overcome your fear of needles
It feels like a lifetime ago that Abby Glassenberg put out a request for pattern testers for her book “Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction*.” Soon after, I was stitching up this cutie-patoot elephant. I was thrilled to death with how he turned out, but I had to keep him a secret until the book release (which was this week)! Two-ish years of keeping quiet about a project? Do you realize how hard it was? It nearly killed me! [Read more...]
Remember the “Geek-Chic iPad Case” I made? And how I wish I had an iPad so I could keep it for myself? Well, now I have one of the “Mini” variety, and when I was offered the opportunity to try out some of Jo-Ann Fabrics’ new HGTV line of home decor fabrics, it seemed like the perfect use for them. [Read more...]
Normally, I would keep my Christmas gift crafting under wraps, but in the case of these pickle ornaments, I just had to share. Don’t they make you giggle?
Why you ask? Um… Why Not? And there is a fun little tradition where you hide a pickle ornament on your Christmas tree for your holiday guests to find. Silly good times. Want to make some of your own? The esteemed softie designer Abby Glassenberg put together this free pattern for this ornament. It took me about 7 minutes to cut out and sew together each pickle. Another 5-10 to sew on the face, and 15 to french knot the dimples. Easy peasy. Fast and delightful. That is one well designed pattern! Great Work, Abby!
Had you ever heard of The Christmas Pickle?
It took 2 years of it lying around the house before Gianna picked up Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love
* and asked me to sew with her. It is totally surprising that it took so long, because if you have seen the book yourself, you know it is chock-full of totally adorable projects.  "Wee Wonderfuls book and The Mermaiden - SewFearless.com")
The project she fell in love with was “the Mermaiden”. (You can download this project for free on MarthaStewart.com.) [Read more...]
When I got asked to review Lisa Lam’s second bag making book, A Bag for All Reasons, I nearly peed my pants with excitement. I am the biggest fangirl of Lisa and credit her for my bag-making fearlessness. The first example being the gathered purse frame clutch I made way back in 2010.
It wouldn’t be a true ”book review” though without actually sewing up something from the book. (Like I really needed to give myself an excuse sew a bag.) So, despite my glaring lack of an iPad (wah!!), I picked her shnazzed-up “Geek Chic iPad Case“. I will be sending a friend a very happy package when I am done writing this post. Before I get into the project details, let’s talk about A Bag for All Reasons.
Just a heads up: If you make it to the very end of this ridiculously long post, you can enter into a giveaway for a copy of “A Bag for All Reasons”, AND you will find a discount coupon for Lisa Lam products. So, grab a cup of coffee and plow through! [Read more...]
I like to sew. I have 5 kids. I like to sew. I am married to a poet. Have I mentioned I like sewing?
This blog is about my reckless pursuit of sewing knowledge.
