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.

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!

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!

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Wow me Wednesday @ Ginger Snap Crafts
All Things Thursday @ All Things With Purpose

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!

Hello everyone!  After organising my pattern collection, AGAIN, I finally decided to open my second Etsy shop.  I am busy filling it with vintage, and not-so-vintage sewing, knitting and crochet patterns.  I’ll also be listing several cross stitch charts and books, and maybe the odd kit or two.  It’s funny how quickly these things add up, and how much room they take in your sewing space! (and the closets, and the basement, and the spare room, lol) I’m very excited about my new venture, and I’m looking forward to more room in my house! For my new banner and avatar I decided to use a picture of my mom, as she was one of my greatest influences, AND she was an avid pattern collector (hoarder?) as well. She was always busy doing something, whether it be sewing, knitting or any other handcraft. Plus, it just makes me happy to see her there, like she sees what I am doing and approves.

So drop by and take a look! You may just find your next stitching project!

Stitching By Numbers on Etsy

Have a lovely day, and 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!

As I was looking through my pictures this evening I came upon this little dress.  I made it back in August for my Etsy Shop, but with all the baby excitement  and a visit with my grandmother, I completely forgot to post about it.  I think it is adorable, but then I could be just a little biased!  It sort of yells ‘SUMMER’, doesn’t it? It was so easy to make,and I’m sure I’ll make loads more for MacKensie as she grows.
I didn’t think to take pictures of the process, but it is pretty self explanatory. A regular tank top is layered with ruffles to make a dress for a toddler, or a top for an older child. The fabric is a fun baseball-esque print cotton.  I sewed the flower to a pin back, making it easier to wash, or even wear on another outfit.



I love adding fabric flowers to my projects. They just seem to add that extra little personal touch to any outfit.  I’ve been scouring the internet for more tutorials, looking for as many different ones as I can. These are a few of my favourites.

      
This is a Russian site, with links to several Kanzashi tutorials.

‘Anna’s Flower’ from Sew Ritzy Titzy

And these beautiful ribbon Peonies from Make It Do.
There are literally dozen’s of tutorial’s to be found.  The hardest part is deciding what to make first!


Join me for a party!

Will See It Wednesday
Wow Me Wednesday
Rednesday
Your Whims Wednesday
Flashback Wednesday
Anything Goes
We Did It Wednesday

Just not here.  The cool weather has been creeping in, signalling to one and all to dig out warm weather gear.  But, in my usual fashion, I’m behind the times.  I made this little outfit a few months ago, and only just listed it in my Etsy shop tonight.  Better late than never, right?  I love it.  The pink eyelet is so soft and feminine, and the twill is a cheerful combination of white, yellow and pink.  I used a vintage Simplicity pattern, (7304) that I can’t find a picture of anywhere. The pattern also includes shorts and a dress.  I made the same top for my daughter in white eyelet when she was small.


I have several more items in various stages of completion that I will soon list. (hopefully! lol)
This past weekend my daughter Hillary and her boyfriend Ben came home for a long awaited (in my eyes at least) visit.  As always it was wonderful to have them home. Ben has recently started a photography business, and was kind enough to take several pictures of MacKensie, along with her Mom and Dad.


Ben did such a fantastic job!  If you would like to see the rest of the picture’s, hop on over to Ben’s site and take a look. Just click on the first pic to start the slideshow.
http://benjamingarden.com/?page_id=260
I think they are fabulous! (Of course the little model may have had something to do with it…)


Want to go to a party? Join me here,

Wow me Wednesday
Lil' Luna Link Party
Sugar and Spice @ Seven Thirty Three
Tea Rose Home
Will See it Wednesday
What I Made Wednesday
Crafty Sasse Wednesday

St Patrick’s day is such a happy holiday!  Everyone laughs and jokes, and there are hugs all round.  (I’m not sure how much that has to do with the annual green beer, lol)  Do any of you have any grand plans for the day?  I am staying home, in my pajamas, sewing up a storm!  I have decided to boycott housework and laundry, and I may even forget where the kitchen is!  As my mom used to say, ‘Today is Every Man (or Woman!) for Himself Day’. Which meant we were all responsible for feeding ourselves! Of course, that only happened once we were teenagers.  My Mom was a firm believer in ‘Mom’s Day Off’.  A tradition I was happy to carry on.  She thought that Mom’s should have a scheduled day off,  just  like any other worker.  It is so easy to become bogged down with responsibilities and worries, that we forget to take care of ourselves.  I know how difficult it is to have time to yourself when the kids are young.  But try to take even an hour to yourself. Let your husband have a turn with the kids. (and Please don’t say they are ‘babysitting’.  Nothing annoys me more than hearing a man say he is ‘babysitting the kids’.  How can you babysit your own children?  Just sayin…) ( sorry ‘bout the rant!)  Anyway, back to you.  Start small. Take the dog for a walk.  Get your hair cut.  Just wander the mall aimlessly.  Anything to get you out and away.  If you aren’t comfortable with that, take a long bubble bath.  And  LOCK the door!  Listen to your ipod and relax.  As I said, I understand how hard this can be to arrange. (I had six little ones at once!) But you NEED  some ME time, if only for your own sanity!  It will make you so much happier,  and a happy Mommy makes happy kids. You will find yourself refreshed and more able to deal with life’s stressors. So, plan some ME  time, and see how your well being affects your family!
Well, now that I have that off my chest, I’ll show you what I originally intended to post about! (isn’t it funny how posts just seem to wander off by themselves?)    I am trying to add new stock to my etsy, and have been running my machine into the ground. I’ve made two more Peasant dresses. I still plan on adding a big flower or bow to each of them, but since the one dress fits into the theme of the day, I thought I’d post them now.

 

What do you think? I love them. The bright cheery colours and prints just make me smile.
Happy St Paddy’s day, and happy sewing!           Anne


Check my party page to see who I'm playing with this week!  https://www.amaskellantics.com/p/where-i-party.html

Alright. I am keeping an open mind. Or at least I’m trying. Even though this is what we woke up too a few days ago…

The snow was so wet and heavy that it clung to everything. One of the larger branches on this tree broke off because of the weight. (it is on our front lawn) We have had a couple of milder days since, so some of the snow has melted. But not enough!!! It snowed again today. Not much, just enough to let us know it was coming down. I really don’t think Mother Nature got the memo. THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING IS IN SIX DAYS!! (21st) Everyone is ready for it, even the die-hard winter fans.
None the less, I have been doing some sewing for Spring. It just helps to make me feel better. (as long as I don’t look outside, lol) I haven’t listed anything new in my etsy shop in a while, so I thought it was time.  These little dresses turned out so cute! I just wish I had a little girl to model them for me! I used Simplicity #5695 view B,  for both dresses.

I used coordinating fabric for them both. The first one I made is black, white and yellow.
I wasn’t completely sure about using black, but now that it’s made, I love it. The yellow in the pattern really brightens it up. When it was finished, I thought it was a little plain, so I sewed a flower onto a pin back. Making it easy to remove for washing.

I made the second one this afternoon, in coordinating yellow and white. It is so bright and cheery!

This one deserved a flower too!

I have three more of these cute little dresses cut out and ready to sew. Now I just need the time to do it!
Thanks for visiting, and have a great day ladies!     Anne

Check my party page to see the parties I'm attending!
https://www.amaskellantics.com/p/where-i-party.html

Can you believe it’s the middle of February already?  The days are just flying by.  And while I’m looking forward to Spring and warmer weather, I wish time would slow down a little.  So many things have happened in the few short weeks since the holidays, that I just need time to absorb everything before anything else happens. (good or bad!) I have managed to do a little sewing amongst the chaos.  And all of the fabrics I’ve used came from my stash, which seems to be never ending. I really have no idea where all that fabric came from.  Honestly, I have enough to rival the stock of a small fabric shop! It is way past time for me to take inventory of everything, but I just can’t motivate myself to do it.  But I’ll have to do it soon. We can barely move in our walk-in closet because I have so many stacks of fabric piled up. That doesn’t include the two triple dressers full, and the four large rubbermaid bins artfully hidden throughout the basement!  Ok, I admit it. I am a fabriholic.  I just can’t turn down a piece of fabric. Quite a bit of my fabric stash was given to me through out the years, and (blush) I just can’t pass up a sale. Especially when Fabricland has their buy one meter, get two (sometimes three!!) meters free sale.   Some of it I have no idea what I’ll do with, but I can’t bring myself to get rid of it.  Giving away perfectly good fabric seems like such a waste, and in some way gives me a feeling of failure.  I know that sounds silly, but I feel that each piece of fabric could be made into something, and I’ve failed to realize it’s potential! 
Before I ramble on any more, I’ll show you what I’ve been working on….


I’ve been making bibs, burp cloths and matching taggy blankets!

It seems to have become a new addiction…

I thought I’d do something different, and made my taggy blankets round.

Unfortunately, I took my pictures in a hurry at night, so they aren’t the best, but they get the point across.

Close up  of flowers on the bib.

They are all made with soft cotton on the front, and super soft minky on the back. I love the frayed edges! I’ve decided to call them my Shabby Chic Kids accessories, and I hope to add some items of clothing along the same lines. My own little clothing and accessory line, lol.
Before you think I’ve gone off the deep end here, I’ll let you know why I’ve made so many. Some of these will be posted in my poor neglected Etsy shop, and some of them I plan to sell at an Easter bazaar my friend Connie and I will be participating in this April.  So I guess that is my incentive to sort through my stash.  Maybe…   OK, OK, I’ll do it.  But if you don’t hear from me in a few days, please send in the rescue squad……

Rachel (my son's girlfriend) and I went to a baby shower yesterday. The couple is expecting a baby boy in a few weeks. I decided to make something cute and useful!


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