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!

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

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!

As I said in my last post, I’ve made two new outfits for my granddaughter MacKensie, using vintage patterns.  I LOVE vintage patterns!  The styles seem so much cuter than many of the current patterns. (although I do use them too)  The first outfit I made was of a very fine, extremely soft baby wale corduroy. The colour is hard to describe, it is sort of a soft brown with a slight sheen, but it looks different in pictures. I also made a pale green tee shirt to go with it.

(ack! I knew my camera pics weren’t great, but I didn’t think they were this bad. Time to get my camera fixed!)
I used these patterns,

Simplicity 8939 from 1970, in size 1
Simplicity 5706 from 1973, in size 1
They were both very easy to sew, and I’m sure I’ll use them again.  The second outfit I used Simplicity 8939 to make the pants in a lovely aqua cord, and fashioned my own little top/tunic in micro fleece to match. Please disregard the old, stained onesie underneath!

Oh! I wish these pictures were better! The aqua colour is so vibrant and bright, the photos don’t do it justice. Oh well, you get the idea anyway.
I guess I should have said I made three outfits, but I forgot all about this last set. I cut out this little top and pair of shorts last summer and never got around to sewing them. No matter, now she has a new set for this year!

All in all, I think I’ve done fairly well with my stash busting this month. With these items alone I used up 7 pieces of stash fabric, (includes lining for jumper) or about 4 meters. I still have a few more items to blog about in the next few days, so my total is rising and my stash is (slowly) going down!
Until next time, Happy Stitching!


Join me at these linky parties!

Look What I Made @ Creations By Kara
We Did It Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
Wow Me Wednesday @ GingerSnap Crafts
Lil' Luna Wednsday Link Party
What We Wore, Read, and Made Link Party: Seuss Features Edition @ Rae Gun Ramblings
Made By Me @ Jaqs Studio

In my usual fashion, I’m posting something that I made for my granddaughter a few weeks late.  A whole season late! I made this little romper for MacKensie way back in July! I used a piece of cotton blend fabric that I’ve had in my stash for years. I wasn’t too sure I’d like the romper when it was finished, so I used a fabric that I wasn’t worried about wasting. To my surprise and delight, it is cute after all!

I made a size 1, and it fit perfectly.  The pattern doesn’t recommend the the bum ruffles, but when you have such a cute little bum to dress, why skimp on ruffles? If I ever make it again, I will lower the front neckline slightly, and maybe leave out the elastic at the ‘waist’.  The elastic seems to sit so high on the body that to me it looks strange. 


Isn’t she adorable? I may be slightly biased, but not much. Isn’t it amazing how quickly babies grow and change?  These photos were taken in mid-July. A month later she looked like this!



Join me at these great parties!

Happy Hour Friday @ Happy Hour Projects
Feature Friday @ Blissful and Domestic
Friday Fun Party @ Craftionary
Financial Friday @ The Grant Life

These little tops have several names, bubble tops, peasant tops, or as we grew up calling them, Angel tops. Most likely because the little sleeves resemble angel’s wings. But in this case, I would say it is because the wearer (is that a word?) resembles a sweet little angel!



You can just see the little curls starting to form around her ears. I think she is destined to have thick, curly hair like the rest of us!
These little tops are so easy to make, and use very little fabric. I made four of them in a couple of hours, using scraps left over from other projects.





They are also light weight and cool for summer.  I plan on making several diaper covers in neutral colours to wear with them.
Do you ever have so many things on your list of things to sew that you can’t choose your next project?  I have so many patterns and ideas for MacKensie, that I can’t make up my mind!  Choosing what fabric to use for each project is even worse!  Unfortunately there are many times that I end up not sewing, because I have too many choices or ideas.  Then, something strikes my fancy, or inspiration hits and there is no stopping me!  Once I start sewing, I block out the world. The house could be tumbling down around me, and I wouldn’t notice.  I also like to have more than one project on the go at any given time, and of'ten work on several things at once.  I’m curious to know if anyone else does this too.  Leave a comment and let me know.  (so I don’t feel so alone and crazy!) Have a lovely day!


Come party with me!

Making Monday Marvelous at C.R.A.F.T
Motivate Me Monday at Keeping it Simple
Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do
Creative Me Link Up at Southern Institute
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Simply Creations @ Simple Home Life
Friday Fun Party @ Craftionary
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence

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!

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