Emily's Leggings-palooza

Way back in the yesteryears of August, Our Own Angelique reported that we should make leggings out of our oodles and oodles of jersey. Cal Patch had, earlier in the year, published her Etsy Tutorial on drafting and sewing your own leggings. Whaaat? Make your own leggings??? Crazy talk. Less than a week later, I had leggings that ACTUALLY FIT. Yes, yes, jersey is forgiving and stretches. But isn't it better to start somewhere near your actual measurements? These leggings make me give dirty looks to all my other pants and leggings. Seriously!

After that first pair, I knew I needed to make some more. My second pair was made in French Terry for a bit of extra warmth on chilly days. The third and fourth pairs were made with a stretch knit denim, in indigo and black. It took me no time at all to put them together. Jeggings! It sounds silly, but I wear them all the time, especially under tunics. I'm wearing my super comfy indigo ones right now with my cute tunic from Sonya Phillip's 100 Acts of Sewing class!

The only change I have made to the pattern is the elastic waistband. Instead of the way Cat installs the waistband, I just sewed a channel to put the 3/4 elastic into. That way you can adjust the amount of elastic in there if you need to. Be sure to slightly stretch the jersey as you sew that waist; that area will need to stretch and give more than any other. Also, I like my two pairs made with a stretchy stitch on our regular machines more than the two pairs made on the serger... Regular machine is a *go* for this jersey pattern.

If you are intimidated by facings and lapped zippers, or just want to bust out (but not bust out OF) a pair of bottoms in no time at all, make these leggings! We are offering these leggings as a class, which walks you though drafting the pattern to your own measurements! It's super simple and you will be legging crazy just in time for legging season. I know I'll be making several more pair. Bring on the chill!

Earth and Skies the Limit!

Allison's Earth + Sky

I was obsessed with using Tosh Light in Maple Leaf, Onyx and Smokestack together in a project but wasn't quite sure what to do. I found the perfect solution in the Earth and Sky shawl. I started knitting it in the medium size about a month before Stephen West came to visit the shop but I made sure to have it finished and blocked for his arrival. It was a really fun shawl to knit and, of course, Madelinetosh is always a pleasure to work with. It is now one of my favorite shawls to wear.

Amber's Earth + Sky

When Stephen visited the shop I fell in love with many of his samples, but the one I wanted to steal away for my very own was his Earth and Sky shawl in luscious Road to China Light. I decided I must make it.

For my shawl I couldn't resist using the same exact yarn in the same exact colors as Stephen's version: Smoky Quartz, Aquamarine and Grey Pearl. I mean, it's such a hot combo! I made the size large and it's the coziest thing I've ever wrapped myself up in!

Next time Stephen visits we can be shawl twinsies!

Notting Hill from Joel Dewberry

Joel Dewberry's newest fabric is here!

We've just received Notting Hill--the entire epic collection of 36 stunning prints--and, gosh, it's pretty. Joel is a magician with color and pattern, and we love every single one. Some of these prints would be perfect for modern holiday style! We are thinking tree skirts in red and turquoise patchwork or stockings trimmed with teal and chartreuse plaid. We can't wait to see what you make with these!

Darling Ranges is Darling to the Max!

I love this dress!

The moment I saw this navy blue Liberty Lifestyle print I knew...I must make a dress for fall.

The pattern I've been dreaming of is this adorable Darling Ranges dress from Megan Nielsen. I love the juxtaposition of the modest elbow length sleeves and the saucy neckline. ...and I adore the parade of buttons for closure.

The dress came together quickly with just one little stumbling block. I made the size XS, and had trouble with the sleeve coming together. The sleeve was too small for the armhole, so I ended up letting out my sleeve seam allowance to a scant 1/4" to make it work.

Now the dress is one of my favorite ever! I read from other sewists about similar issues with the sleeve, so next time I'll add an inch to the sleeve when cutting.

When winter arrives I'll be keeping cozy and cute, wearing this dress with tall boots, jackets and cowls!

Better Know A Crafter: Athena Patacsil

Whenever Athena comes in to the shop we are always excited to see what yarns and projects she will pick out, because she makes the most beautiful things! Her newest sweater is no exception.

Athena Patacsil
 

Tell us about your crafty self!

I am an alchemist. I create all kinds of crafty goods out of various materials. It feels so good to dive into projects, pouring heart and soul into it and experiencing the finished project. I knit, crochet, sew, craft with paper, design with my computer and play often. Sharing with others and inspiring is extremely fulfilling to me. Crafting really is magical...

Your sweater is beautiful! Tell us about knitting it.

This is my favorite sweater that I have knit so far. I fell in love with the Road to China Light yarn and knew I had to make a fabulous sweater for myself out of it. I found the perfect pattern, Silken Scabbard, from stitchdiva.com and knit like crazy. Overall it took about three weeks and now I love to wear it!

How did you learn to knit?

I taught myself to "really" knit when I was 18, but my mom introduced me to it by teaching me to cast on, knit and purl. We knit afghans together, but I wanted to expand. I ended up teaching myself the continental way by knitting sweaters, and haven't looked back...

What is your favorite animal?

Owls, of course! :)

Thanks Athena! Happy knitting!

Donegal Tweed is Here from Ireland!

When Carol Feller visited us, she gushed about one of her favorite yarns, Soft Donegal Irish tweed. We fell head over heels for it when we saw her beautiful sweater designs in all this tweedy, soft goodness.

So we decided we must have it! It turned out to be quite the adventure, as this classic yarn isn't distributed here in the US. We went straight to the source and sought out Studio Donegal in Ireland.

This tweed has a softer hand than traditional tweeds. Soft Donegal uses a merino wool for this tweed, which means it is soft and cozy against the skin. It is the perfect tweed for sensitive skin.

We are already swatching in this yarn, so stay tuned to see what we make!

Featherwale Corduroy Solids are Here!

We love this lightweight, velvety corduroy! Featherwale is easy to sew with and is perfect for cool weather garments. This plush cotton fabric fends off wind gusts and cold drafts for the coziest of things.

We can't wait to make things for fall with this corduroy--but what will we choose?!

Colette's Anise jacket would look adorable in French blue with big white buttons!

Sew Liberated's Ashland would be stunning in drake--the perfect fall dress to pair with favorite boots.

Clever Charlotte's Kestrel Coat for fashionable kids would be too cute in royal with bright yellow buttons.

Colette's Negroni shirt would be cozy-to-the-max in charlie brown with little horn shirt buttons.

Megan Neilsen's Kelly Skirt would be quite proper in khaki with brown leather buttons.

Figgy's Nituna Jacket would be darling in Persimmon with carved wood snowflake and heart buttons.

Yay for fall and yay for...

Cozy,

Outstanding,

Radiant,

Dainty,

Useful,

Regal,

Outdoorsy,

Yummy corduroy!!!!