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Sew Your Own Messenger Bag!

This fall, I asked my kids whether they wanted a store-bought or mom-made backpack for the new school year. My daughter chose store-bought but my son asked me to sew him a mom-made Messenger Bag. We worked together to get the design he had in his head and I’m here today to share the result with you! Since this bag was for a 9 year old boy, I knew it had to be canvas (durable) and I knew it had to be black Read More...

Sew Your Own Beach Bag | MadeByJaime

Summer is coming and, around where we are, there’s a region on the central coast of California appropriately nicknamed “Bakersfield West”. Yes, the 100+ summer temperatures drive many of us to enjoy the water & waves and if you’re going to the beach, you must have a great beach bag for all the necessities! This generously sized bag was made using a free tutorial at Sew4Home but if you’d like some guidance in making your own, I’m running a local class Read More...

Satins for Halloween

The Fabric Market carries a wide variety of Satin, which is great for wedding and special occasion. But this time of year it is also perfect for Halloween Costumes! Last year my daughter wanted to be a princess, which of course requires lots of satin and fluff. I used this pattern and two shades of pink satin from The Fabric Market to make the dress below. This year’s costume is still in the works, but I’ll give you a sneak preview of the Read More...

Perfect Boys Shorts

Last week I shared a great shorts pattern for girls and women. Today I’m back to share a boys shorts pattern that is comfy, stylish and incredibly quick to sew! These are the Coastal Craze Baggies by Peek A Boo Pattern Shop. The pattern includes sizing from 3 months to 12 years and can be made with woven or knit! We wandered the aisles of the brick & morter version of TheFabricMarket.com and found this great dark green bottom-weight with a little Read More...

Otium Top in Sweater Knit

  Knit fabrics are sometimes intimidating for those new to sewing garments or new to sewing in general, but let’s face it – we all LIVE in knits. They’re comfy and flexible and once you get the hang of it, a breeze to sew! I recently took part in a pattern tour in which the Pattern Designer gave out her pattern to a few families to sew up their version and spread the word about it. I live just a Read More...

Opera Costumes

A few month’s back I was asked to make two dresses for a local high school opera production. When I got the text of the pattern I’d be using to make the dresses, I was immediately ecstatic. Simplicity 1715 is an Edwardian style dress that reminded me of Downton Abbey. My husband and I had just caught up with the series and I couldn’t wait to re-create one of Lady Mary’s styles.   There is no better place to get your satin, Read More...

One Basic T-Shirt, A Million Design Possibilities

How is your summer coming along? Hopefully you have a good stash of lemonade, a robust air conditioner and lots of fun planned! Before it got too warm, I made a shirt that I wore every time it was clean.   This self drafted basic t-shirt project is a part of my journey through Cal Patch’s Design It Yourself Clothes book on basic pattern drafting. The first project is a basic skirt, drafted using your own measurements. Next you learn how to add design details for a new style. Read More...

Ombre Summer Top

I don’t know about where you are but June in Central California can’t seem to make up it’s mind whether it’s spring or summer! This top will keep you comfortable either way with it’s easy style and linen fabric. Meet the Melody Dolman by Love Notions. The Melody Dolman top is a button down shirt with the option of tying the front. As there is no separate sleeve, the sewing is a breeze.  In fact it’s marked as great for beginners who Read More...

NEW!!! Cotton Venice Lace Trims

Hey everybody! We’ve been working on a fun surprise for you… We have finally decided to add just a few of our lace & trims to our online inventory! :O I did quite a bit of research on lace & discovered that the majority of the lace that I’ve put online is categorized as Chemical Lace. Naturally I wondered what the heck that meant, so I researched some more and found out that Chemical Lace or Schiffli Lace is a machine made lace Read More...

Mixing Knits & Wovens

If you’ve been out shopping lately, you’ve noticed the trend of mixing knits and wovens. The result is comfortable, but a step up from the every day t-shirt and the combination works great for both work or casual! If you’ve worked with knits before, you know these tips: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle Adjust your pressure foot pressure to be a little less than usual Seam with a narrow zigzag Hem with a wide zigzag, decorative stitch or double needle Don’t stretch as you sew, just Read More...