Work in Progress Wednesday - Lovely Gathered Purse

I've taken a little break from my "deadline" sewing. Well...at least the deadlines I have set for myself- 

Finishing my Anna Blouse Pattern (release in January!) 

and the last block in my Vintage Block Quilt Along.
As well as a few blocks for the Cocorico Bee.

This little number - I'm calling it the "Lovely  Gathered Purse" has been in my sketch book for ages and when I found this fabric I knew I had to make it.
The zippers are a perfect match to the metallic dot print.

The fabrics are from Daiwabo and I love the simplicity and modern feel of the fabrics.

The colors are perfect for winter outfits in such pretty metallics,
 and cool wintry shades of silver, gray and blue.

I found the fabric at my local Pacific Fabrics.  It is also available online too!

This bag is a nice medium size at 11" tall x 11 wide at the top,
 and I just cut out a larger "shopper" version today!

I love the inside zipper pocket and it is so easy to install!

xo

Charise 

Friday Favorites and a little peek of Vintage Block #12!

1. image, 2. Look who's back from the long-armer..., 3. 318 Patchwork Patterns, 4. Huggy basket for a wonderful teacher. Fully handsewn and so satisfying., 5. 20141107_141448, 6. Blocks for Jenna @jennaappleton #muststashbee

I hope you are having a good Friday!  

With the invent of Instagram, I visit Flickr less and less.  Today I decided to head on over to Flickr and discovered that they have redesigned the site.  I like it so much better!  I even found a group of wonderful projects to share with you!  All the photo credits are listed above.

My focus lately has been to finish projects and clean up my sewing space.

I have finished the last block in the Vintage Block Quilt Along and look forward to sharing it soon!

xo

Charise

Patchwork Patterns 318 & Cotton + Steel Winner!

I am so excited to announce that Allison Sews is the winner 

with the winning entry #42!

She is a member of the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild and a super sweet gal who makes amazing quilts and quilty items  : )

She said:

"These are both so cute! Wish you were coming to retreat this weekend, I'll miss you :(

Handsewing is not for me but you know I love me some paper piecing!"

I was bummed to miss our annual retreat this past weekend - maybe next year!

Thanks everyone for participating.  Look for another give-away soon in celebration of my contribution to the book "Mollie Makes Patchwork and Quilting"!

xo

Charise

*Patchwork Patterns 318 Blog Hop and Give Away*

I'm so happy you stopped by my blog for the Patchwork Patterns 318 Blog Hop!  Patchwork Patterns 318 is a Japanese sewing book by Kumiko Fujita.  It has recently been published by World Book Media for the first time in English!

The book is written for hand sewing but can be easily adapted to sewing on your machine using foundation paper piecing or freezer paper piecing.

I decided to make a few projects from the "Girls Night Out" section of the book.  The patterns are adorable and the perfect designs for embellishing some very practical items.
I couldn't resist making a make-up bag - perfect for the lipstick and nail polish block!

The fabrics used for the lipstick and nail polish are Cotton + Steel Mustang Collection.  The large floral is a cotton canvas designed is Ruby Star Polka dot in Pink by Melody Miller.  The background dot is Essential dots in Pink from Moda.

 The lipstick and nail polish block were enlarged to 4".  The patterns in the book are approximately
2 3/8" and are not reversed for paper piecing, so I scanned the image and used Adobe Illustrator to enlarge and reverse the image.  I added a seam to make the piecing a bit easier and numbered each section.   If you don't have Illustrator you can use Photoshop Elements as well.  Kerry has a great tutorial for sizing the blocks which you can find here.

The next project is a shoe/project bag. (Shhh.... don't tell anyone but I had an almost identical pair of pink kitten heels I wore in the early 80's : )

The shoe is made with Cotton + Steel Mustang, the bottom and top border are
 Ruby Star Polka dot in Pink by Melody Miller.  The background fabric is Essex Yarn Dyed Linen from Robert Kaufmann.

I enlarged the pattern to 8" - large enough to adorn a roomy bag - perfect for a shoe bag or project bag.  I am currently using this one for a knitting project.  It is a roomy 13" x 16"  - so it will fit a pair of long knitting needles or your favorite pink high heels : )

Now for the fun part!!!  I will be giving away one copy of Patchwork Patterns 318 compliments of World Book Media and a FQ set of Mustang from Cotton + Steel from Fat Quarter Shop!  Don't forget to take a peek at the New Cotton + Steel line at Fat Quarter Shop.

Please leave a comment below sharing whether or not you have tried foundation paper piecing.  If you have tried,  what did you make?
Give away is open to USA and International commenters.  Comments will be open until Friday 9:00 p.m Pacific Standard Time.


And.... be sure to check out the other projects on the blog hop - they are wonderful!

Good Luck!

xo
Charise

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

~~~Happy Halloween~~~

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

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!

xo

Charise

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.

xo

Charise

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!

xo

Charise    

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!

xo

Charise

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!

xo

Charise

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

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

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!

xo

Charise