Free Pattern!

Our team blog Pattern Patter is offering a new free pattern! Make yourself a pair of fabulous mid-century gloves to match your favorite vintage 1950's or 50's outfit. Follow the link for your free pattern.

http://patternpatter.blogspot.ca/2015/02/free-pattern-friday-gloves.html

Pattern courtesy of the Vintage Pattern Collective

Happy Stitching!

A History Lesson....

Have you ever wondered who invented the paper sewing pattern? I certainly have! Check out this awesome post by Mary Beth from Retro Monkeys Vintage Sewing Patterns on our Team Blog,
Pattern Patter.

The History of Paper Sewing Patterns - part one

The History of Paper Sewing Patterns Part Deux

Happy Stitching!

A New Year, A New Direction

Many of the lovely writers of sewing blogs I read are claiming their 'word' for the year. At first I didn't really understand why. After thinking about it for a few weeks, I think I understand, and I've decided to join them. Unfortunately I don't know who started the trend, so if someone reading this does, I'd love to know. Anyway, my word for the year is Family.  2014 was incredibly sad and painful, but I have to also say that there was an over abundance of love and at times, joy. In the weeks and months after my husband's death, my family and friends rallied around me, showing me what true love really is. They have and still are supporting me on this journey of grief and discovery of my new reality. I have good days and bad days, and there is always someone near to help.  I'll be forever grateful to my children, my family and my dear friends, including the wonderful women on my Pattern Patter team, for being there for me through it all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all.
In the coming weeks I hope to get myself on track again, with my sewing and my pattern shop. I've been doing some of each but not really applying myself wholeheartedly. I just haven't had the desire to do my best, and have lost the drive to do anything almost as soon as I start. But for my own sanity I have to force myself to return to the things I've always loved to do. I'll be taking baby steps, but that is better than none at all.
I'll leave you with a photo of my greatest joy, my granddaughter Mackensie,

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Of Love and Loss

I don’t know how to write this post. I don’t want to write it. But, I am told that writing it out will help me feel better in some way, as if the simple act of putting words to paper will take my pain away. I know it won’t. The pain is too deep and all consuming. Three weeks ago on May 19, my husband passed away. It was not expected. It was a total, utter shock, that has not stopped. Three weeks ago tonight, he simply went to sleep and drifted away from me. He felt no pain, he had no idea what was happening. His heart simply stopped. He was only 59 years old. I still don’t believe it, it is too unreal. But deep inside I know it is real. I know it happened and he is gone from my life forever. I didn’t think I could endure this much pain and continue to survive, to function. But, I am, because I have no other choice. I thank God all of my grown children are here with me, because I don’t want to be alone. But I am alone, in a house full of people, for the first time in twenty years.

The last thing we did together was laugh. I am grateful for that. I take comfort in knowing that our last moments together were joyous. I don’t remember if I told him I loved him that night, or even that day. I hope I did. But I know that he knew I did, just as I know how much he loved me.  That is one of the things I am grateful for. I have always felt secure in his love for me. I never had any cause to doubt it. 

My mind is in turmoil, jumbled with memories and questions. So many questions. Why didn’t I see any signs? Why didn’t I wake up? Could I have done something to save him? Why on that night of all nights had he slept in another room? (he had back trouble and didn’t want to disturb my sleep with his tossing and turning) I’ll never have any answers.

I want so desperately to talk to him. To just be with him.

All I can do is to write here the same thing I said most nights when we went to bed.

Good night honey. I love you.

 

 

A Little Bit of Black and White for Spring

So. In my usual dedication to my plans, I went in a totally different direction with my sewing than I had planned.  Last night I cut out a sundress and two pairs of lace leggings for my granddaughter to be sewn up today.  I was ready to sew - actually at the machine - when a flash of black and white caught my eye peaking out from under a pile of fabric.  About a year ago I found a black and white valance at the thrift store, still in it’s packaging.  The cute strip of gingham across the middle was the deciding factor.  That and the 25 cent price tag. I planned to take it home and make a skirt out of it for Mackensie.  But as usual my plans changed, I moved on to another project and the valance languished amongst all the other forgotten pieces of loveliness in my fabric chest. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I found another piece of fun black and white fabric covered in horses, in a pile of fabric given to me by a friend.  Mackensie loves horses, so I knew it would be well received when sewn up.  Again I had big plans, again they were forgotten. Beginning to see a pattern here?  Well today was the day.  I only had enough of the horse fabric to cut out a bodice, so I used some polka dot remnants for the sleeves.  I made a simple peasant blouse which I think pairs perfectly with the gathered skirt I made from the valance.  I love that the patterns are different on each piece, but fit together so well. I was surprised and happy to see that the black on each fabric was the same. Black can be so hard to match.   Mackensie loves the outfit.  Not just for the horses, but the twirly skirt. The most important item of clothing in a two year old’s wardrobe!  I think this little outfit will be adorable paired with a red cardi, or any other bright colour for that matter.

Tomorrow we move on to day three of KCW.  Have you made grand plans?  I have. I have a sundress and two pairs of lace leggings to sew. But wait………what is the lovely piece of red fabric I see dancing in the corner of the sewing table…
Happy Stitching!

KCW Day One

I thought for the first day of KCW it would be a good idea to finish up two dresses that I started a couple of weeks ago for my granddaughter Mackensie. I was itching to start a new project, but I knew that if I did I would just push these dresses aside and think ‘I’ll finish them later’ and forget all about them until I want her to wear one of them. Do you do that too? I get near to the end of a project and am already thinking of the next one. The anticipation of starting a new project can be overwhelming and the lure of beautiful fabric and adorable patterns hard to resist! But, I managed to restrain myself and was able to finish both dresses this afternoon. I also cut out two pairs of stretch lace leggings and another sundress that I will sew up tomorrow.

Happy stitching!

Are You Ready?

I am, just about! Tomorrow is the first day of the 2014 Spring/Fall edition of Kids Clothes Week.  For the first time ever there is a theme, Mini Me.  Although I can’t promise that my makes will be mini versions of my own wardrobe, (which is one of the guidelines but not mandatory) I plan to have fun making items for my lovely granddaughter that I would wear if I could. Strappy spring and summer dresses in bright beautiful fabrics, and a few other things that I think will be welcome additions to a busy two year old’s wardrobe. Everything I plan to make will be from stash fabrics and notions, which gives me plenty of choices!

Today I plan to organise my fabric and patterns and cut things out ready to sew. Since Mackensie insists in wearing dresses nearly every day the bulk of my sewing will be dresses and skirts and tops. I also plan to make a pair or two of stretch lace leggings to wear with dresses and skirts while the weather is still too cold for bare legs. I’d also like to make a bolero or two to wear with her strappy sundresses, to protect her little shoulders from the sun, and for when the air-conditioning is a little cool at her daycare.

What are your plans?

 

                          

                                                    To read more about KCW look here!

 

It's BLITZ Day!

Follow this link for a list of participating shops!

https://www.etsy.com/teams/9565/pattern-patter/discuss/13798073/page/2

or go directly to my shop for a 20% discount on your order,

https://www.etsy.com/shop/stitchingbynumbers?ref=si_shop

February Freeze Pattern Patter Team Blitz

Hello! Are you enjoying this wonderful winter weather? (cough, cough)  If you are like me and would rather be inside sewing than outside freezing, make a plan to join me and my Pattern Patter teammates this coming Saturday February 8th, for our mega Pattern Blitz sale! There will be 100's of new listings of vintage and newer sewing and craft patterns. Many shops will be featuring special discounts for the sale. I'm sure you'll find several patterns that you love, that will keep you inside sewing something fabulous!

My shop, Stitching By Numbers, will be featuring a 20% discount on everything in the shop. Just remember to add the code 'BLITZ' at checkout. See you there!

Christmas Recap in January

With the new year well underway, I thought I would carry on my tradition of being late to the party. After the whirlwind of the holidays, I was just too exhausted to even think about posting. My fibro kicked in with a vengeance and I spent a few days relaxing, reading other’s blogs and planning the many sewing projects I want to do.
We had a wonderful family filled Christmas, with lots of good food, great company and merriment.



My granddaughter MacKensie decorated gingerbread cookies for the first time, and was quite thrilled with the outcome!




There were Christmas concerts at church,



Please forgive the awful picture quality, quick pictures with my phone were all I could manage. MacKensie is second from the left in the top row. They were all so adorable, singing Jingle Bells while shaking their bells. They all wore their jammies for the performance, adding to the cuteness!
I hope your holidays were as wonderful as ours, and I wish all the best for you and your families for the new year!
Happy Stitching!

Sweet Ruby Jane

Sweet Ruby Jane is undergoing open heart surgery today. To show our love and support bloggers are being asked to post pictures of hearts all over the internet.

For more information see the Love for Ruby Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/681546075211902/

A Purple Dress and Stupid Mistakes

Do you ever make sewing mistakes that are so stupid, you can’t believe you did it? I do. OFTEN. You’d think I’d learn. But no.  My Fibro brain was going full force when I cheerfully sewed the wrong piece of elastic to the pair of pj pants I was making.  Naturally I thought everything was fine. I attached the elastic to the top of the pants, after carefully measuring and ironing a quarter inch fold over. Then I folded the elastic and fabric down and sewed again. As I was mentally patting myself on the back, I noticed a forlorn piece of elastic glaring at me from beside my sewing machine. I looked at the pants, only to see a waistline fit for an elephant, not a two year old boy. It was four inches too big. That poor pair of pants sat reproachfully on my cutting table for two days, until this evening when I couldn’t avoid them any longer. The elastic had to come out. Forty-five minutes later the offending elastic was gone. Have I mentioned how much I hate unpicking? Especially when it is a pair of navy blue flannelette jammies, with matching thread.   Elastic casings are starting to look better and better.

And another thing. On Sunday evening I wrote a post about the swoon cardi I made for my step-granddaughter. I was being lazy and wrote it up using Blogger, instead of Windows Live Writer like I usually do. Apparently Blogger was having issues and refused to save or post my post. I tried for over an hour to make it work, then finally copied and pasted my post onto WLW. Problem solved, right? Wrong. About an hour later I checked my home page for something, and nearly cried. The post I had worked so hard on, was exactly the same as the post I had written before it. Lesson learned. If you are going to be any length of time between writing posts, check your last post!  In case you are wondering, I deleted the first post. I can make a fool out of myself very easily. I don’t need my blog to make it glaringly obvious to the world thank you very much.

 

Next on the agenda, a purple re-fashioned dress for my step-granddaughter. I love a fast and easy project. Lexi  loves purple. I found this long sleeved tee for $1.00 on clearance at a local store. I knew I wanted to make a dress, but I didn’t really have anything suitable colour wise, and I didn’t really want to use quilting cotton. I found the perfect tie neck top in my closet. It is hard to tell on a monitor, but the purple flowers are exactly the same colour as the tee. It looks like the sleeves are incredibly long in the photos, but they aren’t.

 

PicMonkey isn’t co-operating at the moment, so I haven’t been able to edit my pictures yet.

 

 

The skirt is the bottom of the top, and I used the neck ties for the front waistband and ties in the back.  I thought it looked a little plain, so I made matching yoyos and sewed them to the bodice with a little added bling.

 

 

I think it turned out cute. Lexi loves and and it fits perfectly. Proof that occasionally I can do something right!

 

Until next time,  Happy Stitching!

 

Upcycled Christmas Tee

Hello again!  Are you ready for Christmas? I’m not even close. The decorations are up, some of the baking is done, and I’ve sewn a few gifts. By this time every year I am starting to panic, worrying that I’ll never be ready on time. But when Christmas Eve rolls around, I realize many of the things I thought were important aren’t. All that really matters is that we are together as a family. So this year I have decided to enjoy the days leading up to Christmas, and not worry about the little things that don’t get done. They don’t really matter anyway.

While raiding my stash a few days ago I came across the top from an old pair of my Christmas pj’s. It was bright red, with an embroidered tree on the front. It was big enough to cut out a who tee for MacKensie, but I also found some soft white knit that would work perfectly.

 

 She was busy watching Santa on t.v, and wasn’t impressed when Nanny wanted her to pose for pictures, hence the grumpy face.

I used the Bimaa Sweater pattern by Lou Bee Clothing on Etsy. I cut the neckline higher and sewed a rib knit collar. I think the shoulder seams look high because it is a heavier weight fabric. I cut around the tree on the old tee and sewed it to the new one with a decorative stitch (little hearts). It’s funny, my machine has several decorative stitches on it but I never think to use them. I think it worked perfectly here. I have made the Bimaa several times, and I know I will use it many more times in the future. I think I had better cut a size larger next time. MacKensie is growing like a weed!

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

 

       

Sewing Swoon

Hello! I bet all two of my readers have been biting their nails, anxiously waiting for me to write a post. Well, wait no longer, here it is! Although I haven't been posting, I have been sewing, and not just for Christmas. Although as usual, I've taken on too much, planning massive sewing sessions with handmade gifts for everyone. But, that's another post.

I recently purchased the Scarf Neck Cardi patterns (women's sizes S - 2XXL and girl's sizes 3/4 up to 9/10) from Swoon Patterns. I have made both a woman's cardi, and one for one of my granddaughters in size 4. The pattern is a quick and easy sew. The front princess seams give the cardi more shape, and the irregular pointed hem is a nice design feature. The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the lack of a facing for the shawl collar. On the cardi that I sewed for my granddaughter, I left all of the edges raw. On the woman's version, I hemmed the collar and hems by hand. (which seemed to take forever) It worked well on this version because it was made from a textured sweater knit and the stitches were hidden. I wouldn't hem one made from jersey or tee shirt fabric because it would show and I think look messy. A raw edge looks great on some items, but not others. The next time I make one in a lighter weight fabric, I may cut the front panel/shawl collar twice to make a facing. I know that it will hang a little differently, but I think it will give the cardi a much cleaner finish. The only other thing that I noticed on the women's pattern, is that the arms seem long. Just measure before you cut and you will be fine. Other than sleeve length, the fit seems spot on. All in all, I would recommend this pattern, for a quick satisfying project for beginners and seasoned sewers alike.

In my infinite wisdom, I forgot to photograph the ladies cardi. It is sitting on my work table, waiting patiently for me to hem the sleeves. I'm going to have to finish it up in the next day or so because it is a Christmas gift for my Nan, who lives 2000 miles away.

I made my granddaughter's cardi from a light weight super soft jersey and some faux sequin fabric, both from my stash.

I'm not to thrilled about the cheap faux sequins, but 5 year old Lexi is all about the bling, and she is thrilled. Oh well, I'll just call it a wearable muslin and be happy about it.

Next up is a sweet little upcycled Christmas tee for MacKensie. Until then, Happy Sewing!

Come party with me!

Block Party #16 at Making The World Cuter

Much Ado About Monday at Huckleberry Love

Stitching By Numbers

I have decided to re-name my blog. (Obviously!)  I've never really liked 'Anne's Antic's', right from the
 beginning. When I started my blog I had no idea what to call it, I couldn't come up with a cute name, no
 matter how hard I tried. It became Anne's Antic's by default, even though I knew what I would write here could hardly be described as antics. I have decided to call my blog 'Stitching By Numbers', the same name that I gave my Etsy shop when I opened in 2012. I feel that this name better describes me and what I do, in sewing and my shop. I sell Vintage and Newer (or 'not-so-vintage') sewing, knitting and craft patterns. I love it, although I have not been able to work on it as much as I would like lately. I literally have hundreds of patterns, and the number is growing. I belong to a fantastic team on Etsy, called Pattern Patter. I have never known a friendlier, more helpful group of women. Everyone helps each other. There is no 'I'm only in it for me!' on this team. We are all there for the same reason - to promote our own and each other's shops and to sell patterns. I am proud to be a team member. Throughout the year we have 'BLITZ' sales, in which we all post or renew as many patterns as we can in one day. This benefits you, the customer, because many of my teamies and I have fantastic sales and discounts on that day. I will be offering a 20% discount with the coupon code 'BLITZ' on sale day.  Our next 'BLITZ' is November 29th, Black Friday, with some shops carrying the sale through to Monday.  So please stop by - you may find your next stitching project in my shop or in one of my teamies shops.

                                       
                          Click  HERE to see new team patterns as they are listed the day of the sale!
                                                 Don't miss the best sale of the season!


Happy Stitching!

Sassy Knit Peplum Tank

You know how once in a while you stumble upon a sewing pattern that seems to be just about perfect?  One that you wonder how you ever got along without it?  Well, a few weeks ago I bought the  ‘Sassy Knit Peplum Tank’  an instant download PDF sewing pattern from  Cole's Corner Creations on Etsy, and I absolutely LOVE it.  I’ve made it seven times already!  I bought the size 1 –7 and have made sizes 3, 4 and 5.  I have found that the sizing runs a little small, so I cut up one size and it fits perfect.  Then I then went back and purchased the same pattern for sizes 8 – 16, because you never know when you might have to wip up a Birthday gift or something. (that sounds so much better than ‘just because’ lol)  This pattern is so quick and easy to sew you’ll find yourself making several. Once I started I couldn’t stop. Even with the peplum it doesn’t take much fabric,  making it a great scrap buster. I used fabric left over from other projects, remnants and tee shirts to make mine. The only problem I had was the neck and armhole bindings, but that was my error, not the pattern’s. I stretched where I shouldn’t have and it made them a little loose, but not enough that I wanted to unpick and re-do them.  It is such a pleasure to work with a pattern that comes together so easily and so nicely.  It makes me want to sew even more!  I just wish it came in my size!




I made each one a little different, varying the trims and bindings. The peplum can be made lined or unlined.  I lined them with coordinating fabrics for that added pop of colour. Instead of hemming the unlined peplums I added ric rac or trim to the hemline, making it even faster and easier! Don’t you just love the cute high low hem?

I am thinking of lengthening the peplum and turning the top into a dress. I think it would be adorable.  I can’t say enough good things about this pattern, and look forward to trying more of  Cole's Corner Creation's  patterns!  And since everything looks better on a cute little girl, I’ll leave you with this…… my little ‘adopted’ granddaughter hamming it up for the camera.

So do yourself a favour and hop on over to Cole's Corner Creations and pick up your copy today. You won’t be sorry!
Happy Stitching!

I am not affiliated with Cole’s Corner Creations, I am just extremely happy with this pattern!

Join me at these parties,

Create and Share at Trendy Treehouse
Wow me Wednesday @ Ginger Snap Crafts
All Things Thursday @ All Things With Purpose

MMM, Cake!

I meant to write this post just after my birthday, (in March!!) but never got around to it.  My oldest son baked me a cake!  Not just any cake, but an honest to goodness scratch cake!  I was thrilled, and so proud of him.  I’m not sure what recipe he used for the cake itself,  just a simple white cake that he then filled with real whipped cream and loads of fresh strawberries.  The crowning glory was the topping.  Marshmallow fondant.  I had never heard of it before.  Again, I’m not sure of the recipe he used, but it was pretty much the same as this one.  He said it was really very easy to make, and tasted delicious.  It was also much easier to work with than regular fondant. Enough talk, on to the pictures!

I was in my sewing room when he gave it to me.

And the inside……

Would you like a piece?

I tried to get a picture of him smiling into the camera, but it just wasn’t going to happen. He is just too shy.

Didn’t he do a fabulous job? You would never guess it was the first one he had ever made.  He had so much fun doing it that he has made a few more for other occasions.  He also loves to cook, and often makes dinner for the family.  Isn’t he wonderful? Thanks again Adam, I love you!

Thanks for reading!