Sew Grateful Project Day

I was recently selected to test a bag for Sara, who blogs over at Sew Sweetness. It was a wonderful opportunity as I sew mainly clothes, but have enjoyed the few bags that I have made.

Sara designs and sells bag patterns.

I am “sew” grateful to have had the opportunity to assist someone start up their small business, by testing and commenting on the instructions on a pattern before they start selling them. I am now busy with another bag, but have to keep it secret until it is released!!

This bag was called the Accordion Bag. I decided to use black twill for the body of the bag and use scraps of silky type fabrics for the flap. I was going through the de-cluttering of my sewing room and clearing the junk, I had two bags of scraps to throw out, but rescued enough to stitch together and pleat for the flap. I then used black leather like fabric for the piping. I had used this for the edging of the corset I made in December.

As most of the fabric was used for various dresses and tops that I have made for myself, I call this bag my Memory bag!

Because of the fabric on the flap, I see this as a bag I will use in the evenings.

Previously I have been a tester for a Sewaholic pattern. I tested the Alma blouse in summer last year. Again, this to me shows how the sewing community assists each other. We help new independent designers with their businesses.

A Grateful Reflection

One of my sewing room companions. From my bear sewing years!

As part of Debi's Sew Grateful Sewing Week, she asked anyone taking part to reflect on what the are sewing means to us and what we are grateful for.

So what am I sew grateful for?

I am  "sew" grateful that I learnt how to sew when I was young. My maternal grandmother was the sewer in the family. Every year she would buy several different fabrics and a pattern and make my sisters and I four summer dresses each. I loved watching her do this and learnt to sew from her.

My first attempt on my own was an outfit for a doll, this was then followed by my first fashion piece, a mauve gingham skirt, all sewn by hand; I must have been around 9 years old.

Over the years I have sewn on an off.  I also tried other hobbies; scrapbooking and beading come to mind, but I always came back to sewing.

I originally started a blog just for myself, to keep me on track with some of my sewing goals, and then soon realized what a supportive group the on-line sewing community is. I have learnt so much, whether it is reading tutorials, taking part in Sew Alongs or just generally reading blogs and getting ideas, tips and hints. As I gradually got a few  followers I was grateful that people actually read what I had written, so I hope I am able to inspire, or at least give a tip or an idea to someone as well!!

My day job is not creative and can be very stressful at times, so I am grateful that I have a creative outlet that is also relaxing (most of the time!!!)

I am also very grateful that I have the time and the means to sew, I am sure there are many people out there who don't have either. So I try to keep that in mind as well.

A Grateful Giveaway

My second giveaway in a week. My leg of the Pattern Pyramid still has a few days to go!!!

I have decided to take part in My Happy Sewing Place’s  Sew Grateful Week. Of course, as usual I am a few days late!!! But there are so many wonderful Giveaways, I am entering them all, so want to give back something as well!!

But one of my goals this year is to start working towards minimalism. Getting rid of things I don't use, so in that spirit, as well gratitude, I have the following: 

The Giveaway is a Singer Sewing Book and a 1970s Jumpsuit pattern.

The book is great, but my "go to" sewing reference book is my Reader's Digest Complete guide to sewing. And there is a long story attached to the pattern, which will be another blog posting!!

• Anyone from anywhere can enter, just leave a comment on this post.  
• For an extra entry, be a follower of by blog and a comment saying that you are a follower!
• I’ll announce the winner on Monday February 11.
• Be sure to leave me your e-mail if your profile is not connected to your blog, so that I can contact you if you win!

Pattern Pyramid

The Pattern Pyramid is in Canada again!


It also means that this is my first giveaway!!!




I was very excited to win the Pattern Pyramid from the lovely Megan who blogs over at Crafternoon Nap. I think I have entered just about all of them with no luck! But, in doing so I have discovered wonderful blogs that I might not otherwise have discovered.




My parcel arrived on the weekend, and there are some lovely patterns in there. I was also spoiled with a little bag for my iPhone and some fabric from Megan’s stash.

iPhone cover

New fabric

Here are the nine patterns I received:







I also have a pattern to add. It will be one of the below. Could be both. I just can't decide whether I will actually make 7177





This pattern Pyramid is still going strong. Thanks to Karen at Did You Make That for a great idea!


I think I am going to keep the McCalls 1 hour top. I think the fabric Megan sent me will look good as one of those tops!


THE RULES


The full rules can be found at Did You Make That.

But I have summarized below:

Anyone, anywhere can enter the giveaway by posting a comment below by midnight (my midnight - Eastern Standard Time) on Saturday February 9, 2013.


You must have an active blog.
I will randomly select the lucky winner.
I will then post off the patterns.
The winner will pick one pattern to keep for themselves, then host their own giveaway. They will randomly select a winner, post the remaining patterns to that Person, and so on and so on (sew on and sew on......, ha, ha ha….??!!)
You get the idea!

Please spread the word!!!