Tag Archives: sewing patterns

Christmas Classics from Ever Kelly

Hi guys!  I know it’s been a little quiet around here.  I have been running from one major deadline to the next (and that doesn’t even include the big one on December 25th!).  I keep wanting to say something profound or share more insight into the stuff I’ve been working on, but by the time I have this thought, I’m usually knee-deep into the next thing already.  I can’t wait until I can afford some help!

I wanted to point out some of the fun holiday projects from years past just in case you missed them.

Silly Christmas stickers:

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These are silly (free) Christmas stickers my husband and I made.  You can download them here.

Quick and Easy Christmas Stocking Pattern:

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This free download includes a template and instructions to make a very easy Christmas stocking.  The pattern is designed by Russell from the Sewing Arts Center (with instructions by me).

Handmade Gift Ideas:

Looking for some last minute gift ideas?  Here are a few free patterns I’ve made that would make for great holiday gifts.

Reversible Eco Bag:

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Find the eco bag pattern and tutorial here.

Gratitude Journals:

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Here is a Gratitude Journal worksheet to make a custom fabric cover for any notebook.

Place Mats:

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This version (above) was for Halloween, but it would be so easy to make a holiday version.  Simply use a tree (or other holiday shape) and some Christmas fabric instead.  Halloween Placemat tutorial here.

Sewing Needle Case:

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Easy enough for a beginner and always gets tons of compliments! Sewing Needle Case pattern and tutorial here.

Hope your holiday is off to a good start!

Filed under Holidays, Tutorials & Downloads. Tagged with , , , , .

By Kelly
December 12, 2011

4 comments

Illustrations (or “Staying Busy”)

Illustrations

For the past several weeks, I’ve spent most of my time working on pattern illustrations.  These are samples from a pattern booklet I am working on with a friend.

I tend to think of this as the “boring work” — boring as in, no one really likes to hear about it.  My sister calls and asks “what are you doing?”  “Illustrations.”  (silence)  “Oh.”

[illustration from the free pattern for the reversible eco-bag]:

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For me, I actually get a little thrill from the whole thing. Sometimes I get carried away and end up illustrating a bunch of steps people probably don’t even need to see.  I even make my husband look at them when he comes home from work.  “Look!  See?  This is how you sew the strap to the bag.  And it looks just like a bag!  I drew these little straps!”  (He nods, tries to be interested, then wants to know what time we’re eating dinner.)

[illustrations from the free pattern for the ice cream felt project]:

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For me, I think of each illustration as part-miracle, part-hard work.  It’s taken me some time to perfect my process.  I scan my pattern templates (or photograph the ones that are too large to scan) and then trace everything in Illustrator.  Once I have my basic pattern pieces, the real fun begins.  I work through all of my notes and illustrate each of the steps.  Sometimes I draw with the pen tool, and sometimes I actually use the 3D tools in Illustrator to rotate objects.  I can lose a whole week this way.

Unfortunately, it’s a week where there’s not a lot of sewing or interesting activities or things to share here.  However, it’s another little check box in the process, so I know I’m a few steps closer to being able to share something new with you.  And if I’ve done my work right, you’ll be able to follow along!

Filed under Fabric & Sewing. Tagged with , , .

By Kelly
August 9, 2011

4 comments

Spring Market Recap: Patterns

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Happy Friday, everyone!  I am rounding out the week with some cute new patterns from the Spring Market show.  It turns out, I probably have one more market post left, and then it will be back to the usual fair around here.  There are lots of new crafty projects in the works, so I hope you’ll stick around.

We’ll start off with Oliver + S.  Liesl was not only showcasing some new patterns, but she also was sharing swatches from her debut fabric collection, City Weekend, with Moda.

I love that little orange number in the top right hand corner.

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I have always admired how fresh and clean the Oliver + S booth looks.  The clothes really pop against that soothing blue.

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This yellow and blue combination makes me happy.  I think it’s so clever how the notched pocket mirrors the notch in the yoke.

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Next up is Penguin & Fish.  I did not get a chance to meet Alyssa, but I thought her embroidery patterns and kits were adorable.  She sells a whole bunch of other stuff over on etsy including sketchbooks, plush, and more.  This hedgehog was my favorite.

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Check out the cute alligator pillow (below).

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Next, I headed over to another pattern company, Izzy & Ivy Designs.  I really liked the gathers on this sundress (below).

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The booth was filled to the brim.

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A few rows over, I met Amy of Kati Cupcake.  (See below.)  I loved her blue frames.

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And last, but not least, is The Swedish Fish.  If they have a web-site, I couldn’t find it.  Their booth was set up like a boutique complete with chandelier.  And they hand out actual candy swedish fish — so it doesn’t get much better than that.  ;-)

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I know I didn’t get everyone (there were just too many!), so I apologize to anyone I missed.

Next up: Riley Blake, a little bit of Moda, and some odds and ends.  Hope you have a great weekend!

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Filed under Fabric & Sewing, Inspiration, Travels Near & Far. Tagged with , , , , , .

By Kelly
June 11, 2010

1 comment