Me Made May & Updates

Well, I think that Me Made May was a lot of fun. I do have to confess that I totally cheated.... but I had sort of planned it that way. I'll explain: My pledge was to wear or use a Me Made item each day and since I have "made" purses that I use regularly, that counts.

My biggest problem with this challenge is that I don't get dressed every day. You see, I'm a stay home mom and unless I'm going somewhere, I don't generally bother getting dressed.... and I don't make pjs, t-shirts or sweats. When I do have to run out, this is what you will generally see:

Anyway, this challenge was very revealing to me about what I wear. I do wear all of the items that I've made. Since I just started last year, it's really not that much and most of it is geared to fancier occasions like church, date night with my husband and things like that. My sewing philosophy is that if I'm going to put the effort into making something, it's going to be worth it. I like silk chiffon, tropical weight wool and my favorite fabric is linen..... I love petting linen.

I look forward to making more clothes for myself, most likely one garment item each month. I'm holding off on the break-neck speed of something each week because it's summer. I've been pulled away from my machine for gardening, pic-nics, kids sports and clubs and I want to be able to enjoy the great outdoors.

When I do get to my machine, I've been opting for historical sewing projects. You are invited to follow those adventures over on my other blog. Here's a peak of my most recent finish, or I should say, re-finish:

In other news, I'm not going to continue the Scrap Basket Sunday Link-up. Honestly, it was really just a way to keep myself accountable as well as to be able to see what others were doing, if they wanted to share. I love being inspired by the creativity of others. However, there really was not a great deal of participation so there's no one to get disappointed now that I'm not going to host it.... so it works out fine.

I hope you are enjoying the season that you find yourself in and continue to take great pleasure in the sewing projects that compliment your life. Until next time, Happy Stitching!!!

A Baby Blocks Quilt - Scrap Basket Sunday Link-up

I don't have anything to show because I haven't made anything this week. I started on a top that should be showcasing next week but that doesn't really apply for this party, does it? So, as for scraps, I have decided to use some scraps from my historical sewing adventures for a quilt. Here's a bit of the fabric that I pulled out so far:

I have been very smitten with this quilt pattern for some time and found this image in a book published 1852. The instructions for this pouch call for silk but I was happy to see it anyway.

So, without boring you terribly as to the historic research and details, I want to make a crib sized Baby Blocks quilt from historic cottons. ??I think the design is also called Pandora's Box?? Anyway, this project may or may not be a feat since I don't quilt and I'm not really sure how those pieces go together. I'm relying heavily on the internet community's collective sharing, e.g. youtube and tutorials. If you've made one of these, any tips or pointers would be lovely.

And without further delay, here's the link-up:

Now it's your turn. What have you crafted from your scrap stash? Join the Linky Party by grabbing this button for your blog and add your post below.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

Link Up Rules

1. Grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add a specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some Pinterest ideas to help:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.

Violet Clutch - Scrap Basket Sunday Link-Up

Happy Mother's Day! 

If you don't celebrate this great holiday, may you and your mom have a great day anyway. :D

This project is in loving memory of my maternal grandmother. I have "borrowed" one of her many brooches as accent to my violet clutch purse... that field of flowers just needed a pretty butterfly didn't it? I'm loving this bag for Mother's Day brunch.

The back story:
I had a scrap of this lovely floral cotton and wanted to put it to good use.... and I think that it turned out rather well. I started with a basic sketch of the shape that I was going for and transferred that to some very thick sew-in interfacing. Then I laid that on my fabric, added seam allowances and cut it out.

I had wanted to break up the pattern by binding the edges with a coordinating fabric but I didn't like how it looked... so I ripped it all off and did without. For a nice finish, I used Grandma's brooch.

While this bag looks flat from the front, you will see that it's not. I didn't like the rounded fold-over so I pinched the sides and tacked them down. You can see it better from the side:

Now it's your turn. What have you crafted from your scrap stash? Join the Linky Party by grabbing this button for your blog and add your post below.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

Link Up Rules

1. Grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add a specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some Pinterest ideas to help:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.

What Are You Making For Spring?

My summer schedule is getting busier by the day, leaving less and less time for sewing... but I did manage to squeeze in a bit of scrap busting.... even if it was just something as unglamorous as recycled terry towels. I cut up the material into washcloth size and bound them with scraps.

Terry cloth towel remade into bound wash clothes

Now it's your turn. What have you crafted from your scrap stash? Join the Linky Party by grabbing this button for your blog and add your post below.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

1. Grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add a specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some more ideas that may interest you:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.

Keeping May Simple.. Let's Hope

Strawberry Blossoms & Unripe Fruit

With so much crazy sewing in March & April, I wanted to take May easy..... let's see if I can. From the list below you will see that I'm looking at two UFOs, a summer dress and weekly scrap busting.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The first thing that will be on my mind has nothing to do with sewing... it's all about wearing those gorgeous pieces that we already have... it is Me Made May 2014!!!! I'll be posting weekly updates of my progress (hopefully). Let me know if you are too so that I can follow you. :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Project Sewn has announced their themes for their next season... starting April 21st. Here's what they are proposing:
~ Week #1 (May 5th): The Leading Ladies Challenge--- This is a skip for me.... sorry, not much of a tv or movie person.
~ Week #2 (May 12th): Floral Frenzy Challenge-- Of course I will have to share my new floral peplum top.
~ Week #3 (May 19th): Going Global Challenge--- I'd love to make a qipao but I really don't have the fabric or pattern for it. So this is another skip for me.
~ Week #4 (May 26th): Signature Style Week--- I should really finish my grey silk/wool striped skirt and showcase it with my pink silk chiffon top. That outfit is totally me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Monthly Stitch is having a Sew Stretchy Challenge and I have a baby blue knit dress that's hanging in my closet as a UFO.... What a great time to finish it. I was a silent participant in April's Sew Double Challenge..that is, I made doubles of things but never posted them to their group. Let's cross our fingers that I can do better and actually share my finishes this month. :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The only thing that I had planned to sew in May is this cute summer dress....

Butterick B5917 Ruffle Dress

from this ultra light weight wool...

As you can see I had paired it with this Simplicity pattern but after making my black linen skirt in March and the burgundy one in April, I decided to switch up.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm sure that I'll have something to post for the Garment A Month Challenge. It has really been a lot of fun sharing what I'm making and seeing what everyone else is doing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I've also been having fun with my Scrap Basket Sunday link-up. You are more than welcome to join. I'd love to see what you can craft out of your scraps.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So that's my plan to keep May simple... wish me luck.

What are your plans? I'd love to hear all about it.

Plush Chocolate Bunnies - Scrap Basket Sunday Link-up

Before we get started with the party: Happy Easter!!! I hope everyone has a safe and joyful weekend.

I was doing very little sewing this week because of all the other opportunities that came up.... gardening, kids activities, shopping, Easter programs and planning... but I did manage to get in my 30 minutes of scrap busting.

I whipped these plush chocolate bunnies up in no time. The pattern came from Positively Splendid and was made in brown poly fleece.

Now it's your turn. What have you crafted from your scrap stash? Join the Linky Party by grabbing this button for your blog and add your post below.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

1. Grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add a specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some more ideas that may interest you:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.

Quick Cinch Bags - Scrap Basket Sunday

I know it's really early but I'm triple booked on Saturday and double booked on Sunday... so let's start the party early, shall we? Here goes:

I'm still in the Easter prep mood, so for this weeks 30 minute dive into the scrap basket I pulled out some very small pieces and made quick cinch bags. These will go into gift baskets.... perhaps stuffed with candy... how about jelly beans?

Now it's your turn. What have you crafted from your scrap stash? Join the Linky Party by grabbing this button for your blog and add your post below.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

1. Grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add a specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some more ideas that may interest you:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.

Scrap Fabric Eggs - Scrap Basket Sunday Link-up

For my first Scrap Basket Sunday project I wanted to get into the spirit of Easter decorating with this cute fabric egg pattern from Retro Mom. It really couldn't be any simpler! It was so easy and fast that I made a full dozen eggs.... use some scrap... and went a little over my 30 minute Scrap Busting time but it was worth it. :)

Now it's your turn. What have you crafted from your scrap stash? Join the Linky Party by grabbing this button for your blog and add your post below.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

1. Grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add a specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some more ideas that may interest you:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.

Scrap Basket Sunday Link-Up

Do you make it a point to cut fabric in a way that uses every inch of it, leaving yourself plenty of scraps for another project? Do you have an obsession with keeping any little scrap that "may" be useful for something? Have you dedicated space for your scrap stash? If the answer is yes to any of these, you may be a scrap hoarder.... like me.

While so many others in the sewing community resolve to take a fabric fast and sew down their fabric stashes this year, I resolve to be more critical of what scraps I keep and dedicate at least 30 minutes each week to using at least one piece from my scrap stash.

Starting in April (4/6/2014 to be exact), I invite other scrap crafters to join me every Sunday in this new adventure so that we can encourage each other in our work... and of course to use up those small pieces of colorful love. Don't worry, if you can't make it on Sunday, just stop in on Monday instead. :)

Participation is super simple.

<a href="http://sterlingthimble.blogspot.com/search/label/Scrap%20Basket%20Sunday%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA_-5AwDAg3LV3bemVxFwfsFEkzuRAiZP_HeBso9hCfUeb-EUixFsjrrYtkwj2DZ4ldu_v4FAx0bRK13KuDGiIemWgcHXdVQKWunwyLyxz_uNx8On9GEI-ynvlwlKTk-iM9CoRcK3tUeO/s1600/sbs2.jpg"></a>

1. Just grab the button above for your blog's side column (Or you can use it in your post). 
2. Add your specific blog post link to the party. (Do not link to your home page or shop. Posts that are unrelated to this topic will be deleted.)
3. Don't link and run! Visit and comment on the other links that were shared.
4. Enjoy being inspired and inspiring others. 

Do you need help coming up with great projects to help you bust your scrap stash? Here are some more ideas that may interest you:

Follow Wrapped In Scarlet's board Scrap Fashioned on Pinterest.