
Monday, February 9, 2015
Free Pattern!

Thursday, February 5, 2015
A History Lesson....
Pattern Patter.
The History of Paper Sewing Patterns - part one
The History of Paper Sewing Patterns Part Deux
Happy Stitching!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Sassy Knit Peplum Tank







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
Friday, March 15, 2013
What Were They Thinking?
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!

Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Stitching By Numbers
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!
Have a lovely day, and happy stitching!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Handmade Wednesday Store and Blog Hop!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Red White and Blue
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
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
It’s Summer Somewhere in the World……


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
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St Patrick’s Day!
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
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Spring?

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 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
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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……
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Baby Stuff








FOLLOWERS