Tutorial: Hemming with Hem Tape

I found the best possible fabric for a pair of shorts a few years back.
It is obnoxious, colorful, and a bit fishy.
I picked this cotton stretch sateen up at Joann's back when I use to work there. Therefore I began this project at least 4 years ago and while cleaning up my sewing room decided I am finally going to complete some of my unfinished projects, or UFO's as some like to say!

When I initially began these shorts, I cut everything out and then looked at the instructions. I was quite confused and not having the time or understanding I put them in a drawer and forgot about them.
After getting married and moving out, I came across these bad boys again. And finally, 4 years later they are complete out of desperate need for shorts this summer, because in case you haven't noticed, it is a bit hot outside and until now, I did not own a single pair of shorts since high school.

A pattern review and more pictures of fit and styling are on their way!
But for now, I will show you how I used some ribbon in my stash to hem them.

I had a spool of this hot pink ribbon in my stash and decided it would have to do as hem tape because I did not have actual hem tape in my stash and even though I could actually walk to the store and get some, I decided to save some money and time and use up what I already had at home.
Plus, I was getting increasingly excited about these shorts and did not want to leave the house until I finished them!

This pattern called for vents at the outside leg side seam. So I began by pinning my ribbon along the edge of the fabric, right sides together. 

I sewed around each leg a quarter of an inch in. 

 I then folded the ribbon over and pinned my hem in place. 

 I went around the leg twice, first at a quarter inch and then again at a half inch. 

I then tried them on and danced around the house! 

Ahhh, perfect!
More pictures soon!
Blessings,
Katie

Project: Blue China Dress

I can't believe my best friend Liz is married!

She was a gorgeous bride and I cried a little bit when I first saw her in the gown she designed. 

And I was so happy she was able to use some lace that I used in my wedding for her dress.

For months we went thrift shopping to gather items for her home and her wedding.

It all felt a little out of control as the day became closer and she sent me pictures of her bathroom floor covered in thrifted candle sticks and glasses. She collected a crazy amount of blue china plates for their reception. It was actually quite impressive how many blue china plates are in thrift stores!

I knew I wanted to make a blue china plate inspired dress to wear to her wedding at an adorable bed and breakfast near by. I mentioned this project in my June Fabric Haul video, so it is finally time I reveal it to you!

I used Simplicity Pattern 1418 and this blue floral cotton sateen from Fabric Mart.

I went on quite the hunt for this floral fabric and finally found the perfect one after searching several local fabric shops and four rooms of fabric at Fabric Mart. 

So there it is!

I absolutely love this dress. I felt awfully classy!

I see it making some reappearances at a tea party or two in the future.

Congratulations, Jeff + Liz!

I wish you the happiest marriage and the best success in your life together!

And now that the wedding is over, I am totally stealing my best friend back for coffee, asap.

Blessings,

Katie

DIY: Quick Crib Quilt for Nursery

As I mentioned in my June Fabric Haul video (there will not be a July video because I didn't get to finish everything from June! But there will be a August video, I promise!) I was going to make a quilt to gift to a friend who is expecting this month. They are having a baby boy, but I chose fabrics that would transition well between genders so they can keep the same look in the nursery, but have a different crib quilt print for either. I purchased these materials at Fabric Mart after they bought out a quilt shop that was going out of business. I picked them up for just $4 a yard and the cotton batting I had on hand for some reason... I think I used 1.333 yards of each print. I found the ombre first and then cut the floral to match the length because the ombre was the last of the bolt!

 Here is how you can make your own quilt in just a few hours! You can do this even if you are not a professional at sewing, all it takes is the ability to sew a line!

Layer your fabrics, prints facing out and batting in the middle.
Starting at one selvage, pin the edge and then pin occasionally as you work your way across the fabric, smoothing it out as you go. Cut off the excess fabric making sure all 4 sides are straight and matching.

I first used the ombre stripes as my guide to sew across the quilt.
I decided I wanted diagonal lines going across the quilt, so I laid my quilt out on my studio floor and used 1/4" quilter's tape to mark diagonal, starting at the corner, making a straight line across to the opposite corner. I then worked my way out from the center every 4 inches. 

 Sew right along the edge of the tape.
Remove the tape after you have sewed along each strip.
It's already looking like a quilt!
Just need binding!

 I had some of this blue quilt binding in my stash I picked up at my local Good's when it was in the clearance section for I think 50 cents a pack. It matched the floral print perfectly!

Open up your binding and flatten out the folds, but do not press!
Pin your binding tape matching the edge with the quilt edge.
One side of the binding will have a fold that is closer to the edge than the other, us that side to pin along your quilt.

Pin the first side of your quilt.

Begin sewing the binding using the fold as your guide like the image above. When you get to the corner, sew almost to the corner, stopping a quarter inch away. Pull your quilt out of the machine. Take the loose tape and fold it across the pinned tape making a 90 degree triangle on top. Holding the triangle with your fingers on the opposite hand, fold the tape over itself and your fingers towards the side without binding. Remove your fingers from under the tape and hold the top of the folded tape. Now you can pin the next side. Place back under the machine and continue along that side starting at the edge. Do this for all four corners.

If you run out of binding, leave yourself about 3" and make a seam with the next package of tape.

After you have completed the first step of sewing the binding you your quilt, fold the binding over matching the center fold of the binding with the edge of your quilt. Fold under the tape at the fold and pin around the quilt. Sewing on the side that you already stitched your binding to, stitch in the ditch (the seam line) all the way around your quilt.

Check the other side and make sure the binding is getting caught in your stitches like the image above.
This is the opposite side of the fabric, you will see stitching unlike the side we stitched in the ditch where the stitching is hidden. 

I had to do a little hand sewing here and there were my binding was not completely caught in the stitching. I also stitched the corners so they would lie flat.
And that's it! 

A homemade quilt perfect for your baby's nursery, your children's room, or to give to a friend. 

Let me know if you have any questions about the process.
Blessings,
Katie

June Fabric Haul + Fabric Giveaway!

It's the weekend!
And I have something new and exciting for you!

A fabric haul video and a fabric giveaway!

How do I enter to win some fabric?! What is the fabric?! Where can I see the fabric?!

Well, right here on this video!
Take a peek at what is currently on my cutting table and at the end of the video I will show you the fabric I am giving away. I will give you a hint! It's leopard print!
Two lucky winners will receive some of this awesome fabric.

Use the app below to enter the giveaway.
That's it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends on Friday, June 13th at midnight EST.
Winner announced on following Saturday. 

Best of luck!
Katie

Coffee Date: Catching up!

So how about coffee? Or shall I say tea?

Yeah, I started drinking tea. And for anyone who knows me personally, you know I have spent the last 21 years of my life very intentionally avoiding hot tea. After I started dating Josh and was introduced to his grandma's meadow tea, which is basically cheating because it is so sweet and deliciously minty. It's kinda like drinking a stick of gum. But I don't mind one bit. 

Last weekend at Liz's adorable tea party bridal shower I decided to try a hot tea that was a vanilla caramel black tea which was very good. I decided to try another flavor. I went with a blueberry green tea. Thus far, blueberry flavored anything has yet to disappoint me.

I have been craving it since!

 So I stopped into A Tea Affair's shop to look for that delicious blueberry tea. (The lady in the shop was very kind and knowledgable! I recommend stopping in and trying some of their fine teas!)
So now I am finally enjoying some tasty hot tea out of my adorable tea cup and saucer set I thrifted a while back for such occasions as this. 

Anyway, go grab your coffee/tea and sit down with me as I gab about what's happening in life and sip this blueberry goodness. 

Oh, and just so incase you were wondering, this is my "let's meet up for coffee" outfit.

Ok, so maybe you were not wondering.

Don't mind that I moved the mirror into the leaving room so I didn't have our floral frenzy wallpaper in the picture.

Currently I have been working on some projects for myself now since my show season is almost over and the wedding has passed and the dress was fabulous. You will get to see what I am currently working on and what I plan to sew during the month of June in my video that will be up tomorrow!

Plus! I am hosting a giveaway this weekend. A fabric giveaway! So make sure you tune in!

I just downloaded the Blog Life e-course by A Beautiful Mess. I heard it is amazing, so I am excited to get started and start planning out the next steps for this blog. 

My logo update is complete, I am just waiting for the rest of my branding package to be complete. I am very excited about the designs I have been seeing! Next step is to update the website! We would like to make it easier to shop on a website that has a shopping cart so you won't have to be directed to another site to order or be forced to make an Etsy account. 

I have been busy in my studio this week going through my fabric stash and organizing every thing. I am opening my studio up for family and friends to come see and to shop my current collection of handbags in person. It should be a special evening and it will be great to show them what I have been up to and what my plans are for the future of my business.

That's about all I have for now!
Be sure to check in tomorrow for my giveaway!
(I'll give you a hint, it's leopard print!)

Blessings!
Katie

Project: Wedding Dress Complete!

As promised I am sharing some pictures of the wedding dress I made for my cousin's wedding this past weekend! But first, I am going to hold you in suspense (unless you just scroll to the bottom right now, but wait!) by showing you this dress that my momma made me!

Look familiar? Yep, it is the same dress my bridesmaids wore in my wedding!

It is so pretty and classic I needed one for myself!

We used Vogue pattern 8241. We found a pink knit that is on the mauve side. The material is almost like an activewear knit. It is a super comfortable dress and it breathes! Which is something I was very concerned about for my bridesmaids. We had a July wedding, and knowing it would be hot, I looked for any fabric that could look dressy but would not make them too warm. I was looking for a rayon challis or knit until I came across this one for $1/yd at Fabric Mart! I bought the whole bolt!

She used a hanging button closure at the top of the keyhole. I found a bag of large buttons that looked like pearls at Fabric Mart in the clearance section. Picked them up for 10 cents for the whole bag!

I found the wide lace for the bottom at a thrift shop in packs of 5 yards for a dollar!

I dressed it up with a brown belt, vintage-looking rhinestone drop earrings, and nude heels.

And now, after dozens of fittings, muslins, and hours of pinning and stitching...

Candy's dress!

 Candy was looking for a simple, elegant gown that was vintage-inspired.

She came to me with the idea of an all lace gown with a scalloped neckline and a-line skirt.

She was ultimately looking for something modest and comfortable.

We used Simplicity Pattern 1460 as a guide for the top. 

I used a cotton lace with a swirl pattern in an ivory. I lined the lace with a white poly charmeuse.

I found some floral bridal lace trim to give her the scalloped edge she wanted.

I had to draft the skirt myself so I could get the shape I wanted. The skirt was four pieces that flared out to give her a full bottom that puddled around her. I added four box pleats to the back to make it fuller.

We finished it off with a champagne bow. The dress is fully lined with white poly charmeuse I purchased from Fabric.com for a great price!

The top closes with pearl buttons. I made her veil as well. I had to have a lot of patience glueing on tiny pearl beads with a tweezer! But it was all worth it. She looked gorgeous in this gown!

Congratulations, Candy + Chris.

May you live a life full of love and happiness!

And thank you so much for allowing me the honor to make your gown!

-Katie

Olivia Pope-Inspired Dress + Aussie and the Fox

So, it's been long over due, but the Olivia Pope-Inspired Dress I have been telling you about is finally here! Yep! I finished it and wore it last night for date night with the Hub! It felt like the perfect occasion.

I used Burda Pattern # 7232
The pattern was pretty complex with the way the back attached all together and then to the skirt. But once I took a good gander at the pictures in the pattern it went together rather quickly.  I would recommend making some additional markings for yourself when you cut out the back pieces. It was a bit challenging to figure out the direction the points were going. 

The inside it completely lined with no exposed seams. I used a white stretch cotton sateen I picked up at Fabric Mart in the clearance section for $2.00/yd. I used the cotton to line it as well because I wanted the dress to hold its shape and I knew I would not be able to wear a slip with that back! Or a bra for that matter!

I purchased a stick-on backless bra from Target. I was rather nervous about the bra situation. They kinda have the same stickiness of a mouse trap... My first thought was "will my these come off?!" "Am I going to have sticky boobs afterwards?!" But no worries. They came off and all is fine and well! Rest assured.

So yeah, here is the dress!

And a nice view of my front yard. #livingthefarmlife

I used buttons that look like pearls to close the back.

The front is also not very bra-friendly. But it sure looks hip!

I sewed all of the "pearl" beads on by hand. (I purchased a little bag of them at Joann Fabrics.)
Probably while watching a marathon of some terrible show on TLC that Josh would not approve of, like Hoarders or Extreme Couponing. Both shows which make me feel super-charged afterwards making me want to scrub every cranny of the entire house and run to the store to buy 100 bottles of toothpaste that will last me 50 years but were free just so I can say I did.

We decided to celebrate our dating anniversary this year at a new restaurant in Lancaster that I have been wanting to try since my birthday, last October...
But after spending 5 years together and almost one year of marriage, it seemed like a good time to finally go out on the town. So we drove into the city for our late night dinner reservations at 8:45 pm. It was definitely a stretch for this girl considering I like to be on the couch under a blanket at that time of night. I don't know what happened. Being married has made me old. But I was going to prove the night wrong and show it I am young and alive! 

(Not mentioning the couple seated next to us at the restaurant were probably in their mid-50's...)

Aussie and The Fox is a mix of classic staples with an Australian flair.
The menu offered a unique burger, tasty pasta, roasted chicken, fancy fish, and a popular pork loin. 

I tried the Aussie Burger, which was surprisingly delicious. I was a bit concerned about this egg and beets business. I'm PA Dutch. I like what I like and I like potatoes. But this was certainly something different and Josh and I both really enjoyed it. Definitely putting this on the list of things to eat again. I think trying new restaurants is pretty exciting. I love dressing up, going somewhere new and trying as many new and interesting things that I can in one evening. 

Especially when it gives me an excuse to wear an awesome dress I just made!

I will leave you with a quite a lady at a fabric store once told me:
"Don't make the dress for the occasion, make an occasion for the dress!"

-Katie

Me-Made May Pledge

Today I am making my Me-Made May '14 pledge. 

Some of you are probably familiar with this challenge by now, but for those who are not here is the lingo. For the duration of the month of May you are to challenge yourself with either making pieces for your wardrobe or make it a point to wear your handmade items.

Last year I wanted to pledge but was swamped with preparing for our wedding, moving, etc. etc.
But this year I am jumping in with both feet!

I, Katie, of a girl named katie pledge to create pieces to fill in the holes of my wardrobe by making more cake and less icing for the duration of May 2014. 

Let's narrow that goal down a bit to something more specific.
Since leaving my day job to pursue my dream job I have noticed that I have a very limited selection of fashionable tops and skirts. At work I wore a lot of old tshirts, warm "granny" sweaters (as my husband refers to them as), and jeans. I was always cold. Year round.
Any shirt you wore into the place was bound to get holes.
Eventually I just gave up and called it a day.

Recently I have been sewing some fun projects that frankly, have no purpose.
My Olivia Pope dress is awesome, but I have absolutely no idea where I am going to wear it.
But as a wise woman in a fabric store once said "you don't make a dress for the event, you make an event for the dress."

So, loaded with cotton and some tried and true patterns I am going to make some simple blouses and skirts with fun prints for summer. I already pre-washed the fabric!
My goal is to make 3 blouses and 3 skirts.

Are you doing the challenge this year?
What is your pledge?

Project: Olivia Pope Inspired Dress

Finally, a preview of my Olivia Pope Inspired Dress I have been telling you about since late February. I've been working on this dress on and off, whenever I need a mental break from sewing handbags for all the shows this season. 

It is almost complete! I just need to sew on the buttons to the back of the dress. 

I decided to try my hand at beading for this dress.

This pattern is from Burda and features a unique bodice design with triangles in the back that button closed. I'll get you some more information about this dress in my final post about this project.

This dress is all white, using a cotton sateen and white pearls. 

It is confident, edgy, and sophisticated like Olivia Pope.  Hence the inspiration.

In case you are just tuning in, I am crazy about Olivia Pope's fashion on the TV Series Scandal.

You can catch up on Scandal on Netflix, the season just ended on TV the other week as it was shortened for Kerry Washington to have an adorable child. As hard as it is to wait to see what happens next, I guess it is ok. We'll give you this one. 

More soon on this dress and another dress I have been making in secret. (A wedding dress!) 

Shhh. =]
Love, Katie

At Home: Around the home.

Here are some peeks around our home I captured

as I prepared for last weekend's craft show and for some upcoming projects. 

The new hang tags are working it on our spring bags! 

I moved my fished plant to the bathroom to soak up the sun and humidity.

It's blooming now! 

I built two bookshelves for my handmade bags while baking muffins.

Watch out, Martha Stewart!

I prewashed some new cotton prints to make a couple more Sugar Pop Tops for summer.
Soon time for Me Made May!
Thanks for visiting!
Katie

Project: Sugar Pop Top by Sew Caroline

Hi there!

Have you met my friend, Caroline?

She recently started a line of clothing patterns that are super fun and easy to make.

Perfect for beginners or those who just want to whip up a new outfit in a few short hours.

I answered the call to be a pattern tester for her latest and greatest pattern, The Sugar Pop Top.

This top was very simple to make with only a few pieces. There are two sleeve options, a cap or a flutter. There is also an adorable peter pan collar and a sweet little high-low hem.

I quickly made my top in the morning before Easter lunch with my family.

I cannot tell you enough how simple this top was to make!

But that could be because I have been working on hand-beading my Olivia Pope inspired dress that is nearly backless with triangles that button close and is fully lined in a way that you can not see the seam allowances at all. It's pretty awesome and just two buttons away from being complete. Hold onto your seat.

For my top I used a pumpkin-colored linen and rayon blend I purchased at Fabric Mart.

I managed to keep it unwrinkled until I sat in my car, baked some sweet potatoes, and met a puppy prior to taking these images...

What can ya do.

For this top I decided I wanted a lace collar. I looked through my stash to find a lace to cut with the peter pan collar but came across these beauties I purchased a while back because I just needed to have them and the project I would use them for would eventually come. It was a perfect match! It's like they were waiting for this moment to be used for this gorgeous top! 

I was even more stoked when the top fit well and there were no major alterations that needed to take place. The armholes are a bit snug for me personally, so I probably will redo the bottom of the arm for the sake of comfort. 

Because I opted to use the lace collars I had on hand, I made my own facing for the arms and neck. The pattern suggests to use bias tape. I am not very successful with bias tape...but it would be worth another shot...sometime...maybe.

I am happy with the way this top turned out and I am already planning a few more in my head as I type! There are so many possibilities for this pattern!

Make sure you follow Sew Caroline to see other examples of the Sugar Pop Top and to buy a pattern and start cranking out your own marvelous creations!
More from me soon! =]
Katie

Project: Bonnie & Clyde Inspired

Here it is!
My Bonnie and Clyde inspired dress and coat. 

I used a vintage cotton print to make a shirt dress with hidden snap closures.
The jacket is made out of ponte knit and alpaca wool. It is a loose fitting jacket that I added a waist tie to for the sake of shape. Check out my last blog post for some more details.

I made this outfit to enter in the Movie Inspired Sewing Contest being held on Pattern Review.
If you are a Pattern Review member, remember to vote for my outfit! (Pretty please!)

So what's on my sewing table next?

An Olivia Pope inspired dress? I think so. 

But before that. I am going to be crazily making bags and new fun products because I have some exciting news! A Girl Named Katie will be attending three craft shows this spring! 
You will be able to visit us in Glenside, Ardmore, and Chestnut Hill. 
Dates will be announced soon!

Stay posted. 

Love, Katie

Project: Bonnie & Clyde Inspired

The next Pattern Review contest is coming up and the theme is Movie-Inspired.

The rules of this contest state that it is not a costume, but something wearable that captures the essence of a movie of your choice.

When the new TV Movie of Bonnie and Clyde came out in I believe December 2013, the Hub and I watched it. They separated it into a two night movie premiere. I am still disturbed by the ending, but I love the vintage fashion. Just before the premiere, Project Runway did a Bonnie and Clyde challenge. This challenge pushed the designers to take these 1930 looks and create something futuristic and high-fashion. Essentially I am challenging myself with the same task for this contest.

I am going to make a daytime look that is inspired by the 2013 movie version of Bonnie and Clyde, taking vintage elements and making them slightly more modern.

image sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

I love these fabrics. The alpaca is gorgeous. I found a yard of it when I was still working at the fabric store in the remnant bin. I had to have it and I was determined to find the perfect ponte knit that would go along with it. After months of checking the store for said knit, I found it! And boy is it perfect!

 I am loving the pumpkin spice color of this cotton print that is so simple and reminds me a little of the 1930's. I think the colors work so well with each other!

Fabric: Ponte Knit and Alpaca for jacket. Vintage Cotton Print for dress.

I wanted a long luxurious jacket out of the alpaca. I found this loose-fitting jacket pattern in my stash and knew it would be wonderful. Maybe even a little Olivia Pope wonderful?! =]
Gosh that women has beautiful coats!

The dress is a fun version of a shirt dress. It has curves in the bodice that make it a little more special than a normal shirt dress. I might need to take in the sides and skirt to make it look better on my frame.
We shall see. 

Jacket C from Vogue 8860, no collar, no hood paired with Burda 7071 dress. 

In other news, I applied to some craft shows this week.

Keep me and the business in your prayers as I wait to hear if I have been accepted.
Thanks!
Katie