Monday 30 April 2012

Peasant Dresses...

Slim fit Peasant Dresses - with link to free pattern - Threading My Way

Making these peasant dresses was my first time using a pattern from Create Kids Couture. I've used the Marilyn's Slim Fit Peasant Dress, available as a free download from Fabric.com.

This little dress is SO quick and easy to sew!!! The pattern gives clear, detailed, step by step instructions, with lots of photos included. If you are new to sewing, this would be a good pattern. The hardest part of the dress is the ruffle. If you found the ruffle too difficult, the dress could be lengthened and finished with a hem, instead.

Slim fit Peasant Dresses - with link to free pattern - Threading My Way

Slim fit Peasant Dresses - with link to free pattern - Threading My Way

Slim fit Peasant Dresses - with link to free pattern - Threading My Way


These little dresses will be joining the previous dresses for the Hopeful Threads sew-along to support Dress A Girl Around the World.

Mary, from Ms. Redo, and her daughter, have sewn some beautiful, little pillowcase dresses in support of Dress A Girl Around the World. Head on over and have a look, here and here.

... Pam

Sunday 29 April 2012

Threading Your Way ~ Quilting and Patchwork ~ Link Party

Welcome to the eighteenth edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way. Each ongoing, themed link party is steadily growing into a resource full of ideas and inspiration.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.

Our eighteenth linky for 2012 is everything Quilting and Patchwork. Making my first quilt is on my To Do list for this year, so I'm on the lookout for ideas to inspire and help me. Your projects may be full sized quilts, but you can also link up smaller projects.

Quilting and Patchwork
Link up any family friendly posts that you have written on quilting or patchwork. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:
  • how you made it
  • tutorials
  • photos
  • pattern reviews
  • tips for making
  • what you learnt
As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Quilting and Patchwork, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Guidelines for linking up:
  • Each post needs to be about quilting or patchwork.
  • Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
  • No direct links to shops or giveaways.
The fine print:
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to pin your post to Pinterest. I pin all features to Pinterest, unless you specifically request me not to.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to share your post on social media - FacebookTwitterGoogle+
If you'd like:
  • Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS, Linky Followers, email), to keep up to date, to see if you've been featured and to know when the next themed party starts.
  • Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog. 
  • Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.
I usually post Features each Saturday on Threading My Way




I look forward to seeing your quilting and patchwork...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way 



Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way 
  1. Bags and Totes
  2. Dresses for Girls
  3. Dresses for Women
  4. Hair Accessories
  5. Pillows and Cushions
  6. Boys' Clothes
  7. Skirts for Girls
  8. Aprons and Art Smocks
  9. Purses, Clutches, Pouches
  10. Dolls' Clothes
  11. Women's Skirts
  12. Baby Clothes and Accessories
  13. Children's Tops and Shirts
  14. Women's Tops and Shirts
  15. Softies, Dolls, Toys
  16. Sewing Tips and Techniques
  17. Sewing with stretch fabric
  18. Quilting and Patchwork
  19. Embroidery, Stitching and Appliqué
  20. Jackets, Coats, Raincoats, Ponchos
  21. Hats, Bonnets, Beanies and Scarves
  22. Pants, Shorts, Trousers for Children
  23. Drawstring Bags and Fabric Baskets
  24. Pretend Dress Up Clothes
  25. Clothes for Men
  26. Kitchen Accessories
  27. Swimwear
  28. Sleepwear
  29. Gift Wrapping
  30. Electronic Gadget Covers and Cases
  31. Blog Tips
  32. Refashioning with Denim
  33. Pants for Women
  34. Sewing Accessories
  35. Home Decor
  36. Sewing Tutorials Pages
  37. Sewing Spaces
  38. Sewing for Charity
  39. Fabric Baskets
  40. Reusing Shirts & Ties
... Pam

Threading Your Way ~ Features

I have found the sewing and crafting blog community, to be a very warm and welcoming one; a community of people who help each other and readily share their ideas. From these ideas we all benefit by expanding our knowledge.

During these past two weeks, I have learnt two techniques in particular, which will be invaluable to me:
Thank you to everyone who linked up to our Sewing Tips and Techniques Party. I so appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with others. Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. You can continue to add your tips at any time.

Another thing that I would personally like to see, is posts on sewing room organisation!!!

And now, onto some features. This week all our features will be from the Sewing Tips and Techniques Party...


According to Mr Linky, the most viewed tips and techniques were:
And more fabulous tips and techniques which also caught my eye:
Head on over and visit these talented ladies. 

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. This week, the most viewed link was Sewing Swimsuits. Cindy, look out for your blog button in my sidebar.


While we're talking about sewing tips and techniques, have you seen the Sewing 101 series, over at Tales of a Trophy Wife? Tara has 7 tutorials, most of which can be completed in under an hour. The series is designed for those who are relatively new to sewing, with each week building on the previous week's lessons. This is a great series for building both confidence and skills.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...


You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way 

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...


... Pam

Wednesday 25 April 2012

A-line Tunic Dress...


I was lucky enough to win a giveaway, over at Creating My Way to Success... four PDF patterns from Whimsy Couture!!!  I chose Terrific Tees, Ladies Peasant Top, Hooded Jacket and the one I've made up, the A-line Tunic Dress.

Two versions of the A-line dress are included in the pattern: one that is fully lined and the second with a ruffle. You know how much I love ruffles, so of course I chose the unlined one with a girlie ruffle.


My first version is this red floral, co-ordinated with a black and white polka dot. From the outside, this dress looks exactly like the one in the pattern, but I have modified how it is constructed. The pattern suggests: 1) Sew bodice lining to front. 2) Repeat for the back. 3) Sew ruffle to front. 4) Repeat for the back. 5) Sew the side seams.  I have used the old school way:
  • Sew side seams.
  • Sew bodice linings together at side seams.
  • Sew bodice lining to the dress.
  • Sew ruffle pieces to form one long tube and gather.
  • Sew ruffle to dress.
Either way, it's a cute, little dress that's very quick and easy to make.


Here's my second version. Isn't that bear fabric just adorable!!! My Mum found this brand new fabric in an Op shop (Thrift Store). This dress is constructed the same way as the first, but with two modifications. These changes are not in the pattern, but are so easy to do. First up, I've added a contrasting fabric for the bodice. Just remember to add the seam allowance to both the bodice and the main fabric.

The ruffle, both in the pattern and on the polka dots in the first dress, is a strip of fabric that is doubled over before it is gathered. For my second dress, I haven't doubled the fabric. I like both methods. They just give a different effect.




Here's what I began with for my third A-line Tunic dress; an adult's dress. I cut the top of the dress off and have kept the two bands of elastic. I'll most probably use those instead of wide elastic for a couple of circle skirts next Summer.

The embroidered hem is the main feature of the adult's dress and I obviously wanted to retain this for the girl's dress.

Same as for my second dress, I've added a contrasting bodice. To attach the skirt to the bodice was simply a matter of gathering the fabric and sewing. The bodice lining hides the gathering seam on the inside.
When I held the finished dress up, it seemed a little thin. It wasn't see through, but I could see my hand when the dress was held up to the light. Just to make sure, I added a black lining to the skirt.


For someone who is new to sewing, this is a great pattern. The instructions include lots of photos with detailed, step by step instructions. If you are more experienced with sewing, you may not need the instructions, but can use the pattern as a base to create your own design variations.

I mentioned that the pattern comes with a fully lined version, which is reversible. That's one for me to make next time. I think I'll need the instructions for that one.

Thanks Creating My Way to Success and Whimsy Couture for my new pattern. I love it!!!

These little dresses will be joining the previous dresses for the Hopeful Threads sew-along to support Dress A Girl Around the World.
Have a look at some of the gorgeous dresses that have been made for this month's sew-along. 

... Pam

Ongoing Link Parties...

Do you like Link Parties? When I first started blogging, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Even the name turned me off. I'm not a party kinda girl. However, I decided to give it a go. Now I party every week and I'm even OK with the name party!

Why do I party? I'll be honest. The main reason is to show off my stuff. However, it is a wonderful way to:
  • find other blogs and bloggers with a common interest
  • find ideas and inspiration
When I started my own Link Parties, Threading Your Way with Threading My Way, I wanted people to show off their stuff, to be able to look for interesting blogs and to find ideas and inspiration. But I wanted more.

I didn't want them to be forgotten and to disappear after a week or two. I wanted them to be a resource of ideas on the one topic and for that reason, I made them ongoing

Because each one is on different topic, the number of people interested in each party differs and therefore the number of projects linked up will vary. It's been fascinating to see where the majority of interests lie... totes and girls' clothes being the most popular so far.

As you can see, I'm not choosing themes based on popularity and this will mean that some parties will remain smaller. Perhaps we could call them exclusive... LOL!!!

Even though I do a reasonable amount of refashioning, I won't be hosting an ongoing refashioning / upcycling link party, as there's already an awesome one in existence... Jill, from Creating My Way to Success, hosts Clothes Recycling Projects.

The downside of ongoing themed link parties, is remembering to link up your current (or past) project to a party that was started a while ago. So, here's your reminder... have a look through the link lists and see if you have any projects (old or new), that you are proud of and would like to show off.

I do look through all the parties each week, so rest assured, I will see your project if you link it up. Many of the parties have been pinned numerous times on Pinterest, so chances are, others will see it too.

For those of you who are new to Threading My Way, a new party begins every Sunday, with features on a Saturday. Features come from any of the parties, not just the most recent.

See you at one or more of the parties...

Monday 23 April 2012

I Will Wear It in Public...

Garment Sewing Challenge: May 2012

Rikka, from Ricochet and Away, is hosting the I Will Wear it in Public Garment Sewing Challenge. Here are the guidelines.

  1. The theme of this challenge is to sew any garment that YOU will be proud enough to wear in public. 
  2. This is a sewing challenge so machine or hand sewing is a required element in your entry. 
  3. You must make a new garment for this challenge. 
  4. Upcycling and refashioning of existing garments is acceptable as long as you follow the second guideline. 
  5. Don't confuse garments with accessories like hats, scarves, belts, etc. 
  6. You must try something new when creating your garment. That's where the "challenge" part comes into play, right? Maybe you've never used a pattern, or sewn with knits, or installed a zipper. Here's your chance!

Saturday 21 April 2012

Threading Your Way ~ Sewing With Stretch Fabric ~ Link Party

Welcome to the seventeenth edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way. Each ongoing, themed link party is steadily growing into a resource full of ideas and inspiration.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.

Our seventeenth linky for 2012 is everything Sewing With Stretch Fabric... clothes for adults or children, tips for sewing with stretch fabric, anything else sewn with stretch fabric. If you have previously linked up an item made with stretch fabric in another category, feel free to link it up again here.

Sewing With Stretch Fabric
Link up any family friendly posts that you have written on sewing with stretch fabric. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:
  • how you made it
  • tutorials
  • photos
  • pattern reviews
  • tips for making
  • what you learnt
As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Sewing With Stretch Fabric, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Guidelines for linking up:
  • Each post needs to be about a something that is sewn with stretch fabric.
  • Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
  • No direct links to shops or giveaways.
The fine print:
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to pin your post to Pinterest. I pin all features to Pinterest, unless you specifically request me not to.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to share your post on social media - FacebookTwitterGoogle+
If you'd like:
  • Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS, Linky Followers, email), to keep up to date, to see if you've been featured and to know when the next themed party starts.
  • Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog. 
  • Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.
I usually post Features each Saturday on Threading My Way




I look forward to seeing your items made with stretch fabric...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way 



Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way 
  1. Bags and Totes
  2. Dresses for Girls
  3. Dresses for Women
  4. Hair Accessories
  5. Pillows and Cushions
  6. Boys' Clothes
  7. Skirts for Girls
  8. Aprons and Art Smocks
  9. Purses, Clutches, Pouches
  10. Dolls' Clothes
  11. Women's Skirts
  12. Baby Clothes and Accessories
  13. Children's Tops and Shirts
  14. Women's Tops and Shirts
  15. Softies, Dolls, Toys
  16. Sewing Tips and Techniques
  17. Sewing with stretch fabric
  18. Quilting and Patchwork
  19. Embroidery, Stitching and Appliqué
  20. Jackets, Coats, Raincoats, Ponchos
  21. Hats, Bonnets, Beanies and Scarves
  22. Pants, Shorts, Trousers for Children
  23. Drawstring Bags and Fabric Baskets
  24. Pretend Dress Up Clothes
  25. Clothes for Men
  26. Kitchen Accessories
  27. Swimwear
  28. Sleepwear
  29. Gift Wrapping
  30. Electronic Gadget Covers and Cases
  31. Blog Tips
  32. Refashioning with Denim
  33. Pants for Women
  34. Sewing Accessories
  35. Home Decor
  36. Sewing Tutorials Pages
  37. Sewing Spaces
  38. Sewing for Charity
  39. Fabric Baskets
  40. Reusing Shirts & Ties
... Pam

Threading Your Way ~ Features

I so enjoyed looking at all the softies, dolls and toys linked up. I'll be referring back to this page come birthday and Christmas time. Don't forget, our Softies, Dolls and Toys Party is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. If you make any children's toys, add them at any time. We'd love to have a look.

And now, onto some features...


According to Mr Linky, the most viewed softies were:
And another fabulous softie which also caught my eye:
This gorgeous Easter dress:
This fabulous apron made from some curtains:
And two awesome circle skirt remixes that were part of the Project Run and Play Sew-Along:

    Head on over and visit these talented ladies. 

    Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. This week, the most viewed link was All the Birds! Esther, look out for your blog button in my sidebar.


    Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...


    You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way 

    I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...


    ... Pam

    It's all in the fabric... or is it?


    What is it that makes a dress look just right? You can have the most wonderful pattern, but if you don't have the right fabric, the dress won't look wonderful. In fact, if you have chosen the wrong fabric, the dress will look anything but wonderful.

    On the other hand, you can use a very ordinary pattern, but if you choose the right fabric, the dress can be stunning, awesome, wonderful and have the WOW factor.

    Of course, this is all subjective. We all have different tastes and I see that as a good thing.

    My questions to you are:
    • How important is the fabric?
    • How important is the pattern or style of garment?

    For this little dress, I've cut off a pre-loved (but as new) onesie and used fabric from my stash. I've cut the main fabric in one piece and so only needed one seam, which I've done as a French seam and sewn at the back. The ruffle makes it extra girlie.

    My Mum found this fabric in an Op (thrift) shop. It's a good quality cotton and brand new. It's the perfect match for the new blue t-shirt that was sitting in my cupboard. Thanks, Mum! I liked this one as is, without adding a ruffle or band at the bottom.

    The last dress is much larger than the other two; about a size 12. I originally made the band twice the width, but it just didn't look right. The band is made from a thinner cotton, than the cotton floral, so I was able to turn it up again. I was glad I didn't have to unpick the band!!! From the right side, it looks like I've done two rows of topstitching just above the band. I've added a row of hand stitching to finish it off.


    These three dresses will be heading off to the Australian representative for Dress A Girl Around the World. Head on over to Hopeful Threads for details of Kristy's sew-along to support Dress A Girl Around the World.

    You should have a look at the two adorable dresses that Cass, from Cass Can Sew, had made for this month's sew-along; a Flutter Sleeve dress and a Pillowcase dress. Then head over to A Home, Made, where you will see two gorgeous dresses sewn by Amy; a T-shirt dress and a Peasant dress.


    Kristy has a giveaway running at the moment: an autographed copy of Girl's World, by Jennifer Paganelli. I'd really rather you didn't enter the giveaway, because I'd like to win that book. So why am I telling you... because I'm so nice... LOL!!!

    ... Pam

    Friday 20 April 2012

    French Seams...


    I think this may be the shortest post I have done. I'll show you how easy it is to sew French Seams.

    1. With wrong sides together, sew 1/8" from the edge of the fabric.
    2. Trim any loose threads.
    3. Turn the material so that the right sides are together.
    4. Iron (or if you are lazy like me, finger press)
    5. Sew 1/4" from the edge

    That's all there is to it! Couldn't be easier.

    French seams make the inside of your garment as neat as the right side. I use them on bags that are not lined, such as my Treasure Bags and sometimes I use them on clothing, such as these dresses.

    To prevent hems from becoming bulky when using French Seams, don't lay the seam on top of itself when making the first turning for the hem. Face the two sides away from each other. I hope this makes sense without a photo (sorry, forgot to take one). If you'd like a photo, let me know.

    ... Pam

    Tuesday 17 April 2012

    Ten Upcycled Tote Tutorials...

    There are 153 fantastic bags and totes linked up to our ongoing Bags and Totes Link Party... so many great ideas!!!

    In this day and age, we are all conscious of reusing what we already have, so today I'm sharing some awesome upcycling tutorials from our bags and totes party. You will be amazed at the creativity!!! Each tutorial contains step by step detailed instructions, with lots of photos.

    Lined Pillowcase Bag Tutorial by Cass ~ Cass Can Sew

    Sundress Upcycle to Shoulder Bag by Jill ~ Creating My Way to Success

    Sweater Purse by Rikka ~ Ricochet and Away

    Owl Bag Tutorial by Caroline ~ Sewing For Utange

    Refashioned Bag by Agy ~ Green Issues

    Babushka Lady Tote by Christie ~ Joyfoolery

    Bag From Shorts by Jill ~ Creating My Way to Success

    Paper Purse by Rikka ~ Ricochet and Away

    Jeans to Wristlet by Agy ~ Green Issues

    Capri Sun Tote by Michka ~ Michka's Creative Solutions


    Aren't they fabulous!!! Definitely thinking outside the square!!!
    Ten Upcycled Tote Tutorials

    For more inspiration, head on over to our ongoing Bags and Totes Link Party. If you've made a bag or tote yourself, I'd love you to link it up.

    ... Pam