Sew Mama Sew * Cloud 9 Fabrics * Palos Verdes Blouse Challenge

Hello! I am so excited to be a part of the Sew Mama Sew Palos Verdes Blouse Challenge!

Each sewist was asked to make a blouse with Cloud 9's new fabric line - Palos Verdes.
The fabric is a beautiful light weight cotton lawn.  It is a dream to sew!

For the challenge, we could use a commercial pattern or design our own.

I decided to create my own design.  

I'm calling it the "The Anna Blouse".

 The "Anna" is a sweet and easy to wear style with front neck pleats and a tie neck detail.
It has a gathered sleeve cap and 3/4 length sleeves.

Beth and Kristin from Sew Mama Sew asked each sewist to choose their three favorite fabrics from the line, which was definitely a challenge.
My preference was for the florals though all the prints are beautiful!

The design process started with a sketch.

Then I couldn't resist filling the sketch with the beautiful prints! 

This is the print I used for the blouse  - "Abalone Cove"

I love this print too!  "Lunada Bay"

The Miraleste Print is a lovely aqua floral!

I actually think this one of my favorites - Wayfarers - and it wasn't on my top three list!   The print gives the blouse a boho 1970's vibe!

I stitched up two muslins!  The first in actual muslin fabric so I could get the fit just right.

The second muslin was made in an Amy Butler voile to test the fit in actual fabric.
It is kind of nice to already have two spring blouses sewn before the season begins!

Please be sure to check out the links to the other sewists in the Cloud 9 Challenge!

Teresa Behr
http://www.dandeliondrift.com/

Melissa Mora
http://mellysews.com/

Nienke de Jong
http://pienkel.blogspot.nl/

Michael Ann Shreeve

http://www.michaelannmade.com/

Carolina Martinez
http://lovelola.com/

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Playful Little Paper-Pieced Projects & A Give-away!

Right before Christmas I received the best present.  Copies of the book, "Playful Little Paper Pieced Projects" - which I am in!  I am so thrilled to be a part of the book.  There are so many wonderful projects and talented designers included.  Most of the contributors I have met through on-line quilting bees!

The book starts with twelve individual paper pieced quilt blocks to make a calendar quilt and a small project that can be made with each block.  The block I designed is "Autumn Harvest" for September.
The top picture is the block before it was added to the quilt and the bottom is the September calendar block completed for the quilt!

The project that goes with the Autumn Harvest block is my round apple pouch.  It uses the apples from the calendar block to make a fun pouch that can be used as a makeup bag or is the perfect size for hand sewing projects on the go!

There is also a section with small projects for the home.  That is where  you will find my log cabin Kite Tote!

Here is a sampling of the wonderful projects:

I just love this "hanger wall art" created by Leila.  It is so simple and lovely!  Can't wait to make one!

Ayumi's grapefruit coasters are adorable and would make a perfect gift (after making a set for myself, of course)  !!!!  : )

I cannot wait to make these chair cushions for my vintage outdoor chairs!

Penny also added adorable stitching to the corners.  Such wonderful detail!

Joanna's bicycle basket is the cutest and it doubles as a tote! 

Amy's journal cover is just sweet as can be.  

Kylie's pot holders are adorable and much too cute to ever come in contact with a pot or pan!

Lynne's quilt is a stunner.   It would look perfect in my living room!

***I will be giving away one copy of the book.***
  U.S. entrants only, please, due to the high cost of shipping.  Please leave a comment below sharing any New Year's Resolutions you have made.  I will pick a winner on Friday the 10th at 9 p.m PST.

I will also be listing a few copies in my Etsy shop.  $20.00 including shipping : )

Good Luck !

xo

Charise

Finding that pesky out of print & hard to find fabric!

Happy New Year!!  Hope your celebration was lovely!

I stayed up 'till midnight and all the boys - even my youngest of 6, made it to midnight!

Both were so tired they put themselves to bed tonight without a fuss : )

Recently, I received an email from a reader who wanted to make the Tea time Coasters from Stitch Winter 2013 magazine with the same fabrics.  When I designed the project I went right to my stash to find my favorite icy blue prints to go with the palette.  Well.....most of the prints were out of print  (oop ) fabrics.   I proceeded to identify the fabrics and give her a few tips for finding oop fabrics which I thought I would share with you.

My first method is to search etsy.  They often have out of print fabrics but you may have to pay a bit more than the original price.   Search the print name, manufacturer, and also the designer.

Ebay is another great resource!  I was able to locate the DS Quilts Meadow Lark print pictured above for a fair price.

Last resort is to search on Bing or Google.  A bit more work but I've had good results.

My advice,  if you find you love a fabric and tend to use it over and over again,  buy a few yards,  you will be glad you did!!!

Here is a sneak peek of a project I was busy working on today for Sew Mama Sew.  It is a first muslin but I think I like where it is going : )  I'll share the project next week!


xo
Charise

Work in Progress Wednesday (on Thursday) - Scrappy Trip Along!

I started this a year ago - yikes.  So happy to do some mindless, fun sewing over the holiday break.

Last night I cut strips for hours while watching the Polar Express with the boys!  I want a queen size quilt so I need 56 blocks!  I still have to cut strips for about 26 blocks but I'm tired of cutting, so, off to sew I go : )  You can find my original post here where I explain how I created an OCD version of the "Scrappy trip along".  I do not do well with randomness : )

Hope you are enjoying the quiet after all the holiday craziness.  I'll have to admit that I was feeling a bit like "grinchella" right before xmas but have since come out of my grinchiness.  Seeing the joy in my boy's eyes on Chrismas day and having the honor of spending the day with my hubs 96 year old grandmother did wonders!  

I think the lazy, relaxed days after the Christmas rush is my favorite part of the holiday.   

Enjoy your week!

xo

Charise

Happy Holidays from my House to Yours!!

Wishing you a happy and joyous Holiday!

xo

Charise

Winter Blossoms Frame Purse

Hope everyone is enjoying preparations for Christmas.  

Most of my shopping is done and I am finishing up a few hand made gifts.

I'm planning a walk to my local shopping district today to purchase those last few items : )

I was fortunate to be included in Stitch Gifts 2014.  

Last week I shared my "vintage bow clutch" which is a perfect last minute gift to make.

Today I am sharing the Winter Blossoms Frame Purse.  This is a fun easy project, but a project that takes a wee bit more time.  The flowers are by the yard trim that is cut apart and applied by hand with embroidery floss.  A perfect project for a cold winter night!

I used a readily available flower trim, wool melton (coating weight) and a purse frame you can find on the Sew Daily Website.  A wool felt can be substituted for the wool melton if not readily available. I found my flower trim at Joann fabrics but you can also find it here.

You can find Stitch Gifts here.  

Wishing you a lovely day.

xo

Charise

Apples - I'm Obsessed!!!

I love apples - I always have.  And I'll never forget my mother telling me "an apple a day will keep the doctor away".

I have created apple pouches.....

apple coasters.....

apple potholders.......

and I am working on a pattern for an apple apron. The sample will be my mom's Christmas present!

So........ last Friday was my birthday and my husband took me to the the Frye Art Museum to see the current exhibition by German artist Franz Von Stuck.  The exhibit was absolutely incredible.  It was a real treat!  After seeing a great master's work I often dream of having the time to learn to paint.....maybe some day.

I just couldn't leave without taking a look at the gift shop : )  It is beautifully curated with art books, local artisan jewelry, hand bags and vintage items.  I couldn't resist these vintage apple accessories.
The wee brass apple tray will be perfect on my sewing table to hold odds and ends.
I love the shape and weight of the apple necklace.  It is a substantial piece of jewelry.  It has a seam near the top and I've tried to open it....hmmmm what could be inside?

I'm looking forward to enjoying this holiday with family and friends.  Cookie baking will commence on Monday. It is one of my favorite traditions along with cutting down the Christmas tree.  My boys love it too - actually the eating more than the decorating : )  The cookies pictured were made for a cookie exchange at my son's school.  I love decorating cookies and trying new designs thought I'll admit the easier design the better the outcome! 

I'm looking forward to spending two weeks with my boys, sleeping in over the holiday break and maybe sneak a bit of sewing in!

Enjoy your day!

xo

Charise

A winner!

Thank you so much everyone for all your wonderful comments!

The winner of the Sew Mama Sew Give-away Is Karin @ Leigh Laurel Studios.

Karin wrote:

"Wonderful Apple.  I'd love to make this."

Thanks Karin - I look forward to hearing from you!!

xo

Charise

Christmas Sewing ~ Bow Clutch ~ Stitch Gifts 2014

The latest issue of Stitch magazine ~ Stitch Gifts 2014 ~ has been on the news stands for a few weeks.  It is a great issue with some wonderful projects for gift making.

I am excited to have two different projects in the issue!  

My vintage bow clutch is a perfect easy gift to make for a friend or family member.  Inspired by the glamorous 1950’s, this stylish clutch has a self fabric bow. 

The clutch measures 7” tall x 11” wide.

The zipper pull is made from 3/8” ribbon adorned with embroidered flower trim.

                                   I made this one with a favorite japanese fabric print.

                            I've listed the samples in my Etsy shop!  Perfect for gift giving!

I use my proto type sample to hold my mini I-pad.  So....you can also use it as an i-pad holder as well as a stylish clutch!

xo Charise

Sew Mama Sew Give-Away Day

Hello lovelies!  Tomorrow is the start of Sew Mama Sew Give Away Day!  

I'm posting just a little bit early : )  

I am giving away a fabric kit and pattern to make my Apple Orchard Hot Pad !!!

The give-away includes the fabric pictured above.  

The red print top left is one of my favorite out of print fabrics - "Sweet Broderie" by Rosalie Quinlan for Lecien~ 1/2 yard.  The top right fabric is one of my favorite New fabrics - "Recipes for Success" by Holly Holderman for Lakehouse Dry Goods ~ Close to 1/4 yard.  You can purchase this lovely fabric at Sew Me a Song .

The 2 1/2" squares are a range of some of my favorite white ground prints.

And last, is a piece of Suzuko Koseki Notions Fabric for the stem.

It also includes a PDF pattern for my new Apple Orchard Hot Pad pattern.  Just in time for holiday gift giving.

To Enter ~  Please leave a comment below!  Give-away is open to international participants.

Comments will close on December 13th at 5 p.m. PST.  I will announce the winner on December 15th.

Sew Mama Sew Give-away day starts tomorrow morning. 

Head on over for your chance to win some fabulous notions and hand made items from other designers and bloggers.

Good Luck!

xo

Charise 

Find me at the Sew News Blog for a Q & A and give-away!

Hello~

Just a quick note to let you know I'm over at the Sew News Blog for a little Q & A.

My cozy sweater jacket is in the current Winter '13 issue.

Read the post and answer the question in the comments section and you’ll be entered to win the book Christmas Home-Made and a cute fusible web tape dispenser!

Good Luck!

xo Charise 

Vintage Block Quilt Along ~ My Progress so far

I am in "full throttle" gift sewing mode here at the Randell house but did take a moment to make a collage of my blocks so far in the Vintage block Quilt Along.  I started the Quilt Along about this time last year with the goal to have all 12 blocks complete.  Well....I am a little behind but will provide free patterns and detailed tutorials for three more blocks over the next few months.

I just love these vintage blocks.  I imagine quilters in the 1930's hand piecing these lovely blocks with well loved clothes just like my great grandmother did!

I hope you will join in.  There is no pressure and they will be up on my blog for you to create at your leisure : )  Click on the "Vintage Block Quilt Along" tab in the top bar for a link to each block.

Take a peek at the Vintage Block Quilt Along Flickr Group - you will find some seriously gorgeous blocks!

Happy Sewing
xo
Charise

Gift Sewing and a New Pattern - Orchard Hot Pad!

 I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving - my friends in the US!

Christmas gift sewing has started at the Randell house.  I created this Apple potholder pattern some time ago and I am sewing a few for gifts.  

The pattern is easy to make and is a great holiday gift for friends and family who love to cook with fun kitchen accessories!

It is available in my Etsy Shop.

The front left side of the apple is pieced and quilted.

The back has quilted pockets.

And I used some of my favorite text fabrics and a few vintage fabrics!

I'm excited to use the new Pam Kitty morning text print for my next hot pad which you can find at Sew Me a Song!  

I'm working on a companion apron and another fruit hot pad for the orchard.  We will see if I get them done in time for Christmas  : )   Thank goodness mom does not have a computer!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise