sewing patterns, tutorials and tips
Father's Day is only a few weeks away, and while ties may be cliche, THESE ties are far from it. Follow this fun tutorial from The Purl Bee to create some fabulous ties for all the important dads in your life! Supplies: 3/4-yard Liberty of London Tana Lawn 1/4-yard P and B Color Spectrum in White or Quilters Muslin in White 1 1/2-yards Heavyweight Sew-in Interfacing 1 yard light weight fusible interfacing 100% cotton thread to match the Tana Lawn One Father's Day Tie … [Continue reading...]
This upcycled t-shirt tutorial is so fun - and it's based on the author's child's design. LOVE! Head on over to Sumo's Sweet Stuff to find this creative tutorial. It'd make a great weekend project! Supplies: t-shirt knit fabric cotton fabric sewing machine/accessories Skill level: Beginner. See the full Ruffled Tee tutorial here. Have you ever sewn anything your child designed? Enjoy the tutorial? We encourage you to pin from the original source. … [Continue reading...]
Little boys in bow ties are pretty much one of the cutest things ever. Am I right or am I right? Follow this easy tutorial from Kiki & Company to make a few of your own…bow ties, that is! Supplies: 11″x6″ piece of fabric 2″x4″ piece of fabric sewing machine hot glue gun clip on [...]
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Summer is coming and so is swimsuit weather. So I’ll definitely be needing a coverup and this one is just perfect! I’m a sucker for all things J Crew and have been eyeing one just like this for a few years, but have been unwilling to shell out the money. This tutorial from Merrick’s Art [...]
[Continue reading...]La Petite Pouch! The name just sounds so fancy doesn’t it??? I needed a little special something to send to someone and I thought and thought about it. I almost just bought something. but then realized the error of my ways and decided to make something. And that’s where the La Petite Pouch was created! [...]
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Anything 80′s is awesome in my book. And this Retro Duffel from saltwater-kids is SO very 80′s. I love how she has it styled with the gym shorts, tube socks and glasses. Radical. Like, totally. Supplies: 1/2 yard Fashion Denim (or similar fabric) 16” SEPARATING zipper* (the key to this project is the separating zipper) Jean/denim sewing [...]
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As far as clothes go, I’m kind of obsessed with cardigans. I own way too many and never leave the house without one. In fact, I just paid an insane amount of money for a cardigan JUST LIKE this Billy Cardigan from No Big Dill. Sigh. At least now I know how to make them [...]
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Just about any space can be made over with a few strategically placed throw pillows – but for some reason, all the pillows seem to be ridiculously expensive. Here’s your solution: make your own! Pick up some cheap pillow forms, find some cute fabric and use this easy tutorial from delia creates to make your [...]
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Both of my children are violent sleepers – meaning, they can not, will not keep a blanket on while they sleep. Then they wake up cold – several times nightly. No fun for this mama. Enter sleep sacks . We love them! But they are pretty pricey – so I’m pretty much in love with this [...]
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It is Sew Mama Sew giveaway day! We’re giving away 2 Casual Lady top & dress patterns. PLUS, we’ve cut the price $2. And don’t forget, all proceeds help bring restoration and healing to women or children rescued/protected from human trafficking! The Casual Lady is a great pattern for those who would like to begin [...]
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Up until a few years ago I owned nary a scarf. But then one fateful day, I tried one on in a small boutique and was immediately hooked. Since then, scarves have become an obsession. They’re a quick way to up your fashion game. Add some big sunglasses and you’re set! This infinity scarf from [...]
[Continue reading...]Mother’s Day is around the corner! Who wouldn’t want to win some amazing prizes?? Enter the Spring Into May Giveaway for your chance to win one of six HUGE prize packs. The total of all prizes is valued at more than $2,200! We’re giving away $50 worth of patterns too! Janome Magnolia 7325 Sewing Machine [...]
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Sometimes a tutorial really speaks to me…this is one of them! I absolutely adore this ombre Anthropologie shower curtain knockoff! It’s bright and happy…and ruffly. I love me some ruffles! Want to make one? Head on over to Taylor Made for a step by step tutorial! Supplies: 9 yards of solid fabric in a monochromatic [...]
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Maxi dresses are the best…am I right? Or am I right? They hide a multitude of sins and you can style them up to look chic and pulled together in an instant. This Three Seam Caftan tutorial from Simple Simon is crazy simple and looks perfect for some patio dining or errand running! Supplies: 2 [...]
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Sometimes a little color goes a long way – in the kitchen for instance. Which, especially in my home, gets neglected, decor wise. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and I definitely need to make it more pleasant. This quick tutorial from Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy walks you through how to [...]
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My daughter pretty much lives in dresses. I’m so thankful for comfy knit dresses so she can get her girly girl fix AND play hard. I absolutely adore this simple tutorial for a simple long sleeve knit dress over at Me Sew Crazy. It’s basic enough for a beginner, but you can do fun things [...]
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I don’t know about you all, but between my two-year old, my five-year old and my own butterfingers, my phone takes a beating. And regular cases are functional, but pretty ho-hum. This tutorial from Made by Marzipan shows how to make a fun and funky case/stand and is worthy of any fashionista! Supplies: 1/4 yd outer [...]
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Unbelievably, the end of the school year is fast approaching. Have you started thinking about teacher appreciation gifts? I’m LOVING these adorable felt apple coasters. Check out Purlbee’s simple tutorial – this gift is sure to surprise and delight your child’s teacher! Supplies: One Apples Felt Bundle DMC Embroidery Floss in colors to match [...]
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Today’s seam is somewhat of a variation on the French Seam. Unlike the French Seam, a Self Bound Seam is worked on a completed seam. So if you decide down the track that your seams would be better off enclosed, as long as your seam allowance is wide enough you can do this. Great when [...]
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I love upcycling/repurposing for a few reasons. One, it saves money. Two, it saves more stuff from heading into landfills. And three? It’s a fun challenge! If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your old, stretchy knit tees, this Baby Tights tutorial from Made by Rae is for you! Especially if you have a [...]
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Mother’s Day AND my birthday is fast approaching and I seriously wouldn’t mind if someone made this apron for me as a gift! But since my husband and my children lack any sewing skills, I might just have to make one for myself! I absolutely adore the patchwork pattern to this apron – and the [...]
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I recently made this pouch as a pouch for pinking shears. Then the other day I bought a pencil box for my son. As we were walking out of the store, I was struck by a moment of confusion…. Um, why did I just buy that when I could make one, super fast and for [...]
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There’s a rule in our house…if you can’t throw it in the laundry or hose it down, we don’t own it…this same rule applies to children, in case you were wondering. So we have uncomfortable, wooden chairs at the kitchen table. This tutorial from Sewing Parts Online for waterproof, no-slip cushion covers may change things. [...]
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Confession. I’m posting this tutorial today for purely selfish reasons…we are about to finish our ‘bonus’ room and I need to make curtains. I will have a little office nook in the corner (hooray!) and I want to make sure I have pretty things to look at and inspire me! This curtain tutorial from Simple [...]
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I’m loving this knit dress tutorial from Cotton & Curls! It’s so versatile. It can go beachy with flip-flops. You could make it sleeveless. I’d probably go sporty with a hoodie and some Converse! Supplies: 2 yards of stretchy knit fabric a tight knit shirt (as a cutting guide) the usual sewing supplies Skill level: [...]
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In the last four days, three of my friends have had babies (I KNOW!). So I need to get to work making some new baby gifts (squeeee!)! These Perfect Corner Baby Blankets from Apostrophy Designs are easy to whip up but are completely adorable and a wonderful gift – great for swaddling! Supplies: [...]
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We are certifiably dino-crazy in this household. My son insisted I make him a triceratops cake for this birthday (and I did – it was pretty awesome if I do say so myself). I just know he would go nuts for these stegosaurus socks! This fun tutorial from Happy Together is a simple weekend project [...]
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I found this adorable fabric basket tutorial from Pink Penguin on Pinterest and just had to share. Ayumi’s got a bunch of really wonderful tutorials, so I encourage you to go check out her blog! Supplies (these supplies are for this exact basket, feel free to mix it up!): Natural Linen: 1/4 yard for Basket [...]
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Last January I did a fun fabric giveaway. Hundreds of you followed along with me while I shopped in L.A. for fabric and trim and gave it away while I was shopping. Well guess what, I Want Fabric Giveaway Day is BACK!!! Tomorrow (Friday) is #iwantfabric day! I’ll be traveling to a bunch of fabric [...]
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Ever think of quilting your own fabric? This step by step tutorial from Haberdashery Fun shows you how! Supplies: Fabric of choice Fusible batting – Pellon TP971F - this is a great choice. One side is fusible, so you can iron it to your fabric Clover quilt marking pen – Love this! Creative grids [...]
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I love jeans, but sometimes they get, well, boring. This simple tutorial from WobiSobi shows how to create lace cuffs on jeans. It’s a simple twist that takes your jeans from everday to fabulous! Supplies: Jeans Lace about 2 to 3 inches wide and about 30 inches long. Scissors Sewing machine or you can hand [...]
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Ever wondered how to make cute ruffles to put on clothes, accessories, handbags, etc? Today, I’m going to show you three easy techniques on how to create ruffly creations. Technique #1: The Traditional Method Increase your stitch length to its maximum (mine is 5.0) and sew along the edge of your fabric leaving thread tails [...]
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My most recent sewing pattern was born from my desire to make a dress that was QUICK, no fuss and easy for beginners. The Anywhere Dress pattern for girls is just that. No gathers, ribbing, buttons, zippers, stretching or elastic. Just a simple, knit dress for girls with four sleeve options to suit every seasonal need. Today [...]
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It’s time for some weekend sewing inspiration. Here’s what’s been going on around the sewing blog world this week: Have you ever pondered what makes a good sewing instructor? How were you taught? Male Pattern Boldness contemplates the best way to teach and learn. When it comes to stylish sewing, Erica B. is always ahead. [...]
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Some things are classics – and a circle skirt definitely qualifies. This circle skirt tutorial from Dana Made It is simply cute. Perfect for a light summer outfit and excellent for lots of twirling! Supplies (for a little girl’s skirt): about 1 yard of fabric approximately 3/4 yard of 2-inch wide elastic Skill level: [...]
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This sweet little handbag looks like something you would pick up in a high-priced boutique…but you can make your very own with a quick trip to the fabric store and this fantastic tutorial from The Mother Huddle. Also? This would be an amazing gift. So maybe make a few while you’re at it! Supplies: [...]
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Can you ever really have too many pairs of comfy pants? I think not. Stock your child’s drawers with this tutorial from Ucreate! Supplies: 1 1/2 yards of main fabric 1/4 yard for hem and waist other sewing essentials (serger, sewing machine, thread) a pair of pants that fit your child 3/4″ elastic Skill [...]
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I’ve been asked over and over for more patterns for women so I’m exited to announce that I released the Casual Lady sewing pattern for women today! It’s a knit top and dress with a fully faced round neckline. This is an EASY sew. Unless you have a date with your seam ripper you’ll get [...]
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The Simply Lovely dress (and tank top!) pattern is finally complete. I had been working on this since last August. It’s finally complete and I’m giving it away for FREE! Well, not completely free. You owe me an email address so I can tell you about future patterns but I think that’s a pretty fair [...]
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I love this sweet little tutorial for sewing a simple headband with a child from Skip To My Lou! And honestly, I’m pretty much a beginner sewist, so this might be something that’s right up my alley! Supplies: 5″ X 44″ piece of fabric the usual sewing supplies Skill level: Beginner. See the full [...]
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