Cloche Hat Tutorial

I was watching 'Changling' on HBO last night. Yes, it's a somewhat depressing movie. But I have to say that Angelina Jolie looks stunning in her cloche hats and bright red lipstick. It made me long for the look again.

I remember last year cloche hats were ALL THE rage. They still are in my book. I'd love to have the one shown at bottom.

Here's a great free cloche hat pattern and tutorial from Weekend Designer.

I think if you made one of these you could start to improvise and create your own styles.

The Strange and Wonderful World of Crochet.

There's something about crocheting that makes people want to create strange but useful things. Moreso than knitting. It's in a league all its own.

I've done a little crocheting myself. I like that it's a lot faster than knitting and a lot less complicated.

Check out these interesting finds from some etsy sellers who also love to crochet.


I thought this crochet ear phone hat (above) was a great idea! I only wish I had some in college. There were many a cold February morning when I was walking to class and could have used something like this.


Or for that matter, these these lace up crochet leg warmers (to right).


When I was a college freshman back in 1996 I used to wear pleated mini skirts and high heeled penny loafers to school on days when the temperature didn't get above 15. And I didn't wear a stitch of stocking. I look back and think what a lunatic I was. But in my defense, I was 18, the mini pleated look was in and it really flattered my stubby legs.

I really could have used some of these right? They look so Anthro!

I might just have to sit down and figure out how to make them myself. I think it might be doable.


Do you have a teacher in your life?


Surprise them with this cutsy apple cozy. I think it will be a first for him or her.


No more bruised apples sitting on the bottom of your bag! Get this super cute and stylish cozy for your apple. Handmade using 100% wool and decorated with a wooden or a vintage button.






Here's something that would be a great gag gift. It's the amazing crocheted beard hat.

Now I don't think I can honestly say that I ever needed one of these in my life but it might be great for that boyfriend or 'guy' friend you have on your Christmas list.

And here's a quick tutorial on how to crochet if you don't know how. It takes very little effort to learn.

Are your 4T jeans really 5T?

I think by now you all know that I love thrift shopping. Especially for kids clothes. You can get the same jeans at the Salvation Army that you do at Old Navy or the Children's Place. Sometimes better.

The one drawback is that when I find a pair that look really good I sometimes overlook the fact that they are one size too big. I take them home and as Lily is running around the house I see that they are slowing falling around her knees. Not good.

Julie-K has given me a solution. Check out her adjustable elastic kids pants tutorial.

And the best part is that when your child grows you can simply remove the elastic. You can try this with almost any pair of pants. I've looked at it and it seems super easy! Try it!

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!!

Well, it's finally come down to it.

Tonight is the LAST DAY of the Shabby Apple Dare to Design contest.

If you hadn't voted yet and like my design, or are a fan of Grosgrain please stop by and vote for #7. The Lawn Frock. Click here to vote!

I would be quite grateful!

Here's a quick recap of the dress:
The dress is designed for spring. I imagined wearing this dress when attending a lunch with friends or on Sunday service or farmer's market stroll.

The color, obviously reminded me of spring. The way grass looks when first sprouting from the ground, all bright and noticeable.

I really loved the design of the collar. It bears a V-neck trim that attaches to a tiny gathered portion of the front bodice. Then I ruffle pleated a piece of matching fabric and added on top of the collar. I then added a white piping trimmed piece to keep the two in place. The sleeves are tiny and capped just right for warm spring weather.

The skirt was rather interesting. It is pleated the entire way around the body. The top of the pleats are finished with a rolled white hem and are not sewn at the tops but rather at the middle giving the look of a skirt but the piece is attached.

The white waistband cinches the pieces together creating a nice flattering A-line waist and skirt. The pleats reach all the way to the bottom of the dress which falls to the knee. Very A-line, very flirty, very feminine.

Felt Flower Clip Tutorial

Felt clips are the cutest. They have a soft sweet quality that I really love.

Some of these adorable clips could be a great gift for a friend's daughter.

A Hoot and a Holler has made a fabulous tutorial for the flower to the left.

Both she and I recommend using quality felt. Something like 100% wool. You really can tell the difference. Plus, I've found the cheaper fabrics only come in corny colors.

Flickr Favs

When I opened Grosgrain's flickr group this morning I knew there was definitely one picture which I had to feature.

Refugee Crafter made this as a blessing dress for her sweet baby girl. She described it as the pinnacle of her sewing career. Months in the works. She made her own pattern and tatted the lace trimmings herself!

She said, "It is definitely my most ambitious endeavor. I guess that's what happens when you give me nine months and little sleep due to pregnancy."

I couldn't agree more:)

The pattern for the lace on the sleeves comes from the book A New Twist on Tatting by Catherine Austin. She added the pearl beads to her pattern. The frog closures are her own creation.

The ruffles on the dress inspired by Butterick pattern B4967.

See more pics here.
I also really liked the skirt to the right made by flickr user Mosspink. I've always had a a soft spot for crinoline. Anything holiday related is always good this time of year.

Speaking of holidays, it's now time to put up the Christmas decorations. The tree, the lights, the garland. I'm usually super excited and eager to do this but unfortunately I've been really tired, lethargic and uncomfortable.

And speaking of uncomfortable, we went to see 'A Christmas Carol' last night at IMAX. The theater was sold out and we were at the end of the line. When we finally got inside all the seats were taken except for the ones in the very front and some single ones on the ends. We had to sit in separate seats with Lily sharing my chair for 2 hours.

Being seven and a half months pregnant I was quite uncomfortable. But the movie was pretty good. I'm glad Lily got to see the story for the first time. It was always one of my favorites.

Downtown Apartment Bolster Pillow Tutorial

ModHomeEcTeacher creates this stylish tutorial on how to make a beefy bolster pillow from stuff just laying around your home.


I also really like the couch covering in this photo. It makes me want to recover all my old furniture with tweed (very stain forgiving BTW).


Maybe after the baby is born.

What I am Thankful For

My Grosgrain readers.

I wish I could have pictured each and every one of my fabulous subscribers.

I can't thank you all enough for your support and enthusiasm. I know that this had started out as mostly a hobby but it has turned into much more.

I've often received comments from people in my life asking me why I put so much time into the blog. I can only say that it fulfills me the way a rewarding career provides a goal and purpose outside of the family (although having my family involved with the blog makes it even better).

Even though it pains me a little to say goodbye to each beloved piece I sew, I receive so much more in return from all of you.

All your support with the Shabby Apple contest has given me a feeling neither money nor retail therapy can equal.

Win or lose, reading your positive comments and recognizing your faces at Shabby Apple motivates me to keep my ideas flowing and hands sewing. (And by the way I realize you are all probably sick of hearing about the contest and seeing multiple ads. I promise that after the contest ends on midnight this Monday I will promptly take them down.)

Sometimes I wish I could make enough dresses for every one that enters my contests. I always feel guilty when I can't give a popular frock to each and every faithful contestant. Obviously I wouldn't be able to do this without your encouragement. Perhaps someday I can find a way to share my designs with all the people who enjoy them.

Thank you all!

Winner

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.


Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The winner of the Modern Blitz custom card giveaway is....Angie Mae of Lil'Angels


Please contact me to claim your prize!

Black Friday.

This 'might' be what I'm doing RIGHT NOW!

It's 4am and very 'black' on this dark November morning. I'm planning on going to the infamous Walmart Black friday sale with my mother, sans makeup, sans sleep, sans sunlight, sans sanity.

I will let you know how it goes....

Update: Well, I'm back. A little tired, a little wiser. This was my first black friday doorbuster experience and I really did not know what to expect. If any of you considered going to Walmart on Black Friday or plan to try it in the future I have some sage wisdom to grant.

Walmart places sale items in different areas of the store to spread out the crowds and handed out tickets for the most popular items. If you wanted to get a popular item you had to be there early enough to get a ticket. These were mostly tvs and computers.

GPSs, blurays and smaller ticket sale items were first come first serve which got a little crazy. You had to come prepared with a map of where each sale item was in the store if you wanted to get there first. At 5am, employees tore off the wrapping paper from the skids and all it was every man for himself.

I think a lot of people shy away from Walmart because of it's reputation for chaos. However (despite the above photo I used) there was no mad dash. Mostly slow shuffling between A LOT of people. Not that pleasant either.

Here's one positive that might go unnoticed: It's warm. Target and Best Buy opened their doors at 5am. People literally slept in tents and waiting for hours in the cold. At Walmart you could come at midnight and walk around the store and shop, do your groceries, eat at McDonalds. If I were to do this again, I'd stay up all night. I'd get to Walmart around 2 or 3am. Get my tickets. Get all my grocery shopping done. Put my groceries in my car. Go back inside and wait for 5am to roll around. Maybe eat at McDonald's if I got bored. If you have your ticket, you don't have to push through any crowds. You can just pickup your item from an associate.

Negatives: Crowded. I parked, literally, 2 football fields length away from the entrance. Never in all my life have I seen Walmart so packed. If you had a cart you couldn't get anywhere. You really need two people. One to dart through the crowds, one to watch the filled cart. Some areas were so tightly packed with people you had to abandon any hope of entry (ie the toy department).

Long lines. Every checkout line stretched to the middle of the store. It took me 20 minutes to get a Sausage Biscuit at the in-store McDonald's.

Surprisingly, I would do it again. It was an experience. I'll give it that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble. Gobble.

Hope you are all enjoying tiramisu with your families like me:)
Photo courtesy of flickr user kathrynivy.com

Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

I'm so jealous of Melody.

She looks so good in this holiday dress. I'd love to wear something like this to a Christmas party I was hosting. I should make a maternity version (not fitted of course:) and have a party as an excuse to wear it.


The dress is made from a stretch poplin, heavier weight cotton material. The color is crisp, "white as snow" white. It is contrasted by a peppermint striped grosgrain sash that ties at the waist.


It looks fairly simple, but to me it's special because it is the FIRST fitted skirt piece I've ever made.


I wouldn't call it a 'tulip' skirt, more like a 'pencil'. If there was one thing I would change, it would be the length. I would want it to reach past her knees by an inch or two and taper to a point at the hem. But other than that it looked very similar to my original sketch.


Brian and I were talking about the Shabby Apple Dresses and noting how some of them are fitted. And it dawned on me that I've never made a fitted dress. Not that it's more difficult, in fact, it was a lot easier and used a lot less fabric. I just don't favor fitted dresses but this one makes me want to make a dozen more.


I added a ruffle to the neckline and ends of the sleeves.The sleeves are very fitted and shows off a demure arm. I think my sister would look good in this dress too. Both Melody, Channy and Abi are very slim and slight.


I'd say this dress looks 'sophisticated' but still 'youthful'. I really like how the sash POPS out from the white color of the dress.


I really whipped this dress up super fast! I was impressed with the amount of time it took. I started it on Tuesday and put the finishing touches on it as Melody came in the door.



I worked on it while Molly took her naps and all together I put only 3 hours into it. That includes creating the pattern, cutting the material and of course sewing it together.


Melody emailed me her measurements but I was so in a hurry I just started it without looking twice. I was shocked when she came down the steps with everything looking fitted and right.


I really liked the stretch poplin material. I would use it again for a pencil skirted dress. It's a heavier weight material which looks more expensive than say....broadcloth and it's very forgiving in terms of fit. I wouldn't use it with an A-line because of its stretch but for a dress like this it was PERFECT!


This frock looks great with a cup of hot cocoa and a peppermint stick to swizzle with.




I was so fortunate that Melody, Brian's younger sister who's home from college, was willing to help me out modeling the dress. As you might have noticed I've been enlisting friends and family into my obsession.


They've all been so wonderful and I must say they've all been very photogenic! Take Melody here. I would describe her smile as 'sparkling'. And she looks so cheerful and pleasant in every photo, not surprising since she's pretty much like that in person as well.


I like using people other than myself. I think it adds some variation to Grosgrain. I think, if possible, I'd like to keep using more friends even after the baby is born.


I just realized I never told all of you what I'm having. I think I mentioned how awkward it was announcing the fact that I was pregnant. Don't worry announcing the gender went much better.




But I want to tell you all in separate post. I just haven't figured out how I want to say it. Perhaps I will get too busy in these upcoming months and I'll announce it when I post the first photo.


I would say this dress would fit a size 2 to 5.


If you'd like to win this dress just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.


If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post.


If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.


Update!! While creating a link is still the only requirement for entering a giveaway, leaving a comment along with your link makes it much easier to find your entry. This is mostly due to the fact that blog roll links often show up in my search for entries and can be difficult to sort through.

Create a Link

Create a Link

DIY Dress Form

If you're an etsy seller or an avid sewer who blogs about their work then you might have considered investing in a dress form.

I bought my dress form from ebay. It totaled somewhere around $60. Still not bad.

Tea Rose Home made a DIY version for only $17! And it looks very doable! I would definitely be interested in seeing an adult sized version too!

Looks pretty good!

See the tutorial here.

Layla Grayce Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.


Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Layla Grace Blanket Set Giveaway is Ginny of Mom of 2 Dancers.


Please contact me to claim your prize!

Charm Design $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

My old purse is so shabby and not in a chic way. I've been meaning to go out and purchase a new one for some time but for one reason or another I haven't been able to get around to it. If you're like me, stop and take a look at today's guest giveaway, CHARM DESIGN.


The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a $50 gift certificate to do with what they want in her fabulous store.


Charm design was founded by Ranja Lee who is a stay-at-home mom with two children.


She was born in Japan and started sewing when she was in high school. She studied at the Vantan Design Institute in Tokyo and worked at the Childrens Clothing Company as a clothing designer for several years in Tokyo.




She moved to Los Angeles in 1994, and studied Graphic Design at California State University Fullerton.


Now, aside from taking care of her kids, she loves to design and sew bags and childrens' accessories with her joy and inspiration. She hopes you will enjoy them too!!


Take a look at her zippered pouch bags too!


If you purchase 5 or more pouches, Charm Designs will give you a 10% DISCOUNT!! She will send you a revised invoice before you pay. (Round Pouch ONLY)


Flickr ： http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmdesign/
Twitter ： http://twitter.com/charmdesign



If you'd like to win one of these bags just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.


If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post.


If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.


Update!! While creating a link is still the only requirement for entering a giveaway, leaving a comment along with your link makes it much easier to find your entry. This is mostly due to the fact that blog roll links often show up in my search for entries and can be difficult to sort through.

Create a Link



Create a Link

Anthropologie Hacks

Were any of you Nintendo geeks in the 80s? Remember those cheat books they used to sell at the Toy Store? It gave you all the codes and warps to new levels. There was something very gratifying about executing those tricks. Whenever I discover a computer hack to improve my website I get that same feeling I had 20 years ago (yes, it's been that long:)

Anyway, let me get to the point....I love to get clothing catalogs in the mail. Not just because I love clothes but they offer great inspiration and ideas. However, I don't keep very good track of these catalogs and I never have a place to keep them.

If you like Anthro's catalogs like me but want a back issue or just lost yours over the course of time, here's a little secret I've discovered....

If you go to their website and click on the link 'Shop the Catalog' at the bottom of the page it will take you to their three most recent catalogs to view online. Right now it's Sept., Oct., and Nov.
BUT, if you want to see a past catalog all you have to do is change the end of the url.

For instance, look at the url for the September catalog:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/shopbycatalog.jsp?catname=Sepp09

If you want to see August's catalog which isn't listed change the text after the equals sign (the text I've shown in red)
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/shopbycatalog.jsp?catname=Aug09

If you want to see August of last year change the "09" to "08". You can go back as far as October of 07. It's always the first three letters of the month followed by either "08" or "09". It's a little fickle at times but if you come into trouble go back to the 'Shop the Catalog' page and try it again.

Hope this intrigues some of your shopoholic/Nintendo geeks out there. Good luck!

Learn to Sew

A while back I saw that Michael's Crafts was hosting a pattern making class for only $20. I wanted to attend but unfortunately sometime came up and I missed it.


However I thought it would be good to mention that JoAnn Fabric also offers classes in a few of their stores (see which ones here). They have A TON of options ranging from cake decorating to fleece robes to knitting and crocheting.


Here's a link to their latest flyer with all of their current classes. Some of them are a little pricey, mostly the sewing classes. But if you've never worked with a pattern before and can't figure it out on your own, taking the class could help you to learn, which to me, is worth $75.

Chubby Baby Car Seat Cover GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

Remember when you got your first infant car seat? Perhaps it was at a baby shower? Or you went down to Babies'R'Us and purchased one with your husband. Remember how pretty and clean it looked when you first buckled it into your car?

If this was years ago I'm guessing it looks a lot like mine. Crumbs in the bucket of the seat. Chocolate milk stains on the arm rests.




Maybe you were given a seat that didn't match your style or you are just tired of looking at the same one day after day.

Chubby Baby is your instant remedy to the tired car seat cover. The latest style, with serious comfort! Feel free to refresh an old car seat and make it look yummy, with a brand new look.

I came across Chubby Baby a while ago and for days I drooled over her gorgeous covers imagining them brightening up my plain beige Saturn sedan.


I contacted Colleen and she was nice enough to offer one of her amazing car seat covers to one lucky Grosgrain reader! Your choice! Depending on your choice that's up to a $60 to $85 value!

These beautiful, custom, hand made, slip covers are made with minky which is extra soft and cozy. The canopies are made from fabrics from the Heather Bailey Collection and other chic designs.

Check out this toddler cover to the left. Two Looks in One with a reversible cover and soft minky on the reverse side.

It is easy to remove for washing because the slits for the seat belts are vertical and can be opened and closed for easy removal. All products are machine washable and dryer safe for easy cleaning.

Always use the manufacturers instructions for proper safety guidelines. Never replace their cover for the manufacturers original cover, simply place on top and pull straps through.
Their delicious minky covers are designed to fit MOST car seats, please tell Colleen what seat you have.

If you'd like to win one of these covers just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.

If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post.

If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

Update!! While creating a link is still the only requirement for entering a giveaway, leaving a comment along with your link makes it much easier to find your entry. This is mostly due to the fact that blog roll links often show up in my search for entries and can be difficult to sort through.

Create a Link






Create a Link

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me....

A bias tape machine.....

These normally sell for $90 but on Black Friday I saw a Joann Fabric circular that says it will be selling for $49.99.

To me, that's still a little pricey for a bias tape maker. But if you know someone who sews a lot this is probably indispensable!

It makes 25 feet of tape in less than 60 seconds! Beat that steam iron!

I know I'd like to open one of these on Christmas morning!

Just like in the song, I'll be posting 11 more items periodically until Christmas. If you have a crafty someone in your life, stay tuned for more good gift ideas!

Grosgrain's 'No Sew' Scrap Scarf Tutorial

Scraps, scraps, scraps.

The holidays are the best time to rid your back of these monkeys.

My friend Abi has a 6-year old daughter who loves hair clips and hair bands. At least, I think, she does.

I thought this idea would kill two birds with one stone.

The best part about these hair scarves is that they are SUPER

SIMPLE and SUPER FAST! No sewing required.

I made 26 in just ONE HOUR! That's enough to cross 4 little girls off your holiday gift list. But these aren't just for kids. They look great on adults too.

A neat idea would be to use three corresponding fabrics in similar colors, one graphic pattern, one polka dot or striped pattern and one solid color and group them together in a box to look pretty.

Here's the quickie Grosgrain tutorial:

Materials (for one scarf):
Scissors
Pinking Shears
10.5"x6.5" piece of material
1 yard of Grosgrain ribbon or hemming tape
hot glue
No Fray Spray

Step 1: Cut your fabric. To save time you can stack about 4 pieces on top of one another depending on how sharp your scissors are. For a child's sized head I cut a triangle that was 10.5" long and 6.5" high (that's 8.5" on either side).

When you measure your triangle make two points at the bottom to show the 10.5" length. Then make a dot in the middle of that line and measure 6.5" up from that dot. This is your triangle.

Step 2: Use SHARP pinking shears to cut out the triangle. Don't buy the dollar store pinking shears. They won't cut fabric and they certainly won't cut sharply. You'll end up frustrated and your scarf will end up frayed. I bought mine at Joann's Fabric. I used a 40% off coupon which made the shears $14. I admit, it was a little pricey for pinking shears but I think they were a good investment for me.

Step 3: Spray your pieces down with "Fray Stop Spray". I bought mine at Hancock Fabric. If you can't find any at a craft store near you, you can buy it online here.






Step 4: Take your 1 yard piece of ribbon or hem tape. Don't use bias tape because you will have to sew it together with a sewing machine. To center the ribbon on the triangle find the middle of the ribbon by folding it in half then glue it to the middle of the bottom of the triangle. Glue the rest of the ribbon to the triangle.

YOU'RE DONE!

If you're doing a lot of these I recommend doing each step all at once rather than one by one.