8.27.2014

My Good Night Nightie at Sew Mama Sew!



Happy Wednesday.
This is a quick post to let you know the Good Night Nightie I designed for Stitch Beautiful Bedrooms is available as a free download!  You can find it [here] at the Sew Mama Sew Site.



I absolutely love mine and wear it often - so perfect for warm summer nights!

The fabric I used is a voile from Little Lisette which is now out of print but would be perfect in a lawn or lightweight silk.


If you like the cover pic - I designed that as well : )  it is a perfect lightweight robe with a pretty ruffle detail, shirred waist and inside tie.
The book has wonderful projects for your bedroom, from slippers and eye masks to quilts and a beautiful duvet set!

Enjoy!!!
xo
Charise


8.26.2014

Sketch Book Cover Tutorial


Just in time for back to school, I designed this handy sketch book cover!
You can find it over at the Sew Mama Sew blog.
I love to have a sketch book in my bag at all times to jot down ideas or just to doodle!  They are also great for list writing and immortalizing all your fabulous ideas!  Since I change my bag often, I designed a sketch book cover that has a handy pocket on the back to keep your pen or pencils.  There is nothing worse than wanting to write down or sketch an idea but not being able to find a pencil in your purse - which happens to me often.  Thus the design for this handy sketch book cover!


The cover has a paper pieced pencil and embroidery detail.


This is also a great project to make for young artists - a perfect portable sketch book with everything in its place!


The handy pocket on the back has a velcro closure.
Perfect for stowing your favorite sketching tools.

You can find the tutorial and pattern at the Sew Mama Sew blog!

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise

8.25.2014

Coffee Koozie


The Fat Quarter shop is sharing a video and free pattern for this adorable Coffee Koozie. 

I take a cup of coffee with me on my daily walk to take the kiddos to school, so this will come in handy! 
And it is just so darn cute!!


It is perfect for a mini charm pack - or - choose your own fabrics.  I used some of my favorite fabric scraps!  I also found some vintage red buttons in my button stash.


A perfectly easy project, it took me about an hour to sew and a bit more time to pick out the fabrics and cut the 2.5" squares.  If you have a mini charm pack, the project is super quick!


I think this will be the perfect teacher gift!

Happy Sewing
xo
Charise

8.20.2014

Work in Progress Wednesday



As the summer wraps I am looking forward to having more time to sew : )  The boys start school on the 3rd of September so we are doing our best to make the most of every last minute of summer!

Today I did a bit of work on a project that you will be able to find on the Sew Mama Sew blog next week.  It is a back to school project, one I've been wanting to make forever!  Look for the post on my blog and link up to Sew Mama Sew next week.

Ever so often I get an urge to do a bit of knitting.  I am a serious novice and have knit scarves and a few pair of slippers.  I had this blue and green yarn and decided to start a striped scarf.  I may have it done in time to wear for Fall - It has been a fun project to work on at the pool while the boys are taking swim lessons.

Check out the other Works in Progress at Freshly Pieced and share yours.  I would love to see what you are working on!

xo
Charise

8.13.2014

Work in Progress Wednesday

This week's list is long with Works in Progress!
I have a few "secret projects" I'm working on.  One is pictured above.


I've made some more progress on my Spring Blossoms quilt.  May have to add this to my pattern list to dos!




I pulled these fabrics for an autumn version of my A-line skirt. The denim version will have the liberty stile floral as piping, waist and hem facings and I think it would be a great mid-calf length skirt.



And I definitely need to make one with the Cotton + Steel arrow fabric as well! 
  


The denim I found at a local shop with beautiful apparel fabrics - District Fabric - in the always fun to shop neighborhood of Fremont in Seattle. 

Be sure to share your works in progress at Freshly Pieced!

xo
Charise 




8.12.2014

Summer Sewing for Myself ~ Swing Tanks



We have had the most amazing summer in Seattle.  The temperature has been in the 80's and 90's most every day!  I saw a cute tank in a local store that was perfect for this fab summer weather.  Fitted through the bust so it is flattering, but loose and swingy so it is comfortable too - just perfect for hot summer days.  

The style was a bit too junior for me - bra revealing low back and a Stevie Nicks handkerchief hem - so I decided to put my pattern drafting skills to work and created a pattern.  
The tank I drafted has a scoop back detail and adjustable straps.  The adjustable straps are such a nice detail and surprisingly easy to add. The version pictured above is an older Free Spirit print in rayon challis.  It has a beautiful drape and is super soft and comfy!  You can find the fabric Here.

The fabric I used for this tank is a Joel Dewberry rayon challis.



I purchased yardage to make a dress version in this Anna Maria Horner rayon challis print which I adore!
You can find the Anna Maria Horner fabric here.

The tank will also be a fun style to layer with a cardigan and wear with skinny jeans and boots this Fall.
I can see the dress with a knee length wool sweater, tights and boots : )

I hope you are enjoying your summer!

xo
Charise




8.07.2014

Sponsor News!



Happy Friday Lovelies!

A few of my sponsors have a little news to share! : )

The Fat Quarter Shop is having a sale on all Riley Blake Fabrics Starting Tomorrow! 


Yes indeed.....20% OFF ALL RILEY BLAKE FABRICS with coupon code: RILEY

This offer starts FRIDAY, August 8 until THURSDAY, August 14th at 11:59 PM CST (08/08/14 – 08/14/14)


                                                    I have my eye on this FQ bundle : )




Becca at Sew Me a Song has lots of new and adorable fabrics.



And I'm smitten with this Suzuko Koseki bundle!

Have a lovely day : )
xo
Charise

8.06.2014

FQ Shop Give away winner - Crystal!!!



Congrats to Crystal who won the FQ shop give away.

Thanks everyone for sharing "what you are working on"!  In really enjoy reading your comments.

xx
Charise

8.03.2014

Fresh Sewing Day!



I love Lily's Quilts Fresh sewing day.  It is an opportunity to recap all your accomplishments for the month and meet new bloggers!


July seemed to fly by.  I was able to finish a few paper piecing patterns and start a new one.

I started a new quilt - Spring Blossoms and I love where it is going!
I've added some more blossoms since this pic was taken : )


My Anna blouse is being graded - by me!  The learning curve was a bit steep but I think I finally have it down.  I hope to have this pattern available soon!

I also had some wonderful beach and pool days which is probably the most important thing to be doing this glorious summer - spend time with my boys that are growing up much too fast!
Be sure to head over to Lily's Quilts and share your accomplishments!

xo
Charise