Stella Sewalong Day 7: Interior Construction and Finishing

LAST DAY! Hooray! Easiest day.

We are basically repeating everything from yesterday but with the lining.

* If you want to do an interior zipper pocket, then do that now.
Follow the same instructions as in this YouTube video
but make your rectangle 8" x 1/2" and 2.5" from the top of the interior main panel*

Stella Sewalong Day 6: Main zipper and Exterior construction

All the hard parts are done.  We are so close to the end, I can smell the coffee.

Ran out of peppermint patty creamer, by the way.

Take the two top panels and lay them right sides together, matching the correct sides.

One long edge is straight and the other curves out at the ends.

We are working with the straight edge.

Measure 1" from each end on the straight side.

(Measure 2" from each end if you are using a 22" zipper)

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whyisew

Sewing!  It's my love child. Seriously.  Zeus and I had a night together and sewing was the byproduct.

Why do I love it?  Because it is fun.  And challenging.  Do I sew perfectly every time?  NEVER! But I do try and I hope to be perfect one day.

I learn something new every time I turn on my sewing machine. As long as you are advancing, then you are obviously sewing correctly.

Let's go back in time for a moment.

Stella Sewalong Day 5: Piping and Handles

The answer is YES, you need piping on your Stella Weekender.

Don't argue with facts.

Dig in the back of the closet and pull out the big girl panties.

Put them on and let's get piping.

Grab your exterior side pocket pieces.
Pin piping to the top of one of the pocket pieces, matching raw edges.
Using your zipper foot, sew together as close to the cording as possible.

Stella Sewalong Day 4: Cargo pockets

Today is all about the Cargo pockets!

Take the exterior large cargo pocket piece and fold in half matching short sides.

Hand press the seam.

Stella Sewalong Day 3: Exterior pocket

Day 3!

Grab the main panel piece WITHOUT the fleece.

Measure down 3.5" from the top.  Draw a line across the right side of the fabric.

Flip the piece over.  Fuse the zip interfacing strip along the line but on the wrong side of the fabric.

PiePie Designs : Cherry Pie Skirt

Climbing the Willow . Sewing Sober . Two Novembers . Crafty Biggers . Rebel & Malice .   Call Ajaire . Sew Many Adventures, Sew Little Time . Lady and the Gents . Made by Sara . Paisley Roots . Ali Cat & Co . Sew Starly . La Casa Cactus . Conversas de Hermanas . How I Make Stuff . Crafty Hour

That pumpkin pie picture is making me SOOO hungry for pie.

I'm thrilled to be apart of the PiePie Designs Cherry Pie Skirt blog tour.

This is a sweet, simple skirt.  No way will the little girl in your life not like it.
Currently the pattern is priced at $5.00.  But it won't last long, so go nab it!

Cooke Dough just turned two.  She's becoming a sweet, crazy little animal.
Hot pink animal print seemed like the perfect choice.

Stella Sewalong Days1 & 2: Print, Cut, and Stabilize

*This blog post contains affiliate links.  I receive a percentage of the sale when you purchase through my affiliate link.

Welcome all new Swoon sewalongers and welcome back seasoned veterans.

If you would like to see the other Swoon sewalong, sclick here. The Stella sewalong will

be added to this page so you can always come back.

Let's get the party started.

If you haven't purchased the pattern, you may do so HERE.

Materials

• 2 yards exterior fabric (home decor or quilting cotton)
• 1.5 yards lining quilting cotton
• 1.5 yards fusible interfacing (Craftfuse 808 for stiffer bag, Shapeflex 101 for softer bag)
• 1 yard stiff fusible stabilizer (ex pellon Peltex 71F)
• 2 yards fusible fleece (ex pellon Thermolam TP971F)
• Two 1.5" D rings (or strap loops)
• Two 1.5" Swivel snaps
• 24" all purpose zipper (22" works as well)
• 14" all purpose zipper
• 9" zipper for interior zipper pocket (optional)
• Two magnetic snaps
• 2 packages pre-made piping or 5 yards homemade
• Thread and other sewing instruments

24" bag zippers can be purchased from https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZipperShop

D-rings or loops and swivel snaps can be purchased from www.strapworks.com

(I am not affiliated with Zipper Shop or Strapworks.)

PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING!

1.  Print out the pattern. Do NOT select "fit to printable area".

ALWAYS print "actual size".

Accents by MeMe Mae: Turbans & Headbands

These items were sent to me for review.  The opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.

When I checked the mail and saw a package from Accents by MeMe Mae, I was

literally jumping up and down.  

AMMM (my new abbreviation) makes the most beautiful infinity scarves and turbans (knit headbands), and headbands for women, teens, children, and babies.

This is my personal fav of her scarves.  GORGEOUS, right?

You can find AMMM on Etsy and Facebook.

I encourage you to check out her shop and 'like' her on Facebook.

Like I said, I received 3 turbans:  a simple tuban, cinched turban, and a twisted turban.
PLUS 2 headbands for myself, 2 for Ali Cat, and 2 for Little Cookie Dough.

'Say what?" you ask.  Let me show you.

Cali to VA Move

We left California on May 9th and arrived in Virginia June 6th.  

Recap of our month on the road.

No smoking, but they sure as hell will tempt you.

Big Bear

San Diego, CA to Alexandria, VA

Ali and I stepped off the plane in San Diego a short 2 years ago.  I was 34 weeks pregnant with Cookie.  Karl picked up us from the Airport and took us for fish tacos at South Beach Bar and Grille.  They are the BEST fish tacos ever! 

I have fallen in love with this area.  Perfect weather, beautiful beaches, tasty food, and nice people.

Alas, we have sold our house and moving on.  Today we pack the car and start our 3 week journey across the entire US to Alexandria, Va.

Sew-a-bration of Womanhood

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase a pattern through those links I earn a percentage of the sale. 

Sew-a-bration of Womanhood is all about the bonding of women and sewing for ourselves.

Boy o' boy do I like sewing for myself.  I am the definition of a selfish seamstress.

A few weeks ago, I had to attend a Silver and Gold Cocktail party.  I had nothing silver or gold in my closet.  That needed to be rectified.  I  chose Mouse House Creations Caroline Party Dress.

Or rather PAR-TAY dress.

Cat Birthday Party!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The girls birthdays are about 2 months apart.  For the past 2 years, we've done a combined party for them.  It works well since they are young.

2014 theme:  Kitty Cats!

Fashion Revolution

On 24th April 2013, 1133 people were killed and over 2500 were injured when the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In many countries around the world, men, women, and children are making your clothes in inhumane working conditions with very little pay.

Fashion Revolution wants the world to step up and consider 'who is making your clothes?"

Lets fight together to bring changes to the fashion industry.

The article "Why do we need a Fashion Revolution" provides more details of the horrific event 

in Bangladesh last year and how the world and fashion industry responded.

What can you do?

Tomorrow, April 24th, wear your clothes inside out to bring attention to how clothing is made.

You can wear something you made or that you purchased from a store.

Then take a picture, post to Instagram #insideout
or Twitter @fash_rev

Swoon Sewing Patterns Blanche Barrel Bag

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Swoon Sewing Patterns has released the April Pattern:  Blanche Barrel Bag!

Blanche comes in two sizes:

Small: 10.5" wide

Large: 14" wide

Difficulty: 3 out of 4

Willow & Co. Persimmon Dress by Mouse House Creation

The Willow & Co. Collective will be releasing their pattern collection on April 22nd!

In the meantime, check out one more pattern I had the great pleasure of sewing before the release.

The Persimmon Dress by Mouse House Creations.

This fresh and clean design is a summer staple for all girls.

The pin tuck pleats provide a soft touch on the bodice.

*The back has the same appearance as the front*

Fawn Lily Dress by Rock the Stitch for Willow & Co.

You won't believe the adorableness I have for you today!

I'm sure you have hear of Willow & Co.  It is a pattern collective of several

pattern designers. The Spring/Summer 14 Wunderlust collection is released.

The beautiful Rebecca of Rock the Stitch asked me to pattern test 

the Fawn Lilly Dress/Tunic pattern.
Rebecca is an amazing seamstress.  I am ecstatic to be selected for this opportunity.

The Fawn Lily is all about options.  Let's break it down.

Lengths: Tunic, above the knee, below the knee
Bodice:  Button yoke or cross over
Skirt:  Ruffle, pleat or a-line
Pockets: inseam or patch
Difficulty: Beginner Intermediate

PRP: Signature Week: Extreme Twirl

A lot of thought went into this week.  Signature style.  For me, that's classic, party dress, and fancy.

Well, that's NOT the girls' styles.

Then it hit me.  I shouldn't make MY signature style.  I need to make THEIR signature styles.

They both like "tutus" and t-shirts. Madeleine is sweet and stylish. 

Ali is loud and rambunctious. 

They each received a circle skirt for optimum twirling but in fabrics they picked out.

Ali choose a wild rainbow animal print denim fabric and Madeleine picked a pretty cherry cotton.

Willow & Co Clover Shorts by Mouse House Creations

Introducing the Clover Shorts by Mouse House Creations for Willow & Co!

I have been unbelievably lucky to have the chance to pattern test for not one but THREE

Willow & Co. patterns.
You don't have to wait much longer all the Willow & Co patterns release April 22nd!

Let me tell you how HIGHLY impressed I am with all the patterns.

All of the patterns have perfect fits and great instructions and photographs for each step.

I promise you will not be disappointed with the patterns.  Scouts honor.

Video Tutorial: How to Insert a side panel zipper into a bag

Zippers can be soooo tricky.  They like to move around when you sew, even if you pin.

Below is a video link tutorial on how to install a side panel zipper into a bag, or 

anywhere you want to instal a zipper.

The bag I am demonstrating with is Swoon India-small size (affiliate link).

Also, ignore my ignorance of shapes.  Anytime I say a shape name, I am referring to the rectangle.

My mind was distracted by not screwing up the video. I can't seem to get anything perfect.

How to install a size panel zipper Video