Shaping Up

Kim posted two more steps for the YCMT Sew-Along - squaring up (again) and piecing. For the piecing step, I went with the option of setting the squares "on point" and filling in the sides with triangles. To keep things simple, I used the same happy dotty fabric for all of the triangles. I love how it sets off the blocks!

I'm still working away on the eBook updates! At this point, I'm mostly reformatting and sewing some springy sets for models. Hopefully I will have several ready to re-release next week!

Sash it up!

After I drafted the elongated Portrait Peasant patterns last week, I made a some test tops. This springy one went out to an adorable little model (along with a pair of ruffled Easy-Fit Pants and a Patchwork Bucket Hat), and I am beyond thrilled with the pictures:




My friend Shannon suggested that I add instructions for a sash. I thought it was a great idea, but had to admit that I was "sash challenged." The sashes I've made have either been too big or too wimpy for my liking. My ideal sash would have a big pretty bow and a nice looking belt. I decided to do some experiments with different widths of fabric. What I found was that the loop part needed to be wider than the belt part to get the look I was after. This is what I ultimately came up with - back view:




...and front view:

My original plan was to write up my findings and post them "tute" style here on the blog. After illustrating 10 pages of instructions and drafting 3 sizes of bows (with cutting lines for 3 belt sizes each), I decided to put everything together in eBook format:

You can download it for FREE at YouCanMakeThis.com. The belt part can be custom sized, so you can tie bows around just about anything. I'm going to make a set of sashes to spiff up my dining room drapes. I might even make one to wear with a long denim skirt that I have hanging in my closet.

Bathed Blocks

Two more steps have been posted for the YCMT sew-along - squaring-up and piecing. My half-square triangles are now pretty pinwheels!

I had to skip the squaring-up step. A little gremlin threw all of my blocks in a hot bath that was intended for me. Instead of luxuriating, I spent the next half hour carefully laying my blocks out on towels. The good news is that the blocks were still nice and flat (and quite clean) after the incident. The bad news is that they were about 1/4" smaller. Despite the shrinkage, the pieces came together nicely.

My points aren't perfect, but I don't think it will be noticeable at all in the finished quilt. Besides, it is going above my bed - I don't think it will get that much up-close scrutiny. I'm really enjoying this sew-along. You know how some people get into a book and can't put it down until the last page? I'm like that with quilts etc. It makes me very grouchy, and by the time I'm finished, I'm sick of the thing. Doing it a bit at a time is so much more relaxing!

Portrait Peasant Perfection

Time to showcase another update! This time the Portrait Peasant is in the spotlight. The original eBook included patterns and instructions to make a "babydoll" style peasant with several different skirt options. Now, in addition to the empire-style bodice pattern, an elongated top-length bodice pattern is included. The sides of the new bodice are flared, and the base has a gentle curve, giving an a-line shape to the finished garment. Instructions for finishing the top with a hem or a ruffle are included. Here is a ruffled one that I made as the final piece of the baby gift I've been working on:

And here is the completed set:

I'm actually going to meet the recipient this weekend! I have a few other little things that I am going to finish up for her today. Babies are SO much fun to sew for (especially those of the female variety)! I just love making these sweet, ruffly confections. My funny friend T refers to this jumper/peasant/pants combination as the "Trifecta." In her honor, I've put together a new bundle pack with all of these updated eBooks.