Charise Creates

10.31.2014

~Happy Halloween~

From the House of Gryffindor to yours ~ Happy Halloween!!!

10.29.2014

Work in Progress Wednesday

Fall is in full swing here and the leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow and orange : )
The knitting bug never fails to bite me this time of year!

I couldn't resist trying the pattern you see above which I found in Mollie Makes issue 44. The cowl is from the book "Scarves and Cowls" and I immediately ordered the book. All the projects are adorable and I can't wait to finish this one so I can begin another!

The log cabin block on the left was made for a friend and of course I got the log cabin sewing bug, too!

The little cottage in the center of the log cabin block is from my Mini Cottage pattern.

Which inspired me to start another project. The blocks shown above are the beginning of yet another quilt - yikes : ) I love the scrappy look and seeing the pattern emerge.

My projects for the Patchwork Patterns 318 blog hop are well underway. I can't wait to share them with you on November 3rd!

Charise

10.23.2014

Citrus Pouch on the Liberty of London Craft Blog!

I absolutely love Liberty fabrics! The colors, quality, drape - they are divine. My inspiration for the latest project I designed for the Liberty Craft Blog came from a paper piecing pattern. I thought the Citrus wedges would make an adorable pouch!

You can find the pattern and instruction on the Liberty Craft Blog.

At 10" x 5 1/4" it is the perfect size to use as a pencil pouch, make-up bag or to carry a small, portable sewing project.

Happy Sewing.

Charise

10.21.2014

Patchwork Patterns 318

Blocks from Patchwork Patterns 318

I love Japanese sewing books and Patchwork Patterns 318 is one of my favorites.

The book is by Kumiko Fujita who also designs wonderful fabrics.

A few years ago I belonged to a quilting bee where we made blocks for the other members from the book. You can see all the blocks I made in the photo above.

Sewing Books by Kumiko Fujita

The book is filled with adorable themed blocks and pretty floral appliqué patterns.

The only problem is that it has been out of print for some time. Ebay and Etsy prices were out of control! Thankfully, Zakka Workshop (World Book Media) reprinted the book in English and it is available now!

You can find it at Sew Me a Song, Pink Castle Fabrics and from Zakka workshop!

Zakka Workshop kicked off a blog hop on Monday!

It is filled with wonderful projects - the first being a cute house wall hanging by Kerry Green.

Kerry shares some great tips for enlarging the blocks and piecing using a freezer paper method.

The perfect method for a block with "Y" seams.

I will be sharing my projects on November 3rd - a cosmetic bag and a shoe bag from the "Girl's night out" collection of patterns.

Check out the schedule below and be sure to stop by each blog for wonderful projects and inspiration.

If you are on Instagram - you can find the blog hop with #318PatchworkPatterns and #pp318qal for the Quilt Along.

318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop

October 2oth Kerry Green from http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com

*Project: House Mini Wall Hanging & Freezer Paper Piecing Tutorial with Y seams

October 22^nd Penny Layman from http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com

* Project: Gardening apron with blocks from Vegetables collection

October 24^th Angela Pingel from http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com

* Project: Wall hanging or bunting from Halloween collection

October 27th Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com

* Project: Tote bag with appliqué blocks

October 29^th Amber Carrillo from http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com

* Project: Blocks from Christmas collection

October 31st Latifah Saafir from www.thequiltengineer.com

* Project: Baby blanket from At the Circus collection

November 3rd Charise Randell from http://charisecreates.blogspot.com

* Project: Make up kit and shoe bag from Girls’ Night Out collection

November 7th Amy Friend from http://duringquiettime.com

* Project: Table runner with blocks from Fruits collection

November 5th Leila from http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com

* Project: Tea Cozy from Tea Time Collection

November 12th Caroline from www.sewcanshe.com

* Project: Tote or pouch with appliqué block

November 10th Faith Jones from www.freshlemonquilts.com

* Project: Mini quilt from Vehicle Collection

November 14th Rashida Coleman-Hale fromhttp://iheartlinen.typepad.com

Have a lovely day!

Charise

10.17.2014

Friday Fun : )

The vacation was fabulous but now I'm back to work - I hate to call it that since I love it so : ) - and working away on some fun projects! This is a glimpse of a project I am finishing up today for Stitch Spring '15. The fabric is "Up Parasol" by Heather Bailey for Free Spirit fabrics. It is such a beautiful collections and the colors are perfect for Spring.

I am also patiently waiting to receive a book I'm published in! Mollie Makes Patchwork and Quilting. This project was so much fun to make. It is a Vintage inspired paper pieced laundry bag with a little embroidery detail. I cannot wait to get my hands on it and see the other projects in the book!

I hope you enjoy your Friday!

Charise

10.16.2014

The Unofficial Downton Abbey Sews

Stitch magazine published a special issue a few months ago -"The Unofficial Downton Abbey Sews".

I usually share the projects on my blog as soon as I get the samples back but the samples are on the road : )

Amber Eden, editor of Stitch, sent me photos of the magazine shoot so I could share them with you!

The issue is quite lovely and has a nice selection of sewing projects including period clothing updated to wear today - from street chic items to dressier evening wear, quilts and accessories.

I am fortunate to have four projects in the magazine!

Sketches for Maid's Nightdress for Downton Abbey Sews

Maid's Nightdress

The first project is the nightgown pictured above. Inspired from vintage 1920's and 30's night gowns, the night dress is made out of a beautiful voile from Cloud 9 fabric Palos Verdes line. The gown has a lovely lace and ribbon detail.

The ladies downstairs must have their trusty apron so I created this update to the maid's apron.

Designed with gathered pockets, gingham trim and a fun scallop hem.

What is England without afternoon tea? I designed this tea cozy with Liberty of London fabrics and a fun paper pieced teapot design.

Last, but definitely not least, is the evening gown. Made with Robert Kaufmann Radiance Satin and a separate beaded lace capelet.

The front straps extend to the back creating a lovely detail!

Happy Sewing!

Charise

10.14.2014

Inspiration from the Big Apple

Orla Kiely Soho NY

It has been quite some time since I've written a blog post. I've been away on vacation! Last week was a whirlwind trip to attend two different weddings - the first in Brooklyn, NY and the second in Palm Springs, California. My hubby and I traveled to NY - just the two of us - and met the kiddos and grandparents in Palm Springs.

My career as an apparel designer took me to Manhattan NY often, but that was over 10 years ago so it was such a treat to visit again.

Orla Kiely Soho

Much to my delight, I found the Orla Kiely store in Soho! I absolutely love all things Orla Kiely - her prints, wallpaper, clothes and bags! Check out that adorable trailer covered in Orla loveliness and that dress.....I will take one of everything, please : )

Purl Soho

I couldn't resist a trip to Purl Soho. They have an incredible yarn selection and the store was lovely!

Rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum NYC

We packed in quite a bit of sight seeing in two days!
The rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum has an amazing 360 degree view of the NY city skyline.

Grand Central Station NYC

And we made a stop at Grand Central where it happened to be the 100 year anniversary.

We also visited the Guggenheim museum (amazing!) did a bit of window shopping on Madison Avenue.

Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Heights

And lastly, I had to share a pic of my hubs and I with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
We are not the best at taking selfies : )

xo
Charise

9.28.2014

National Sewing Month

September is National Sewing and Quilting month!

Fat Quarter shop is hosting the “I Love Quilting and Sewing” Blog Tour all month long to celebrate the art of sewing and quilting. They are dedicating the month of September to spread the awareness and love for this craft.

They asked a group of bloggers to share why we love sewing!

I honestly feel like sewing makes my heart sing and fills my soul! It is my creative outlet and I am grumpy if more than a few days go by without time to spend with my sewing machine or designing a new project!

The Fat Quarter Shop also asked the participating bloggers to make something we have not made before! My project is a purse and I chose to add an appliqué detail.

It was a fun project and stretched my skills as my attempts at appliqué have been very small details but not the focal point of the project.

I used a freezer paper technique that I found in Playful Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki.

Fat Quarter Shop also asked up to answer the following questions:

1. How did you start quilting/sewing?

I started sewing when I was six years old. My mom taught me to hand sew clothes for my Barbie dolls. I was hooked and knew I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up.

My uncle gave me my first sewing machine when I was twelve. It opened up the world of sewing clothes and I never looked back.

My best sewing memory is when I made a tailored button down shirt for my grandfather for Christmas when I was thirteen years old. He opened the box said "Thank you Charise" and put the box down.

My mom proceeded to say " Dad, Charise made that shirt!"

He wore it for decades until it was thread bare : )

2. When was the first time you knew that you were a quilter/sewer?

I'd have to say I considered myself a sewer when I made my first doll clothes at age six.

3. Do you have any sewing/quilting horror stories or faux pas?

Not making a muslin when garment sewing! I've been sewing for over 40 years and I think I have finally learned to always make a test garment before cutting into your precious fabric!!!

4. What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in sewing/quilting?

Take classes. Try new techniques and take your time : ) Don't be afraid to try something new and fail on your first try .... you will master a technique if you practice!

I love this sewing because there is always something new to learn no matter how old your are or how much experience you have!

Happy Sewing!

Charise

9.24.2014

Cozy Cottages

Over two years ago my first paper piecing pattern was published in Fat Quarterly - Cozy Cottage.

I have made it available for purchase in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

I really do love the pattern. It was fun to find cute images for the windows.

This is the "Sewing House" with the sewing themed items in the window.
The sewing themed brown roof and yellow details are from Suzuko Koseki - one of my favorite fabric designers.

This is one of my favorite pillows made with the "Sewing House".

I've dreamed of making a quilt with different themed houses as boutiques - Boulangerie, Sweets shop, Clothing Boutique .....shops that you would find in a quaint little town : )

Happy Creating!
xo
Charise

9.22.2014

Fat Quarter Shop - Robert Kaufman Sale

Hello! My apologies for being so quiet over here! I have been spending time organizing my fabric which required a trip to IKEA for some bookshelves - with doors - to store my fabric. My stash has outgrown the plastic bins I now store them in. I will share some photos soon! It is so nice to have my fabric arranged by color!

I wanted to let you know that Fat Quarter Shop is having a sale - 20% OFF ALL ROBERT KAUFMAN FABRICS with coupon code: RK2014

This includes Kona, Ann Kelle, Carolyn Friedlander, Darlene Zimmerman, and Many more!

This offer starts TODAY, September 22^nd until SUNDAY, September 28^th at 11:59 PM CST.

I may head over myself, but only if I have some room on those new shelves : )

xo Charise

9.14.2014

Sunday Stash with Liberty Tana Lawns

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday. I picked the last of the lavender from my garden that I will use for sachets and cooking. My husband makes killer Lavender lemon scones! The recipe is from my favorite Seattle bakery - Macrina.

My roses are still blooming - you can see a little peek in the upper right hand corner of the photo.

My house is full of vases with the luscious smelling blooms. I will be sad when they are gone.

I could't resist making a sachet with the my Liberty Tana

Lawn scraps and lavender from my garden! The pattern is one I designed, way back when, for Stitch Gifts 2012.

You could also use my tutorial for a simple four patch sachet - tutorial is [here]. It is a great project for using your favorite scraps.

Here is a little sneak peek of a project I am working on for the Liberty Craft Blog with these beautiful fabrics! They are so summery which is nice since summer is coming to an end. I love the citrus colors (hint, hint).

Have a lovely evening!

Charise

9.10.2014

Work in Progress Wednesday

It is Wednesday again and time seems to be flying by. The kiddos have been in school for a week and I've been struggling with setting a schedule for myself. My main work in progress is grading my Anna Blouse. Basically grading means taking a pattern and making it larger and smaller. I learned to grade in design school but that was over 20 years ago! A task that I dreaded at first, but have come to enjoy as I measure each seam, feeling very satisfied when the pieces sew together!

I have a stack of fabrics to make more versions of the blouse and can't wait to share them here!

To help keep my sanity, I have set aside some time for sewing. In celebration of National Sewing Month, I will be sharing a project that uses a technique that is new to me - appliqué. I was inspired by the book Playful Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki. The project pictured will be a sweet little bag which I will share on the blog later this month.

I hope you enjoy these last few days of summer.

xo
Charise

9.05.2014

Sponsor News - National Sewing Month!

Becca at Sew Me a Song is having a sale this weekend

In Celebration of National Sewing Month!

Take $10.00 off your purchase of $50 or more. Enter coupon code : SEWSEPT at checkout. Offer good through September 8th.

I'm rather smitten with this I dream of Paris bundle : )

The Fat Quarter Shop is celebrating National Sewing Month with a free pattern. The Color my Heart Quilt pattern is available HERE. It uses a handful of charm squares and makes a 27" finished block. I would be an adorable mini quilt or make a bunch for a larger quilt!

(Don't forget to use #colormyheart on social media when you create this quilt!)

They are also hosting a blog hop! They have asked bloggers (me included!) to share a projects they have not made before ~ all month long! Here is the list of bloggers!

Shruti of 13 Woodhouse Road

Sherri of A Quilting Life

Amy of Amy's Creative Side

Alyce of Blossom Heart Blog

Charise of Charise Creates

Lucy of Charm About You

Erin of Dog Under My Desk

Amy of During Quiet Time

Rachel of Family Ever After

Anne Marie of Generation X Quilters

Marni of Haberdashery Fun

Melissa of Happy Quilting