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!

The Sorbetto Top from Colette Sewing Patterns

You have probably already come across the Sorbetto top from Sarai of Colette sewing patterns.

 

(photograph from Colette patterns blog.)

What a gorgeous little top for summer and if you follow the link you will find a free pattern to download and print off and use to make your own Sorbetto.

Over the last few weeks Sarai has been modifying this pattern to give a Sorbetto without a front pleat.

 

(photograph from Colette blog.)

and a sorbetto with a scalloped hem.

 

(photograph from Colette blog)

 

This is such a versatile design ... wear it skirts, wear it with jeans... it can be casual or dressy, retro or modern.  Simple but brilliant and each version is accompanied with her very clear instructions and accompanying photographs.

 

(Fabric layout plans and making instructions.)

There aren't any facings to deal with as the neckline and the armholes are bound with bias binding.  You can see this more clearly in this photograph.

It has binding around the sleeves and neckline which you can see more clearly here. (photograph from Colette blog)

So, you can really accent the colours in your chosen fabric, but only If you want to of course.

I want one!  I like the version without the front pleat. So, I've printed out the pattern .... there are lots of pieces to stick together.  The first challenge was getting it to print out properly.  There's test page to print out with a square on it so that you can check that it's printing out with the correct sizing.  I only solved this by printing it from Adobe reader rather than from within my browser.

So, with the pattern printed out I can say that I've made very good use of the floor... spreading it out all the pieces and matching all the notches and now I need to stick it together so I can use it.

Unusually for me I haven't decided which fabric to go for but this is a contender....

 

This is Ditsy designed by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery fabrics.  Pretty don't ya think?

I hope you try a Sorbetto.  I'm sure summer will be back soon even though it's been raining for hours so far today.

Make it Perfect Sewing Patterns

I added some wonderful new patterns to the shop a few weeks ago and they sold out so fast that I had to get more.  I couldn't resist succumbing to a few more designs. 

This is Afterglow which can be made either as a nighdress or a pretty little dress suitable for any occasion.

This is the back opening.

This is the Shearwater Kaftan a great throw over top for days on the beach or just out having fun.

There are some very pretty skirts; Flipsy for girls

 and Blossom (which includes a bag and applique design)

There are Fab Frocks for summer outings and parties;

 

For grown-up girls there is the A+ skirt design.   These are  a slightly different take on the classic a-line skirt.  Bit of a wardrobe staple the A-line skirt.

If you wanted some stylish pyjamas and a bag to store them in then there is this sewing pattern called Sweet Dreams.  You can also make the little bag to store away other overnight essentials.

So, that's a little taster of the latest sewing patterns in the shop.  I hope you like them.

Ginger and Violet - two new sewing patterns from Colette

If you love the modern yet classic and timeless designs from Colette patterns, you're going to love these two new designs. 

This is Violet.

Violet is a very pretty button-front blouse with a gentle and flattering fit. It comes in a multiple of sizes with optional sleeve lengths (one is elasticated) and is full of pretty details. The front of the blouse has bust darts whilst the back has a yoke with gentle gathering ensuring a flattering and loose fit.  It can be worn tucked in or loose and has a pretty neckline with a peter pan collar making it a modern classic which would grace any wardrobe.

The medium length sleeve variation. (photographs from Colette)

 

Buttoned front and extremely pretty peter pan collar. (photographs from Colette)

The back of the blouse showing the back yoke and gentle gathering, which makes this a flattering design to wear. (photographs from Colette.)

Pretty short sleeves and the gorgeous Peter pan collar. (photograph from Colette)

This is Ginger, a very desirable  A-line skirt design, which would make a nice addition to a summer wardrobe.

Ginger is flattering to most body shapes and is suitable for those with sewing skills from beginner to advanced. How does that work you ask?  Well, Version 1 has a pointed centre waistband.

(photographs from Colette.)

(photographs from Colette.)

 
Version 2 has a shaped curved waistband.

 

(photographs from Colette.)

Version 3 has a straight waistband, with skirt cut on the bias. Choose a striped fabric with Version 3 for a beautiful chevron effect at the front and back!

So, what do you think to them?

Some new Anna Maria Horner sewing patterns

Since my lovely frothy, tissue and anticipation filled parcel has been rescued from the Customs Man, who had kidnapped it off into the wilds of Lecestershire .... where it consequently got stuck in snow. I've now been able to add some new Anna Maria Horner sewing Patterns to the shop.

This is the Proper Attire skirt. There are two Options; one with a bias cut yoke, pockets and soft pleats and the other with a sailor style yoke, buttons, knife pleats and piping.  Quite a pretty combination.

This is the back of the pattern sleeve which shows the differences in design between option A and B more clearly.

The other is the Gathering Flowers quilt.

The quilt comes in a sizes from crib through to King sized and uses two flower blocks. 

 

 One block is a flat, pieced flower and the accompanying block is gathered and twisted into a rosette for a little textural interest.  Lighter weight fabrics are recommended for this block such as Anna Maria's Little Folks cotton voiles which will take the gathering beautifully.

The third pattern design, fresh from Anna Maria Horners' studio, features a set of four cushions/pillows. 

 

The back of the pattern sleeve shows the different styles a little more clearly.




Gorgeous aren't they ?  These are the Flower Patch Pillows... round ones and square ones ... little bits of trimming and different style of scallops.  All details to add a little charm and to have a sewing fun with.

I hope you like them....

Jx

A few new things...

I've been adding a few new things to the shop recently, so I thought I'd share them with you.

There are buttons....

... star centred buttons in different colours and sizes.

And fish eye buttons, again in different sizes and colours....

and some Akoya shell buttons, which are beautifully shiny.

 

There are also cover buttons in 18mm, 29mm and 38mm, made from either nylon or metal.  If you've never covered a self-cover button before there's a tutorial here.  If you're covering the metal cover buttons you may just find one of these handy though.  Now, you can create your own perfectly matching buttons using your favourite fabrics.

There's a new pattern from Amy Butler - the Honey Bun Pouf, which just might add a lovely touch to a room and perhaps some extra seating.

 

These examples have been made using Amy Butler's home decor fabric which has, as you might expect  a denser weave than the medium quilt weight fabrics.  They come on 54inch (approximately 137cm) wide bolts, so a fat quarter of these fabrics results in a 50cm by approximately 68.5cm wide piece of fabric.

Knowing that a lot of folk who sew, also wield both hooks and sharp pointy sticks but probably not at the same time (Health and Safety you know!), and I include myself in that, I've added Amy Butler's organic aran and double knitting weight yarns to the shop.  

Both the double knitting and the aran yarns are a 50/50 blend of organic cotton and organic wool, giving a wonderful drape and adorable softness. It feels gorgeous and the colours are beautiful!  Amy has also designed some lovely knitting patterns to accompany her yarns.

Just a small selection.. of the 24 stylish projects for the home, accessories and for you.  

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.... colourful afghans, floral patterned pillows and cosy poufs all mix together to perfectly adorn your home.

If these designs don't get you itching to get started, then because the yarns are either aran or double knitting weight you may use to knit up other favourite designs.  So, knit yourself something snuggly and warm.

If you've made it this far, well done.  I now need to go and add a few ribbons, ric-rac and some rather nice cotton bias binding to the shop.  I'm hoping that these sections will grow, but here's a preview of where I'm starting from.

.... leaning tower of binding...

There are gingham ribbons in two widths ...

 

and pretty little ditto in its lively colours ...

 

And last but not least there's a rainbow of narrow ribbon, perfect for couching.

Speak soon,

Jx

The year is turning...

Does that sounds a little pessimistic... I suppose it does.  But when you look around the berries are ripening, the harvest is nearly in, the birds are beginning to gather on the wires and the mornings have that still, quietness that signals that summer is passing into Autumn.

Another sign of the cooler days to come is that brushed cotton or flannel, if you prefer has begun to arrive in the shop.

 

Squares in Blossom  and Stones in Ocean
 

Just two so far but more will arrive soon.  These are both from Valori Wells Della Flannel Range.  Lively colours aren't they?   Want something comforting and cosy to curl up with on cool autumn evenings?  (!!) Then they'd make a lovely soft, snuggly backings for a quilt or a throw.   And how about a soft cuddly toy? 

If you're wondering about sewing for cooler days and evenings then this is a recent addition to the shop from Indygo Junction, The London Jacket.

or a waistcoat for a light extra layer...

I love the buttons on that design.

There is also the Simple Sleeved Shawl which can be made out of knitted fabric or wool if you prefer.

 

Then because at some point it will probably rain (Cheerful aren't I ? ), there is the Amy Butlers 'rainy days hooded raincoat and runabout jacket'

 

....and for children the  'Little Splashes hooded raincoat and runabout jacket' patterns.

 
Make them out of Laminated fabric for a waterproof outer layer or a use home decor weight fabric if you prefer for warmth and style.

Perfect to see you through the Autumn in style.

Undies...

Has it ever crossed your mind to make your own undies...  

Undies is probably a too ordinary word for these. These are 'Madeleine mini Bloomers'  a free pattern and instructions download from Colette. Cute and flirtatious aren't they?

Colette have other 'Dainties' patterns.... all very pretty

The Nutmeg sewing Pattern consists of a bralette with ribbon straps, it ties at the back again with ribbon and includes French knickers and/or optional tap pants... (what are tap pants?). The description says they have "a pointed yoke are longer and sit at the natural waist." Both designs are cut on the bias to maximise drape and flatter feminine curves.

The Cinnamon is a bias cut slip dress the pattern also includes instruction to make a camisole to compliment the Nutmeg undies set.

 

The Cinnamon - Flattering bias cut dress or

 

  A camisole shown here with the Nutmeg bralette and Knickers set.

I don't think there's much to say about these gorgeous patterns, they say it all for themselves.  So next time you're fancying something different to make or the high street just isn't supplying what you want... remember these. Feminine, gorgeous, flirtatious, retro, cute and maybe a little dangerous ( :) ) you couldn't really imagine wearing anything else under those gorgeous Colette dress designs, could you?

I wonder what Colette are suggesting by naming the patterns after spices?  I'm saying nothing!

Amy Butler patterns and fabrics

Amy Butler now as quite a catalogue of beautiful sewing patterns suited to different levels of sewing skills. There are sewing patterns for bags, appropriate for all different needs. There are all kinds of gorgeous, versatile and extremely stylish sewing patterns for skirts, tunics, halter tops and sun tops and now she's added patterns for jackets/coats.

This is 'little splashes hooded raincoat & runabout jacket' sewing pattern

and this is the 'rainy Days hooded raincoat & runabout jacket' sewing pattern.

The jackets together....

If you want these jackets to be waterproof then you will need to make them from a laminate fabric. What do you do, however if you really love the jacket but aren't so confident about working with laminates? Amy suggests making them from the heavier home dec fabrics for an extremely stylish extra layer to wear on cooler days.

Whilst we're on the subject of home decor fabrics I've just added these to the shop. They're all 100% cotton on a 54/55 inch bolt as opposed to the more usual 44/45 inch wide bolt and are perfect for bag making, making curtains, upholstery, cushions and of course Amy's new coat designs.

I love the deep gorgeous blue colours in these fabrics. The colour of the Sun spots is almost electric.

Sun spots in Midnight and Paradise Garden in Midnight

The pretty Asian inspired Sandlewood in Ivory fabric with it's soft, feminine colours and up-beat contemporary design.

Looks good combined with Tumble Roses.....

I thought it might be helpful to see the size of the Sun spots home dec fabric next to the Sun spots quilt weight fabric because the home decor fabrics spots are larger.

.... just in case it's critical in your sewing project....

Let's talk Pincushions

Who doesn't love pincushions?

Essentially every little pincushion has a functional role to play in the sewing room. It valiantly holds onto those sharp finger pricking pins, pin heads, decorative or otherwise pointing upwards so that they are easy to grab hold of when you next need to hold your sewing in place. 

Somehow, though pincushions are so very much more than that. Their small size provides just enough room for a little bit of creative expression. A little bit of space for personalising your sewing equipment. They make brilliant gifts to give to sewing friends, they use up all those scraps of fabric, sell well at craft fairs and are a perfect size to indulge a little whimsy. Every sewing room/space should have a pincushion to be proud of shouldn't it ? 

 Here are few patterns to inspire you, gorgeous new pincushion patterns from Heather Bailey. Adorable Effie and Ollie the pachyderm pincushions can also be made as toys for little hands to hold and love. And they stack....think of all the games you could play.

Henrietta Turtle can be made a Henry Turtle just by not adding the flower...

Then there is Flutterby Pincushions - two butterfly designs, a bee and a ladybird, each has layered wings to hold on to your sewing needles.

If they don't set your pulse racing but you'd still like to try your hand at making a pincushion for yourself or for friends then here are a few lovely tutorials I've found around the web. (Bet you can't stop at making just one.)

This is a photograph of the pincushion I made using this tutorial. Eight Patch Pincushion 

Some patchwork block patterns make brilliant starting points for pincushions and it's a good way of practicing a new technique and an brilliant excuse for doing so. (There are some more pincushion tutorials based on patchwork blocks lower down this post.)

Tomato pincushions from Martha Stewart

Square cushion pincushion designed by Heather Bailey.

Toadstool cottage Pincushion (Too cute for words.)

Flower Pincushion designed by Anna Maria Horner.

This is a lovely idea (and tutorial) for a pincushion using a Matryoshka doll designed by Vintage Violet of Maximum Rabbit Designs.

Last but not least are these lovely little patchwork pincushions from the Purl Bee

Molly's miniature Pincushions

Do you have any pincushion ideas to share?