What's the lifeblood of any wardrobe? Accessories! Why do we love accessories so much? Because they're a fast, economical way to jump start an old outfit. Throw on a belt, wrap up in a scarf, add a fabric flower pin... suddenly, it's a whole new look and feel. The small size of accessories also makes them a great way to try out new substrates, like the luxurious rayon we used for these long, beautiful scarves. There's an elastic channel through the middle, allowing you to ruche it up into a fun, ruffly shape secured at each end with a pretty little bow. We made two scarves, each one in two coordinating rayons. Wear them separately or together. For yourself or as a gift, these quick and easy accessories are a great way to brighten up anyone's wardrobe, adding a bright blast of color as you transition to Spring's lightweight outerwear.
Fabric Storage Basket with Removable Divider
Freshening up for Spring means a bit of good ol’ Spring cleaning is in order. It’s the perfect time for a new fabric basket to help you divide and conquer! One of this basket’s main benefits is looking fabulous as it contains the chaos that can takeover any counter in the house. Organizing your stuff and boosting your home décor style – that’s a win-win! We created ours for a bathroom environment but the size and shape would work in any room. It’s time to tidy up, buttercup!
Giant Doggie Drying Towel
Contrary to stories you may have heard, it doesn't really rain all the time in Oregon. We do have a rainy season... it's just a lot longer than other place's rainy seasons. This means soggy doggy paws are kind of an year 'round thing. As with many folks, our pets are inside/outside critters. If they are going in and out during the aforementioned "rainy season," it's nice to be able to dry them off before they come in. "That's what rags are for!" you say. True, but rags are usually not very absorbant, they tend to be kind of small, and worst of all, they can leave you and your clothes exposed to the dripping doggie. We designed a towel that can protect the dryer while sopping up the dryee. Our Doggie Dryer is a long, double-layer towel with a large pocket at either end. Slip one hand into each pocket for easy drying control; the wide center of the towel stays between you and the wet doggie-dog. Modeling credit goes to sweet Doggie Elaine... even though she was a little confused about why we kept pouring water on her head during the photo shoot.
Embroidered Floral Poppy Placemats and Napkins: Janome MC500E
The word "only" gets kind of a bad rap. Maybe because it seems a little too close to "lonely," but the flip side is the heart of its true meaning: to focus on one thing. If you do one thing very, very well, then you are likely an expert. So it is with the Janome Memory Craft embroidery-only machines. Yes, they only do embroidery, but they do it expertly and with Janome's trademark ease-of-use. We chose the Memory Craft 500E to create this beautiful set of embroidered placemats and napkins, selecting two built-in florals and stitching them against a shear ribbon lattice on a 100% linen background.
How to Make Flat Felled Seams: Pro Finish
The right finishes make projects go more smoothly, look more professional, and give you an upper hand when it comes to impressing friends with your vast sewing knowledge! Making a flat felled (or flat fell) seam is a detail with a place in history as well as a place in the world of professional seam finishes. You can find references to the flat felled seam technique in vintage as well as hand sewing (once the only way to sew anything). And, if you look down right now at the inside seam of your jeans, you'll see a trademark flat felled seam.
Mini Bushel Basket Picnic Liners
This is the time of year, with Spring right around the corner, when we love putting together clever containers to help make dining outside in the coming warmer weather a bit easier… and prettier. These super cute basket liners are from our You Asked 4 It list. This is an official little list we keep of all the suggestions and requests you send in through your comments and emails. If you're dreaming of cold lemonade on a hot day like we are, these little liners could be just the project to help make your dreams come true.
DIY Shadow Boxes with Dritz Campaign Hardware
This project definitely falls into the Great Gift Idea category. It also falls into the No Sew category! A personalized shadow box is a wonderful way to commemorate a special occasion. Our samples celebrate a new baby and a wedding. You could also create one for an anniversary, graduation, to memorialize a trip or to mark a milestone birthday. The featured element that makes our boxes unique is the stunning Dritz Campaign Hardware at each corner.
Ten Mistakes That Make Your Projects Look Unprofessional
“I don’t have time for that.” “No one will notice.” “I’ll fix it later.” A million excuses usually lead to a million regrets. We all make mistakes, and sometimes stuff just happens beyond our control. But some mistakes can be avoided with proper planning, attention to detail, and the wisdom to slow down. It’s no surprise that one of the most famous adages about time management comes from the world of sewing: “A stitch in time, saves nine!” Recently, a stark distinction has developed between handmade and homemade. Handmade carries the stamp of artisan craftsmanship – pride in a job well done. Homemade has the connotation of something slapdash and cheap – just good enough to get by. To us … if it’s created with your own two hands, you deserve to be proud of the results, so we prefer to think of it as professional or unprofessional. Read on for the ten most common mistakes to avoid to make sure you go pro!
Cafe Curtains with Bold Accent Bands and Hanging Loops
Mom always said, "Never do things halfway." But I don't think she was talking about curtains, because you can do curtains halfway with very beautiful results. The cafe curtain is designed to be hung at a window's halfway point, covering up the bottom but letting in light from above. It's a great solution that gives you privacy while still letting the sun shine in.
Flannel Apron with Rick Rack Accents
An apron in flannel makes for some cozy cookin'! We created our original sample from fat quarters, which is certainly still an option – either in flannel or crisp cotton. But, since flannel can be a bit more difficult to find in pre-cut bundles, our supply list below also specifies standard yardage cuts. The apron's ties adjust with grommets and knots to fit a variety of sizes. And rick rack around the bib and along the waistband is the perfect finishing touch.
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