Sew to Speak

Anthro Inspired!

2011-12-28T20:18:00.001-06:00

These placemats were inspired by some Janelle saw at Anthropologie.

Close friends and family of Janelle are often blessed with incredible handmade gifts. I hope these placemats enjoy their new home because I think they are stunning.

She used linen in the center with perl cotton embroidery thread. This one is bordered by LouLouThi by Anna Maria Horner.

This design is done in organic prints. Cloud Nine on the border and non-organic Alexander Henry on the back.

Nice job Janelle. You truly inspire me!

Anita

Elephants On Parade

2011-12-16T12:37:00.002-06:00

Holiday Party at Sew To Speak
Tomorrow - 10 - 5 PM

Stop by this Saturday for some holiday treats.

Voting for your favorite elephant contestant will end promtly at 1:30.

At 2 o'clock we will announce our winners and prizes will be given.

Thank you to all who participated. Your softies have been enjoyed by the masses.

Happy Holidays from Anita, April, Janelle, Emily, Mary and Sydney at Sew To Speak.

mission control...

2011-11-22T15:12:00.001-06:00

we're nearly clear for take off!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Have I mentioned the fact that I've been workin my tushie off on a NEW WEBSITE?!!?!

... it's going to be a huge improvement.... (though right now it feels more like a huge headache)!

Anyways...

I hope everyone loves it........ it should be ready to

launch very soon!!

stay tuned!

Scrappy Ornaments

2011-11-16T14:08:00.000-06:00

Here is a fun, easy project as you prepare for the Holidays! And if you don't mind a few sticky fingers, even fun for the kids!

You will need clear, plastic ornaments. They come is a variety of sizes, but mine are 3" ornaments. You will be able to find these at your local craft supply store and are usually sold in a carton of 6.

You will also need a jar of Modge Podge and a small paint brush.

Finally, gather your scraps of fabrics and cut them into very small pieces. The pieces do not need to be the same size, in fact, it is better to have a variety of sizes. But the scraps do need to be small....generally an inch or less.

I usually start at the top of the ornament and lay a piece of fabric on the ornament, hold it with one hand and simply paint the piece of fabric with Modge Podge. You don't need much, just enough to stick the fabric to the ornament. Then continue with another scrap and slightly over lap the last piece of fabric and paint with Modge Podge. I like to go all around the top first so that I can hold onto the hanger as I work my way around the bulb.

You will notice it looks cloudy as you are painting, but it will dry clear. Once you have finished a bulb, you can place it upside down in the carton or string a ribbon through and hang to dry. Once dry you may add more layers of Modge Podge if you would prefer. I only did one coat.

So there you have it! A fun ornament for your Christmas tree, as a gift {for teacher, maybe}, or gather several in a ribbon and use to decorate a package.

Have fun!

Mary

FALL 2011 QUILT MARKET

2011-11-13T14:22:00.001-06:00

Round 2
(New companies and the first arrivals!)

While in Houston this year we were pleased to pick up 4 new companies we've never ordered with before! 2 fantastic fabric cos, 1 new pattern designer, and one very unique notions supplier.

The first I'll share is Basic Grey...
an awesome notions company with a classic, collected and heirloom aesthetic. From them we ordered several styles and sizes of these beautiful "samplers." Designed to display your treasured buttons and those little pieces of fabric you can't help but hold onto. These special pieces would make great gifts for crafty friends.
The best part: the first shipment JUST ARRIVED!! So come and get 'em! We're sure their going to go fast!

also from Basic Grey we ordered these sweet little epoxy glazed buttons, for a finishing touch on any garment or accessory.

Then there was Dear Stella!

The yellow chevron dress was my absolute FAVORITE!!!

These ladies did it RIGHT...

This was their Quilt Market debut and they had us (and many others) wowed!

They rightfully won the Best New Exhibitor award... just look at those dresses!!! Each day all the girls in the booth wore fabulous dresses handmade in their own fabrics... LOVE!

Out of all the fabric at market, we ordered the most from Dear Stella. 10 bolts of the blues, greys and yellows are in mid transit and should arrive sometime NEXT WEEK, while other brighter, orange, yellow and pinky prints will be here in time for spring.

FYI: They offer this "Eloise Elephant Pillow" as a free download on their site... a Holiday Softie perhaps??

Also making her market debut, Carrie Bloomston of SUCH Designs.

Carrie was a joy to chat with! A wonderfuly personable artist and blogger, she has recently been featured in both Stitch and Studios magazines. Her unique patterns have a very whimsical quality... playful, storybook and somewhat scandinavian in style.. I adore her Wonky Little Houses and stick puppets. Plus SUCH offers something I haven't seen from any other indie pattern maker, patterns and kits especially geared toward the younger (preteen) sewer. Her up-cycled t-shirt kits teach girls to twist their old shirts into something new. If I'd seen these when I was 10 all the girls on my list would have gotten one.. in fact I might make some for my girlies this year ;)

We were fortunate (with enough suitcase room) to be able to bring many of these patterns home directly from the show! You can see them in the shoppe NOW and look for more of her designs to be ordered soon.

Finally, the fourth new company is one that many of you have been asking us for...

Riley Blake.

We placed our first order with a super sweet sales rep and now we're very excited to add them to our list of distributors. Not only do they carry cute quilting prints and laminated cottons but they also have some awesome buttons and trims. So you can be on the look out for these Riley Blake goodies... in they should be coming soon too!

Well that seems like a lot but there is still a whole bunch more where Market's concerned...
if I can I'll do a round 3...
it was definitely inspiring as always!

Make way for Elephants...

2011-11-13T13:08:00.000-06:00

Our Annual Holiday Softie contest is here again!

You may remember our previous softie contests. This year's theme is ELEPHANTS! Deadline for entries is December 10th.

Here's how it works:
Stitch an Elephant and bring him or her in to Sew To Speak by December 10th. We will have customers, including you, vote for their favorite elephant and on December 17th, from 2-5pm we will host a Holiday Party, the votes will be tallied and winners will be announced!

The official Contest Rules:
1. Elephants must be sewn. They can have other embellishments (embroidery, crochet, and etc.) but the body must be sewn.
2. They can be as small as you like but no bigger than 30 inches long.
3. You can use a pattern, book or create your own softie.
4. Softies must stay at the shoppe until Saturday, January 7th and then they are yours to take home.
5. Your elephants need to be given a name, so we know what to call them ;)
6. All entries must be in by close (5pm) Saturday, December 10th.

THE PRIZES!:
1st place will take home a $30 gift certificate
2nd place a $20 gift certificate
3rd place a $15 gift certificate

FALL 2011 QUILT MARKET

2011-11-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

PHOTOS: Round 1

Amy Butler showed us LARK...

her beautiful new bohemian line (which arrived to our shoppe just before market).

David Butler

aka Parson Gray (aka Amy's hubby)

showed us his first ever fabric line... Curious Nature!

These handsome fibers are due to arrive February 2012

Colette Patterns

boasted their beautiful new BOOK for beginners...

and lots of pretty pattern samples.

Also incase you didn't get the Newsletter... We've marked ALL Colette's current pattern's 20% off (while supplies last)!

At Market..

2011-10-30T07:24:00.000-05:00

and loving it! ♥ ♥ ♥

We're soaking in the inspiration and ordering lovely new fabrics.. buttons.. trims and more!

If you follow us on Facebook then you can see some of what we're seeing!! View my most recent Mobile Uploads.. with more sneak peaks posted every few hours!

STUNNING new colors and prints

2011-10-24T08:21:00.000-05:00

quilting cottons...

and home decor, Cotton Sateen...

We LOVE!

Made Monday

2011-10-03T07:44:00.000-05:00

A cute and squirrely little messenger bag from the Oliver & S book, Little Things to Sew... made by Missy.

When Children (and fabric) inspire....

2011-09-19T16:08:00.005-05:00

I'm absolutely in love with the newest line of Aneela Hoey fabric, Little Apples. Not only do I adore the sweet little prints of kids and clothes and turtles but I just love the name, "Little Apples." My husband has grown fond of calling our newest baby his Little Apple or more often "Little-apple-dumplin"!

So after eyeing it for a few days... while pouting because I haven't had much sew-time lately... I decided to bring some of this great "clothing" print home. My hope was to make a simple gathered skirt for AV and if that didn't happen then I'd just horde it away for awhile until the time came when I could sew.

But when the girlie, AV saw it she decided it was to make doll clothes with. When I said that it might be too little to make doll clothes from and that I was planning to make a skirt for her with it she stood her ground like a good little four year old and insisted it'd be for dolls....
Like some kind of mind worm I could not get her little idea out of my head.. I had to make it work. And even more important I HAD TO SEW!
Several days later, after lots of pondering I started playing with some ideas... a few failed prototypes later here is what I have:

I drew a little apple girl of my own and embroidered her (in the style of Aneela) onto felt (because fabric sticks to felt). After she was stitched I backed her with more felt, machine sewed around her and cut her out as seen above. But how (you might ask) did I cut out those tiny little shirts and dresses without having them fray and fall-to-pieces?

Well... MOD PODGE!

I simply roughly cut out all the little outfits (for the doll I went and bought a fat quarter of the clothes print with white background) laid them down on top of freezer paper and coated each one with a layer of Mod Podge. After they have dried I cut them out more precisely.

It works! When you press the little clothes onto the felt doll they stick on. They will fall off with lots of jostling, but so will the clothes of paper dolls so I think overall this is a success.

I'm delighted and after this little (Apple) success and due to my in-laws gifting me with some much needed toddler free sew-time I also made the skirt I'd been planning. Plus for an extra boost to my creative streak I made up a new reversible version of the simple gathered skirt I always make for her.

I'm even more delighted by the results of this twirly number that I'm gonna have to make time to stitch some more!

This is all a surprise for my little apple when she comes home from her sleepover at Nana and Poppy's so I have to hop off now. I still have several outfits to cut out before Aelyn gets here!

Sewing with Oilcloth: Meet the Author

2011-09-09T13:20:00.002-05:00

Meet & Greet with Author Kelly McCants

This Thursday, Sept 15, 5-7PM

While in town for Columbus' annual Country Living Fair, author Kelly McCants has set aside some time to visit with us at the shoppe. She'll be bringing samples from her beautiful new book, Sewing with Oilcloth, as well as sharing projects, tips and tricks on working with oilcloth, laminates and chalk cloth! In the meantime take a look at this super cute video she made introducing her book and stop by Kelly's blog, ModernJune to learn a little more about her.

***PLUS: We will be GIVING AWAY some very sweet oilcloth bundles in her honor!***

Made Monday

2011-09-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

For this sweet little lady at play, a precious little Ballet Neck Toddler Dress in a fun elephant print . Made by LittleWit, pattern from One Yard Wonders.

A Tisket...A Tasket....

2011-08-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

Here is a super simple way to make a basket block.....
First choose your fabrics....you will need a basket fabric and a background fabric. You will also need some rik-rak for your basket handle.

Begin by making a simple basket shape. My basket is 5 inches tall and then I angled the sides for a basket shape.....

Notice the angles on the two sides are not the same. They don't need to be - so there is no need to measure and try to be precise. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you will lose 1/4 inch on each side for seam allowances.

From my background fabric I will cut two pieces for each side of my basket. I am going to over-size all my pieces from this point on and trim them up in the end. So for my background sides I want the length of my pieces to be the same length as my basket {5 inches}. In the end I will square my basket up to 10.5 inches so I will make the width of my background pieces at least 5 inches as well....then with my basket sandwiched in between the background pieces, I will definitely have enough to trim away.

In order to sew my basket to the background I need to make the angle of the adjoining sides the same. An easy way to do this is to line up one of the background sides on a vertical and horizontal line on your mat { all right sides up }. Place your basket right side up just on top of the edge of the background piece so that it is completely covering the edge....

Now, with your acrylic ruler and rotary cutter, cut along that angle trimming away a slice of the background fabric. Simply follow the angle of your basket. Then stitch the background to the basket { right sides facing }.

Repeat this for the other side of the basket. And, again, stitch the side to the basket {right sides facing }.

With your basket unit complete, cut a piece of background fabric large enough in width to cover the width of the basket unit and long enough that you can add a handle for your basket.

Before stitching the top section to the basket unit, cut a piece of rik-rak and form it into a handle. The ends of the rik-rak should hang down about 1/4 inch from the bottom edge of the top section. Pin the handle in place....

Stitch the handle to the top section. If you match your thread to the handle you won't even see the stitching.

Add the top section with the handle to your basket unit...and trim away the excess rik-rak from below the seam allowance. Press seams toward the basket.

Add a bottom section to your basket unit the same way as the top, but without the rik-rak.

Press well and trim the whole block up to 10.5 inches....

And there you have a cute little basket block!

This would be a great block to add to a quilt or to make an entire quilt of baskets! Add a block to an apron or make it the pocket of an apron...a table runner of baskets....or add to a pillow. How cute would this block be made with the Ghastlies fabric for a bit of Halloween fun!

Happy Stitching!

Mary

Starting today...

2011-08-27T08:02:00.000-05:00

It's our wonderful Fall Pre Season SALE!

Saturday, August 27th - Saturday, September 3rd

The air is growing cooler, the kids are back in school, soon we'll be surrounded by all the goodness of fall. It's a truly beautiful season. A time for sipping cider and sewing soft, cozy clothing and quilts. We want to help jump start your fall fashion and home sewing with this great Pre Season SALE!

SALE includes: All new fall fabrics 20% off
Select wools, corduroy and flannels 30 and 40% off
Select Japanese 20-40% off
Many printed cottons 20-30% off
Laminates 20% off
Select specialty fabrics 20% off
Oliver and S patterns 20% off
Many Birch and Cloud Nine organics 20% off

Plus for our ONLINE shoppers we're offering 15% off your entire online order NOW through Saturday, September 3rd. Just enter "CIDER&SEWING" in the coupon code box at checkout.

Made Monday

2011-08-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Check out this awesomely Crazy Dresden made by Molly, our Mary's Molly that is ;)

Her embroidery is so intricate and exquisite, each little section has a life of its own!

Animal Silhouettes: Raw Edge Appliqué

2011-08-13T08:45:00.003-05:00

Find an animal that "speaks" to you. Choosing one with a simpler shape, less sharp points or legs, may serve you well when it comes to the stitching, unless your advanced in free motion quilting then you have no need to worry about that. To find an animal shape you can do a google image search of any animal name + silhouette and you will find ample examples to draw from or print and trace. Or you could print and use one of my little animal silhouettes.

Size your animal however big or small you like, trace and cut out.

Cut a piece of Wonder-Under large enough to fit the entire animal with some overhang. Iron the glue side of your Wonder-Under down onto the wrong side of your silhouette fabric.

Lay animal on top the Wonder-Under paper, taking care that the animal is facing the opposite way you'd like it to be in your final project, trace and cut out your silhouette.

Peel of the paper backing of the Wonder-Under and place your animal onto of your fabric or project glue side down. Once you've got it right where you want (there's no going back after you've ironed), iron animal in place.

Finally, using a slightly tighter stitch length than normal, machine sew around your silhouette 3 or 4 times.

Simple as that!!! Now use your little shadowy friend on a tote, a t-shirt or anywhere you like!
My foxy friend ended up here...

on the pocket of a new Mei Tai carrier.

I love this new carrier. It's comfortable to wear and not too fussy. The one confusion I ran into when working with the Sew Liberated pattern is that the main panel pattern piece mentions cutting it out of 2 layers of flannel for lining but that is not mentioned anywhere in the instructions, nor does it call for flannel in the supply list. I'm assuming this was something they forgot to edit out. I originally added the 2 layers of flannel and was unhappy with it, too heavy and thick, unnecessary. So I got out the old seam-ripper, took them out and reassembled with just the main fabric panels. Now I'm very happy and so is baby Camilla!

Oh and just a note: I meant nothing by putting a FOX on my baby's butt! I didn't even think about it until later... I just really like little foxes, I've been seeing them quite a bit lately, they're so cute and they seem to be a pretty popular and reoccurring theme in the craft world, one of my favorites right here. Though she is a "foxy" little baby, I wasn't consciously making that reference! ;)

A Spin on the Pinwheel....

2011-08-10T18:18:00.001-05:00

Here is a spin on the traditional pinwheel block that may be fun for a try! Using just two solid colors white and Kona in Cheddar I worked out a great block with a bit of a nautical flair!

I began with 2 inch strips of Kona in Cheddar and white. Cut the strips from the width of the fabric - selvage to selvage. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the strips together. I pieced mine Cheddar, White, Cheddar, White. Press seams in the direction of the darker fabric.

Sub-cut this fabric strip into 6 inch squares....I used a 6 inch square up ruler for perfect squares.

For a pinwheel we need another fabric to go in between and make our pinwheels spin!

So I cut White 6 inch squares....

Pinwheels are simply half square triangles arranged in a pinwheel pattern. Now, we are ready to make our half square triangles an easy way! On the White square draw a diagonal line from corner to corner...

Place a White square- right sides facing- on top of a pieced Cheddar square and pin parallel to the diagonal line {at least 1/4 inch away from the line}.

Now stitch 1/4 inch from the drawn diagonal line....on both sides of the diagonal line. Do not stitch on the diagonal line because this will be your cutting line.

Once you have stitched on both sides of the line, you can cut the two sides apart on the drawn diagonal line.

Open and press the seams toward the pieced fabric. Cut off the dog ears from your block after it is pressed.

It will take two sets of squares to make one complete pinwheel block. Arrange your half square triangles in a pinwheel pattern.

Now you will sew the top half together and the bottom half together {again, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance}. Press the seams toward the pieced fabric. Then sew the top and bottom half together.

If you arrange your pinwheel halves just so...you will end up with another mini-pinwheel in the center!

And you also get this fabulous secondary pattern where the two pinwheel blocks meet! LOVE a good secondary pattern!

This would make a fabulous quilt for you or for a new little one :) Or what about making enough of this 'fabric' to use in a tote pattern? You would be such a hit at your next picnic with a cute pinwheel tote!

Have fun!

Mary

Made Monday

2011-08-01T08:00:00.007-05:00

The Handmade Homemaker, Krista Shaffer shared these awesome kicks with us via Facebook.

And she even did a tutorial over on her blog, check it out!

And the winner is....

2011-07-18T09:59:00.003-05:00

Our randomly chosen winner for the delicious LouLouThi bundle is:
Tami said...

Hi, I am Tami and live in Southern New Mexico.
I follow you thru my blogroll on bloglovin.com
If I were lucky enough to win this wonderful stack of fabric I would use it to make a warm/cool quilt from In Color Order flickr group quilt along. I think those fabrics would work perfectly.

YAY! Congratulations to you Tami! Send me your mailing address at aprilATsewtospeakshoppeDOTcom and your package will be on its way!

You asked for it

2011-07-15T10:39:00.002-05:00

and it's about time we gave it to you!

IT'S A GIVEAWAY

For all of you lovely fans and blog followers, many of whom live perhaps a little (or even a lot) too far to come see us at the shoppe, we have a very special treat! One full collection bundle, 30 fat quarters total of Anna Maria's stunning new collection, LouLouThi.

To win leave us a comment, include your name, where you're following from and what you might do with this delicious stack of fabric if it happened to become yours. We will draw one winner at random and announce their name on Monday, July 18th.

Critters In the Cabin

2011-07-14T09:12:00.001-05:00

I have had a great time this week working with our preview selection of Suzy Ultman's fabric Critter Community. So I thought I would share an easy way to add a little kick to the log cabin block by setting it on point!

Begin by choosing a fabric for the center of your log cabin. I choose a cute little hedgehog cut into a 2.5 inch square. To the top of the square I added a strip of fabric using a 1/4 inch seam allowance {my fabric strips are random widths from 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches}.

For my log cabin block, I am working counter clockwise adding strips to frame the center square. So the next strip will be stitched to the left side of the center.....

Each time I add a strip, I simply trim it even with the edges of the square before adding the next strip. It is a good idea to press each fabric before adding the next.

For this project I will use a 10.5 inch square up ruler to make the final cut on my block. And since my block will be on point I need to over size the block. So I simply continue adding strips until my log cabin is more than large enough for my square up ruler. If you don't have a square up ruler you can use a piece of paper, posterboard or quilter's template plastic cut to the correct size. Then place your acrylic ruler on top of your template and even with the edge - and cut!

I have placed my square up ruler on point. Now I can trim around each side and the result will be a log cabin block set on point! If you would like to make this even more fun, tilt the ruler a little and your block will be a bit wonky!

Easy and fun!

Happy Sewing!

mary

P.S. Stay tuned for more projects using Suzy Ultman's new Critter Community and the fabric release date to come soon!

Made Monday

2011-07-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

An adorable Banner Quilt by Cristin of Hazelnut Designs and Sew This is My Life.

Suzy's New Critter Community!

2011-07-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Fabric Giveaway!

This Saturday, July 2nd

If you liked Suzy Ultman's Appleville then you're sure to adore what's coming next. Suzy's new line Critter Community has two, super cute panels picturing a mama and her baby deer, bright eyed owls, 3 little hedgehogs and all kinds of other Suzylike scenes as well as several coordinating character prints.

To spread the news of this fun new collection Robert Kaufman has sent us a generous sneak peak of these adorable new critters as well as some precious Critter Community and Applevile bundles to giveaway to several lucky Ultman fans. Stop in anytime this Saturday, July 2nd, to put your name in the pot and we'll draw the winners...

A Proverbial Pillow

2011-06-28T22:31:00.000-05:00

Denyse Schmidt's quilt pattern, The Proverbial Quilt, is a fun way to add text to your sewing project! I have used the alphabet in this pattern to make this quilt...and today I put together a little pillow using just four letters - ENZO

The pattern is easy to use, but I have a couple of tips that make it even easier! Yay!
First, I traced my letter templates onto the dull side of freezer paper. Each template is marked with a letter and number...I added BG to indicate a piece that should be cut from background fabric. Cut templates on the line....

Then with a hot, dry iron...press the templates with the shiny side toward the right side of the fabric. The freezer paper will stick to the fabric making it much easier to keep the pieces organized.

Lay an acrylic ruler on top of the template and cut so that you leave a quarter inch seam allowance on each side. The freezer paper should stay in place...no need to double sticky tape the template to your fabric!

Then simply sew the letter parts in order.....

You will need to add spacers between the letters and background sections on the ends. Fortunately, my letters were all rather straight {no fiddly angles} but there is an easy way to match letter angles. First lay your spacer or background piece with the top along a horizontal line on your mat. Then lay your letter just over the edge of the background fabric....

Using the acrylic ruler, cut the background fabric along the edge of your letter - keeping the same letter angle...

My little guy has an easy name with just four letters. After adding spacers between the letters and background pieces on the ends, I just arranged them two letters by two letters.

I trimmed my square and added some colorful sashing to each side which put my pillow at about 18.5 inches square!

A little bright pick stitching with perle cotton....

To finish I added a cute back with loops and buttons to close {maybe for another post?}

There are so many possibilities...re-size the letters and add text to tea towels or placemats....

or perhaps initials on a pillow if the name is lengthy...how fun!

This one is going to my niece's son....ENZO!

Thanks for letting me visit :)

mary

Our Marvelous Mary!

2011-06-25T22:15:00.000-05:00

As many of you already know (and may even follow) our very own Mary Dugan has taken the blog world by storm!

In fact one of her tutorials was featured on Craftzine just the other day. They showcased her Flowering Snowball how-to, for which Mary provides her own block template for readers to print and size to their liking.

Mary is an amazing addition to our Sew To Speak team. She graciously works in the shoppe most Saturdays and teaches many great classes. If you've admired any of our many quilt samples or perhaps the patchwork pillows, chances are it was made by Mary!

Mary's blog Molly Flanders has gained 400+ followers. There, she lovingly writes about her quilting, her daughters, her family, dog, students, antiquing, garage sales, her garden and more.

She is truely an inspiration, now not only to those who see her work in our little shop but to the entire world. As I recently wrote in a comment to her, I'm truly in AWE!

All photos in this post are from Mary's blog, Molly Flanders. The top photo is a sample of one of Mary's newest classes, her Union Jack Pillow Class.

Go Mary!

If you didn't already know, WE ADORE YOU!

Also, being that I'm a bit swamped by a new baby and her wild big sister, I've invited Mary to help write for our blog. So lets all cross our fingers and hope to hear for her HERE soon ;)

Made Monday

2011-06-20T08:00:00.009-05:00

You gotta love a border print! and what better use then a sweet full skirt for any young girl who likes to twirl?
Made by Lindsey McEnery.

I ♥ this skirt!! ;)

Stunning Loulouthi!

2011-06-15T19:44:00.002-05:00

30 BOLTS!

Are we crazy?

Maybe.

But how in ones right mind could one choose some and not the others when they are all so stunning?

There was no choice but to take the whole lot!

Loulouthi: The newest line of fabric from fabulous designer Anna Maria Horner.

Made Monday

2011-05-30T08:45:00.002-05:00

A sweet and patchy runner to bring cheer to the table! Made by Erin Eckenrode.

Made Monday

2011-05-23T08:45:00.010-05:00

A beautiful quilt in blues and greens.

Made for a lucky little guy

by his mama, Amanda Sasikirana.

Fabric Friday - Recent Arrivals

2011-05-20T16:53:00.000-05:00

As you may have already heard (here or here) we were BOMBED with boxes this week!!! And those great boxes were loaded with new fabric!

Because of this I thought I'd give you a little look-see at what's come in. Most of these are fresh off the truck while others have been in for a little bit but I hadn't shared them with you yet so here they are.

New Michael Miller dots, ginghams, bikes and bunting!!

Alexander Henry owl Christmas prints, fun snails and flowers, festive donkeys and manly pin-ups [blushing].

Robert Kaufman's Pups in Pickups, Appleville and Just Dandy Flowers.

Plus we also received a bunch of new apparel fabrics including silks, knits, linens chambray and more.

Happy Fabric Friday!!

-April

Back In the Bouncer

2011-05-18T21:10:00.002-05:00

Camilla, 4 weeks old tomorrow and already well acquainted with the workplace. There she is below. Sleepin on the job!

I know it's seems soon but after dropping her big sister off at preschool I can't help but head straight for the shoppe. I pretend to work (while accomplishing little more than diaper changes and nursing.)
Really, I just want to stay connected, say hello to the mailman, chat with the girls, watch the new deliveries roll in, order more fabric and dream of the day I'll sew again.

Mostly we sit in the back corner. Baby Cami on my lap, hiding behind my computer screen. Honestly, she's so quiet that I think many customers don't even realize she's there!

Anyways, since I'm pretty sure we'll be continuing with this routine (that is as long as the babe is content) I picked up a bouncy chair to keep at the shoppe.

I hope to eventually slipcover it with something a little more "Sew To Speak," but it works just fine for now.

Though, wouldn't this little Japanese print make a cute bouncer cover? with the red and pink dot for the trim and bar...

Yeah. Maybe I'll sew that someday.

Meanwhile I wanna see/hear about what you're sewing!!
Comment, Facebook or Flickr... show me the cool stuff you're making and help keep me connected ;)

Thanks blog friends!
♥April

Made Monday

2011-05-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

A beautifully stitched Dresden Plate Pillow by Mary Dugan. Checkout the great new Japanese buttons on the back!

Wanna make one too? Sign up for Mary's new Dresden Pillow Class!

An Eye for Fabric

2011-04-30T07:31:00.004-05:00

I wrote a few poems when I was young but I haven't written one since Freshman English at Whitehall Yearling High. I loved my teacher. He was way smart and cute. He encouraged my creativity. In the years that followed I did not write any poems. My creativity was directed toward sewing... dresses and later quilts. (Thinking about a quilt right now, inspired by my friend Joseph from Toastmaster and Mary Dugan and Janelle and April and Emily and too many to name).

I have not slept well this week. Laying awake one night, then two, then most of the week. Maybe I am excited about the new baby. Sure, we all are. Or maybe it's a psychic sort of sympathy for my daughter up all night nursing.

"Any Who", I wrote this poem at 4 AM Thursday. It was inspired by my grand daughter Aelyn who gave me the title and sang it as a rock song for me only. I am the one witness to her genius. I couldn't get her to sing it again. It is interestedly timely since the royal wedding was being televised in the wee hours and on the screen appeared this giant ferris wheel. Did anyone else see the shot of the Eye at 4 AM? I thought I was hallucinating from lack of sleep but I was not.

Meet Me At the Ferris Wheel

The Princess is afraid to sleep for what if she misses it

It goes round and round

Seated high up in the air is the Prince

And the Prince goes round and round

The lights, the colors, the vibrations are so

She coughs, “What if i miss it?”

Her chest is tight, she panics, she freaks out

Oh, the secret, she must take her little dog with her. Can she? He is afraid

Yes, he is afraid but she carries him. She holds him

It goes round and round

I am on my way. Get ready

The air is high but I can ride the ferris wheel for I am a breath of fresh air

They go round

Finally, I found that this Japanese Carnival fabric to very fitting with whole Royal theme and it has been sadly over looked at the shoppe. Maybe I can get Janelle to make an apron from it (wink wink).

Have Fun this weekend. Sew something? ;)

Anita

ps... I think Aelyn will like what came from her song. She is going to be a singer, I predict. Well she is already a singer but maybe she will choose to be famous someday. Or maybe she will marry into the royal family and never work after that. She is already a Princess to me. Her new sister is Princess Camilla, Baby Princess. Remember the one who got the bad wrap in England? She was not named after her. It is only a coincidence. I love her name.

pss..Hey April... I am enjoying doing the blog but come back soon I have stuff to get done.

psss... Thanks Janelle and Emily for correcting my mistakes this week. I will rest up and be ready to do my job on Monday.

New Birth/New Reason to Sew Something with LOVE

2011-04-22T15:35:00.002-05:00

April's beautiful baby girl, Camilla was born yesterday evening. She is a healthy little one, "practically perfect in every way, " to quote Mary Poppins which her big sister and I get the privilege of seeing on stage tomorrow. Aelyn is especially interested in the costumes. See, sewing is in the blood.

Life is so wonderful and I feel extremely blessed to be a grammy of two precious girls and we also have one charming young lad who belongs to April's sister Erin. My mind is busy thinking of the things that I will sew... a tiny dress for Camilla, a pink skirt for Aelyn (she picked the fabric) and a new toy tote for Jayden.

Off the sewing theme I must share with you a top moment of my life which occurred last night just an hour an a half before the birth of the baby. My husband and I were waiting at the hospital. I was pretty emotional, bawling my eyes out. We walked to the parking lot to pick up Aelyn who had fallen asleep on the way and here comes April, in labor and walking through the parking lot under the light of the street lamps, just glowing with expectancy. She looked like the Madonna to me. Then here comes Jeff charging after her in his Chuck Taylor's, looking like prince charming. They were simply the most beautiful people in the world. Jeff had wanted to drop her off at the door but April insisted on walking. Well, my tears kept falling and I took a mental picture of the moment that I will hold forever dear to my heart.

Happy Easter or Weekend or Whatever you celebrate to All our friends,

Anita, a very content grammy.

Appleville Season Preview 3

2011-04-17T19:46:00.010-05:00

And yet more wonderful Appleville samples by Janelle...

I love my job. Surrounded by so much beauty, joy and creativity, how could I not. Take a look at what Janelle has been sewing up with the Appleville fabric from Robert Kaufman.

This little fabric basket is from Zakka Sewing, by Theresa Laskey and Chika Mori. The houses work so well inside because they are facing all directions. Janelle's hand stitching is darling.

These napkins are some of my favorite. Everything is better with rick rack, in my opinion.

Thanks Janelle, Emily and Mary for your special projects and enjoy the left over fabric.

Look for the Appleville Collection at Sew To Speak in May. You can sew up some darling projects of your own and then be sure to share them on our Flickr group.

Happy Sewing,

Anita (April is out on maternity leave. Baby is 3 days over due but April is in good spirits and she has been stitching up something special. I think it is a surprise.)

Appleville Season Preview 2

2011-04-14T15:56:00.006-05:00

Mary's Appleville Quilt

Mary rose to the challenge by designing this amazing modern quilt. You really need to stop into the shoppe to see the detail she added in the little house window. She used a pleated ribbon to make a curtain. It's adorable.

You could take her Design Your Own Modern Class to create one of your own.

I also need to mention that Emily's challenge piece that we featured on Monday is the sample for a class she will teach. Look for a class called "Embroidered Wall Art."

Anita

Appleville Season Preview

2011-04-11T18:55:00.013-05:00

I received a call from Ali at Robert Kaufman Fabrics a few weeks ago. She had heard that we hosted Suzy Ultman as a guest fabric designer in our shoppe. She wondered if she could send us a bundle of Suzy's new collection, Appleville. FREE FABRIC!! Are you kidding me? Just tell me what I need to do. She asked if we would make up some samples with the fabric. We could pick the samples we wanted to make and then just post a blog in it. Sure, anything for free fabric!

Well, Emily, Janelle and Mary made samples. And they get the free fabric out of the deal, too. I had too much fun playing outside over the weekend and didn't get my sample done.

Here is a look at the fabric. I just adore it, so bright and fun.

I will be sharing the items that Janelle, Mary and Emily created over the next few days. They all turned out sweet. But how can you go wrong with great fabric and creative sewers?

First Emily....

Her fabric art piece in a hoop is so lovely and bright. The pony tail girl actually reminds me of Emily. I love all the stitching she did around the pieces. Maybe she will sell this to me.

Enjoy and look for Appleville to show up at Sew To Speak someday soon. Anita

Springy Stash Buster

2011-04-08T17:43:00.002-05:00

Sewn or not.. pennants are a super simple and springy stash buster. Inspired by a lovely customer and fellow blogger, Erin, I first made this small one for our front window and then set out to make another for above the fireplace. They go together quickly and are just so cheerful that I really want to sew some more! I think it'd be fun to string them around Aelyn's bunk bed, above the kitchen sink or across the front porch... I wonder how many I could complete before the baby comes??

For more bunting/pennant inspiration and tutorials check out these blogs:

Bloom - No-Sew Pennant Banner Tutorial

Joyful Abode - how to make a Bunting

The Mother Huddle - No sew bunting using vintage handkerchiefs

Beautiful woman and gifts for Baby.

2011-04-04T10:55:00.002-05:00

As many of you already know we are expecting another shoppe baby. Due very soon (ANY DAY NOW) is my second little girl, Camilla.
With both of my babies I've been so blessed by the wonderfully crafty and talented women in my life. Handmade gifts are the greatest!!

Just last week the ladies of the shoppe took me out to one of my favorite local restaurants for a before baby dinner. We sat and ate and shared stories about birth and they gave the most gorgeous gifts for baby!

Janelle, who arranged the whole evening, made a sweetly embroidered sack that held precious knit baby leg warms to warm her chubby baby legs this fall

Emily made the baby fun nesting baskets that the big sister is already trying to claim! She says the baby can carry the littlest ones and she'll carry the bigger two and they'll go shopping! :)

Sheila gave us those supper cute patchwork blocks, that Aelyn is also playing with, stacking up and knocking down. I can see my two girls having lots of fun with these... AV says she'll teach the baby how to build.

And Mary made us the fox quilt I've longed for since seeing her first one that now hangs in the shoppe as a sample of the class she teaches.

Thank you all a million times over! If my emotion doesn't come through in this post please know that I cried when I got home and shared your creations with Jeff. You are truly beautiful woman.

My love to you all,
April

Made Monday

2011-03-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

A great argyle diaper bag with pockets galore! Made by my P.I.C. shop and shared with us via flickr.

Something a bit different and very cool...

2011-03-24T11:40:00.012-05:00

Mini Art Quilt with Jennifer A. Reis
Sunday, April 17, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Jennifer A. Reis, currently art faculty and gallery director at Morehead State University in Kentucky, actively exhibits her embellished textile artwork at venues such as Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, The National Quilt Museum, Dairy Barn Arts Center, and Southern Ohio Museum. Promotions regarding her work have been featured in Art in America, ArtForum, and FiberArts magazines, and she is a featured artist in Creative Quilting with Beads, a Lark Books publication. As a teaching artist, she conducts workshops on embellished textiles nationally, including the Society for Contemporary Craft, Craft Alliance and CraftSummer at Miami University. More information on the artist & work can be found at www.jenniferareis.com.

Workshop Description:
Spend an afternoon exploring the infinite possibilities of using fabric, thread, beads and other embellishments to create your own Mini Art Quilt. Textile artist Jennifer Reis will lead an afternoon workshop on basic and advanced hand-worked art quilting techniques, teaching non-traditional methods of quilting, appliqué, embroidery and embellishing. Using techniques like raw appliqué, thread embroidery and quilting, and embellishing with shi-sha mirrors, beads and found objects, students will create an individually designed embellished textile mini artwork. All techniques are hand-worked, emphasizing non-traditional sewing and quilting, and is open to sewing novices and experts alike. All supplies included! Skill level: Beginner to Advanced

Stop in to Sew To Speak to register!!

Tomorrow's Birthday Bash!!

2011-03-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Tea Party!

Saturday, March 19th from 10AM - 5PM

Yes, we're officially 3!! Our little shoppe has made it through it's third year and we want you all to come help us celebrate!

We will be hosting our annual shoppe party TOMORROW, Sat. March 19th from 10AM - 5PM.

This year's bash is a Tea Party theme, so there will be lots of fun gift ideas and tea party inspired sewing projects. We will be giving away tons of exciting door prizes for sewers, including lots of great fabric! Drawing prize winners all day long. No purchase necessary. Just stop in for a chance to win!

Made Monday

2011-03-14T09:21:00.001-05:00

A super sweet, summertime dress made by Tracy McElfresh.

Afternoon Tea with Suzy

2011-03-03T22:09:00.004-06:00

It's always nice when two to-does can be accomplished at once!

A brief excerpt from my seemingly endless to do list =

To elaborate, two of the things I HAD to do this week were:
1. Introduce the adorable creations of Suzy Ultman, our next guest designer and announce her visit to the shoppe, coming up Saturday, March 12th.
2. Make an anniversary gift for a coffee loving couple, my brother-in-law and his wife.

So in the spirit of killing two birds with one stone, I've set out to check off these two to-does, with this one blog post!

First of all let me just start by telling you how adorable Suzy Ultman's fabrics, papers, softies and illustrations are! Her work is very popular in the paper and craft industry. In fact you may have seen it without even realizing it. Her creations have been published by Chronicle Books and her list of clients rang from Crate & Barrel to Oopsy Daisy and many more.

All 5 images above of Suzy Ultman's work are from http://www.lillarogers.com/artists/suzy-ultman.

Her first two fabric lines for Robert Kaufman are just the tip of the brilliant iceberg which is Suzy's portfolio. She is certainly one to keep an eye on, and I personally can't wait to see what her next fabric line brings!

Suzy Ultman will be at our shoppe Saturday, March 12th from 2-4PM, for an afternoon visit and trunk show. She'll be bringing samples of her precious work, some great giveaways and a sneak preview of her upcoming fabric line.

Now for my second P and the reason I can so perfectly combine these two tasks.
Suzy's current fabrics for Kaufman's Metro Cafe collection are all about coffee and there is certainly nothing better suited for my coffee obsessed relatives than these!

Suzy Ultman Tea Towels

For these fun and simple Suzy Ultman Tea Towels I used Robert Kaufman's Essex cotton linen blend, a 45% cotton and 55% linen cloth base and embellished them with raw edge appliqués, stitching and ruffles. The end result is a sweet set of unique towels that I really hope my relatives enjoy.

To make 2 towels you need:

2/3 yard of a cotton/linen cloth, toweling, woven, or twill

1/4 yard of Suzanne Ultman's Espresso Beans

1/4 yard of her Retro Mugs

and 1/4 yard of her Retro Perk

plus 1/4 yard "Wonder Under"
cream and brown thread
and a fabric marker or pencil

Prewash all fabrics (gentle cycle will help prevent fraying).

I made my towels one at a time so I have also written these instructions in the same manner, but for a set of two towels simple follow all instructions 2 times :)

First cut your main fabric (toweling or other) to be 19"x24". Next cut the Espresso Bean print to 36"x4", this will be the bottom ruffle of the towel.

Finish one 36" side of the Bean fabric by ironing down 1/2", reopen, fold raw edge into crease line then refold and iron flat, creating a 1/4" hem, edge-stitch, backstitching at beginning and end. This is now the bottom of the ruffle.

Next sew a gathering stitch along the top edge at 1/4" seam allowance.
Pull bobbin threads and gather until ruffle is 19 inches long.

Attach ruffle to towel with a french seam: Pin ruffle WRONG sides facing to towel material, sew with 1/4" seam allowance, trim to 1/8", iron seam allowance up and then fold ruffle over so that right sides are now facing, pin and sew, backstitching at beginning and end.

Iron ruffle down and seam allowance up toward toweling. Topstitch towel 1/4" above ruffle to keep seam allowance flat, backstitch at beginning and end. Then finish sides of towel the same way as ruffle botton; iron 1/2" to wrong side, unfold, fold raw edge into crease line then refold and iron flat, creating a 1/4" hem, edge-stitch hem in place, backstitching at beginning and end. Hem top of towel the same way.

Now for the fun part!

Cut your Wonder Under to the size of one or more mugs and iron to the wrong side of the Retro Mug fabric. Cut out mugs leaving about 1/16"-1/8" of white all around. Do the same for one or more of the Perkalators.

Play with your appliqué layout. Make some small markings were your mug and coffee pot will go, set them aside, then stitch freely back and forth in brown thread to create a faux bois like surface to rest your mugs on. Next remove the paper backing from your Wonder Undered mug and pot appliqués and replace them on towel, iron to glue in place and finish by stitching around each appliqué 2-3 times.

Voila!

Now have a cup of coffee and enjoy, or wrap them them up with a bag of good beans and gift them to someone who loves their joe.

Made Monday

2011-02-21T18:39:00.002-06:00

This gorgeous vintage settee was recovered in one of our beautiful and bold new Echino prints. A stunning, custom job by Carlene and Betsy of Old World New Home, in the Short North.

Amy Butler is IN, TONIGHT!

2011-02-15T09:11:00.000-06:00

We are super excited about this very special event with the brilliant fabric/pattern designer, and author Amy Butler.

What: An Open House, Meet and Greet with Amy!!

When: Tonight from 6-8PM

Where: Sew To Speak
4610 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio

Come join us!!!

Made Monday

2011-02-14T13:29:00.000-06:00

A super sweet show gift set any expecting mother would gush over! Handmade by Erin Eckenrode in Kaffe Fassett and Heather Bailey prints.

February Fabric and SALE

2011-02-10T20:28:00.002-06:00

Just in: Two new collections from Birch Organics, Marine (photo above) and Circa 60: Beach Mod.

February's Full of Fabric

There are as many gorgeous new fabrics out, as there are fish in the sea! The shoppe is jam packed. Our shelves are probably the fullest they've ever been and once again we're having to get creative as to where we stash it all. Baskets and bins on the floor and tables are all spilling over with fabulous fabric. We've had many recent arrivals from Moda, Kokka, Robert Kaufman, Birch Organics, Alexander Henry and several more of our favorites.

You can catch some glimpses of these new arrivals buy viewing our newest newsletter, HERE.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - SALE! - -

Inventory Reduction Special starts TOMORROW!

To help us make room for all these great goods, we're having a special, week long sale. Starting this Friday, Feb. 11th through Saturday, Feb. 19th, we will mark down LOTS of great fabrics.

The sale will include: 50% off select wools, 30% off designer Voiles, 30% off all Nicey Jane, 30% off select flannels, 20% off Michael Miller knits, and discounts on many other designer and Japanese prints!

*This sale is "in shoppe" only, offers do not apply online.

Yippee for Electricity!!!

2011-02-03T16:04:00.002-06:00

Hooray!

After nearly two full days, the power is now back on in the shoppe. We are OPEN today, from now until 8PM.

Stop on in and get your sewing on :)

Also I must say, our hearts truly go out to all who are or have been without power in their homes. We hope you are all someplace safe and warm!!

♥
April

Ordering Henry from Home

2011-02-02T14:46:00.002-06:00

The power is out at the shoppe today, which in fact lead us to a familiar scenario;

My childhood home, Anita (Mom) and myself, a man named Dave, our dinning room table, 3 cups of coffee, and one giant black book of Alexander Henry.

Yep, that's exactly how it all started, over 3 years ago, before our little shoppe door had ever opened.
Our very first buying session. We jumped right in, ordering what we loved, knowing little about what might sell. Hoping people would appreciate our choices.

Now, only a short time later, we find we are just as opinionated as ever, giggly as usual and truly blessed to know that so many people agree with our picks in fabric. Because, though it's one of the funnest parts of the job, a session with a sales rep can also be quite anxiety producing.
But for the love of fabric, we'll keep ordering!

So anyways, here's some shots of what we ordered today:
FYI: These are all summer arrivals, due some time in June or July, but hopefully this little sneak peak will warm you up on this icy day.

We hope you like :)

Made Monday

2011-01-24T09:26:00.000-06:00

Sweetly stitched "Sunshine Potholders" handmade by Sarah of sarah stitched!

Be sure to click photo for a larger view of stitched words :)

A perfect day to stay in and sew!

2011-01-21T11:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Snow Day!

♥
Aelyn & April

Drive safe friends!

2011-01-20T15:38:00.003-06:00

We're sorry but tonight's event with AMY BUTLER has been CANCELED. Amy decided to reschedule for a night when it's much safer for her fans, team and everyone to be driving.

If weather permits, the new date for our Amy Butler Book Signing and Open House will be February 15th, from 6-8PM.

We look forward to seeing you all then and hope that you are all safe and warm this snowy night!

What are you working on?

2011-01-19T11:33:00.003-06:00

This little dolly is for Aelyn, the shoppe baby, who's really not such a baby any more. She is even helped sew the arms last night, well set on my lap while I sewed them that is :)

We are making a Princess and Prince. Using the Wee Wonderfuls Kit, Chloe and Louise pattern for her Princess and Eddie from the Wee Wonderfuls book, for her Prince.

Tell us what's on your sewing table...

Another Great Taste of Market... via AMY

2011-01-11T12:35:00.000-06:00

or alternatively titled: WOW!

After receiving the 3 huge boxes of Amy Butler's brilliant samples, all we could think was "Wow!" and then "Where the heck are we gonna put all this gorgeous stuff!"

But after strategically scattering the beautiful pieces about the shoppe.. they are starting to settle in.

The 27 piece trunk show gives a great taste of what her loaded Quilt Market booth was like.

So come in, see, feel and aww, as we have been!

And drive safe in this lovely winter weather.

Happy Sewing,
April

Made Monday

2011-01-10T08:15:00.001-06:00

An embroidered Buck on white linen, accented with paint, fabric and pom poms. Made by me, April Rhodes. Inspired by the new line of Echino!

Echino!

2011-01-06T13:19:00.001-06:00

From Market to Shoppe

The brilliant Etsuko Furuya has done it again!

As well as designing yet another gorgeous line of fabric, Etsuko also designed and built her entire, very inspiring booth, which I must add was my very favorite booth at this Fall's Quilt Market.

Now, six weeks later, the lovely line of fabrics has arrived and I figured it a perfect time to share the photos I took of her space.

And here's what we ordered:

The green and the grey and white stripe in this last photo are not Echino, but they certainly look cute with the 3 new extra wide cotton/linen prints. These three rolled bolts are a new blend of fibers for Echino. They are a thin 85% cotton and 15% linen, which makes for a beautiful light weight material. They're perfectly suited for more delicate apparel and other sewing projects that require more drape then her standard canvas-like cloth provides. Finally, as an added bonus they are a great 62" WIDE unlike the others that are 44".

Made Monday

2010-12-27T20:06:00.000-06:00

A gorgeous Cathedral Window Pillow made by Julia Wylie.

Julia took the Cathedral Window Pillow Class here at Sew To Speak and shared her finished product with us via facebook*. I think it turned out beautifully! Thanks again for sharing with us Julia.

*Remember we always love seeing what you've made from our fabrics or in a class you've taken here (and we may even feature your creation on our blog). Share with us on facebook or in our flickr group.

& Happy Sewing!

Santa Came Early

2010-12-23T08:08:00.002-06:00

with lots of NEW FABRICS and some sweet new trims too!

Hideaway by Lauren and Jessi Jung, for Moda

Robert Kaufman's Metro Cafe, with prints by Suzanne Ultman and Louise Cunningham.

Tula Pink's lovely Parisville.

Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms in Quilting Cotton and Home Decor weight.

And also from Moda, Liz Scott's Sugar Pop!

Plus fun new trims from our favorite source, Renaissance Ribbons.

Happy Holidays!

and best wishes,

Sew To Speak

Made Monday

2010-12-06T14:12:00.001-06:00

This stunning guest room ensemble leaves me
just about speechless!

A gorgeous Single Girl Quilt, sunny yellow pillow shams in Oliver & S with cherry red ric rac, a sweet scottie dog and awesome japanese curtains to boot. All handmade by our very talented Janelle.

April's Mini Matryoshkas

2010-11-29T19:47:00.005-06:00

Little two and a half inch dolls, made to spread

joy and cheer.

These tiny girls love to be hung alongside the glowing lights of a tree or just carried in your pocket

strung amongst your keys.

They're happy to be anywhere that they'll be smiled upon and praised.

So sew some up for yourself and friends, and have

Happy Holidays!

What you'll need:

printed pdf pattern for Mini Matryoshkas

several colors of felt including skin toned felt for the doll's faces (I like to use 2 shades of the same color for the body of my dolls)

fabric marker or chalk pencil

pink (rosy) colored pencil

hand sewing and embroidery needles

applique pins - optional

fabric scissors (a small sharp pair helps greatly with the detailed cutting of little things)

paper scissors

clear, fast drying fabric glue like "Unique Stitch"

thread to match felt for doll body

black pearl cotton or floss

hair colored pearl cotton or floss

other bits of pearl cotton/floss to sew on flower embellishments

6 inches of complimentary yarn (or floss) for hanging

fiberfill/stuffing

How to make one:

First print and cut out all pattern pieces.

Choose the colors for your Matryoshka's hood, back and tummy.

Next, you can either trace your pattern pieces onto the felt with a fabric marker or pencil, or you may opt to use itty bitty applique pins to pin the pieces down and cut around them. I use both methods depending on the pattern piece's shape and size.

Cut out you doll's face, hood, tummy and back of body. Be sure to mark where her hood overlaps her tummy piece.

Apply a tiny amount of glue around face and top edge of tummy.

Front view - Back view

Glue her face behind her hoods opening and then line hood up with the top of her tummy (along overlap line).

While the glue is drying choose and cut out your flower design. Feel free to play around and come up with your own flower and leaf combinations.

Click on photos for a larger view ;)

Attach your flower design to your doll's tummy. I use a single straight stitch to attach my leaves and either a french knot or cross stitch in the center of my flowers.

After the glue has dried, using a single strand of coordinating thread, take some small stitches around the base and opening of the hood, to secure your gals face and tummy.

Next using a double strand of hair colored pearl cotton or floss, satin stitch her hair. Use the pattern as a guide for placement and stitch slightly under the hood as you go, so as to avoid any bald spots.

Now mark eyes, lashes and mouth placement and stitch with a single strand of black pearl cotton/floss. Use a twice wrapped french knot for the center of her eyes and straight stitches for her lashes and mouth. Draw on your doll's blushing cheeks with your pink colored pencil.

On the back body piece, using a large needle, pass the 6" of yarn, knotted at the end, through center of felts loft and come up at the top of your dolls head, this will secure your dolls hanging loop, but you should not be able to see the stitch from the doll's back side (see photo bellow).

Wrong side/ inside doll - Right side/back of doll

Draw needle back through the center of the felt and out next to your original knot. It helps to hold the felt at the doll's head secure between two fingers as you do this, and you may need to reshape the felt a bit at the needles entry point. Knot the yarn an inch from the end, trim off excess and pull loop taut.

Sandwich the two body pieces together.

Starting at the bottom right corner of your little lady's body, blanket stitch her front and back pieces together using a single strand of coordinating thread. Stop at the opposite corner, leaving the bottom open.

Stuff firmly. Use the end of your pencil to help push stuffing into her head and body.

Finish by closing her up with blanket stitch across the bottom.

Yay!!

You've made a sweet little dolly to hang from your tree or anywhere that brings you joy.

Now make some more and give them to your friends. Everyone is sure to delight in their delicate cuteness!

Happy crafting!

Lots of love,

♥

April

Made Monday

2010-11-29T09:35:00.001-06:00

A lovely little clutch in Betty Dear and tiny dotted print. Handmade by Andrea of Andrea Creates.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T07:14:00.003-06:00

We hope you are enjoying wonderful food, family and friends over this holiday weekend!

We are opening an hour early today (at 9AM) and I just wanted to make sure you know that we have some special things planed for you. We'll be giving 15% off your total purchase of all regularly priced items, all day long! We will be drawing for freedoor prizes through out the day and we will have special sewers gift baskets for sale (in limited quantity).

So in short, it's a SALE!

It's A Holiday Sewing Kickoff!

It is a thanks to you for being the wonderful customers that you are! As a thanks, we'd like to help kickoff your holiday sewing with a special day of sales and more.

You can also receive this discount while shopping online from 12AM - 11:59PM, November 26th (today). Just type ThankYouKickoff into the coupon code box in your shopping cart, and we'll take 15% off your entire order. Locals can always choose our "pick up in shoppe" option to avoid the cost of shipping.

You can read more about this and all other new news in our newest newsetter ;)

Here: http://www.sewtospeakshoppe.com/images/HolidaySewingKickoffSale.html

Made Monday

2010-11-15T19:03:00.000-06:00

An awesome Schoolhouse Tunic made by Amanda (aka mandakou), in Anna Maria's Diamond Mine Voile. This dress looks so good in this print. It makes me want to sew one up for myself!

Anna Maria Horner, from Market to Shoppe

2010-11-09T16:29:00.006-06:00

Anna Maria Horner's booth at Quilt Market, Fall 2010

I'm sure I've professed my love for Anna Maria before.. but just in case you've forgotten, "I LOVE Anna Maria Horner!!" In fact we all do. She has been a steady favorite since we first opened our doors. Each of her fabric lines have been just as special as the one before. Her newest line, Innocent Crush is certainly no exception. It is modern and romantic, infused with her brilliant eye for color and print. It is very Anna Maria, with references to past favorites.

I really enjoy how clearly we can see her progressions in design.

Garden Party

Good Folks

Innocent Crush

Not only do I adore Anna Maria's fabrics but I also truly admire her. Firstly, for continuing to produce amazingly creative work while simultaneously being a mother of six (a fact which leaves me completely baffled)! And secondly, for sharing herself so fearlessly on her blog. Meeting her has shown her to be just as genuine and clever in really life as she is there, not to mention even more beautiful then she looks in photographs.

Speaking of being more beautiful in real life, this too holds true for Innocent Crush. I'll admit it was not love at first sight when we saw the first photographic glimpses of this line, we were a bit unsure, but now having seen the cloth in hand, we have certainly fallen for it. So far we have received 9 of the quilting cottons, five of the home decor weight and three of the luscious velveteens. Bellow are photos of the quilting and home dec weights. I have not had the chance to photographed the velveteens yet.

We hope you delight in them as much as we are and we cannot wait to see what you make with them! As always we encourage you to share with us in our Sew To Speak Flickr group or via Facebook.
Plus Anna has already posted a Flickr group for all things made from Innocent Crush, so be sure to share there too.

♥
April

p.s. You can shop for Innocent Crush and other Anna Maria Horner prints right here! :)

Home Again, Home Again

2010-11-03T12:41:00.002-05:00

Back from Market, I'm still a bit tired, yet far more inspired! Tortured by all the wonderful things I saw and want to sew.
To add to the great torture, I came home to my sewing space (our unfinished second floor) entirely dissembled, in boxes, stacked and scattered between the dinning room, living room and basement. I had at least received cellphone pics of these goings on from my husband, to warn me of what I was coming home to.

Being that we've planned to do this major renovation for years, I am very excited! But man, I really wanna sew right now!!! Luckily I brought back some very fun hand sewing books and projects. We've also already received a book that includes lots of great hand sewing fun, Scandinavian Stitches.

Also in the hand work realm, we finally met and ordered from the brilliant creator of Penguin & Fish, Alyssa. She designs the cutest embroidery patterns. We will be receiving some precious animal embroidery patterns from her in the near future, including that great hedgehog hanging on the wall (blown up to 400%).

I just can't wait until all the goodies arrive!

Nor can I wait for my sewing room to be reassembled so I can sew the great stuff that is already here! Holidays are just around the corner and my list is pretty long! EEkkk!

I'll share more from Market with you soon,

April

To Market We Go

2010-10-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

Well the day is finally here!

I could barely sleep a wink.
We're off to Market. Market. MARKET!
I can't begin to tell you how much I love Market.

I wish I could bring you all along in my little pocket, just so you could see and absorb the inspiration that is there. Sadly I cannot. However, as usual I plan on taking a billion pictures and will certainly be sharing those upon our return.

I also plan to share random cell phone pics via Facebook mobile uploads. So check there for little tidbits and we'll see you next week!

♥

P.S. Yes, the Shoppe is open while we're away! Huge thanks to Emily, Mary and Sheila for taking care of business while we're (Anita, Janelle and April) gone.

Craft A Kitty!

2010-10-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Holiday Softie Contest!

Some of you may remember our previous softie contests, last years Make a Mouse or 2008's Sew a Sheep. They were both so much fun and now it's time to do it again! This years theme: Craft a Kitty!

Here's how it works: Craft a Kitty and bring him or her in to Sew To Speak by December 4th. We will have customers, including you, vote for their favorite cat. On December 18th, from 2-5pm we will host a Holiday Party, the votes will be tallied, winners will be announced and prizes given.

The official Contest Rules:
1. Kitty's must be sewn. They can have other embellishments (embroidery, crochet, and etc.) but the body must be sewn.
2. They can be as small as you like but no bigger than 30 inches long.
3. You can use a pattern, book or create your own softie.
4. Softies must stay at the shoppe until Saturday, January 8th and then they are yours to take home.
5. Your cat must be given a name, so we know what to call them.
6. All entries must be in by close (5pm) Saturday, December 4th.

Prizes:
1st place will take home a $50 gift certificate
2nd place a $25 gift certificate
3rd place a $25 gift certificate

The cats featured here were made by Martha West using The Three Faces of Steve cat pattern from the book Denyse Schmidt Quilts.

We can't wait to meet your cats and kittens!

You can bring them in as soon as you like (officially due December 4th), we love to see them gather.

Meow.

Made Monday

2010-10-18T09:54:00.000-05:00

Four beautiful flower girls in super sweet dresses, handmade be Julie Biggs. Dresses done in a perfectly simple fabric combination of tiny Japanese flowers and solid brown Kona Cotton.

Betty Dear is here!

2010-10-15T07:36:00.005-05:00

We first saw Darlene Zimmerman's fabulously retro line Betty Dear at Spring Quilt Market. The Robert Kaufman booth had a small army of mannequins dressed in aprons made from her fabrics. We were in instant adoration!

Whether for dresses, bags, quilts or aprons these prints offer a wonderful vintage appeal! We can't wait to see what you'll make.

My mom already has an awesome apron in the works, Im very excited to see it finished.

Perhaps I can get her to share that with you when she's done.

Happy Friday!

♥ April

Made Monday

2010-10-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

A gorgeous, Anthropologie-inspired velvet bag by Emily of The Boy Trifecta.

Made Monday

2010-10-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

A super cool and simultaneously cute first quilt by Angela of Noisy Nora [handmade].

Coveted Classes

2010-10-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

Classes at Sew To Speak have grown by leaps and bounds since we first opened our doors. This is a wonderful product of both amazingly talented teachers and charmingly enthusiastic students, some of whom are just starting out and many others that keep coming back for class after class. It is obvious to me that these classes are playing a vital role in the development of our ever-growing sewing community!

That being said, we have (as usual) a jam packed schedule this fall. There are many new classes such as the gorgeous Collette Lady Grey Coat with Heather Riegle (modeled above by its lovely maker). This picturesque piece is a "short wrap coat with princess seams, perfect for between seasons". Also new to list is the Single Girl Quilt class with Mary Dugan, the Modern Diaper Bag with Pat Wax, the Jump Rope Dress (pattern by Oliver & S) with Amanda Sasikirana, and the Baby Gift Set Class with Michelle Thomas. This three piece set (shown below) is perfect not only for shower gifts but also for anyone with one or more little ones on their list this coming holiday season.

Of course we're also very pleased to continue offering our most popular and coveted classes, like Michelle's Intro to Machine Sewing, Intro to Appliqué and Embroidery with April Rhodes, and Quilted Stockings with Mary (picture below). You may think its early for this Christmassy class, but last year we couldn't schedule enough of them and had a continuous wait list. This year I've heard lady's sharing how they will be taking it early to ensure they have time to make several as gifts before the holidays are here. Other favorites back on the roster include Personal Fit with Sheila Brex, the Barcelona Skirt with Pat, and the Anna Tunic with Heather and more.

You can read about all of the classes mentioned and several others here, as well as veiw the dates and times they are offered. Call or come in to sign up, 614 267 3011.

Happy Autumn weekend to you all,
April

Made Monday

2010-09-27T09:48:00.002-05:00

Opal Clutch, in a gorgeous combination of colors, handmade by jadealyss.

It's been awhile...

2010-09-22T12:41:00.002-05:00

a long long while... since my last post. And it seems the longer I go with out a post the harder it is to jump back in.

My hope is that you never mistake my lack of content here to mean lack of blogworthy material in our shoppe. This is quite the contrary. There has been many post-able moments, fabrics, patterns, and creations.

How about a little fabric recap:

Gorgeous fabrics for fall.

Now stocking Liberty of London!

New Alexander Henry Lawns.

Dots dots dots. Delicious new dots.

New japanese designs form Hokkoh, with sweetly hidden animals in each print.

30 lovely new colors of wool felt!

Hoodie's precious Teapots and other fun prints.

New organic flannels from Cloud 9, Forest Friends.

Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet 2.

Our beloved matryoshka dolls are back.

Helen Dardik's first fabric line, Mod Kitchen.

Castle Peeps by Lizzy house.

Colorful and fun Robert Kaufman prints.

There you have it... a little taste of what's been in.

And a good jump-start to get us blogging again :)

'til next time,

April

Made Monday

2010-08-09T07:50:00.004-05:00

Precious Patchwork Penny form the book Wee Wonderfuls, made by Amanda Sasikirana.

Lovely Little Henry

2010-07-28T22:21:00.005-05:00

I loved being able to work in the shoppe today, while my own little toddler got some much needed mommy free playtime.

I loved eating Northstar for lunch.

I love our city.

I love our neighborhood.

I love watching people.

I love spotting crafters. Seeing a bag, a skirt, a dress, a toddler shirt, someone made, with their hands.

I love knowing the genuine sense of self worth that making things brings.

I love knowing that we are serving and so connected to our community. This wonderfully talented community of creators.

I love the definition of the word creator;
creator |krēˈātər|noun
a person or thing that brings something into existence.

I love meeting our sweet customers while out and about.

I love commenting on their wares.

And I love this little Henry. In his electric blue glasses. The ridiculous cuteness!!!

And that great shirt! I know that fabric. I know that pattern.

I had to say something.

And then his wonderful mommy (and shirt maker) Alex let me take his picture!

I only wish I had had my real camera with me, I'm still not quite comfortable with my new phone cam. A bit blurry but it did the job.
And I love it!

Thanks Henry!

Made Monday

2010-07-26T07:45:00.011-05:00

A sweetly subtle baby quilt in pinks and blues, made by Sam VanDerPuy. Pattern from the book Denyse Schmidt: Quilts