Flower power

Following so many sewing and craft blogs on Google Reader, it's easy to forget on whose blog I spied a neat pattern. Anywho, someone mentioned a vintage McCall's pattern with millinery fabric flowers (that means hats, I tell ya). . . only to learn that the pattern was re-issued as M6047.

This week I found myself in one of the last existing WalMart stores with a fabric department and remembered the pattern. The number in my head was transposed but quickly found in the McCall's pattern book. Two remaining patterns in the drawer, yay. As I took two steps away from the pattern cabinet, I flipped the pattern over to see the price. "Dang!", I must've said aloud because the fabric clerk looked up and asked if I needed help.

"I didn't realize the pattern was $17.95," and wondering if I really needed it.

"Let me scan it for you. Our pattern prices are usual lower than marked. Yes, it is $6.50."

Score!

Vintage sewing patterns

spotted (but not purchased) on eBay.

I don't have two legged children but

aren't these dresses darlin'?

Hang it up

Pant hangers are great for craft organizing.

Craft paper and freezer-paper-reinforced pattern pieces
(You know the freezer paper trick, right? You iron it on your pattern for more durability.)

Multi-color pack of gift tissue paper

Cutting a stripe skirt

Back when I made my first stripe skirt, I was pleased with the matched side seams but had no idea how I did it. Well, dang if I didn't find some photos today that I snapped in process. Yay me!

However, cannot fully explain how I matched the stripes so perfectly but will direct you to notice the bottom hem edge at right angle edge of fabric and slight diagonal cut on side.

My mom laughs at me because I am teaching myself how to sew on the most difficult of fabrics - silk AND stripes. She says that if I can do that, then I could probably split atoms. What she hasn't realized is that the huge stash of silk is my PRACTICE fabric.

Totally spoiled,
I am,
SkitzoLeezra

Denim handbag

Made this denim handbag from the 1970's era pattern given to me by generous seamstress lady.

Completely misunderstood how to make the handles but kept on without any major ripping. OR cursing. Upon completion, the bag looked too flat so squared off the bottom edge.*

Not really digging the purse, it is a little too long, narrow and boring so whipstitched around the handles with that heavier embroidery (crewel?) thread stuff.

The cutest thing is the interior pocket with grosgrain ribbon trim and key/pen loop.

*Two techniques to square off the bottom corners of a bag:

1) Turn inside out. Fold bottom and side seams to match, pin and mark a diagonal line, stitch. Trim to reduce bulk or leave as is.

(photo from tiny happy tutorial)

2) Turn inside out. Cut a square from bottom left and right. Fold fabric to match cut ends. Sew.


(photo from creative kismet tutorial)

People give me stuff - lots and lots of patterns

My fabulous alterations lady gave me big box of clothing patterns - Woo Hoo! Perused the offerings and kept these four and donated the remaining to local charity thrift store. I am paying it forward and backward, I tell ya! Take a look at the handbag pattern, you will see a completed version here in a couple days.

Would you like a tip on receiving stuff from folks? Talk about your common interests. More times than not, people want to share their stuff with enthusiastic like-minded crafters because their stuff will go to a good home. I assure my benefactors that I donate the items I don't keep. No way would I throw away a box of vintage patterns - Never, I say!