BMV Patterns of the Week and Free Pattern Downloads

Lots of pattern news this week.

Once again BMV is featuring some great patterns in their pattern of the week. First one is Butterick 5054, I like view D. I'm not sure if you'd call this a handbag or a backpack, but it sure is cute. The second is McCalls 6076, a basic shirt pattern and the third is V8665. Both the Vogue and the McCalls patterns look like great wardrobe builders. This week I decided to order all three, I'm hoping that the shipping doesn't take too long as I'm eager to try these out. Especially the backpack styled bag.

I also stumbled upon a Russian pattern website called Lekala and this month they are offering free pattern downloads during the month of September, yes that's right free. The only caveat is that they are available in two sizes 42 and 44.

On the sewing front, I've managed to finish off the second pair or lounge pants that I blogged about in August. Photos to come later.

Christiana

More Creativity Unleashed

In August, I wrote a post about creative bloggers.  The trend continues, I've come across more great bloggers with wonderful tutorials. 

1. Feeling the need to be Antropologie ruffly chic, here's a tutorial of a ruffled chiffon scarf. 
2. How about some new life for an old denim skirt. 
3. his one is for a laptop bag, but could easily be adjusted for to make a tote bag as well.  
4. I'm seeing lots of refashioned t-shirts and this one has a nice girly touch. 
5. And, how many times have you had a wrap top, that just lets "the girls" pop!  Well here's a tutorial for inserting a modesty panel.  
6. How about being proud of your creations and designing your own labels.  Kristy at Lower Your Presser Foot has some instructions on how to create your own custom labels. 
7. Check out this darling shirt makeover,  
8. And, I never even thought to check out Ikea for fabric, maybe it's just and Australian thing, or perhaps I just haven't been paying attention when shopping at Ikea.

Another wow and a great big thank you to all the bloggers out there!

Hats off to Vogue Pattern of the Week

Each week, BMV features a pattern of the week.  Subscribers can purchase the pattern of the week at a hugely discounted price.  This week's feature pattern is Vogue 8681 - Patricia Underwood patchwork hats.   I like hats, but never tried to sew one.   So, this looks like a perfect opportunity.  What I like about this hat pattern is that you could use one solid colour for a simple hat or you could add some "funkiness" and make it with a mix of colours and/or textures.   You could go with new fabric, remnants or you could refashion some old clothing into a hat.  Perhaps you have a small amount of some great vintage fabric that needs a project; this could be your pattern.   I placed my order today, I can hardly wait until it arrives.

Treadle Sewing Machine

A few weeks ago, we went out on a day trip to a saskatoon farm to go berry picking.   We picked up my mother in law and we were parked by a house that was undergoing renovations.  Dumped in the yard in a pile of debris I saw the remains of a Singer treadle sewing machine.  I commented on how sad it was to see the remants of what was once a beatiful machine.   My mother in law then asked me if I wanted a Singer Treadle Sewing Machine.  She then makes a phone call to her sister, and a few hours later I become the proud owner of my first treadle sewing machine.   It originally belonged to my husband's grandmother.

I still have a lot to learn about the workings of a treadle machine, but I've began to do a bit of research.  With the help of the Singer Serial Number webpage I was able to find out that this machine was manufacture in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, Canada in 1948. 



I'm so happy to take this lovely machine out of storage and give it a home.