Last Minute Gift Wrap from Fabric

Martha Stewart, you sly dog you. Sometimes I hesitate to post MS ideas because I like to give credit to smaller blogs but there are times when she has something really creative and useful and I just can't help myself.

Today I bought my first roll of wrapping paper, at the dollar store of course. However, you have to be very picky. A lot of dollar store wrapping paper have tacky cartoon characters or ugly color schemes. But I can usually find a simple print here and there.

Today I choose a green polka dotted paper and was very satisfied with my $1 purchase. However, inevitably every Christmas Eve when we're wrapping all our gifts we come up one or two presents short of paper and are forced to shove the rest into thoughtless bags.

Martha suggests photocopying vibrant fabrics as an easy way to create eye-catching gift wrap. You likely have some bold prints around the house, perhaps on old clothing or vintage linens. Make color copies on white paper, enlarging and reducing the scale to achieve different looks from the same swatch.

Now all I have to do is buy more printer ink. Man, is that an annoying expense.

Sew Liberated Book GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

Boy, it's been a busy morning! I had a cookie exchange, dropped Lily off at kindergarten, then went to the dollar store. I've finally had a chance to sit at my computer for the first time all day!

To start things off this late Thursday morning, I'm thrilled to offer a copy of Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist to one lucky Grosgrain reader!

Perfect for that crafty friend or yourself!

Meg McElwee (pictured at bottom) teaches you how to transform your sewing by adding personal touches with appliqué details and other handwork.

Check out my personal review here.


Take your sewing skills to the next level with projects ranging from the beginner's Heirloom Duvet Cover to the advanced Capture the Moment Camera Bag.

McElwee's background as an early childhood educator stands out in the inspired section on sewing for children, which features a chef's hat and apron, an artist's smock, a blanket baby carrier and more.

Step-by-step sewing project instructions, color photographs and illustrations, and comprehensive how-to appliqué and embroidery instructions make Sew Liberated an all-in-one resource and guide. Sew Liberated provides you with all levels of new techniques, creative challenges, and a full range of projects ranging in difficulty and time commitment.

Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.

Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:

1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)

2) By leaving a comment without a link or

3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.




If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.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.

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First Step Photo Vinyl Wall Art $50 Gift Card 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 First Step Photo Vinyl Wall Art $50 Gift Card is Janel of "Simply Nel".


Please contact me to claim your prize!

'It's My Party' Skirt GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

I wanted to make a really girly skirt. Originally I intended this to be for an adult and wanted to sew in a white top. I still might try this out later.


But sometimes I like to take ideas that I think might look good on an adult and model it on a child. There is a very limited selection of modern looking clothing for kids. I'm guessing its because there isn't as much demand.


This is a dark grey wool skirt that is cinched at just below the top with cased elastic. I like the way the top of the skirt flares out. It resembles the look of the Lawn Frock, however, the Lawn frock had a cleaner pleated look. This is simply gathered which also has its own appeal.


I added a blue denim striped seersucker belt and tied it in a bow to the side of the skirt. Since this is a wool skirt, it can be appropriate for winter.

I liked the blue striped belt and pink top paired together with the gray wool. It has a very January look. All that's missing is a large round 3' pink balloon.


Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:

1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)

2) By leaving a comment without a link or

3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.


If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.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.

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Multi-Colored Felted Ball Wreath Tutorial

Every Christmas I'm tempted to really change things up and instead of doing a red and green themed holiday I debate maybe doing a multi-colored themed Christmas.

But I'm not naive. I know there's a tasteful way to do this and a tacky way. In the end, my budget usually leans toward the traditional themed colors since we already have those on hand but one of these years I'm going to be brave and have a modern Christmas.

When I do this will be one of the first things on my list. Pickles makes this mod wreath tutorial.

I love it so much I can't take my eyes away. You need a lot of felted balls.

You can find felted wool balls at a reasonable price here.

I think this would go really great with white walls, hardwood floors and a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree adorned with multicolored C7 Indoor/Outdoor lights.

My Little Sister Evelyn Smock 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 My Little Sister Evelyn Smock Guest Giveaway is the MilewskiFamily of "J Milewski's Ramblings".


Please contact me to claim your prize!

Neige $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

Oh do I have a great surprise for you! One of my fabulous sponsors, Neige, is offering a delightful holiday treat. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous myself.


To one lucky winner, a $100 gift card will be awarded!


They've just stocked their store with some great spring clothes and ALSO have some other really lovely fall clothes on sale!


Be sure to check out both their girls and babies sections.


Featured to the left is a soft pull-on pant in a 12 gauge cotton knit. Coconut button faux-fly, and soft elastic waist. 2x2 rib trim at leg opening. Combine with rib trim cotton sweater, and cotton ribbed hat for a complete outfit.


I loved this burnt orange sweater coat in a 5 gauge cotton knit with moss stitch trim. Peter pan collar, and inverted pleat detail. Moss stitch hem band and cuffs. Coconut buttons.


Neige was born out of Adrienne Catrina’s unique vision of sophistication and style in children’s wear.


The French word for “snow”, neige was chosen to designate the collection for its connotations of purity, innocence and sophisticated playfulness.


Catrina’s erudite eye and design philosophy were honed during her years as an assistant designer to preeminent ready-to-wear and bridal designer Vera Wang, for whom she worked upon graduation from Parsons School of Design, until 2003, when she moved to Southern California with her husband.



Upon becoming a mother, Catrina was surprised by the void in the children’s wear market for clothing that is both modern and age-appropriate.


“All too often, children’s clothes are ‘decorated’ and overwrought with frills, patches, colors, and patterns. Our clothes are designed with tremendous respect for both children themselves, and to style.”


For children, comfort is the yardstick, and each piece on the collection is conceived with this in mind. What separates Neige, meanwhile, is that each piece is designed with an intense dedication to quality and style.


This unique philosophy and look has garnered Neige an immense following among retailers and editors alike.




Neige has been featured in publications such as Cookie Magazine, Parents Magazine, Child Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Mom and Baby Magazine, among many others.



Cornel and Adrienne Catrina, the parents of two, believe it is possible to improve the lives of children. This belief is put in to action as the company sponsors, donates, and participates in charitable events for children.


Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.








Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:


1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)


2) By leaving a comment without a link or


3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.


*4) BONUS FOR THIS CONTEST ONLY: You can receive an addition entry by becoming a Neige Fan on Facebook. Just leave me a comment letting me know that you did.



If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.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.

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"Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock" 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 "Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock" giveaway is MCC of "Huddyma"


Please contact me to claim your prize!

GROSGRAIN'S Holiday Scrap Spending $50 Gift Card Contest!!!! CLOSED.

As you may have noticed I've been posting a lot more outside tutorials lately. I have just found so many wonderful, easy instructions for some of the most simple things- a wreath, a pair of shoes, a hair tye. You name it someone has a tutorial for it. I'm quite serious.

This time of year is the perfect time to sift through these thousands of tutorials and choose some to use for holiday gift giving. As you might have noticed I tend to prefer the kind that don't require spending a lot of money. I especially like the kind that use materials you already have....like scraps.

I tell my friends...."Spend less money, spend more scraps".

So, in the spirit of gift giving and sewing I want to present a fun opportunity. Capitalize on all those loose odds and ends around your house and possibly win a $50 gift card to JoAnn's Fabric.

If you have a fabulous homemade gift that you created using at least 50% of materials you already own post it to the Grosgrain flickr group by January 1st. The winner will be chosen by me....and probably Brian:) And will be announced on.... ....January 3rd.

Please post a tutorial on your blog and leave your blog link in the comment of your flickr photo (or photos). A full tutorial is best but you don't have to include pictures or many details. At least say a few things so others can know how you made your wonderful work!

I may also be posting the various flickr tutorials that catch my eye, periodically on the site.

Anything from a wallet to a skirt, from a wreath to a pillow. As long as it can be given as a gift and mostly uses items that you already had it qualifies.

I'm literally giddy to see what you will post! Good luck!

{photo via flickr user philistine made}

Holiday Hostess Aprons from Curtains!!

You might say I'm gaga over aprons.

I love seeing all the different variations people come up with.

Beth from The Stories of A to Z has come up with this great idea!

She uses thrift store curtains to make a quick and simple hostess holiday aprons. Read more here.

Did I mention that Beth and I know each other in real life?

Beth and I both participate in MOMents. It's sort of like MOPS. Basically it's a mom's group and I've met some really great people through it. When I found out that Beth had a blog I immediately had a new friend. I know it's strange but I haven't met many people in the "real world" who blog. So whenever I find someone who does it's quite a treat for me.

Beth writes about how she strives to create beauty out of chaos and style out of scraps. She has some really great ideas and posts. One of my favorites was her rain gutter bookshelf post.

She's quite the home decor maven! I know my blog is more about sewing but if you are also into home decorating (which honestly who isn't:) check her out!

Flickr Favs

Little Pearl Girl always has the best clothes and photos.



Her sewing always looks so careful and neat.



And her daughter is just the perfect model:)



I've featured her on Grosgrain before and if you like her little dresses too, you can check out her etsy shop.








This little red head looks stylish enough for a j.crew catalog. I love her matching bunched up scarf.


The jacket looks tailored enough for an adult.


Photo from flickr user Naomi in Spain.


If you'd like one of your creative sewing crafts featured on Grosgrain just Join Grosgrain's flickr group! 


I usually choose 2 or 3 recent photos and post to Flickr Favs on the weekend. If you have a blog also listed with your flickr group I will try to link to that instead of your flickr name.

JOIN GROSGRAIN FLICKR GROUP!!

Small Winter 09

The new Small Magazine Winter 2009 is out!

I love this online mag for inspiration and an introduction to new artists and clothing companies!

Not to mention that they've featured Grosgrain in the Winter 2008 Issue.

If you've never seen Small Mag before CHECK THEM OUT! You could spend hours just sifting through their past issues.

Storybook Cape and Muff GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

I wanted to write this in a separate post since a giveaway/tutorial/pattern post seemed like a lot to cram into one write up.

But if you liked the Storybook cape and muff then please feel free to either

1) Link (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)

2) By leaving a comment without a link or

3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.

Create a Link

"From Matriarch to Mod" Slipper Tutorial

If you happen to find any Isotoner slippers in your stocking this year and they're not what you had hoped for try this tutorial on for size.

Ruffles and Stuff makes an elegant alternative to the granny slipper.

When you're done, you'll be proud to wear them to high tea at The Plaza!

The 8 O'Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

In case you might have missed my previous post I just wanted to again thank you for voting for me in the Shabby Apple Dare to Design Contest. Last night they announced Grosgrain as the winner! And I could not have done it without all of you behind me.


Speaking of contests I have my own little one in the works. It involves all of you. I hope you approve. Look for it next week!


Now, back to this dress! As I mentioned before I am trying to make a few more adult dresses. Some more girly some more sleek. This one leans toward the sleek.


I made the skirt extra long. It extends past the knees but it also tapers to a point. I would call it more of a pencil than a tulip. I don't think I've ever tried a tulip before. But I'd like to someday.


I've seen some strange tulip skirts lately. The kind you might see on Project Runway. I don't know if I'd have the courage to make a skirt like that but something inside me wants to try someday. I don't think many people would like it but I think it would be worth the time to see the outcome.


This dress is made out of a mustard colored knit material. I bought it at this amazing fabric store in Amish Country. They had an enormous amount of knit fabrics in all sorts of colors and patterns. I was in heaven.


For some reason JoAnn and other chain fabric stores don't carry a wide selection of knits. And although I'm not a big fan of using knits for dresses I have to say that every once in a while they really are great.





They don't require a zipper and they don't fray. It only took me about an hour and 45 minutes to make this dress, that included the pattern! I sewed it a couple hours before Abi came over to model it!


I bought the belt at Forever 21. It is included with the dress. I sort of debated keeping it for myself but I really can't wear it now anyway and I think that it totally 'makes' the dress. I love a good big leather belt. It can give a punch to a simple dress like this one.


The sleeves are unique. I've never made sleeves like these before. Although I think they would have looked better if I had used a stiffer material.


They are just 3" by 7" strips of knit material. I thought it had a modern yet feminine look. To make them stand out more I'd add an inch or two to make them 5" wide. I might try using the look again for a later dress.

I sewed a cowl scoop for the neckline. I do have some regrets about the neck. I wanted to make a much fuller cowl. I guess next time I will have add twice as much material. Overall I think it was a more modern dress. But something that you could wear to work or a party.


Thanks to Abi for coming over again and modeling for me. But I have to admit that I need a few new backdrops. We were sort of at a loss as to what to do in the photos.


I'm getting sooooo bored with my standard white, blue, orange and grey. I'd love to get some modern wallpaper and set up a hardwood floor in the basement. Perhaps after the baby is born.


I'm definitely getting one of those lights I mentioned in my A Few of my Favorite Things post. I think shining those lights on my subject is going to do WONDERS for my setup.

Abi said I should post a picture of what it really looks like down there since you never see any of the weird basement in the photos. I thought that would actually be a good idea. So look for that too if you want a good laugh.


I would say this dress would fit a size 5-8.


If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top.


Now, in case you might have missed my survey results post....there are some changes to entering a Grosgrain contest!


Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.


Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:


1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)


2) By leaving a comment without a link or


3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.


If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.



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.

Create a Link





NOTE: Blogger is fixing an error with the 'Create a Link' Link. This applies to all 'Create a Links' on all pages. You might get an error code: bX-w3yevs. If you do, check your page to see if it posted anyway. If it hasn't and you want to create a link just do so by posting it to your blog the way you would normally make a post. (ie, the old fashioned way). I will let you know here when this problem is fixed.
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It's Official.

I am delighted to announce that, thanks to all of you, I was announced as the Shabby Apple Dare to Design Winner! Which means that if you liked the Lawn Frock you will be able to purchase it this coming spring!

I'm 'officially' a designer:)

I don't know what comes next. But I will try to keep you updated as the process continues.

Before I sign off on this post I want to thank all of you of course, my friend/model Abi, Brian who tolerated my mood swings and Shabby Apple for holding such a fabulous contest and offering such fabulous clothing!

As a thank you I've stayed up late tonight to bring to you another Grosgrain giveaway to be posted in a couple hours. For now, I'm off to dream about dresses.

Thank you!

Charm Design $50 Gift Card 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 Charm Design $50 gift card is Kara of "Recess Time Originals".



Please contact me to claim your prize!

Attachment Challenge

Someone recently emailed me about buying her 4-year-old a toy sewing machine. I started writing a response but somehow ran into a brick wall.

I wanted to recommend getting a Janome Sew Mini and also purchasing a finger guard attachment. You see I bought my daughter a Singer Chain Stitch Machine last year and was really disappointed in it. Not only was it battery operated but it has no bobbin so your stitches will just pull out if you do not knot the ends somehow. Just inconvenient.

Now that she's 5 I think she wants something that can actually sew. She's really into making pockets and talking about sewing them onto our clothes. I thought she might get a kick out of sewing some bean bags.

But back to my problem....The one thing I did like about the Chain Stitch machine was that it had a plastic casing covering the needle. I still wouldn't feel safe leaving Lily alone with a 'real' sewing machine that didn't have some kind of finger guard. I wanted to recommend the better machine to my reader. However, after at least an hour of scouring sites I couldn't find anything on the internet about finger guard attachments. It seemed like such a practical, reasonable request.

Soooo, I thought I'd send this question out into the blogosphere and see if one of you good readers might know of anything along those lines.

If someone can successfully suggest an attachment or better solution, they will be receiving a special surprise package from me. Nothing too fantastic but a nice thank you.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!

GROSGRAIN Muff Tutorial and Storybook Reversible Cape Pattern!!!!

Well, we didn't get to make it out to the Christmas Tree hayride. But I did manage to take these photos downstairs.

The cape that she is wearing was a last minute pattern. It was an alteration to the Wandering Waif Cape. And it can be reversed. I recommend using a limp material. Not stiff. If you use a stiff material take about 5" out of the middle back of the pattern. Again, not recommended.
I used a very stiff material for this cape and it turned out to be quite problematic. I also slightly changed the sleeve holes in jpg pattern I posted. The new way works much better.

This cape is for a 2T. Download the Pattern here. Front. Back. Hood.

I'm just going to give a quick run down in regards to the pattern.

First cut out the material as stated on the patterns. Sew lining first. Sew front two sides to back with right sides together at the curved edges. Be sure to leave a space open between the two lines shown in the pattern. These will be the sleeve holes. Fold the hem of the arm holes in and sew down.

Sew two hood pieces with right sides together along the curved edge. Stop at nape of neck. Sew hood to top of cape.

Then sew exterior the same way. Match the lining and exterior pieces with right sides together and sew around the entire shape leaving a 12" opening at the bottom of the back of the cape.

Turn inside out. Fold the hem of the opening in and sew together so that the opening is now closed.

Add a clasp at the top of the neck. Now for the Muff....

This muff tutorial is for a 2T. For larger sizes add 2" per size to the measu-rements in step one.

First cut your lining fabric and your exterior fabric. For this muff I used a lining that matched the cape. However I think a nice faux rabbit fur lining would work better. I just couldn't find any in the fabric stores.

Cut the lining 10"x11"
Cut the exterior fabric 8"x11"




Fold over the lining fabric by 1" on either long side. Sew.

Fold over exterior fabric by 1/4" on either long side. Sew.






Center the exterior fabric on top of the lining fabric so that wrong sides meet. The lining should peak out at the sides by about half an inch.

Sew the exterior fabric to the lining fabric (see photo).







Make the loops. To do this cut two 1.5" by 6" pieces of fabric. I used the same fabric as the lining but it's up to you.

Fold in the two sides so that they meet in the middle (see photo).





Then fold together and sew down the long side (see photo).









Make two marks in the center of the exterior fabric about an inch and a half away from the left side. Make another two similar marks on the right side.
















Place the two ends of the straps in the two holes (see photo).











Turn over to lining side. Sew down the dotted line shown in the photo for all ends of the loops.









Sew the two sides together with exterior fabric facing each other. Then turn right-side-out.














Tie a pretty matching velvet ribbon to the loops and VOILA you're done!

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