tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54031520876327398552012-01-25T21:13:22.724-06:00sew to live: live to sewMiss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.comBlogger1741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-12396646411282521302012-01-23T12:09:00.000-06:002012-01-23T12:09:33.113-06:00

Check out my shrink plastic buttons and pins at WeAllSew!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-85818728386891532752012-01-20T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-20T09:00:07.931-06:00

Remember when I posted a few weeks ago about how awesome my new sewing space is coming together? Yeah. Well, that was a little premature. See, right after I took those photos we started having issues with...well..."stuff" (and by stuff, you know what I mean) starting to back up through the basement drain. Yuck. Turns out the basement floor had to be ripped up to repair some pipes to be able to

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-69592813322242752792012-01-13T13:12:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:14:34.593-06:00

I don't know what to do with this sewing machine, help me! I got this "New Wheeler" as a wedding gift about 4 and a half years ago, and it has literally been sitting on a shelf since then, collecting dust. I need to decide weather it is worth spending the time and money to get it running, or if I should let it go, and I'm in agony trying to make a decision! This "New Wheeler" is a bit of a

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-8022130816085381212012-01-11T13:38:00.000-06:002012-01-11T13:40:38.579-06:00

I'm hosting another awesome drop-in crafting event! This time I'll show you how to recycle your snack food wrappers into... Bright, funky wallets! These wallets are so cute, and also make perfect gift card holders. They are as colorful and funky as your wrappers are. Two different squares from wrappers make up one wallet. And the inside has two pockets perfect for holding cards, pocket

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-43952504792210043052012-01-05T14:18:00.002-06:002012-01-05T14:19:03.435-06:00

Here's how I used to store my thread, does this look familiar? My thread was always getting tangled up, and sometimes I would even find a spool with the thread totally in a loose bundle sliding right off the spool. And forget trying to find just the right color in this mess. But now I store my thread a little differently, and I take a few minutes at the beginning of the new year to take stock of

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-68302056243930972652012-01-02T14:12:00.000-06:002012-01-02T14:12:51.330-06:00

Nothing makes me feel more inspired than a clean and organized sewing space, do you know what I mean? It's been kind of a tradition the past several years that I take time in the new year to make sure my space is organized, clean, and ready for a great year of sewing. Although I'm still trying to find the best use of this space AND I still haven't found the perfect place for everything, it's

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-57417177177622779742011-12-27T17:04:00.000-06:002011-12-27T17:08:34.038-06:00

Photo from Wee Wonderfuls post, "shrinky dink pins" Have you seen these handmade pinheads from shrink plastic like these DIY Designer Pin Heads and these shrinky dink pins from Wee Wonderfuls? Yeah, totally awesome! I got a package of shrink plastic in my Christmas stocking this year and spent all afternoon Christmas day experimenting with making some of my own. I tried a bunch of different

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-48775836347652095752011-12-24T13:46:00.000-06:002011-12-24T13:48:35.706-06:00

I decided to make little things for gifts this year - stuff that is handy for a girl to throw in her purse or bag. I made a little recycled blank notebook, a pocket tissue holder and a coffee cup cozy for each of the gals on my list. I used some recycled craft paper, printer paper and old maps to make these little blank books, cutting them to size with a dull rotary cutter and sewing up one

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-69189009769094195112011-12-23T11:15:00.000-06:002011-12-23T11:15:40.922-06:00

I've been reflecting over the past year - and actually farther back than that - and realized that I want to pause to say a few thank you's. Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported us through our decision to move earlier this year. We couldn't have done it without the physical help you gave us to pack, move, and unpack, not to mention the loving way in which some of you have 

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-37892403119033409802011-12-22T14:04:00.000-06:002011-12-22T14:05:03.586-06:00

My husband had a Christmas countdown calendar when he was a kid, and the family used it each year to countdown from the 1st of December until Christmas day. He wanted us all to work on one together this year, and we started at Thanksgiving. Funny, I thought we'd have it all stitched up in only one weekend! Wishful thinking. But, at least we finished it before Christmas. I made the tree and my

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-60268279660973005122011-12-19T14:40:00.001-06:002011-12-19T14:50:16.737-06:00

Did you ever get an idea in your head that just drove you crazy until you could get it out of your system? Yeah. Well, this is one of those! This little mug rug is made of squares (okay, wonky almost squares) based on a mathematical numbering sequence. I've had the idea for making a sample up like this to see what it would look like for awhile, and I have been working on in here-and-there for

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-77715068427447736992011-12-09T09:08:00.000-06:002011-12-09T09:08:44.648-06:00

Pssst! I'm posting over at WeAllSew.com today sharing one of the little scrap saver sewing projects I'm stitching up for stocking stuffers this year!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-19015555013951419952011-12-02T14:53:00.000-06:002011-12-02T14:53:03.659-06:00

The Sews-it-all sew anywhere machine is finally finished! I started this project over 6 years ago! This old 110 year old Singer had been left for dead and destined for the scrap heap after being discarded by the side of the road. When I took it in, the inner workings had rusted together from years of neglect, and the finish was bubbled, chipped, and totally destroyed. With the help of Mr.

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-13310771554379224142011-11-23T08:04:00.001-06:002011-11-23T08:04:00.431-06:00

Like most of you, we're celebrating a very happy Thanksgiving with friends and family this year. But this year I'm adding a new tradition in the mix, giving a little back to someone who is not as fortunate as me by celebrating National Tie One On Day. My "Tie One On Day" apron has a nice little story behind it. This apron came to me in a box of vintage fabrics that a friend was de-stashing,

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-68497346048810018562011-11-19T09:00:00.000-06:002011-11-19T09:00:02.034-06:00

Last weekend I went to my first ever quilting retreat (otherwise know as "Quilt Camp") with the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild. It was just about the most awesomest sewing related fun time I've ever had! Brilliant! I learned so much about my fellow group members - mostly that we all have much more in common that quilting and sewing, and that even while we were all concentrating on projects we

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-85539953867782891772011-11-18T11:59:00.000-06:002011-11-18T11:59:43.463-06:00

I was FINALLY able to finish this project last weekend at the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild fall quilting retreat! The only thing left to do is to make a hanging sleeve for the back, which I will tackle next week. I am happy with the final result, but it took a lot longer than I thought it would to finish it up. Not sure if I'd want to create another project like this that included so much hand

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-21102209513026682932011-11-15T10:56:00.000-06:002011-11-15T10:56:29.331-06:00

Happy birthday to my sweet baby - who's not so much of a baby anymore. As always, even on her birthday, she is very serious! Not to mention curios, too. Who knew shoes could be so captivating?

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-69660669203307102482011-11-11T09:50:00.000-06:002011-11-11T09:50:14.432-06:00

My bags are packed and I'm just about to hit the road to join this weekend's Chicago Modern Quilt Guild quilting retreat! Although there is internet access available at the retreat, I've made the decision not to bring my laptop so I can fully concentrate on my quilting projects. So, that means I'll have to catch up with all of you next week! But while I'm gone, visit WeAllSew.com where I'm

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-38532699498512284282011-11-07T09:54:00.000-06:002011-11-07T09:54:20.897-06:00

If you haven't heard about National Tie One On Day this November, join me over at WeAllSew.com to see what it's all about! Won't you join me this month in celebrating by giving a litttle and stitching up an apron for someone in need?

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-82112774847971651662011-11-02T22:18:00.000-05:002011-11-02T22:20:29.621-05:00

I'm getting ready to pack my bags to go on my first ever quilt retreat with the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild! Since I'm a total quilt retreat novice, I've posted over at http://www.weallsew.com/ today asking everyone to give me a little advice on what to bring, what not to bring, and how to pack. Hop on over to my post there if you'd like to give me some help! I am also working on getting

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-40862162642342737542011-10-27T15:05:00.000-05:002011-10-27T15:06:18.412-05:00

This past Sunday we learned how to make Morsbags at our regular meeting of the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild! A Morsbag is a hand made fabric bag to replace those pesky plastic bags when you shop. Using just one bag when shopping has the potential to eliminate hundreds of plastic bags over its lifetime! The best thing about these bags is the incredibly clever, fast and easy method of construction.

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-70284496353320209752011-10-26T14:54:00.000-05:002011-10-26T14:54:48.188-05:00

Just a few quick pictures from yesterday's Bloomin' Flowers craft event at Lake Forest Resale Shop. I had tons of fun, and I think everyone that sat down and stitched up a flower left with some great ideas for how to make something unique with fabric flowers. Thanks so much to everyone who came out to stitch up a flower! And in case you couldn't make the craft event, you can get some ideas

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-7660116468302003442011-10-24T10:44:00.000-05:002011-10-24T10:44:52.260-05:00

I'm blogging at WeAllSew.com today about the handmade flower craft event I hosted a few weeks ago, and I give you a link to the tutorial for making these Carnation looking flowers. Don't forget that I'm also hosting yet another event TOMORROW just north of Chicago, read all about it right here!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-18010317665947119102011-10-19T16:04:00.000-05:002011-10-19T16:05:44.240-05:00

I have a cigar box in my sewing room filled with "mystery" items - you know, stuff that looks like it is sewing related but keeps me asking, "What IS this thing?"  Here are a few, some of which I've just discovered their true purpose and meaning, and some of which are still a mystery. Check out this contraption, it says nothing other than "Singer" on it. Well, I just found out that this is an

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-55689127359200163492011-10-18T14:28:00.000-05:002011-10-18T14:29:39.836-05:00

Join me next Tuesday afternoon at the Lake Forest Resale Shop where I am hosting a drop-in upcycling workshop showing you how to turn scraps into beautiful blooms! With a few twists on a simple technique, you can take strips of ribbon, trim, or scraps of fabric, old men's shirting, or even t-shirts, and stitch them into beautiful blooming flowers. Add felt leaves or button accents to dress

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-77070139461633918952011-10-17T13:44:00.000-05:002011-10-17T13:46:36.912-05:00

Here it is, the Singer custom paint job after the last clear coat was applied. Looks good for the most part, but there ended up being a little uh-oh in the process and I very nearly started all over again with this project. Although the clear coat did its job over most of the machine, there was one spot where an unhappy accident occured. Oh no! My heart totally sank when I saw this - and, of

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-17926986509244786002011-10-14T14:12:00.001-05:002011-10-14T14:13:12.716-05:00

I just finished painting my Singer custom (the "mystery machine" I blogged about earlier) and am in the process of applying the final clear coat! Look for final photos coming soon!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-12163285510587036122011-10-12T09:03:00.000-05:002011-10-12T09:03:00.279-05:00

Do you remember the Sew to Survive a Zombie Attack! event from earlier this year? Yeah, it was really fun! If you couldn't attend the event, you can still be prepared to sew in an emergency.  I have a few Stitch or die! needle books in various colors still available, and I just posted them for sale at my etsy shop. They're just waiting to be filled with all the sewing basics, pick one up before

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-67213343382233915622011-10-11T09:38:00.000-05:002011-10-11T09:38:00.767-05:00

Earlier this week we stumbled upon a tiny house with a small yard sale while running errands. Of course we stopped to look, and while digging around I found some apron goodies! I've been collecting apron patterns for awhile, and these are all patterns I haven't seen before. I love that Butterick Harlequin apron, especially the red checks. And how cute is this Simplicity apron with the pockets

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-87595439748545422512011-10-10T13:04:00.000-05:002011-10-10T13:06:13.739-05:00

Fabric and flowers - two of my most favorite things ever! This past weekend I posted about some outstanding fabric flower project tutorials at We All Sew! The best thing about these crafty gems (besides the fact that you can use your scrappy bits of fabrics or trims to craft some up) is that you can use them for so many things, from decorating projects like tote bags or hats to using as gift

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-76650414302173743002011-10-08T09:26:00.001-05:002011-10-08T09:26:00.216-05:00

Just in time for Halloween!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-68482029547948633812011-10-07T12:28:00.001-05:002011-10-11T20:36:49.291-05:00

This poor little lost sewing machine was trash picked years ago by a friend who saw it in a dumpster. It was really beat up, coated with grimy soot, and attached to just a few splinters of the original treadle cabinet. I think someone probably took the bottom part of the treadle for a table and threw the machine head out, remember that decorating craze? Although the finish on the machine was

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-37117596493465597542011-09-30T14:28:00.000-05:002011-09-30T14:29:08.740-05:00

This has been one CRAZY week! I lost all my regular kid-sitting help, including my husband (who changed his work schedule this week), and had to fit in my work-from-home job around running after and caring for our almost three year old tot. And holy crap am I exhausted! The little one is napping right now, so I'm taking this opportunity to have a cup of tea and do a little recipe reading. I

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-88499675632852064742011-09-26T09:02:00.001-05:002011-09-26T09:02:00.118-05:00

After I shared some of my favorite button crafting ideas last week, I got a couple questions about where to find buttons for crafting. Well, it just so happens that I've got bags of vintage and repurposed buttons for sale at Etsy, perfect for crafting and sewing, and very reasonably priced! Please check out the button section of my shop right here, and happy button crafting!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-84470319796766993622011-09-24T08:42:00.001-05:002011-09-24T08:43:38.589-05:00

Join me over at We All Sew today where I'm talking about STITCHED the film!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-62725126316443444262011-09-23T15:11:00.001-05:002011-09-23T15:14:46.063-05:00

  Nice flowers, right? They're made from scrap strips of fabric and can be sewn up in just a few minutes. These little crafty flowers make great gifts, fashion accessories, decorations for giftwrapping, or even a nice everlasting bouquet for your home. You can make a single flower into a pin and wear it proudly, or... ...add a wire stem to your flower to make it an everlasting bloom. Want to

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com06902 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402, USA41.8326549 -87.795377941.832648400000004 -87.7953804 41.8326614 -87.79537540000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-70788829239580248262011-09-22T14:34:00.000-05:002011-09-22T14:34:00.944-05:00

I am SO EXCITED that the new We All Sew blog is finally here! We All Sew is a place for sewers of all ages, all skill levels, and all types of sewing to come together and find inspiration through projects, tutorials, ideas, and tips. I have actually been keeping this new blog a BIG SECRET for the past several months, as I've had the good luck of working with BERNINA USA as one of the "Experts"

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-70070694457604489522011-09-21T17:12:00.000-05:002011-09-21T17:13:49.172-05:00

Okay, so you've got a lot of buttons, now what to do with them? Well, besides hoarding collecting them, I've used up some of my buttons making crafty stuff like flowers, and bracelets, but what else can you craft with all of those buttons? Well, check out some of these crafty links: Lines Across My Face gathered together all of these awesome button crafts from around the web, including

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-5575839435602548082011-09-19T12:16:00.000-05:002011-09-19T12:18:42.905-05:00

Hey, did you know that I love buttons? Yes, yes I do! Not only do I love them because they are cute as can be, but also because of the history behind them. Buttons have been around almost as long as humans have been sewing up garments. You can learn some great stuff about the lowly button from this highly entertaining and informative history at Land's End (of all places). Throughout the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-38532118338760387262011-09-16T17:14:00.000-05:002011-09-16T17:14:12.618-05:00

Treasures thrifted earllier this week from the new Lake Forest Resale Shop. Three brightly painted nesting metal boxes, totally cute! My tot already clamed these for herself and has played with them non-stop. And for myself, a super warm hoodie decorated with needles, thread, ...and skulls, guns, and roses! Although it is a dude's large hoodie, I took it in to be a better fit. Sweet! I

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-30642472758502594872011-09-12T19:16:00.000-05:002011-09-12T19:25:25.490-05:00

Have you ever wondered how home sewers used to make buttonholes before the invention of computerized zig-zag machines and buttonhole feet? I don't know about you, but I LOVE stitching buttonholes! My BERNINA can stitch a perfectly sized buttonhole over and over agian. And they are beautiful every time. Ah, modern technology, what would we do without it? Well, I'll tell you what they did in the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-21360883980536873252011-09-06T15:59:00.000-05:002011-09-06T16:02:37.941-05:00

I have been really, really hard at work in the basement sewing room. Every spare minute of the past week has been spent painting, cleaning, unpacking, arranging, and organizing. And you know, it is really coming together nicely. I still have stuff that needs to find a home, and I'm still working on the embroidery corner, and we also still need to move some of these lights around and get some

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-3637752680437661622011-08-30T15:36:00.008-05:002011-08-30T15:38:16.773-05:00

I ran across a beautiful little vintage pieced patchwork apron while second-hand shopping over the weekend. This incredibly teeny weeny piecework was made by the Seminole American Indians of Florida. Although the piecework is traditional to the Seminole Nation, aprons were not part of the traditional garb and were made for tourists. Absolutely amazing patchwork if you haven't seen it before

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-10287613638740043402011-08-29T12:17:00.000-05:002011-08-29T12:17:17.525-05:00

Here is my sewing-themed "anniversary" tattoo! This is my upper left arm - and did you know it is really, really hard to take a picture of your own upper arm? Yep, next to impossible - I had to prop up the camera on a shelf and use the timer! So, better pictures soon when I have someone to take them for me and when it has healed a bit more ;-P I had a vague idea for this design in my head for

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-69139871635678693022011-08-25T09:23:00.000-05:002011-08-25T09:24:46.042-05:00

Do you remember what you were doing four years ago today? I do...   In some ways those four years have seemed like a blink of an eye, and in others it seems like it's been over a hundred years. It's amazing how much more we learn and love with each consecutive year, and I am looking forward to more amazing years to come. We've decided to break with tradition and instead of linen, silk, or

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-80871328848587023352011-08-18T21:52:00.000-05:002011-08-18T22:09:12.652-05:00

It's 9:30 pm on a cool and breezy Chicago evening, and I'm down here in the dungeon working on setting up my sewing space. Let me give you a little "before" tour, and then you can tell how much better it looks when I post the "after" pics. I have to say, I'm not feeling very confident right now about the outcome! First, won't you step into my office? Yes, that's it there, right by the water

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-52027143016912311062011-08-14T15:00:00.087-05:002011-08-14T15:00:02.229-05:00

Here it is, the finished birthday quilt! Clearly recongnizable as the Chicago city flag made for a very special little Chicagoan boy! The Chicago flag embodies some pretty heavy symbolism. Each of the three white horizontal stripes of the flag represent the North, West, and South sides of the city. Each of the four, six pointed stars represent an historical event pivitol to the life of the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-28825830806735342892011-08-12T13:58:00.000-05:002011-08-12T13:58:45.986-05:00

Here is a sneak-peek of the birthday gift I'm working on: Yes, it is a quilt! I'm sewing with the BERNINA 350PE and the Walking Foot #50, and the 350 is quilting beautifully. The more I sew with this machine, the more I like it! Want to see the finished quilt? Check back soon, I will post photos of the finished birthday quilt right after the birthday boy opens his gift!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-20773702878385302872011-08-08T15:52:00.001-05:002011-08-08T15:52:00.116-05:00

This stack of fabrics will become a birthday gift for a very special little boy. In fact, I am probably stitching this gift together as you read this! Don't worry, I will show you what these fabrics become, but only after the birthday boy opens his gift. Since I am expecting this gift to be used and washed often, I am pre-washing each and every fabric for this project. Twice. And since I am

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-50822860638861290382011-08-05T10:59:00.001-05:002011-08-05T11:01:23.292-05:00

This is probably one of the best-kept sewing resource secrets out there, the free online Through The Needle magazine. TTN is a bi-monghly FREE e-magazine that is packed full of creative inspiration, fun sewing projects, tips, and sewing news. Issue #7 was just posted this week and includes projects ranging from embroidering a sweet little mini-purse to creating a cool mod inspired pillow with

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-80656800380679103982011-08-04T20:20:00.000-05:002011-08-04T20:20:23.823-05:00

K and I took a little trip today to the home office where I used to work full time (until she was born and I became a full time stay at home mom).It seems like just yesterday that I was walking around the office with a big pregnant belly, but that was almost three years ago now! We were really overdue for a visit, the last time I took her in to see my friends she was still just a baby. K was a

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-8920019137753225952011-08-03T13:44:00.000-05:002011-08-03T13:46:03.234-05:00

I feel like I've been stitching on this Midwestern Landscape project forever, and although it is really coming together in a great way, I am getting impatient to see it finished. There are so many little pieces and parts going together right now, they are basted and pinned, and I'm in the process of hand sewing them all down. The next step is adding the last "layer" to the picture, all the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-30161946203555839402011-08-02T14:37:00.000-05:002011-08-02T14:37:00.488-05:00

Before going back home from our weekend trip to White Pines Forest State Park, we made a stop at Lowden State Park to see the Black Hawk Statue. Amazing!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-3886356686650342212011-08-01T10:52:00.004-05:002011-08-01T10:53:01.383-05:00

Our Saturday was spent at one of our favorite places, White Pines Forest State Park. Playgrounds for our little one, lots of hiking for Daddy, and nice picnic spots for Momma. K carried her favorite red car around all day long; to the playground, at our picnic, across the bridges, and even on a hike with Daddy. I also fooled around with some nature photography - absolutely not my best subject

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-32302172240600528172011-07-29T16:00:00.010-05:002011-07-29T16:02:34.014-05:00

Still no sewing space here at the house of Miss Sews-it-all, but we're getting closer. Now that we've been steadily unpacking and settling in, there is a pretty good chunk of space opening up in the unfinished basement to call my own. But first, my lovely husband has decided to do some minor repairs on the area before I can get started with setting up shop. So, while I wait for him to fit all

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-22057692577876912822011-07-25T17:53:00.000-05:002011-07-25T17:53:18.647-05:00

I just brought this home from the thrift store and snapped this picture before I even got it out of the car! I have a sneaking suspicion that it might need work, but even if I can't fix her, she'll look mighty fine sitting up on a shelf in my sewing room! Yes, today is my lucky day!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-48782954839503931302011-07-23T16:30:00.007-05:002011-07-23T16:32:14.341-05:00

Say, what's in that big BERNINA box? It's a brand new BERNINA 350 Patchwork Edition! My first impression is that this machine is even better looking in person than the photos from the website. I've always been a fan of the Swiss "form follows function" designs of BERNINA machines, but this really is a PRETTY sewing machine. I like! The LED screen is just as cool as it looks in this picture,

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-30504158654706671942011-07-22T14:46:00.004-05:002011-07-22T14:49:47.999-05:00

I read Carrie's post a few months ago about how she created a little Lego Bernina (it looks a lot like the Activa line) and got inspired to make one myself! If you haven't yet found Carrie's creative blog, Suchity Such, go over RIGHT NOW and check it out! Carrie blogs about things she's sewing, crafting, making with Lego's, and other things that inspire her.    First, I visited my local Lego

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-63524407706049931312011-07-21T08:22:00.000-05:002011-07-21T08:22:53.781-05:00

I finally finished the vintage fabric quilt! It's a little wonky, I know, but this is my first try at piecing a quilt -  I'm happy with the results. I learned so much from putting this quilt together, it was a very "Oh, NOW I get it!" kind of project. Here is the back, I used up the scraps and added this little bit to one end of the quilt. And you can look here for a picture from the Sunday

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-20115386901969151822011-07-19T20:34:00.000-05:002011-07-19T20:34:26.750-05:00

I just loved reading all of your button comments, who doesn't love winners? And, after posting the contest last week, I decided to give away not just one or two, but three bags o' buttons! And the winners are: The first winner is Pam Hunter who commented: "I love buttons because it reminds me of my childhood and my mom and great grandmother when they would sew together. It was over 40years ago

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-76956815705148101182011-07-15T13:58:00.001-05:002011-07-18T12:23:22.614-05:00

Did you think I forgot about giving away some of the massive stash of vintage and repurposed buttons I inherited weeks ago? No, I didn't forget! Here is your chance to win a bag of vintage and repurposed buttons! The bag has approximately 85 buttons of all diferent sizes, shapes and colors. Just leave a comment about why YOU love buttons, and I'll pick one at random to win this little bag o'

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-59879953695560181862011-07-13T18:01:00.000-05:002011-07-13T18:01:21.112-05:00

I've spent the last several evenings stitching together the quilt made from vintage fabric that I "inherited." Can't wait to share the finished project! 

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-84628833575805559222011-07-05T18:10:00.000-05:002011-07-05T18:10:07.575-05:00

Nothing like a long holiday weekend for finding time for rest, relaxation and sewing, right? That's exactly what I told my husband when he asked why I packed a sewing machine for our out of town trip! I decided to make something new out of something old using a few of the vintage fabric strips that I recently inherited. I discovered a few things about these pieced strips of vintage scraps;

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-6746115754045851302011-06-27T08:30:00.030-05:002011-06-27T08:30:01.670-05:00

We've all heard the saying, "Whoever dies with the most fabric wins!" right? Well, if the saying were, "Whoever dies with the most buttons wins!", I think I know who could have won that prize! I shared a bit in my last post about how I "inherited" (or garbage picked, but "inherited" sounds more polite) a bunch of sewing goodies from someone down the block (you can read all about it right here).

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-28444175004264782011-06-20T12:15:00.000-05:002011-06-20T12:16:34.792-05:00

Friday afternoon when I went to run some errands I noticed a growing pile of garbage in our alley behind one of the houses down the block - one that has been empty for many years. As I slowed down to check it out (you know, see if it was worth digging through) I saw a couple of yardsticks poking out of one of the large, bulky black trash bags and made a mental note to poke around when I got back

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-62386733321534067422011-06-13T07:44:00.000-05:002011-06-13T07:48:40.041-05:00

Photo from Cornell University Library To some people, June 13th is Sewing Machine Day, a day to celebrate the invention of the sewing machine and take a moment to think about how it has changed our lives. I'm sharing some of my favorite sewing stories today and invite you to do the same! After reading a bit about my personal sewing story here, why not join me over at the BERNINA USA Blog to learn

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-41667121389512996212011-06-08T11:08:00.001-05:002011-06-08T11:19:34.698-05:00

Still no idea of when I'll have a sewing area in the new house. Meanwhile, I'm running across some absolutely awesome sewing projects. At least I can dream about sewing, right? I absoluam IN LOVE with this project from Bugglebee reusing a shirt and making it into a cool looking bag. Check it out: Upcycle: Shirt to Purse This is so cute, I would love to stitch a few of these up for my little

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-70619142398893800462011-06-02T15:04:00.000-05:002011-06-02T15:04:24.360-05:00

We've spent the past week and a half getting settled into our "new" home. It's not really new, but is a home owned by our family in which the first floor has been vacant for several years. So, we've taken up residence to cut costs. We're using much of the furniture that was already here, and...well...it's a little like living at grandma's house! This has been my "office" where I work during the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-43872466334201814342011-05-26T13:50:00.000-05:002011-05-26T13:50:55.734-05:00

We just moved, and I've spent the last four days digging out from a huge pile of boxes. I found the box with the modem and wireless router just yesterday, and spent the evening catching up with emails and my Google Reader. I still have to find my cameras and cords, and I'm not even sure where that box is in the mountain of moving mahem down in the basement. Although the house is only somewhat

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-24210193101351055882011-05-10T16:58:00.000-05:002011-05-10T16:58:22.117-05:00

I just gave my apron lecture to a group of local ladies. It's been awhile since I gave the apron lecture and got all my lovielies out of storage to share. Any day spent with aprons is a good day, and I always have fun talking shop and sharing stories! Now I can't wait to do it again!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-74054661522638323162011-05-06T09:56:00.000-05:002011-05-06T09:56:14.193-05:00

Not only is May Zombie Awareness month, but it's never too late to start your very own survival plan. The time is now to sign up to Sew to Survive a Zombie Attack! Learn some basic sewing survival skills as we also talk about the basics of zombie survival and preparing for Z-Day. Spaces are limited and will fill up fast, so register now to save your spot! Sew to Survive a ZOMBIE ATTACK! Saturday

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-30626340526393792532011-04-29T14:30:00.001-05:002011-04-29T14:32:28.784-05:00

I've just finished stitching up a stack of Sew or die! needlebooks, all ready for the upcoming Sew to Survive a Zombie Attack event. Now the only things left to do are kit up the supplies, double-check all my notes on zombies and zombie attacks, and pack up everything for the class in about two weeks. Seriously, this class is going to be FUN to teach. I am so excited about this event I can

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-20595760497152895612011-04-27T20:50:00.000-05:002011-04-27T20:55:52.296-05:00

This is one of those posts that I've been meaning to get off my chest for the past couple of weeks, but just couldn't bring myself to sit down and write. Ready? Here I go... Our little family has been in our "starter home" for several years now, and we've talked at length about moving over the past two years. We really want to be in a different neighborhood - not far from us but closer to

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-58019695609522548992011-04-18T22:38:00.002-05:002011-10-10T15:07:47.452-05:00

The zombies are coming, the zombies are coming! That's okay, because Buckets O' Blood Books and Records located in the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago is hosting the first Sew to Survive event! Specializing in Speculative Fiction-Fantasy, Horror, Vinyl and Awesome, this is about the best place you could ever imagine taking a sewing class specializing in surviving an all out zombie attack.

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-27487847387335182002011-04-06T22:00:00.003-05:002011-04-17T21:43:11.482-05:00

This is a 1961 Mercury Monterey 4 door, all 18 glorious feet of American classic car. This is actually my car, we bought the Merc before we started our family. I took many a great road trip in this baby, all across the Midwest. She's a great driver! Unfortunately, I don't drive her nearly as much as I used to. And after over a year of not driving her at all, I've decided it's time to part

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-37075968587706144842011-03-31T14:14:00.001-05:002011-03-31T14:14:24.606-05:00

I found lots of time over the last few days to work on my Midwestern Landscape project (the hard way - I was really sick with a head cold). Last project post I showed you the finished quilting on the background for this project. Now I've moved on to hand sewing layers of applique shapes on to the background: All this hand stitching has been a learning experience, just like everything else with

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-39277294633601966942011-03-23T13:34:00.002-05:002011-03-23T13:36:43.550-05:00

This vitage Home Economics textbook is one of my very favorite books that I own. Originally published in 1935, this is the "New Edition" published in 1939 by Dulcie Godlove Donovan of the Los Angeles, California Department of Home Economics. The purpose of this book is to teach a young girl how to be attractive and popular, how to cook and sew, how to care for a home and family of her own, how

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-90468868029034006572011-03-21T21:44:00.000-05:002011-03-21T21:48:37.913-05:00

Sunday our regular meeting at the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild turned into an all out quilt-off competition called the IRON QUILTER! We broke up into teams, each team was given a paper bag of limited supplies, and we were told to create a quilt in just a few hours. My fellow teammates Sarah, Rachel and Donna were all great to work with and I learned so much from quilting with them for just a few

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-78126584214358143022011-03-20T21:04:00.001-05:002011-03-20T21:12:24.324-05:00

I had a ton of housework to do on Saturday, but I really didn't feel like doing load after load of laundry, or cleaning the bathroom, or even finishing up the spring cleaning. Instead I decided I really needed to make a kitty cat for my tot! I free-handed a quick pattern, cut out the pieces and stitched him up while she was napping. I suck at hand embroidery, so I was pretty pleased that the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-34318720727695518862011-03-18T23:00:00.000-05:002011-03-18T23:02:57.341-05:00

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-55802266984513698832011-03-11T11:25:00.000-06:002011-03-11T11:27:00.795-06:00

Sunshine! Although with all of this bright sunshine streaming through the windows, I realize that it's time for spring cleaning. I'm all about the clean, but I am kind of dreading the work this year. How about you? Do you love spring cleaning or loathe it? Do you have a great plan for attacking the dirt, or do you just take it as it comes? Do you take it one room at a time, or do you blast out

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-35084294659190726082011-03-07T15:00:00.010-06:002011-04-18T21:52:26.412-05:00

What will you do when zombies attack? Are you prepared to sew for survival? If you're not exactly prepared for the coming of the zombies, especially where basic sewing is involved, you need to attend Sew to Survive a Zombie Attack! At this event you will learn what an actual zombie attack might mean for you, and how to start preparing – including learning some basic survival sewing skills.

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-23836153018442706972011-03-04T11:54:00.000-06:002011-03-04T11:56:22.781-06:00

I have had my eye on Mary Abreu's book for a few months and finally just picked up a copy of my own. This summer I want to sew most of my little girls clothes, and this book is where I will start. These are not only great little patterns, but each pattern can be sewn in many different ways to make an endless wardrobe (Like the versatility of the Peasant Top/Dress). In fact, there are so many

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-87110326886471590832011-02-25T14:02:00.000-06:002011-02-25T14:03:56.923-06:00

I finally quilted the Midwestern Landscape project, and it made me remember why I haven't quilted since my last attempt! This kind of free-motion stitching is hard to do. This is a small piece, only about 26" x 40", but I really struggled at moving this through the machine. My stitching is uneven in places and jerky where I had problems controlling the fabric. It's okay, this is one of the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-35685826493896162992011-02-22T11:44:00.000-06:002011-02-22T11:45:06.811-06:00

...a fabric yo-yo and a hexagon? Hexa-yo? Yo-yo-hex? I don't know either, but they sure are cute!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-15763472493175514282011-02-18T10:52:00.001-06:002011-02-18T10:56:37.371-06:00

I just got a copy of Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun. I am a huge fan of both Mary Brooks Picken and the Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences. So when I heard that Amy Barickman's new book was both inspired by and included excerpts from publications associated with the Women's Institute, I just about peed my pants!

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-17993222298029148462011-02-16T21:16:00.000-06:002011-02-16T21:17:56.969-06:00

I am struggling to find the time to work on my Midwestern Landscape project and it is so frustrating! It took me about 3 weeks to cut out and piece the first "layer" for the front, and here it is. The white chalk lines are reference lines quilting: I know it doesn't look like much yet, but there are several other layers of stuff to go on top of this after I quilt it. These are all hand-dyed

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-74102127407661360932011-02-04T12:16:00.001-06:002011-02-04T12:21:25.852-06:00

Congratulations to Karen from Mrs. Sew and Sew Quilts for winning the Snowy Day Giveaway! Karen, I hope you get to sew this little pattern up for that new granddaughter, and I know she'll LOVE this bright and cheery fabric! Yay! I've been working on my new project the past two weeks, which I really have to find a name for. I don't know what else to call it, so I'm just goingn to refer to it as

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-82966689052063430542011-02-02T16:12:00.002-06:002011-02-04T12:21:07.040-06:00

Hey, since I'm all snowed in today, how about a giveaway! Something fun for the little ones, a vintage pattern and some Baby Genius fabrics. This is a vintage 1962 McCall's pattern number 6624 TODDLER'S DRESS IN TWO LENGTHS WITH BLOOMERS AND PANTS, sized 6 Months. I have a duplicate just like it, so maybe you can use this fabulous pattern for your tipsy toddler. Pattern pieces have been cut out

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-2455440375037344472011-02-02T10:04:00.003-06:002011-02-02T10:10:52.859-06:00

We're all waking up and digging out. Although our street was plowed throughout the night, we still have about 6" in the road this morning. My neighbor is plowing a path through the street. Our little house has a huge drift of snow all the way up to the front door. The snow at the end of the driveway is 3 feet high. This is our driveway looking out to the street. And this is my snowy

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-64991417837956159742011-01-31T13:12:00.000-06:002011-02-01T11:22:40.633-06:00

Have you seen this book? Seriously, have you seen Sew Retro: A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution by Judi Ketteler? This is my new absolute most favorite sewing book! What first got me excited about Sew Retro was the story of sewing and the great pieces of sewing nostalgia pictured throughout the book. From the Sewing Susan needlebook pictured right inside the first few pages, to the

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-43833757173023098702011-01-26T08:30:00.000-06:002011-01-26T08:30:01.537-06:00

I rediscovered some stamps I had collected in a box while organizing over the weekend. Wouldn't this stamp make an excellent quilt block? I think a quilt with "LOVE" blocks stitched up from all different colors would be awesome! These stamps were in a pack that I  thrifted a few years ago. I really like the way some of these older stamps were printed - just check out all the lines that were

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-68860046895957767722011-01-24T15:32:00.000-06:002011-01-24T15:39:52.773-06:00

I recently joined up with the local chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild to make some new friends and find quilting support as I tackle my next quilt project. The Chicago Modern Quilt Guild gathered for a regular meeting over the weekend, just in time to give me a little boost of sewing and quilting inspiration! My favorite part of the meetings is always the show-and-tell part, and you can visit

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-81270696715559721672011-01-21T13:20:00.001-06:002011-01-21T13:23:38.469-06:00

And the winner of the fat quarter/pattern giveaway is Lisa B. from Remnant! Congrats Lisa and I hope you enjoy the pattern and the fabrics! I came down with a nasty head cold this week, so other than working a bit I mostly vegged around the house. Yeah, it sucks. I don't even feel well enought to try and sew. I am in the process of ordering some fabric dyes and materials to start on my new

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-63289595490951695872011-01-19T12:14:00.002-06:002011-01-21T13:25:57.391-06:00

This week I'm giving away yet another batch of my de-hoarded fabric AND a pattern! The Fabric: These 5 Benartex fat quarters are from various fabric collections including some Oasis. Pretty colors! The Pattern: This is a super cute bag pattern from Strawberry & Rhubarb! It's a half-circle bag perfect for a day at the park, and can be made from recycled tees or your favorite cotton prints.

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-58445064722429813442011-01-17T15:32:00.000-06:002011-01-17T15:37:44.229-06:00

I am starting a new project. One that I've been thinking about for years, and as part of my New Year's sewing resolution am determined to see to completion. I have been taking notes and writing down ideas for this project in my sketchbook for a long time. And now I'm working on finalizing an overall pattern to follow. Although my instincts are telling me to start big, I am purposely keeping

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-69009906627673226422011-01-14T14:56:00.001-06:002011-01-14T14:58:02.883-06:00

These are little yo-yo flower gifts I'm making for Facebook friends. (Wow Erika, Facebook friends? Yikes, I am a total dork!) This is a "pay-it-forward" type of gift, an "I pledge to give away something handmade to the FIRST 5 friends to comment on this post!" kind of deal. I saw a few of my artsy friends post this on thier profiles, and though, "Oh wow, two things I totally love - handmaking

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-49983661387484611442011-01-14T12:55:00.001-06:002011-01-21T09:38:37.208-06:00

Wow! TeaWithFrodo over at The Crafting Hobbit just awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award! What a really great suprise, and that just made my day! One of the things I love about The Crafting Hobbit is how TeaWithFrodo blogs from the heart. She blogs about her love of crafting, sewing, and family. And check out her creative solution for organizing buttons, I wish I had thought of that! Following

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-54138227966503886412011-01-13T15:14:00.000-06:002011-01-13T15:14:35.488-06:00

eye_on_sparrow from Sewing with the sparrows is the winner of those fabulous green and gold Benartex fat quarters! Yay eye_on_sparrow! I hope you can make something fabulous from them. Late last night I finished this skirt, another version of that two-layered A line skirt I made last month. The other skirt is up as a class example, but this one is just for me! Love, love, love this Alexander

Miss Sews-it-allhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819965592532896464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403152087632739855.post-15043991887261530142011-01-12T12:16:00.000-06:002011-01-12T12:17:10.631-06:00

Today's de-hoarding Benartex fat quarter freebie giveaway includes 5 pretty fat quarters in green, cream, and gold colors. These are from various Benartex fabric lines, including Flower Show II and Flower Mart. Just leave a comment between now and tomorrow (Thursday) at high noon Chicago time. I'll pick one comment at random, and announce the winner on Thursday afternoon. I hope you can find a

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