January 31, 2020

Comfort Caps Sewing it Forward

Comfort Caps.  The term comfort caps sends a shiver through me.  I’ve been there, walked the walk, I talk the talk.  Surgeries, chemo, hair loss, radiation, then a few years later it reared it’s ugly head again and another part was removed.  2008 and 2015.  All in the past.   During part of that journey, I was a business owner. ...

Categories Free Patterns/garments/sewing/sewing Comments: 7

January 23, 2020

Jalie Patterns through Amazon Canada

Hey Canadian Jalie sewing enthusiasts!  Now you can buy Jalie patterns through Amazon Canada!  If you know me, you know I LOVE Jalie sewing patterns!  I know many of you, my wonderful readers, love Jalie sewing patterns, too.  I’m a “Creative Ambassador”. What’s in it for me?  If you purchase Jalie patterns  by directly clicking the link on my blog,...

Categories sewing Comment: 1

January 8, 2020

Tree of Strength for Australia a free Quilt Block (updated instructions)

I wanted to design another tree block to donate to Australia and came up with “Tree of Strength for Australia”. Many of us feel so bad and helpless watching the terrible news about the fires ravaging Australia.  Then I saw this post on Facebook from the Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild: Our NSW communities have been ravaged by fire since August...

Categories Free Patterns/quilting/sewing Comments: 4

January 7, 2020

Tree Block for Australia using Flying Geese

Flying Geese Tree Block for Australia Finishes at 12 1/2 inches You need 3 colours to make this tree block for Australia, cream for the background, green for the trees, and a scrap for the trunk. I make my geese the “4-at-a-time” way, starting with a goose square (green in this case)  7 1/4 “ and four sky squares that...

Categories Free Patterns/quilting/sewing Comments: 8

January 4, 2020

Jalie’s Rachel has a Secret

Rachel has a Secret (pocket) I just LOVE this pattern and have now made 4 versions of it.  While wearing my 3rd make (a dress worn with Clara leggings) (to our quilt guild Christmas party with 3 sewing sistas who also made Rachels) I was overheard moaning how I was missing a pocket.  Someone quipped, “I’m sure YOU could add...

Categories garments/sewing Comments: 8

January 2, 2020

A Scuba Remnant into Eleonore Jeans

Happy New Year! Last year, while digging through the remnant bin at Fabricland, I dug out a piece of grey scuba that looked about 1 meter in length, for $9! I bought it, prewashed it, and turned that 38 inch scuba remnant into Eleonore jeans. (That pattern, by Jalie, is my favourite pant pattern.)   Fitting the pattern pieces on...

Categories garments/sewing Comment: 1

December 18, 2019

Earwarmer Headband in Polar Fleece

Using leftover pieces of Polar Fleece and strips of ITY knits from previous projects makes this a frugal endeavor. I needed a few quick but practical gifts and these fit the bill.  It’s my own pattern, and my “last-minute-gift” to you. Modelled on my late mom’s hat-making wooden head. There’s a link to a printable PDF pattern and the instructions...

Categories Free Patterns/garments/sewing/sewing Comments: 0

December 15, 2019

Epic 2, my First Impression

I’m going to begin this post “Epic 2, my First Impression” with a disclaimer. It’s long. I have loved Husqvarna/Viking machines for ever.  My mom sewed on one when I was a youngster and I recall her satisfaction with it as a fond memory.  Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love to sew.  Anyway. My business life began selling...

Categories about Yvette/not clothes or quilts Comments: 3

November 29, 2019

Galaxie3 Travel Accessories by Jalie

Yipee, a New Jalie Pattern! Named Galaxie3, Travel Accessories, it was just what I needed! And I didn’t realize that until I saw the pre-release photos!  Here’s Jalie’s description from their website: Make your own travel essentials with the Galaxie3 pattern. Practical pieces to keep everything organized. SUPERNOVA TOTES A smart and stylish packable multi-purpose carryall with plenty of pockets!...

Categories not clothes or quilts/sewing Comments: 9

November 17, 2019

Cable-Join Poncho Sweater

  How The Cable-Join Poncho Sweater Idea Began So I saw a picture and it inspired me!  That happens a lot.  My attention is easily distracted, but when I focus on something, O look out world! And I do love a good challenge!  A picture of a sweater showed up on my Facebook feed, I loved the shape and the...

Categories Knitting Machines Comment: 1