Recycled denim backpack and Playing with my embroidery machine

I've been thinking about making a denim backpack, this is one style.

 I have another one in my head too, unfortunately I don't sketch.

I've also been playing with my embroidery machine. I would like to make interesting labels. I need to learn a little bit more about how to customize it. I can't wait till my kids are old enough to help me figure it out!

 

 I'll try to keep posting my progress.

Angela Wolf's March 2014 Wardrobe Challenge

I kinda dropped the ball on the February Challenge. I got busy with trees and couldn't keep up! I still have a shirred refashion that I plan on doing, we'll see if I can get it on here. If you read lots of blogs be sure to thank constant writers! Its hard to stop and take pics and write down while you are doing.

The March Challenge is sewing Designer Jeans!

promotional photo by http://fashionsewingwithangelawolf.com/

Same as last month, use Pinterest for inspiration, Flickr to share your hard work. Lots of great prizes.

Sew with Angela in her online class, Sewing Designer Jeans. 

Please share and comment at my Detroit Sewing Examiner page!

Trees, trees, Trees!

The youth theatre is doing "Into the Woods, Jr.". They have 4 shows with two casts. Everyone who tries out gets a part. That means about 50 children will get to be singing trees. I got to sew the trees!

Here is the inspiration:

 

I was able to modify an angel pattern to be A-line and put 1/4 circle panels in the side seams, the boys costumes have legs.

 The treetops cut and with ties.

 They have horsehair braid in the hems.

 43 Trees, only a few could share because they were full length.

Treetops painted.

Getting decorated.

 And I also made a dress for Cinderella last minute.

 The play is this weekend! I'll get final tree pics asap.

 Looking good!!

Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine

Lots of people tell me they want to sew, but they don't know how to use their machine. I can relate! It took me forever to learn that it mattered which way the bobbin went in on the machine. But once I figured that out I was off and sewing. I recommend this video class.




Claudia Miller goes over threading, bobbin winding and insertion, and many other little details to get you sewing.  And best of all the class is free! Its free to register there, too. But you do have to set up a free account. There are many other free classes in other crafty topics, but I haven't looked at them. 

Once you "buy" the free class it is yours to watch as often as you need. Plus, you can ask questions and get help as you go along. You can have your machine next to the computer and go through it with her, pausing if you need to.

If you are looking for a sewing book to get you going successfully, I recommend  The New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories Updated Edition with All-New Projects and Simplicity Patterns (Reader's Digest). Take a look at the used books for a better price.

Sewing is such an enjoyable hobby for me, I want everyone to be successful! 

2014 Wardrobe Challenge

 Promotional image by fashionsewingwithangelawolf.com

Are you planning to join the Wardrobe Challenge? The goal of the Wardrobe Challenge is 'to inspire, mentor and challenge you to fill your closet with your own home sewn and restyled garments'. I don't know that I'll be able to keep up with them all, but the first is an inspiration storyboard.   That I can do! I'm constantly overflowing with inspiration. It's the finding time for doing/sewing that is difficult.

One thing I must find time for is finishing my Sewing Class, I haven't watched in a while and I really did enjoy it.

More details about the Challenge along with prize info is here on my Detroit Sewing Examiner page. Please share your inspiration there in the comments section. Lets inspire each other!

My Craftsy Class

I had a little trouble getting my pattern for my Craftsy Class, the pattern got lost in the mail the first time they sent it. But, as always, their customer service was spectacular and I got a new one in 2 weeks. I haven't looked at my class for a while, I've been making things for my shop. I'm so happy I can do the class on my own time!

Anyway the pattern is Vogue V1263. The Donna Karan Collection.

I really like it, it is something I can actually wear when I make it.  I'm pretty sure I have enough of a knit for my first test jacket, but I'm not sure yet what fabric I will use for the finished embellished garment. Maybe something like this: Organic Cotton Jersey Knit Chocolate Brown 

If you haven't tried Craftsy yet, they are having a Summer Sale right now, It would be a good time to give them a whirl.

Denim Wrap Skirt from repurposed Jeans

I love how it turned out!

Now back to cutting!