by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 12, 2015
This is one of those projects – the ones you envision during a spark of inspired genius towards the end of the summer and say (to no one in particular) … “Hey, do you know what would be awesome? I should make 4 Cargo Duffles for my family for Christmas!” Then you email them right away and ask for their favorite fabrics, but it takes you until October to order the fabric, of course. After it arrives and is pre-washed (just in case), everything sits through sewn Halloween costumes, your oldest’s birthday party, your wedding anniversary weekend away, Christmas shopping… until finally – on the 12th of December – you finally realize that you are going to have to start!
I’m sure you have had this happen to you before?! Thankfully I finished them up in time to mail out on December 23rd. A little late – but finished. And my family loves them and they have already been put to good use. So now I can share them with you! (I got most of these fabrics from my sponsor Fabric Spark, a linked list of fabrics is located at the bottom of this post. The others were from my stash or from Warp & Weft, which has recently closed.)
These bags were so much simpler to make this time around! I still love my first Cargo Duffle – in fact it is one of my most favorite projects. As usual, making something the second (or 5th time around) you know what you are doing already. I got to use my zipper tutorial again – the one that explains how to change a double zipper so the sliders meet in the centre, instead of finishing at the ends. I had forgotten how simple it was to do!
To make my life a little easier, I substituted a large zippered pocket instead of the pattern’s two cargo pockets (tutorial coming soon). It is my own design and all of the edges are finished inside. The zipper creates a fully closed pocket – so I feel more confident filling it! I also used strapping instead of sewing the handles – which made me a little sad, since the handles look amazing sewn – but speed and time was of the essence!
I’ve also been asked to post the measurements for the Cargo Duffle Backpacks I made in 2013, so that will be coming soon as well. They use the same construction as the duffle bag, but with different measurements. The girls still use them a lot and the Ann Kelle fabric is just so cute! I recently made new serged-edge Beach Robes for the girls using the Ann Kelle Girlfriends mermaid fabric – perfect! You can see them here on Instagram.
I hope you are having a great start to your week and I’ll see you again soon!
Fabrics: (top to bottom, see photo below)
- Parson Gray – Empire Felucca, Indelible -Spirodraft, Kona Cotton (likely Charcoal)
- Lotta Jansdotter – Blomster (out of stock, similar here), Kona Cotton (stashed mystery colour), Essex Yarn-Dyed Linen/Cotton – Black
- Ghastly Forest – Mist, Essex Yarn-Dyed Linen/Cotton -Flax, Stashed Black Denim
- Tula Pink – Foxtrot Shade, Tula Pink – Moonshine Swarm Fern, Stashed Black Denim
- Bias Tape: Parson Gray – Empire Fishnet, Ghastly Bramble – Tea Stain, Stashed Red
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 5, 2015
Here’s to another great year last year! This year especially there have been many, many times I felt amazed because of a project opportunity or a relationship that was built. I feel fortunate to be a part of the online sewing community.
Thanks for hanging out and sticking around! You are so appreciated!
As I was working on this post I moved all of my 2014 post files away in their own folder – that makes 3 sections now – 2012, 2013 and 2014! It’s fun to think of how much this blog has been through. I was inspired by the Sewing Rabbit to create an infographic of sorts to summarize what happened last year. Lots different from my usual wordy posts – so I hope you don’t mind the numbers. I had lots of fun going through my stats finding out which posts were the most read, and I was excited to see that most of my favorite projects were your favorites too!
Below the analytics in the graphic, I’ve listed the top 10 posts created in 2014 and the top 5 posts of all time. (I linked each section – so you can click on them if you want to find out more.)
Happy New Year and I hope you and yours have a wonderful memorable year!
To talk bloggy – SO many moments stand out over the year! The day I got 11 938 page views because The Quilt Show linked to my Fabric Tray. The day I met Elizabeth Olwen and started planning the Warp & Weft Weekend Event. Designing the Forest Glen Satchel. The day I taught my very first workshop. Releasing the Satchel pattern! Sewing my youngest her Red Riding Hood costume and making my first Alder Skirt. I still LOVE the girls’ Easter dresses the most of all. Winning the Crafting Con Avenger’s month challenge was pretty cool too!
Looking ahead? More purposeful posting. I’m also excited to start quilting a bit more in 2015. And more clothing! Now that I have a serger for finishing seams the thought of stitching something up seems that much more simple and quick. I’ve got quite a few pieces waiting to be photographed and posted too… I could think of more – but I’ve got to run shower before going out in the (feels like) -22C weather to pick the kids up from school. See you again soon!
The Fat Quarter Skirt PDF Pattern is Now Available!
Purchasing this fully tested skirt pattern gives you access to 5 sizes, child’s 2-6, to create a skirt that is 9-11 1/2″ (23-30cm) long. Expect lots of tips and tricks throughout, a glossary of terms, recommended best practices and instructions geared towards an absolute beginner. This pattern is truly a quick sew – allow yourself just 1-3 hours to finish, including your fabric cutting time. It’s also a great stash-buster, requiring only 2 fat quarters and a length of elastic… things you probably already have in your stash! To find out more about the pattern, click here.
Purchase the Fat Quarter Skirt PDF Pattern – $8.50 CDN
Thank you for your support!
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 16, 2014
This post is a tad emotional for me. I am so extremely grateful to everyone who tested the Forest Glen Satchel Pattern. I have had definite excitement from people around me that have seen the Satchel, but the excitement from the amazing sewing community we are all part of is a little overwhelming. Thanks so much to everyone!
I have 10 amazing satchels to share with you, and I’m also giving away three copies of the pdf pattern! (The giveaway widget is after the photos of the tester bags – so you can get to it if you scroll to the bottom of this post.) I’ve linked each person’s name out to their individual’s website/blog or Facebook page – so you can find more of their work if you’d like. Several testers also sell handmade projects – perfect for gifting (or for yourself, of course!)
I love the variety of fabrics and combinations that everyone used. The fabric (and hardware!) choices make such a difference in the final product. Good for lots of inspiration! One tester widened the closure strap a bit to give it a bit more rustic look. Another used rivets on the strap, with faux leather for the front and side details – very trendy and easy to clean! They are being used as everyday bags and even to hold knitting projects! I love when creative people put their own stamp on a project. Here we go, and for lack of a better order, it’s alphabetical!
Amber – Sewing with Amber
Cristina
Cynthia – CynthiaF.ca
Laura – Seams Sew Laura
Lisa – Lisa in Port Hope
Lynn
Michelle – Barabooboo (and on Etsy)
My Mom!
Reece – Reece’s Pieces
Sue
This giveaway will stay open until midnight on Friday, November 21, 2014 (EST). I am giving away one copy of the Forest Glen Satchel PDF Pattern each to three different people. It is open internationally – so everyone can have a chance to win! Enter on the Rafflecopter widget below – and if you don’t have Facebook to sign in with, just use your name and email! There’s even a handy “Click to Enter” option that doesn’t require a social media login. (P.S. If you have purchased the Forest Glen Satchel pattern and you win, I will refund the purchase price.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 14, 2014
I’m so excited to be able to offer the Forest Glen Satchel, my first “real” pdf pattern, for sale! I’ve talked a bit about the Forest Glen Satchel in past posts (here, here). Little did I know it would take such a great deal of work to finish it for you. Thank you to everyone who helped throughout the process – you are all amazing!
PURCHASE the Forest Glen Satchel – $12.00
The Forest Glen Satchel is the perfect sized cross-body everyday tote bag. It’s simple to sew up, I created it with confident beginners in mind. There are no buttons, zippers or snaps – it closes with a strap so you can easily get to what’s inside! The front details and side chevron are my favorite parts of this bag, because they give it character. You can mix and match fabrics to create so many looks! I can hardly wait to post the tester bags (coming this weekend!) so you can see the amazing work my amazing pattern testers completed. SO much inspiration!
This Satchel began as a project interpretation of Elizabeth Olwen‘s second collection with Cloud9 Fabrics, “Wildwood”. I was fortunate to talk with Elizabeth about her fabric, and this Satchel is my creation based on our conversations. Her vision for the Wildwood collection, and artistic direction along the way, inspired the final design.
Would you like to sew a satchel for yourself or as a gift?
This bag finishes at 11″ tall by 10″ wide and 3″ deep. It features an adjustable cross-body strap, simple closure strap and it is fully lined with an inner divided pocket.
Here is what you can expect when you purchase the instant PDF Pattern download:
- A 23 page PDF pattern e-book with 12 pages of instructions and 11 pages of pattern pieces.
- Simple, detailed instructions to help you complete the 36 steps involved in making the satchel.
- Over 50 full colour photos to illustrate the step-by-step process.
- Easy to print and assemble pattern pages, print to letter size or A4 paper.
- Granny’s Sewing Basket – highlights Notes and Tips to make sewing this satchel faster and easier! (introduction to Granny)
- Large seam allowance icons throughout, no more searching when you forget.
- Check boxes in all lists and for each step, for those of you who love to keep track of your progress!
- This pattern includes a limited production seller’s license.
Supplies needed to complete the Forest Glen Satchel:
- Outer: ½ metre/yard, 44″ wide quilting cotton
- Lining: ½ metre/yard, 44″ wide quilting cotton
- Contrast #1: ½ metre/yard, 44″ wide quilting cotton
- Contrast #2: Chose one of the following options –
- One-Way/Directional Print: 3/4 metre/yard, 44″ wide quilting cotton
- Multi-Directional Print: ½ metre/yard, 44″ wide quilting cotton
- ½ metre Medium Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing (20″ wide)
- ½ metre of 44″ wide Fusible Fleece (ex. Pellon 987F)
- Two 100 metre spools of matching thread (suitable for stitching and top-stitching all fabrics)
- One 1 ½” Strap Adjuster
- Two 1 ½” Rectangular Rings
- OPTIONAL (to create a stiffer satchel): ½ metre Heavyweight Woven Fusible Interfacing (44″ wide) OR an extra ½ metre of Fusible Fleece
- OPTIONAL Interfaced Lining: 3/4 metre Light Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing (20″ wide)
Ready to make a Satchel?
PURCHASE the Forest Glen Satchel Instant Download PDF – $12.00
If you would like to purchase Wildwood fabric to compete your project, please visit Warp & Weft to view the entire collection. They also stock Forest Glen Satchel Paper Patterns & Kits in three different Wildwood combinations chosen by Elizabeth Olwen to compliment this pattern.
I think that’s everything! If you need any more information or help throughout the pattern I am always available – please email sherri@threadridinghood.com
by Sherri Sylvester | Oct 14, 2014
It’s been a great relaxing long (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend over here – extra long, if you count the fact that my youngest was home (unplanned) from school last Thursday, and Friday was a PD day so both kids were home. My husband and I spent much of the weekend planning and re-organizing our work space. We’ve both got a bit more counter space and it’s a lot easier to move around in our little 9′ square shared office. When it’s finished I’ll have to share photos and a little review of my new sewing machine with you. I’ve had it for about a month and I’m loving it!
I’ve been enjoying quilting lately, and thought I’d share my progress with this one today. I’m calling it a “proper” quilt – since it’s more than “just pieced squares” this time! Interesting side note – I’ve found that repetitive-block quilts are extremely relaxing. The difference between sewing garments and this type of quilt, is that a garment rarely requires the same instruction to be followed more than twice – once for the outer and once for the lining. And sometimes there is no repetition at all. Because of that, you are constantly checking the instructions, re-reading, sewing, and moving on to the next step. With the blocks in this quilt, you must follow the same steps over and over – creating space in your mind to ponder other things, tasks, life or just the process itself. Ahhhh….. (long pause while I remember relaxing!)
This quilt is a personal project, since it’s made with my blogger bundle from Fabric Spark. When they asked me if I would to create a bundle earlier this year I was over-the-moon excited and I knew it would have to become a very special quilt. This bundle and quilt mean so much, and are such a good reminder and encouragement along my bloggy journey. To be able to choose fabrics that I love and have someone put them up for sale. What an amazing opportunity, and I am still so grateful to have been chosen for it. (The bundle is available for sale here.)
I am making an hourglass quilt with these, using this tutorial from Cluck Cluck Sew. She calls it a baby quilt, but I am adding in more squares than she mentions, randomly using up every last scrap of fabric that I have – so we’ll see how big it is in the end! I’ve mostly used some light gray Kona I had around for the background pieces. But since I don’t have enough I’m winging it with a few solids in other colours – I can’t wait to add these in and see how it turns out! I also added two Bonnie Christine “Sweet As Honey” Art Gallery prints to the bundle fabrics to increase the prints, hoping to make this as large as possible!
I’ve yet to decide if I’ll add any borders to this and of course I’m not sure about backing and binding yet. But I think I’m supposed to choose that after the front is finished – so I’m getting ahead of myself! I do have quite a bit of Kona Charcoal from another project – so it might make an appearance later on – I’d love to find a good print for the back though. Makes it seem more cheerful I think! I can’t wait to get to spend some serious time making the little hourglass squares so I can lay them out, that seems like a lot of fun too!
Reader Feedback: Are you quilting anything right now? What project are you working on?
by Sherri Sylvester | Oct 7, 2014
A few weeks ago it was warm and I was thinking about summer skirts. Specifically the Alder Skirt from imagine gnats. I’ve been planning to make one since I wrote about it in May, long time ago now – though I am please to have made two out of the three patterns I mention in that post. That’s got to be good for something! I even used one of the fabrics I talk about for this skirt – though it was supposed to be a Wiksten tank. Not sure I would have pulled that off as easily!
The A-line and front pleat give it a nice, comfortable shape. You can’t really see it in these photos, but it has three panels across the front that add a nice detail if you are close up. The sizing was good, it was even the perfect length after hemming. Since I was between sizes I think I could have comfortably gone down a size instead of up one. The back elastic has plenty of room in it, to the point that the larger size is a bit too gathered. I like the elastic waist, because it is comfortable and easy to make. But I might try removing it, add a few more darts in the back and a side zipper to make the skirt look a bit more tailored.
(please excuse the road trip wrinkles)
As far as construction, this skirt is really simple to sew up and is well thought through. I think it may have taken me 2 hours to make, from cutting to finishing the hem. I even squeezed it out of a bit less yardage than it calls for, which is always nice! I love how Rachel constructed the pockets. They add a great diagonal detail to the sides of the skirt and allow you to add some fun fabric in if you’d like. I chose to use a bit of black denim, to add contrast to the Rashida Skin from Alexander Henry that I got from Fabric Spark this summer. I think a contrasting waistband would be nice too – maybe next time?
I am really pleased that this has turned into a year-round skirt. And I can see making quite a few of them – since they are such a quick finish. There are quite a few variations included in the pattern. With or without the front pleat and with wide or narrow pockets. The two side panels allow you to play with fabrics and color-blocking as well. So each alder turns out quite different from the others. I’ve seen a few that use piping on the front seams and pocket edges, which is a great way to make those lines stand out.
I was not sure I could pull off an animal print, but now that I have it I love it! I think it will be paired with casual t-shirts next summer. But this fall and winter, scarves, cozy leg warmers and boots are perfect! And I’m loving the light in these photos. My husband and I were on our way to dinner, and since it was getting towards sunset we were looking for a good spot with some fall scenery. The photos are fall perfect and warm-looking, though the actual temperature made me run for my jacket as soon as the shoot was over!
Reader Feedback: How are you feeling about fall? Do you get the urge to sew anything specific? (For some reason I want to make a sweater as soon as it gets remotely chilly every year, one of these years it will actually happen!)
