Stitch with Style part 2

I was planning on writing this post last week but life got in the way.....
I've been on a Spring cleaning binge which is good....very good : )

 

I'm thrilled to have two more projects in the "Stitch with Style" issue from Stitch Magazine.

They are fun and easy projects that I hope will inspire you!

The first is an embellished cardigan sweater.  I have several vintage beaded sweaters I adore.  I thought it would be fun to take a new sweater and add bead embellishments!  The possibilities are endless -  you can personalize it in your favorite colors and beads.  Local bead stores have great selections and I also included resources for the beads and gems in the magazine.

The issue includes instructions to make the gem stone version as well!

 

The second project I designed is a Turquoise pendant necklace.  I love to make jewelry and have taken metalsmithing classes for the past 10 years.  I thought it would be a fun design challenge to make a necklace that  requires no torches or soldering and is made entirely with needle and thread!

 

 

I combined turquoise and mother of pearl beads but It would be stunning with other semiprecious beads!

 

xo

Charise

Stitch With Style - Kimono Sleeve Dress

The new issue of Stitch Magazine's "Stitch With Style" is out now.  

  It is packed with clothing and accessories and is a wonderful issue.

I love the "Mad Men" sets and style of the photos.

Today I'm going to share my Easy Kimono Sleeve Dress. 

 

 

 

The fabric is from Birch Fabrics Elk Grove Knits line and is the Coral Poppies print.  It is such a beautiful "springy" print!  

 

I based the design on a top I've worn and loved for many years.  It is flattering and easy to wear. 

It is also super easy to sew and a great first knit sewing project. It has just four pattern pieces.  The pattern also includes plus sizes which is so wonderful for curvy gals!!!

 

***Here are a few tips for sewing with knits:

 

1) You can finish the seams with a zig zag stitch if you don't own a serger or overlock machine.  Be sure to check your sewing machine manual for other seam finishing stitches.

2)  Check your thread tension on a sample piece of the knit you are using.

You want to be able to pull slightly without the stitches popping!

3) Use a brand new ball point needle - an 80/12 is a good size for this project.

4) Prewash your fabric as you plan on washing the finished garment to prevent shrinkage.

**Here are a few tips for fitting this dress:
1) Do a muslin or fitting garment to make sure the garment fits correctly and the design lines are in the correct place.
2)  Please follow this link for lengthening the bodice if the empire waist line is in the incorrect position.

 

Stay tuned this week and I will share two more projects I designed for this issue!

 

xo

Charise

Working Away & Some fun too!!!

A little sneek peak of a project I'm working on.  It is a garment that I'll be able to share it in May.  The fabric is  Birch Fabrics new knit line Elk Grove Knits - Coral Poppies.  I LOVE this fabric and it sews like a dream.  It will be in stores in April/May 2013.  I'll be sure to fill you in and link you to the stores that carry it!!!

I took the boys to a wonderful art exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum -  Elles: Women Artists from the Centre Pompidou, Paris.  I Loved it.  By happy accident there was an art docent speaking about the works.  It was such a treat.  It is one thing to admire a great work of art.  It is entirely another to have a skilled and knowledgeable art docent speak to the intricacies of the work and share fun tidbits about the artist!

Here are some of my favorite paintings from the exhibit:

Natalia Goncharova

Dorothea Tanning

More info about her Life and Work

Sonia Delauney

xo

Charise