Sew U Home Stretch.

Everyone (amy, amanda and melissa to name a few) is talking about Sew U Home Stretch. I picked up my own copy a week ago ... and I've read through it twice already. I have made many clothes from woven cottons and linens ... but I haven't made much from knit. Like many ... I have always had a fear of knits. But this book makes the fabric sound simple and forgiving.

I am going to start with some of the dresses in the book ... but I needed a french curve to draft the pattern alterations. I tried all the local craft and sewing shops near my house and then I searched the internet. With no luck except ebay (which scares me) I remembered this art supply shop ... only to get there and find out they closed down ... but the sell online. So for anyone with this book and the same predicament you can get a french curve here. And when mine comes in the mail ... I have my pattern ready. Along with this orange jersey knit for one of the dresses ... and this eco-friendly blue bamboo jersey knit for another.

I haven't tried out the patterns in the book yet ... but I still highly recommend it for all the other great info Wendy filled it with.

La Loteria

There are cards for most stores now days. So I created a little pocket to keep them all in one spot. It is also handy to hold your license and some cash for a night on the town.

They are made of cotton and are machine washable.

This batch was made with Loteria cards (mexican bingo) printed on the fabric.




I should have them photographed and in my etsy shop this weekend.

Built By Me.

Here is a new top I made from one of the patterns I bought at JoAnns. It was one of the hardest patterns I have ever followed. I cursed and threw the top a few times during construction ... then I ripped out seams to re-sew and put it together my own way. Now that I have it finished ... I am going to try it again. Only next time I think I may try a knit. I don't know if I like how the shoulder piece sticks out straight on me?

Painted Skirts.

I made a few more skirts for myself. This first one I came up with on my own ... I just traced a can of coffee and the lid to my water bottle and painted the space between. The second one is another stencil from that book.

I've tried using fabric paint ... but the texture still feels like paint. So I just use these paints and I mix in a little textile medium. It is a lot cheaper and it works the same. That idea came from my mom (my muse).

Homemade Clothes.

I painted the bottom of this skirt ... I used a stencil from the Lotta Prints book. I am going to try out a few more stencils before I try to create my own image. The fabric of this skirt is linen with a elastic waist ... my intention was to attempt a zipper but that is still too intimidating.


Homemade clothes have captured my attention. I picked up these patterns this morning at JoAnns ... they are marked down to $1.99 for a few more days.



I also want to try clothes for kids and babies. I ordered this sewing book from Japan ... For Kids Who Have Started to Walk. I can't read Japanese ... but I think I can follow the photos. I check the mail for it everyday.

On Our Plate.

I make meals for us all the time ... I don't know why I never thought of sharing. This is one of our favorites. Veggie Pitas and Garlic Fries.

The Veggie Pitas.
a wheat pita (cut in half)
stuffed with:
lettuce
tomatoes
red onions
feta cheese
kalamata olives
pour dressing inside

Garlic Fries from Trader Joes with feta cheese.