Sharon Sews

When I wear my zebra/polka dot infinity scarf it never fails to draw compliments.  Once people find out I made it, often the next question is "would you make one for me?" While I rarely sew for hire these days, I do enjoy sewing items to give to others, especially these colorblocked infinity scarfs. They are simple, yet each is unique depending on the fabrics chosen. This year I sewed a some as Christmas gifts for a few girlfriends. Here's how to make one of these cute and easy infinity scarfs for yourself. Fabric: For one scarf, you'll need one yard each of two coordinating fabrics at least 45" wide. Choose a lightweight fabric, such as voile, chambray, linen, rayon or even flannel. My zebra/polka dot scarf was sewn using a polyester blouse weight fabric. A lightweight knit would work also.  Heavier fabric would create a lot of bulk at the neckline. Each piece of fabric should measure 45" x 36".  If your fabric is wider, cut it to 45". ...

In honor of Jungle January, I sewed an infinity scarf using a coordinating zebra and polka dot print.  Except I actually sewed it for the last year's Jungle January. I posted it on my Instagram account , but never shared it on my blog. This easy-to-sew infinity scarf came about by accident.  I had received a large scarf as a gift and wanted to recreate something similar. I went to my local Hancock Fabrics store and purchased one yard each of the zebra and polka dot prints with the intention of making two infinity scarfs.  Um, no, I miscalculated.  What I wanted was a really large, wide (yet lightweight) infinity scarf that I could wrap around my neck not only as a fashion accessory, but for warmth in a chilly office. If I sewed the one yard of fabric together as I envisioned, it would not be large enough. Since the two prints coordinated, I simply stitched them together along the long edges using a French seam to create the size I wanted.  At that point ...

When I was almost done sewing this easy peplum top ( Vogue 8815 ) I decided to add an exposed zipper to give it an extra design detail. Originally I was going to simply place the zipper on top of the back seam and stitch in place.  However, I wasn't sure how to finish the bottom of the zipper tape neatly, so I decided to create a boxed facing opening in which to insert the zipper. Create the zipper facing Place the zipper on the fabric right side up.  Use chalk or fabric marker pen and trace around the size and bottom zipper about 1/2" from the side edges and 1" from the bottom edge.  Cut out the facing piece.  Draw a vertical line down the center.  Draw the stitching lines on the facing.  Use your zipper as a guideline making sure the stitch lines will expose all of the zipper teeth, the bottom zipper stop, and a portion of the zipper tape. Sew the zipper facing. Place the zipper facing over the center back right sides facing aligning...

I love aprons - even itty bitty Barbie(tm) ones.  Since I'm partial to half aprons myself, I figured Barbie could use a new one. So I whipped one up. I'll show you how so you can whip one up too.   Let's get started.  Download the half-circle apron pattern here .  Please NOTE: This is pattern drawn by hand Cut one apron body and one rectangle 20" x 1-1/2" for the waistband/ties. Pin the lace trim on the right side of the apron matching the bottom edge.  Stitch using a 1/4" seam allowance.  The lace trim after it's stitched to the apron. Turn the bottom edge towards the wrong side of the apron. Lightly press. On the right side stitch close to the edge which will hold the hem in place. Fold the back edge toward the wrong side by 1/4".  Finger press.  Fold another 1/4" toward the wrong side. Press. Stitch side hem in place. Staystitch the waist curve by stitching 1/4" from the edge. Carefully clip to the stitchi...

Polka dots. Who doesn't love polka dots? When I saw this Anthro apron I knew I needed a polka dot apron.  I mean, you'd want a polka dot apron after seeing this, right? Here's mine.  Sweet and simple.  Pattern : Butterick 4945 Fabric : 1-5/8 yards of black and white polka dot cotton/lycra blend Time: 1-1/4 hours from cutting to photographing Pattern changes: Add a self-fabric bow in place of a ribbon bow Do yo have a polka dot apron? *********************************************

 Don't these look luscious?  Picked fresh from the garden just a few days ago. You see, last week while my hubby and I were experiencing cold and snow in the mountains of Wyoming summer was busy making a grand farewell here at home.  The combination of sunny skies and temps climbing into the 80s gave our garden had one last growth spurt. But what does one do with hundreds of tomatoes?  Why make salsa of course.  Garden Salsa 1-1/2 lbs tomatoes, diced 1/2 red onion, diced 1  small jalapeno chile, seeded and finely diced 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro Place all ingredients in a medium bowl.  From a fresh lime, grate 1/2 tsp. lime peel and squeeze 1 tbsp. juice into the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Makes about 3 cups but will only last about two days refrigerated.  Or two hours if you have a bag of tortilla chips and a football game to watch :-) Good Housekeeping has a video for making the salsa. Check it out . *******...