This is a sewing tutorial on how to make quilted fabric.  Quilted fabric is great for kitchen accessories (hotpads, ovenmitts) or for making purses or wallets.  You can buy quilted fabric directly from the store but then you’re limited to just that pattern selection.  Use this tutorial to make your own out of any fabric!

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I’ve got a new DIY bow tie sewing pattern in the shop, that shows you how to make a skinny bow tie with a vintage style clip in the back. There’s two different variations included in the patter: one for women when a long hanging tie, and one for men without the hanging tie. They are pretty quick and easy to make, with only a tiny amount of fabric, which makes them pretty addictive.

The pattern is based on the really cute vintage bowties that are super skinny and minimal. They sew up well with either a silky style fabric or nice cotton. I also like perusing the thrift store for shirts/pants/dresses made out of interesting fabrics that I can repurpose, since so little fabric is needed. They have been a good way to use up old fabric remnants I have laying around my craft room too.



The pattern is written for all skill levels, and covers all of the basics, like how to add a buttonhole. Also, I did some research on where to buy the bowtie clips and found that you can pick up a dozen of them for pretty cheap over at B. Black and Sons.

I stumbled across this baby blanket pattern over at Purl Soho. I love the mixing of sewing and crochet! And this would be super quick and easy to make as a baby gift. Purl has the detailed pattern, but basically you just have to hem the edges of the blanket then crochet the border around, using 3 single crochets and chain stitch.



And while Purl recommends their fabric, which is fabulous, it’s also pretty expensive. I researched some alternatives over at fabric.com and found some adorable flannel prints that would be perfect for a little baby. Here are some of my favorites. How adorable are those pink giraffes!! Ahh!

Edit: I just bought the giraffe fabric and will be picking up some yarn from purl next week. So excited to make this!

elephants | giraffes | stripes

I’ve been trying to spruce up my apartment a little, and decided that my bedroom is looking pretty bleak in all black, white and gray. To add a bit of color, I figured it’s about time to start my first, full sized quilt, and what better way to add color than use some pretty Liberty of London prints.



I went to peruse Purl Soho for some inspiration and they have these little Liberty bundles of fabric. I’m going to pick up the rainbow bundle, and supplement, if necessary, with some tiny busy prints that I pick up elsewhere.



I’m trying to decide on a final pattern for the quilt. I’ve been eyeing patches like the Oceans Wave, Flying Duchman, and Flying Geese. I’m probably going to use a muslin for the contrasting colors, paired with the Liberty prints to make it a soft beige to lighten up the room a bit. I like the look of the finished Oceans Wave, which I stumbled upon on the Timeless Reflections blog. I’m still debating though, and put together an excel spreadsheet to quickly mock up some quilt patches, combining different ones in different arrangements. It’s pretty neat and I’ll post it soon….

As you’ve probably guessed from my (sorta) recent pattern-testing posts, I’ve had a new shop in the works. And, it’s finally open! It’s called I Make It; You Make It and has digital PDF sewing patterns and tutorials. The patterns are mostly fashion related with a vintage-inspired twist. Through the years, fashionable sewing patterns have been hard to come by, which generally led me to creating my own patterns. Now I’ve been digitizing them, and writing up easy-to-follow, detailed instructions with photos to go along with the patterns.

As a follower of the blog, take 20% off any of the patterns by entering GRANDOPENING when you checkout, available until June 25th. You can have a looksy at the DIY sewing patterns in the shop, or sign up to get an email whenever a new pattern comes out (about once a month).

The Patterns

In New York, it’s finally spring-like out and my mind has suddenly started to drift towards chambray dresses, bright colors and pastel shoes and pants. And for the first time in months I was able to get out of the house without tights and a big heavy coat. yay, spring! even though the winter hasn’t been too harsh, I’m super excited about pulling out my spring clothes from storage (it’s always a surprise) and buying new stuff. I’ve already bought 3 new pairs of sandals! For spring fashion inspiration, I was perusing the steven alan spring 2012 look book and thought how pretty and simple everything was.

Pin ItPin It

I think a lot of these pieces would be easy to find at a vintage shop, or on etsy. Here’s a few that I found just by perusing the top results.


red and white striped by Sugar Bride Vintage | gray terry striped tee by Lapine Ours Vintage | black and white stripe by A Fine Day For Sailing

Or, I think A lot of these pieces could easily be made. Especially the chambray shirt dress, blue shift dress, striped tee, or the green dress. I think the patterns could easily be whipped up by the slopers and instructions included in the Built By Wendy Dresses book. I actually am 95% finished with a shirt dress identical to the first picture that I made with the BBW book, but in a blue and white striped seersucker fabric. Maybe it’s time I finally finished it!

initial photos via steven alan

Leggings are popping up everywhere, and I love how fun they are! It’s like having crazy pants and leisure pants, all built into one. Below are some of my favorites to buy, or if you’re feeling crafty, here’s a list of DIY leggings patterns to show you how to make your own leggings!

DIY leggings pattern/tutorial for a custom fit via EtsyBasic Leggings Pattern via BurdastyleAdult leggings PDF pattern via Fabricate and Mira


1. Striped leggings by DGstyle | 2. Orange Tribe Leggings by QooQoo | 3. Sparkle leggings by Minx Shop | 4. Copper and black abstract by Karina Manarin | 5. Lace leggings by I Heart Norwegian Wood | 6. Geometric Triangle Leggings by Trendylove

P.S. now I’ve got silly ZZ Top stuck in my head. When I was about 7, for some reason the She’s Got Legs video translated for me “what it meant to be a woman”. Lacy socks + heels. I saw the video and thought, I’ve got socks like that! I ran and put on my sunday school ruffle socks and a pair of my mom’s heels, and wore them around the house thinking, So this is what it feels like.

P.P.S. speaking of heels…i am SO excited…I just spent the most amount of $ I ever have on a pair of shoes, and bought these PINK swedish hasbeens. I’ve wanted some for forever, and I couldn’t resist 20% off via A Cup Of Jo with code ACUPOFJO.