Kwik Sew New Patterns

For me, quick sew patterns has always been about the basics.  No real frills here, just basic patterns ideal for beginners or to use as "templates" to add your own design details.  Often they are great patterns to use when you have a very "busy" fabric and you don't want a lot of design details.  Their new 2011 Spring patterns include some updated basics. 

 

How about some fun hats!

Do you have some linen, eyelet or a great cotton print in your stash? This summer blouse may be perfect.

A simple knit top with a fun variation.

Down to the basics, perhaps you have some leftover fabrics from your knit top.  How about some matching undies?

Jalie Pattern...vintage or not?

Earlier this week, I showed you my progress on my first Jalie pattern.  However, this wasn't the first time I planned to sew a Jalie pattern.  Back in the '90s I purchased this pattern; Jalie 926.  I've seen some bloggers referring to 1980's and even some 1990's patterns as vintage patterns.  I'm wondering at what point does a sewing pattern become a vintage pattern.  This one is circa 1992.

I still like this pattern and I'm thinking that I might sew it up in a wind resistant, water repellent technical fabric to use for walking/hiking/biking pants.  However, I'm still waiting for the right fabric in the right colour to present itself to me.

Come to think of it, this pattern junkie has several patterns waiting for the right fabric to magically appear.  How many of you are still waiting for this magic to happen?

Christiana

Sewing Shoes

Today, I spent some time on Simplicity Pattern's Website to checkout what's new.  I was really surprised to find out that Simplicity has come out with a pattern for Misses and Baby Shoes.   Actually, I think calling this a pattern for a shoe is a bit of a stretch, it's more of a slipper.   But, it did get me curious...does anybody out there actually make their own shoes?  I find the art of shoe making really fascinating.  There's a lot of work that goes into a pair of shoes.  Checkout this link to Discovery Channel's show How its Made to see all the work that goes into custom made running shoes.  After a quick web search I found this website promoting a book on how to make your own shoes.  Very interesting indeed! 

While I'm not quite ready to venture into making my own shoes, I'm wondering if any other bloggers have walked down this path...

McCalls Spring Catalog Preview

McCalls Patterns has released their spring catalog and it looks like there some fun sewing ahead.  My favourites from this collection include:

McCalls 6284 - Cute kit tops with neckline and sleeve variations.
McCalls 6278 -  I love the angles on this dress.  The colour combinations shown in the diagram are great, but I can also see this dress in one colour but with a mix of texture.  I prefer the sleeveless version over the short sleeves
McCalls 6280 - Another easy dress with angles,but this time it's asymmetrical and has a more feminine touch.   This one has lots of possibilities.  
McCalls 6286 - Tapered blouses with raglan sleeves.  I'm not to keen on the black and white print, but I really like the short sleeved version.  Perhaps in a nice cotton eyelet, or a small retro cotton print.  Perfect with a pair of denim capris or a nice summer skirt.
McCalls 6292 - This princess seamed jacket is so cute.  It certainly has a retro feel to it; it reminds me of a jacket I sewed during my teen years.  This is the third pattern I've chosen that has colour blocking in it; I'm sensing an 1980s flashback coming on....
McCalls 6265 - Flashback to 1970s...Hawaii Five O...The Streets of San Fransisco...don't these fabulous tunics remind you of the seventies.   
McCalls  6271 - Isn't this dress the cutest.  I don't have any kids to sew for but this dress is so fun I thought I'd share it.
McCalls 6298 - Look at the lovely smiles on these models, and who wouldn't smile when they get to model these critter aprons. 

I hope you had fun looking at a preview of the new McCalls patterns, now I'm just waiting for the nearest pattern sale, because I never pay full retail for patterns.

Christiana

Vogue Pattern Giveaway - Winner

An the winner of the Kay Unger Vogue Pattern giveaway is Snowflakes. On December 24th, Snowflakes commented. "Thanks for hosting giveaway. I have two weddings this summer and this would make a great dress for one of the weddings"

Congratulations, Snowflakes! Please contact me via email to claim your prize.

Christiana

The Christmas rush is over

The rush is over, and I now a have a few days of quiet time before heading back to work.  Under the Christmas tree this year, was the perfect companion for blog reading, web surfing and pattern reading.  A Nespresso machine, isn't she a beauty.

On the cutting table this week is Butterick 5224.  We're headed to the Dominican Republic in a couple of weeks and thought I'd make this as a nice beach cover up.  The pattern is a two hour express pattern, the lone  review on patternreview.com can be found here.

Now that New Year's is just around the corner, I'm sure that everyone is thinking about celebrations and resolutions.   This year we're starting the new year with the New Year's Resolution run/walk.   In 2011 my goals are to become more active physically, spiritually and creatively.

There's still time to enter my Vogue Pattern Giveaway and be sure to vote in my reader poll on the right side of my bog.

Christiana

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

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.

Sewing Pattern Junkie

Confession...I'm a sewing pattern junkie. My collection extends beyond three digits. And lately I've been on a series of business trips, I'm in the fifth week of six. So what's a girl to do when she's having trouble sleeping and her sewing machine is miles away. Surf the web and check out the sewing sites. This weeks I've been perusing the sewing pattern sites and I've got my eye on McCalls 6123, it's a Kay Whitt Design for A Line tunic and dress. I can envision many variations of this style. Summer prints dress in red and white, a cute tunic in an ethnic print and a great holiday dress in a jewel tone satin, with a slightly different shade accenting the bottom, perhaps a few beads along the neckline...oh the ideas just keep flowing on this one.