Breast Cancer Port Pillows, Tutorial

It is so hard to see anyone go through any type of pain.  It is even harder to see someone you love suffer trough pain.  My cousin,who I have always been close to, recently found out that she had breast cancer.  They planned a day for surgery, but found out the cancer was growing way to fast to have the surgery.  So she had to start chemo.  She is pretty excited to be halfway through the harshest part of the Chemo.  A few days ago, she sent me a pin on Pinterest where she found the most amazing blog.

MyFabricFriend.com has come up with an amazing idea for people who are battling breast cancer.  I have to give her all the credit for this, I wouldn't have even thought about it!  I would love if you could stop by her blog and read her story about her port pillows and how she has helped so many with these small pillows.

The idea of the pillows is to be able to strap the pillow to the seat belt with velcro and then lay over top of an incision or the pain.  My cousin has an incision right where the seat belt lays over her.  So she has been driving with the seat belt under her arm.  Her husband hasn't been to pleased with her not being safe, so she found this awesome blog.

Well, I thought I would give you some pictures and show you how I learned to make these from MyFabricFriend.com.

 I started with a 5 1/2" square and 4" of velcro.

 Made sure the velcro could be sewn into both sides and it overlapped in the center of the square.  Pin down if you need to.

 Sew around the square at 1/4" leaving a small opening about 1 1/2".  The velcro is sandwiched in between both fabrics.

 Cut the corners off making sure not to cut through the stitch line.

 Turn right side out through the opening.

Stuff the pillow with fiberfill stuffing, and sew the opening closed.

This is how mine turned out!  I loved it!  A quick project that I finished in no time, and used scraps of fabric.  But it will give my cousin so much comfort.  This is the perfect gift idea for that someone you know going through this battle in their life.

Mountains of Idaho, and coupon code

I hope you all are having a fun summer!  I have been loving the time with my family.  We love to be in the outdoors and exploring or taking advantage of this beautiful earth!  We live in Idaho, and are so luck to have all of the mountains so close to us.  It makes it easy to take a quick trip or to stay and enjoy the day.  My husband has been fishing all his life, and he is so amazing at it.  Before we had kids, we went all the time.  Once we started having kids, we didn't want to take the little ones in the boat.  So Mike went without me.  A couple weeks ago we asked our mom's to watch the kids, and just the two of us floated down the river.  It was gorgeous!  I missed it so much, and just took it all in.  These pictures are not as great as some of you could have taken, but I just used my phone to take them.  But I think they are still gorgeous!

I also wanted to make sure you knew that I finally have the Daisy Purse in my shop for sale!  I wanted to make sure everyone knew that through Friday July 26th the pattern will be 1/2 off.  Make sure to use coupon code - PURSE12

Pants Redo FREE Tutorial

I really wish I was more on top of it, but I literally had a last minute thought before the 4th of July to make my daughter something fun and patriotic to wear.  So as usual I saved it for last minute and have had to rush to get it done.  I called my sister-in-law up and asked her if she wanted to come over and sew some fun skirts for all of our girls for the 4th of July!  So we ventured out, and got going on it.
I am sure I am not the only one that has kids who ruin all their jeans!  I am all about re-use and re-purpose!!  So I wanted to make a jean skirt.  I get bored of all the skirts that people cut straight across and just add the ruffle.  So I decided that mine needed some extra flare.  I cut the jeans at a fun angle, and I LOVE it!  So fun!!  I also had the cute vintage fabric left over from my mom's house.  I stole it, and I'm proud!
Here are the instruction on how I put my skirt together.  I may be missing a step here or there due to lack of planning.  I was trying to hurry and get all three skirts done, and so I may be missing a picture.  I actually only have one skirt finished I have 2 more to get working on today.  These girls have to have their ruffles!!!  If I have missed any steps, please send me an email, and I can help you get through your skirt.

 

Here are our basic jeans.  I have made my daughter another skirt like this, and I think I even used her brothers old jeans for those.  So the jeans don't really matter where they come from, just an old pair with holes or that may be to small.

 

 

Cut the legs off like this.  I hope you can notice that one leg is cut longer and a slight curve is cut right at the crotch of the pants.

This is where I am missing some steps for you.  I don't have specific amounts for you to cut.  But I will tell you what I did for all three of your skirts and it worked wonderful.  I cut 24 strips total of each for all three girls (Used 3 on 1 skirt, 4 on another, and 5 on the last).  Cut your strips at 3" x width of the fabric for the ruffles.  Cut 2" x 20" for the under ruffle.

Sew edges together to make 12 large circles of ruffles and of under ruffle.

 This is where I am missing another couple pictures for a step.  Make sure to do a rolled hem at the bottom of the ruffles or surge them like I have.  The rolled hem looks way nicer, but I was in a hurry and surged all of the edges of mine.

To the top of each ruffle you will need to gather it.  Whether you choose to use a basting stitch, or gather it on your machine that doesn't matter.

Now to match the picture above!  I have pined the gathered edge of the ruffle to one edge of the under ruffle.  Then Sew.

 The top stitch isn't crucial to the skirt, but I always add a top stitch when I can.  I think it makes things look more crisp and professional.

 Adding the next layer.  To the top edge of the under ruffle, place the next ruffle on top with the next under ruffle on top of that and sew.  The right side of the bottom under ruffle is facing the wrong side of the second ruffle, and the right side of the second ruffle is facing the right side of the second under ruffle.

 Top stitch.  And then continue to add all the layers you will need for the length of your skirt.

 

I thought I had to add something more to the jeans so I cut out some starts, and then appliqued them to the jeans.  When sewing an applique, it is best to use some kind of a stabilizer.  There are so many stabilizers out there, but on the package it will tell you which one is for which fabric.

 

I didn't show it very good at all in this picture, but I added a gather stitch to the top under ruffle.  The top under ruffle is tucked underneath the jeans here and pinned down.

 Sew together.  I used a stitch that looks like this on my sewing machine.  I can't remember the name of the stitch.  But it is awesome!  It makes that thick stitch look that you see on all the jeans.  It doesn't sew 3 separate lines like you would think.  It sews 3 times directly on top of each stitch to make regular thread look nice and thick.  Way cute!!  I love this stitch.

AND YOU ARE DONE!!

Thanks for putting up with my poor instructions.  I hope your skirts turn out wonderfully!!  I would love to see pictures after you are done.  If you will share, send them to my email or to my flicker account -  http://www.flickr.com/groups/1449172@N23/

Here is a picture of the 1st skirt I made.  I used a sparkled ruffle trim and an eyelet trim for it.  She wore this skirt until it was to tight and short!

 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  I am thankful for the freedom that I have from my country.

Chevron Maxi Dress 1/2 OFF Coupon Code

It is out!!  The Chevron Maxi Dress Pattern is out!!  The testers all did such an awesome job!  And I loved working with them.

Thanks again Jamie and Marisa.  Here are pictures of how their dresses turned out.

 

I am offering a coupon code for this pattern until July 3rd.  Go my Etsy Shop and after adding the pattern to your shopping cart enter coupon code CHEVRON12 to get 1/2 off the pattern price.

Sewing With Knit Fabrics, How To

Sewing knits can be very frustrating for a beginner seamstress.  Some people are so scared to sew on a knit fabric.  One of the scariest things with a knit fabric is how far they can stretch while sewing.  And sometimes they will stretch in all 4 directions!

Before you want to start your project on knit fabric, make sure you remember is to pre wash your fabric!!  Most knits will shrink, and it would be so sad to have it shrink after you have made your maxi skirt or what ever it is you are sewing.

Then check the needle on your sewing machine.  The needle should only be used for 8-10 hours of sewing.  After that it will not give you the quality that you deserve.  Needle also come in different sizes, so make sure to use a ball point needle.  To get specific, the reason why is a ball point needle slides off the fabric threads instead of piercing through them  If you use a sharper needle you may have snags or a run in your fabric.

The best stitch to use on your knits is a serged edge.  The reason why is because a seger gives a slight stretch in the way it sews.  Don't worry if you don't own a serger, most people don't.  Here are 2 suggestions for stitch choices on your sewing machine.  By using either of these stitches you will keep thread from breaking while stretching when worn.

Every sewing machine comes with a zig zag stitch wich will work great.

Some sewing machines offer a stitch for sewing on knits, that are even more wonderful.

            Zig Zag stitch looks like this 

            Knit stitch looks like this 

There is not much of a difference between the two.  The difference is that the knit stitch takes a stitch backwards to help for the stretching fabric.  Both will work just great.

Keep in mind when sewing with the zig zag stitch, stretch the fabric slightly while sewing.  Just a little pull towards you as you are feeding the fabric through your sewing machine.  If you pull to much, the fabric may start to gather and look awkward.  So remember to just pull slightly.  Below is a picture of me pulling on my machine with a zig zag stitch.

I actually love sewing on knits, and I love even more to wear them.  Once you find the confidence to sew on knit fabrics, you will love them.  There are so many different knits out there and right now I am loving how many cute ones I can find!!  I will post a few simple projects for you to give a try soon.  An infinity scarf if a perfect start and very simple to do, and also a maxi skirt.  If you are ever sewing with a knit and are frustrated send me an email.  Lets figure it out together!!

Chevron Dress Winner's

And the winner's are - 

Jamie Little

and

Marisa Corrigan

I am so excited!  That was the best turn out that I have ever had for a pattern tester!  I am so giddy! Both ladies have the pattern and will have it tested within a week.  Then the pattern will be out for sale!  I will post later today a few helps with sewing with knits.

Chevron Maxi Dress Pattern Tester and Free Pattern ~ Closed

Last summer I had my really good friend help me make a pattern for the cutest quilt ever.  I am so addicted to chevrons, they are so fun!!  As soon as I figure out all of our chicken scratched notes I will share with you the instructions on how we made this quilt.

We made my baby a quilt before he was born, and once that was done I wanted to sew something else with a chevron in it.  Another love of mine are basic maxi skirts.  They are so comfortable and versatile for most occasions.  So with these two things as inspiration, I set out to make this fun new sewing pattern for girls.  It is such a fun dress with a short cap sleeve and scoop neckline.  Made with a jersey knit fabric, and a fun chevron print in the skirt.  I couldn't resist it.  After I made one for my daughter, I made one for my niece to match.  And I have had plenty more requests for this fun dress.
Patterns will come in sizes 2-12 for girls.

Well, I have the pattern ready to share with you!!  I am looking for 2 people to test this pattern for me.  If you would like to test this please follow the giveaway instructions below.  Here's the deal for you. You get the pattern for free. I only ask that you are able to sew the dress within a week of me emailing it to you, and give me any comments or suggestions you may have.  If you have any reason that you think you may not be able to get it sewn in time, please do not enter the raffle.  As soon as you have tested the sewing pattern as a thank you to you for your help, I will send you another free sewing pattern of your choice from my shop.  Here is a link to my shop to check it out - www.etsy.com/shop/mytaylormade.  

Contest will last 1 week starting tonight at midnight and ending at midnight, on Tuesday, June 18th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get Ready for Summer Fashion

I am getting so excited for summer this year!  Ever since we moved back to Idaho, I have had a tough time through the winters.  I've decided I hate the cold!!  So as soon as school is out, and the weather is nice all I want to do is be outside.  We have spent so much time outside in our yard this year.  We moved into this home last fall right before our baby was born.  So the yard didn't get much attention from any of us until now.  Mike and the kids planted the garden.  We have been cutting and trimming trees and bushes all spring.  I think it is going to get as good as it can.  We are definitely not gardening people, but we are learning.

Here are a few patterns that will be prefect for the summer!

The Girly Girl Romper is perfect to put over a swimsuit or to wear as an outfit by itself.  I love this outfit for the park, it is perfect.  Elastic straps for easy on and off, for those independent girls that want to get themselves dresses. Elastic at the top, and at each leg to add some fluff. And elastic thread at waistline to show off the cute little body.

I am not sure what it is about summer, but I love to wear skirts.  I guess I just get bored of shorts and want to look cute.  My daughter is the same way.  She wears a skirt 80% of the time.  This Girls and Women's 3 Layer Skirt is perfect for the hot summer days.  Plenty of room for the little girls to still run and play, but feel pretty at the same time.  Mommy can use the same pattern to match!

Babies and boys need to be just as cute and comfortable through the summer.  With these Romper choices they are sure to be the cutest baby on the block!

Hunter Romper

And, the Jack and Jill Romper

Healthy Eats, Chicken Salad

Having 4 babies has had it's tole on my body!  Since our last baby was born last fall, I have been working hard to get my body back to what I want.  Some days it is not fun.  Some days I just want to eat every piece of junk food that I can see.  But overall, I have pleasantly been very proud of myself.  I had pinned this great recipe a while back, and thought I would make it for dinner a couple nights ago.  It was fantastic!  I loved it!  My kids actually asked if I would make it again sometime.  I didn't tell them that they just ate an avocado, so I think that helped, and I added some grapes to the salad which are a huge fan favorite in our house.  Thanks to Becoming Betty, I now have a new favorite in my house.  If you follow this link it will take you to the Becoming Betty blog so you can get the recipe.  Try adding some grapes and almond slices to it when you make it, you will love it!  The kids and I put the salad in wraps.

 http://becomingbetty.blogspot.com/2011/09/avocado-chicken-salad.html

Picture is from Becoming Betty's blog.  Mine wasn't as pretty as her's!

Sewing Machine Comparisons

 I have been asked so many times for advise for buying a sewing machine.  So I thought I would share with you my thoughts and hope that it may help some of you.

When I was 10 or 12, my grandma was so sweet and wanted to buy me my own sewing machine that she found at a sewing machine sale at a hotel in town.  They raved about how great the sewing machine was and all the wonderful things that it could do.  I am sad to say, but it actually really sucked!  I ended up going crazy and got rid of it.  That started my search for good machines.

I have a couple sewing machines right now.  One is a Singer that I found on Ebay when I was newly married and didn't have much money.  I found out after I had it for a couple months that the button hole feature stopped working.  I love this machine though when I teach sewing lessons.  It is a great machine for basic needs, and not complicated with lots of buttons or dials.  My other machine that I just got, is a Bernina.  I really love this brand of machines.

I see so many sewing machines out there that are under $100 brand new.  I really don't recommend these machines.  Every time I have helped anyone who has bought one of these, we end up fighting the sewing machine more than sewing.  They are truly basic, and when you don't know what you need to do to fix a problem, your machine can cause a ton of trouble for you.  You are getting what you pay for.

There is a local shop here in my town that carries good sewing machines.  I would suggest checking local in your area first.  This shop that is close to me sells used sewing machines at great prices.  A couple years ago, I almost bought a used Bernina Sewing Machine for $170.  Which is a fabulous cost.  It was only a few years old, used by a school that needed to update.  I also used to have a Husqvarna sewing machine.  It was wonderful!  My sister now has it, and it is at least 20 years old.  It sews just as smooth today as it did when we first got it.  The only problem with going with brands like these, is the cost.  Again, you get what you pay for.  These machines usually come with quite a few extras, and the motors are very strong.

When I tell people about the expensive machines, they get a little nervous about the cost. So, I thought I would do some research and show you which sewing machines I would buy if I were a beginner sewer!  I found 2 affordable sewing machines on Amazon that would be good for a beginner.

 

Brother Project Runway Electric Sewing Machine

Features of this machine are - 

• 50 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches, each with multiple stitch functions.
• Sew fleece, elastic and other stretchy fabrics with the built-in stretch stitches.
• One-step bobbin replacement with quick set drop-in bobbin.
• Embellish or join quilt blocks with the built-in quilting stitches.

PRICE: $123.11on Amazon

SINGER 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

Features of this machine are - 

• automatic needle threader for easy threading
• Stitch width and length are set at the optimum setting but are fully adjustable for special projects
• 100 built-in stitches including 6 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes, 1 endless buttonhole for custom sizing and over 70 decorative stitches
• Automatic tension feature keeps stitches balanced regardless of fabric type
• Free accessories include select presser feet, bobbins and needles, Includes extension table and hard-sided cover

 PRICE: $299.95 on Amazon

 

If I were to choose between these two machines, I would choose the Singer sewing Machine.  It offers more, and personally think it is a better brand than Brother.

 

Features that I love and can't live without in my sewing machine are - 

• the more stitch choices the better!!
• a working 1 step button hole
• needle up down option (great for pivoting around corners)
• Front loading bobbin (It's what I learned on, and I feel off when I use a top loading bobbin)
• Long stitch length
• bobbin thread sensor (I don't think this is found on the cheaper machines, I'm not sure thought)
• Offers a lot of light

I hope this helps.  I am sure I may think of more thoughts later.  And I hope these are not just jumbled for you.  Unfortunately most thoughts out of my head are very jumbled!!  If you have any thought of sewing machines, please leave your comments!  I'd love to know what your favorite sewing machine is?

 

 

 

Photo Shoot

You have heard me talk about them before.  But I am just amazed with my good friends Emily and Nate with Emily and Nate Photographers.  A couple weeks ago we got together for a photo shoot with some of my patterns that I wanted to have new pictures, and with some new patterns.  I am so absolutely thrilled about how the pictures turned out!  Emily always takes such wonderful care of me.  Here is a look at the shoot.

 Amy Purse

 Jack and Jill Romper

 The NEW Katelyn Dress

Tie

 Hailey Wrap

Melanie Hobo Bag

Peasant Dress, with long sleeve option

Ruffle Back Skirt

2 Layer Skirt

Girly Girl Romper

Here are the NEW patterns coming soon!!

 Coming Soon!!  Addy Pant

Coming Soon!!  Flower Purse

Coming Soon!!  Tyler Overall

Coming Soon!!  Sweater Vest

Coming Soon!!  Chevron Dress

How awesome are those?!  I am so excited to get them all into the shop.  And major props to all my cute models!  It always helps when your model is perfect.  

I would love to get your opinion.  In the past I usually do a pattern contest to have someone test my pattern for me.  Do you like that?  I have had a few people who have taken advantage of getting that pattern for free, and then I don't ever hear from them again.  But I have loved the feedback that I have gotten from those who have given it.  The feedback helps me to improve the pattern.  So what are your thoughts?  Pattern contest or not?