Pattern review: The curvy clutch/ Hand Felted clutch

I made this clutch in my textile class last year in December. I used the Curvy clutch pattern I found on Etsy to create it. I was so busy last year with finals that I never got to show off my work that I made in class.

Inspiration for clutch flap

 

 

Size: This Pattern was easy and quick to make. The pattern comes in three sizes small, medium, and large. I made the small clutch.

 

Fabric Used: I had so much fun creating this pattern. I hand felted the outer fabric for the clutch with Alpaca fibers. The inspiration for the flap design was a maze. I created it by cutting the design out of a sample piece of felt, then I needle felted the design to the clutch. The lining is quilting cotton from Joann's



 

Alteration: I changed the strap and sewn it to the clutch instead of  inserting a D-ring. I also did not do the top stitching because the fabric was to thick for my sewing machine.

 

In conclusion: The pattern is great for beginners. I would defiantly make it again in a satin or taffeta for special occasions.

Thrift-O-Rama

 This week I went thrifting for some furniture for my sewing/ bedroom. And Oh my gosh, I could not believe all the amazing things I found.  First I walked in the store and the first thing I seen was this lovely bookshelf. I purchased this bookshelf for only 18 dollars!



 

I loved their stash bin. The store had a small bin filled with fabric. I had went crazy, all the fabric was a dollar a yard.I felt like the luckiest girl in the world at that point. I purchased majority of the fabric that was there. Anyway here's everything I purchased.

I purchased my first knitting needles this week,because I have been learning how to knit at school. So I was excited when I ran across 4 bundles of yarn for 2 dollars at the thrift store.

 

Last I purchased this cute teddy bear tin.

 

 



Check out my etsy

I am currently selling vintage sewing patterns on Etsy for a reasonable price. I would love for you check it out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sewcool21

Janome Sew Mini review

This is the Janome sew mini. This is a sewing machine my parents bought for my younger sister for Christmas. I use this machine to teach her how to sew. The sewing machine prices from 50-70 dollars.

Features
- drop in bobbin
-4 Straight stitch lengths
- 3 zig-zag widths
-Straight stitch also available in left needle position.

Things I like...
-I like how light weight and portable this sewing machine is. This sewing machine is small enough to fit on my sisters desk and still have enough space to maneuver the fabric.

-The sewing machine is quiet.

-I does its job, the stitches are neat and the machine runs smoothly.

-Awesome beginners sewing machine, great for small projects.

- kid friendly, my 12 year old sister loves it and makes doll clothes all  the time on it!

Things I don't like...
-The stitches are very tiny. Stitch D looks like a basting stitch on the machine but I could not even get my seam ripper under it. I was very disappointed about the stitch length.

-  small foot petal. I wish they made it a little bigger.

-no seam guide

Update 2/27/2013
A year later the machine has stopped working; My sister was using the sewing machine daily to sew felt and cotton for her beginners sewing class.  I would recommend this sewing machine for scrapbooking and lightweight fabrics only.

Here is an image of the Stitches

Mccall 6327

This is McCall 6327  in view A. It is a simple elastic skirt with an asymmetrical overlay. This skirt is perfect for the spring/summer time.

Pattern size: I made a size 14, which is one size smaller than the recommended size on the envelope. The fit was perfect.

Fabric used: I found some lilac cotton from Joann's and thought it would be perfect for this skirt.

pattern alterations: There was no pattern alteration. This pattern was really quick and easy to sew. I finished the hem with a serged narrow hem.

Conclusion: This is cute and easy pattern to sew for the summer .  I enjoyed sewing it and will probably make in again in a print.

College color blocked Jacket

  This is color blocked jacket I made for my school fashion show. The theme of the fashion show is 60's mod, which was the style I was trying to achieve with this jacket. I made this jacket from some mystery fabric at Walmart on sale for two dollars. The jacket was made from a size 10 sloper my teacher created. The only changes I did to the sloper was lengthen the jacket by six inches and add button loop.

Problem with the Jacket

The only problem I had was all the puckering in the sleeve area. Easing the sleeves was a pain in the butt.I had to ease the whole sleeve in to the armhole. I did everything I could think of to reduce the puckering. It was just way to much ease in the sleeve. Other than that, the jacket came together well.

Favorite Summer/Spring Patterns

This Summer/Spring I have have been amazed at how well the pattern companies are staying on trend. I have nothing to say but good tings about this seasons collection.

Let start with McCall's Patterns.

McCall 6569

  You can not start the summer without a great swim suit and I am in love with this one. This is McCall 6569 in view C.  What really draws me to this swimsuit is the rouching on the sides to help my slim out  problem areas.

McCall's 6562

This summer I have been obsessing over everything that is off the shoulder. I do not think I will make the views with the straps but I do want the other three views in my summer wardrobe. I am already imagining this top looking great with some bold  colored skinnies with a great pare of summer flats.

This is McCall's 6518 it is from their spring collection. I absolutely adore this dress , it is so sophisticated and flirty. One detail I really like about this dress is the waist band it really give the illusion of a smaller waist.

Simplicity Patterns

This top is so stylish. I love the shoulder details in view F. One of my biggest fears is sewing knits.Only thing I ever work with is woven fabrics. So hopefully It will work out well and I will be brave enough to sew this Pattern.

This dress was love at first sight for me. I have been searching everywhere for a cute party peplum dress pattern. I just love everything about this pattern. I love the shape of it and I think it would look really cool if it was made with an ombred satin or polyester.