Category Archives: Everything Else

Being Creative, Everything Else

Some Fall Sewing

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Have you met Indie Sew?  I don’t even know how I stumbled across the site, but I quickly fell in love.  Just in time to start my Fall Sewing!

Yes, I know we are a few months into Fall on the calendar, but temperature-wise, we are just now getting here.  Fall Sewing is my favorite.  The colors are richer, the fabrics are more luxurious.

Fall Fabrics

My closet is a hum-drum of a lot of the same old things.  My Stitch Fix subscription started in April and I’ve loved it.  It has allowed me to stretch my style, but unfortunately, most pieces are a little out of my budget.  (That said, do give it a try.  I find something I love in every box and it’s super easy!)  But…my last Fix had a perfect white silk shirt that I knew I could build a wardrobe from!

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So, white shirt + fall sewing = what kind of wardrobe? Well, I started with this pin of 15 outfits made from Target pieces.  Cute, appropriate for my 29+yo self, and very much my style. I loved each of these looks and I knew I already had a few of the pieces.  Here’s the run-down:

I have:

  • denim jacket
  • pencil skirt in black print
  • riding boots
  • scoop necked sweater
  • infinity scarf
  • moccasin (well, mine is a loafer)
  • leopard flats

I need to make:

  • a casual pant
  • a second infinity scarf
  • denim leggings
  • a tunic
  • a raglan tee

To buy:

  •  Denim shirt dress (or maybe find an alternative)

So, what does all this have to do with Indie Sew?  How about their Fall Collection.  A set of 6 patterns fill the needs on that “Need to Make” list above.

Here’s my fall sewing list:

  • the Hudson pant (in brown) (First pair was stitched in red and I love!)
  • the Commuter Cowl (in a brown print) Finished 10/19/2012
  • a navy legging (or not.  My skinny jeans would serve the same purpose with more coverage.)
  • a blue raglan
  • and a tunic (color, fabric still in question)

****The Stitch Fix link is an affiliate link.  I’ll get a little credit if you decide to sign up.  The other links are just happy finds that I’m sharing with you.

Being Creative, Everything Else

Have you seen these free sewing classes?

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Have you discovered Craftsy?  It’s a website full of on-line classes teaching many different crafts-sewing, photography, cake decorating, etc!

These free sewing classes are a great place to start exploring Craftsy and learning something new:

Sewing Machine Feet

Zippers

Bag-Making Basics: Drawstring Bag and Bucket Bag

++NOTE:  I’m not affiliated with Craftsy in anyway.  I just think everyone should know about free sewing classes!++

Being Creative, Everything Else

Go Back to School With PersonaliTy

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Big things are happening in my little shop!  I’m so excited to have all my sewing/embroidery gear in one location.  A friend was so generous to lend me space to sew for the past few months, but there is no place like home.

So, what’s new at PersonaliTy Children’s Clothes?

Well…for starters, there’s this bad boy!

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Woo hoo!

I’m so excited about upgrading to this 10-needle.  It allows me to multitask and stitch a jon jon while monogramming another.  It also makes it super-easy to personalize uniform shirts and backpacks and lunch bags!

Speaking of backpacks and lunch bags…

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These are just a few of the new items available at www.personalitychildrens.com .  I keep the preschool backpacks and lunch bags in stock.  I can order full-size backpacks if you need one.

And then…what little boy doesn’t need his own baseball cap!  These are the perfect finishing touch to a seersucker jon jon.

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So there you have it.  Just a few of the new things to get your ready to go back to school with PersonaliTy!

Being Creative, Everything Else

How to Stock Your Sewing Kit Without killing Your wallet

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Sewing supplies.  They make life easier, yes?  But…if I wait until I need them, I’ll most certainly pay full price for that spool of thread or that zipper (and then buy a basketfull of other items that ‘caught my eye’).

There’s no excuse for paying full price for any sewing supplies anymore.  Here’s how I stock my sewing kit without going broke:

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1.  Phone apps and mobile coupons.  I don’t always remember to bring my store flyer.  But—I do always have my cell phone.  Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s, and Michaels have phone apps.  Hancock’s Fabrics has a mobile club that sends me texts.  Coupons at my fingertips!

2.  Stock up.  There are certain items I know I’ll need.  I buy these anytime I can find them 1/2 off:

  • double fold bias tape in white and natural
  • piping in white
  • white and clear buttons (1/4 inch and 5/8 inch)
  • Coats and Clark all-purpose (the blue label) in white
  • straight pins
  • seam rippers (these grow legs and walk away at my house!)
  • invisible zippers in white and natural
  • Maxi-Lock cone thread in white

You may need different items.  Keep a running list of the tools you use.  Those are the things you need to stock up on.

3.  Sales.  Yes, I know.  This one is obvious.  You can pretty much count on Hancock’s Fabrics and often JoAnn’s to put the notion wall on 50% on any minor holiday:  Columbus Day, Flag Day, etc.  Just be certain you read the fine print.  Sometimes notions include threads.  Sometimes not.