How To Save Your Sewing Patterns

I started sewing lessons this week, and boy did I learn a lot!  My sewing teacher taught me how to create a copy of my sewing patterns.  This is a great habit to get into because it extends the life of your patterns.  It's also really helpful when you are sewing clothes for babies and kids because they grow.  For example, I made a copy of my pattern in size small for baby Ivy and I can copy the original pattern again in a few months to make her a larger size.  

When you buy a pattern, you should transfer it to a big piece of sturdy paper.  First, cut your pattern carefully into big pieces.  Then tape one of the pieces you will be using to a big window using a small piece of tape.  Just a little piece on the top and the sides should be enough.  

Then tape a big piece of paper suitable for tracing on top of the pattern.  You could tape together computer paper if you don't have any big paper.

Study your pattern to see which markings are important to your piece and trace them on the big paper.  If you pattern has straight lines, just trace the 90 degree corners and you can fill the lines in with a straightedge later.  If you have curved lines, draw dashes to follow the line.  (You can draw dashes for straight lines too-- if you want to!)  Don't forget to write the pattern piece number, brand name, pattern number, how many pieces to cut from which fabric.  Your pattern should have markings for each size.  Only trace the marking for the size you will be making.

 Take a look at the original pattern again to make sure you didn't miss any important markings.

 Use a straight-edge to draw lines from corner to corner.  Now it's time to cut out your pattern.

Ta-da!! Now you have a super sturdy pattern that you can use over and over and over without tearing!

I can't wait for my next lesson.  I've been sewing for a long time-- but I've never learned the right way to do it.  I just love my sewing teacher!  She is the sweetest lady-- she sews clothing for orphans and makes baby bereavement gowns for charity too.  I've been showing her how to blog so hopefully I'll be able to introduce you to her soon!

Have a great week friends!  XO, Ashley

Chevron Stitch Patterns

TGIF!  Hope everyone had a great week and is ready for the weekend!  Any crafting planned?  I plan to finish my chevron stitch washcloth and maybe knock out a few more before Monday rolls around again.  I've been having so much fun working the chevron stitch-- and you can too!

Happy knitting :)  Here are some awesome patterns for you!

Knit Lace: Simple Chevron via Lion Brand

Photo by Jack Deutsch Studio

Lace Chevron Pattern via Time to Craft

Pattern from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary: Volume Four via Lion Brand

dummies.com

Chevron Stitch via Tricksy Knitter

Chevron Scarf Pattern via Falling Up

More resources:

about.com

ehow.com

Newborn Knit Uggs : Free Pattern

I have been "working" on making baby Ivy some pink "Uggs" for a while now to match her pink baby sweater!.  I finished the first bootie a long time ago... and waited and waited and waited to get the motivation to knit the second.  If you're a knitter, you might agree with me -- making the second sock, bootie, mitten, etc... is just the worst!  I think it's because I've already had the satisfaction of finishing the first one and making the second one is just anti-climatic.  While Jessica was here this past weekend, I roped her into knitting a "few rows" for me.  One thing lead to the next and she finished the second half of bootie #2!  Aren't they so cute?!!

Today, my Florida BFF Kayla and I had a fun afternoon working on projects and shopping for craft supplies.  Kayla is an amazing photographer and she showed me a few no-flash photography tricks and gave me a quick PhotoShop lesson.  Look at the photos below-- the one on the left is the original and the right is the photoshopped version.  Kayla worked her magic to brighten up the image, create a soft and warm glow, and even took out the orange lighter in the left corner!  

I can't wait to go to the post office tomorrow morning and send baby Ivy her "Uggs".  If you want to get your needles click clacking and make a pair for your favorite baby-- scoot over to Hipknitized to print out the free pattern!

<<update: the link isn't working anymore.  if you want a copy of my scanned print out-- send me your email address and I'll send you a copy! >>

Knit Flamingo Free Pattern

My long-time BFF Jessica came to visit this weekend-- and she made me this knit flamingo!  I recently moved to Florida-- so he makes an extra fun addition to my life!  Jessica found the patern on Ravelry.com -- Click here to see the free pattern!  

Jessica is a crafting all star.  She is a pro knitter, sewist, and general crafter!  You can see some of her other projects at her blog Under the Apple Tree.  

Our weekend together was so fun!  We went thrifting on Friday and found lots of great finds-- my greatest was a hand-knit cardigan with a delicate lace-y sticth!  On Saturday, John joined us and we strapped our bikes on the car and headed down to Key West for the night!  (G had a sitter-- he wasn't too happy to miss out on all the fun!)  It was amazing to ride bikes across the island, enjoy great food, and get some top shelf people watching in!

Hope y'all had a great weekend too!

xoxo,
Ashley

Baby Ivy and her New Knit Sweater

Oh my gosh! Isn't she just the most precious baby you've ever seen?    

For Christmas this year I knit my niece, baby Ivy, a tiny cardigan.  I used pink cotton yarn and pretty flower buttons.  Perfect for Valentine's Day! 

The picture above is a screenshot from a recent FaceTime session!  I just love FaceTiming with Ivy.  And her mom too :)  

Here is the pattern I used: free pattern from Lion Brand.  

Hope everyone is having a good day today.  The weekend is almost here!  What are you doing this weekend?  My bestie Jessica is coming into town tomorrow and is staying for a few days!  I am so excited!   I'm sure I'll have lots to share after a 3-day weekend of crafting, thrifting, and good food!  

{You might also like my post on Newborn Photography Tips }

Felt Flowers

Merry Christmas!!!  

I made some lovely felt flowers and wanted to share some links with you.  Felt flowers are so easy to make and look great as on headbands, pins, barrettes... anything really!  If you have some felt laying around-- you could make a fantastic last minute gift topper!  

I tried to follow this flower pin tutorial but I couldn't get the right shape for the stencil!  The next two flowers below are from my own pattern, which I will post a tutorial for next week.  

For this flower, I cut out several petals and sewed the ends together.  I gathered them tightly and stitched a pearl in the middle.  The great thing about sewing your flowers together rather than using hot glue is that you can push the petals around a bit and have more control over your final shape.

These roses are so simple to make!  Follow this rose tutorial to make yourself a rose or two!

Wishing everyone a happy holiday!