Gone To Earth

Release your 'summer siren' - Lily and Hazel

This is Lily ...

 

Lily - an apres dust bathing bantam

 

errh!  No - this is Lily..

 

Lily - dress sewing pattern (images from Colette patterns.)

 

and this is lily...

 

Lily (images from Colette patterns)

 

 Lily is a very pretty sundress and I love the way that the bodice and pocket flap details have been highlighted in a contrasting fabric but if that isn't something which appeals to you then Lily can be made out of all the same fabric which results in this look.

 

Lily (images from Colette patterns)

 

and the back....

 

The back of lily (images from Colette )

 

The skirt is prettily tapered for a slim fit with a back kickpleat for movement.

This sewing pattern from Colette sewing patterns would make a very pretty dress with extremely flattering and feminie shaping. Why not stitch one up this weekend and release your 'summer siren' ?  Lily would be a great assett in your summer wardrobe (if only we were enjoying summer weather :( )

The Hazel dress sewing pattern is another mouth watering design from Colette.

 

Hazel (images from Colette.)

 

This sewing pattern could be confidently attempted by a beginner with its flattering v-seamed bodice and soft dirndle style skirt.

More Hazel pictures for you to feast your eyes upon.

 

Hazel (images from Colette)

 

and another....

 

Hazel

 

The simple dirndl style skirt has in-seam pockets.

... It has a softer, less tailored shape than Lily... and if you want to get clever with stripey fabric ...

 

Hazel (images from Colette.)

 

then there are instructions to help you (the V seamed bodice is constructed using bias cut side panels making mixing up the fabrics simple and fun).

 Colette patterns come with full instructions and the promise of exceptional styling.  Why not visit Sara Mitnick's blog for some amazing insight into her creativity and ideas for getting the most out of your sewing.

Horray for Colette Patterns!

Home decor weight cotton sateen

These are some very pretty cotton sateen, home decor weight fabrics that are currently in the shop.

 

A pretty heap of cotton sateen home decor weight fabrics

These are from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms, Joel Dewberry's Heirloom collection and from Philip Jacobs.

I love these Peacock Feather prints.  They're bright and exuberant and would create a delicious and instant colourwash in your sewing.

 

Peacock Feathers in Rose

Peacock Feathers in Rose is all hot pink, fiery oranges and full of energy.

 

Peacock Feathers in Turquoise

All warm blues, turquoises' and greens...

 These prints are large and the designs are on a larger scale than those of the same name in the Soul Blossoms patchwork and quilting weight cottons.  They typically come on fabric bolts which are 54 inches (137cms) wide instead of the usual 45 inches (110/112cm) wide bolts of the patchwork weight (medium weight ) cottons.

These two are from the Joel Dewberry's Heirloom fabric collection.  Beautiful.  Modern and yet quite retro!

 

Heirloom

 This is Rose Bouquet in Sepia and the picture below shows it alongside BlockPrint in garnet also from the Heirloom collection.  Beautiful aren't they?

 

Heirloom prints together

Why not take a peep in the shop to see the other designs?

 So what is cotton sateen?

Cotton sateen isn't satin. Essentially it's a fabric created from long-fibres which have been subjected to a mercerisation process.  This results in an alteration in the chemical structure of the fibre bringing out a 'satin-like' lustre and softness to the final fabric.  

The fabric itself is constructed using the satin weaving method which means that most of the threads lie on the surface. (The weaving involves placing four threads (the warp threads) over the top and one underneath.) Typically, it also has a higher thread count than other cottons which contributes to it's ability to drape nicely.  All of this results in a soft cotton fabric with lustre, a satin smooth finish with the design on one side only and the reverse having a plain, matte finish.

Cotton sateen comes in different weights.  The ones in the shop are the heavier home decor weight, suitable for home decor projects as you might expect; cushions, curtains, lampshades, bags and pouches, covering chairs, in fact, most fabric crafts.  It's softness also means that it can be used for clothing such as, jackets, coats and heavier skirts.  

Please take a peep at them and let me know which is your favourite?

My blog made me do this. ( No - really!) I keep being presented with a 'Quick Post option', so this is me trying to see what that means. Always need a practical demo me!

The fabric by the way is Power Pop by Jenean Morrisson.

I hope you are making time to enjoy the lovely weather we're having just now and I'll speak again soon.

Gorgeous Delilah...

I've been playing around creating photographs to use for magazine adverts. I never find it easy.  Too small a space to say or show all you want to... given how easy I find it to witter on about fabric. So, for me, working out a pictorial essay in an advert space is definitely a exercise in something but I'm not quite sure what. 

This morning I've been taking Delilah photographs;

(I like Delilah.  I think it can go together to make a complete vintage/retro look or it can be something very modern looking.)        

The side effect of all this stacking and re-stacking of fabric to try and show it off at its best are two new bundles.  One in pink...

which joins an already mostly pink bundle.

and one in blue...

I hope you love them.  Have a great weekend.

LouLouThi, a nine patch block and a new addiction

A piece of fabric... ok, maybe one or two pieces of fabric, plus little sewing. Result?  A nine patch block and a new addiction.

This is a nine patch block that I was working on absolutely ages ago.  It's made up of prints from LouLouThi and LouLouthi Needleworks.  

 LouLouThi Needleworks has been designed by Anna Maria Horner and it represents something a little different in that the design on the fabric is marked out in little crosses .... and yes that means that you can cross-stitch the design for something wonderfully textured or you can use it as a cloth in it's own right 'cos it's just pretty.

(This print is called Vision in Pangaea.  The background is a soft cream with the various motifs picked out in different colours against it.)

My nine patch block does have an intended desitnation, it just hasn't quite made it there yet as I've been distracted by the rest of the piece of fabric I used for the blocks.  

A fat quarter of this is huge when it comes to cutting out little squares... because the bolt is a massive 54 inches wide.  Yes - there's a lot left, so I've been stitching that too.  Cross - stitching to be precise.

(... and I've bought some new threads in lots of pretty colours.)

I'm addicted to it.  I haven't actually done any cross-stich since I left junior school so it took a while to get back into it again but now I'm really enjoying having something that I can just pick up for a few minutes and then put down. (Actually it isn't easy to put it down. I'm finding that really difficult.)  I'm using Pearle sewing threads on this as I'm loving the slight reflectiveness of it.  I may not use all Pearle threads as that might be overkill but I'll make that decision as I go along.  

This piece is intended to make a 'small' (note the word small) sampler style cushion but that really depends how long it takes me.  It may end up as a small bag or small mat for the table in the hall.  Just now I'm enjoying the 'doing'.

Vilene Craft Interlining S520

Vilene Craft Interlining S520 is part of the Vilene Creative product range.  It is an equivalent to Peltex 71F.

Basically, this interlining is white, fusible on one side and is 30cm wide (although you may find it available in wider widths.)  It's been designed with pelmet making in mind but that makes it extremely suited to other applications such as bag making, belts, lampshades and many other crafts where the fabric requires good structure and firm support.

I've had a couple of emails over the past week or so about how to actually apply it to fabric so I thought I'd share this link to the Vilene site which has a short product video showing exactly how to apply Vilene S520 to fabric to get the best results and to protect your iron from a few of the rigours of belonging to someone who enjoys her/his fabric crafts.

The video isn't in German, so don't be afraid, it is just a practical demonstration of what to do and if you don't wish to take the time to watch the video then these are the written instructions.

 How to fuse interlining Vilene S520 to fabric.

1. First steam iron the fabric to avoid any shrinkage later. Allow the fabrics to dry completely. 
2. Place the interfacing with the coated side on the wrong side of the fabric. Then cover the with a damp cloth (which will protect your iron from getting gummed up with adhesive) and press. (keeping the iron in one position) for about 15 seconds. Use the wool/cotton heat setting.
3. Allow the pieces to cool flat for about 30 minutes, so that the adhesive can set properly.

So, what do you do if you can't tell which is the side with the 'fusible' on?  The vilene webste confidently says to use the coated side to adhere to the fabric, but I'm not convinced it's that obvious.  If you're struggling to tell which side is which and you don't want to experiment to find out, then it's probably safe to assume that as I send this interlining rolled up, the coated side will the side inside the 'curl'.

Happy Crafting! 

 

A stitch in Colour

Stitch in color - charm squares and jelly rolls.

I've never made it a secret that I love rich colour which is why I find it difficult to buy the pale and 'interesting' colours for the shop :)  You don't really need to know that but it does explain why I really love this fabric collection designed by Malka Dubrawsky.

If you've ever come across the book "Fresh Quilting" by Malka Dubrawky or her blog "A stitch in dye", you will know that she loves colour; bright, saturated glorious colour.  Her sewing is full of rich and exciting colour combinations and inspiring design.

I love this tote bag which shows off some of the fabrics really well.  It's from her Flickr set which you'll find over here if you wish to explore more images.

These are a few images from her book which show her love of colour and contemporary design.

 

A pair of Pot holders ...

...and a quilt developed from the same improvisational design.

I think her choice of colour always gives her sewing such a lot of energy.  Gorgeous.

So you see, that now she has a fabric collection out called a 'stitch in colour', I really wasn't able to ignore it.  It is deliciously filled with colour and interesting designs.  

Note the already patchwork and 'quilt stitched', look of some of the fabrics.

I hope you like them too!

Something to share

Ali over at Very Berry Handmade is hosting an extremely delicious fabric giveaway to kick start January into sewing frenzy of a month ( and hopefully the following 11 months of 2012).

(Kate Spain's Terrain fabric - just one possible prize amongst many.)

 

There are many prizes and different ways in which you can participate, so why not join in?

What are you going to resolve to sew in 2012?  Are you going to start sewing for the first time or tackle or learn something completely new.  Tell Ali and take part in her massive giveaway, which is open until the 26th January.

 

 

Soul Blossoms Corduroy from Amy Butler

I've had a couple of emails about these fabrics asking if they really are corduroy or had I made a mistake when I listed them in the shop.  

(Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms Corduroy)

Well, yes they genuinely are corduroy... lovely soft, tactile needlecord or pin cord if you prefer and they are part of Amy Butler's new fashion fabrics range.

These are Soul blossom prints;

English Garden in Bluestone,

Trailing Orchid in Blue Velvet... lots of blues, highlighted with a little green.

This is the blue solid which can be used alone or to accent the English Garden or the Trailing orchid fabrics.

They are the same designs as the home decor fabrics of the same names which I'm guessing is where the confusion comes, but these are a narrower fabric as they're 44/45 inches wide (110/112cm) and not 54 inches wide like the home dec fabric. The pattern scale is also smaller.

They can be used to make clothes and bags, pouches of all kinds ....

(The Liverpool tunic in English Garden in Bluestone corduroy - photograph from Amy's site)

 

 

.... and quilts such as this one.  

(photograph from Amy's site)

Enjoy!

Ruby by Bonnie & Camille

This layer cake comprises fabric from Ruby, a new fabric collection designed by Bonnie and Camille.  It has 42, 10 inches square pieces of fabric made up of 35 different designs.  Some designs are doubled up to give a good balance of colour, print and design scale.

Ruby is full of gorgous little prints, tiny scallops and polks dots and lucious florals in beautiful ruby red, greys, greens and a delicous aqua.

It's got quite a retro feel to it being inspired by the youthful optimism of the 1950's.

This is a link to the Moda Bake Shop and a wonderful quilt designed using this layer cake.

(Photograph from the Moda Bake Shop website)

It's designed by Corey of 'Little Miss Shabby;.  Pretty isn't it?