Sewing

GIVEAWAY || ART GALLERY FABRICS GIVEAWAY + APP REVIEW

GIVEAWAY || ART GALLERY FABRICS GIVEAWAY + APP REVIEW

The leaves have been turning colour, my youngest is now in Kindergarten (her first full day is today.....insert me crying happy tears of mixed emotions), and I've finally gotten some time to sit down and get the sewing machine whirring! While I'm sad my last kiddo is in school full time I'm happy to see her grow and enjoy school and for me to have much more time to work normal people hours! Yay! 

So in honour of my first day with both kids in school I thought what better way than to share some pics of some of my fave new Art Gallery Fabrics, review their brand spanking new app, and of course - giveaway a ton of fabric!!!! Yahoo!!! You know I love giving away fabric! 

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SEWING || PATTERNS ON MY CUTTING TABLE #2

SEWING || PATTERNS ON MY CUTTING TABLE #2

I've been busy knitting in the background but I've also been busy planning some sewing too! There are so many patterns out right now that I'm loving that it's time for another round of Patterns on my Cutting Table for you guys! I love seeing and hearing what you are all making and crushing on too so be sure to leave me a comment about which patterns you're swooning over this week! 

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MOMENTS || SUMMER BREAK

MOMENTS || SUMMER BREAK

I'm taking some time this upcoming week for our summer vacay so things will be quiet around here but I promise I'll be back soon. We're all super excited for our much needed "staycation". I plan on getting in some much needed family time, getting to see friends from out of town, reading (and more reading), and all the other awesome things that come along with summer vacation! 

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GIVEAWAY || HANDMADE STYLE BY ANNA GRAHAM OF NOODLEHEAD!

GIVEAWAY || HANDMADE STYLE BY ANNA GRAHAM OF NOODLEHEAD!

I'm beyond thrilled and excited to be giving a way a copy of my dear friend Anna Graham's new book "Handmade Style: 23 Must-Have Basics to Stitch, Use and Wear" today. Her blog Noodlehead, is and has been, one of my top five reads for as long as I've been reading blogs. Handmade Style is just as addicting and stays true to her wonderful aesthetic and style. 

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CRUSHES || LOVELIES FOR THE STASH (SUMMER ROAD TRIP PART ONE)

CRUSHES || LOVELIES FOR THE STASH (SUMMER ROAD TRIP PART ONE)

I'm back from our road trip over to Washington and I'm super excited to show you the goodies I brought home with me! The shops we visited are all wonderful and special and I'm so happy to have been able to bring back with me some very yummy goodies! 

I had such a wonderful time visiting these amazing shops! All the lovelies from this post were from Churchmouse Yarns & TeasTolt Yarn and Wool Shop and Dry Goods Design. If you are in the Seattle, WA area I highly recommend visiting all 3 shops! Each is special and inspiring in it's own unique way!

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GIVEAWAY || FAT QUARTER SHOP FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY || FAT QUARTER SHOP FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

It's been a while since we had a fabric giveaway so in honor of my bday this past weekend (turned the good ol'38) I'm in the mood to giveaway some fabric! Who's in the mood to win a $75 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop? Yay!

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READING || GIRL'S GUIDE TO DIY FASHION BOOK REVIEW!

READING || GIRL'S GUIDE TO DIY FASHION BOOK REVIEW!

I love to sew and being a mom to 2 girls, one of my hopes is that they will both also love to sew. Rachel Low's new book - "Girl's Guide to DIY Fashion" is a breath of fresh air in our house. Both my girls went crazy for it and were begging to get sewing after flipping through the bright, colorful and inspiring pages!

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SEWING || PATTERNS ON MY CUTTING TABLE

SEWING || PATTERNS ON MY CUTTING TABLE

It's felt like eons since I last sewed. With my back injury sewing has taken way longer to get back into. I'm dying to get back on my machine and whip up a few new additions to my summer wardrobe.

Even though I haven't sewed them yet, I've got the following patterns bought, printed and almost ready to start!

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MAKING || MOTHERS DAY PROJECT IDEAS

MAKING || MOTHERS DAY PROJECT IDEAS

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we've got some fun & quick projects that would make wonderful Mother's Day gifts for the special women in your life!

Whether you sew or knit, we think any of these would bring a smile to her face & hopefully to yours while you make it! Happy making for Mother's Day! Hopefully you'll find a great gift to make & give and while you're at it treat yourself to one too!

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GIVEAWAY || SAILOR TOP PATTERN & FABRIC FROM FANCY TIGER CRAFTS!

GIVEAWAY || SAILOR TOP PATTERN & FABRIC FROM FANCY TIGER CRAFTS!

Since I've been sewing up a storm the last week I figured it was only fitting to get you all sewing too! So it's time for a giveaway ladies! Who wants to win a Sailor Top Pattern by Fancy Tiger Crafts & fabric to make it in? Yay!

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SEWING || LINDEN, WIKSTEN & CITY GYM SHORTS!

SEWING || LINDEN, WIKSTEN & CITY GYM SHORTS!

I went on a bit of a sewing frenzy last week! With the warm weather starting here already I've been amping up my spring/summer handmade wardrobe! I recently made a new Linden sweatshirt, Wiksten tank and a pair of City Gym Shorts!

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CRUSHES || NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THE FABRIC STASH

CRUSHES || NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THE FABRIC STASH

It's been a while since I showed some of the newest additions to my fabric stash! The lovelies below from Art Gallery Fabrics could not be resisted! They were definitely must haves!

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SPRING SALE! SAVE 15% OFF!


IT'S TIME FOR OUR SPRING SALE!


Save 15% OFF our ENTIRE shop with the code "SPRINGSALE" from now until Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, midnight, PST.*

Sale valid in our website, Ravelry and Etsy shops.

SHOP /// ETSY /// RAVELRY

Happy making and creating and thanks for all of your support!

*Sale excludes ebooks and print books.


GIVEAWAY || WOOL AND THE GANG YARN & PATTERN SNOOD DOG KIT!

GIVEAWAY || WOOL AND THE GANG YARN & PATTERN SNOOD DOG KIT!

Who's in the mood for a giveaway? Yay! I'm so excited to be giving away an awesome Wool and the Gang Snood Dog Yarn & Pattern Kit from our sponsor Fabricspark!

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READING || FAT QUARTERS BOOK REVIEW

READING || FAT QUARTERS BOOK REVIEW

I'm so excited to finally get to show you all the brand new book Fat Quarters: Small Fabrics, More Than 50 Big Ideas from Lark Crafts that I've got 2 projects in!

You all know how much I love me a fat quarter. They are such a fun and affordable way to play with fabrics and stock up on your fave prints without breaking the bank. There truly is a plethora of projects you can easily make with fat quarters and this book has over 50 of them!

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FREE PATTERN || BUCKET BASKET TOTE PATTERN!

The FREE Bucket Basket Tote Sewing Pattern is here!!! 

I'm addicted to totes, baskets, project bags & more! Pretty much if I can put my latest knitting project in it and bring it around with me I'm addicted to it. I can never have enough. One of my favorite things to store my wip's in and misc yarn is my Basket.


I was lucky enough to pick up my basket from Tolt Yarn & Wool Shop last spring and I adore it. I've been on the hunt since then for the same style but in a shopping tote size. Well I finally got tired of looking around to buy with no success that I decided to design a tote that's inspired by the shape of the African Shopper Tote.

I just knew when I spotted the new fabric lineWanderer by the oh so amazing April Rhodes forArt Gallery Fabrics, that it was the PERFECT fabric for my new Bucket Basket Tote! I loved the tribal vibe and the color palette! So I'm more than thrilled to be a part of April's fabric tour for Wanderer today! All the prints I used were from the Air palette. I used Serape-Dream, Sacred Seeds Brittle, Temple of Asiaq, Crochetting Clouds, Gust of Leaves Silver and Sacred Seeds Mojave.

So pick out your fave Wanderer prints to feature and get sewing your very own Bucket Basket Tote! It's easy, fun to make and such a cute tote! It fits infinite amounts of goodies and features a pocket inside. There's not too many bells on whistles on this tote as I wanted to keep the shape of the Bucket Basket the star of the bag. I also wanted to let you have some fun with customizing it as you go!

I'm dreaming of versions of this quilted, with piecing in the mid portion, embroidery etc. I was dying to make my straps out of leather but I just couldn't get my hands on leather straps in time for the pattern release. I hope to do one in the future though. I'd like to do the bag in some faux leather mixed in with a fun print! See....so many options! You know how I love that and I hope you all do too!



Get your copy of the FREE Bucket Basket Tote Pattern! You can choose to either download the pattern from our pattern shop at VeryShannon.com or by quick download HERE.

*Remember to always print straight from Adobe Reader - not from your browser, Google Docs or if on a Mac in preview mode.


>>> Download from our Very Shannon Shop

*Please note you will be asked for payment information. This is just part of the cart process. It does not store your payment information and nor will you be charged. The pattern is free.

>>> Instant Download HERE

*Remember to always print straight from Adobe Reader - not from your browser, Google Docs or if on a Mac in preview mode.



I hope you enjoy our Bucket Basket Tote pattern! Be sure to share your projects on social media with #BBTOTE so I can see all your lovely bags!! Happy sewing!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN SOME WANDERER?

If you would like to win a HUGE giveaway of WANDERER pop over to April's Instagram feed and follow her (@aprilrhodes) and regram any of the Wanderer Tour photos with #wanderertourgiveaway and she'll choose a winner on March 1st of 20 half yard cuts! That equals 10yds of fabric peeps!!

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THE TOUR!

Sunday Feb. 15 – Nicole Morgenthau finchsewingstudio.com Monday

Feb. 16 - Holly Hughes -hollygetsquilty.com

Tuesday Feb. 17 - Shannon Cook -veryshannon.com

Wednesday Feb. 18 - Becca Bryan -  bryanhousequilts.com

Thursday Feb. 19 - Rochelle New -luckylucille.com

Friday Feb. 20 - Kate -http://seekatesew.com

Saturday Feb. 21 - Amber -oneshabbychick.typepad.com

Sunday Feb. 22 - Caroline Hulse -sewcaroline.com

Monday Feb. 23 - John Adams -quiltdad.com

Tuesday Feb. 24 - Maureen Cracknell -maureencracknellhandmade

Wednesday Feb. 25 - Delia - deliacreates.com

Thursday Feb. 26 - Kelly -cutcutsew.com

Friday Feb. 27 - Christopher Thompson-thetattooedquilter.com

PATTERN || COMMUTER COWL SEWING PATTERN!

The COMMUTER COWL pattern is here!!!!! You guys I am so excited!!!! This cowl has been in the works for a while now and it's very close to my heart.  After releasing the twisted slouch hat tutorial I just knew the next item in my little sketchbook of goodies had to be my first sewing pattern.  



The drawings in this sketchbook all have one thing in common...a theme inspired by the leafless and twisted trees that form a halo around our island city.  They always remind me of knitted cables (which I adore) and I really have been enjoying the idea of manipulating and altering the construction of fabrics and thinking of new ways to twist, knot and move fabric to change it's appearance all while keeping it simple in it's sewing but fun on construction.  I hope you all enjoy it as well.


THE COMMUTER COWL PATTERN FEATURES:


: : digitally drafted & professionally designed tutorial

: : 12 page full color pdf pattern complete with clear & easy to understand step by step instructions with bright photos and digitally drafted diagrams

: : instructions for a professionally finished accessory featuring 2 ways & 2 sizes to make/wear your cowl

: : fabric requirements, notions, and sewing tips/glossary to ensure a great finished product

: : a fun sewing experience :)

The Commuter Cowl Pattern is available for purchase at the following:

ETSY 

GO TO PATTERNS

VERY SHANNON SHOP


The Commuter Cowl Pattern can be worn 2 ways and sewn in 2 different sizes.


the commuter cowl pattern is a stylish, lightweight and versatile cowl that is fun in construction and high on style! This is a great project for beginners to advanced sewers & is made all in one piece from ½ of a yard or 3/4 of a yard of fabric with little waste leftover. 

Show off your fave print and add some flair to any outfit throughout the whole year. The idea of movement inspired from the fabric line used paired with the knots reminiscent of the leafless branches of the tress on the island I live helped to create what is now the commuter cowl.

In the commuter cowl pattern you will find clear photographs throughout this sewing tutorial as well as easy to read instructions to help make sewing the commuter cowl an enjoyable & fun experience.  So grab your fave fabric crush and come sew along with me!  



OPTION A

Made from a 1/2 yard, worn as a necklace style cowl (top) or as a more structural cowl (middle).

OPTION B -

Made out of 3/4 of a yard of fabric that can also be worn 2 ways as shown above.  The 3/4 yard cowl gives you an extra dose of loft, pouf, and the movement that's reminiscent of a knit cowl.  


Besides our lovely winter tress the main inspiration for the name, styling and overall appearance of this cowl was the awesome line "commute" from birch fabrics by jay-cyn.  LOVE it!  Something about those bikes, transportation and the color palette struck me as the perfect fabric to pair with this cowl for those daily commutes. 

Who says we all can't add a bit of whimsy to our daily commutes?  Even if we're biking, driving, walking or busing we might as well look stylish right?  Plus it will keep us warm on cool days and cool on warm days :)  That's right...that's how we roll here <3  I'm a gemini - what can i say..lol.



You all know how I love options! I love giving you all a great base that you can customize and wear the way that suits your style and personality!  Heck you could even adjust the size down on this cowl and whip one up for your kidlet! I plan on making one for mackenzie really soon. 

I want to give a huge thank you to all my friends/family who supported me when deciding to take the plunge into selling a sewn pattern. It's been a crazy ride and i just started...lol.  You guys are the best.  I'd also like to thank all my lovely pattern testers who helped me out tons! I couldn't have done it without your help (thanks mom!).  A special thank you to Anna from noodlehead for her invaluable help and eye :) And how could I not thank my gorgeous and talented friend jane richmond for modeling for me and also for being a constant sounding board for all my crazy ideas - thank you for all of your support Jane - I luv ya girl. A thank you to Cynthia of fabricworm & birch fabrics for her awesome designs and generous use of her rockin' fabrics!



So are you all ready to sew with me?  Hop on over to my brand new etsy shop and pick up a copy of your own!  I can't wait to see what you all create!!!!  Don't forget to add your cowl pictures to our flickr group!

So we can all see how lovely you look in your commuter cowls!   What fabric line are you going to make yours in? Stay tuned for tomorrow when I'll be doing a fabric review on the Birch Fabrics I used today. Happy sewing everyone!


FABRICS USED IN THIS POST:

From commute by jay-cyn for birch fabrics - by bike, bike it, and pool ride can be purchased at fabricworm

From lark  by amy butler - chinese lanterns grass can be purchased at stitch simple