February 2013 - Project Finale!

This is always such an exciting post to write!!!!

To get to the end of the month and realize once again the incredible team of dedicated, creative and generous seamstresses that make up the Hopeful Threads community. To see the big impact that our relatively small group can have. 

PURELY AWESOME!!!!

We have well OVER 200 bibs in our project album and a great balance of Adult bibs heading to Anita in Louisiana and Children's bibs to Bonnie in Florida. I couldn't be more pleased! :) Once again, a HUGE THANKS to you all for making every month not only a success, but so much fun! I love sewing with you and seeing how we can use something we enjoy doing to give back to those around us. Good Stuff!!!

Tomorrow I'll be announcing our new project for March, so be sure and stop by!

I'll also be picking one of the contributors to our "Dinner for 2" project to receive a little fabric bundle gift from me. :) 

This bundle might just hold a clue to the upcoming project too. ;)

See you then...

Pattern Review - Katie J. Jumper by Fishsticks Designs

I'm soooo excited to introduce to you, one of the newest and one of the ONLY Girls' patterns by Fishsticks Designs, the Katie J. Jumper.

This little dress is super sweet and has such a list of variations you could sew an entire wardrobe from this single pattern! 

I chose the Basic Reversible Jumper with Stretch Straps.

I love the unique look of these straps and how comfortable they seem to fit my Lil' Miss too.  

 

 She wanted to immediately put it on and didn't want to take it off! 

Bring on the SUNSHINE!

I love it so much, I'm currently keeping it on my mannequin as a decoration in my sewing room! :)

And I have to make special note of something here....I used the PDF version of the pattern. I sew with a lot of PDF patterns, and the assembly of the pattern pieces with Fishsticks Designs patterns is top-notch! The garment goes together with such ease and provides such a neat, professional finish because of this too. 

Find the Katie J. Jumper with all it's variations, and a selection of other fabulous patterns in the Fishsticks Designs shop here. 

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Confident Beginner

Size Range: 6M - 5T

Special Techniques: You will use different techniques for the different variations you choose. Some included are sewing a reversible garment & sewing elastic casing.

Pattern Format: PDF or Paper

Materials Used: Cotton Wovens - Prints/Fly Away by Amy Schimler, Dot/Remix by Ann Kelle, Strips/Basics by Jennifer Paganelli

Personal Notes: This is a "go to" pattern for any little girls wardrobe! The multiple variations provide unlimited possibilities for adorable dresses she will love to wear!

Sewing Essential - Thermal Thimbles

 To start, I have to admit....the first time I tried these little gadgets, I wasn't convinced they were at all essential. I actually put them away and didn't use them for a long while and wasn't sure I ever would. They felt awkward and somewhat cumbersome to me when using, especially since I couldn't feel the fabric I was working with. However, after burning my fingers repeatedly while making the ties for my bibs this month, I decided to give them a try once again.

And this time, I have decided that I really, really like them!

I just had to give myself the chance to get used to them. 

The thimbles themselves are a soft silicone that slides over the tips of your fingers. They are designed to fit the index finger and thumb on either hand and will stretch comfortably to do so. I also included my middle finger since I use it when folding the bias tape too. The thimbles are heat resistant and help you grip and press your fabric without burning your fingers. 

They really do prevent the raw burnt finger tips that otherwise occur when making a large about of bias or binding!

So there you have it. Thermal Thimbles. Another interesting "Sewing Essential" to add to your box of tricks! 

For other tools and notions I consider "essential" in my sewing room, check out the "Sewing Essentials" page at the top of the blog.

Now.....I think I REALLY need to make some time to sew myself a new ironing board cover, as this one is officially past yucky don't ya think! ;)

Lily Bird Studio Pattern Bundle GIVEAWAY!!!

One of my absolute favorite PDF pattern companies is Lily Bird Studio! The quality and unique designs she offers are so much fun to sew and her instructions so well written that many are perfect for beginning seamstresses.

Some of her latest designs include...

The gorgeous Juliette's Dress

 The playful Lily's Dress

And these ADORABLE Baby Overalls I can't wait to stitch up for our Lil' Man!

Today, you have the chance to WIN a BUNDLE of your 3 FAVORITE Lily Bird Studio patterns! Simply follow the entry prompts below....be sure to hit the green "+1" on the first option to see what your BLOG COMMENT should include. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Giveaway open to all. Winner will be randomly selected and emailed 2/28/13 and given 48 hours to respond or alternate winner will be selected. Prize bundle is PDF patterns and will be emailed to winner once confirmed.

Thank you Lily Bird Studio for this generous giveaway and good luck to all!

Have some CAKE!!!

 There are so many great sew alongs, exchanges and fun projects to participate in around our creative community. Rarely am I able to take part due to the fact that I actually DO have to sleep and feed my family sometimes! ;) But when I saw this project posted over at Morena's Corner, I knew we were in! Aside from the fact that I absolutely LOVE the idea behind it, it's something I can do along with my kids each month at the same time as the others in the crafty community taking part! :)

The project.....CAKE - Crafty Acts of Kindness Everywhere

First up, Morena taught us how to make Modge Podge window clings for a heart bombing....how fun is that right??? And who knew you could make your own clings with Modge Podge anyway??? Well, my daughter had a blast making these! The simple recipe is over at Morena's blog. And they really work!

We originally had big plans of being prepared enough to take a bunch with us to some appointments we had so we could randomly "bomb" all over town....and well, we just didn't get them done in time. So, instead, my daughter enjoyed "bombing" each of her siblings bedrooms for Valentines, and they all loved them! :)

If you'd be interested in having some CAKE fun, just click that little cake image above in the post or on my sidebar and it will take you straight over to the details.
We can't wait to see what's up next! :)
Thanks for a fun idea and inspirational project Morena!

Keepin' In Touch!

Hey Friends!

As our incredible Creative Community continues to grow, I just want to remind you of a few ways to stay connected and in the loop with what's going on at Hopeful Threads each month. You can additionally find links to all of these in the sidebar.

First, and likely most popular, we are on facebook.

I know everyone doesn't like to use it, but it has been a GREAT way for our community to interact with one another and easily link to ideas and tutorials throughout the month as we keep up with our project progress. 

You can of course subscribe to this blog through GFC - Google Friend Connect. The little "Join this Site" that shows your sweet profile picture OR via FeedBurner email at the very top of the sidebar.

Also have the Networked Blogs option for those who like to keep everything in one convenient and personalized place.

If you are on Twitter, you can find me there too! @hopefulthreads

And who doesn't LOVE the creative time vacuum known as Pinterest!?!?! 

Yep, you got it, we're there too! And with LOADS of links to fun sewing tutorials, tips, pattern lists and gorgeous fabric images to drool over as you are inspired to Get Sewin'!

You can follow our progress and share your project sewing with us on flickr too!

We typically have a new album each month to share what we are sewing for that specific project. You can find it, again, in the sidebar, near the top.

You are always, always, always welcome to email me too! :)

Ok...I think that covers it....at least for now!

February Mid-Month Reminder!!!!

It's that time again!!!!!

Are you sewing with us this month or are planning to??? 

First, THANK YOU!!!!! Every Stitch Matters and every bib donated to a child or adult this month will be a special gift to someone!

Just remember.....we're half way through this month's project! 

When you are ready to ship, just email me and let me know whether you have Adult Bibs going to Anita in LA or Child Bibs going to Bonnie in FL or BOTH, and I'll get the address(es) right over to you! :)

Keep sewin'!!!

LOVE

Happy Valentines Day! 

Feeding Tube Awareness Week + GIVEAWAY!!!

February 10-16, 2013 is Feeding Tube Awareness Week!!!!!

You can find a tutorial for these soft, flannel G-Tube Button Pads here.

If you sew, why not make someone smile and stitch them up a few in honor of this week? :)

For those who may have a G-Tube or know someone who does, I'm also hosting a GIVEAWAY for a custom set of pads on my biz page here. Enter for them and invite them too as well! 

Learn more about Feeding Tube Awareness HERE!

Bib Sewing - Quick Tips!

How's the Big Kid & Adult Bib Sewing going???

I wanted to take a minute to share a few "quick tips" that might help as you work on this month's project. 

Ok, if you are on our facebook page, you may have already seen this. I'm a big fan of getting the absolute MOST you can out of your fabric! This is 1 yard of a high-quality, pre-washed cotton print, folded with the selvages on the sides (right & left), and I was able to carefully cut 6 of the Big Kid Tie bibs and I even used the little scrap strip on the side for one set of ties! I was pretty pleased. :)

To speed up or simplify the process on any of the tie bibs, you can use pre-made bias tape. I think the Extra Wide Double Fold works best, but if carefully sewn, any will work. If you have ever sewn dresses for Dress A Girl, you may have a bag of bias scraps that will work perfectly for this and use them up at the same time! 

Bonnie has shared another option for the Snap Bib on her blog for those of you that have a serger. It makes for a QUICK finish! You can see the details here on the Fishsticks Designs blog.

Lastly, several of you who are sewing bibs with a leak resistant backing have asked about alternate fabrics that can be used for that. PUL as mentioned originally is a great option, but fleece and laminate fabrics are also useful alternatives. Waterproof backing is NOT a requirement, simply a preferred suggestion for the Children's Bibs based on what they are being used for. 

All associated with this project extend our sincerest gratitude for your sewing!

Our group album is already beginning to fill up with a fabulous assortment of bibs for both adults and children and we are so excited to see your beautiful and generous work! 

THANK YOU!!!!

As always, any questions, feel free to email me. :)