It’s been said before: We LOVE the Oliver + S, Swingset Tunic and Skirt pattern!!  It’s a winner in our books . . . However, we’ve been stalking the Oliver + S discussion boards on “How to get a cleaner finish” when attaching the bodice and ruffle skirt areas. Since we couldn’t find too much information […]

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Last week, we did something that stretched us . . . . WAAAAYYYY out of our “comfort zones”! We “taught” a class at our local Agriplex on “Hand Embroidery: The Basics” {for their “Heritage Skills” series}. In essence, it was one of those situations we just couldn’t tell a sweet friend “no.” But, we are really glad […]

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Now that you have learned about the cable stitch and wave stitch, it’s time to learn the third smocking stitch: THE TRELLIS STITCH! And, since MOST smocking is comprised of ONLY these three stitches in varying combinations, lengths, and widths, you will be well on your way to mastering the art of smocking. In our step-by-step video, we will […]

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Hopefully by now, you have practiced your cable stitch and have been bitten by the “smocking bug”! Today, we will be discussing another stitch used in smocking . . . THE WAVE STITCH . . . bringing our total to two stitches. What’s more exciting is that most smocking is comprised of ONLY three stitches in […]

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After our initial post, Smocking: An Introduction, that was filled with smocking resources and inspiration, we knew it was time to get down to the nitty gritty! YOU were ready to start the fun! First, we want to begin by talking a bit more about the smocking patterns, otherwise known as smocking plates. Most plates are […]

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As we began 2015, we decided to forego “Sewing ReSEWlutions” and instead focus on a “Word of the Year“… a concept introduced to us by Melissa, of Melly Sews. What did we land on??? TEXTURE. In all its many shapes and forms!! So, when Melissa invited us to share in her 30 Days of Sundresses series […]

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Earlier this year, EA expressed an interest in sewing. Well, maybe we should say – earlier this year, EA was given the opportunity to sew {she had been asking for quite some time!}. So, a few “lessons” were given. EA loved experimenting with the machine, its features, etc. and really had no desire to make […]

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Hi all! We are over at Oliver + S, sharing how we have incorporated the “heirloom sewing technique” of tucks within a pattern. But, we couldn’t leave it with just one creation. So, we are sharing one over there….and another one here! If you are visiting from Oliver + S, we welcome you and invite […]

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In case you missed it, we’re bringing a guest post home today!! ************************************************************** Hi, I’m Feelin’ Crafty Readers!! We are thrilled to be joining you in the “Sew Ready to Play” series, and are thankful Louise challenged us to once again get those creative juices flowing….while producing a garment, based on a theme. In case […]

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The dynamic duo of sisters-in-law that create and share over at Simple Simon, Project Run and Play, and Project Sewn {three amazing blogs to follow} are in the midst of a wonderful event, Skirting the Issue {you can read more about it HERE}, and asked if we would like to share a simple skirt tutorial of […]

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We’re bringing a guest post home today. One that is “easy peasy”……and could be extremely helpful to all your crafty gift givers out there!! *********************************************************************************** Hi iCandy readers!! We are so very excited to join you in welcoming “Baby Isabella” to Jen’s family….what an honor. When Jen asked if we’d be interested in sharing something “baby related” […]

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Hi everyone!! Yesterday, we were over at iCandy Handmade sharing a tutorial for some Bubble Sacques for babies. But, as you know, onesies come in packs — and we wanted to ‘mix it up a bit’ and make another variation for our “niece in waiting”…. Today, we’d like to show you another quick {and easy} […]

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If we told you this idea had been forming for quite some time, would you believe us?? Seriously… Just rewind 30+ years!! These “lovelies” {purely a matter of opinion / interpretation} were a childhood favorite of ours, and we’ve been thinking of a way to recreate them for our nieces since getting back into sewing. In […]

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Who doesn’t love a little Mini-Boden?? Any heart palpatations when you receive that little catalog in the mail?? For Heidi’s spring “Knock It Off” series over at Elegance and Elephants, we opted to take a mini-Boden design {the “Embellished Summer Skirt”}, and knock it off for a fraction of the price. Ready?? On your marks, get set. […]

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A while back, we did a Knock-It-Off guest post….over at Elegance and Elephants. And, just in case you missed it, we are reposting it here for your viewing pleasure…. __________________________________________________________________ Hello, Elegance and Elephants readers, we are thrilled to be here today! We couldn’t think of a better idea for a series, and appreciate Heidi giving us […]

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A few weeks ago, we did our first ever guest post….over at Project Run and Play. And, just in case you missed it, we are reposting it here for your viewing pleasure…. __________________________________________________________________ Hello Project Run and Play readers! We are absolutely thrilled that liZ and Elizabeth invited us to be here today! Two seasons […]

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Hi all! We are over at Elegance and Elephants sharing in Heidi’s Knock It Off Series. And, yes, as we delved into sewing our “Knock Off” garment, we realized quickly we were indeed over our heads. If you want to know more, head over there and read on!

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Are you needing a little “Christmas cheer” or something to kick off your holiday sewing?? Today, we are guest posting over at Project Run and Play with a Christmas dress for our niece… Head over there to check out our tutorial on “Piping and Ombre and Tiers, Oh My!”

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You are probably aware of the legend of The Great Pumpkin, a holiday figure (comparable to Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny). The summation: Every year, Linus sits in a pumpkin patch on Halloween night waiting for the Great Pumpkin to appear. Invariably, the Great Pumpkin fails to turn up, and a humiliated but undefeated […]

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It was down to the wire. It was our sister’s due date, and the only things we had made for “baby girl” were two 12 month outfits that we had inadvertently cut the wrong size for her big sister. So, we got busy, quickly. Baby bubble sacque online tutorials are plentiful, but I chose what […]

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