Pieced Kwik Sew Jacket, Part 2

Last week I featured a jacket I made from Kwik Sew pattern 3236, and this is another jacket made from the same pattern.  I used five different fabrics: one windowpane linen, two silk-linen burnouts, and two plain linens. I could not find one fabric I envisioned, linen with a small pink and green print, so I embroidered my own. I also embroidered the buttonholes and the inserts in the sleeves.

I did not use the applique design included in the pattern though I originally thought I would do so. I added lime green piping in the yoke seam and fabric covered buttons.

I wore this jacket with a pink linen skirt and shell for Easter the year I created it and think I will do so again this year.  I feel that the delicate colors are just perfect for early springtime.  And I even have pink shoes to match!

Happy Easter!

Pieced Kwik Sew Jacket, Part 1

This jacket is part one of a two-part post.  I’ll share the second one next week.  I made this jacket a few years ago, based on Kwik Sew pattern 3236.  The fact that this pattern is still available speaks to its design and appeal.  The pattern description reads, “Misses' lined straight jacket has yoke, panel seams, full-length sleeves, and front button closure. Jacket is made from five different fabrics and has optional applique and trim embellishments.”  It is sized from XS to XL. 

I re-created the pattern for this jacket using Wild Ginger's Pattern Master Boutique software. I bought the Kwik Sew pattern and used it to draft my own which I knew would fit better. I measured the various pattern pieces and then created my own. I used the Kwik Sew directions, which are excellent, to construct the jacket. I like how the instructions have great illustrations on how to lay out all of the varied pattern pieces once they are cut so there are no mistakes. One thing that might not be apparent from the pattern picture is that all of the pieces are cut out individually and sewn together rather than piecing a panel of fabric and cutting out, say, a jacket front. One excellent feature about this pattern is that you can get away with a very small amount of an exquisite fabric by selecting the smallest pieces for that fabric. I also liked how the front placket was cut with its own facing and the insert band on the sleeve.

I chose five different fabrics, most of them linen, for this project.  The black background piece is embroidered with vines and flowers.  The micro check is the only non-linen piece.  I created an origami flower for one of the blocks and tacked down the points with beads (the smaller kanzashi flower in the center is not original to the jacket but was added later).  The buttonholes are embroidered and the buttons are fabric covered.  The same fabric from the buttons was used as piping in the yoke seam.

My style has evolved over time and I find this jacket a little bit “loud” for my current taste, but whenever I wear it I get lots of comments on it.  This pattern is well drafted, the instructions are great and the design offers lots of creative possibilities.  Check back next week when I will show you my other version, a pink and white number that is perfect for Easter.

Sewing Inspired Centerpieces

Today's post is a little different as I am highlight the work of other crafty folks.  My fellow American Sewing Guild members, to be exact.  Several weeks ago our ASG Chapter held our annual Spring Fling, a lovely luncheon with time to socialize with like-minded gals, see what people have been sewing and add to our stashes through a silent auction.  This year, as in the past, each Neighborhood Group was asked to make and donate a centerpiece for the event.  The following pictures are of the various contributions. 

A large variety was represented.  Some groups dug into their button boxes and stashes, creating flowers.  Others combined various notions into a bouquet of sorts.

Many of the centerpieces included new sewing items such as thread, fabric, patterns and other notions.

Other groups put their talent to work and created something that represented the theme of the group (such as machine embroidered designs from our Hoopsters group and a finely dressed doll from the Couture group).  By the way, these lovelies were all given away as door prizes to some lucky winners.

When my group was preparing to create our own centerpiece, one of the members noted that she had done a Google search for sewing inspired centerpieces and came up completely empty handed.  I, too, did several searches along this theme and also found nothing.  So my hope is that, in the future, when some other sewing group is looking for inspiration, they will come across this post with lots of fun ideas.  I hope you enjoyed seeing just how creative our Chapter can be. 

Happy Birthday to my sister!

Today is my sister’s birthday and here’s a fabric postcard I made for her a few years ago.  I went through a phase where I couldn’t stop making (and mailing) these cards (here’s another one).  They are the perfect little canvas for creativity.  I bought both volumes of Caroline Reardon’s Postcard Quilts.  These are lovely books with really excellent instructions, full color illustrations and templates plus lots of inspiration to help you create your own unique postcards.  Caroline also explains in detail the steps you need to take to ensure your postcard can be sent through the mail (as is, no envelope).  I’ve had a really great time making these postcards over the years and hope you will try one for yourself.  They make lovely little mini-quilt gifts.   A current Google search did not turn up a reliable source for these books at present though you might find them on Ebay (if any of my readers finds a source please leave a comment with details).  Quilter’s Newsletter has an article referencing Caroline’s work with a template for two Christmas designs.

Happy Birthday, Jane!

Tutu Hair Bow Holder

My 4-year-old was finally invited to a girl’s birthday party.  He is one of 9 boys in a class of 12, and we had been to numerous parties for his male classmates.  But I’ve been waiting for a little girl’s party so I could MAKE SOMETHING for a gift.  The birthday girl in question is a little princess-type and loves pink and girly things.  I thought this tutu hair accessory holder by Embroidery Garden would be just the ticket.

Every time I work with one of Reen’s embroidery files I am impressed.  Her attention to detail in her digitizing amazes me.  This project is no exception.  The stitch quality is excellent as are her instructions which are included in PDF format with lots of pictures and suggestions for embellishment.  The bodice portion of the design is stitched on the embroidery machine and the skirt and embellishments added afterwards.  I chose some different embellishments than the sample suggests.   I added bows to the ribbon streamers (this is where the hair bows/barrettes, etc. are clipped on), and around the “waist” I used a piece of stretch velvet, sewn into a tube and embellished further with an additional ribbon.

I really like how this turned out and hope that the little girl who received it will enjoy using it as much as I enjoyed making it.  Anxiously awaiting the next girly-girl birthday party. . . .