Hope for Jasenn

Hi Everyone--(and I hope when I say everyone, it's a lot of you)   I'm trying to get the word out that there is a new Etsy Shop that is raising funds for the Linda Perlmann's brother-in-law. Linda is a fellow blogger on Craftstylish.  HopeforJasenn is a fundraiser to support their fight against kidney caner.  Do some holiday shopping that pays it forward. Or consider donating one of your crafty creations that keeps on giving.

Fitting the Neckline and Armhole on the Tee

Hi,  I've been getting some e-mails regarding adjusting the neckline and armhole on the Tee pattern.  If you need more room in the bust and waist, and you cut out a size larger than  you need, the neck and armhole might be too big. Here is how I recommend adjusting the pattern to get a great fit-so  you don't have a droopy neckline and gaps in the armholes.  The trick is to take them in  using small increments.  For example, if you can pinch 1 1/2" out of the neckline, make 6 - 1/4 inch darts, evenly distributed across the neckline. Or, if there is an inch gap in the armhole, make 4- 1/4" darts.  Making small darts or tucks in the paper pattern, results in less distortion to the original shape of the armhole or neckline--making it easier to blend them back into a smooth curve.  If you take in the armhole like this, it's also easier to attach a sleeve that's cut a size smaller.  

I hope this helps, please let me know if you need any other specific info to help you adjust your pattern... Have a great evening!  Jen

Thoughts about the hobo bag and felting wool

Oh My Gosh, I woke up with my coffee, and I checking my e-mail, blog, etc. and I realized that I was so excited to post my new bag pattern, I forgot to actually tell you about it. (Even though it says that I posted the bag at 7 or 8 something it was really 11:31 pm...way past my bedtime!) This generously sized bag can be made with or without a box pleat in the front.  The short strap is really comfortable because it's padded with super wide welting...the kind used to make really fat piping. There is a zippered pocket in the lining...if you're afraid of zippers, don't be.  It's so easy to do this zippered pocket, you'll want to put one on each side.  Check out the post on Craftstylish, I have photo step-by-step showing you how to do this zipper!  There are also some tips on centering a border if you're into machine embroidery.  You can make this bag out of cottons, home dec fabrics or denim...and it's perfect to make out of felted wool!  I've never felted wool before, and I was really happy with the way it came out.  Here's how I did it.  

• Throw your sweaters in the washing machine with a small amount of detergent (I used Woolite)
  
• Wash the sweaters on HOT
  
• Throw them in the dryer
  
• After you dry them, take them out and inspect how "felted" they are.  If you can still see the knit stitch, repeat the wash/dry process again.
  

Things to think about when you felt wool:

1. Don't count your chickens before they hatch--Meaning, don't check to see if you have enough sweater to cut out all your pieces until after you've felted it.  The felting process really shrinks the knit.  One  sweater that I felted shrunk in a baby doll size!
   
2. Save your scraps for future wool felted fun.  I cut all my scraps into 2 and 3 inch squares. Watch for ideas on what to do with them...I'm thinking that I'm going to faggot them together with decorative stitches and make them into a little bag.
   
3. Felted wool doesn't fray or ravel along the cut edge, so you can do all kinds of fun stuff with it without worry about finishing problems.
4. Don't worry if the sweater didn't felt the first time--it might need another go.  Plus I like to throw the finished project into the wash to felt it one more time!

Anyway, I'm off to the Etsy Craft Spectacular in East Haven, CT....I'm sure I will see all sorts of cool handcrafts, I plan on doing a review of the goodies on Craftstylish when I get back.  Have a great day!  

New Hobo Bag Pattern

Hi Everyone...I want to introduce a new pattern--The Hobo Bag. This bag is inspired by one that I designed for the Silk City Runway Project in May of 2007 (my first fashion show!). The original bag has been toted around by my sister...She has received frequent inquiries about where she got it. So, I decided to make it into a pattern. I felted a couple of wool sweaters and used them to construct one of the bags that is featured on the cover. If you want to try the felting thing, check out my post on how to embroider a felted wool bag on http://www.craftstylish.com/. I can't link directly to the post, because it won't be published for 29 minutes yet. Thanks to all who are following along...I appreciate you all! Happy Sewing and Good Night!

Try this new twist using the Tee Pattern

Hi everyone...and a special Hello to my first 4 followers! It's exciting to know that there are people out there that are interested in what I'm working on. Thanks for taking the time to sign up! I just wanted to let you know that I finished a step-by-step how-to for Craftstylish that shows you how to add a vertical column of ruffles to the Tee pattern. Initially I started with two recycled tee shirts--one that I used to cut out my pattern pieces, and the other to make the ruffle insert. Unfortunately it came out a little frightening...Here is a little sneak peek at the hem.


But I rallied on the second try using a solid color--much better I think...check it out and let me know what you think!. Paired with one of my favorite cropped sweaters it made the perfect outfit for Thanksgiving Dinner! Speaking of Thanksgiving, I hope you all had a fabulous holiday.