Prints Charming Quilt Pattern

When I saw this quilt in the March edition of Better Homes and Gardens I had to have it.

I love the Prints Charming range of fabrics and have most of the designs in store.  I especially like that this quilt is big blocks which shows off the fabrics and also means a quick result - just what I need about now.

Here are some photos of the Prints Charming range at the Quilt Market

I love how they have embellished the fabrics with stitching.

Going to this market is on my bucket list, anyone else fancy going?

Sunday was Sewing Day

At last some sewing for me!

I am not usually that big on sewing clothes for myself - I am always hypercritical of the result and what looks good on the pattern and in my head does not always end up looking great on the bod.

But I have been wanting to make this since I first saw the pattern and fabric.

The Shearwater in Nani Iro Fuccra Ivory.

And no I didn't suddenly get lovely legs like the model on the pattern but I was pleased with the result and can see this pattern being something I would make again.

Before I talk about the pattern - I would just like to say the marks in the photo are not from a dirty wall or mirror but an old mirror in the bathroom - I do sometimes do housework!

The pattern went together well.  I would make the placket slightly shorter (maybe an inch) there is slightly more cleavage than I would want showing in this top.

Also I would recommend you take your time with the bias binding on the neckline and buy a bias tape maker.  I rushed mine because I could see the finish in sight and I could have done a better job.

The Nani Iro is a double gauze and is beautiful to wear and washes like a dream.  I have used it before for a top for Miss M and it looks as good as when it was made :).  The trick is to iron it before you sew as it can move on you when cutting.  Plus if you make a mistake it is a pig to unpick, not that I would know :0).

I hope you had a great weekend.

the thing I hate most about sewing - is cutting

Why does cutting fabric have to come at the beginning of a sewing project?

I have to psych myself up for cutting into fabric - especially when sewing clothes for myself.  First there is always the concern as to what size am I exactly?  Then there is all that precious fabric... yikes.

Today I have been brave and cut into some of the Nani Iro fabric.  I have wanted to make a top for myself in this fabric for a long time.

This is the pattern I am using

It is New Look 6962.  I have chosen the cross over top style, longer length and am yet to decide on the sleeve length.  I am thinking about making them long for winter.  The cutting is complete and I will let you know how the sewing goes.
Happy stitching.

more new fabric and a free pattern

This dress has been made using two of Robert Kaufman's organic fabrics Summer Flowers and Summer Swirls which have recently been added to the shop.  (Please note this is not my sewing - but I do love it!)  The Itty Bitty dress pattern is a free pattern created by Made by Rae ; Rae is very generous and has a number of free sewing patterns over on her blog, so it is well worth a visit - but play fair these patterns are for personal use only!

Also new in the shop are laminated echino fabrics (great for tablecloths, out door upholstery, bags and bibs) and also some echino nylons (for shower proof coats, bibs, bag linings and shower curtains).

Echino has also done a new range of extra wide fabrics - 152 cms wide.  The fabric is lighter than the more traditional echinos with 15% linen and 85% cotton and is wonderfully soft.  The extra width means it is great for those bigger sewing jobs I am already thinking of using some for a quilt back, now I just need to make some time ......... and clear a path to my sewing machine.

PS - thank you to everyone for your kind words on my last post - I think it meant that I was not in sooo much trouble with Miss M.

a joint effort

In my last shipment I received these bag patterns.

Echino Messenger Bag

Echino Pleated Bag

A lot of internet shops say how easy these patterns are to follow even though the instructions are in Japanese.  Either I am really thick (this is a genuine possibility) or they are stretching the truth in the interests of sellling a pattern. 

So with the help of Yuki, who translated the Japanese into English and my sewing knowledge we have tried as accurately as possible to translate these patterns into English for you.  So a long time later they have finally made their way into the shop.  When you order you will receive your patterns with the translated copy included.

Happy stitching

to buy or not to buy?

Nani Iro Sewing ISBN 9784579111831

Adult Couture Stylish Dress Book ISBN 978-4-579-11185-5

This is the question - does anyone have any experience with these books.  I am not a svelte New Zealand size 10, I am a tall and more of a size 14 and I am not sure whether this will be off the scale for a Japanese pattern book.  Are the patterns more suited to petite people?

Are the patterns easy to follow?  I have done a bit of research but would like to know whether anyone has had any expereince with these patterns.

I am ordering some Nani Iro double gauze in my next shipment and would like to make something for myself from one of the designs.

Any comments would be appreciated!