Asian Inspired Print Kimono With Fringe New Look 6378

Asian Inspired Print Kimono

Pattern: New Look 6378

Fabric: Sateen (Minimal Stretch)

Changes to pattern: Added fringe to sleeves (pattern did not call for fringe)

Skill Level: Easy Peasy!

Ankara Fabric Wrapped Bangle Bracelets

Ankara Wrapped Bracelets

Upcycled Scrap Fabric 

I threw some frayed denim in there!

Vogue 9247 and Self-Drafted Gathered Skirt

Vogue 9247 Jacket & Gathered Skirt

Pattern: Vogue 9247 View E

Fabric: Angelina/Dashiki Wax

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Changes to Pattern: Did not add fringe to the bottom.  

                        Added pockets to the jacket. 

Ankara African Fabric Duster Coat

#KeysToTheKingdom Ankara Print Maxi Duster

Pattern: New Look 6514

Fabric: Ankara Wax 100% Cotton

Changes Made to Pattern: Lengthened Sleeves and Added Pockets & Belt

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Arm Knitting REMIX!!!

I tried this arm knitting craft again.  This looks better than the first attempt. I think I will use one skein next time instead of 2.  The yarn is "chunky" and is 10% wool. It's nice and soft and cuddly. This is a little heavy!! It will keep me warm next Winter!!

Yarn Used (From Joann): $14.99 each 10% Wool & 90% Acrylic
Red Heart Irresistible Yarn Here Color: Enchanting
Red Heart Irresistible Yarn Here: Color: Berry

Tula Pink 8" Shears Review

Tula Pink Shears

I'm giving these incredibly beautiful scissors (I have never seen anything like them, have you?) 4 stars because they're beautiful and sharp.  They cut through fabric like a hot knife cuts through butter.  #ItsLikeButtaBaby

They are pretty affordable.  I paid $35.00 dollars for my pair here on 

Amazon: Tula Pink 8" Shears

• 100% Stainless Steel
• These right hand handcrafted 8" fabric shears are a necessity for any sewing basket.
• Forged from the highest quality German grade steel anchored with a 22k gold plated screw.
• Designed for durability with quality in mind
• Washing Instructions: Wipe With Damp Cloth

 

I think I'm going to grab up the 6" Trimmers for $25.00 here on 

Amazon: Tula Pink 6" Trimmers 

• 100% Stainless Steel
• Treat yourself to the highest degree of quality and style with these gorgeous sewing tools! These 6 inch straight sharp point scissors have razor sharp blades that create an even cut along the entire length of the blade. Great for trimming fabric edges and threads closely accurately and quickly. Also for use in trimming fabrics stabilizer needle arts and crafts.
• Washing Instructions: Wipe With Damp Cloth

You can purchase the complete hardware set if you want all of the pieces.

For $109.99 you can purchase the complete set here: Tula Pink 5 Piece Hardware Set

Arm Knitting Anyone!? ***SIGH***

I'm definately NOT a crocheter or knitter.  Tried both in the past and could not just grasp it.  My Granny was a knitter and one of my Great Aunts was a crocheter.  They made great big, beautiful afghans and quilts, baby blankets, christmas decorations and the list goes on and on!!  I will try this, but I have a feeling I'll be sticking to sewing!!

I will keep trying this arm knitting thing until I can get it down!!

Yarn from Joann

Thick & Thin by Buttercream

Landscapes by Lion Brand

Hometown USA by Lion Brand

I don't think this is right!

#Stick2Sewing!

#KeepTrying

#Don'tGiveUp!

Fruit Pie Pot Holders/Hot Pads

Fabric: Real Photo Fruit Fabric(s) from Joann

100% Cotton 44" Wide

Crust fabric from Stash 

Extra Wide Double Bias Tape

Other Materials: Insulbrite for center

Similar Fabrics Here: 

Blueberry Print

Mixed Berries

Raspberries

My New Sewing Studio/Space

Let's take a tour!!

Walking In 

Love the natural light from the 2 windows

Area for Patterns

Yes I have a lot!!!!

Sergers: Singer Pro 5 & Brother 5234PRW Limited Edition

I keep 1 with dark colored threads and 1 with light colored threads

Baby Lock Espire (BLSR)

Cutting Are 

Bernina 200E to the right

Bernina 1008 Below

Pressing Area

Oliso Pink Iron

This is Why I Sew........Free 2 B Me!!!!!

Sewing has so many benefits - here are 5 that you might not know about. Share with a friend who sews! 

Video Link Here: 5 Ways Sewing Improves Life

Sewing Helps the Brain

Studies show that sewing helps develop a hand to eye coordination that is good for the brain. It also keeps ours fingers agile and nimble. In addition, it is always good for our self-esteem when we mend our daughter’s clothes and watch her wear it again and again. If you have never done this, try it, it sure feels great and that is good for the heart too.

Joy through creativity

There’s another aspect of these kinds of creative pursuits that is often overlooked, and that’s the pleasure we take in learning new skills and getting better at something. No matter who you are, it’s thrilling to watch yourself get better at something you care about.

Joy through appreciation

Sewing taught me about what makes something high quality. Being able to see the markers of quality and read past marketing hype helps me make better decisions, and feel good about the things I do buy.

Joy through community

Sewing can connect you to a community of women (and some men!) who share your oddly old-fashioned appreciation and creative obsession.

Dashiki Fabric-All the Rage!

Dashiki Fabric(s) 101

A Dashiki is a loose fitting, brightly colored garment associated with African culture. It is also associated with the counterculture of the 1960s in the United States. The most popular styles cover the top half of the body. It originated in West Africa. A common form is a loose-fitting pullover garment, with an ornate V-shaped collar. It often has an embroidered neck and sleeve lines. There are both casual and formal versions.

LadySmith Black Mambazo 

Listen Here: Rain Rain Beautiful Rain by LSBM

In the United States, the Dashiki became popular during the 1960’s as African-Americans were embracing their African heritage and promoting Black pride. As a unisex garment, both men and women wear the Dashiki during Black History Month, Kwanzaa, and other Afrocentric cultural events. In recent years, the Angelina print has become part of essential street wear attire, thanks to celebrities being captured rocking the lovely print.

   Eldridge Cleaver of the Black Panther Party (1960s) and Malcolm X wearing Dashikis

Like the Nsu Bura print, the iconic Dashiki print was created by a Vlisco textile designer. Toon van de Manakker based the design of the print on the 19th century Ethiopian noblewoman’s tunic. The print is widely worn in West Africa, in countries like Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Ghana. The word “danshiki” means “shirt” in Yoruba, a major language spoken in Nigeria by the Kwa people. 

The Dashiki has come to be commonly known as the Angelina print. When the print's popularity peeked in the 1970s, the highlife song “Angelina” by Ghanaian artists Sweet Talks & A.B. Crentsil frequently played on the radio.

Celebs in Dashikis: Amandla Stenberg, Chris Brown, Zendaya, Rihanna, 

Jhené Aiko and Beyoncé.

Puffy "Biscuit" Quilt Top

Polka Dots & Whoot Owls

 Puffy "Biscuit" Quilt Top

2 more rows to go and then the backing & binding

These quilts were popular in the 1970s.

Fabric(s): 100% Cotton Quilting (SM/LG Polka Dots & Owls).  You can use pre-cut charm packs but I cut my own blocks 9" and 6".  Next, you will need to determine what size finished quilt top do you want to make.

Other Supplies: Bag(s) of polyfill, how much you need to buy depends on how big your quilt will be. Make sure that you spend a little $$ on the filling don't be to cheap cheap....32 Oz. Polyfil at Joanns and of course matching/coordinating threads, I used Gutermann Natural Cotton Thread-Plum Berry (Pink): Gutermann Natural Cotton Variegated Thread

My Size Squares: 9 inch Squares for top of each biscuit and 6 inch squares for the bottom (back) biscuit. NOTE: I used the large polka dot cotton fabric for the 6 inch backs.

Sewing Machine Used: Bernina Artista 200E, Foot #1-Reverse Pattern Foot

The How To Do:

There are quite a few tutorials on making the quilt top, but I chose this video here: Shabby Fabrics: How to Make A Bubble Quilt

Size: I made each row 4 blocks across and the completed quilt will be a total of 6 rows down.  2 tips for a successful puff: 

1.) Tuck and pin top square  

2.) Do NOT overfill your puffs!!!  

Make It Again?: Any quilting project can be time consuming, but these quilts are so cute, I may make myself one for the 2016 Autumn Season.  I will use bigger blocks (20 inch) for mine since I have a queen-size bed. I purchased my 20X20 Omnigrip  ruler from Joanns: 20-1/2 X 20-1/2 Inch Square Ruler 

On average, these quilts are selling on Etsy for $150.00 up to $250.00 for the larger quilts.

Yes I'm Making Shoes!!!

Summer Espadrilles

Wedge Heels

I was actually sewing these while at work....

Fabric: African Dutch Wax Fabric (From My Stash)

Pattern: Dritz   Espadrilles Wedge Heel Kit

Recommended: Yes (Highly)

Skill Level: Beginner through Advanced Sewers/Crafters

Review:  The Dritz espadrille kit is easy to follow.  This is fun for children and adults. Dritz carries children's sizes and adults up to size 10.  They also supply everything you need to make a cool custom pair of espadrilles.  Also comes in the flat style.

Make It Again: Yes, Yes and Yes.  I will try the flat style next using up-cycled denim (my sons old jeans).

Video Tutorial: There are a few great tutorials that are easy to follow listed below:

Cheryl Sleboda on It's Sew Easy TV

The Makery: Make Your Own Espadrilles

Dritz: Make Your Own Espadrilles

Re-purposed Marilyn Monroe Denim & Vintage Crochet Lace

Up-cycled Denim with Lace & 

Swarovski Crystals

Marilyn Monroe Pink Bubblegum

 Light colored denim with crochet lace

Marilyn Monroe 

DIY Halter Dress Burda Style 7065 Sew with Mimi G

Burda Style 7065

From Halter Top to Halter Dress

Fabric: ITY Knit Hancock Fabrics

Burda Style 7065

DIY Sew-A-Long with Mimi G.