Apple and Pear ~ Free Paper Piecing Patterns!

I created this Paper Pieced Apple and Pear hot pad design for a Sew Mama Sew Binding tutorial. You can find the tutorial on the Sew Mama Sew website [HERE]

The Apple and Pear are an easy to sew paper pieced pattern - you can find the pattern [HERE].

The fabrics I used are from a new collection from RJR fabrics - "Pie Making Day" by Brenda Ratliff.
The collection will be available in July.

It is a lovely, retro inspired line with cute florals and geometric prints.

The apple and pear would also be cute on a tote bag, fabric basket ~ the possibilities are endless : )

If you would like to make the round potholders, you can find the tutorial [HERE]

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

My Small World Quilt Along

When  I saw a picture on Instagram of a new Quilt Along I knew I wanted to join!

Kerry and a group of bloggers are hosting the Small World Quilt Along.
Link HERE for all the info on the Quilt Along.

The pattern is by Jen Kingswell and can be found in a special Spring issue of Quiltmania.
I found my copy at my local Barnes and Noble bookstore.

I have admired Jen Kingswell's work and have wanted to make one of her patterns for some time.

I love the Small World Quilt because of its use of different bits of fabric and the theme of the quilt - an interesting and vibrant city made up of quilt blocks : )

The sky in my quilt is blue and I achieved that by using a combination of light value cream and blue fabrics.

Fashion is a passion of mine so I decided to make my Small World a very chic city complete with stylish women in the windows of the skyscrapers.

If you need a few more low volume prints to make your Small World Quilt, here are a few ideas.

Becca at Sew Me a Song has a lovely F8 bundle of low volume fabrics in her shop.

 This bundle is also a beauty!

Becca carries the fashion print from Japanese designer Suzuko Koseki, that I used for the skyscraper windows

I am looking forward to finding just the perfect pieces of fabric in my stash to make this quilt!

Happy Sewing
xo
Charise

Bias Binding Tutorial

 

Hi!  Today I'm sharing a tutorial to make your own bias binding!

I love to make my own Bias binding.  It adds such a nice, personal touch to clothes and sewn items.

Bias Binding is the perfect neckline and keyhole finish for my Anna Blouse.

The Anna was made from gorgeous Double Gauze by Nani IRO supplied by Miss Matabi fabrics.

It also is a great finish for items such as hot pads, purses and tote bags.

You will need:

~ a FQ or more fabric

~ Grid Ruler

~ Rotary Cutter

~ Matching Thread

 

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Annas

Skopelos Look Book from
Art Gallery Fabrics

My friend Amy made an Anna Blouse for the Art Gallery Fabrics Skopelos blog tour!
I absolutely love the fabric - so Springy!  You can see all the Skopelos makes in Art Gallery's look book here.

I am also working on a blog post for Sew Mama Sew which will be live on May 20th.  One of the projects for the sewing tutorial post is my Anna Blouse made from a beautiful Nani IRO cotton gauze sent to me from Miss Matabi fabrics.  It is so amazing to sew with! I just love the way it turned out and can't wait to wear it.  Be sure to stop by Sew Mama Sew on May 20th for a great sewing tutorial!

xo

Charise

Me Made May - Week in Review

 I decided to join Me Made May '15 and it has been such fun. If you are not familiar, the challenge was created by blogger So Zo as a way to wear our hand made creations.  You can read more about it here.

It has been a great way to see what items I am missing in my wardrobe and there are definitely some holes.

The outfit above includes a blouse from New Look 6895 with a beautiful cotton lawn.

The sweater coat is a design for Sew News you can find here.

The purse is a pattern in the works - the Marcia Bag. I love the typewriter fabric from Melody Miller!

Necklace is a Sterling Silver Carnelian Branch necklace.

The blouse above is a free pattern from Martha Stewart.  You can find the pattern and tutorial here.

The "Shopper Purse" is from the lovely gathered purse trio.

We had a couple days of warm weather last week so I dusted off my swing tank!  Pattern is in the queue : )

The Ruffle Clutch was designed for the Liberty Craft Blog.  You can find the pattern and tutorial here.

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise

Itty Bitty and Bright ~ Work in Progress Wednesday

Two of the gals from the Cocorico Paper Piecing Quilt Bee are joining me for a traveling quilt bee.

It is basically a round robin.  We each make a few blocks to start the quilt and then send them on to the next person.  They make blocks adding to the quilt working within the theme.

I received Melinda's start of her quilt - "Itty Bitty and Bright".  She is making a quilt consisting of small 4 -5" small blocks surrounded by low volume fabrics.

 She provided a great Pinterest board full of inspiration.  I decided to make my apple block.

The Umbrella is designed by Leila for the book "Playful Little Paper Pieced Projects".  I reduced the block size by 50 %.

I made my Vintage Dresses Pattern and also reduced it by 50% so it is a wee 4 1/2" tall.

It was fun to make these little blocks and they went together fast and easily.  My plan is to make four more!

Here is a picture of all the blocks so far.  I think they play nicely together : )

xo

Charise

Me Made May 2015

I was away this past weekend.  A Blissful few days at my annual yoga retreat : )  I brought my iPad and took a little time to look at my Instagram feed.  Well.... I kept seeing "Me Made May '15" photos and hash tags.  After a little research I found So Zo's website, the creator behind the challenge.

Since I have been designing and sewing more clothes for myself I decided to join!  So here  is my pledge:

I, Charise of ChariseCreates.blogspot.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15. I endeavour to wear a handmade garment or accessory (bag, jewelry scarf) each day for the duration of May 2015'.
I am very excited to be a part of the challenge!

I am a bit late to the party but I am looking forward to wearing clothes I have made for myself.  My goal is that this challenge will help me figure out what items I need in my wardrobe and what new items I want to design and sew.  I know for sure that a pair of Jamie Jeans is in my future.  I just can't seem to find slim jeans that fit right!

Today was my first Me Made May '15 day and I wore my sparkle sweatshirt with jeans and converse and my Lovely Gathered Clutch.  The perfect outfit to wear to walk the kids up to school and do some work at home : )

xo
Charise