Shop Handmade This Season

We're all home more than usual this year so, lets make the most of it! Shop from the couch in your PJ's, while supporting small businesses. 

I've compiled a list of handmade shops for you, to shop from this season. Whether you need a hostess gift or a holiday gift, there's something for everyone. Jewelry for mom, a toy for little Johnny, holiday party supplies, or a new mask. There are so many choices! The holiday season is here, let's get shopping.


The shops below are listed in no specific order. I share the shop name, where you can find them, and what they have to offer, along with a little info about the owner. Happy reading and happier shopping!

Celebrate + Smile

Christina makes sparkly paper party goodies for any occasion. She's had her Etsy shop shop since 2015 but, has enjoyed crafting since she was a little girl. Her shop is a side hustle but, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t pour lots of time, love, and energy into it!

Christina makes personalized/custom confetti, cake toppers, party straws, drink stirrers and banners. She can make just about any decoration to fit your event needs. Just send her a message to start your custom order. :)

Find her Etsy shop here. 
Follow Christina on FB and Instagram @Celebrateandsmile 

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Zamavi

Zainab is a hand letter artist and printable designer. She creates feminine wall art with her designs. She hopes to turn your home into your very own happy place. 

Zainab offers funny and punny quotes, love notes, and simple, calming designs. 

Find her Etsy shop here. 
Follow her on Instagram @Zamaviprints

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Emily Gutman Quilt Shop

Emily has been sewing since she was a little kid. Although she focuses mostly on making garments, quilting offers a space for her to play with colour and form. She loves anything and everything rainbow, which feeds her quilting obsession perfectly!

Emily offers quilts mostly but, also has face masks and occasional sewing patterns/kits.

Find her shop here. 
Follow her on Instagram @Emilygutman

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SunRae Doll Vintage

Alisa enjoys sewing clothes from vintage patterns. She often ends up with smaller pieces of fabric that she has no idea what to do with so, she opened an Etsy shop! 

Alisa sells face masks with matching scrunchies, aprons, and plus-size dresses. She also has vintage patterns, jewelry, and housewares. 

Find her Etsy shop here. Her Poshmark shop here.
Follow her on Instagram @Sunraedolls

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Motley Toucan

The Motley Toucan is a shop that specializes in adorable plush animals with bright colors and patterns. Each item is handmade with love by Carianne. She creates in her spare time outside her full-time job and graduate classes. She started sewing in 2019 and loves to share her progress on each project, on Instagram. Her goal is to one day be able to offer, design, and build custom plushies!

Carianne sells plushies mostly. She also sells decorative pillows, bags, pouches, and clothing/ accessories. 

Find her shop here. 
Follow her on Instagram @Motleytoucan

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Pierced Leather

Pierced Leather is a rustic earring boutique. Handcrafted genuine leather earrings with brass, copper, and wood accents. 

Karen is just a "boy mom" whose boys are now men. She wanted something creative to pass the time and supplement their income. She loves creating statement pieces that are lightweight! The bigger and lighter, the better. 

​Find her shop here. 

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Stralixa

Lula is based in the ancient city of Athens, the capital of Greece. Her love for vintage clothing and vintage items in general has always been there. She loves watching films, listening to music (she's also a DJ) and a fanatic coffee drinker. She has a husband and two young children that she doesn't match at all! LOL

Stralixa vintage shop is an e-shop that Lula  runs along with two colleagues. The shop opened in August 2017 and since then, the vintage collection has grown tremendously. All the items are handpicked, one by one. Their ability to distinguish which garment should get a second chance and which shouldn't, is well known between the three of them. They all love what they do so much, and do it with passion and devotion.

Find her shop here.
Follow her on Instagram @stralixa_vintage

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Sewing to the Moon

Sewing to the Moon opened on Etsy at the very end of 2016. It offers bright color items and quirky patterned fabrics. Annette adores the 1940s and 1950s and makes her items with a nod to those eras. 

​Annette offers top knot headbands, make-up bags, keychains, fabric buckets, and funny embroidered tea towels. She also makes custom tea towels if you have something in mind. The fabrics that are used come from various shops and corners of the internet. She aims to provide quirky with a pinch of nostalgia. 

Find her Etsy shop here. Or click on the shop tab above. 
Follow her on Instagram @Sewingtothemoon

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I really hope you find some gifts for loved ones in these shops. Remember, when you support handmade, they do a happy dance. We all need a little more happiness in our lives right now.

Thanks for supporting Handmade! Happy Holidays!!

XO,

Annette

Sewing Books Every Sewist Needs

Let's talk books. Sewing books, that is. Big books, little books, tall books, small books. Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned seamstress, it's a good idea to have a few books on the subject. This list may even spark your sewjo. These 5 are the ones I reach for most often. The internet is a great source however, if you need to refresh your memory on a specific technique, I urge you to reach for a book. Time is precious and you shouldn't spend it filtering through blogs or Youtube videos. The answer is going to be within one of these books. Each book in this list offers something different. Let's dive right in. 

1. The Sewing Book by: Alison Smith

This is the first sewing book I bought when I first started. Well, I think I asked for it for my birthday, but it was my first sewing book. It is the go-to sewing bible if you will. It has information on all the things. Tools, fabrics, techniques, and seam finishes, it's all in there. It is a little older so, you'll have to ignore the dated photos.
Bonus: It has patterns at the back of the book for you to make as well. Yay for patterns!

The images are clear and concise and it's a top choice for many sewists. If you're a visual learner, grab this book, you won't regret it.
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2. Gertie Sews Vintage Casual by: Gretchen Hirsch

You knew I'd have to throw a Gertie book in, right? 
This is my favorite pattern book. If you've hung around here long enough, you know I'm a huge Gertie fan. HUGE! If she had a band, I'd be a groupie. No joke. I have all of her books but, this is my favorite by far. I have kids and can't always wear big, fluffy, glittery dresses to live my best life. I usually wear more casual 1940s styles. High-waisted pants and a tucked-in top are my go-to style pieces.

I've made multiple patterns from this book and will continue to do so until I can't sew anymore. LOL
She shares sewing techniques and guides you through fabric choices. If you're a 1940s and 1950s fan, you need this book. It's her best!

​You can check out her old blog here. Her new blog is over here. 
Click here for a post on a few things I've made from her book. 

3. One Yard Wonders by: Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins

Need a gift for someone? Only have a yard of fabric to use? This book is your best bet. It has 101 patterns for things to make with only 1 yard of fabric! Yep, you read that correctly, only one yard of fabric.

We all have at least one yard of fabric in our stash, waiting to get used. This book has patterns for aprons, toys for kids and pets, other pet items, and even clothes!

It's a great beginner-friendly book too. I've had this for years and pull it out whenever I need a quick handmade gift idea. The holidays always creep upon us. Grab this book and start making gifts now. This might give you new ideas for everyone on your list. And, why not pick up an extra copy for your niece who recently learned to sew?

4. The Colette Sewing Handbook by: Sarai Mitnick

This is another pattern designer sewing book. I love Colette patterns. They are feminine without the fuss. The 5 patterns in this book are sweet and simple. She shows you how to create a scalloped hem, which you will love. The patterns are beginner-friendly as well. This book makes a wonderful gift for any sewist, new and seasoned.

Sarai has a blog that she is no longer on but, everything is archived.

She has, however, created an online sewing community and is very active in it. Seamwork, have you heard of it? It's is a great membership sewing community. It also has classes and patterns too.

5. Tilly and the Buttons: Stretch by: Tilly Walnes

If you love wearing cozy knit fabrics, you will love this book. Tilly's style blends modern with vintage to create something for everyone. If you've never sewn with stretch fabrics, she shows you how. From picking out the perfect fabric to the seam finishing. You don't even need a serger! She includes patterns for dresses, overalls, tops, and bottoms. The patterns aren't difficult and you can wear the clothing every day.

This book is also beginner-friendly. She will walk you through needle choice and stitches as well. 
I've recently made a Freya dress with star and moon fabric. It was such a fun pattern to sew! 
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Tilly Walnes also has an active blog, chock full of great information and more patterns. 

I’m wearing my Freya dress with 3/4 sleeves made with Starry night knit fabric from JoAnn. Such a fun and easy pattern from her book.

Other Books You Might Enjoy:

You can find all these books online and in bookstores. You may even score a copy in a used bookstore. 

Each book pictured below offers different options. I love visiting the bookstore and rifling through all the sewing books. I never leave empty-handed. 

Hope this gave you some sewing inspiration. When I want to sew but, don't have a project in mind, I grab a small stack of books. Plop down on the couch with a warm beverage and just look through them. Flipping through the pretty pictures seems to get my sewjo train started. Toot-toot! 
Let me know in the comment section if you have any of these books. Or, share some of your favorites instead.


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Happy reading, 
Annette

How to Organize Sewing Patterns

Do you get the organizing bug after the holidays? I know I do. Remember Kon Mari? Yep, my closet and dresser clothes are still organized and folded with her method. It's been a couple of years and I need to revisit my dresser. But we'll save that for another day. Today I want to share with you how I organize my patterns. 

I have quite a few patterns for sewing although, not nearly as many as other sewists, I know. I have friends who have bins upon bins of sewing patterns. 

In my stash, I have PDF ones, traced-off ones, patterns that have been adjusted and re-adjusted again, and of course regular pattern envelopes. I keep all of my patterns intermingled. However, they get separated by category. I'm not completely crazy. Ha!

Start with your PDF Patterns

Here's what you'll need:

1. Box of envelopes

2. Marker and washi tape

3. Clips (optional) 

4. Boxes or bins to fit the patterns inside

The Process

• Go to your local office supply store and grab a box of 6x9 envelopes. They had white and manilla colors to choose from when I went. The box was about $15. It may cost more or less depending on how many are in the box. White seemed to be more expensive but, I liked the clean look of white so that's what I bought. You could order online too, I'm sure.

• Grab all the PDF patterns you have. If they aren't printed and are still living in the eternal bliss of your computer, don't print them off. Save that for another day. 

• Fold each pattern into a 5 x 8 size. Include every piece to that pattern in the folding process. I used a wonder clip to keep all of the pieces together and folded up. And, then I stuck them in a big pile, as you can see above. I chose to fold first, then stuff. But, you can tackle it however you'd like.

• Grab a pattern from the pile. Write that pattern number, brand, size, etc. on the front of the envelope. 

• Then, stuff the folded pattern pieces inside the envelope. I used a piece of washi tape to close the envelope. There were a few patterns that needed a few pieces of tape. ;)

• Repeat until all the PDF's are in envelopes.

Stuff inside envelope.

Use Washi tape to seal.

I had a bunch of cute boxes with lids that I purchased years ago from IKEA. They kept crafty items organized inside them. 2 years ago, I took out the built-in shelves and redid our bonus room. The boxes were no longer needed. But, I didn't want to throw them away because I knew I'd use them eventually.

​Fast forward to eventually.

They were the perfect size for my patterns!! I tucked the lids under the boxes and my envelopes fit inside. If you have a few shoeboxes lying around that are empty, cover them with pretty paper, spray paint, or wrapping paper. Your envelopes will fit perfectly inside

Pattern Envelopes

Now that your PDF's are neatly organized, stick your other pattern envelopes inside the boxes too. I chose to organize mine by category. 

My patterns used to live in a huge bin (the blue box) and I couldn't easily find what I was looking for. 

Just an FYI, the organization day got uglier before it got pretty. Sorta like most organizing, right? LOL

I ended up using 4 boxes. I stuck all the tops in one box. Dresses and rompers are in another box. Bottoms, skirts, and pants in one box. And, everything else went inside the last box. I put the boxes on top of my Kallax shelf and can now see them all the time. If you'd like to organize all your sewing fabric next, read this post.

It's been so easy to find exactly what I'm looking for. I will add more pattern envelopes as I print off or create new patterns. 

PDF's are nicely tucked into the box.

Sewing space

I recently moved my Kallax shelf because my fabric started fading in spots! YIKES!!!! So, this is a photo of where it is now and the pattern boxes on top. 


So, are you off to organize your patterns? Please tag me if you do any sewing organization. I love seeing sewing rooms/corners and all the pretty things inside them. Share this post with anyone you know who needs a little motivation too. Thanks in advance!!
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Happy organizing,
Annette

Handmade Christmas Gifts in No Time

The holidays are here and it's time to whip up those handmade gifts. Eeep! Hopefully, you started sewing for the holidays back in the summer but, if you're on team procrastinator, I got you. These are all quick sewing ideas and range from baby to grandpa.

Below you will find some tutorial links and free patterns. Although, I've created this list to get you brainstorming and ideas flowing. Less talking and more making.

​Get ready, get set, sew! 

Baby Items

There's always someone who's having a baby. You can whip up a bib, burp cloth, and blanket in about 30 minutes. All you need is some fabric and a snap or velcro for the bib fastener. Read my baby items post here. 

• There are tons of free bib patterns you can find online. Or make a bandana-style bib. 

• Here's a super easy burp cloth tutorial. Hint: it's just a rectangle.

• For an easy blanket, cut one square yard of flannel and one of cotton fabric. Sew them RST, leaving a gap for turning out. Topstitch the opening closed, and you're done. Sew easy!

• If you have more time, you can make a fabric alphabet set, baby outfit, fabric book, or sleeper bag. You could even add an easy-to-sew teether, pacifier clip, or mittens. Pinterest is your friend. LOL

• Fabric letters are a fun gift idea too. Print out a boxy font A-Z and use as a template. 2 layers of fabric and add a layer of fleece in between to add some bulk. Sew around and cut with pinky shears.

Toiletry Bags

Do you have a zipper and some scrap fabric? Sew a zipper pouch in less than 30 minutes. Follow this tutorial for an easy refresher on zipper installation for a makeup bag. Make them as big or little as you want. 
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Teens love these. Little kids love these. Everyone needs a zip bag for something. They work great for tools too. I’ve sewn a few for my husband’s random things he wanted to protect from rolling around inside the toolbox.

Keychains

Sew a quick keychain following Melly Sews tutorial. Grab some lip balms, lotions, and hand creams to complete a gift set. This is perfect for the babysitter, pre-teen, teacher, or neighbor. Heck, even Dad uses lip balm.
All you need is a scrap of fabric and a metal keyring. If you have a pack of key rings, batch-sew a few of these for gifts. Lip balm holders for everyone!!

Infinity Scarf

Have a yard of 60" wide stretch knit fabric? You can make one with soft flannel or even crushed velvet for a luxurious scarf.  They make great gifts for moms, aunts, teachers, etc. This length creates a single-loop scarf. 

1. Cut the yard in half, lengthwise. You can make 2 scarves from one yard.

2. Grab one piece and fold RST. Sew the long side. Use a ballpoint needle, zigzag stitch, and 1/2" seam allowance.

3. Reach your arm through and grab the other end, keeping RST (right sides together) pull the ends together, matching seams.

4. Sew around the seams, leaving a 2"-3" opening for turning. Then, hand-stitch the opening closed. Wah-la!

Use for hand warmers, aches and pains, or freeze to use as an ice pack.

Rice Bags

Your family members all spend lots of time on laptops, phones, and other devices. Their sore muscles could use a little TLC. This is another scrap-busting gift idea. Yay!!

• Cut squares or rectangle pieces from cotton fabric in any size you'd like. Add a 1/4" seam allowance. 

• Sew the pieces right sides together.  **Use cotton thread if you plan on microwaving these. 

• Leave a 2" gap for turning out. 

• Fill with rice, flaxseed, or corn. Topstitch around the whole bag, watching out for kernels. 

 Store in the freezer and use on tired eyes. Microwave for 20-second increments until you've reached the desired temperature, for sore muscles. These make great hand warmers for chilly walks, too.

Aprons

Have a baker or chef in the family? Pick a pattern style from the links below. Pick an apron that matches his or her needs. Each highlighted link leads you to a different FREE pattern.

Aprons make nice gifts for little ones and adults. They are completely customizable. Add ruffles. Make the straps longer or shorter. Sew on some extra pockets.

Some Different Styles:

• Make a simple rectangle style with pockets and make a tool apron for the person who fixes everything. The littlest mechanic would love one filled with plastic tools. Leather would work for a metal worker. Canvas can work for wood or other jobs.

• Have a gardener in the family? They could use one as well. Aprons can be so diverse with a tweak here and there. A half apron works great for gardening. Make sure to add lots of pockets.

• Egg Gathering aprons are a Godsend to folks with ducks or chickens.

Aprons usually take one yard or more of fabric so, this might require a trip to your local craft store. Oh darn! You need extra white thread anyway, make a fun trip out of it. ;)

Home Decor Baskets

          "A place for everything and everything in its place."
                                                                                               -Benjamin Franklin

We all have stuff. Lots of stuff. And the stuff needs a home. Fabric baskets make great homes for stuff! They're easy to make and versatile in size.

​Here's what you'll  need:

• Fabric for the outside and fabric for the lining 

• Interfacing: I like fusible foam for bigger sizes, fusible fleece for smaller sizes and stiff interfacing works well enough for medium sizes if you don't have foam.  *If you don't have interfacing but, have denim or canvas, use that as the lining. It acts as an interfacing. I've done this a few times in a pinch and loved the end result. It works in small  to medium sizes. You could make a large blanket basket but, it won't stand up on its own. It will be floppy.

• Decide on the size you need or just wing it. Use a template to make boxed corners or box them after the side seams are sewn. 

• Add handles for carrying or a loop to hang the basket. 

• I don't have a particular pattern to share with you because I usually wing it on sizing. But, here is my favorite tutorial on assembly. 

These are great for small toys, stuffed animals, kitchen and pantry items, craft rooms, makeup, bathroom counter organization, and keeping socks organized inside dresser drawers. The sky is the limit!

More Ideas

These things shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes to make. You're not going for a blue ribbon here. You're going for Handmade in a Hurry! 

• Box bag for Dad's toiletries

• PJ pants for kids are easy

• Kitchen towels

• Cloth napkins (set of 4 or 6)

• Table runner

• Hair Scrunchies

• Apple watchband scrunchie 

• Eye mask 

• Head scarf ( follow my tutorial)

• Glasses Case

• Gifts for pets

• Mug rugs or a set of coasters

• Stuffed animals or pillow animals

This is a Bonbon Pet by Dana, I made using her pattern.

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Embroidery Machine Gifts

If you have an embroidery machine, you can buy towels, shirts, bags, etc., and personalize them. It's handmade in a hurry! I usually keep a few tea towels or makeup bags lying around to create a quick gift. People love personalized items. And, having your name on something is always fun.
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Here are a few ideas:

• Tea towels with funny sayings, bible quotes, holiday designs, family last name, etc. 

• Purchase large makeup bags and embroider the recipient's name or makeup designs on the front.

• Personalize luggage tags. Or, the actual luggage.

• Bathroom towels with funny sayings or monograms.

• Purchase an inexpensive blanket and embroider the family name on it.

• Buy stockings and add names to them. 

• Buy small stockings and create a name file to add to the mini stocking. We are doing this for our homeschool teacher this year. 

• Pillows are easy as well. Buy a pillow cover and embroider a design on it. 

• Toilet paper! Yes, you can embroider a funny design on a roll of toilet paper. It's easy and makes a great gift for the joker in the family.

The possibilities are endless here. I like to set up my embroidery machine to stitch out a design while I'm busy sewing other things. I'll usually make a Saturday out of gift making- a few days before Christmas. Ha! As I said, I'm team procrastinator. Face-palm!

The trick to sewing quickly is to not overthink it. Just cut and sew. Put on happy music or a fun podcast, and you'll whip out handmade gifts in no time. Make sure to eat something! Food gives you energy. ;)

Are you going to make some of these gift ideas? Share in the comments what you plan on making or other ideas that aren't on the list. We all need quick sewing gifts we can make. 

Happy Holidays,
​Annette

Bat Wing Top

Halloween is almost here! Do you know what that means? Halloween project time. Whether you plan on sewing costumes, home decor, spooky gifts, or something else, it's time to dust off the sewing machine. 

It's finally October, which is Halloween month. We start decorating around mid-September and my whole house is transformed into a "haunted mansion". Halloween is my most favorite holiday ever!! After Thanksgiving of course, because... mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Yum! 

This is a fun top that you can make in a jiffy. You can wear it at home or around town, to the office, or trick or treating with your little ones. I recently made it and had to share it! It's too dang cute to keep it a secret.

Quick, grab the FREE Gone Batty top from Patterns for Pirates here. Then, click here for the sewing tutorial. It's the cutest!! Talk about a last-minute costume that's appropriate for work and/or school. You can wear it as an everyday top as well. It comes in one size that fits most, so no fussy fitting issues to worry about. All the wins with this one! Yes, please!!

I've had a long history of bats through caving experiences and I've grown to love them most of all. Bats are my favorite Halloween creature. When I saw this pattern last year (why did I wait so long??) I had to have it. Umm... a shirt with bat wings, yes, please! Bonus, you could even sew white topstitching thread to make it a spiderweb instead, if you wanted. Ooh maybe that'll be next year's project. 

Supply List

• P4P Gone Batty PDF pattern 

• 1 5/8 yard of Knit fabric

• Sewing machine with zigzag stitch

• Sewing supplies and notions

• Halloween music playing in the background (this is a must)

Put your PDF pattern pages together matching the letters at the ends. Tape the pages together and then cut out the pattern shape. Make sure your knit fabric is washed. Knit shrinks. Toss it in the wash on a quick wash setting and warm water. Dry your fabric on a warm setting too. Get all the shrinkage out of the way first.

The top is cut out like a circle skirt. You fold your fabric in half and then, in half again. You can use the whole pattern or use the cut-out shapes to make the "wings" along the hem. Sounds simple, right? It is! 

I did the full size PDF. It taped together nicely. No issues.

Cut out the pieces.

Should look like this.

The pattern was a smidge larger than the fabric amount I had.

Top and neckband.

So, I ran into a teeny-weeny problem. The knit I bought was 60" wide. Well, after I washed it, it shrank about 2". In the above photo on the left, you can see the pattern runs off the fabric. I traced that scallop to the end of the fabric. See... ya gotta make sure you wash your knit. It shrinks like crazy. 

Time to Sew

The pattern instructions have you take your high hip measurement and divide it by 4. I got 9". You find the center line and draw a line out to the side from that. 
Then, you make an angled line 12" up from that line. There weren't any exact measurement points for these, so you eyeball it. 

Now, this is where I urge you to use a chalk marker and baste where your stitch lines are supposed to be. I found out the hard way, the top would not fit me according to these loose measurements. I was blessed in the bust department and couldn't get the top over my body. LOL! After unpicking black thread on knit fabric for 30+ minutes, I wanted to share this little piece of advice with you. 

• Sorry about the blurry photo, but this is how much I had to unpick. I re-drew the line and tapered it out about 1 inch. This gave me 4 extra inches total and ended up fitting perfectly.

• You can see the slightly angled-out seam. This is the side seam and I needed more room than the instructions gave.
  
  

The instructions have you use the stretch stitch, which is the one that looks like a lightning bolt.

​I urge you to baste your side seams first. That stretch stitch is a pain in the butt to unpick. Especially when using the same color thread on knit fabric.

Save your eyeballs, please! 

After you've tried it on and it fits correctly in all the right places, go back and use the stretch stitch to sew your side seams. 
Then, sew the rest according to the directions. I used the stretch stitch for this too. 
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Onto the neckband:

Sew the short sides together. Then fold over, RST.

Stretch a little, catch all 3 layers.

I don't remember reading the instructions anymore after this part. Oops! But, I went ahead and topstitched the neckband onto the top. I like the finish it gives. Use a regular zigzag stitch to do this if you'd like. 

It had some rippling but, the iron took it out after a good press.

I had so much fun making this top. And way more fun taking my photos!! I had fun music playing and danced around in my batwing top. I think I'll live in this for the month of October! I love, love, love it!!! I was channeling my inner ghoul. 

So, what do you think? Are you itching to make one? 

If you need more Halloween sewing inspiration, make Trick or Treat bags or DIY your own Halloween home decor. I also made a Fall circle bag. It was a little fail, but cute nonetheless.


See ya later, I've gone Batty!!