Kari Me Away

stitch, craft, create magazine

When you get your new issue of Sew Beautful, be sure to read the ad for the NEW "stitch, craft, create" magazine.  You will find it on page 2 and it is going to be fabulous! The creators of this new publication are Leighann Lott, VP & Creative Director for Martha Pullen Co. (see her article and bio on SB pg 18-20) and Shannon Miller, Art Director of SB magazine. 

Now, what their titles don't say, is that both Shannon & Leighann are two of the most delightful women (and friends) I have had the pleasure of working with.  Their stylish and trendy perspective combined with their unique crafting/sewing experience and insight is giving me goosebumps of anticipation for this first issue of "stitch, craft, create"!

 

In gushing about this new pulication, I am also happy to say I was lucky enough to contribute articles to this first issue.  I am very excited about sharing them with you so here's a sneak peak.  

Rich, Velvety Roses
This is the feature item, but an alternate view is also pictured.

 

A bib necklace...I was intrigued by the idea and gave it a try!

 

Zippered for Christmas!

One design will be given in magazine, but how could I just stop at one design when it comes to Whimsies!

 

Who says cookies are just for eating - these little cuties fit in my WW diet plan perfectly!

 

 

My Tape Measure Tote

 
Look what showed up in my mailbox this weekend! 
I was thrilled when I heard that I got the cover and simply have to thank Jennifer of Jennifer & Company for the stunning photo and Kathy Bernard, the editor of Sew Beautiful magazine for styling the picture with such a color rich background.  Wouldn't you agree, they simply made my bags shine!

Now, I have taught these bags at Martha Pullen's School - twice, and haven't seen a picture of anyone's bag.... So, if you're out there and have finished your tote please send me a photo or post a comment here!  If you would like to get started on your own bag, we have patterns and kits ready to ship. 

If you haven't gotten your issue of Sew Beautiful yet, keep your eyes open, it should be arriving anyday.  Sometimes the anticipation is half of the fun!

Zippered Skirt

Well I've been shopping! I couldn't resist this eyelet skirt even though it was a little snug. I have always loved a white skirt in summer and when I saw the $10 price tag, I knew I was the one who should be taking it home! After investigating the seam allowances, I knew there wasn't quite enough there. I put my mind into creative mode and finally settled on zipper side seams. When I went to my container of trims, I saw a sample of two colors zipped together and thought this was it!

Notice the pull is at the hem, while the tape sides taper to waist. I pulled the teeth from zipper top to sew in waistband and simply turned up at hem.

I'm planning on wearing it at Martha Pullen School with zipper flower pin and simple little top.

Hopscotch Wraparound Jumpsuit Class

I have been busy pattern drafting & sewing samples.  I thought I might whet your appetite with a few photos of the Hopscotch Wraparound Jumpsuit class project.  The sample is a size 5.

 

I made my sample from a Liberty look-a-like I've been dying to use, but we have all kinds of great lawn prints in stock for lightweight summer sewing. 

Here are a few I think would look great too and in honor of this post, select 60" lawn prints are on sale now for 7.50 yd!!!

 

 

 

I added 1/4" gingham bias binding to all the edges and was once again very thankful for Roxanne's Glue Baste-It and my pinning board! 

I wanted a retro feel to the topstitching on bias so I chose to stitch using a coral pink thread and a 3.5W/2.5L zigzag stitch.

 

 
To make ties, simply continue bias off the edge of fabric and stitch along edge as before.

 

Zipper Sandals

Dawn Roda added zipper flowers to her sandals!! She used Goldtone Zipper in Teal Blue and Salmon.

My Class Projects

The madness continues... more pictures of upcoming classes.

Tape Measure Totes
3 hour evening class

 

I love teaching this class. You just feel happy working with all the bright colors.  Choose from two styles. 

 
The top edge features Whimsy Stick trim woven with hot pink ribbon to create a whole new look!

 

 
Whimsy Stick Tape Measure Flower

Missed the class, don't worry! This tote is scheduled to be in the Fall issue of Sew Beautiful magazine.

NEW! Pleater Flower Class
3 hour evening class

 
Fast, fun and you should see it made in pink plaid ribbon, too cute too!!!

 

I will be wearing my blouse to class!

 

Martha Madness

I'm getting ready to teach at the latest Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion.  I have a total of eight during this week long event. 

If you have never been to one of these schools, let me just say, if you have the chance to come, don't miss it!  I will warn you though, they can be addicting. 

I thought I would share a few pictures of my class projects.

Pinwheels & Pockets
2 day class  

 

The colorful Square Yoke Top features halo sleeves, Whimsy Pinwheel flowers and cute hem flounces.  The pants are my Heirloom Cargo Capri from the More Sewing from Whimsy book, trimmed to match the top.

 

Yoke close-up with Pinwheel flowers, Whimsy Stick trims and an old favorite, Rickrack flowers.  Below is the fancy flower on the skirt of the top.

Pinwheels shown here are made from the Hex-A-Wheel, as in a 6 sided hexagon, so the pinwheels will have 6 points or petals. So the Pent-A-Wheel will make 5 point/petal pinwheels.   

Optional yoke trims feature pinwheels that are made to look like pinwheel toys instead of flowers.

 

Creating Bullion Whimsies
3 hour evening class

 

Cute apron style top with tutu skirt made using 5" Rolls of Chiffon, pre-cut fabric ruffles. See more photos and pattern details on flickr.

 

The yoke features bubbly fish stitched in my favorite hand embroidery stitch - BULLIONS!! Stitched using DMC cotton floss.

 

Trim with ruffles and twisted rickrack.  If you prefer machine embroidery, this yoke is the prfect place to showcase a pretty motif.

 

Hello Again

As you may have noticed, I haven’t posted in quite sometime. In my mind explanations spin, lists compile and guilt festers.

But, what really matters most is…
I have missed all of you! 

 

I have tons of news to share,
but here are a few of the highlights...   

• I’m getting a new daughter…Andy's engaged!

• Zipper madness has struck…too many ideas

• Martha sewing frenzy…the clock is ticking

• Studio improvements…more storage & tables

• Less of me…WW healthy and happy

• Wholesale ordering made easier…new online system

• Whimsy Pinwheels…a new Whimsy Tool

Have I peaked your interest?  Check out the website for a few details and stay tuned for more here! A special thank you to those who keep checking for new posts, friends like you are extra special.

 
Here are just a few of my new zipper flowers. 
I have just added Zipper Trims and zipper flower kits will be coming soon!