by Sherri Sylvester | Jun 10, 2016
Thank you so much everyone for all of your kind words on my last post. I have found that rest is helping so, so much, and I am doing my very best to not overbook myself going forward. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of creative things available for doing – but I am learning that it is ok not to be “doing” all of the time. Also, I was relieve to find that the number of people visiting this blog did not go down while I was away – good news for sure!
I’ve pulled an oldie-but-goodie project today (read: made last year and sat in the mending pile until last month!). This also happens to be Thread Riding Hood’s 499th post – wow! I think I will do a little pdf pattern giveaway next week for the 500th. Crazy that I’ve written that much! I am so grateful for each and every one of you for coming back post after post.
Last year around this time, my youngest had an end-of-the-year school presentation for her junior-kindergarten class. Her teacher had chosen to act out Eric Carle’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar – and worked for months on the project I’m sure. It was so cute! Little 4 and 5 year old’s each being one of the foods in the story, while a “caterpillar” ate them up. My daughter was chosen to be a narrator (ie. “read” some of the book) and she was SO proud! How could I not sew something for her to wear? Of course this happened the night before the presentation, as usual!
I’ve always loved No Big Dill’s Once Upon a Thread series, so making clothing based on a book seemed natural. Eric Carle’s design style is amazing. I love the illustrations in his books. He paints onto paper and then cuts it out to create each shape. I figured I could sew up another Potato Chip Skirt and do something with random fabric piecing. Turns out it works great!
I left all of the edges raw to make my life easier – but since they are fused to the skirt they haven’t frayed too much so far. The button caterpillar was based on this idea for a onesie that I found. Instead of embroidering the antennae I used a paint pen for them.
I tried to photographed the skirt while my daughter was on her way out the door to school. (Explaining the different photos in this post.) Here begins the adventure that has lasted a year. Sending a 4 year old to kindergarten in a white skirt required a trip through the wash. In the wash one of the sun’s rays fell off. The skirt then landed in the middle of a giant mending pile.
I finally found my embroidery floss a month or so ago and stitched each fabric piece onto the skirt. Now she can wear it whenever she wants – thank goodness. Turns out she’s talking about bugs right now in school – it’s perfect, like I might have planned it even. (Our little secret, right?!)
I am still so happy with the results – despite being terrified to let her wear a white skirt. Really, if I could I would love to frame it – but she wants to wear it, so that will have to wait. Kinda makes me want to sew up a giant one as a baby quilt though…. The only thing I was a bit sad about was not piecing in the smiling sun face – but that would have been a bit over the top for a “the night before” project!
What crazy last-minute (or not!) projects have you made lately?
by Sherri Sylvester | May 27, 2016
I’ve got a few exciting catch-up newsy things to share with you today!
I am thrilled to let you know that I will be speaking at Quilts at the Creek in Toronto this summer. I was fortunate to talk to a few members of the York Heritage Quilters Guild while at the spring Creativ Festival and they have asked if I would present a trunk show once each day. (Yay!) I’ll be showing fun inspiring projects, talking about the background of Thread Riding Hood and how it (and I) have grown over the past 4 years. This huge quilt display happens at Black Creek Pioneer Village once a year. Quilts of all types are displayed around the village, perfect for a fun summer event. (I’m bringing my kids!)
They are accepting applications for quilt submissions until June 15th if you are interested in displaying some of your hard work. They also feature workshops and vendors – some of my lovely sponsors and many more! My trunk show will be at 1:30 each day, July 23rd and 24th. For more details you can find more trunk shows and workshop information on their website. I would love to meet you there!
On to more exciting news! The winner of the above Ellipse Tote from Among Brenda’s Quilts and Bags is Joanne S! I will be putting her bag in the mail today or Monday. SO thrilled! This bag is super fun and I love the colours. Don’t forget that you can find more pre-sewn purses + patterns to make your own Ellipse bag and others on Brenda’s website.
And a little announcement: The above photos are a re-cap of what’s been happening lately on my Instagram feed. Lots of new fabric and projects, with more on the way! Despite the crazy amounts of new things going on around me, I’ve been told (by a reliable source!) that I should take some time off and rest. Unfortunately, I’ve had difficulty doing simple tasks lately, along with exhaustion and new-to-me feelings of anxiety.
I think that I have pushed too hard with too many things on my to-do list for so long that my body has decided it’s time to get me to take a small break. I tend to put “me” on the back burner and I am (so excited) to be taking a tiny bloggy vacation. One week (or so) to just have fun with my kids, sew projects I’ve been wanting to work on, and not “feel bad” for stopping to read a book. Remembering to take it easy is going to be so hard for my go-go-go brain to do! But, as someone reminded me recently – If I don’t take care of me I will be of no use to myself, let alone anyone else!
I’m hoping to share more about my journey to “calm” as I learn how to re-work my life and deal with stress in a more manageable fashion. If you have any tips they would be most appreciated! See you again soon!
by Sherri Sylvester | May 22, 2016
I’ve spent the last few weeks slowly getting into gear and planning the next few months of blog posts. So many things to share! I think I could schedule posts until November if I wanted to. I’ve also been cleaning house here – literally – and donating/organizing and re-organizing our spaces.
I’ve been taking stock of things here on the blog as well and doing my best to make good on long-promised tutorials. Today I’ve written a tutorial on how to transition a summer short-sleeved dolman top pattern for spring/fall.
This tutorial will show you how to draft a longer sleeve addition for any dolman top. I LOVE 3/4 length sleeves in the spring and fall – and this tutorial works great for those and for adding length for long sleeves. I’ve seen sleeve additions like this showing up in ready-to-wear dolman sleeve clothing a lot as well. It’s great alternative to cutting long sleeves directly with the bodice of a dolman top, since you can save fabric by cutting the longer sleeve piece separately.
I wear the first Seafarer Top I made with longer sleeves (above) all the time. It is my most-worn handmade top by a long shot. I think the reason is it’s versatile colour (gray!) and also that the fabric is really easy to wash and wear. The silver and cream striped top I made for this post (below) is not likely to get the same treatment. Unfortunately the fabric I purchased washed up scratchy and clingy – not sure it will last long in my closet. I did widen the neckline by cutting two front pieces (on purpose!) instead of a front and a back to make a super comfy larger neck opening. I’m excited to find some better quality fabric and repeat that in my next version.
You can use any dolman sleeve pattern as a base for drafting this sleeve addition. I have used the kid size dolman Skipper Top from Sew Much Ado because the pattern pieces are smaller and easier to photograph. (Find the women’s Seafarer here.) You can also easily draft and sew your own Dolman Sleeve Top using a well fitting tee.
Draft the Dolman Sleeve Length Addition Pattern Piece
Materials:
- paper
- ruler
- marker
- pattern weights (or heart shaped rocks!)
- any dolman sleeve pattern
This tutorial is written for pattern pieces with seam allowances included. The new sleeve addition will have added seam allowances as well, except where noted. Mark and fold back the seam allowance along the sleeve opening of your pattern. Note the seam allowance for your particular pattern and use this throughout this tutorial.
Step 1: Measure the wearer’s arm or an existing tee to find your desired sleeve length. Keep in mind that this method adds to the length of your pre-existing dolman sleeve. The lengthening starts AFTER the sleeve, not at the shoulder where a normal sleeve would start. Also, if your pattern calls for sleeve bands instead of hemming, make sure to shorten your desired additional length accordingly, leaving a seam allowance on end of sleeve where the band will be sewn.
Step 2: Draw a line 90 degrees from top of shoulder/sleeve to your desired length. (A)
Step 3: Decide how wide the end of the sleeve needs to be to fit around your arm. Divide this measurement by 2 and add your seam allowance. Draw this measurement as a line 90 degrees down. (A) to (B).
Step 4: Draw line (C) connecting (B) to the bottom of the original pattern’s sleeve opening.
Step 5:Add the sleeve opening seam allowance.
- Unfold the seam allowance on your original pattern piece.
- Mark seam allowances at top and bottom as ((D) and (E)
- Mark the edges of your drafted sleeve addition as (F) and (G)
- Place the original pattern right side down on the new sleeve addition matching pints (D) and (F) and points (E) and (G).
- Trace the bottom seam allowance – from points E and G to the edge – and then trace the sleeve opening as line (H).
- Remove the pattern piece and connect line A to line H with a 90 degree corner.
Step 6: Label your pattern piece with all the necessary information and mark the “Cut on fold” line.
Determining new sleeve band size (if applicable): Sleeve band width is the same as the hem band width. Measure double the final width of the new sleeve opening (A) to (B). Double this measurement to determine the final width. Remove about 1/4″ of this width to get the new width for the sleeve band. Since all knits stretch differently, this is only a guide. Use your judgement as to how tight you want the final sleeve band to be.
Example : Sleeve Opening = 9″ (includes seam allowance), remove 1″ (1/2″ seam allowance on each side) = 8″ final width. Remove 1/4 of 8 = 6″ width. Add the seam allowances back in 6+ 1″ (1/2″ seam allowance on each side) to get a 7″ final width.
How to Sew the Dolman Sleeve Length Addition
Materials:
- sleeve length addition pattern piece, drafted above
- dolman tee pattern
- fabric (you may need extra to account for the longer sleeve)
- general sewing things
Step 1: Follow your pattern to the step where both shoulders are sewn together.
Step 2: Line up the long sleeve addition right sides together with the original sleeve, matching the sleeve openings.
Step 3: Sew the seam with the original pattern’s seam allowance. Serge/finish the edges and press the seam allowance towards the new sleeve.
Step 4:Finish your tee as indicated in your pattern.
I hope you enjoy your tee! Check out more tutorials like this on the tutorials tab above, or follow along to keep track of new projects!
by Sherri Sylvester | May 13, 2016
Happy School PD Day to you! I know it might be a regular school-day in your area, but my kids (and vicariously) I are on vacation today so here’s a quick post with some fun tips for sewing leather, vinyl and faux/vegan leather.
When my oldest was little, I went to a leather shop and bought a huge bag of larger scraps by-the-pound to make her some tiny leather shoes. I got so much experience sewing them, and have gotten back into sewing with leather and vinyl again this year.
After making my Marmalade jacket and Canvas/Leather Forest Glen Satchel, I realized I’ve written 3 tip posts about leather and vinyl. One for this blog, one for Craftsy and one for eHow, so here they are. I hope they help!
If you have any questions about sewing with leather/vinyl please ask them in the comments below and I’d love to do my best to help you out. If you have any tips those are most welcome too!
I’m off to pack a picnic and head to Ann’s Fabric Shop in Hamilton for some bathing suit materials. The kids want to pick their own fabric and have grand plans (with drawings!) of what they want. I made this Scirocco-based bathing suit for my oldest a few years ago and it was so much easier than I thought. The girls are outgrowing their suits right now, so it seemed like a good outing for our day off.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
by Sherri Sylvester | May 10, 2016
Be Brave and Sew – a Trunk Show
This year’s Creativ Festival was definitely a different experience. I met with some new amazing shop owners, connected with new friends, met online friends in person and talked to old ones too. (Including Among Brenda’s Quilts and Bags who is providing a giveaway & discount today!)
I realized as I’m pulling photos together, that I didn’t manage very well in all the busyness to take a variety of photos. Unfortunately, most of these are from sponsor booths – something I plan to change at the Fall show! That said, I love my sponsors and have linked the photos to their shops so you can find all the fun stuff in the pictures. This post is an amazing list of great Canadian online resources!
Starting at the beginning…. I went to the show early on Thursday to deliver lots of samples and set my things with Janome. The “Quick on the Draw” Isogram mini-quilt went to Fabric Spark and the original Pretty Floral Divided Tote to Country Clothesline. My girls were thrilled that their tulle Easter Dresses were on display. And I am still so excited that I got to have my Sewing Diariessamples hung up at Janome as well. They even made me posters! *blush*
Friday was a whirlwind for sure, and I mostly concentrated on my Trunk Show and talking to lots of amazing sewers at the Janome booth afterwards. My sponsors provided some amazing prizes for both trunk shows – flannel fat quarter bundles from Fabric Please!, a Herringbone Runner kit from Fabric Spark, a calendar from Meerkat Shweshwe, fat quarter bundles from Country Clothesline and a lovely Carkai bundle from Sew Sisters. I got to give away so much fabric! Totally made my day 🙂
Pretty things from Country Clothesline.
Leanne from Country Clothesline.
Saturday was even more eventful. After the Trunk Show I was excited to get to walk around and actually shop! (My new stash is in this post.) I was thrilled to meet some of my online friends from various Facebook groups. Rachelle from That’s Sew Venice, Michelle Tims from Barabooboo Designs and the amazing Carla from Carla’s Creations.
I got to talk to Berene from Happy Sew Lucky briefly on Friday as well. She designed the amazing Rainbow Mash-Up Quilt below. Isn’t it gorgeous! You can get kits for it here. Monica from Earth Indigo and I met to chat as well. She has a new online shop with eco-friendly and ethical fabrics – some great jerseys (stripes!) and heirloom gorgeous fabrics!
Rainbow Mash-Up Quilt by Happy Sew Lucky. Kits from Fabric Spark.
Gorgeous variety of fat quarters from Fabric Spark!
I wanted to mention two “new-to-me” online Canadian shops as well. Catherine from Distinctive Sewing Supplies has an huge apparel stock, including lots of notions. I got to see some of her presentation on Saturday with the kids, which was fun! I was also introduced to Alma from Sew Fancy – Specialty Sewing Supplies. She gave me a tour of her shop and there are so many amazing unique products there! I can’t even begin to list them here, but once things settle down I’m going to have to go find some of her one-piece Velcro.
I couldn’t resist a photo of these rainbowtized solids from Fabric Please!
Whew… I also got to run around a bit with my kids, and let them choose fabric for some new dresses. They had fun checking out the booths and talking to everyone. Plus, it didn’t hurt that we got them the obligatory giant lemonade and ice cream cone of course!
I love that they can be involved in what I’m doing and they are so cute when they get excited that Mommy is “famous” because I’m in posters. Kids are awesome! It’s fun to show them hobbies other people have as well. Hopefully inspiring them to be all kinds of creative.
Towards the end of the show, I connected with Brenda from Among Brenda’s Quilts and Bags. She provided a giveaway here a few years ago and I’m excited to have her back! Here’s a little bit about this giveaway:
Every year at CreativFestival Brenda has numerous people ask to buy bag samples. It’s taken some time, but she has begun manufacturing her own unique line of bags. Today’s giveaway bag is called the Ellipse Bag. But of course, if you love making your own bags, she carries all the patterns, hardware kits and things needed to sew your own. Brenda loves to sew and knows that you do too!
As a thank you Brenda is offering 15% off on all purchases till May 15th. Use coupon code ILOVEBAGS! when you check out.
This giveaway is open to readers from the US and Canada! From today (May 10th) until midnight May 16th, 2016. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter – and if you don’t have Facebook to sign in with, just use your name and email address. There’s a “click to enter”, no social media login entry too! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Since the Fall Creativ Festival is moving from downtown Toronto to the International Centre, I am curious to see how it affects the show and how it will be different or the same. Either way, I will be there and hope to see you there too!
