Orchard Hot Pads in "One Room Schoolhouse"

I absolutely love vintage inspired fabrics so I was so thrilled to get a stack of prints from the soon to be available line by Brenda Ratliff, "One Room Schoolhouse" designed for RJR Fabrics.

The palette is fresh with a vintage vibe.  The prints are gorgeous.  My favorite is the sweet apple print.  I think I might have to make a skirt in this print - so cute!!! 

I stitched up my orchard hot pads and I think they look wonderful in this fabric!

You can find the pattern [HERE].  "One Room Schoolhouse" will be available in July and you can find it [HERE]

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Work In Progress Wednesday ~ Modern Hexagon Handbag

RJR Fabrics sent me the loveliest bundle of fabric - the new line from Amy Barickman "Vintage Modern Centennial Collection" 

It is a sewing inspired fabric with vintage images and some great text and geometric prints.  It is available in stores in September '15.

I thought it would be perfect in my new design ~ the Modern Hexagon Handbag.

The line comes in a turquoise/fuschia color way and a black/cream/blue gray color way.

I decided to add a thicker stabilizer - a foam stabilizer that adds a lot of body and a bit of thickness.  It is from Pellon ~ Pellon Flex foam, and I purchased it at my local Joann fabric store.  

If you prefer a bag that stands up by itself and you want to add foam stabilizer to yours, cut 2 pieces 1/4" beyond the "Fold Line" on the LINING pattern piece.  Baste the stabilizer  to the back of the interfaced front panels with a 1/4" basting stitch.  Cut 1 piece of stabilizer from the GUSSET Pattern piece.  Baste to the Outside gusset with a 1/4" basting stitch.
Continue sewing as per the instructions.

Be sure to head on over to Freshly Pieced for some inspiring Work In Progress Projects!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

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

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

Sunday Stash ~ On Monday : )

Fabrics Left to Right, Top to Bottom
1) Essex Steel Yarn Dye linen and Annika Wester for Kokka Fabric, 2) C+ S Fabrics: XOXO and Mustang Arrows
3) Cotton + Steel Fabrics: Rose Border and Netorious 4) Gold Daiwabo Dot and Cotton and Steel Metallic Netorious Fabric 

 I hope you are enjoyed your Sunday!  All my boys (The big one too) headed  to the in-laws to watch the Seahawks game so I was home alone sewing!  Happy Day : ) 

The swatches above are for a new pattern I'm working on - The Lovely Gathered Purse Trio.  There will be a clutch, small bag and large bag or what I'm calling a shopper size.  The project is easy to sew and makes great gifts.  Stay tuned for finished project images!

I posted this photo on Instagram and there was a lot of love for the zippers - aren't they perfect?  I found these metallic beauties at Joann fabrics!

I am also cutting out this fabric combo for the Large Shopper.  An older Melody Miller Print with Denim and Leather Trim.  You can still find this fabulous print at Sew Me A Song!  I'm almost out so I need to order more!

Last week I received these lovely fabrics from Krista at Spotted Stones.  I love them all and can't wait to make a patchwork pouch.

Enjoy your day!
xo
Charise