Spring '13 Give-Away

Thanks everyone for letting me share my new projects in Stitch Spring 2013.

I'm going to do a little give-away : ).

 

I'm giving away a Spring 2013 issue of Stitch magazine and a lovely Springy bundle of fabrics from Sew Me a Song! 

 

 

 Beca from Sew me A Song is donating these lovely fabrics.  Aren't they just scrumptious?!  Perfect for the Pomme Potholders or any of your Spring sewing projects!

Fabrics include: Small Floral and Dot, Yellow Floral Vine, Cherries, Strawberries and Cherries, Strawberries and Red Check all from Lecien and Yuwa. 6 fat quarters, 1.5 yds total

 

Leave a comment on this post telling me if you have any plans for Spring sewing projects.

I will pick a winner Wed, Feb 13th.  Good Luck!

 

xo

Charise

Stitch - Day 4 - Rainy Day Purse

 

 

 

Imagine my excitement opening an email from the Sew Daily Blog showing my purse on the cover!!!

It was pretty darn exciting : ) 

 

 

 

This purse uses an easy paper piecing technique to make the border.

I used some of my favorite vintage inspired aqua scraps.

The handle and umbrella tip are appliqued.

 

 

 

The back of the purse has a gathered pocket to hold your compact umbrella!

 

The text print is from Sweetwater and is now out of print.  Their new "Mama Said Sew" line has the exact same print with different text.  You can find it in a few different colors at Sew Me a Song and Pink Castle Fabrics.

 

Stay tuned for a give-away tomorrow!

Happy Sewing!

 

xo

Charise

 

 

 

Stitch Week - Day 3 - Uptown and Downtown Skirts

 

 

One of the themes for the Spring 2013 of Stitch is Simple Skirts. I worked in the corporate world of design for over 20 years designing women's clothing for Eddie Bauer, Union Bay and Nordstrom.

I had forgotten how much I love designing clothes!!  The downtown skirt is a fun and easy project.  It is made from knit fabric and has a flattering fold over waistband and four panels.  If you haven't made clothing before, I highly recommend starting with an easy project like this.  It would be great in a solid or print and I think it is super flattering in the bias cut stripe!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The uptown skirt uses the basic pattern but incorporates a fun knot and gathered detail at the waist.

I will be wearing my "Uptown" with a tank top and sandals this summer.  I've already worn the "Downtown" with tights and boots!!!

 

Happy Sewing!

 

xo

Charise

Stitch Week - Day 2 - Cozy Slippers

Welcome to Day Two of My Stitch Magazine Spring 2013 Week!  We are a no shoes house and I wanted to design slippers that are as fun to look at as they are cozy to wear!  This patchwork pair is made using a paper piecing method and is a great way to use up some favorite scraps.    The strap is made by encasing narrow 1/4" elastic to give it a cute gathered look that is functional too!

There is a pattern to make them without the patchwork uppers as well!

 

Happy sewing

Charise

Stitch Week - Day 1 - Pomme Potholder

 

 

I'm excited to share the projects I created for Stitch Magazine - Spring 2013.

This project was the very first one I submitted way back in December 2012!  I've admired the magazine for ages and I am a regular reader.  It is truly an honor to be in the pages of Stitch!!

 

 

 

The first apple I made I use as a mug rug on my sewing table.  The size is just perfect for drinks and of course is great to use as a hot pad or potholder!

 

 

 

I have been making more as gifts and discovered another way of attaching the binding.  This is opposite of the original method in the magazine.  Instead of stitching the binding on the front and turning to the back, this method incorporates attaching the binding on the back and stitching on the front.

Both methods work well - the method I used for Stitch magazine has a cleaner look on the front.

1) For this method I used 3/4" bias binding - You can also use 1" bias binding.  The binding will be folded in half.

I like making my binding with a bias tape maker.  Clover makes a great one.

 

2)  Place the binding right side to the potholder right side back. If you are using 3/4" binding, stitch with a 1/4" stitch. If you are using 1" binding, stitch with a 3/8" stitch.

 

 

 

3) Change you bobbin to match the inside apple color on the back.  For this potholder I changed my thread to yellow.
 Fold the binding to the right side and pin, make sure the binding extends over the previous stitching.

Edgestich in place.

 

  Stay tuned this week for more projects.  I'll share one project a day and then I will have a give away this Friday February 8th!

 

xo

Charise

Vintage Sundress

I have realized I like designing paper pieced 2-dimensional dresses as much as the real thing!

I had so much fun designing this Vintage Sundress for Tamiko in the Cocorico Bee!

 

 

This will be a pattern very soon - I'm working on a few more styles to go with this one!

Think 50's clothing boutique : )

 

 

On a completely different note, I was so excited to get this email in my inbox!

Sorry for the crummy photo  - it was a saved screen shot so the resolution is not great.

Three of my projects from Stitch Magazine are on there!   I'll be doing a "Stitch Week" with some info and additional pictures of the projects as well as a magazine give - away.  Stay tuned!

 

xo

Charise

***2012**

Oh my goodness!!!  It was a very busy 2012!  I was lucky enough to be published in a few of my favorite sewing and quilting magazines!

It was incredibly gratifying to contibute to Stitch - I designed two skirts that are in their Spring 2013 issue!  It was fun to go back to my roots in fashion design!!

Details:

From Upper Left, clockwise:
Pomme Potholder - Stitch Spring 2013
Rainy day tote - Stitch Spring 2013
Cozy Slippers - Stitch Spring 2013

Two Dresses - Quiltmaker 100 blocks Issue 6

Cozy Slippers - Stitch Spring 2013
Uptown/Downtown Skirts - Stitch Spring 2013

Gathered Clutch - Stitch Gifts 2012
Quilt Blocks Sachet Trip - Stitch Gifts 2012

Links:
Stitch Gifts 2012
Stitch Spring 2013
Quiltmaker 100 Blocks

 

 

I designed more paper pieced patterns than I realized!! 

 

 

My Ringo Pie blocks numbered five!  I'm a bit behind but look forward to catching up this month!

 

 

 

My Cocorico Bee Blocks numbered six though two are for Leila's Where the Orchids

Grow : )

I'm also behind here and looking forward to catching up.

 

I love to make bags and pouches!  The purse in the upper left hand corner will be a completed pattern.....soon : )

 

 

And lastly, some miscellaneous makes, most of which were for swaps.

 

Happy 2013 to everyone and Happy Creating!!

xo

Charise

 

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Ours was lovely!  My boys had a wonderful time today playing with their new legos and wearing their mama made star wars p.j's. 
My husband's 95 year old grandmother spent the day with us - it was wonderful!!

My hubs and I were up late lastnight wrapping last minute gifts.  I checked my email and there was a sneak peek at the new Stitch Spring 2013.  I received the best Christmas gift ever - one of my projects that is in the issue made it on the cover!!!!  I'm so excited....I had a really hard time falling asleep lastnight!!

The issue hits stores on January 15th but the digital issue is available now.  You can find it here.
I will post more pictures once the issue is out......I promise it is a good one.  Lots of wonderful projects!!

xo
Charise