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

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!

I'm so excited that Julia and Cori from Blue Eyed Blessings and Crocheted Little Things have asked me to be co-host for their weekly blog hop! If you like a great party, (I know I do!) join us all in the fun!

All I can say is that the lovely sunshine and warmer weather has addled my brain.  Last night I received an email from the lovely Julia and Cori at Blue eyed Blessings, letting me know that I had been chosen to co-host their fun blog party on Wednesday!  Well… for some strange reason, I thought last night was Wednesday evening, and I had missed it!  So, I sent Julia and Cori an email apologising for missing the party. I even went so far as to check out their site, to see what I had missed.  Imagine my surprise when I couldn’t find the party at all!  At that point I thought, ok, maybe I’m not the only one who missed it. (Ok, maybe I was just hoping…) Fast forward to this morning.  (Yes, today is actually Wednesday)  I popped over to Blue Eyed Blessings, just to see what was going on.  And… my stomach dropped. There was the party. Needless to say, I feel like a complete fool. I can only imagine what Julia and Cori thought when they read my email.  (I’m seriously considering hiding under a rock..)   The only good thing is, I didn’t miss the party! I want to thank Julia and Cori for choosing me to co-host this week. (and I better enjoy it, because with my track record, I don’t think there will be many more offers coming my way, lol)  Pop on over to Blue Eyed Blessings and check out their fun site, and see the awesome bows they have in their etsy shop.  And now, on to the party!  Make sure to link up your blog and online shop, visit other blogs and shops, and have fun!

Handmade Wednesday Store & Blog Hop *Week 13*

Welcome to Week 13 of the Handmade Wednesday Store & Blog Hop hosted by Blue Eyed Blessings and Crocheted Little Things!




Are you trying to get your Crafty Blog and/or Store off the ground?

Looking for more followers for your crafty related blogs?

Looking for more people to “favorite” your store?

Are you looking for new hip and original crafty stores?

If you said yes, to any of the above questions, you’re in the right spot!

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This weeks CO-HOSTS
Each week we’ll spotlight one Etsy Blog & Etsy Site picked at random via Random.org to be included in the next week’s Wednesday Handmade Store & Blog Hop Link

Blog,  Anne's Antics (Me! Yipee!)






{Store} Penny and Paper ETSY Store