They have arrived... McCall's NEW Winter 2011 Patterns

I'm still on the fence about the new McCall's Winter Patterns, but I must say, there are three that I will definitely be getting.

Everyone needs some fun footies for winter... Does anyone have any ideas what I could use on the bottom of the slipper so that I could potentially wear them outside? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I have the perfect brown tweed in mind for this coat with a chunky brown belt!  Can't wait!

And last, but certainly not least, a top that I am SURE will be made multiple times. I also have to mention this is a Laura Ashley pattern.  Although I have never made one, I have been quite impressed with their styling.  Definitely going to give this one a go.  What fabric type would you suggest?

Take a look at McCall's Winter 2011 Lookbook.  Which styles are your favorite?

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Week of 8/29-9/3

Okay, okay... this post is a little late, but better late than never... right?

Here goes:
Sewing Steals for the week of 8/29-9/3

Patterns:
9/2-9/3: JoAnn Fabric and Craft - LaborDay Sale! (sale extends through 9/5)
$0.99 McCall's Patterns
$3.99 Vogue Patterns

Fabric:
8/29-8/31: Hancock Fabrics
All About the Fleece! - Most Fleece 40% Off
30% off Fall Suitings, Wool and Wool Blends, Suede Solids, Corduroy Solids and Novelty, Poly Prints, Matte Jersey Knit Solids, Ponteroma Knits, Poly Interlock Solids, ENTIRE STOCK Denim and Twill , Challis Solids and Crushed Panne Velour.
25% off Broadcloth
8/29-9/3: Hobby Lobby
25% off Felt and Flannel Fabrics
40% off Sequin Fabrics and Trim
50% off Ribbons, Trim and Tulle Spools
8/29-9/3: JoAnn Fabric and Craft
30% off Lisette and Little Lisette Fabrics, Plaiditudes Apparel Fabric Collections, Fall Fashion Suitings, Simply Silky Prints and Fashion Knits, Abstractions Apparel Fabric Collection and Fashion Denims
30% off Anti-Pill Fleece Solids and Prints
9/2-9/3: JoAnn Fabric and Craft - LaborDay Sale! (sale extends through 9/5)
50% off Symphony Broadcloth Solids and Sew Classics Bottomweights
50% off Blizzard Fleece Solids & Prints, Snuggle Flannel Prints
Additional 50% off Red Tag Home Decor, Apparel and Quilting Fabrics

Notions/Accessories:
8/29-9/3: JoAnn Fabric and Craft
40% off Dritz Dressforms
19.99 Gutermann 26-spool Thread Box (Includes 26 spools of polyester Gutermann thread)
9/2-9/3: JoAnn Fabric and Craft - LaborDay Sale! (sale extends through 9/5)
50% off Notions Wall - THIS IS HUGE!!

Don't forget! The new ad for Hancock Fabrics comes out on Tuesday/Wednesday and goes into effect on 9/1, so I will definitely be updating this post - do not want to miss their Labor Day sales.  Check out the ads for yourself - there may be something that I missed!  Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabric and Craft.

Happy Sewing (and Shopping)!
Tiffany

I've Been a Little Tied Down, BUT This Calvin Klein Jeans Pattern May Help!

Hi Everyone!

I am horribly sorry I haven't been able to blog (or sew) lately, but I just wanted to share something with you on this fabulous Friday...  an UNCUT Calvin Klein Jeans and Jeans Skirt Pattern! How cool is that!

Do you want it?  Click on the link and snatch it up before it's gone!

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

Sew-lutions: The Alternative Pattern Box

Let's face it, pattern organization and pattern boxes can be expensive... if you can find them that is.  I was recently in my neighborhood Office Max and noticed half-size banker's boxes.  If you use them the wide way, they can hold regular files, but if you turn them sideways, they are the perfect size for your patterns - even the Vogue patterns! 

Here's the skinny:
[IN] Place Half-Size Hanging File Desktop Storage Boxes
6/pack
$11.99

Also available in brown.

Good luck and have fun organizing!  The white are available in stores... I did not see the brown on shelves.

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

It's Finally Here!!!! - Studio P Vintage Sewing - Vintage Patterns for YOU!

I am so excited!  It's finally become a reality (and yes... I finally put my money where my mouth is and followed through with something!) - Studio P Vintage Sewing, that's http://www.studiopvintagesewing.com/ is up and ready for business!  Studio P sells vintage, out-of-date, retro sewing patterns - many uncut!  I will be adding more and more patterns each day, so if you don't see what you want just yet, never fear - it's coming!  I have over 700 patterns and our inventory keeps changing each day. 

Have questions?  Email me at pixiepattern@gmail.com or at orders@studiopvintagesewing.com. 

I am so excited.  What do you think about the site?  I would love your opinions! 

Happy Sewing!

Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Week of 8/21-8/27

This week's Sewing Steals for 8/21 - 8/27:

Patterns:
8/21: Joann Fabric and Craft
5 for $5 Simplicity Patterns (Limit 10)
8/25-8/27: Hancock Fabrics
$1.99 Butterick Patterns (Limit 10)

Fabrics:
8/21: Joann Fabric and Crafts
50% off Country Classic Solids
40% off Corduroy Prints & Embroideries, Suedecloth Prints & Embroideries
8/21-8/27: Hancock Fabrics
All About the Fleece! - Most Fleece 40% Off
30% off Fall Suitings, Wool and Wool Blends, Suede Solids, Corduroy Solids and Novelty, Poly Prints, Matte Jersey Knit Solids, Ponteroma Knits, Poly Interlock Solids, ENTIRE STOCK Denim and Twill , Challis Solids and Crushed Panne Velour.
25% off Broadcloth
8/21-8/27: Hobby Lobby
30% off Printed Cotton Duck
30% off Fall Apparel Fabrics
8/21-8/27: Joann Fabric and Crafts
50% off Casa Collection Special Occasion Fabrics (lace, crepe, satin, stretch satin, organza and chiffon)
50% off Duck Canvas and Drapery Linings (in home decor section)
40% off Anti-Pill Fleece Solids

Accessories/Notions:
8/21: Joann Fabric and Crafts
50% off ENTIRE Stock of Thread
8/21-8/27: Hancock Fabrics
25% off Pellon Interfacing
30% off Olfa Cutters, Blades and Mats
30% off ENTIRE STOCK Sulky Threads and Fusible Products
30% off Prym/Dritz Elastic, Stitch Witchery
8/21-8/27: Joann Fabric and Crafts
40% off Rotary Cutting Tools and Mats
30% off Gingher Sewing and Cutting Tools

Don't forget to checkout the ads for all of the Sewing Steals!  Here are the big three: Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabric and Craft.

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

Redecorating... altleast we are trying to! Our new wall art!

I absolutely adore the subway rolls that you are seeing in the stores and in celebrity homes as of recently.  However, since I am pretty cheap and just can't bring myself to spend $200 for one 12x36 piece of art, I decided to make a unique subway roll and other assorted art with places that are near and dear to mine and my hubby's heart.

I started by desiging the roll in Adobe Illustrator and then I ordered the canvas on ArtsCow.com.  This is totally the way to go!  The canvas came unstretched and hubby made frames for me - careful to make them to my exact measurements.  Here are the before, during and after pictures:

The Before:

The In-Between:

The Final Product!!!

Sources:
Canvas - http://www.artscow.com/ - They have all sorts of coupon codes, so search google and facebook prior to actually checking out.
Frames - http://www.timelessexpress.com/ - This company has amazing prices and if you are into supporting US businesses - all their frames are Made in the USA! They also have coupon codes so check before you checkout.
Prints - http://www.nationsphotolab.com/ - Better prices than Shutterfly and since it is a professional lab, you have more options with your prints.

Happy Decorating!

As Summer Begins to Fade Dress - Based on Simplicity Pattern #2147

I posted the Giraffe belt to this post a few days ago, but since hubby returned (and has since left) to put his eye behind the shutter, I can now share with you, the As Summer Begins to Fade Dress.  I was super excited to take pictures at this old, what we think it is, pump house.  On the way to our church, down a little country road sits this overgrown and unkept little hut with concrete stairs, a rickety plywood door and beautiful foliage.  What an awesome place! 

Now... to the dress. This dress is one of my new favorites!  Although I would consider myself a decent seamstress, I can tell that my ease and skill improve with each piece I make.  (Maybe I will be ready for Project Runway one day soon... NOT!)

For the review, Simplicity Pattern #2147, Version B:

Fabric: Shell/Upper Lining: Cotton Quilting Solid in Eggplant from, **gasp** WalMart! - 2yds/45" wide, Skirt Lining Fabric from JoAnn's in Light Pink.

Notions: Thread. SIMPLE! (Although pattern calls for bias tape, which I did not use... see below.)

Time to Complete: 1.5 hrs.

Machines Used: Sewing machine and Serger.  Used the Blind Hem foot on my sewing machine for the hem on the main skirt.

Alterations Made to the Pattern:  I took one look at the directions and didn't like what I saw!  Although I am normally a big fan of bias tape, I had just finished making the most horribly color coordinated Collette Sorbetto top (super cute pattern, but I must have lost my mind when I picked out the fabric and bias tape combination - hideous!) and had enough of bias tape!  The fabric was also very flimsy and quite see through.  I ended up lining the top and the bottom of the dress for movement and for comfort. 

Additionally, I chose a 2" rolled hem instead of the directed 1" hem - I feel it added weight to the bottom of the dress and made it lay more flat than it otherwise would have.

Yeah/Nay: Absolutely!  Hubby liked this dress quite a bit and that's cause alone for me to make it again!  I am looking forward to making the pattern in a navy babywale corduroy that I have for the fall with 3/4 sleeves and a turtleneck underneath!

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Week of 8/14 - 8/20

This week's Sewing Steals for 8/14 - 8/21:

Patterns:
8/14: Hancock Fabrics
$1.99 Butterick Patterns (Limit 10)
8/19-8/20: Joann Fabric and Craft
5 for $5 Simplicity Patterns (Limit 10)

Fabrics:
8/14-8/17: Hancock Fabrics
50% off Gauze Solids and Prints
30% off Entire Stock of Denim, Interlock Knit Solids, Sportswear Twill Solids and Prints, High Performance Knit
$3.99/yd Burlap
8/14-8/20: Hobby Lobby
30% off Calico Prints and Solids
$0.77/yd Tulle and Net, $0.99/yd Shiny Tulle
8/14-8/20: Joann Fabric and Craft
40% off Ultra Cuddle Fabrics
30% off Sew Classics Knits, Bottomweights, Corduroy Solids, Suitings, Suedecloth Solids, Linen, Linen-Look, Shirtings, Specialty Cottons and Silky Solds
8/19-8/20: Joann Fabric and Craft
40% off Suedecloth Prints and Embroideries (Start thinking Fall!!!)
30% off Premium & Artist Brands Quilting Fabrics

Accessories/Notions:
8/14-8/17: Hancock Fabrics
30% off Mundial Scissors
30% off Packaged Tapes and Braids
8/14-8/20: Joann Fabric and Craft
30% off Gingher(R) Sewing and Quilting Cutting Tools
40% off Rotary Cutting Tools and Mats
8/19-8/20: Joann Fabric and Craft
50% off Entire Stock of Thread!!!!  (All brands included - Also includes miltipacks and cones!)

Don't forget to checkout the ads for all of the Sewing Steals!  Here are the big three: Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabric and Craft.

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

The "Long" Awaited - Giraffe Belt based on Simplicity Pattern #2147

After taking advantage of the $0.99 pattern sale at my local Hobby Lobby, I decided to pick up Simplicity's "Learn to Sew" Pattern #2147.  I really adore the shape of the tunics and dresses in the pattern and sometimes, they have some pretty good tips in the directions - that is... if you follow the directions.  (Which, shamefully, I didn't!)

So, while I did make an absolutely fabulous dress from option B, I can't show that to you yet because I have to wait for the hubby to come home to photograph for me.  So, check this out... I am in love! 

Here is my review from what I did use of the Simplicity 2147 pattern, version D:

Fabric:  Heavy-weight microsuede in Camel.

Notions: 2 1/4 yds of Grosgrain Ribbon, as pictured (Pattern calls for only 1 1/4 yds)

Time to Complete : 45 minutes

Machines Used: I used my serger and sewing machines.  Since the material was so thick when I doubled it, I serged the edges and then reinforced the serging with my sewing machine prior to turning.  I also used the sewing machine to topstitch and apply the ribbon ties. 

Alterations Made to Pattern:  Whoa!  Okay, so I think that I should just preface that I really used this pattern as a template or idea only.  First of all, I had to adjust the size of the pattern quite a bit.  Although I was totally happy with the width of the band, the band itself was too long/large for my waist at the appropriate size (according to measurements provided with the pattern) and thus, I took the sides in about 1/2" on each side. 

Since the fabric that I used was already stiff and heavier weight, I decided to forgo the interfacing of the band.  In addition, the use of the heavier weight material also posed a problem that when I turned the fabric after stitching, it did not lay as flat as I would have hoped.  This is when I decided to finger iron the piece as I top stitched it down for better shape. 

I started to attach the ribbon as directed, but then had a thought... I think this giraffe printed ribbon is adorable! Why not make it so it can be seen from the back as well?  So... that's just what I did.  I added it carefully to the entire piece, topstitching as I went. 

Yeah or Nay:  Of course!  I will definitely be making this one again!  I am already dreaming of the cute combinations I can make, adding it as an extra accessory to my longsleeve tops and dresses for that special little "Pixie Pizazz!" element!

I can't wait to show you the dress... stay tuned!

Happy sewing!

Tiffany

What a difference a little change makes!

So... it appears that quite a bit has been changing over here at Pixie Pattern!  For one, the blog looks different!  Yeah!  I have been wanting to change it up a little bit for quite some time now, but just haven't had the time or the motivation.  Well, I guess that today was the day!

Let me know what you think!

And... drumroll please... I will be unveiling a new website soon for vintage sewing patterns!!! I am so excited I could scream, and so nervous I am shaking!  I'll post more info as the site gets up and running - currently it is under development.  (Hopefully, fingers crossed, 2 weeks or less!)

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Week of 8/7- 8/13

This week's Sewing Steal for 8/7/11 to 8/13/11:

Patterns:
8/7 ONLY: Hancock Fabric
Simplicity Patterns - $1 each! (Limit 10)
8/7 ONLY: Joann Fabric
Vogue Patterns - $3.99 each! (Limit 10)
McCall's Patterns - $1.99 each! (Limit 10)
8/7-8/13: Hobby Lobby
Simplicity Patterns - $0.99 each! (Limit 10)
8/11-8/13: Joann Fabric and Craft
Butterick Patterns - $1.99 each! (Limit 10)

Fabrics:
8/7-8/10: Hancock Fabrics
30% off Entire Stock of Muslin
8/7-8/13: Hobby Lobby
30% offf Calicos, Prints and Solids
8/7-8/13: Joann Fabric and Craft
50% off Coupon for any one Regular Price Fabric
2yds for $3 Sew Essentials 36" Muslin

Accessories/Notions:
8/7-8/10: Hancock Fabrics 
30% off Entire Stock Coats and Clark Thread
30% off Entire Stock Coats and Clark Zippers
30% off Entire Stock of Needles :)
8/7-8/13: Hobby Lobby
50% off all Sewology Notions!
8/7-8/13: Joann Fabric and Craft
40% off Entire Stock Sulky Thread
50% off Quilting Notions (Rulers and Some Rotary Cutting Mats!)

The above is just a sampling of the deals that are available this week!  Click on the links to view the Hancock Fabric Ad, Joann Fabric Ad or the Hobby Lobby Ad. Don't forget to download the store coupons for up to 40% off too!

Happy Sewing (and shopping, too!)!
Tiffany

Butterick Annouces their NEW Fall 2011 Patterns - I am in LOVE!!

So... it's no secret: I absolutely love patterns.  Old and new, I spend hours dreaming about the color combinations, the fabrics, everything needed to make the pattern my own.  Unfortunately, I have ammased quite the collection of patterns as I have grand dilusions of the amount of time I have to sew!

That being said - I am excited to introduce you to Butterick's New 2011 Fall Collection!  Here are some of my new favorites:

New Jeans Patterns - they say these are for "Mom" - I'll have to check and see what the back looks like!  No Mom jeans please!

Adorable Color Block Dress Pattern - This one is going to be so much fun to piece together!

Fall Coats - I just got a new coat last Winter for my trip to NY, but hey - I could use another!

Happy Sewing!
Tiffany

Pencil Please! Make your very own Pencil Case with my FREE pattern!

Ever wanted to make your own pencil case?  I had the opportunity to make this for an adorable girl that is getting ready to go back to school.  So, I drafted my own pattern using a very cute three-ring binder as a guide.

Download the pattern, "The Angeleigh"!