FaveCrafts

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Pretty Birds Blog Hop + Book Giveaway

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pretty-birds-book-coverA little birdy told me that there’s a new sewing book out that you don’t want to miss! Pretty Birds: 18 Simple Projects to Sew and Love is a brand new book by Virginia Lindsay from Running Press. We’re in love.

This book includes pattern templates for all 18 birds and amazing illustrations by Jess Herbert. Each bird was beautifully photographed by Ivan Jones and with each page I turn in this book I am itching to sew each and every bird! They are all so whimsical and, just as the described in the book’s title, simple. Sewing patterns don’t have to be complicated to be beautiful and this book is proof.

One neat thing about this book is that each pattern comes with “other ideas to try.” We love this because crafters love options when it comes to creating something. Keep each pattern as is or switch it up a little bit to turn a bird into pencil holder, a gift topper, or a kitten toy (to name a few). Plus, these little birds are great stash-busters and great for using up fabric scraps.

I decided to try my hand at sewing one of these pretty birds. Can you guess which one I am going to try? Come back to the blog tomorrow and you’ll get to see which pattern I tried PLUS get the pattern from the book for free!

pretty-birds-fabricJoin the fun and follow this blog hop!

2/25 You Go Girl!

2/26 Erica B. DIY Style

2/27 CraftSanity

2/28 Recycled Crafts

3/1 Sew Mama Sew

3/2 Lorelei’s Blog

3/3 FaveCrafts

3/4 S is for Sewing

3/5 Lori Greenberg

3/6 Killing It As A Grown Up

3/8 Pretty Things Blog

3/10 Sweet KM

3/11 Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts

3/12 Buzzmills

3/13 Girl Like the Sea

3/15 Cut Out + Keep

Want to win a copy of this lovely book? All you have to do is answer this question!

What is your favorite bird and why?

Thank you all for participating in our giveaway! Congratulations to Laura S. who answered, “My favorite bird is the Eastern Bluebird. They are so pretty, especially the males, and they are great just fun to watch. The first set of babies to hatch in the summer will usually hang around with the parents and help them raise a second batch of babies later in the summer!” Get excited to sew your very own little bluebird with your new book!

OFFICIAL RULES FOR GIVEAWAY:

  • There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
  • Winners will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post.
  • Winners will be announced here on this blog post on March 12, 2015 as well as contacted by the email address provided.
  • You have until March 11, 2015 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

Quilting for Life: How to Sew a Quilt

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AllFreeSewingWhen people hear the word “quilting,” most automatically assume that it’s an all-encompassing term for the art of sewing together patchwork blankets and nothing more. We over at AllFreeSewing know that isn’t the case and that quilting is so much more than blankets. “Quilting” is the art of sewing together layers of fabric to create a thicker and padded material, and blankets happen to be the most common quilting project. You can make many varieties of home decor and accessories with quilting fabric!

Blankets are the most popular and common, of course, and with good reason. They’re basically one large rectangle that you an create as big or as small as you want, and blankets are always handy in a house, no matter the season. With some sturdier fabric, you can also create a picnic blanket! You can also create smaller quilted pieces, like table runners, place mats, tablecloths, oven mitts, pot holders, and coasters. If you’re also looking to create some great quilted accessories, try your hand at some sturdy quilted bags; they provide the durability of fabric but with added strength.

 

Quilts

The classic quilted project – an actual quilt. Whether you’re looking to make a smaller baby quilt or a larger one to fit over an adult bed, you can find all the inspiration you need with these classic quilting squares and patterns.

Starflower BlockButterfly Garden Quilt 

Adorable Pinwheel Quilt

Starflower Block Tutorial

Spin on the Pinwheel Block

 

Home Decor

Does your kitchen need a makeover? Sew up some great DIY home decor pieces with these easy quilting projects. Choose between table runners, over mitts, and pot holders for a fab new look!

2 Hour Stack and Slash Table Runner
2 Hour Stack and Slash Table Runner

Tea Time Mug Rug

Scrap Happy Table Runner

Reversible Quickie Coaster

Scrapbuster Fall Pillow

 

Quilted Bags and Purses

A fabric bag is very durable, and it’s very easy to make. In order to be sturdy enough to carry, say, groceries home from the store or market, the fabric needs to be thick and strong. You can even make smaller cosmetic bags to contain all your makeup when traveling.

Chevron Purse

Fat Quarter Bag

Chevron Purse

Quintessential Quilted Bag

Quilted Clutch Purse

Quilted Cell Phone Pouch

 

 

 

A Quilter's Ark
BONUS – Can’t get enough quilt block patterns? AllFreeSewing and Martingale are teaming up to give away A Quilter’s Ark! Full of animal quilt block patterns, A Quilter’s Ark is the perfect pattern book for the animal lover in your life. With over fifty animals to choose from, the quilt possibilities are endless! Enter daily from 4/14 – 4/28 to win!

 

 

 

What’s your favorite quilting project?

 

Exclusive Interview & Giveaway for Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love!

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Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love

AllFreeSewing is so excited to have Kerry Goulder, creator of Kid Giddy to talk with us today! In addition to running a blog, shop, and more, Goulder is the creative genius behind the new book, Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toy Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist, which was just released this year. True to its name this book offers a fantastic journey that any imaginative sewist should take. See what Goulder has to say about what inspired her to create this collection, the challenges she had while creating it, and more!

When you’re through reading, find out how you can win your very own signed copy of Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toys Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist.

 

Kerry Goulder from Kid Giddy1. Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love is your first sewing book. What inspired the topic?

Everything we do in life has a story behind it. I wanted to capture some of the stories from my own life in a fun and meaningful way for my kids, to have and share later in their lives. I knew I wanted to write a story to go along with each pattern, and wanted the book to have the appeal of an old (but new) story book to be shared with loved ones while making their projects or giving them.

2. The variety of characters and elements in this book is incredible; do you usually design with someone specific in mind to give the toy to, or do these creations come to life as you sew?

Many of the patterns have been inspired by different people, places, or times in my life, as well as from my dreams. Some patterns have also been inspired by trends popping up all around, like the hot air balloon. I have never been in one and probably never will, but the beauty of them floating in the wild blue yonder is certainly tempting.

3. Do you have a favorite toy from this collection?

I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. I tell my girls that it’s not nice to pick favorites because it could make others feel left out. I will say that although some are easier and quicker to make than others, it doesn’t always mean I love those more. Many of these patterns I have held onto for years in the hopes of putting them all together in one book.

4. What was the biggest challenge for you while creating this book?

Keeping the family, church, and life balance was by far the hardest challenge. There were many days I woke up and fell asleep crying from the stress of deadlines and the feelings of being unbalanced in my life. I wondered often if I was doing the right thing, but couldn’t throw in the towel. I’m a perfectionist and wanted what was in my head to show in the book. For me that meant not just one gnome, but four, not just one mushroom or buoy, but multiples of each. I didn’t want the photos to be limited to single samples, so I made a ton of extra pieces for many of the patterns. Looking back, I wouldn’t do anything differently regarding the book or the samples, but would def bring in a sewing helper to help balance my time with my family.

5. Do you have any creative role models?

Other than my retired art teacher mom and my twin sister artist…there are a few designers I have kept tabs on since learning about them many many years ago. I discovered Heather Bailey and her invention, the Trash Ties™ when I invented the Tuck ‘n’ Go™. At the same time, I found her Nicey Jane™ and Pop Garden™ fabric lines which I still hoard in my studio. Around that same time a friend had told me about this fabric she saw recently and thought I’d like it. It was Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern™ fabrics, and yes, I hoard them too. In the past few years I’ve discovered SarahJane – she’s such a sweetheart and her fabrics are equally hoarded here. All three of them have inspired me for years to find my own voice.

6. Do your kids have a favorite toy that you’ve made (either from Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love or otherwise)?

They love all of the patterns but the Gnomes are most loved by all. When working on new patterns I don’t make anything with muslin (I guess you could say it annoys me because it is a boring color). I make all of my samples and patterns in beautiful fabrics, so my girls get to keep any “misfits” and love them despite their quirks! When a pattern works the first time, they are sad they don’t get to keep it.

7. In terms of being a published designer, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I think the best advice I have ever gotten as an artist (not just a published designer) is to be true to myself. There are so many ideas out there, and so many artists are being copied left and right. We each have something to offer without having to copy someone else’s work. Learn new skills and techniques, but stay true to you and your own style. Be original so others can’t help but notice.

Thank you, Kerry!  All of the editors at AllFreeSewing are beyond excited about this treasure trove of toy patterns. If you’d like your very own copy of Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toy Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist, we’re giving away a copy! Even better about this copy? It’s signed by Kerry Goulder herself! Enter once a day, every day until December 16th! Best of luck to everyone!

Tell us, what was your favorite toy when you were little?

Sockology Book Giveaway

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Sockology Book GiveawayWe’re all familiar with the sock puppet. Perhaps it was the mediator between you and your parents, or maybe you used it to coax a one year-old into eating their peas. However you’ve encountered it, you’re sure of one thing: there’s little to be done that could improve the classic look of the sock puppet. That is, unless you happen to have Sockology.

Brenna Maloney presents 16 sock creatures in her book, Sockology. From a rooster to a shark, these are forms you’d never expect to see emerge from a sock. The last time shapes this varied formed from hands was when shadow puppets were invented.

Here at AllFreeSewing we’re far from unfamiliar with Maloney’s talents when it comes to creating creatures. Nevertheless, Sockology never ceases to amaze us. Whenever someone here cracks Sockology open it attracts a buzz of onlookers, waiting to be amazed. We dare you to browse through Sockology in a crowded setting; chances are you’ll end up with passersby leaning over your shoulder, wide-eyed, asking a greater, unseen force, “How did they do that?”

These creatures are truly surprising. If the design element of these sock puppets isn’t enough to tempt you into buying this book, we ask you this: do you have kids? Nieces, nephews? Do you babysit? At any point in your day do you interact with children or at the very least with a childish, yet loveable, friend or roommate? Sockology doesn’t only challenge you to craft creatively, it challenges you to play creatively. These sock puppets transcend the often base video games or apps that attract so many young people. Instead of mindlessly making digital toast or topping ice cream, kids will engage with their motor skills and imagination when they make and play with one of Maloney’s 16 puppets.

Don’t be swayed by their fine knit appearance either. You can create these creatures without picking up your knitting needles. AllFreeSewing fans are sure to love this bonus. Merely take a sock, follow Maloney’s tutorials, and create a creature of your choice. Houdini couldn’t have achieved such a transformative feat.

If you’re at the very least curious to browse through Brenna Maloney’s, Sockology (which you should be), why not click to enter our book giveaway and chance winning your own free copy? If you’ve read our review on Sockology before and are absolutely determined to win your own copy, you can even come back every day and enter to increase your chances of winning. You have until July 22nd to try your luck. It’s been done before; it could happen to you.

Did you have a sock puppet when you were little?

National Sewing Month: Q & A With Alisa Burke, Author of Sew Wild

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Dear Readers,

It’s National Sewing Month! To celebrate, AllFreeSewing.com is hosting a special blog series throughout the entire month. Check back daily for posts featuring our favorite projects, new sewing videos and tutorials, guest blogs from talented designers and more. We’re also giving away a HUGE sewing prize at the end of the month. You won’t believe how EASY it is to WIN!

Leave a comment on any of the blog posts with the headline “National Sewing Month”. Your comment will count as an entry into the giveaway. You are free to comment as often as once per blog post (for a total of 30 chances to win!). At the end of the month, we’ll pool all of the comments together and pick one lucky winner to win the mystery grand prize. And trust us; you want to win this one!

Whether you’re already a sewing enthusiast or new to the craft, our hope is that this September will encourage you to create wonderful sewn projects.

Happy National Sewing Month!

Here’s today’s guest post:

Alisa Burke is a painter and mixed-media artist who studied fine art at Portland State University. She draws inspiration from street art, graffiti, art history, fashion, and found objects. Alisa’s artwork has been featured in Quilting Arts and other magazines as well as in galleries. In addition to making art, Alisa teaches a variety of workshops nationwide and has appeared as a guest artist on the PBS series Quilting Arts TV and the DIY network. (Bio courtesy of Interweave.com)

Alisa was kind enough to answer some fun crafting questions for our FaveCrafts readers! Read more about Alisa and her new book Sew Wild.

Question: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one art or craft tool with you, which would you choose?

Alisa: Hmmm… I couldn’t choose! My sewing machine is just as important as my pens, brushes, and paint. It’s a tool that has completely changed my concept of art, and I continue to find new and creative ways to integrate sewing with alternative materials and projects. With that said, a hammer (which I often use), might come in handy…

Question: A lot of your work has a graffiti look; what else inspires you visually?

Alisa: While I am typically known for lots of my graffiti inspiration, it is actually just one of many things that inspire me. I most often pull inspiration from nature (the beach, flowers, colorful landscapes, etc.) and always try to look for inspiration in everyday things. I can’t seem to not see inspiration: a crack in the sidewalk, the color palette in a plate of food, shadows that are cast across the water-things that might go unnoticed often end up being used for inspiration in my work.

Question: You write on fabric a lot. What are some of your favorite marking tools?

Alisa: Yes, when I am creating my own fabric I typically write and draw on fabric and the tools I use are very basic. My favorite is just a permanent black marker or black fabric marker; you can do all sorts of fun stuff with just a marker. I also use a small brush that I dip in watered-down fabric paint or acrylic paint.

Question: What is the biggest (or most frequent) mistake people make when it comes to design?

Alisa: Probably not understanding color and how to use it. It is tempting to go wild with color or, on the flip side, only stick to colors that are safe and maybe even boring. But taking the time to really learn about color, how to use it, experiment with it, and plan it out will really take a design to the next level.

Question: What kind of sewing machine do you use?

Alisa: I use a Bernina Aurora 430 and I am in LOVE with it!

 

Check out Alisa’s latest book, Sew Wild.

We’re thrilled to be a part of Alisa’s blog tour for Sew Wild, and to learn more about the book and see other photos and project tutorials, visit these stops next week:

Sept. 19 Crescendoh – Jenny’s Blog
Sept. 21 – Scarlet Lime
Sept. 22 –  A Stitch in Dye
Sept. 23 –  Living Art at the Speed of Life

 

 

 

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