by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 28, 2018
You know when you want to start doing something – ie: sewing your own purses… but you are concerned that you will love it too much, and then it will become an obsession?
And you won’t be able to stop… and then you will need all the patterns. And all the materials. And then your stash (which is already significant) will grow and grow… and take over your whole house?
That’s me… and I want to make all the bags! And, oh wait… sewing has already taken over the house anyhow…
I started sewing bags when I created the Forest Glen Satchel – my first “real” pattern. I made a Chobe (from Elle Puls) in 2016 and created the first purse of my dreams – perfectly slouchy with lots of room.
Fast forward a year and Swoon patterns kept coming up in my Instagram feed. I needed to make another bag! How could I justify buying another pattern when my Chobe was still going strong? How about for a gift?! Surely my mom could use a new cross body bag? So the justification (and new obsession) continues! (*lol, I think?!*)
All that aside, I do love making bags and have quite a few more that I have to photograph to show you. The process ticks all the boxes in my goal to sew as neatly and professionally as possible. I think my girls will be needing new purses soon so I can justify a few more?! (Their Sweet Talk Phone Bags are still great, but I should have used a bit of Scotch Guard on them – kids are hard on their purses!)
Find the Glenda Convertible Clutch Pattern review below…
Glenda Convertible Clutch Review
Things I Liked
- This bag is so cute! It has a timeless design and you can’t go wrong with that.
- I learned a lot of fun tricks in the instructions.
- It has great structure – this is probably helped by my using vegan leather for the exterior.
- I was super impressed that the Skyline S7 I had on loan sewed through all of the vinyl layers without any issue.
- It was fun to add a tiny piece of sewing fabric as the interior pocket lining – yay for moms that sew!
Things I Didn’t Like
- Honestly, nothing! The instructions were great and it turned out well.
Things I Changed
- I wanted a smaller bag – it’s actually quite long, despite how it looks in the pattern photos – so I removed 2″ from the width. Instead of 11″ wide, mine is 9″ wide.
- I also lengthened the strap to 50″ for a cross-body length.
Things for Next Time
- I think I would keep the smaller width next time as well. The wide width looks nice for a clutch, but seems very wide to use as a purse with a strap. (Plus, my pattern pieces are already taped in place at the new size!)
by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 24, 2017
I didn’t know I liked making quilts, but, it seems like I’ve been hit by the bug!
Before this year, I had made a lot of quilt piles. Little sets of fabric that must-never-be-separated because I wanted them to be made into something. I collected these for years until a few months ago I had had enough. Enough piles, enough scraps… I could never see myself finishing all of my piles and that was discouraging.
Around Christmas, I decided to make a scrap quilt and posted a few photos on Instagram as I worked – followed a few weeks ago by the sewn quilt top. I love it, despite a few things (I’ll not mention) that are driving me crazy! Now all I need to do is sew the quilt back and (I think) do some very simple in the ditch or straight line quilting. It’s a queen size, and despite my machine having a large throat space, I’m still nervous to try any free motion quilting on something this large.
That quilt got me started… the bug took on a life of its own and, in January, I decided to join 3 quilt samplers. It helped that my sponsor Sew Sisters asked me to design a block for their Canadian Sampler – Block of the Month. As part of the deal, I get to take part in the sampler and receive all of the block patterns. I had no idea it would be so addicting! (By the way, this round of registrations for the Canadian Sampler closes in just a few days at the end of February!)
I finally figured out why… Turns out I love the “mystery” behind following lots of little instructions to get the final block, but not making tons of the same block over and over again – the only kind of quilting I knew before now.
(Oh, and I also love 12″ blocks, because they are BIG and you don’t need a lot of them to make something!)
Here are the details for each sampler:
- Sew Sisters Quilt Shop (Canadian!) – The Canadian Sampler – 2 blocks sent monthly (paid subscription, paper pattern)
- I’ll be making all 20 blocks, and am excited to show you my block when it’s released.
- Sew Fresh Quilts (Canadian!) – Have a Jolly Little Christmas– bi-weekly block on Saturdays
- I am making most of these, but not all of them, in a blue and gray palette. Hopefully something different and fun for a Christmas Quilt!
- Maureen Cracknell and Sharon Holland – Sewcial Bee Sampler – weekly block on Wednesdays
- I will make all of these, but I’m not adding the framing pieces until I find the perfect fabric for it. Something pink and yellow I think!
I’m hoping to post monthly photos and explanations where necessary all year. So you can keep me accountable, and feel free to bug me if I forget *please do!* You can follow me along in “real-time” on Instagram too if you’d like.
Maybe some of you want to join me? I’ve linked all of the Samplers and blocks so you can find the tutorials. If you’re sewing along let me know, I’d love to see what your versions look like.
2017 Samplers – Update No. 1
The Canadian Sampler
Fabric Pull
January: Pacific Stars by Daphne Greig, Patchworks Studio
January: Keep’n Warm by Sandy Whitelaw, Upstairs Hobby Room
Have a Jolly Little Christmas
Fabric Pull
Block 1: Christmas Stockings
Block 2: Winter Mittens
Block 3: Christmas Bow
Sewcial Bee Sampler
Fabric Pull (Mostly a Fat Quarter bundle I made for my sponsor, Fabric Spark.)
Block 1: Patience Corners
Block 2: A Dandy
by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 15, 2017
It’s extra fun when a random happening turns into something for my youngest and you too. Spoiler alert: There’s a discount code and giveaway in this post!
My youngest kinda gets the short end of the stick with clothing. The girls they have reached a stage where they both wear basically the same size clothing. This means my oldest rarely “grows out” of something while it still fits the little one. Ready-to-wear clothing isn’t the simplest solution, I end up hemming or altering a lot and may as well have made it myself!
This brings us to a happy coincidence, 1) the cutest robe pattern – she’s been wanting one for ages, and 2) yards (and yards) of gray fleece already in my stash!
I found the Pollywoggles Patterns Finley and Quinn robe on my friend Rachelle’s blog, That’s Sew Venice. It was quick to make, I cut it out and sewed it all the same evening. Since I made mine from fleece, the seam allowances don’t fray and don’t need finishing – one less step to do. Plus, I made a size too big, so it would last longer!
I have to say (not a #sponsoredpost) that I was really impressed with the instructions and photos for this pattern. Everything is very clear with lots of notations for how to make your sewing easier. For example, attaching the collar worried me once I saw it was a separate piece set into the front of the robe. I’ve had bad experiences sewing these square corners into clothing and was very relieved to make my way through the steps simply and quickly.
Here are a few other things I like about the Finley and Quinn robe pattern:
- The professional finish. It includes a loop for hanging, belt loops, and the inset collar looks great and lays well. A quick extra step for the loops and belt allows them to be flatter with the seam allowances in the center rather than on the side of the loop.
- You can tell a lot of thought was put into it. Heidi, the designer, talks about sewing the belt onto the back of the robe because her kids would otherwise lose it or use it to tie something up. Hers and mine too! I appreciate her thinking about how it would get used and providing a solution for it.
- The size range. The pattern fits sizes 12-18 months through 10. And it wouldn’t be hard to upsize it yourself since it is a loose fitting garment. And how cute would this be on a 1-year-old!
- There are lots of tips and tricks. This pattern includes a section on how to blend sizes and sew with stretch fabrics, plus notes throughout. It also includes 3 ways to attach the pockets – so you can pick the one that works best for your fabric.
- Pollywoggles Patterns is Canadian! I love writing about the Canadian sewing community!
And two things I didn’t do:
- I totally forgot to sew the sleeve cuffs and just realized that as I’m writing this. I meant to check the length on my daughter and finish it up. (Note to self: You should really do that!)
- I kind of messed up the inset collar a bit by rushing (late night) and not pinning enough. Next time I’ll be more careful. I fixed the sections that the straight stitch didn’t catch with a wide fancy stitch on the Janome Skyline S9 I have on loan.
My little one is very happy with her new robe, and I’m pleased to have found a great pattern designer! In fact, I’ve already planning to use another one of her patterns – but it’s a secret, so you’ll have to wait until the end of April or early May to find out. Eeeek, I’m so excited!
When I was preparing to write about this robe, I emailed Heidi to ask if she would like to provide a discount and giveaway for you and she said “Yes!” So, many thanks to Heidi, you can try out her patterns for yourself at a discount and also take a shot at winning one of them too!
Visit Pollywoggles Patterns and use the discount code “POLLYWOGGLES” to get 15% off store-wide! Valid today through Friday Feb. 17, 2017 at midnight EST.
One lucky winner will receive a Pollywoggles Pattern of their choice!
This giveaway is open to everyone, from today until February 20, 2017, at midnight EST. 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
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 5, 2017
Happy New Year! I hope you and yours have had time to relax (and sew) this season! I know we partied too hard, because all four of us are sick over here – but not to worry, thankfully also on the mend thanks to my mom’s trusty Broccoli Cheese soup recipe (which we’ve eaten too many nights in a row to speak of – it’s easy and delicious!)
I love turning over a new year and talking about the last one. It is especially fun to tally up the posts you loved most in the past year. Since the #bestnine of Instagram 2016 were posted last week, it seemed fitting to post more Top 9’s. All blog-related this time – your favorite posts from 2016, and your all-time favorites. Plus, I had to choose my favorite Top 9 blogged makes from 2016 as well. Let me know if we’ve missed your favorite in the comments below!
Top 9 Thread Riding Hood Favorites of 2016:
1) Free 12 Page Quiet Book Tutorials ~ 2) Quiet Book Construction ~ 3) Perfectly Unperfect Quiet Book ~ 4) Quiet Book Cover Assembly Tutorial ~ 5) Quiet Book Page Assembly Tutorial ~ 6) Sewing Diaries – 12 Tips & Tricks for Sewing Knit Fabric ~ 7) Sewing Diaries – Tips for Sewing Thicker Fabrics ~ 8) Coiled Rope Baskets ~ 9) Sewing Diaries – Tips to Quilt on Your Machine
Top 9 Thread Riding Hood All-Time Favorites:
1) Free Quiet Book Sew Along ~ 2) Free Stuffed Animal Chair Pattern ~ 3) Free Cat-Eye Zippered Pouch Pattern ~ 4) Free Sunny Glasses Case Pattern ~ 5) Canadian Online Fabric Stores ~ 6) Quiet Book Construction ~ 7) World’s Fastest Pencil Case Tutorial ~ 8) Free Super Hero Cape Pattern ~ 9) Free Pretty Floral Divided Tote Pattern
Sherri’s Top 9 Favorite Makes of 2016:
1) Violette Easter Dresses ~ 2) Fancy Green Dress ~ 3) Chobe Bag ~ 4) Design Diva – free apron pattern ~ 5) Sweet Talk Phone Bag ~ 6) Tree Party Cargo Duffles ~ 7) Marmalade Faux Leather Jacket ~ 8) Makers Tote ~ 9) Frozen – Anna Costume
Thanks so much for your support through 2016 – Here’s to the next year!
P.S. Other year-end reviews are here if you are interested – 2013, 2014 and 2015.
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 21, 2016
I am in the middle of a sewing journey. One that begins with me not knowing anything about machine embroidery – and ends with me (hopefully) knowing better what I’m doing and sharing tips and tricks with you along the way.
As with all good journey’s this one includes a diary – so the explorers that went before can share their experiences after they have moved on to the next place. Overly dramatic, I know, but I think it works! (hee hee)
This post is sponsored by Janome Canada.
I’m treating this 3-part series as a diary of the good, the bad and the seam ripped. I’m sharing all my mistakes, things I should have done, tips for next time and the successes too! Along the way, we will learn a lot about machine embroidery together. You can also check out the Sewing Diaries – Get to Know Your Machine posts if you want more sewing machine information.
As a very honest aside… I know many of you do not have an embroidery machine. I understand that and will highlight sewing tips as well. (Including a brand new sewing tutorial next week.) If you are curious about how machine embroidery works, there are behind the scenes photos and video links!
Hello, My name is Skyline S9… Janome Skyline S9.
Ok – it’s not quite James Bond, but it comes pretty close! This combination sewing/embroidery machine has everything a maker could ask for and lots more I’ve forgotten to mention or don’t know about yet! I featured the S9 a bit in the Maker Style posts this October, but I should give you a proper introduction.
Basic Machine Embroidery Supplies
To start embroidering you will need some basic supplies.
- Embroidery Thread & Bobbin Thread
- Needles – Blue and/or Red tipped Janome needles are recommended for the Skyline S9 machine
- Stabilizers – one of about a zillion types!
More about Stabilizers…
This extra layer (or two) is used to stabilize the fabric you are embroidering. They give it more rigidity and strength, and allow the weave to hold the threads better.
I have so far liked the dissolving stabilizers since they are easy to remove and I have been making items where the back will show. This article from Threads magazine has lots of really useful information about how to choose the correct stabilizer.
Rule of Thumb: If you have a loose weave fabric or a more dense embroidery design you will need a stronger stabilizer (or more layers of a thinner one) OR If you have a dense weave you can get away with less/thinner stabilizer.
Where to Start + Some Beginner Tips
The best advice I got was to practice, practice, practice! Linda Pidzameky (from Janome) told me to start embroidering all of my dishtowels – and it’s the best advice I got. The easiest way to learn how to machine embroider is by trying it and making mistakes and trying it again.
I used an Anna Maria Horner design that looks like cross-stitch and one layer of Janome Aquasolv as the stabilizer. Since the towel fit in the embroidery hoop, I cheated and adhered it to the towel with my quilt basting spray – which seemed to work just fine!
For comparison, I also decided to embroider another dishtowel with a different design and a different stabilizer. This time I used the Unique Rinse Away I picked up at my local fabric store.
If you are curious what machine embroidery looks like, here’s a quick video I put on Instagram!
What I learned:
- The dense stitching on the “S” monogram took about 34 minutes to embroider, despite being the same size as the AMH Cross-Stitched design. The AMH embroidering took about 11 minutes.
- Both stabilizers worked well and held up great.
- It would have been good to use a top layer of stabilizer. Called a “topper”. It’s clear and disappears after the design is washed. The topper helps to hold the stitches out of the fabric weave – which is showing through the monogram a bit much for my liking. I used a topper on this towel for comparison. You can see that the stitching isn’t affected by the plush towel fibres.
By the way – the Janome Aquasolv won by a long shot! (See the photos below) My Unique Rinse Away barely disappeared. I’m hoping it will go away with more washes.
Learn from My Mistakes
My mom has a saying we use whenever one of us does something “less than smart” – we call it “dumb things I have did”. I feel like that is a good title for this section!
- Start with the Basics:Umm… what size is that design again?
- I actually managed to start embroidering the “S” monogram onto my dishtowel before I realized it was about 4 1/2″ tall! Somehow I thought it was much smaller. Oops! *face palm*
- Think it Through:Smarter stabilizing!
- I used a tear-away stabilizer for part of my Design Diva Apron embroidery. Turns out it’s a lot of work removing all those tiny pieces! Might have been simpler to use a wash-away version.
- Turn it Over:What will it look like when they see the back?
- Colour the stabilizer and bobbin to the colour of the back of your fabric. Seems like a no-brainer, but I didn’t figure this out in time and the back of my Design Diva apron has white bobbin thread and white stabilizer on navy. Argh. This also would have been a good place for a better dissolving stabilizer!
- Baste for Success:Right, until you try to remove them!
- Trust me, I know from experience! It’s much simpler to remove the basting stitches from the back than the front. The automatic tension is much looser on the back so they come out way more easily.
- Desk Depth:Check the size of your furniture!
- I just built a new sewing space, and it happens to have an 18″ deep area for the machine. Which is perfect, until your embroidery arm needs a 24″+ depth to work. Thankfully I can run the machine from my cutting table. No harm done.
Funn-est Thing of the Week
Random fun fact about the S9? LOVE that you can change the screensaver to whatever photos you want. Which means, wait for it… the sewing machine HAS a screensaver! And I changed the photos over wifi!
Wanna know what photos I used? You can find a video of it on Instagram!
Never in my life thought I’d be using a sewing machine with a screensaver and a wireless connection to anything. My tech-savy husband also thinks that’s awesome and gives it a thumbs up! (Plus he’s plotting planning all the things I can now embroider on his friends’ Christmas gift bags!)
Fabric Pull
January: Pacific Stars by Daphne Greig, 
Fabric Pull
Block 1: 
Block 3: 
Block 1: 
Block 2: 
