Garment sewing plans for 2019 (#2019makenine)

I've finally solidified my Make Nine plans for this year!  Well, technically this list actually has 10 items but I started a couple of dresses in December and I want to keep myself accountable for finishing them. There is no particular order to my list and if you want to know more about each pattern just follow the links. This year's list includes a few carry overs because the only items I completed on last year's list were a Blackwood Cardigan and a Shirt No. 1 from my bonus list.  That's not to say I didn't make anything else I just got distracted by other patterns. As a way to keep myself organized I decide to include pictures of each fabric I plan to use.

Esme Top by Sew Liberated

This is a cross woven chambray(ish) fabric, meaning that two different colors of thread were used in the weaving process.  It's got a beautiful texture and just enough weight to give the Esme top structure with out being stiff.

Mississippi Ave. Dress by Sew House Seven

I love this print!  It's an older Anna Maria Horner voile and is going to be seriously comfortable in warmer months.

Shoreline Boatneck by Blank Slate Patterns

This is one of the softest knit fabrics ever.  It's from Art Gallery and designed by Amy Sinbaldi.

Fringe Dress by Chalk and Notch

I got this beauty from Blackbird Fabrics over the summer because it was love at first sight.  I love the bold black and white geometric designs in the flowers.  It's a 100% rayon fabric and has the best drape.

Pilvi Jacket from Lotta Jansdotte's book Everyday Syle

 

This is a great dusty teal linen from Joann Fabrics.  I have this all cut out and it looks like it will be a quick sew.  I might do this one next.

Pixie Tee by Chalk& Notch

This picture is a bit misleading the dark strips are actually navy.  I got is from Style Maker Fabrics last year as soon as I saw the Pixie Tee pattern release.
 
Ebony Dress by Closet Case Patterns

This is a stretch velvet from Joann Fabrics.  I have actually started this dress.  I had intended to wear it to my husband's work Christmas party but he ended by getting a nasty cold so we didn't go.  I pushed it to the back burner in favor of getting other Christmas projects done.  But I want it finished because I just know its gonna be so comfy!

Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet

Okay, so I've actually already made two of these but I adore this pattern.   It's the perfect cardigan!  This is a great double knit from Joann's.

Hemlock Tee by Grainline Studios (a free pattern when you sign up for the newsletter)

This is a super soft micro rib knit from Blackbird Fabrics.  It's a beautiful dusty pink.

Halifax Hoodie by Hey June

This is a really old double knit from Joann's, that is completely reversible.  I think it might be fun to do mashup using both sides when I make my hoodie.

Clementine Quilt Along - February Block

Allow me to introduce...Broken Berries, the February addition to the Clementine Quilt Along for St. Jude Hospital.  These two give me all the happy feelings!  I just love the way the ombre fabrics are showing off in these blocks.

My goal is to use every one of the eight colors I chose, so there aren't any color repeats between the two different block sizes.  I think this will give me a good spread of color in the finished quilt.

Want to see the January and February blocks together?


I know the answer is "YES!"

Although the patterns are free, if you can a donation to St. Jude is greatly appreciated.

And don't forget to visit the other bloggers that are quilting along!

*April of April Rosenthal (@amrosenthal)

Bonnie of Sunset Family Living (@sunsetfamilyliving)

Cara of That Crafty Cara (@thatcraftycara)
Carrie of Moda Cutting Table (@modafabrics)

Denise of Pieced Brain (@piecedbrain)

Elise of Elise and Emelie (@eliseandemelie)

Gina of Carpe Quiltin (@gina_tell_carpequiltin)
Heather of A Creative Pursuit (@acreativemama)

Hilary of By Hilary Jordan (@byhilaryjordan)

Jan of Cocoa Quilts (@cocoaquilts)

Jen of Heritage Threads (@heritage.threads)

Joanne of Quilts by Joanne (@turtlequilterjo)

Kairle of Kairle Oaks Handcrafted Goodness (@kairleoaks)

Kendra of Good Starter (@good_starter)

Kristen of 3 in the Nest (@threeinthenestraleigh)

Kristina of Center Street Quilts (@centerstreetquilts)

Leah of Ponderings from My Heart (@ponderingsfrommyheart)

Melanie of A Bit of Scrap Stuff (@mellierc)

Melissa of Happy Quilting (@happyquiltingmc)
Pat of Pat Sloan (@quilterpatsloan)

Pat B. of Life in the Scrapatch (@scrapatches)

Patty of Elm Street Quilts (@elmstreetquilts)

Rebecca of One Wee Bird (@oneweebird)

Sarah of 123 Quilt (@123quilt)

Seema of SSK Craft Shop (@sskcraftshop)

Sherri of A Quilting Life (@aquiltinglife)

Sondra of Out of the Blue Quilts (@sondradavison)

Stephanie of Quilt 'n Party (@quiltnparty)

Tanya of Tanya Quilts in CO (@tanyaquiltsinco)

Teresa of Aurea's Kitchen (@aureaskitchen)

Vickie of Crocheting Vixen (@crochetingvixen)

Hunter Star - A Classic & Vintage Block

Have you heard of the Classic and Vintage Series from Fat Quarter Shop?  They take a classic block and give it a modern spin.   The newest addition is the Hunter Star!  I love this block and the design it makes when you repeat it throughout a quilt.  If you want to make one of your own you can watch the YouTube video that guides you through the process or find the pattern download link on the FQS blog.

I actually made four block and joined them together to create the full star effect.  Each quadrant is 9 1/2 inches unfinished, so all four make a decent sized block. I think I'm going to turn it into a pillow! My blocks are made from two fat quarters from Fig Tree & Co. and a coordinating solid.

I shared this picture on Instagram and felt like I should share here too.  Don't worry is your points don't match...perfection is overrated!  Just enjoy the process!

#2018makenine

I heard about the #2018makenine after seeing a few of my favorite Instagram makers post collages showing what they want to make this year. After a bit of scrolling through the hashtag on Instagram I found Rochelle the creator behind the idea.  If you'd like to read more about how the idea was conceived I encourage you to read her blog post.

She calls it a gentle challenge that you can't fail!

I had grand plans last year to sew a lot for myself.  But with so many fantastic patterns I found myself overwhelmed by all the options.  I wanted to make everything!  And then I didn't really get anything done.  So I've created a collage and now I know where to focus.  I've made a list of links down below, in case you are interested in learning more about the individual patterns. So...

1. Leschi by Straight Stitch Designs

2. Maritime Shorts by Grainline Studio

3. Hadley Top by Grainline Studio

4. Oceanside Pants by Blank Slate Patterns

5. Shoreline Boatneck by Blank Slate Patterns

6. Stasia Dress by Sew Liberated

7. Esme Top by Sew Liberated

8. Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet

9. Mississippi Ave. Dress by Sew House Seven 

I'm going to try making most of these from my stash of garment fabrics.  The only one that I might have to buy for is the Oceanside Pants, I don't know that I have enough yardage.  I've actually had my Blackwood Cardigan, Esme Top and Mississippi Ave. Dress cut out for a while so I think may increase my productivity.  I made a bonus list just in case.

Bonus
Halifax Hoodie 
Cheyenne Tunic
Shirt No. 1 (a Creativebug class)
Linden Sweatshirt 

Are you doing any garment sewing this year?  Any tips for productivity? 

Mini Charm Chocolates with Fat Quarter Shop

The Fat Quarter shop is at it again!  They just released another project in their Shortcut Quilts pattern line.  This time the pattern uses mini charm packs (2.5 inch squares).

 

I chose to make the table runner version that uses two mini charm packs.  I picked Chestnut Street by Fig Tree & Co because I want to create a fall-ish version of the pattern. 

You can check out the pattern and video on the Fat Quarter Shop's blog.  And don't forget to check out the other beautiful versions create with the pattern!

Cobblestone Stone Quilt with Fat Quarter Shop

The team over at the Fat Quarter Shop is at it again!  This time with another quilt in their Shortcut Quilt series.  The newest pattern, the Cobblestone quilt, is fat quarter friendly and a great way to show off your favorite prints. 

When it came time to choose what fabric I wanted to use, there was no question for me.  I knew it had to be Sweetwater's Hometown Christmas line.  To say I'm a fan of their designs would be a bit of an understatement.  Of the finished quilts in my house 3 are made from fabric they've designed, including one from their other Christmas line.  One of the things I enjoy about the way they design is the input they get from our quilting community.

The quilt comes together quickly and leaves hardly any scraps.  My quilt finished at about 63" x 80"  and is going to a great size for my whole family to snuggle under this winter.

 

I did simple straight line quilting to start with and I'm planning to go back and add some hand quilting in 12 wt. thread.  Not exactly sure but I'm thinking maybe some snowflakes or little trees. I love this binding fabric.  It finished the quilt off perfectly.

 

Handmade Wardrobe ~ Shirt No.1 Pattern

I have acquired quite a stash of fabric specifically saved for making clothes for my self and my kids.  I began collecting and making with it when we lived in Alaska because finding unique, well fitting garments was difficult in our little town.  Of course, we all know that stashes seem to grow faster than we can actually use them but I finally feel like I'm making a dent and getting more handmade items into my closet.

I recently watched a class on Creativebug by Sonya Philip's the designer behind 100 Acts of Sewing.  The class showed how to make her Shirt No. 1 pattern and a few really creative variations.  Since I'm pretty much a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl, the simple silhouette of this top will help me up my game without being uncomfortable. 

I was pretty confident that a straight up size L would fit me based on the fact that the pattern has a boxy shape, so I pulled out this great voile from an older Anna Maria Horner line.  With only two pattern pieces to cut, this top came together really quickly.  My only struggle was with the bias binding at the neckline...I had to try three times to get it to lay flat.

 

As you can tell it hits me higher on my hip, but since I'm fairly tall this wasn't a big surprise.  I will probably length the top a bit the next time I make one and I want to make one with the contrasting yoke.  I've already worn this one a couple of times and the voile will definitely make it easy to wear layered under a cardigan during Virginia's cooler months and in the summer when the humidity is  hits.

Lady of the Lake - A Classic & Vintage Block

The Lady of the Lake block is the newest Fat Quarter Shop tutorial and pattern in their "Classic and Vintage Series".   This block is quick to make following their great tutorial (which can be found on their free pattern page) or go watch their YouTube video here.

The pattern suggest using half square triangle paper but since I didn't have any on hand I drew diagonal lines on my background fabric and stitched on either side with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  After that I used my rotating mat to cut along my pencil lines.

Then I lined up the triangles with the 45 degree line and cut them all together, creating the required HSTs.

 A helpful tip if you don't have one of those fancy rulers for trimming block is to run several layers of washi tape down the back side of your ruler along the 45 degree line.  It creates a little ridge that can rest up against the seam line making it easier to keep everything lined up while you trim.

 

 This pile of scraps was all I had from creating these blocks.  There is really very little waste!

 I've completed 16 blocks so far but had to stop because I ran out of the background fabric I was using and then bought the wrong color.  So hopefully in a few days I'll be able to go pick up what I need and get the rest of my blocks made.  My print fabric is a bundle of Amy Sinibaldi's Les Petits from Art Gallery.

 

Vintage Rainbow Mosaics

Rachel of Stitched in Color writes one of my favorite blogs, I have been reading it for years.  I love her approach to what she make and her encouragement with in the sewing community.  I also admire the courage it has taken for her to share all of her families struggles over the last year.

With the help of her sponsors she occasionally has mosaic contests, where participants can create a blend of fabrics that they feel reflect the theme she has described.  The most recent is based on the idea of a Vintage Rainbow and is sponsored by Fabricworm.

Here are the two that I created for the contest, below each picture is a list of the fabric I included.

Vintage Rainbow #1

1. Studio M for Moda, Basic Mixologie Geometrics, Off the Grid Light Green
2.Elizabeth Hartman for Robert Kaufman, Rhoda Ruth, Diamond Nature
3.Carrie Bloomston for Windham, Story, News Web Red
4.Simple Simon & Company for Riley Blake, Four Corners, Triangle Teal
5. Maureen Cracknell for Art Gallery, Fleet & Flourish, Roadside Guides Opal
6. Bee in My Bonnet, Modern Mini’s, Arrows Yellow
7.Carolyn Friedlander for Robert Kaufman, Doe, Scratch Shale
8. Dear Stella, Zig Zag, Shell
9.Riley Blake, Lucky Star, Argyle Navy

Vintage Rainbow #2

1.Kimberly Kight for Cotton and Steel, Penny Arcade, X Dot Pink
2.Miriam Bos for Birch Organic Fabrics, Wildland, Flowerbed Orange
3.Lizzie Mackay for Blend, Faraway Forest, Secret Spot Grey
4. Miriam Bos for Birch Organic Fabrics, Wildland, Arrowheads Dusk
5.Maureen Cracknell for Art Gallery, Fleet & Flourish, All Paths Clear
6.Moda, Color Daze Linens, Ombre Stripe Turquoise
7.Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery, Succulence, Greenhouse Aglow
8.Violet Craft, Highlands, The Geometry of Bees Honey
9.April Rhodes for Art Gallery, Bound, Painting Morale

#igtqb collaboration

It started with this...

And this!

Then these two blocks were made....

then these beautiful EPP hexies...

and this fantastic Swoon block...

these colorful x-blocks were added...

throw in some colorful pluses...

more beautiful hexies...

three incredible star-plus blocks....

and some very colorful HST's...

  And you get this...

This is the most incredible collaborative project ever!  Back in March I joined with a group of ladies on Instagram to start a group of traveling quilts.  I made the first two blocks and sent them off, since then the have traveled all over the US and Canada to become this beautiful quilt top that I received back yesterday.   Over the last several months I had only seen small peaks at what they other ladies were adding and I was so excited when I picked up the box it arrived in at the post office last night. This beauty is big...measuring in at 84"x 68".  I had to bring in a ladder to get a good picture of the whole thing and it took up my whole living room floor!

Thank you Lindsey, Kristine, Dyan, Mary, Samantha, Katie, Nicole and Robin!

If you are on Instagram and you'd like to see more or check out the other finished quilts look up #igtqb.

Linking up Show and Tell over at I Have to Say and Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story.