Isn’t she pretty? Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson! made this quilt. Amazing. You can purchase the pattern right here.

My sister, Kendra, started school a couple weeks ago.  She’s a middle school teacher. We’re like two peas in a pod,  thick as thieves, twins separated at birth.  Anyhow, we’re really, really close. When she gets out of school for the summer, my “routine” is completely thrown off. She wants to go eat lunch, go shopping, go swimming, watch old movies, etc. This summer was no exception.  (Okay, okay, maybe it’s not ALL her fault.) Well, she started a new school this year and wanted me to make her some curtains. I wish every classroom in the world was like hers. She loves color . . . maybe even more than me. Her room is bright and cheery. She’s one of those teachers who works on her plans throughout the summer and starts working on her classroom way before it’s time to go back to school. She takes her job seriously and works hard. So, I was happy to make her curtains. She deserves more than curtains. During her hectic first day of school, she told me looking at the curtains made her smile. I thought “mission accomplished.”

Fabric Used: Ann Kelle’s Metro Market Apples

{photos by Ann Kelle}

I have been happily swamped with work lately. No complaints here. But, I have been wanting to sew this cute skirt for weeks.  (I have the fabric, supplies and everything). Well, yesterday, I finally pulled myself away from work to go run errands I had put off for awhile. While I was out, I went by to see my sewing instructor and she had a gift for me! Two vintage patterns. Isn’t she the best? She knows I have a genuine love of vintage clothing. We’re hoping the patterns have all the pieces, but even if they don’t, they’re cute to just look at. I love the children’s dresses. The red floral dress with the yellow tights is so fun. You could wear any of these pieces today.  I told her I wanted to make the children’s yellow dress for myself:) The women’s dress has an awesome neckline. I think I would shorten the dress length a tad. And don’t you just love the white gloves? I need to get a pair. So chic. Sadly, my sewing instructor is moving. Boo hoo. I’ve thought about commuting to Pennsylvania, but I don’t think that will work.

{photos by Ann Kelle}

It’s that time of year. Brand new crayon boxes. Freshly sharpened pencils. And nervous energy in the air as everyone awaits to see how the school year unfolds. For teachers, students, parents and all . . . may your school year be filled with blessings galore!

Fabrics: Ann Kelle’s Remix
Pattern: Original pattern by Christine Meyer
Sewn by: Christine Meyer

{photo by Angela Crutcher}

I love my camera, but I hate the strap it came with. Yellow writing on a black strap. Yuck. This sewing project was a bit tricky, probably because I didn’t use a pattern. Don’t ask. I don’t know what I was thinking. Oh, wait, I wasn’t thinking. Anyhow, I made a cover for my camera strap and it turned out pretty good for not using a pattern.  I think it looks preppy cool.

Fabric: Remix Argyle Bright
Pattern: no pattern used

{photos by Ann Kelle}

Meet Rory. Isn’t she the cutest little girl? She’s wearing an outfit made out of the Remix fabric. One of the things I love about the Remix collection is that you can mix and match everything. I picked pink and blue for this outfit. It’s such a fresh color combination. Doesn’t this outfit remind you of something Gidget would wear? Playful and sweet.

Fabric: Ann Kelle’s Remix Daisies and Dots
Pattern: No pattern. I was inspired by vintage children’s clothing.
Sewn by: Christine Meyer

{photos by Angela Crutcher}

Here’s my latest sewing project. One word: frustrating. The first pair of pj bottoms I made were way too big. I like baggy + comfy pj bottoms, but these were ridiculously big. I think I know what the problem was. I used a unisex pattern, which meant that the small size I made was actually a man’s small. Anyhow, frustrated beyond belief that I spent all this time making bottoms that didn’t fit, I went to the store to pick up a new pattern made specifically for women. I was going to wait for my next sewing class to start all over.  But, I couldn’t wait. At this point, I was mad and determined to make a pair of pj bottoms that fit!!!  And you know what? I did. I made a pair of pj bottoms in 2 hours ALL by myself. I was really proud. I also discovered that I enjoy sewing in my own space versus in a sewing class. (I think it’s because I like to play my music loud). So, in the end I discovered I could sew by myself and that I like it!

What happened to the pjs that were too big? My dad proudly snatched them up and has been wearing them. I told him he could have them as long as he didn’t wear them outside the house. (He’s a 6’1 man and the fabric is kinda youthful and girly). Of course, he totally ignored me. The next day, not only did he wear them to take the trash out, but he also went over to chat with the neighbors while wearing the pj bottoms. Real nice, dad.

Fabric used: Ann Kelle’s Urban Zoologie
Pattern: McCall’s (M4979)

(photos by Ann Kelle)

Here are a couple of my new additions to the Metro Market line. The apple design was inspired by my favorite teachers in the world: my mom and sister. They both have asked me to sew them something using the fabric. I’m discovering that if people find out you’re learning how to sew, they want you to make them something. All I really want to do is make myself pretty little skirts and dresses.

This is my new skirt. It’s the first article of clothing I’ve ever sewn. I chose the Remix Stripes  for the fabric. My teacher waited until AFTER I finished the project to inform me that stripes can be somewhat difficult to work with. Oh well. It took a LONG time to complete (I’m embarrassed to put how long), but I kept reminding myself that I’m a beginner sewer. Hopefully, next time it won’t take as long. Key word: hope.

{photos by Ann Kelle}

My shelves are busting at the seams with all this new fabric. Here’s a peek of another line of fabric I have with Robert Kaufman, Urban Zoologie. Available in stores soon.