color-blocked washi

i finally got pictures of my washi dress!! 

note: please excuse the "i just spent an hour in the very windy pumpkin patch and happen to be way overdue for a haircut" look.

details: the pattern is the ever-so-popular washi dress by Made by Rae, and the fabrics are moda bella solids in etchings charcoal, betty orange, chartreuse, and magenta and the miami print (colorway: downtown) from Jay McCarroll's center city collection. the dress is fully lined with white batiste. fabrics all from sewn studio.

i made a large, as my measurements were pretty spot-on with the pattern size chart. i considered making the full bust adjustment because those measurements were really close, but didn't (and wish i had, clearly it's a wee bit tight there). oh, well... next time, right? because of course there will be a next time.

all of the great things you have read about the washi are true! this dress is a quick sew (once you piece your fabric together, at least). we've all seen a ton of amazing spring and summer washis, but with a long-sleeved shirt or cardigan, leggings, and boots, i think it makes a great fall (and maybe even winter) garment as well. also, Rae just released a long sleeve for Washi pattern + tute!

because of the seaming, i wanted the dress to be fully lined. to finish the armholes, i used bias tape and then hand stitched in to the bodice lining. in the back, i created casings for elastic instead of shirring. the lining is sewn in the side seam of the dress to the top of the pockets, after which the side seams are sewn independently of each other. i hemmed both the dress and lining by hand.

my dress was inspired by Fabio's design in season 10, episode 6 of Project Runway (shown below, photo courtesy of mylifetime.com) and by Jay McCarroll's center city collection for Free Spirit.

it was a fair amount of work to line up all of the fabrics so that they would all be on-grain, but completely worth it. as you can tell from the wrinkly state of my dress, i've certainly been wearing it ;)

yay for washi!

lily dress remix

the second dress i made for Quilt Market is a remix of the Lily Dress by Green Bee Patterns.

(for all of the "how did she end up making dresses for Quilt Market?" info, check out my posts about Maggie Mae dresses and blast, the quilt)

before making the final dress, i made a mock-up for B using a floral linen from JoAnn Fabric and bias trim from sewn studio. and, yes, i once again forced the poor child to model her dress early in the morning when she was barely awake. terrible, isn't it? poor, poor child...

for this dress, i knew i would be using the bumper cars print from Asbury (by Thomas Knauer for Andover Fabrics). i was looking for something long-sleeved with a retro vibe and simple styling to show off the fabric, and the Lily Dress fit the bill perfectly.

i did make some pattern edits to change up the look a little bit, but all of the changes i made are simple enough for an intermediate sewist to do at home. one of the great things about this pattern is that it could be edited in small ways to really get a lot of different looks, and who doesn't love a versatile pattern? the main changes i made for this version were: omitting the contrast bodice, pleating the sleeves instead of gathering them, and adding a neckline pleat in the front. post-market, i'll be coordinating a post with Alexia of Green Bee Patterns for a more detailed explanation of all the changes i made and how you can do the same.

i have to add that this was my first time sewing with Green Bee Patterns, and i was extremely pleased with the format of the pattern, the instructions, diagrams, sizing charts, etc. the dress is adorable, but i also love that the pattern is very thoughtfully made. you should really go pick up a few of these! i think i'll need to make myself an Amelia Dress next.

note: although i did receive a complimentary copy of this pattern, all opinions (ravings, and kisses) are completely my own. promise.

here it is! my Asbury Lily Dress remix:

after Quilt Market, this dress will be worn by Thomas's daughter, nicknamed Bee, hence the button. i thought it was a fun touch that a little one would appreciate.

confession: i'm a sucker for a good pleat.

i hope that Bee loves her new dress as much as my B loves hers!

blast, the quilt

i'm over the moon excited to introduce you to  blast, the quilt.

yep, there it is. awfully pretty, yes? i thought so. even better... blast is currently attending Quilt Market in Houston! i made a quilt that is going to be at Quilt Market. what??? here's the story...

i made this block back in june for my do.Good Stitches circle. i've been meaning to write up a tutorial for it since then, but i just never quite found the right combination of fabrics.

then came the opportunity to make dresses out of Thomas Knauer's Asbury for market, and along with it quite a few yards of strike-offs. i got the fabric in the mail monday and needed to have the dresses finished by thursday morning. i had already made muslins of the dresses, so that was a crunch but completely do-able. (see maggie mae dresses and lily dress remix posts for more info about those)

but as i was driving home from work that monday, it just hit me that Asbury would be perfect for this block. obviously i had no choice but to make a quilt before starting on the dresses. slightly less sleep, yes, but totally worth it.

i was actually able to find my months-old directions for the block (i know, i was shocked too!). the original block finished at 12", but i decided to double that (24" finished blocks) so that i could show the great patterns in this line. i also added HSTs in each of the four corners of the original block design.

 

as all of the pieces were coming together (on my kitchen floor - i really need a design wall, huh?), i *may* have tweeted something like "it's like a fucking amusement park exploded in the kitchen!" which led me to the naming of the quilt pattern. 

blast:

. to make or open by or as if by explosion
. a highly exciting or pleasurable experience or event, such as a big party (or amusement park?)

additional blocks or an alternate layout of four blocks would form an interesting (and slightly less explosive) secondary pattern. also, cats love a good quilt, don't they?

i'm excited and nervous to see what the response is to this quilt! happy quilt marketing, my dear quilt!

*updates*

here is blast, the quilt during Thomas Knauer's schoolhouse at Quilt Market (thanks to Julie and Brenda for the photos):

i've entered blast, the quilt in the Blogger's Quilt Festival hosted by Amy's Creative Side.

Blogger’s Quilt Festival Stats
Finished quilt measures : 48″ square
Quilted by : me
Best Category : Throw Quilt, Home Machine Quilted

maggie mae dresses

i love the Maggie Mae pattern from Shwin Designs!! let's just put that right at the beginning here. i've been eyeing this pattern for way longer than i should admit (especially considering that it's a super easy pdf download and not at all pricey).

also, how adorable is Shauna's little girl? that lovely smiling face could probably get me to buy just about anything! oh, and while we're on the subject, i have to tell you that Shauna is every bit as adorable. i got to meet here while i was summiting all over the place, and even 11 months pregnant (just kidding, i think it's only ten) she's a beauty!

back to the dress though. that's really why we're here, yes? the Maggie Mae features "modern lines, color blocked style, and in seam pockets for little treasures. instructions include measurements for tunic and dress lengths."

i happen to have made *two* of these dresses in the last week, i'm very excited to say that one of those dresses is currently attending Quilt Market in Houston. (woohoo!!) before i made the dress for market, i thought i should make a muslin. and, well, i made it out of Sarah Jane's fun nautical line, Out to Sea. because everyone knows that muslin muslins are no fun.

speaking of smiling children, here's B... my not smiley (and barely awake) model... in her Maggie Mae.

i really do love this dress. the bodice construction is great, the little waistline pleats are just right, and i love a good topstitch. i used pearl snaps in the back because i'm afraid of buttonholes there wasn't a lot of time to get this finished i love the look of them!

note: although i did receive a complimentary copy of this pattern, all opinions (ravings, and kisses) are completely my own. promise.

for dress #2, i needed to kick it up a notch. did i mention this dress is going to market?!??! yeah, i'm jealous too ;) i was lucky enough to work with Asbury, the newest line from Thomas Knauer for Andover Fabrics.

i heard Thomas speak about fabric design while i was summiting all over the place (it was a big weekend), and so i had what felt like an extra advantage of hearing him speak about the collection before sewing with it. maybe someday i'll manage a coherent collection of my thoughts on that lecture, but until then let's just say i was inspired a few things:

. the co-existence of actual, perceived, and imagined events and places
. finding ways to say "girl" more quietly than, say, a ruffle-tutu-satin-princess-monstrosity
. my ongoing quest to create artwork that will be perceived objectively, but that's an entirely different conversation that i'll leave for another time

so, here it is! my Asbury Maggie Mae:

that's right, folks. i matched the prints along the seams. even the curved top seam. i'm not saying i haven't lost my mind, but i'm pretty darned happy with the result! the bodice is lined with the peacock print from Frippery and the seam pockets are a mix of scraps from both lines.

verdict: i love it. and i hope my wee dress has a happy market!

october group sponsors giveaway *now closed*

it's time for the october sponsor group giveaway... and this month, there are six fabulous giveaway prizes for you to win! without further ado, here are the prizes my fab sponsors are offering:

win a $25 gift certificate from brand new sponsor, Fabric Tree!

Mary loves to sew and loves fabric, which made her want to open a fabric shop. Fabric Tree carries cotton fabrics and patterns from Riley Blake, Windham Fabrics, Blend Fabrics, Michael Miller, and more!

find Fabric Tree here: shop / facebook

win a Steph in the City Bag pdf pattern from Emmaline Bags and Patterns!

Emmaline is a collection of unique, modern, and easy to follow PDF sewing patterns designed to create gorgeous handbags and purses. Purchase your sewing patterns via instant download, as well as shiny metal handbag hardware specifically chosen to go with our patterns. Also, you can find helpful, free sewing tutorials with full colour photos that will teach you to sew zipper pockets, slip pockets, bag straps, and more, on the blog.

find Emmaline Bags and Patterns here: blog / shop / facebook / pinterest /newsletter

win a set of lovely eco buttons from Stitch Organics!

Stitch Organics is an online organic fabric store and haberdashery for the modern sewist. started by Stephanie of The Crafty Kitty and based in Reading, England, Stitch offers organic sewing thread, fabrics (including knits, voile, and cottons), embroidery floss, grosgrain ribbon, and other recycled notions.

find Stitch Organics here: shop / blog / facebook / twitter / flickr group

win a Sugar Plum Medallions pattern by May Blossom from Sew Well Maide!

Sew Well Maide is the quilt and accessories design and construction face of Karen Pior. from Karen, "Quilts are my passion. I spend my days designing, constructing and daydreaming about them. My children cuddle up and snuggle into them. I hope you find something in my designs that can envelope your family in the warmth, softness and security that only a lovingly handmade quilt can provide."

find Sew Well Maide here: blog / etsy / craftsy / facebook / twitter / flickr / pinterest

win a $20 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop!

The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly. An avid quilter, Kimberly began her shop as a side business while still working a corporate position, cutting, packing and shipping right out of her house during evenings and weekends. From the very beginning, she was committed to delivering top-notch service for every single order and customer. As the Fat Quarter Shop's reputation grew, Kimberly decided to make it a full-time operation. Her husband Kevin joined her not long after, and with his help, lots of hard work, and a tireless commitment, the store began to grow. The Fat Quarter Shop continues to branch out with the best fabrics, exclusive kits, quilt clubs, BOMs, and more.... and they will always be driven by the passion that Kimberly founded the store upon, which is always giving you the best products and service!

find Fat Quarter Shop here: shop / blog / facebook / pinterest / twitter / and don't forget to follow along on instagram (@fatquartershop) this weekend for exclusive interviews, fabric buying, and giveaways!

win a fat quarter bundle of these four echino laminates from casa crafty!

Kelley of casa crafty is mom to two beautiful boys; keeper of goats, chickens, and rabbits; crafter and sewist; and sells accessories made from laminated cottons in her etsy shop. from Kelley, " I learned to sew when I was very young and HATED it. But as I started my own family and built a home, I discovered that I loved it… Now, it is the main feature of my day. On my blog, I share all that I make and the daily trials of being a busy stay-at-home mom that never gets to stay home."

find Casa Crafty here: blog / etsy / facebook / pinterest / flickr

the all-important "how to win" details:

this giveaway is open to everyone. if you are a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, include your email address in your comment so that i can contact you if you win.

giveaway closes october 29th at 8pm EST. the six winning names will be drawn randomly and notified via email.

to enter, simply leave a comment (any comment!) on this post. want a little inspiration? i'd love to hear if you'll be following along with the new collections debuting this weekend at market! if so, what are you looking forward to seeing?

if you'd like to up your chances to win (and who wouldn't, right?)... here are *seven* things you can do to gain a bonus entry!! for any that you choose to do, just leave an additional comment telling me that you've done so.

1. follow Fabric Tree on facebook
2. follow Emmaline Bags and Patterns on facebook
3. follow Stitch Organics on facebook
4. follow Sew Well Maide on facebook
5. follow Fat Quarter Shop on facebook
6. follow casa crafty on facebook
7. bonus entry for imagine gnats facebook followers!

thanks to all who entered! the giveaway is now closed.

do.Good blocks

warning: over the last six days, i've sewn four dresses and a quilt (as well as these quilt blocks). i've uploaded pics to flickr, which means that as soon as i have some dedicated copy and paste time, look out internet! also, the october sponsors monthly giveaway will be posting later today and you won't want to miss that!!

for now, it's an easy one... quilt blocks for the Heal circle of do.Good Stitches.

september: scrappy butterfly blocks (butterfly block tutorial here by mle knits)

october: enlarged scrappy x&+ blocks (x&+ block tutorial here by Badskirt Amy)

(lots) more to come soon... happy stitching!