Spring and Sewing

After the cold winter we have had, even here in the South, I am ready for some Spring weather and that means Spring sewing. I seem to have more energy and inspiration when the sun is shining, flowers and trees begin to bud and days are longer. My biggest problem is trying to decide what fabric to use with so many bright and colorful choices.

These are a few of my recent fabric purchases.

The two on the left are Robert Kaufman-s Monaluna Mod Bird by Jennifer Moore. Two in the middle are Moda Smore Marshmallow Cream Swirls and Pink Polka Dots and the one on the right is Amy Schimler Confections Cupcakes and Flowers.

These are a couple of pictures from the testers of the Karesa Pattern. Thank you testers for your comments and pictures.

Thanks also to Joni for taking the pictures for my cover and allowing her little one to be my model. She has 3 daughters that I adore and call my "adopted granddaughters".

New Pattern

I've started working on a new pattern and I was ready to start making a few tests. It just wasn't coming out like I envisioned so I'm making a couple of changes. The new design will be a simpler design and I believe will work out better than the original. We'll see when I start making more.

It's year end at my Accounting day job, so I haven't had as much time as I'd like to work on the pattern. Hopefully things will slow down in the next couple of weeks and I can get back to it.

Of course, I did find the time to stop at All Brands and buy more fabric. You can never have too much. I'm waiting to see the new fleur di lis fabric that is supposed to come in soon. With the Saints in the Super Bowl, I'm sure I can find something to do with it.

Who Dat? Black and Gold in the Super Bowl!!! Geaux Saints

Whimsical Cow Print Capri Set

I enjoy searching for unique and different fabrics to sew with. While browsing through the fabric shops on Etsy, I found this cute cow print. The shop is located in Turkey so the order took a couple of weeks to come in but the bonus was a yard measures 36" X 95" which is like two yards. Along with this green print, I also purchased a yard of the same print in red.

The top is made from the Annette Reversible Sundress pattern shortened a little and the pants are Karen Capri Pants with an added border along the hem.

More Fabric

I love buying fabric and enjoy searching for just the right one for a special project. Here are a few of the pieces I've found recently that I will be using in some of my future sewing projects.

Fabric for New Pattern

Here is some of the fabric I purchased to test the new boy pattern I am working on. There is not as many choices for boys but I thought these would work nicely.

My intentions were to try a draft this weekend but I spent all day Saturday getting stuff for my back yard. The beds have been retilled and soil added. Now we just have the planting and mulching left to do. I'll put some before and after pictures when it's done.

I received the tester pictures from JoAnn and will be posting them soon. I still have the cover and a few revisions but hopefully will have it ready soon.

New Pattern - Riley Pants & Top

The Riley Pattern is finally done and available on Etsy and soon to be available on YCMT and at All Brands.

This is another Riley set I made from fabric I purchased at All Brands. They have some great fabrics for the Spring and Summer in the store and online.

I added a grosgrain ribbon trim along the top of the pocket on one of the tops. The pocket is also a good place for a monogram or applique.

For a summer look, I made capri pants to go with the Riley Top using the Karen Capri Pattern as well as an extra top out of the solid. One of the outfits will be on display at the All Brands store in Baton Rouge.

Sample Patterns for All Brands

I've been busy making samples of all of my patterns so that All Brands can display them along with my patterns on CD. They now sell fabric and have a large selection of one of my favorite brands - Fabric Finder's.

Betsey/Joey Shorts Pattern - Reversible style in the longer length.

How to Make Your Own Christmas Stocking - lined with with red and white microchek fabric.

I fell in love with this helicopter fabric and thought it would be great for a boy Pillow Pal.

The Sunny Wrap Dress was made reversible with Fabric Finder's pique.

The Annette Reversible Sundress was also made using Fabric Finder's pique. The reversed side is in a soft hot pink cotton.

You can't tell in the picture but this fabric had tiny green dots on it also by Fabric Finders and made from the Tana Tutu Dress Pattern.

Fabric Shopping

This morning I went to my sister in law's fabric shop. She has it in a small storage room by her house. Even though it is small, she has a great selection of high quality fabric and I love going there add to my supply. She has fabrics like Imperial Batiste and microchecks, lawn, pima cotton and bright prints and solids. Some of the brands she carries are Moda, South Sea Imports and Fabric Finders. She is in the process of building an online store and as soon as she gets it going, I'll have a link to it on my blog.

Here are some pictures of the great selection she has.

Here is what I purchased today. The first two look great together and I'm thinking about using them to make another Emily dress from my newest pattern. The light blue is a lawn with a check pattern and next to it a sweet pink and white print. The purple is to coordinate with a purple and gold plaid I have. The red just caught my eye so I got a piece of it also. I came home and washed and dried them so they will be ready to use. I can't wait to start sewing.

I still shop at Hancock's and Hobby Lobby for fabric but the quality and selection doesn't compare to these fabrics. I did go to Hancock's today to get a Side Winder. It's a portable bobbin winder. No more unthreading and rethreading the sewing machine when the bobbin runs out. I'll just use my new Side Winder.

Sewing and Pattern Update

I'm in the process of working on another epattern. It's going to be a top and bottom set that will be great for the summer in sizes 1 - 4. I've got the pattern done and have one cut out for testing. Here is the fabric I'm using.
My Tana Tutu Pattern has been tested at YCMT and should be available soon on their site. I currently have it available on Etsy along with some bundle packs. It's such a fun dress to make and wear. I look forward to seeing what customers create from it.

Christmas Decorations & New Sewing Projects

I'm very excited about Christmas. As you can see here, we have lots of gifts under the tree waiting to be opened. This weekend I will be preparing the food for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve I make a big pot of seafood gumbo, potato salad and baked ham for family and friends. It's a great time to visit and enjoy each other's company.


Because I have been sewing Christmas gifts, my Etsy shop hasn't had many new items listed. I did manage to make a couple of sets of "Mommy and Me" bags this past week that I recently posted. This turquoise and brown fabric has been one of the more popular ones for me this year.


I also purchased more fabric to be used after the holidays. I'll be making more totes but also have some new ideas for little girl dresses I want to try.