Sharon Sews

A little quickie sewing project before the year ends.... As I was writing my last post I noticed I had left my Fabric by Fabric One Yard Wonders book open to the Speedy Ruffle Scarf. If you knew how often I accessorize with scarves you'd understand why this ended up being my first project from the book. This scarf is designed for knit fabric and really is speedy. I was able to cut and sew my scarf in about 30 minutes.   I'll be honest, I didn't follow the instructions. I glanced at them, made some changes to the cutting layout and sewed it a bit differently than written. I used a sparkly purple fabric purchased in the clearance section at Hancock Fabrics. I wish you could see this in person as it looks much nicer than what I could capture with the camera. Even though I suspect the fabric was meant to be used for Halloween costumes I like my little speedy ruffle scarf. It makes me smile. **********************************************

Every year, after the PatternReview weekends I would lurk among the PR boards reading about all the fun. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was green with envy. After all I was reading about late nights filled with wine and laughter, shared dinners and inside jokes, fashion shows and fabric shopping, and of course the bonding between sewing friends. As much as I've wanted to attend one of these events, finances just haven't allowed it. Which is why I jumped at a chance to take part in the PR Day 2011 being held worldwide Saturday, Nov. 19. Ten of us began the celebration early and met for dinner at the Mall of America the night before.  Dotes wore her lovely animal print coat making it easy for us to spot her outside the restaurant.  We let out squeals of delight when we reconized one another and finally had the chance to meet face-to-face. The bond was immediate and 10 almost-strangers began friendships that night. The conversation over dinner could have lasted a...

 Looky, looky!  A sneak peek of the next One Yard Wonders book. Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders "> Now don't go getting TOO excited because the book won't be released until November 2011.  But that means it's being released just in time for the holidays. My apron isn't one of the projects shown, but that's okay. It'll be more fun if it's a surprise, right? Oh, one more thing. While it's too late to be a part of the One Yard Wonders book, Storey Publishing does have a call out for crocheted designs. Storey Publishing is accepting submissions for their 101 Crochet One-Yard Skein Wonders book. You have until July 15. Details on their website. ********************************************

Love the One Yard Wonders book?  Yea, me too. Well, you may or may not know that there's a second One Yard Wonders book coming out next fall.  November 9 is the date its expected to hit the bookshelves. At least according to One Yard Wonders Facebook page. Here's the super exciting part.  Well, besides the fact that I have a project in this second One Yard Wonders book.  *big grin* They're looking for five bonus projects. Just like the first OYW book, Barnes and Noble will carry their own version which will include five extra projects. You have to hurry because the deadline for submissions is Friday, March 19.  I'm already working on my submission because let's face it. It's just plain fun to see your designs in print. Details here . *********************************

As I was clearing out dozens of books from my sewing library ( off they went to Half Price Books where someone else will have a chance to find them and love them ) I realized I had purchased an extra copy of One Yard Wonders when it was released with the intention of giving it away. Oops. Better late than never, right? So here you go. If you haven't purchased a copy of this wonderful book, here's your chance to win one. If you've already purchased a copy, here's your chance to win one to use as a gift. It's filled with 101 projects that take less than one yard of fabric. Try the file cabinet cover- designed my moi. Not gonna lie, this was the cover I had sewn for the file cabinet in my sewing studio and I miss it. But it does look pretty darn nice in that photograph. Or sew the 30 minute strapless cami - another one of my projects. Check out my yellow lace version sewn last year. The book is spiral bound, so it lays flat when open. Just leave me a comment te...

Got some creative ideas dancing through your head that only require one yard of fabric? Then get those ideas sewn because the sequel to 101 One Yard Wonders is becoming a reality. Yes, you read that right. There will be another 101 One Yard Wonders book - tentatively called Fabric Extravaganza : One-Yard Wonders - this time with a focus on all fabrics, not just quilting cottons. Once I received notice that submissions were being accepted I pulled out my idea notebook, looked for items that could be done with just a yard of fabric and began sewing samples. You have an idea notebook don't you? You know, the place where you jot down random notes or sketch a design detail. The place where you quickly draw the idea that came to you while you were sleeping or popped in your head while cooking dinner. The place you draw the design that came to fruition while having your teeth cleaned at the dentist ( or is it only me? I had an idea for a pillow come to me while visiting the dentist -...

Just so you know, this contest ends February 28. And that date is rapidly approaching. Click on the photo (or here ) and fill out the online entry form. I must admit it. I really don’t want you to enter, you know. Because my chances of winning go down each time you enter. And I really want free yard of fabric to show up on my doorstep every month. I even have my projects from the One Yard Wonders book picked out. So come to think of it, you better not head over to by February 28 to enter. Speaking of One Yard Wonders, check this out: Contributions to a Sewing Book from Crafty People from Twin Cities It's always fun to find yourself mentioned somewhere unexpectedly. Posted using ShareThis ***********************

This set of picnic placemats deserve more than your ordinary ham and cheese sandwich with chips and a pickle. These cuties cry out for a Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad followed by a rich three-layer turtle cake - all from Cafe Latte of course. Mmmm, I love Cafe Latte. Do they have a restaurant like this where you live? It's filled with mouth-watering to die for desserts ( Which you have to order them first. And they know it. That's why they're are prominently placed at the beginning of the food line .) followed by an array of wondrously delicious sandwiches, or salads or soups. Mmmmm, I'm getting hungry just writing this. But enough about food. I want you to know about another great project I just completed from the One Yard Wonders book. On page 60 you'll find the instructions for this set of black and white placemats aka the "Picnic-Tastic Lunch Mats" . They have a small pocket to place your eating utensils as well as a loop to keep your napkin in pl...

One Yard Wonders Kitschy Kitchen Apron Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews Project number three from the One Yard Wonders book - the Kitschy Kitchen Apron. Another cute, yet easy-to-sew, apron. This one was sewn from an Amy Butler print and trimmed with an odd yellow colored lace trim purchased on clearance at Hancock Fabrics. The lace didn't match the fabric I had intended it for, so I was delighted that it coordinated with this fabric perfectly. This project was designed by Mother's Apron Strings, a mother/daughter trio (no blog listed in the book.)

One Yard Wonders planner sleeve Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews My second project from the newly released One Yard Wonders book. I have not yet received my comp copy from the publisher ( we've been assured they're on their way...apparently you all have made this book a very popular item! ) but I did purchase a copy that I plan to give as a gift. The nice spiral binding means I could peek at the book, and even sew a project or two, without it appearing that the book was used. Unless, of course, the intended recipient is reading this blog. In that case, well, sorry! Anyway, the second project I choose was this planner sleeve. Even though I don't own a planner. I figured it would be a good way to carry my camera with me when I'm snoop shopping ... much more stylish than the plastic sandwich bag I currently carry it in wouldn't you say? But maybe I'll use it to carry a small notebook and pen as suggested in the book. .I don't know about you, but it se...

Even though I am still eagerly awaiting my copy of the book One Yard Wonders , I knew I could still sew something from the book. As long as I choose one of the two projects I submitted that is. :-) Ta-da! May I present the OYW 30 minute cami turned lace tunic. ( I'm not sure if that's what it's called in the book or not, but 30 minute cami was the working title. ) This tunic is what I had planned to wear if I had been able to attend the release party. With a jacket of course. I mean c'mon, it's November --- and chilly. The fabric is a rayon lace purchased a few years ago from Fabric Mart Fabrics . It was marked dry clean only but I tossed it in the washer on a delicate cycle to see what would happen. The washing made it very soft and flowy. The lining is a silk jersey knit chosen for the color - not so great against my face, but perfect for lining this tunic. I submitted the simple cami project remembering how much I loved sewing and wearing those types of t...

The authors have been busy promoting the release of the One Yard Wonders book - below are two clips from local news channels, complete with projects from the books. Maybe a project one of you submitted appears in one of the videos. The release party is today from 2 to 5 p.m. at Crafty Planet . My copy of the book hasn't arrived yet, but I have my fingers crossed that it will show up today. And on a personal note, sadly, I will not be attending the book release party today as I'm not feeling well. You have no idea how disappointed I am to not be able to attend. I was looking forward to meeting both authors, Trish and Rebecca, as well as fellow contributors. There obviously is a huge base of crafty people in the Twin Cities and I'd really liked to get hooked up with them. I was hoping today would be the first step. *sigh* If any of you go today, please take photos, report back and most importantly, don't forget to mention how much you missed seeing me there :-)

Got plans for the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 7? No? Well you do now. That is if you live near Crafty Planet. That's because Crafty Planet will be hosting a party that day to celebrate the release of 101 One Yard Wonders . More than a dozen contributors - including yours truly - will be there. Plan to stop by to ooh and aah over the project samples, enjoy some yummy refreshments and say hi! Details here .

For those of you Facebook fans of One Yard Wonders, this is old news. For the rest of you, this is fun news! Win one yard of fabric each month for a year! And there won't be just one or two or three winners; there will be 25 winners. Yep, 25 of you have a chance to win one yard of fabric each month for a year. Perfect for sewing one of the multitude of projects in the forthcoming book 101 One-Yard Wonders. Details here .

See the return name and address on that shipping label? That's right baby. Two projects I had submitted were accepted to be included in the upcoming book . How fun is that? And no, I am NOT telling you what they are. You're just going to have to wait until the book is published :-) So what did they send to me? Well, one project sample will be photographed just as I created it. As for the other, they sent me a yard of fabric to sew a new sample for the book. Since I actually have a bit of spare time to devote to sewing and the deadline for sending the samples for the book is rapidly approaching, I'm going to sew the item today and proof of my project instructions for accuracy and clarity. *********************************************************************** By the way, I wasn't able to get the knit dress completed in time for the wedding yesterday so you'll see the review for that dress next weekend.