13 Jun
DIY Sewing, Uncategorized

My Quilted Dress with FreeSpirit Fabrics

The Background When I received my Fat Quarter Bundle of Valori Wells Murmur Fabrics by FreeSpirit Fabrics, I knew immediately what I was going to do with them (they were gifted to me). I had had a vision of a quilted dress for ages. This pack contained so many fun designs and colors that were perfect for doing some color-blocking, patch working, or quilting (whichever term you prefer--- essentially the same thing) on the Saraste Dress by Named Clothing. I chose...

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12 Feb
Color and Design, DIY Sewing

Patchwork Color-blocking is like Painting!

You all know I was first an artist before I became a sewist right? Until last year when I started sewing all my clothes, I made more paintings than clothes for myself (but pleeennnty for my kids). When I started sewing more, I wanted it to fill the same creative need as painting. I've done that in different ways in the past 6 months. Besides real paint on the fabric, or designing fabric digitally, I have enjoyed painting WITH fabric. That's right. I'm calling patchwork, quilting and color-blocking.... paint-with-fabric. That's what it feels like to me!...

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22 Jan
DIY Sewing, Uncategorized

Adding Detail to your Pants!

Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Patterns in Cone Mills Denim from Threadbare Fabrics So you've decided to make yourself some pants. Maybe you decided to use some fairly neutral-colored fabric. If you'd like to add some details that make them a bit more special, unique, or slightly more exciting, this is the post for you. When I am sewing something in a less "exciting" color I always think to myself, "How can I make these a little more special and have my signature hand?" or "How can I give...

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