I'd rather be Sewing! I hate paperwork!

My Goal - My Mission - My duty - to get my bookkeeping in order for filing taxes.

As God is my witness, it is not going to lick me. I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. As God is my witness, I'll never let paperwork pile up again!

Fiddle-dee-dee!

West Virginia Winter Snow and Tribute to Dad

Today I dedicate this blog post to my Father, Jim Miller, who died at home during what would be one of the largest snowfall in decades. April 14,1923 - Feb. 6, 2010

His frail heart couldn't take walking to the garage in 2 foot of freshly fallen snow.

Rest in Peace Dad.

Modkid Kyoko dress was quick to sew!

Honestly, I was hesitant in sewing the Kyoko pattern from Modkid because of the bias binding. This was silly of me because it isn't a huge time consuming process to attach the binding.

I used ready-made 1/2 inch double fold bias tape, but you can make your own.

The Modkid pattern Kyoko by designer Patty Young includes a wonderful instruction booklet. If you are like me, you will appreciate the photo instructions in the booklet.

This above picture is of a size 6 made into the provided optional dress length.

From what I can tell, this pattern is roomy and the obi (sash) is wonderful for custom fitting. The fabrics used for this dress are from the LOVE collection by designer Amy Butler.

• Will I make this pattern again? YES

• Skills required : Basic sewing skills. Understanding the concept for the sleeves & attaching the bias binding. The sleeves are set in prior to the side seams being sewn and do not require gathering. No zippers, or button holes required on this top!! Sweet!
  
• The instruction booklet provides excellent directions for making your own binding......or you may wish to use ready-made bias tape.

• Fitting: Personally I think the fit is very forgiving on this top/dress. The Obi-sash is separate from the top. It wraps around the child's waist,criss-crosses in the back and ties in the front. The sash pulls the dress in at the waist for a great fit.

• Design: the design in itself allows for creative mixing & matching fabrics by using two fabrics for the skirt panels. One could easily opt to go with the classic look of making the bodice and the skirt panels from the same fabric.

buy pattern

matching 18" doll dress pattern sold separtely

ModKid Doll sized Patterns! Brilliant!

Y'all know how much I love the Modkid Frida Top and Dress pattern!

Well......lookie lookie!!

Valerie Haberer created a pattern and instructions based on the original Frida design by Patty Young. Now we have a MINI FRIDA tunic and top for 18" and 15" dolls.

I'm seriously thinking of starting a petition for ModKid to create an Adult size Frida pattern!
Hmmm? What ya think?

To make it even better............ the dolly size Sophia Pants pattern is included in this pattern.
Tell me what could make a little girl happier than for her to have a "Just Like Me" look for her doll?

I'm headed to my sewing room now. I'll let ya know what I come up with soon.

Sew a Purse! Free Purse pattern

pheobe bag 2, originally uploaded by Knitty Nikki.

Isn't this the sweetest bag?

Nikki has a cute as pie blog and this was one her projects.

She used Amy Butler's newest collection LOVE Paradise garden in periwinkle and lined it with LOVE Sunspots in turquoise.


For the pattern and tutorial, visit http://artsycraftybabe.typepad.com/tutorials/phoebe_bag.pdf

Easy to Sew girls top Modkid Frida pattern review

I've said it before, and I'll say it again........I love the Modkid Frida top pattern!
The pattern includes a dress length version and a top length.

For those liking a longer tunic length, you could adjust the length in between the two versions. The brown floral corduroy version shows the dress length over pants ........ without the cap sleeves.

Instead of the bottom hem band, I made a ruffle to match the double ruffle girls pants.
To see additional Pattern review and tips about the Mod Kid Frida pattern, click here.

Amy Butler Love Shoulder Bag

ab love bag, originally uploaded by gardenhouse.

The holidays are over, the weather is cold and it is the perfect time to think about Spring.

This is a beautiful handmade purse created with Amy Butler Love collection fabric.

Go to http://simonehowell.blogspot.com/ to see more from Garden House.