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,
#/groups/681546075211902/

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!

 

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!

 

       

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

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!

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

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!

Well.  Obviously I missed posting the rest of my makes for KCW.  Life has a funny way of intervening on even the best laid plans.  But I did sew, honest!  I sewed summer clothes for Brady, my ‘adopted’ grandson.

Four simple stash-busting tank tops, and two pairs of shorts.  I made the tops by tracing around one of his little tee’s.  Easy – peasy, and perfect for using up remnants of fabric!  On two of the tanks I serged around the edges in a contrast thread for interest.  On the other two I used  this  (scroll down on page for tutorial)  method by Carolyn of  Handmade By Carolyn  to attach the neck and armhole bands.  I find it so much easier and neater than struggling with knit ribbing or trying to hem neatly.  I’ve done this on all of my knit projects since, and will probably always will.  These two tops were made from men’s tees, and I was able to use the existing hems, making it even easier.

The shorts were made using an old Simplicity pattern that I can’t remember the number of, it’s been used so many times.  They are simple elastic waist shorts with  front pockets, easily made in about an hour.  I don’t have a picture of the little man wearing any of my creations, but I have to post one of the cutie himself!  He was too busy enjoying his cake and ice cream to smile for the camera….

Thanks for stopping by!

Are you sewing along for KCW?  This is the first time for me,  and I’m determined to sew every day. I’m still working on my stashbusting as well, so it will work out nicely. My son is dating a lovely girl with three young children, whom I refer to as my ‘adopted’ grandchildren. I have plans to sew several summer outfits for each of them, and my granddaughter MacKensie.  This afternoon I put the finishing touches on skirts for MacKensie and Lexi.  The fabric is a poly-cotton that has been in my stash for about a year. It doesn’t show very well in the pictures, but it is white with red, blue and yellow flowers and green leaves. One day I will learn to take pictures in daylight, I promise.  The colours are always so washed out otherwise! It really is quite pretty fabric,  perfect for Spring, if it ever arrives. I plan on making both girls tops in a coordinating colours, once I find something in my stash that I like for them.

I only took a picture of one skirt, because they are both the same, except for size. This one is a size five, MacKensie’s is about eighteen months. They were super easy to make and probably took me about three hours to make both. They are lined with crisp white sheeting with a lace edged tulle ruffle.  The waist has a self ruffle with a button at the center front to make it easy for little girls to put them on properly. It is difficult to see in this picture, but the little dark blob is actually a cute little charm. I found them here,  'Hand Made' charms on Ebay.

I am finding that ‘shopping’ from my stash a lot of fun. I have forgotten what lovely fabric pieces I have stashed away, and each time I search for a piece for a particular project I am thrilled with what I find. Tomorrow I plan to make a top and shorts for Lexi, with remnants from  this  outfit I made for MacKensie before she was born.

Happy Stitching!

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Have you seen the  "You Can't Judge An Ugly Vintage Pattern By It's Cover"  party at  Simple Simon and Co.?   The idea behind the party is that many ‘ugly’ vintage patterns may have some redeeming qualities if you look hard enough.  That is absolutely true. Fashions change over the years, but many things stay the same or return in some shape or form.  Vintage patterns are a fabulous way to bring the past to life, and to put your own spin on current fashion trends.
As a vintage pattern seller, it is easy to say that I have at least 1000+ patterns on hand at a time.  There is usually something on the pattern that can be used, a skirt, a dress or top, even a sleeve style or collar can be adapted to another current pattern. Vintage patterns carry a wealth of information that newer patterns don’t.  Sewing techniques, tips and style ideas abound.
But sometimes, it is very difficult to see the positive for the all to obvious negatives in a pattern.

At first glance, this 1985 Vogue 9238 Maternity pattern looks shapeless and ugly.  But lets look at it a different way.  The skirt is a simple shape that is very wearable today.  The pants are a little short, but that isn’t a big problem, just lengthen the hem!  The vest, well, maybe we’ll leave that out of our wardrobe.  On to the tunic/dress.   Take a look at this current pattern,  Vogue 8771.

Anything look familiar?  The sleeves!  Granted there is a slight difference in shape, but overall the style is the same.  Shape the sides of the tunic from our vintage pattern  and pair it with a belt and skinny pants. You have a totally up-to-date look!
Moving on to our next pattern,  Butterick 6319.  Look past the 80’s hair and headband, and what do you see?  Flashdance?  A bad 80’s exercise class?

Lets look again. Look at the components individually.  A basic tank top or tankini top shape, a basic underwear or bathing suit bottom, tights or leggings, a basic tee.  Keep in mind that the pattern pieces can be altered slightly to change the fit and style, and the possibilities are almost endless!
At the beginning of this post I said that most vintage patterns have some redeeming qualities.  Most.  Not ALL.  The last pattern I’m going to show you is a 90’s Butterick 4820 Maternity pattern.  If you can see the potential in this pattern, please let me know. It is one of the few patterns I have ever come across in the 1000’s of patterns I’ve owned that just screams  ‘WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?’  I don’t know about you, but when I was pregnant I FELT like a beachball.  I didn’t want to LOOK like one too! This is my entry to Simple Simon's ugly pattern contest.

So now you can see the advantages of a vintage pattern.  Look past the poor illustrations or photos on the covers of some of them, and look at the ‘bones’ of the pattern. Everything may not be as it seems at first glance.  I like to look at the line drawings first (usually found on the back of the envelope) to see what you are really getting.  Let your imagination soar!
To find your perfect vintage sewing pattern, go to my shop,  Stitching By Numbers,  or check out one of the fabulous vintage pattern shops of my Etsy teamies from  Pattern Patter!  Please check out our shops on Wednesday March 20th, for our HUGE BLITZ PATTERN SALE for 20% off in my shop and others!

Happy Stitching!

The Stashbusting theme for March is sewing for the season change.  I sewed this little outfit for my granddaughter in February, but no matter, it fits the theme!  I have a few more items that I’m anxious to sew for her for the coming warmer weather that I’m hoping to get to soon.  I love this little outfit!

Unfortunately Iphone pictures at ten o’clock at night in the bathroom aren’t all that flattering.  Surprisingly enough,  the colours are fairly close to the real thing.  The only difference is that the pinks are closer in colour than they appear.

I used Butterick 5017,  but added ruffles to the pants.

The fabric is adorable.  MacKensie loves cows,  so the little cows on the fabric are a hit.  The pink and white polka dot fabric is cut from a pillowcase,  also from my stash.  These little outfits don’t take alot of fabric, but every bit counts in my stashbusting quest!

Happy Stitching!

To learn more about the stashbusting challenge, click the button in my sidebar and join in!

My daughter LOVES scarves. In the colder months I don’t think she is ever without one.  So I thought I’d use my stash busting as an excuse to make one…… or three for her!
The first one is made from a soft, pretty knit with sequin swirls on the fabric.  Although it looks brown in the picture, it is actually a lovely shade of grey, one of her favourite colours.

The second is made from an ultra soft knit, a black back ground with white/grey accents.
The third is made from a cosy ivory sweater knit. I actually made two in this fabric, one is for her friend.

Unfortunately I miscalculated with the ivory scarves and made them a tad short, so they are more like a long cowl instead of infinity scarves like the others.  But my daughter was still able to wrap hers twice around her neck, so they aren’t too bad.
In total I made four infinity scarves in under two hours and was able to use about two and a half meters of fabric. I call that a win win!
Happy Stitching!


Join me at these parties!

Wow Me Wednesday @ Ginger Snap Crafts
Lil' Luna Link Party
What We Wore, Read, and Made Link Party @ Rae Gun Ramblings
Made By Me Wednesday @ JACS Studio
Whimsy Wednesday @ The Melrose Family
Look What I Made @ Creations By Kara
We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado