Book Review: Improv Sewing

I really do think the authors of Improv Sewing had me in mind when they penned this book- 

 Blog is here.

 


So many beautiful projects for knit fabrics!!!  Being a plus size sewer, I love that this book has you make your own pattern pieces- so you get a perfect fit for you!! I love that it features raw edges, unhemmed hems, panels with stitching on the outside...simple shapes that look glorious!

There are dresses, tunics, scarves, skirts, and heaps of other projects I just love. 

The chapters on Lines and Doodling, Sketching, Writing are just glorious, so much texture to be had! I have become quite jaded with craft/sewing books of late, so Improv Sewing is a breath of fresh air for this Crafty Mama ;).
 Just perfect for Crafty Mamas gorgeous range of knit fabrics!

Coming soon..The Lovely Layers!!

I am so excited about our new pattern!!! Due out next week!

The Lovely Layers!

Designed for knits only, this is a gorgeous women's top with lots of options!

See our current range of Crafty Mamas patterns HERE!

Jocole Womens' Easy Cap Sleeve Tee

I managed to sew up a couple of t shirts on the weekend, and it seems I have new FAVE pattern!

Jocole's Women's Easy Cap Sleeve Tee

Why do I love this pattern? 

Well... all Jocole patterns are easy to follow, from finding your size to putting together the A4 sheets. Jodi ( the designer) puts so much work and effort into making them the very best for you.

 

This Easy Cap Sleeve tee pattern is two pieces: a front and a back! So it goes together very quickly. You are also helped along every step of the way with a full pictorial- so if you are new to knits- you will have no dramas. Jodi covers tips and tricks for dealing with knits- also sewing with or without a serger/overlocker. 

I love the extra ideas Jodi has for finishing your sleeves, necklines and edges- well worth buying the patterns just to read these!

Jocole's tutorial for binding is a must read too!

 

Mine are constructed from some knits from my ( slowly shrinking ) Stash. 

The grey is a cotton interlock, the blue a cotton jersey. 

Multsized 6 sizes included: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. available at Crafty Mamas as a pdf pattern!

 

CRAFTY MAMA's " the FUNKY pants"!!!

Introducing the latest in the Crafty Mamas pattern range.." the FUNKY pants"!

And boy, are these FUNKY!!

Our wonder pattern testers raved about the Funky Pants!

(thanks guys!)

Crafty Mamas patterns are designed with comfort, fun and funkiness in mind!

Crafty Mamas “The FUNKY pants” is a fun, comfy, easy to sew  flare leg pants with 3 length options!

In children’s sizes 2-10.

As a pair of full length flare pants, capris or shorts- “The FUNKY pants”

is a wonderful blank canvas for you to have fun with.

The super comfy waistband is constructed of cotton/elastomeric knits- so no elastic is required.

There are two waistband options:

Regular waistband or double yoga style band.

“The FUNKY pants”

Is for knit fabrics only.

The Yoga style band requires a cotton/elastomeric knit.

AVAILABLE HERE

Our Favourite Muffins

I think there is nothing better than a warm muffin to start the day off.
 This is our family's fave muffin recipe. It is easily altered to suit your mood too. 
These are quite moist and are good for a day or two. 

Make 12 good sized muffins. 

Ingredients: 

2 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons of custard powder

Mix all together then add: 

1 cup milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup vege oil or melted butter

Mix til lumps are gone, but do not overmix.

Fold through:

1 cup of add ins of your choice : ie; blueberries, raspberries, cooked diced apple, pumpkin puree, choc chips, banana, etc. 

Place into muffin pans, bake at 180o for approx 22-25 min, until cooked through. 

Dust with icing sugar if desired.