What happens when you find a pattern that you love??? You make all versions of it, of course. Last month when the latest Ottobre Design came in the mail (women’s issue 5/2013), I was so intrigued by a raglan tee with shoulder darts. I’ve sewn lots and lots of raglan tees for my kids, and none of them had shoulder darts. I know that raglan patterns for woven fabrics usually have darts, but this was a knit. I just had to try it.
Check it out… I love the fit! So late at night I was laying in bed listening to my husband sleep (sleep loudly, lol) and wishing I had more non-childish striped fabric so I could make myself another dart-ed raglan tee shirt. Suddenly I remembered this ugly cardigan I ordered from one of those daily deal websites. Of course I didn’t think it was ugly until it came and it was so, so ugly. And too big. So I tip-toed out of bed and took that cardigan out of my closet and to my cutting table. I managed to cut all of the tee shirt pattern pieces out of it at 1 in the morning!
In the morning I sewed it together. As you can see, I had to have a seam line down the back since I cut the back out of the front of the cardigan and the tee shirt front out of the back of the cardigan. It worked and I love my new tee shirts. So then, while reading the same issue even more, I noticed that this adorable wrap dress was made out of the same sleeve and back pieces (with the back extended). The front piece is different so I only had to trace one pattern piece, plus an extension for the back (did you read all about tracing here?).
And I love, love, love my new dress. It feels just like my tee shirts…
I am so tempted to make myself another one using the orange polka-dot knit I made my girls leggings with my free girls leggings pattern. Would that be silly?
Okay, enough about all of my selfish sewing… what have you been up to? Quilting? Clothes? A new bag? Share a picture on instagram and tag me @sewcanshe so I can take a look!
Sew an organizer covered with pockets that you can hang in your closet! This easy sewing project is great for organizing sewing and craft supplies, fashion accessories, bathroom necessities, gift wrappings, and more. There are pockets on both sides plus a big interior pocket so every bit of space is used. I’ll show you easy step by step instructions for sewing this organizer and putting it to use in your home. Get sew organized today.
Are you sewing a Closet Organizer with me? I hope so! This is Part 2 of our free sewing tutorial for an amazing organizer with a coat hanger inside so you can hang it anywhere.
If you are getting started, make sure you start at Part 1 of the free pattern.
Be a basketmaker! Sure, you can sew, but did you know that you can make amazing baskets too using your sewing machine, some fabric and the same materials that you use for your other projects?
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for pouches and tote bags too.
I’m so excited to share with you the pattern for our first mini quilt of 2018… Flora! This beautiful little quilt was designed by the very talented Lauren of Molly & Mama…
At my daughter Chloe’s high school (can you believe my baby started high school???), the lunch lines are so long that she has been skipping lunch! She’s always starving by the time she gets home because she doesn’t want to carry a big lunch bag as well as her heavy backpack – poor girl!
Looking for free table runner patterns? I gathered up all my favorites in one place – here are free quilt patterns for table runners for fall, winter, spring and summer!
I am so in love with the beautiful look of simple patchwork quilts with lots of squares. This is the perfect way to use up fabric scraps like I did, or you can make a beautifully coordinated quilt with pre-cut 2 1/2’’ square fabric pieces that come in mini-charm packs.
I’m also in love with the process. If you feel like quilt making is your escape from the world and sitting down to sew for a few hours makes your troubles fade away… this is the quilt for you!
Sew an easy beautiful apron with this free sewing pattern that only uses one yard of fabric! Whether you are sewing for yourself or for a friend, an apron always comes in handy and makes a great gift. This blog post includes a link to a free template that I digitized for you.
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
Isn’t this project irresistible? These little tree stump poufs are perfect for your little one’s reading corner, play area, or even slid underneath your coffee table! They are the perfect floor cushion or pillow for kids. And there’s a free…
Doesn’t those spools of thread organized in the colors of the rainbow make you happy! It does me! I think human eyes love to see rainbows, there is just something so joyful about them. Let me show you how to arrange your threads in ROYGBIV order!
September is National Sewing Month! Today I’m guest posting over at The Sewing Loft Blog and sharing with you my favorite sewing tool in a special National Sewing Month series all about the tools of our trade. Here are some hints about…
My sewing room makeover is done! Well, done enough to show you, at least. I still have to organize the closets and fix up the bathroom a bit, but that will happen eventually.
I LOVE my new Japanese Knock-Off Tote Bag! This free sewing tutorial will show you how to make a beautiful patchwork tote with pockets on the inside. Or an adorable tote with pockets on the outside and patchwork on the inside. Choosing how to sew it is up to you!
Caroline…..so sorry for the ETSY Shop entry….I didn’t realize until I read the bottom. Please delete, and I will re-enter through my blog….CollectInTexas Gal Sue
Caroline, you are my heroine!!!!! I wanted to make a wrap dress for myself for AGES but couldn’t find a pattern that I liked!!!! Any chance to get that pattern in Germany? I really want to make a dress like yours! Can you help me please? elena@diewebers.de
I made some hanging wall organizers that hang on your wall with a curtain rod! Thanks for hosting. 🙂
Marti
https://sewlicioushomedecor.com/
You should totally make one with the orange polka dot fabric, that would look awesome! You’re making me want that issue. Hmmm. Off to find it. 🙂
Oh mah gah, that dress is fantastic. I love it, the print, the style, you totally nailed it. Great job!
GaH! I LOVE that dress. What issue? what magazine? did I miss it. I’ve gone back over the post x 2 and can’t find where you said you got it from.
HI Suzanne,
The raglan tees and wrap dress pattern are in the Ottobre Design 5/2013 issue.
xoxo
You better make an orange polka dot tee! It would be cute:) you’ve had a busy week, I love seeing your projects:) thanks for hosting!
Caroline…..so sorry for the ETSY Shop entry….I didn’t realize until I read the bottom. Please delete, and I will re-enter through my blog….CollectInTexas Gal Sue
No worries Sue. Thanks for caring!
Caroline, you are my heroine!!!!!
I wanted to make a wrap dress for myself for AGES but couldn’t find a pattern that I liked!!!!
Any chance to get that pattern in Germany? I really want to make a dress like yours!
Can you help me please?
elena@diewebers.de
Love and thanks,
LENI
Thanks, Leni. I just wrote you an email. The raglan tees and wrap dress pattern are in the Ottobre Design 5/2013 issue.
xoxo