Our new studio is really coming together. A few things are still needed but over all, it’s looking pretty good!

One of the things I recently made for the studio were these pretty box cushions. We knew we wanted cushions for our chairs, but what fabric?

You might recall that we’re trying to use what we have more. So after looking through some of our boxes of fabric, Sarai found this stiff ivory ottoman silk. It holds its shape really nicely as well as being a sturdy fabric. I used quite a bit of pretty pink bias tape and piping cord to make the piping. This box cushion tutorial from Threads was invaluable. Turning those corners is definitely tricky!

We stuffed them with 2 inch foam, and the close with an invisible zipper, so they can be easily cleaned.

It’s nice to get some color (and padding) in here. What do you think?

Some related links you might be interested in:

• Piping Tutorial: Learn to make your own piping!
• Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial: This tutorial shows you how to make your own continuous bias tape strips
• Studio Inspiration: Take a peek at some images that inspired us as we put together our new studio space

I must say that, while I’ve never tried to emulate anyone else’s look completely, there are always those women who I can turn to for inspiration. I may not dress exactly like them, but there’s something about the way they look or the way they use clothing that hits home for me.

I thought it would be fun for Caitlin and I to share a few of our favorites.

I grew up watching old movies, so it should come as no surprise that a few of my favorite style icons are the old movie stars Audrey Hepburn, Jean Seberg and Katharine Hepburn. While I love so many older actresses, these ladies really blended masculine details into their wardrobes at a time when frilly, feminine silhouettes were popular. I love the idea of mixing together two seemingly disparate styles to create a unique look. The collared shirt with peg leg pants and loafers is one of my favorite looks, paired with a fun scarf or a pretty necklace. Style is so much about our individuality, and to me, these ladies really nailed it. They were unique individuals, so of course they remain style icons today!

My favorite eras for fashion are the 1930s and the 1960s, so is it any wonder that the stunning Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of Bonnie Parker in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde hits all the right notes for me? Her classic combination of sweater, scarf, and beret is all you really need to look good, I think. Then there is the captivating Danish-born actress and muse to Jean-Luc Godard, Anna Karina. Her simple 60s style was always so perfectly intriguing, and I love that it always brought attention to her, not to the clothes. Natalie Wood is another favorite 60s icon. So poised and polished, but never overdone. And for a more modern icon, I’ve always loved Sofia Coppola. She has the effortless, offhand glamor thing down.

I suppose that, overall, I love when women use clothes to give a sense of who they are. The clothes don’t speak for themselves, even when they’re absolutely beautiful.

What about you? I’m especially curious if the icons you admire have changed over time (mine have)? Are they celebrities, old movie stars, artists, humanitarians, or anyone else?

Name: Dixie

Skill Level: Intermediate

Pattern: Jasmine

Blog: Dixie DIY

Her post about the pattern: Black & White Colette Jasmine

What kind of fabric did you use? A silky soft white rayon and a black linen/rayon blend for the collar.

How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? This year one of my sewing goals is to fill in gaps in my wardrobe – one of which was solid color tops. The Jasmine pattern was perfect for that goal. And with the simple black and white and the cute tie this shirt has a sort of feminine 1960s French vibe which I love. What thoughts do you have about the project? This is the first bias cut shirt I’ve ever made and I love it. It’s great that I don’t need any closures to put the shirt on yet it is still form fitting without being uncomfortable. I think I’m hooked on bias sewing now!

Thanks, Dixie!

Sometimes these patterns in the way we dress are called signatures. I think that, in some ways, they’re the truest expression of how we like to feel about ourselves. They’re the things we turn to again and again.

One of my signatures is definitely the silk scarf. I have a big collection and, weather permitting, I wear them instead of jewelry most of the time. I like that they’re a classic item that not many younger women wear. I like that they’re colorful and have some amazing prints, so they’re easy to mix into a simple outfit. And I like that they draw attention to the face.

But most of all, I like that they make me feel classic.

If you’ve never thought about it, take some time to notice how you dress for the next week or so. What do you gravitate towards most often? What things do you like to wear? Do you do a little something that makes you feel unique?

Let’s hear from Caitlin:

“One of my style signatures is my hair. I am a hair chameleon! I love to have different hair styles and mix it up often. My hair grows quickly, so I can cut it without waiting a long time for it to grow out. Because of this, I feel like I can make crazy choices and know it won’t last forever. I’m drawn to this idea of hair as an accessory, just like you might be drawn to wearing vintage brooches.

Of course, I feel like I have other style signatures such as my love for stripes. I have to hold myself back from making impulse purchases just because stripes are involved.”

(This picture is from our Quilt Market set up, when Caitlin was sticking random things on her head. She doesn’t usually have random veils on her head.)

It’s winter and quite chilly outside. I’ve definitely felt that need to burrow under a warm blanket, how about you? Since we’ve moved into a new space and are getting to do so much fun decorating, Sarai and I decided to add a Pendelton wool throw to the mix. Now that we have a break area, a blanket is a must for our love seat. Maybe it’ll cover someone up as they take a little catnap, or just hang out looking pretty. Either way, a blanket is always handy to have around. We found this beautiful printed Melton wool and yarn at the local Pendelton outlet but you can easily use any type of wool you like. I thought it would fun to show you how to make a simple throw with only two materials and just a little time.

So many combinations of fabric and thread colors come to mind, but I settled on this pretty faded red yarn. What would you do?

Tools Needed

• 2 yards wool
• embroidery thread or thin yarn
• embroidery needle

Knot the end of your thread and pull the needle through the fabric. Once you’ve pulled the thread through, push your needle in 1/4″ from the last insertion. Make sure the needle is on top of the thread. This will create a blanket stitch. Always insert your needle from the same side. This ensures a consistent blanket stitch.

Continue all the way around the blanket. When you’ve gotten to the end of the blanket, simply make a secure knot. Voila! A very easy throw to keep you warm!

Some related posts you may be interested in:

• Winter Cowl: A winter cowl made from a little bit of wool to keep you warm
• Understitching: Learn how and why to understitch your garment
• Staystitch: Reinforce your necklines with staystitching

Name: Ellen

Skill Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Pattern Used: Jasmine

What kind of fabric did you use? Just a simple lightweight cotton with some nice drape. The trim is a heavier weight cotton that I bought mainly for the colour but it does not feel as nice as the main fabric.

How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? The thing I like most about making my own clothes is knowing that no one else will have the same thing. My personal style is a bit of everything, I like to wear clothes that suit my shape and have colours and patterns that appeal to me rather than following the current fashions. I say ‘well fitting’ but I could have straightened the top up a bit before the photo!

What thoughts do you have about the project? Loved it! Its perfect for the slow start to the Australian Spring/Summer we are having this year. I only did some minor adjustments on the sides to bring it in around my waist a bit. I cant wait to finish my final exams (in about a week) so that I am free to make another one in black chiffon with red, white and grey spots – and naturally, a pair of Clovers to finish the look

Thanks, Ellen!

From the time I was first allowed to wear makeup, I have always loved red lipstick.

I’ve been thinking about simplicity and tastes evolving over time, and I also started thinking about all the things that I’ve always loved to wear, and always will. Red lipstick has to be high on that list.

Why?

Because of what it says about the person wearing it. It’s strong, it’s glamorous, it’s classic, even old fashioned.

Because it’s flattering on me. I’ve always liked my full lips, and bright lipstick instantly brings attention to something I like about myself. It automatically makes me feel good.

Because it feels like me. I’ve been wearing it so long, that it’s comfortable. And being comfortable in what you’re wearing always makes you feel more elegant.

These days, I’ve expanded into other shades and actually usually wear deep corals and pinks during the day. But I will always love red lips for these reasons above.

Are there things you are consistently drawn to, and do they meet the criteria above? When I think about any of the stylistic things that I’ve always loved, those three things seem to be constant.

Image above is me applying red lipstick on my wedding day, taken by the lovely Jillian Kay.

I met Brett Bara at Quilt Market in October, author of the book Sewing in a Straight Line. I knew right away that we were on the same page when it comes to sewing and craftiness, but it wasn’t until I looked at her blog and saw her posts on cats and smoothies that I knew for sure she was a woman after my own heart.

Brett sent me a copy of her lovely book, and I thought I’d share it with you all.

As a person that sews, you probably hear friends and family say they’d like to learn to sew, but don’t know where to start. Sometimes encouraging friends to get started presents a bit of a challenge. You know that you should recommend some straightforward, easy projects for them to get started and boost their confidence, but most easy projects are a bit boring. It’s hard to get excited about them.

That’s where this book comes in. With lovely, clean, modern photography and pretty styling, the simple home and garment projects in Sewing in a Straight Line actually look like things you’d want to make! What a breath of fresh air, and a great way to ease a beginner into the world of sewing. Or for the more experienced sewist to get some instant gratification.

Would you like to win a copy of this book? Simply leave a comment and let me know what your favorite easy, simple, of quick gratification project is. I’ll choose a winner at random on Wednesday, Jan 26th.

I’ll start! My favorite simple project is making napkins and tea towels. They’re so fast, cute, and useful both every day and when you’re entertaining. What about you?

Update: Congrats to JP, who won (via random number generator) with her comment:

“Baby blankets! Just a big square of flannel: finish the edges and you’re good to go!”

You may have seen this lovely type of appliqué on vintage garments. It’s simply a pretty piece of floral fabric cut out in the shape of a flower and sewn to a garment. While there are a couple of ways you could attach the flower, this method tucks the seam allowances inside for a clean edge. Alternatively, you could use your sewing machine to sew the flower on, which would leave the edges raw.

This example uses the Meringue skirt pattern from Colette Sewing Handbook made from stretch cotton twill and a lovely cotton vintage floral we had in our fabric stash.

tools needed

• garment
• floral fabric
• washable pencil or pen
• scissors
• pins
• hand sewing needle
• thread

1. After choosing which flowers you’d like to use, draw around them with about a 1/8″ – 1/4″ seam allowance.

2. Cut out the flowers. You may need to make little snips along the curves in order to neatly fold back the seam allowance.

3. Carefully press the seam allowance back. I found the best way to do this was to press the fabric with high heat and gently fold back small sections at a time and press them with your fingers. Then press it again with the iron to reheat the fabric. If you do this, make sure you don’t burn your fingers! One of those tiny appliqué irons would be perfect in place of a regular iron.

4. Play around with flower placement and then pin the flowers to your garment.

5. Hand sew the flowers to the garment. Make sure the seam allowance stays tucked under. You can use the tip of your needle to fold it under as you go, if it tends to poke out at all. Half an hour of hand sewing and you’re done!

Some related posts you may be interested in:

• Lace Appliqué and Trim Tutorial: This tutorial shows you how to add pretty lace to your garments
• Lace Inset Tutorial: Learn to add shaped lace to a garment
• Piped Meringue: Get some inspiration from this Meringue with piped scallops

Here are a few of our favorite prints.

Images:
Premier Prints ZigZag Village Blue/Natural, vintage silk with crosses and dots from my collection,
Premier Prints Oxygen Dots Black/White, vintage floral silk from my collection, floral from Mood Fabrics

I tend to like geometric shapes such as chevrons and polka dots, but I also like vintage florals in a big way. For garment sewing, I really like florals with plenty of negative space, which are so hard to find these days. I also like very abstract florals. Think 60s flowers, or art deco designs. In fact, art deco designs are the ideal merging of geometics, soft gorgeous colors, and abstract florals.

Images: Feedsack Squiggles, Blue Floral, Floral Chintz, Ikat, Blue Seersucker

Caitlin:

I am really drawn toward pretty feedsack prints from the 1930s. They come in calico or squiggles or geometric shapes and in a variety of colors you don’t normally see today. I just think they are so cute and would make perfect summer tank tops. One of my favorite type of prints are those beautiful watercolor flowers from the 1950s. Especially in blue! I have yet to find a substantial amount of a blue watercolor rose fabric, but when I do, I’m going to make a short-sleeved Peony dress with it.

Ikat designs are another favorite. I love the blurred aspect of ikat and how different cultures use it. While ikat is usually woven, it can also be a printed design. Some florals have an ikat look, and I love those too! Perhaps it is part of the visual stimulation of looking at a blurred design that’s so interesting. As far as color goes, I prefer muted instead of bold. Grays and blues are my current favorites, perhaps because they are calm. That’s not to say I don’t love a good bright print!