September Sew Photo Hop Instagram Challenge - Week One

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In celebration of National Sewing Month, I joined a group of avid sewists in a 30 day Instagram challenge!  Using the #SewPhotoHop hashtag, we posted photos each day based on the theme of the day!

It was fun, but also a challenge!  Especially since I committed to posting everyday - I had to put my thinking cap on for many of the days' themes!

I will be doing a blog post for each week of the challenge.

 Why didn't I think of blogging during the challenge?

I did!

But with all the work and excitement of starting my online sewing classes, it would have been a bit much!

So here goes the "delayed" 1st post!

Day One - Hello

We simply had to introduce ourselves.  I chose this pic, because it is one of my current favorite pics.

Day Two - Work in Progress
French seams and bias binding!

Day Three - All in One or Separates?

I love mixing and matching pieces - so definitely separates!

Day Four - Signature Style

If you haven't guessed by now, mine is bold colors and fun prints!

Day Five - Sewing Corner

I love my space! And nope...I did not clean it up for the photos!

It's where I work and how I work! 😍

Day Six - Seasonal Favorite

When I think of the word "seasonal", I think of textured fabrics and comfort food!

Day 7 - Texture and/or Color

I love both! The more texture, the better!  The brighter the color, the better!

I know that many of my sew sisters participated in this challenge! 

I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!

Happy Endless Sewing!

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Matching Accessories

Sew Matchy, Matchy!
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I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I've only just realized that I've been walking around with all of my non-matching accessories that I pull out when I'm stopped by people who ask what else I make!  LOL!

I've had cork accessories, red and black and an assortment of other color accessories!  Who would get excited about that menagerie and want to place an order!  LOL!

So I finally took some time to make a batch of MATCHING accessories for myself! The fabric is another African waxed print.  This one has a very high sheen which made it perfect for me.  Did I tell you that I like color! This color combo is perfect for Spring.

All of these items were made "In The Hoop" on my embroidery machine.  The designs are from Embroidery Garden and are created and digitized by my friend and the owner, Reen Wilcoxson.  Her designs come with complete step by step instructions that includes color photos of each step.


Her newest bag is my new favorite - the Double Zip Organizer Bag!  Each zipper has a full length pocket!  So very useful! This one and the Zippered Bag are a little over 7.5"x11.5"!  I can get quite a few items in them. Sometimes I use this size as a "grab and go" bag - I don't always need a big purse or tote bag for a store run or pizza run. 😄

And yes!  That is a real glass mirror!  Check out my FaceBook business page to view the short video of the mirror being stitched.  This 3 inch mirror and case are perfect for evenings out!  Variations of this little set will be going on my website soon!  Any of these items can be ordered...just by contacting me.😊

These are all perfect for daily use, together or separate. They are also perfect for travel! This is the 3rd Luggage Handle Wrap I've used while traveling, and it has not been lost!  I will definitely be able to identify my bag with this bright, cheerful wrap as it comes around the carousel!  Yaaay!

And how often do you dig around in your bag or briefcase looking for your headset or chargers!  The Device Cord Wraps completely solves that problem! Everyone that I've made them for loves them!

I plan to make a new tote bag for all my new accessories. It will likely be a bit toned down, mostly because I used all of this print!  LOL!

Not sure if I will use one of my own patterns or a new pattern that I've been eyeing. But since I'm traveling soon, I need to get it done!

What accessories do you make? 

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Ankara Coat of Many Colors

 Ankara/African Print Coat/Duster 

This very colorful Ankara/African Print Coat/Duster was my last "make" for National Sewing Month!

I entered it into an African Print Challenge!

I'm loving these challenges.

I learn sew much with each entry!

I had much fun and a few challenges putting this "puzzle" together. I really had to pay attention to the direction of the print on this Ankara/African fabric for each piece...even the band...I wanted to be sure the black side showed when I wear it... not the printed side. I tried it on more than I usually do to get it right!

Hacks:
* I hacked McCall's 6844 - https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6844

* This pattern is designed for knits...my fabric is a woven...I had to make several adjustments to the flounce to make it fit properly. 

* I lengthened the jacket about 15 inches

* Just before I started construction, I decided to add side-seam pockets

* I also cut the sleeves short and added a flounce and lined them with the print fabric. After all, this is the year of the sleeve!

* I finished the side seams and sleeves with a Hong Kong finish - another element I decided on during construction

* I finished the hem with black bias binding - I really didn't want the suggested narrow hem to be seen and I love that the bias tape brings all of the black accents together.

Someone called her my

Magical Wizard Sewing Cloak!

 What would you call her?

  I think she needs a name!

 ❤

 As always, please feel to free to leave your comments/questions below!

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Scrappy Tops

Hi all,

Welcome to my Blog, SEW CARRIE SEW and my 1st Blog Post!

I have recently discovered a new use for my scraps!  My Scrappy Top!  I love color and just could not bear to have the printed piece just sitting on my shelf.  It is actually left over from and over-sized failed top.  I was about 70 pounds heavier when I made the over sized top, but after seeing pics of myself in it - I knew it was the absolute wrong style for me then and now. LOL!

I"m pretty sure we've all been there - saw a pic of something we purchased or made and thought - "What was I thinking?" I know it's happened to me more than a few times.  Looks good in the mirror, but the pics tell a different story!

Well now, even if you can't save the garment, you can save the fabric!

I used one of my self-drafted tops and slashed the front starting at 10 inches from the underarm to the hemline. I then added seam allowances to each of the slashes.  I spent some time deciding where the print would land on the pieces, making sure to match my notches (including the sleeves). Once the layout was completed and cut out, I sewed the 2 front pieces together to recreate a full front piece. From there I constructed the top as normal. I added binding to the neck edge and sleeves and a narrow hem on the bottom.

                                                                        Back View


I welcome your comments and questions and invite you to visit often for sewing tips and tricks!

Happy Endless Sewing!

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Coming soon: Online Sewing Classes