Sew Many ideas, so little time!

I admit it. The more I sew, the more I love it. And I have a slight addiction to designer fabric. Lately I don't have the time for many big projects (although I do have one up my sleeve--check back!). However, I've found that if I have half an hour, there are quite a few pretty things to whip up! After a few inquiries about fabric and patterns from friends, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites:

The Pillowcase dress

There are instructions all over the internet. Here is a good place to start.

This one is made from a vintage pillowcase with pretty embroidery at the bottom. There are tons of options here. Lining these white ones was simple. The seersucker ones are embroidered with a monogram and I added an easy ruffle. And the gingham one is a shirt. Ella Rose wore it in the summer AND in the winter over a brown long sleeved tee.

Next are elastic waist pants. I LOVE these pants! They actually require a pattern, which is a big downside for me, but you can find a really easy pattern, and, once you make a few, it's a cinch.

Again, I love the ways to customize them! From left to right, Amy Butler Stripes with grosgrain trim, nameless brown and pink dot with contrasting cuffs, Amy Butler Wall Flower with ruffle, Sandi Henderson Farmer's Market with a ruffle, and even some Minky Dot pants--so soft!

a close up of the pants

Of course, pants can become shorts, and I can make them for the boys, but they are pretty set for clothes right now.

Next is the Lazy Day Skirt from Oliver+S. It seriously takes 20 minutes. This is a summer staple. Go to the site now. It's a free pattern. You're welcome.

On the left is Amy Butler, the right is Alexander Henry

Add a cheap tee shirt with a fabric applique and you have a boutique outfit! I show more on applique-ing shirts here.

There you have it. But wanna know a secret? It is ALL ABOUT the FABRIC. Ok, maybe a secret shouldn't be in all caps. But it's true. And there are "designer" fabric labels just like there are "designer" clothes. That's why I labeled the fabrics up there. I'll admit to being a bit of a designer fabric snob while I continue to get my clothes at target. So here are a few of my favorite designers.

Heather Ross

Anna Marie Horner

Heather Bailey

Sandi Henderson

Amy Butler

Joel Dewberry

And this is where I buy their fabrics:

fabric.com

Reprodepot

Hancock's of Paducah (and if you drive through Paducah, you MUST stop here!)

Sew Mama Sew

PurlSoho

Cia's Palette

Bee Square Fabrics

Superbuzzy

Blogs/Sites I check regularly:

http://thelongthread.com/

True Up (great list of sales every Sunday)

JCaroline

You Can Make This

Well, that should get you started. I've been writing this post for 3 days now and I better just get it finished. When we return from Disney (oh, yeah, did you know we were going tomorrow?) I'll show you the girls' new dresses made with a Sandi Henderson pattern and Heather Ross's mermaid fabric. See now you know!