Pillows

We've needed new pillows for our couch for over a year now. I loved our old pillows but they got holes in them and we all know what happens when kids are around and something has a hole it.

I knew we needed pillows with a zipper so the pillow covers could be removed and washed. The only thing is I always forgot to get the zippers while at the fabric store. So a few weekends ago I went to Wal-Mart specifically to get zippers. The closest fabric store that carries zippers is about 45 mintues away and Wal-Mart is just a 10 minute drive and luckily our local Wal-Mart is still carrying fabrics and crafts. I had this green square fabric for awhile and bought it specifically for the pillows. The fabric was on sale and I bought what was left on the bolt which gave me just enough for the pillows with a few scraps of it left. The pillows look good on the couch and have already had a lot of use, but I would really like to find a fabric that I love and that has more umph to it. But for now they'll do.

There's Still Time to Sign Up

You may have noticed (or not) the little button in my sidebar BTRS Swap. Well I've signed up for this round of swap fun. The project is the Charming Handbag. There is still time to sign up. Sign up deadline is February 28. Go here to get in on the fun!

Pattern Review - Newlook 6496

Pattern Photo (View A):New Look Pattern Info

I've had this pattern for awhile and have made another view. A few weeks ago I bought some baby cord at Fabricland for $3/metre and knew I just had to use this pattern. The skirt was made last weekend and I had to wear it on Monday. It was a little cold here for a skirt, but I do have a long coat. The only problem was I don't have dressy winter boots, so I had to wear shoes. That was cold on the feet on the walk from the car to work, but it was worth it.

Fabric: Corduroy

Pattern Description: A-line skirt, 6 panels.

Pattern Sizing: 8-18 Newlook patterns tend to make up bigger than the indicated measurements on the back of the pattern envelope. I measured my waist and hips and cut a size smaller than I would need according to the measurements, as I have used this pattern before and found I had to take the finished skirt in a bit. Even with cutting a size smaller than I measure, I still needed to take in the skirt this time, so it wouldn't fall to the ground as I walked.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that this pattern was easy to follow and had good descriptions and drawings to follow. What I don't like about the pattern is that the measurements on the back of the pattern envelope that you would use to help determine the size to cut aren't accurate. I would measure as a size 14, but I cut a size 12 and could easily have cut a size 8 instead.

Fabric Used: CorduroyPattern

Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut out View B, but did not use the band for view B, as I wanted the skirt to be a solid black. It was still too long for me and I had to cut another 4 inces off the bottom to have it come just below the knee.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I plan to make one in a light cotton for the summer as well. I have made View D before and really like that skirt as well. I would recommend this pattern. A beginner could easily make this skirt, maybe not as a first project as there is a zipper. I would cut at least a size smaller than what you measure according to the measurements on the back of the pattern envelope.

Conclusion: An easy, quick to whip up skirt that looks great and is easy to wear.

Valentine's Cards

My daughter is 11 and really wants to give her class Valentines, but she's not into Hannah Montana, Barbie, Bratz etc. so we decided to see what we could find for her on the web. The cutest owl Valentine cards and bookmarks ever can be found here . She is so happy with these cards for her class. She decided to give out the bookmarks to her closest friends too (discreetly).
Still looking for Valentine's Day ideas? There are lots of Valentine's Day crafts, cards etc. here

Pattern Review - Fleece Pullover

Project Photo:
Pattern Photo:	Simplicity Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:	Highly Recommend
Fabric: Fleece
Pattern Description: Pullover for boys and men. Pattern has several options. There is a hood or just a collar, with velcro closures. Optional flap pocket on front. Elastic can be inserted on sleeve at cuff and on bottom or just have a regular hem. Pattern Sizing: Boys' size S-L and Men's size S-XL. I made a Men's size L. To be sure I got the sizing correct I measured one of my husband's fleece pullovers at the chest, since I've never made a Men's pullover in any Simplicity pattern prior to this. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I did make View A, but did not include the front flap pocket. The picture makes it look a little wonky since it's hung on a hanger, but when it is on it is straight. Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Between the pictures and the written directions, I was able to make this in about 3-hours. At the time I did not have a serger. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was pretty easy to understand, however more clearly described instructions or more pictures would be good for a beginner. Fabric Used: Polar Fleece. I used quite a thick polar fleece and without a serger the stitches sometimes skipped when the fabric was too thick. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made View A, but just left off the front flap pocket. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely sew this again and am planning on making both of my boys a pullover in the camo fleece since I have a lot leftover. When they saw Daddy's sweater, they wanted one right away. I would recommend this pattern. On the envelope it says easy-to-sew, which it was, however I would recommend this for the Advance Beginner as there is some twill tape to be added to the collar facing to stop chaffing. That step can be a bit intimidating for a beginner. Conclusion: Love this pattern and with so many options it can be made over and over again with a different look acheived.