Men's Vintage Blazer to Backpack DIY #JackPack

Men's Vintage Corduroy Blazer Re-purposed into a backpack AKA #JackPack

Blazer: Thrifted Corduroy Men's XL $1.99 Goodwill
Men's Shirt: Thrifted Ralph Lauren $1.99 Goodwill
Pageboy Hat: Repurposed/Upcycled old Louis Vuitton Handbag and Men's Blazer

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

Finished Peppermint Swirl Dress!!!!

 Watch her as she swirls and twirls!

My Granddaughter loved her dress so much she just kept twirlin and made her self dizzy!!!

Paris & Polka Dots!!!!

Peppermint Swirl Dress "Under Construction" !!!!

     I finally got my hands on the "Peppermint Swirl" Dress/Skirt from Candy Castle Patterns.  I have been dying to make this dress and/or skirt for my granddaughter.  I also purchased the Ladies Version of the pattern and will try my hand at making one for myself in African Ankara print fabrics. 

     It's actually quite fun sewing all the flounces together. This could be a fun "mommy & me" project. 
     The layout and cutting of the flounces is what takes the longest. I had to use a counter to keep track of the number of flounces I had cut.  

     I will post the completed project soon. I can't wait to see her twirl in it!

In the meantime, keep swirlin & twirlin! 

Part 1: 1st 4 flounces sewn together 

Part 2: 6 flounces sewn together

                Part 3: 10 Flounces sewn together.  

4 More Flounces to Go!!!!

Part 4: All 14 Flounces sewn together!!

What's left to do:
**Construct the bodice and lining
***Attach the bodice to the Skirt
****Skirt using bias tape

#SwirlOnandTwirlOn

Part 5: Finished Skirt

Part 6: Bias Tape for skirt hem

The skirt called for 10 yards of bias tape so I made my own! 

The Simplicity Bias Tape Maker sure comes in handy!!!

My New Bernina 1008 Mechanical Sewing Machine

Bernina 1008 Mechanical Machine

I absolutely loooove this machine! I'm so in heaven when I sit down to sew on this machine. It sews smooth through the thickest fabric like denim.  I made a denim tote bag on this machine see post here: Denim Tote Bag. 

It also sews the most beautiful gathers with the gathering/shirring foot. 

The presser feet are quite expensive but I found a set of 10 on eBay for $100.00!  That is cheap considering they can cost $25 to $35 or more per foot! I also bought the extension table to go with.  I haven't used my other machines since I got this one last month.  I feel bad lol!! 

The Bernina 1008 is a great machine for beginners as well as advanced sewers.

Now to add the Bernina Artista 200E or the 630E to my collection.  I would also like to grab a Bernina 1130 or 1230!!!

More information on this machine here: BERNINA 1008 

The Sewing Blab with That Black Chic aka Michelle Morris

This image is property of "That Black Chic"

Here is the link:

That Black Chic on the Sewing Blab

Not sure what the "Sewing Blab" is but I am going to check it out tonight @ 7:30 PM EST 4:30 PM my time (Seattle, WA). It sounds like a whole lotta fun for the sewers!

  Stay tuned.......

Mimi G. #SewItAcademy

Mimi G's Sew It Academy Featured Statement by Me.........

Picture is property of Mimi G. Style

Mimi G has a new and wonderful online sewing academy!  It's a fun place for sewists of all levels to hang out and learn.  She featured my statement on her June 2016 Academy relaunch page!!!  Just read my statement above......... Link to the academy is below......  If you get the chance join the fun!!! 

Mimi G #SewItAcademy Relaunch June 2016

There is a wait-list so hurry up!

New Mimi G. for Simplicity Pre-Fall 2016

GOTTA GET THESE!!!!!!!!

Mimi G Tutorial-Wide Leg Pants

Mimi G Tutorial-Moto Jacket

More tutorials on YouTube.

Vintage Shopping Tips and Vintage Pattern Links

Clothing which was produced before the 1920s is referred to as "antique" clothing and clothing from the 1920s to 20 years before the present day is considered vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, or "vintage style" usually refers to clothing that imitates the style of a previous era. Reproduction, or repro- clothing is a newly made copy of an older garment. Clothing produced more recently is usually are called modern or contemporary fashion. Opinions vary on these definitions.

Most vintage clothing has been previously worn, but a small percentage of pieces have not. These are often old warehouse stock, and more valuable than those that have been worn, especially if they have their original tags. Referred to as dead-stock or new-old-stock (NOS), they nevertheless sometimes have flaws. 

Vintage clothing may be either commercially produced or handmade by individuals.

In the United States, due to changes in clothing sizes, vintage sizes often are smaller than the corresponding contemporary size. For example, a garment from the 1970s labeled as Medium (M) might be similar in size to a 2010s Extra Small (XS). As obesity was relatively uncommon prior to the 1980s, larger sizes were/are typically rare. Vintage sewing patterns offer an option for those who want a historically accurate garment but cannot find one in their size.

I have been having the best-of-luck finding vintage sewing patterns while out thrifting. Sometimes I buy the patterns just for the cover/line art. I also find vintage fabrics as well.I am attempting to learn how to grade patterns up and/or down. There are a few links I found regarding vintage patterns, vintage shopping etc.... 

I enjoy viewing Gertie's Blog to see what she is up to. Gertie is an avid sewer, designer and guru of vintage style and sewing. You can get her books here: Gertie's Books on Amazon

Vintage Shopping Tips

• How to Buy Vintage Clothing
• 5 Tips for Successful Thrift Store Shopping
• The Fashion Era

Purchase Vintage Patterns Here:

• The Blue Gardenia
• Patterns From the Past
• So Vintage Patterns

And of course eBay and Etsy!!!

Futuristic Funk Vogue 8548 (OOP)

Vogue 8548 (OOP)

Fabric: 100% Fushia Wool (eBay Store)

Lining: Zebra Print Simply Silky (JoAnn)

Buttons: Natural Zebra Stripe (JoAnn)

Pattern: Vogue 8548 (OOP) 

I purchased mine from eBay of course!

Other Sewers Coats

Erica Bunker

Sew Tessutti

My next attempt with this coat pattern is with denim.

Example:

Spiegel This......

My Spiegel 60609

MeSewCrafty

"The Spiegel 60609 is a computerized sewing machine that has more than 350 built in stitches and more available for download on iTunes and Google Play. On the front of the machine is a smart device holder, which is basically a rack where you can put your cell phone or tablet. Behind it is a long arm that grasps the device, called a Handy Hook, so that your phone or tablet is secure. On the side, there is a USB port where you can power your cell phone or tablet. And can I mention the design? 

White and gold – so chic!".........Maddie of The Madalynne Blog

Read Maddie's complete review of the 60609 on her blog page 

Here: Maddie's Review of Spiegel 60609

 My Spiegel 60609 Stitch Cam in Motion!

MeSewCrafty

I will be jumping into a project this weekend and using my new Spiegel 60609 making this dress.  I will add a fabric swatch later and once completed give my own full review on the machine and the pattern. 

Vogue 1484 Fit & Flare Dress 

Designer: Zandra Rhodes

Sew & Quilt Expo 2016

Sew Expo 2016

Puyallup, WA

  Mimi & Fan                              Mimi & Her Mom

My Baby Girl Jewel 

Queen of Hearts

American Sewing Guild Fashion Show

Jewel Sewing with Miss Clare

Clare Rowley of Creative Feet