see kate sew

September is National Sewing Month! I’m celebrating by…sewing and roping as many people into sewing along with me as possible! ;)

So I put together this sweet giveaway valued at over $2000!! $2000 dollars!! Thats a freaking mortgage payment or two! This truckload of sewing supplies is super to re-inspire you or extra-inspire you if you’re already there! Some of these brands are new partners and some are old ones, but all of the above are amazing companies that I am thrilled to partner with.

Let me tell you about these prizes! Let’s start with the BIG prize – a brand spanking new BabyLock Presto 2 machine! I’ve been sewing on a BabyLock for years now. The Presto 2 just launched but it has lots of features just like my Lyric machine, so I know you’ll love it. Over 100 stitches to choose from, a bobbin winder, all the solid basics in a solid, quality machine. This is really everything you need to sew apparel, quilts, bags, etc! The features I love the most are the thread cutter on the side, easy load bobbin, LCD screen and it’s nice sleek look. This machine has a $999 value!

And with your flashy new machine you’re going to want a place to put it when when you go to craft night! Blue Fig is a brand of adorable sewing machine bags AND fun learn-to-sew kits! You’ll get this gorgeous houndstooth bag to store your Presto 2 (and we can be twinsies because I have the exact same one!) and a learn-to-sew kit to make this cute lil’ wrap! I love Blue Fig’s line of sewing machine bags! They are so modern and cute and with the pockets! I think they would be super fun to load up. And their learn-to-sew kit selection is awesome, these would make perfect gifts!

Give a girl a sewing machine and she’s going to need some FABRIC! Riley Blake is offering up a $200 stack of KNITS for you to get sew crazy with! I love the quality of RB knits and have some of their cute prints and solids on my cutting table right now! Hearts, houndstooth, stripes, polka dots, aztec, feathers, so much fun stuff to sew with! There is also a good selection of knit solids and more!

In the next few months I’m going to convince you to quilt (if you don’t already) with some new quilt patterns. You’ll be ready for them with a $200 credit to Crinklelove! Crinkle love is a long-arm service that has a mail-in option! So great! Just make your quilt top, package it up and Crinklelove will quilt it for you and send it back! Its like magic! My first quilt is on my way to Crinklelove right now and I can’t wait to see it!

Just for good measure I’m throwing in 20 (TWENTY) of my own patterns, including a brand new release coming Monday! Your sewing list just got LONG! Hahah!

 

Okay let’s enter already! You have to jump through a couple of hoops for this one, but you’ll enjoying following all these brands if you don’t already and $2000 prize, hello! Enter below:

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by Fiskars in celebration of 50 years of Orange-Handled Scissors!

This pile of materials….

…to this pile of finished goods!

I excited to be helping Fiskars celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Orange-handled scissors with 5 thrift store hacks! 50 years of Orange-handled scissors with over 1 BILLION pairs sold! I can’t even imagine all the projects and people and creativity that has blossomed from all those scissors! It’s a thrill to be a part of that legacy. I have orange-handled scissors all over my sewing room (legit, like 8 pairs). They are the sharpest, the lightest and the easiest to use!

You know I get a little scissor happy and have no fear chopping into anything fabric! Today I’m sharing 5 ways to hack 5 common thrift store finds! These 5 items you can find at ANY thrift store, so anyone can make these projects! They just involve a little bit of scissor action and a few add-ons! Learn to sew with these simple beginner projects!

1. Rose embroidered sweater

Give me all the roses please! I’m so digging classic red roses, especially embroidered ones, on clothing. These little patches are super simple to adhere to any sweater to really jazz it up. Find a thick sweater at the thrift store and then follow these instructions to make it short sleeved and rosey!

Materials //

• a thrifted sweater that fits
• rose embroidered patches
• fabric glue, pictured is no-sew temporary fabric glue which is perfect if you plan to stitch over the roses, by hand or by machine.

If you just want to glue them on, use Aleene’s Fabric Fusion, which is permanent!

Yes way rose’!

Collect all your materials and get ready to chop!

Cut the sleeves off about 3 inches from the inseam, right up to the top of the sleeve.

Discard the extra and fold the sleeve hem over the top 1″.

If your sweater knit is a pretty loose weave, use Fray check before sewing, this is a clear glue that will hold the fibers together.

Pin and zig zag stitch using a matching thread all the way around.

Now for the fun part! Decide where you want your roses to go.

Glue them on and press down well. You may want to put a buffer inside the shirt if your fabric isn’t very thick. Use parchment or wax paper.

I did a symmetrical pattern on the front with one of the extra rose patches across the back!

2. Men’s shirt —-> girl’s dress

If there’s one thing you can count on finding at the thrift store, it’s a men’s button-down! I can usually sift through them and find a few patterns that I love! So much great fabric just sitting in the racks!

I found this polka dot one and was (predictably) drawn to it! So cute! I wanted to keep the main features of the dress such as the collar and the buttons, but turn it into a cinched girl’s dress for my 5 year old. You can do this same thing for lots of girl’s sizes, including tweens. Find a bigger men’s shirt size for taller girls!

I really love my rose sweater, but when trying to decide which project is my favorite, this picture makes it hard to choose anything else!

I keep the original hem, I love the shirttail hem, it’s so preppy and quintessential. Keeping the original hem (also collars, button placket and sleeve hem) also makes the project faster! More sewing!

  

This is my new favorite quick sew! Ah, I love it so much! So fast, so easy and you use pretty much the whole shirt, so you don’t feel super wasteful!

Materials //

• a thrifted men’s shirt
• 1″ elastic
• measuring tape
• extra cotton fabric

Instructions //

Lay your shirt out and cut the sleeves off at the armscye. Cut down from the sleeve to the side seam, tapering into it. You will decide how far over on the sleeve to cut based on the size of your child and the size of your men’s shirt.

We tried it on to get it right, pinching and measuring under the arms.

Cut off 2″ of your sleeve hem, keeping the finished hem. Cut the seam so it is one long strip.

Place right side facing right side on the new sleeve hole of the mens shirt. Sew and finish seam allowance. Trim any excess from the strip.

Press and sew side seam.

Cut out a really long strip of fabric 1.5″ wide by as long as the waist on the men’s shirt. Press under a scant 1/4″ on each of the long sides.

Sew it on around the waistline of the men’s shirt, creating a casing. Sew right at the top and right at the bottom of the fabric so you create a casing big enough for 1″ elastic.

Thread elastic through, measuring about 1″ less than the waist of your child. Sew at both ends.

Create an “X” over the top of the button placket right where the elastic meets. And you’re done!

Recommended to wear with these cognac shoes and lavender hats!

3. jeans —-> painted foldover clutch

I couldn’t write this post without making myself a new clutch! I used a basic pair of blue jeans for this one. You may not even have to make a trip to the thrift store for this one! But I did find a cute pair of polka dot denim. You can really use any wash, even other colors of denim for a unique project.

Materials//

• thrifted jeans
• cotton for lining
• puffy paint
• paint dabbers
• zipper, I used this cute one 
• foldover clutch pattern

Use the pattern piece above to cut 2 layers from denim and 2 from cotton.

Create circles with the paint dabbers and paint. Cover the denim as much or as little as you want and let dry overnight.

Now that your fabric is customized to your liking, let’s sew it up! This is just a basic zipper pouch construction but the shape of the top makes it look like a little envelope when it is folded over. The curve is a bit tricky to insert a zipper on so I recommend basting one of the fabrics to the zipper before adding the lining piece. Here is a great basic zipper pouch tutorial if you need additional guidance.

4. t-shirt —-> diamond mesh back

T-shirts get such a bad rap, but I thinks sometimes they just need a little TLC! A basic tee is such a great starting point for so much inspiration! See my last post with Fiskars where I showed you TEN ways to refashion a basic tee! I’m adding one more way today – with mesh and sequins!

Materials:
–craft mesh

–basting spray
–fabric glue
–sequin ribbon
–diamond template

Spray the diamond template with heat n bond basting spray and lay on the shirt where you want the cut-out. The baste spray will keep the diamond in place better than pins would. Cut around the diamond and then use the template to cut out a piece of mesh. Be sure to add 1/2-1″ around the diamond so we can glue it to the tee!

Place the mesh beneath the t-shirt cut-out and glue to the top around the edges. Try to keep the shirt fabric as straight as possible to get a good diamond shape.

Be sure to put something inside the shirt so it doesn’t get glued together. I used a silicone mat, but anything that you can pull the glue from easily will work.

 

Once it’s dry, sew sequins around the diamond. Sew two layers and let dry!

5.  suit —–> tote bag!

Grey suit fabric is one of my favorite materials to use! It’s so “menswear” which is always popping in and out of women’s fashion. And a whole suit is usually less than $8 bucks at the thrift store which gives you lots of fabric, a few buttons and design features to utilize in your sewing.

Materials//

• a men’s suit
• 1″ canvas strap material
• basic cotton for lining

The best part about this project is you can customize the size! I just made the biggest tote my suit would allow and kept one pocket for the front. It’s the perfect size for a cell phone!

My tote is about 15″ by 12″ so I’ll use those dimensions for the tutorial, but don’t be afraid of creating your own variation!

Cut two layers from the suit and 2 from lining.

My back piece had a vent in it, so stitch that up with a straight stitch if yours does too. Backstitch at each end. 

Sew the two layers of lining together with right sides together. Leave a 2-3″ opening at the bottom.

Repeat with suit pieces without the space at the bottom. Clip corners and trim seam allowance.

Turn the suiting right side out. Leave the lining inside out.

Put the suiting fabric into the lining, tuck straps inside. Match raw edges and strap edges at the top of the tote and sew all the way around. Turn through the opening in the lining, press and stitch opening closed. Topstitch around the top of the tote.

Cute!

 

 

Tips for shopping for “fabric” at the thrift store:

• Look past imperfections in the fabric. Since you’ll be cutting it up anyways, you’ll be able to avoid those spots.
• If you have a few options for the same type of fabric, buy the biggest size possible. They are always the same price, but you get more fabric.
• Buy backups! I always end up re-donating a few things that didn’t quite work out, were too small, or just look different in better light.
• If the fabric won’t be affected by a wash in your machine, wash that baby up! Sewing with clean fabric always feels better. ;)
• Shop your closet first! My closet is always need a good purge…or two!

Happy birthday Orange-Handled Scissors!!

The Libra Cardigan

I’m so so so excited to share this new pattern with you! I’ve been sewing so many of these, including a pink velvety one on the sewing table right now! Meet the LIBRA cardigan!

This is a versatile layering piece to keep you covered this fall! The LIBRA has two lengths, two sleeves, patch pockets and is amazing in french terry, sweater knits, hacci, crochet fabric, stretch velvet, and even stretch lace!

This project is about a 30-minute sew if you’re an experienced seamster, maybe an hour if you’re a newbie! Either way, I think (hope!) you’ll enjoy the simple construction and coziness of the pattern!

Pattern Details:

• oversized design in 8 sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
• batwing style dolman sleeve with flattering band or long sleeve extension
• pockets!
• requires 2-2.5 yards knit fabric depending on your length and sleeve options
• recommended fabrics: sweater knit, hacci, lace, jersey, DBP, stretch velvet, and similar fabrics
• Great layering piece!Use the hashtag #libracardi!

This one is made with a hacci sweater knit floral in black, whites and mauve. The shorter version is about hip-length and is more of the classic cardigan look. This exact fabric is available in A KIT!! I’m excited to introduce kits to my shop! Sometimes a kit is just what you need to pull yourself back into sewing – a quick and simple project with the fabric inside the package! You’ll get your PDF download NOW and then the fabric in a cute little box in the mail!

There are two kits available: The FLORAL SWEATER KNIT shown above and a velvety micro suede in blush pink shown below:

  

The LIBRA pattern is just $10 as an introductory price, GET IT HERE! KITS are also on sale for just $26-30 (depending on your length choice!) Grab your pattern and your fabric and get ready for a SEWALONG starting next week in the See Kate Sew Patterns Facebook Group!

 

I’m on a clutch kick and I’m using the Cricut Maker to make all sorts of fun clutches! I just want to try everything in this awesome machine so clutches are a fun and fast way to do that!!

This one is made of thicker vinyl. I love scallops but can never cut them perfectly myself! The Maker made these ones FLAWLESS and so fast. I’m thrilled with how this turned out! The scallops are so gorgeous and the project was so easy! Wins all around! It has the perfect hint of mermaid scales, too! How fun would it be with shiny leather?

I think this is a fun girl’s night out clutch. Below is a file for the scallops and clutch pieces. It’s really just a zipper pouch with extra frill on the front, so the project is a simple one but you’ll still feel super hardcore for using leather and for the perfect scallops!

Materials //
-1/3 yard faux suede or pleather, vinyl material etc
–upholstery velvet for lining and back
-SVG files, scallop 1, scallop 2, scallop 3 (downloads in a .zip file!)
–the Cricut Maker
–FabricGrip cutting mat
-Metal Zipper, I love to get mine in bulk on Amazon!
–wonderclips

SVG files for SCALLOP CLUTCH

 

Instructions // 

Upload the file to Design Space. Design Space is Cricut’s free design interface.

Once it’s uploaded, don’t change the size of the files. Just hit MAKE. You’ll need a 12″ by 24″ mat for this project. I didn’t have the FabricGrip at the time so I used StrongGrip, but either work for pleather or vinyl material.

Cut out the scallops. You will need two sheets of them. They alternate to create an offset brick pattern.

Pull the excess vinyl off. Magic!

Then peel each scallop off. Since the mat is adhesive they hold until you’re ready to use them. Because of that, the cuts are always super precise.

Cut out two main pieces from leather or vinyl and 2 from cotton for the interior lining.

Since the material is so thick pins won’t work to hold it in place, so use clips. If you don’t have wonder clips around you can use paper clamps. Start 3/4″ from the bottom of the top clutch. Clip in place.

Sew along the top with a straight stitch. You may want to use matching thread.

Keep going all the way up, alternating the scallops they create a scale pattern. Use an acrylic ruler to keep each scallop row straight. 

The very top scallop will line up with the top of the pouch. When you’ve completed the top, sew the zipper pouch up using these instructions.

• Read more about the Cricut Maker machine
• See how the Maker compares to other Cricut machines

 

  

If there’s one pattern I love to hack its the Zippy Top pattern! It’s especially fun because there is a kid’s version so any tutorial also works for that one. It’s just a great starting point for so many styles!

This is a simple hack with on-point results and a free pattern for these ties! This pattern works with any size XXS-3XL because the ties should be the same size and in the same place. Trim or add to the band as needed.

This DIY Tie Front Top also has extended sleeves. The original zippy top pattern has a tiny little cap/dolman sleeve built in but I added a sleeve band here to make it more of a short sleeved top. It’s just a bit longer so it will work into fall with a cardigan or jacket!

I’m thrilled to be a part of the Tattooed Quilter’s new fabric tour. This fabric is from his new line with Riley Blake, Blue Carolina. The line features Chris’s sweet little pooch, gorgeous blues and sewing notions mixed in. I met Christopher this summer and it was fun to meet him, meet his new fabric, and hear about the inspiration behind it all at the same time.

It’s a sophisticated collection with a little bit of pretty and just enough quirk! I originally made this top in the light blue lace fabric but it was a tad too small (HAHAH) and the ties weren’t quite right. So now I have two tops! I went with the frenchies, Edie, for the final version although now I’m itching to make on in the navy lace!

Materials//

-1.5-2 yards quilting cotton

–the Zippy top pattern

–tie front hack

3″ on fold for sleeve

Instructions//

PIECES TO CUT//

-2 sleeve extension pieces. Sew up the Zippy top per the instructions in the file. (Sew shoulders together and finish neckline.) When you get to the sleeve, measure the hem. Cut 2 pieces as long as the hem and 6″ wide.

 

–2 front tie extension pieces.  Download the pattern piece and extend the sides to the edges of you top. This will vary for each size.

–2 back extension pieces. Cut two rectangles 2″ by the length of the back of your top.

Trim the hem of the front and back so they are flush with the bottom of the side seams. The Zippy top has a slightly curved hem, but we need a straight hem.

Fold the sleeve bands in half with wrong sides together and press. Match up to the sleeve hem and sew right sides together. Finish seam allowance.

Press seam allowance up and topstitch along the blouse, 1/8″ from seam. Repeat for both sides.

Sew the top along the side seams as indicated in the pattern file.

Interfacing the facing pieces using fusible interfacing if desired.

Sew the front extensions to the back extensions with right sides together. You’ll make a circle. One will be the outer fabric and one will be the facing.

Sew the outer fabric to the zippy top hem with right sides together. Sew all the way around the top using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press seam allowance down.

Attach facing pieces and sew all the way around the bottom edge. Clip the curves on the tie front extension and turn right side out. Press well.

Topstitch around the entire extension at 1/8″ from the edges. Then topstitch along the top of the facing piece to hold in place, about 1.25″ from the hem.

 

Done! Tie that baby up!