This was actually one of the very first projects I did at Taunton when I started working there a couple years ago. It’s now on the CraftStylish blog and you can download the motif I designed for the project. All of the how to is available as well. It was created to be a holiday-inspired project, but I think the flowers look incredibly spring and summery–especially if you make them using a vibrantly colored fabric. You can also include a second layer underneath to add a contrasting color that shows through the cut outs.

A headband project I made for the Fall ‘09 issue of SewStylish is available on the SewStylish blog, including the template for free download. To make, I used an assortment of feathers from Plumes N’ Feathers, buckram, fabric, and a headband. For a less dramatic look, scale down the embellishement’s size and choose feathers that are closer to your hair’s shade.

During my extended period of cyber-space absence, I forgot to share a few projects I completed for work that were posted online.

Here is a beret project I did for a Quick Stuff to Sew issue that is now on the SewStylish blog.I made four different designs for this feature, but only the one pictured at left is available for download.

The berets are quick to sew, but the motifs take a while to cut out. I made these guys while hanging at my friend Joi’s house during a craft weekend we had at her place with Jessie and Gabby. Joi and Gabby ended up making sushi-shaped pillows while I sat on the side and worked on the motifs for the berets. Gabby is obsessed with all things Japanese and especially sushi, so the pillows were perfect for her.

The photoshoot for this issue was actually done in Connecticut while I was stuck at jury duty in Brooklyn. I got dismissed from one case that took an entire day of questioning but was deemed an intelligent citizen and ordered to report in again the next day. I got out of the second case because it involved a robbery and assault by my house. Nice. I then explained to the judge that I had been mugged there too and was still upset about it (I’m actually not still upset about it). I was dismissed before the attendant had my name completely written down.

Another one of my projects is live on the Sewing Republic site! This time it’s a hat project you can complete is less than an hour. The hat is made using your head’s measurements, so it is drafted to custom fit you. I made it using rib knit fabric from Jo-Ann’s, but it also look sgreat in a chunky sweater knit fabric or even a sequin material.

I’ve been quite M.I.A. lately. But the weather has finally started to thaw out here and so has my brain, I think. I’ve been doing a lot of crafting for work lately and haven’t done much for myself. Last weekend I finished a 6-month-late birthday present, and this coming weekend I plan on finishing two projects for myself. Finally.

In the spirit of new things and getting back into the swing of sewing for fun, I’m excited to share that a top I made for Bernina’s Sewing Republic is live on their site. The design was inspired by an Anna Sui top I came across last summer. I made it using affordable knit fabric from Jo-Ann’s in less than an hour. If I was to make it again, I would actually leave the under-arm seam loose. For a dress version, simply lengthen the lower portion and widen the hemline.

If your dresser and bathroom windowsill are littered with jewelry and accessories, look no further than this jewelry chandelier to help you get organized. This project from my book Dorm Decor is available now on the Chronicle blog.

Check out the BurdaStyle blog today for my tutorial on spat-style legwarmers. These took me less than an hour to make and use up less than a yard of knit fabric. They’re the perfect project for using up remnants and buttons from your stash.

When creating tutorials, getting the final photo seems to always be the hardest part for me. I live alone in an apartment that doesn’t get hardly any natural sunlight, so I have to wait around for a friend to show up to take my picture. This week I was lucky enough to pull Mike from his books for a bit to photograph my legs. Unfortunately Gizmo also wanted to be in the photo, so many of the photos included lovely shots of her rear end or nosey mug rubbing on my legwarmers. Hopefully the final shot didn’t end up with too much cat hair in it.

My newest project is live on the Sewing Republic site today. Go to their site for full instructions on how to make your own tab-top curtain. Or you can download a pdf of the how-to here. The project is easy and can be finished up in about an hour. The tabs are easy to make from fabric rectangles, and the curtain rod laced through them and glided back and forth easily.

I made my version from a teal linen and matching Joel Dewberry cotton print. I have sheer curtains in my bedroom normally and it’s the only place in my entire apartment where I have curtain rods. I had to put this guy up to take his picture and in just the time it took for this snapshot, the temperature in my room dropped significantly. For some reason it never dawned on me how much of an energy saver solid curtains would be. They help you regulate the temperature in your house with very little effort.

I ended up loving the Joel Dewberry fabric so much that I made pillows from it for my bed. It seemed to go well with my Texan scarf hanging over my headboard.

My next Sewing Republic project is live on the site now. To get the look I used a technique called shirring, which is super easy to do and makes for some really great texture and easy fit. Check it out for instructions on how to create your own dress using two scarves and a little bit of elastic thread.

My savvy tote project is on the Bernina Sewing Republic site this week. Check it out to see how you can make your own tote—no pattern necessary! The video is below, or check out a pdf of the instructions here.