8.29.2016

Moving my Studio



Hi All and Happy Monday!
I don't often post on my blog about personal going ons, but our particular status affects my sewing space.

We are in the middle of an epic remodel.  Well...it is really like we are building a new house!
We have moved once and I was able to purge a bunch of stuff - clothes, fabric....

Now we are moving again!!!  Yikes.

I purchased those lovely fabric boxes from Target and they are a great way to organize my fabric.  Organizing by color works best for me and my creative process.

I'm trying to keep a positive outlook especially knowing that we will have a brand new house
and I will have a dedicated sewing space.  I haven't had a sewing room for seven years!
Six more months (fingers crossed).

Do you have any tips for keeping organized?  I'd love to hear them!

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise

Our house before the remodel : )

The Plan and progress so far.


8.23.2016

Lingerie Sewing


I have been on a lingerie making tear these days!  
There are some wonderful pieces on Instagram and had to give it a try.

In design school, I sewed almost everything - jeans, tailored jackets, ski jackets - but had never tried sewing Lingerie.  

I am Hooked!!!! Lingerie is surprisingly easy to sew.  All you need is a sewing machine with a zig zag stitch, a stretch needle and polyester thread or polyester blend thread.

This set is made from a Girl Charlee Bolt Fabric I found at my local fabric store.  They have some bargain lots on their site HERE.  I only needed 1/2 yard for both the bra and undies.
The bra is self fabric lined.



The Bra pattern is the Watson bra from Cloth Habit and the fit it perfect! 
The undies are Butterick B6031.

More Girl Charlee Cotton Spandex prints are on order so I can make more : )

The laces and elastic trims were found at my local fabric shop.  
You can also find supplies on Etsy and The Tailor Made Shop


This fun lounge set is my second lingerie making project.
The bralette is the Florence bra from Seamwork Magazine.

The Tap Pants are the Alice Flutter Knickers from Ohhh Lulu on Etsy.

This is another Girl Charlee fabric in a super soft rayon spandex jersey, which
is perfect for this lounge set.

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise

8.21.2016

Farmer's Wife 1930s Quilt Along ~ Sylvia



It is hard to believe that one year ago I signed up to share my Farmer's Wife Blocks for Kerry's Quilt Along!  

I started making farmer's wife blocks 5 - yes that is 5 years ago when the first quilt along group was formed on Flickr.  

Today I am sharing my last block for the quilt along ~ Sylvia.
It is an easy block to paper piece though I don't think I would want to make it any other way.  The pieces are small and paper piecing allows for incredible accuracy!



The fabric used for the center is Rise N Shine by Yuwa.  
The fabric has been out of print for some time.
The dot is from Lecien.
The floral border is also a Lecien print I found at Sunny Day Supply.


I think I am pretty close to having enough blocks to finish this quilt.
One more row of four blocks and I will be done!

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise

8.09.2016

Craftsy Block Party featuring my block "Secret Drawer"


I just received an email from the folks at Craftsy letting me know my block "Secret Drawer" is featured along with 24 more blocks on a blog post called "Block Party"!  You can find the Craftsy
post and all the free blocks [HERE]


"Secret Drawer" is a perfect block to practice your Y seams.  I share an in depth tutorial with step by step photos [HERE]



I created the pattern for my Vintage Block Quilt along.  You can find all the free patterns [HERE]
There are 12 blocks in all, 12" square and a perfect set to make your own vintage quilt!

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise

8.06.2016

Splendid Notions 50 block celebration!



Hello and thanks for joining me at the top of the Hill!  
A celebration of the first 50 blocks in the Splendid Sampler Sew Along.

Pat Sloan designed a block to celebrate called  ‘Top of the Hill’ for the celebration.  You can read more about her inspiration and get the Free pattern [HERE]

I haven't been able to keep up but I am happy with the 20 blocks I have made : )  Remember, it isn't a race!  And if you don't finish all the blocks in the next sixth months, there will be a book available for purchase next year, that includes each and every block!
I thought I would take the opportunity to share a few patterns during this celebratory event.
I recently finished this Vintage Sewing Machine and Notions Pattern.
You can find it in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.
I will be offering a 20% discount on all purchases of at least $6.50 in my ETSY shop until August 15th, 2016 with the code ThankYou20

This is another fun paper piecing pattern ~ Hello Spring ~ and it is FREE!!!
You can find it in my Craftsy shop.

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise







8.03.2016

Vintage Sewing Machine and Notions Paper Piecing Pattern

Today I am so excited to announce the re-release of my paper piecing pattern, 
"Vintage Sewing Machine & Notions".


Originally designed for a sew along years ago, this new version of the pattern includes full size,
full color patterns



as well as detailed instructions on how to put the block together.



I have also included my best paper piecing tips - three pages in all.

I am extending a discount coupon in my Etsy shop which expires 8-15-16.

Use code ThankYou20 for 20% off a purchase of $6.50 or more.

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise