A Muslin of IRIS

IRIS Pattern

As I have mentioned before, I like the website Colette. I have ordered several patterns from this site, but have not gotten around to sewing them. Today it has poured all day and I decided to make a muslin of the IRIS shorts pattern for my oldest daughter, a senior in college. For more about the value of making a muslin,
click here.

This is the fabric I used for the muslin - a very loose weave cotton which was on sale at Walmart for $.99/yard. Perfect.

Here is the "finished" product - no hem and no zipper on the side - just enough to check the size.

Oh great... it is very snug on my daughter. 

Good thing I made a muslin!

IKEA and Sewing

Did you know that IKEA sells a sewing machine? It is a basic sewing machine (named Sy) for $69.99. It comes with 13 stitches, both a zipper and buttonhole foot. I have researched reviews and have some links posted below... all in all, it is a good purchase for a beginner.


sewreview.com
patternreview.
cocosloft.blogspot.com

In addition to a machine and several basic sewimg tools. IKEA sells great fabrics. Their prices range from $4.99 to $9.99 per yard. The colors are vibrant; the fabric is 100% cotton and is 59" wide.

The next time you are at IKEA, check out the fabric department and if you decide to make a purchase, don't leave without grabbing some thread to complete your project!

Scented Linen Spray

Click Here for SNIPPETS link

  

I follow a blog called Coletterie and on that blog you will find a great little trick to subscribe to - Snippets.
Snippets is a weekly sewing tip that is emailed directly to you. I absolutely love this. So, the tip this week is from Emily S. and the subject is LINEN SPRAY. Emily suggests that one use this instead of water in the iron. Her tip is "I use linen spray instead of water in my iron for steam. Not only does it do the same job, but it doesn't get stale and it always smells fresh." What a great idea!! So, I promptly linked to Emily S.'s blog, lemony fresh. I just love to find blogs about sewing.

Then I start thinking - how does one make their own linen spray? After an entry in google, here is a great link to answer that question...Make Your Own Scented Linen Spray on the onegoodthingbyjillee blog. Who knew vodka would be involved?

So, I am going to try this experiment..the making of linen spray and then using it in my iron. My old iron first.
In the meantime I have increased my blog reads by 2 with this little Snippet email.
I'll keep you posted....

Family Towel

This linen hand guest towel is adorned with the names of each family member, including the dog! Can you guess which that is???

The Road to a Customized Monogram

A client asked for a custom monogram and I was given creative license.

Above are stages of develolopment.

                 1. ORIGINAL SKETCH was drawn using pastel colored pencils on tracing paper.

                 2. Approved drawing was stitched in WHITE ON WHITE.

                 3. CLIENT SELECTED COLORS for the various components of the art.

                 4. My client now has a LOVELY BEDROOM!

BATMAN

Apparently a whole new generation likes Bruce Wayne...

Announcing the Colette Sewing Handbook

I just love love love this website.

Not only are there fabulous patterns,

but tips, tutorials and how tos!

Colette patterns

They also have a great blog... and snippets (tips they email once a week)..

Coletterie blog

and finally - they are releasing a book!

The Colette Sewing Handbook

Congratulations!!

Desperate Housewife???

For Halloween she was a "Desperate Housewife" and the husband was a milkman!