Making progress

I'm still working on my swap project, bit by bit, and really taking the time to savor it. Usually I plan everything out to the quarter inch, but this time I just kind of winged it, and I love how it's turning out.

My favorite kind of quilting, straight lines--well, straightish--but not quite perfect.

And the binding. I love binding. Even fussy, wiggly linen binding. You might think I'm crazy, I know many folks find this part tedious, but I just love putting a neat finished edge on something quilted. Do you love this part too?

The fancy thimble sure makes the job more enjoyable (thanks, Mom!).

The full reveal is coming soon!

Things that make me happy

I joined this lovely swap group recently, and it's like taking a sewing vacation to make something with no obligation other than to have fun and hope that my partner loves it. It is so fun to see what everyone else is up to, too. With a few hints from my secret swapee about what she likes, I dove into my fabric stash and emerged with this:

I never used to be an orange person, but those orange prints are some of my most favoritest (you read that right) prints of all time. And I love those gray FMF prints too. And don't even get me started on how much I love Amy Butler's Lotus fabric line.

When the midmorning sun started peeking through the windows in my Room, I stole upstairs to start playing sewing.

Happy blocks. I love their simplicty. I was aiming for a slightly more calm, neutral look relative to my usual wowza-that's-bright color schemes. Still, I couldn't resist throwing in those pops of orange. I like this so much I'm considering changing the accent color in my kitchen from red to orange.

This is the front...Don't you just love the texture of linen? *happysigh* The blinding white backdrop is my snow-covered backyard.

I haven't yet decided what to do for the back, think I'll leave this hanging for a couple of days to let it inspire me.

And getting back to the title of this post. A few things that make me happy, in a secret particular order, why? Because it's the middle of the winter on an especially frostbitten day and I need a little something to keep me feeling cheery:

1. my family (especially when not grumpy but chipper and snuggly)
2. the old pink chair I found at a thrift shop for under $10
3. linen
4. hot cocoa on a frosty cold morning
5. re-reading a favorite book
6. fabric (slightly redundant, but necessarily so)
7. wood embroidery hoops
8. Colin Firth (Have you seen The King's Speech? I really want to.)
9. my camera
10. slippers

What things make you happy?

The Room

I finally have my own room. It's not my very first room; that room contained yellow shag carpet, a white canopy bed, pink quilt wallpaper I picked out myself, and a 5 year old girl. Ahhh, the 80s. This is my first sewing room that isn't shared with baby gear, office stuff, or guitar amplifiers.

I don't have very many knick-knacky things in my house or even sweet wall hangy things because of my two little big bruising boys who make me say crazy mom things like, "Don't lick the refrigerator," and "Where are your pants?". But now! I have a room that I can decorate any way I choose.

Inspired by this gorgeous mini quilt and my own UFO, current whereabouts unknown, I decided to make my own birdie Dresden plate wall hanging.

What a luxurious afternoon was spent making something just because! I didn't already have a template, and so used the one from this tutorial. You really should try this, it's easier than you think. The center of the plate is Pink Birdseed from Alexander Henry.

There are 20 different prints around the center, and to be honest, I was worried that it would turn out looking a bit busy. But Little Birdie told me they were her favorite colors and it would all work out, and I agree that it did. The background fabric is a cotton/linen blend that is super easy to work with, and a lovely creamy color.

I hope to share more photos from My Room as it gets fixed up just the way I like. And I must bid you Adieu for now, so that I may say Hello, Vintage Etsy Sellers!

Happy New Year!
Kim

Fresh fallen

Ahhh. You know winter has finally arrived when there's a fresh new layer of pom pom fuzz covering your sewing room floor.

With a cup of cocoa nearby, something entertaining playing on the computer, scissors in one hand and yarn in the other, I discovered that these things multiply like tribbles.

In case you're wondering, I tried both the "finger wrapping" method and the pom pom maker method, and while both yield similar results, the pom pom maker is a bit faster and wastes a lot less yarn. Two tips: 1) wrap the yarn very tightly around those pom pom maker arms and as many times as possible, leaving just enough space to close the gadget, and 2) trim the yarn shorter than you expect for a more uniform pom pom.

By the way, the link to the pom pom maker says it's available only online, but I was able to pick up a set at my local JoAnn's, with a 50% off coupon, score!

The pom poms are destined for Christmas packages and/or tree ornaments, and the fabric? I'm feeling a little infatuated with the red/pink/aqua color combo right now. As soon as I put it on the table I knew I needed to make something with it ASAP.

So I turned teensy scraps from my fabric stack into this cute little triangle hexie pincushion:

I can already tell that I'm not finished playing with this color combo...hmmm...what other good things are to come?

Also, a little off topic, but I wanted to let you know--as I mentioned Friday--I listed some fabric bundles in the shop. A few harder-to-find Heather Ross and Amy Butler prints and good deals on some other discontinued prints.

Have a great week!
Kim

Last day for savings

Just a reminder that today is the last day to save 20% on patterns and sewing kits! Use coupon code KICKSTART20 in my shop, or just check out as your normally would with items from the sidebar.

Here's a little preview of things to come. I'll be doing a bit of destashing over the next few weeks, so look for some fabric bundles to start popping up in the shop!

Kim

Meet Greta

She's here!

I'm so excited to present Miss Greta to you. And she brought along a few of her friends...

This is a PDF sewing pattern, with my usual tutorial photo and text instructions. Greta Doll is 18" tall, and you can customize her with hair accessories, 6 different felt applique patterns (mushroom, pear, apple, umbrella, cupcake, and cherries), and reversible apron.

This pattern recommended for intermediate stitchers and beyond. I do not recommend this as a first project--but if you are comfortable sewing tight curves and working with small seam allowances, you will do fine with the pattern. Let me know if you have any questions, and I'm happy to offer suggestions for felt colors and skin tones (by the way, I used Bella Solids Ivory, Fig Tree Cream, and Parchment for these girls' faces and arms; Parchment is the one that shows up best on camera--there are also some lovely darker solids: Tan, Fig Tree Wheat, Hay, and Paper Bag; all can be found here)

This week is a great time to try out the Greta Doll pattern; all patterns are 20% off in my shop (use coupon code: KICKSTART20) and in the sidebar (no need for promo code), through Friday. So let's get sewing!

Kim

Crafty Kickoff

Time to kick start your holiday sewing with 20% off all Retro Mama patterns and sewing kits! Use coupon code KICKSTART20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order (excludes shipping). Sale runs through Friday, December 3. Patterns purchased through my blog do not require a promo code (the original price is listed next to the item; sale price will appear at checkout).

Happy shopping and sewing!
Kim

Sketchy Sketch

It's a curious thing. I am not very good at drawing, and yet the moment an idea pops into my head for something I want to make, I run straight for paper and a pencil or pen, whichever is closer. I doodle out what I like to call "sketchy sketches," (not to be confused with Etch-A-Sketches, which I think I don't need to tell you always confuddled me, and yes, that is a made-up word), and often it's one of those very first drawings that makes it to the pattern drafting stage (or, as in this case, an amalgamate of several early sketches). Sometimes, I don't even bother attempting to draw the thing I want to make and I skip right to the pattern drafting because I already know how to construct it. Maybe it's because I got a degree in psychology instead of art. Although, that doesn't explain why I know how to make patterns. Hmm. Also curious.

A little doll popped into my head recently, and I knew I had to make her right away. The picture I envisioned: retro hairdo--check, mary janes--check, peter pan collar--check, little bow, freckles, and a vintage button--check, check, and check! I used a sweet new print from American Jane's Punctuation line for the dress, and yellow hand-drawn grid print by Cosmo Cricket for her tights.

*swoon*

*flutter*

I think I must still be a little girl at heart, I love this doll so.

I'll continue playing with the pattern, and will hopefully be able to share her with you soon....

Bye for now!
Kim

Patchwork Pumpkins

I have been so busy in my little basement atelier cooking up new patterns that I nearly forgot to mention my latest PDF sewing pattern here on the blog! So without further ado, I introduce Patchwork Pumpkins:

The pattern includes all three sizes of pumpkins pictured, with tutorial-style instructions and color photos for each step. The smallest sized pumpkin is perfect for a pincushion. The fabrics I've used here are all by Joel Dewberry (Aviary) except for the big polka dots, which are by Amy Butler. I found those adorable acorns here.

My workspace is a flurry of sketches, bits and pieces of prototypes, felt, thread and buttons, plus stacks and stacks of fabric. Much like the one this little guy is perched upon. I've got some really fun things in the works, I can't wait to show you!

The sidebar is getting a bit crowded with patterns, so for now I'll send you to my shop for the pattern, until I work out something else to give you more shopping options.

Edited to add: I did go ahead and put the pumpkin pattern in my sidebar because some international customers are having difficulty checking out through Etsy. Thanks for letting me know!

Happy Sewing!
Kim

Scrappy Apples

Are you ready? For autumn, I mean. The leaves are turning colors, the kids are in school, and there's a hint of crispness to the air. And one of my favorite things about autumn has arrived: Apples. Apple pies, apple cider, apple...pincushions...

So here you go!

My latest PDF Sewing Pattern, Scrappy Apple Pincushions & Ornaments, is hot out of the oven. The PDF contains full-size pattern pieces for both pincushions and ornaments, along with color photographs, lots of hints and tips, and complete text descriptions for each step. I've aimed to write my patterns so that even beginner sewists should be able to follow along, and as always, you are welcome to post questions (and photos!) in my flickr group, or just shoot me an e-mail.

I'm in love with these mini apple ornaments, they are so cute hanging on their "new" vintage mug tree (found on Etsy).

Don't you think apple ornaments would make excellent holiday teacher gifts this year *hint hint*? And for those of you non-sewists, I will try to list some apples in my shop, soon. As for the pattern, you know where to find it!

So let's get cracking...or peeling, as the case may be, and sew up some apples today!

Kim