned once sewn! My new saying, just saying.

All the seams can be done on the machine which makes this pattern go by really fast. There is very little hand stitching for this pattern. Lots of pinning in place & pressing. I do quite a bit vs marking patterns, but it is my nu-traditional style of working with patterns. Maybe I should invest in some marking chalk, for my next time or pattern. lol, this photo is of the back of the neckline inside (wrong-side) seam. OK, so there you have it. I made this first one long. I would love to make another shorter, but I love the option of possibly wearing this in spring with sandals. Love this paired with jeans & my flats. Comfy!! Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic Pattern {original post with images of patterns & where to grab them} Spring Sewing Pattern Love

Sewing & Creative To Do Freebie Love List:

I found the cutest idea for creating your own button stamps. If you sew this is super simple. It is a no sew craft project.

TheCookieButton {button stamp idea}

This tutorial is so super cute! You will love it, especially if you ever loved…

Hello Kitty® pin cushion & sewing basket tutorial & pdf { via Sew4Home}

If you are newer to sewing you might enjoy this simple tutorial that shows you how to make your own pattern super easy drawstring top. I think I am going to make my daughter some for summer. Easy peasy! I promise a great starter project!

Draw String Top Tutorial {via A Beautiful Mess}

Two more free patterns Mendocino Sundress & Nautical Halter Dress

Do you have something to share you have made or a tutorial Link-up here!

What sewing have you done lately? Do you sew?

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Filed Under: Patterns, Sewing

Knitting & Crafting Pattern Love

28 Sep posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I am anxiously awaiting the day where I can sit myself down & learn to knit, it is announcements & images like this that has me swooning. I know you may of heard me say it before but it has to happen soon! ( Even if you don’t knit this post has something for you, just wait! ) Especially since Amy Butler has a new line…..Some of you may be interested in a resource such as www.interior-design-schools-online.com if you want to turn your passion or decorating your home into a career.

Knit Love

Did you know Amy Butler came out with a new line of patterns for knitting? Amy has a line of organic yarn called Belle Yarns? Here is what Amy is saying;

Amy Butler

I designed these great knitting projects specifically to work with my wonderful new Belle yarns. I wanted to offer a unique mix of fashion, accessories and homewares that are fresh, modern, and approachable. The 24 projects for home and fashion are personally inspired by textures, shapes and designs that I love and live with! The garments range from romantic to retro with flowing, soft fitted shapes and subtle textural details taken from natural elements. The home projects are whimsical and warm…

Amy butler

I am in love with these colors & this pattern!

Amy Butler

I would love to serve you coffee & treats just like this! Would you like to come over?

Well, today I totally got lost in Amy Butler! And if you want to see more of her new line you can by visiting her here or watching her promo video here. I wish I was one of those girls or one who could knit! Dreaming, Dreamy & Loving her new line! Now for all you crafty types who don’t knit……

Amy Butler

Amy even offers free craft & sewing patterns. I will have to try one of her free craft patterns while I am getting good enough to knit any of her projects! Maybe I can grab some of her fabrics too…… & after reading her about page , ” I would now like to go channel my inner Amy!”

PS. There is still time to enter your crafty, inspired projects right here so come on & link up ! I’d love to see what you have been creating!

What will you be crafting up today? Do you knit, craft or sew? or?

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Filed Under: Crafts, Knitting & Crochet, Patterns

Sip, Knit, Crochet

23 Aug posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I am having a cup of coffee while pinning and waking up. So much to do, but the last lazy morning before school starts with early, early morning routines, racing out the door, driving in traffic……

Say no more, savor…sip….

So as I sit here savoring these last moments. I heart I could knit! I need to find a good book or class to teach me how. So I could knit little things like this cup warmer, swoon!

Tara Murray

Or crochet! These sweet little booties caught my eye. I love Tara’s Etsy shop she sells so many cute crochet patterns. This is the fall that I add it on my crafty bucket list of things to learn. I want to be sipping & knitting or crocheting!

Which do you prefer? Knitting or Crocheting? & why? Oh, if you do knit or crochet and know of a good book to start with, do tell!

What is on your craft learning list this fall? I’d love to know~

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Filed Under: Knitting & Crochet, Patterns

Weekend DIY Inspiration

19 Aug posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, It’s that time again for our weekend diy inspiration. I thought I would show some more variations of the clutches & scrappy inspiration I had blogged about earlier in the week regarding what creative projects you can do with scrap materials.

Joanne Crafts & Fabrics

I found a free clutch pattern. It is a little different than the tutorial shown the other day, this comes with a free pdf download with pattern pieces and how to. Clicking the image will take you to Joannes and full post and shopping options. I don’t believe it is a beginner sewer project as the one earlier was.

Via Pinterest

Then I saw this crafty idea on Pinterest about using a map to make a clutch! No link to tutorial or where it is from though! Please let me know if you know where this is from so I can give proper credits. I just fell in love with this idea!

Gathered Clutch Tutorial

This is the cutest gathered clutch tutorial & I may have to give it a try. It is over at Noodle Head.com What I like about this tutorial comes with step by step images and if you are more of a visual learner you will love this.

lil boo blue

Now this little vinyl organizer I can see putting a spin on it & making it a clutch. Sewing up a few would be perfect for my girls room for random things she collects & wants to bring on road trips. Easy to see, grab and go. Or use it for stashing extra laces, buttons or what ever sewing notions. Vinyl organizer tutorial at lil boo blue. So I think I will wrap up my week with some crafty sewing & hopefully take a break with a little outing to the farmers market & beach! I hope to see you soon. Have a wonderful weekend~

Will you be crafting or going this weekend? or both?

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Filed Under: DIY, Patterns, Sewing

Back To School Tutorials Round-Up

8 Aug posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, It is hard to believe summer has flown by so quickly. Traveling almost all on the back burner except for a few quick trips, swim suits will be washed and put away and the back to school lists come front and center! Now I have come across a few really cool tutorials to help get you started on some last minute sewing for back to school and help your little dears start off the year in style without breaking the bank.

Back to School Lunch Bag Tutorial

One way we save money in our house is by making healthy lunches and here is a very simple tutorial for making a reusable lunch bag. I can’t wait to share pictures of the one I made but with a twist on this. I like this one though as it is totally washable vs. the one I made has to be hand wiped.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial

Now I don’t know about you but this makes me want to go back to school! Well, OK not really but I am sure going to love making this and the matching perfect to have slouchy bag they have to go with it! I was swooning over the pattern and fabrics used. You must see the rest of the images at Sew 4 Home you won’t be disappointed at all! They also have a tutorial for a dorm room laundry bag and more. I am loving this site for inspiration, easy to download pdf at top of posts and links at bottom at posts to endless goodness!

Memo Book Cover Tutorial

Now you know those inexpensive composition books we all get for the kids, high schoolers and even for ourselves for journaling or keeping notes. Well here is a super tutorial I came across to dress them up and make them look chic! Well, back in May Larissa of mmmcrafts shared this tutorial on The Southern Institute.com and it is up there on my list of back to school to dos!

Magnetic Bookmark

For today last but not least this very clever magnetic bookmark! Perfect for students keeping their pages straight. The tutorial is simple and made by Louise of * I’m feeling Crafty and again shared on the Southern Institute.com

Have you done any back to school sewing, crafts or even made up any tutorials? I would love to know~

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Filed Under: DIY, Patterns, Sewing

Deer Felt Pattern & GingermelonDolls Etsy Shop

26 Jun posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives,

I just started crafting and sewing with felt not that long ago. When I saw these pdf patterns for this deer and other woodland creatures I just fell in love. How perfect for a nursery or a little one. Gingermelon has an Etsy shop with many very pretty felt pdf patterns. If you are ready to sew up some lovely gifts to shower your dear little ones or someones dear this Etsy shop is sure to please.

Woodland Deer

Now if you are going to a baby shower this Gingerbelle pattern might be just the pick for creating your perfect gift. They are small 4.5 -6″ tall. Can’t you just see a little one holding this at nap-time? Irresistibly cute! Or just anywhere on the nursery shelf until your little dear is big enough.

Gingerbelle

But, I have to say I am really excited about Gingermelons new patterns to be coming out soon. If you would like to see her sketches of how she came up with this new line of mohair bears, bunnies and kittens or just to get to know more about GingermelonDolls just visit GingermelonDolls blog . To view preview article with sketches go here: Parkland Stuffings.

parkland stuffings

Have you ever sewn stuffed animals? Or sewn or crafted with felt? What is your favorite baby gift for giving?

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Filed Under: Crafts, Patterns

Knitting & Crochet Pattern Love

8 Jun posted by Fawn

{Tiny Owls Magic Attic}

I vow to learn knitting this summer. A hat like this can be used year round when you live by the coast. I just had to smile when I saw the ears and antlers. Oh Dears, are you swooning over this as much as I am? The link will take you to where you can purchase the pattern at the cutest Etsy shop.

{Tiny Owls Magic Attic}

If you crochet this forget-me-not patterns is suppose to be for beginners. This would be perfect for those occasions when you need just a little something to cover your shoulders. The best part of Tiny Owls Magic Attic is she has her shop set up with offers if you buy more than one pattern.

Do you knit or crochet? If not wouldn’t you love to learn after seeing these patterns?