How about if you could get a blouse pattern for free?

Fabric.com is offering a trendy cowl-neck shirt pattern as a free download, but only until December 23rd this year!

The multi-size pattern uses soft knit fabrics with a ribbed bottom.  It’s simple to sew and perfect for beginners as well as more experience seamstresses looking for a quick and easy top.

The “Cool, Calm and Cowl-necked” top pattern is available as a PDF or ZIP download, just click on the image above or the highlighted link to get it.  The pattern will print out on multiple sheets of paper.  You can then tape the pieces together, choose your size and cut it out.

Cowl-neck tops are great for wearing by themselves, topping with a shrug or cropped jacket, or even layering over a long-sleeve shirt for a little extra coverage for cool fall days.

image: Fabric.com

Post from: Blisstree

Download a Free Pattern Today

I’ve collected a few quick and easy free patterns for back to school sewing patterns (of course, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy them either!) to hopefully make your life a little easier.

image: About.com

Fabric lunch bags are an easy way to “green” your family.  They’re washable, reuseable and customizable.  This pattern is from Sewing.About.

image: YMIB

I think water bottle carriers are such a handy thing – I’ve been using one for years.  They allow you to keep your hands free while you’re out and about, without misplacing your water bottle.  This cute fabric water bottle carrier pattern was designed by YMIB.

image: Instructables

Book bags or roomy tote bags are  a must for most students (and awfully useful for the rest of use too!).  This pattern is from Instructables.

image: Burdastyle

Simple fabric purses are great for girls – of any age.  The “Maya” bag from Burdastyle is an easy pattern to make a purse that can be customized to fit different ages and tastes.

Post from: Blisstree

Last-Minute Back to School Sewing Projects

Autumn means rich colors and textures to me – and I enjoy having them around my house.  After all, there’s going to be a whole lot of white around…  So why not have fun with rich golds, cranberry reds and deep greens?

I created this fall wreath using a pre-made grapevine wreath (grapevine wreaths are one thing I always prefer to buy!) and then decorated it with ribbon and yo-yo circles:

image: C Findlay-Harder

Craft Ideas has a how-to on sewing your own cute little fabric pumpkin.  I think that these would look lovely made out of several different pumpkin-colored prints:

image: Craft Ideas

Use felt, fusible webbing and wool tweed to create these unique stacking oak leaf bowls from Martha Stewart:

image: Martha Stewart

Also from Martha Stewart – this tree-stump trivet is a unique way to keep your tables safe.  It’s made from different colors of felt, wrapped into a circle:

image: Martha Stewart

And if you really, seriously want to decorate for fall, Jo-Anns has a free PDF pattern to make a complete table setting, from chair covers, to table runners to fabric bowls!]

image: Jo-Anns

Post from: Blisstree

Fun Fabric Crafts for Fall

You can download patterns to make the “Sumatra ” purse:

And the “Shining Star ” vest for free:

The patterns are only available until November 12, 2009 – so download them if you want to get your free patterns

Vests are a really hot trend for fall 2009, and this pattern gives you a couple of different options, so you can customize your own style.  You can go for the clean, crisp look and keep it simple, or go for the feminine look and add the ruffles to the front.

Fall 2009 fabrics are all about rich textures and details, and vests are a great way to add another layer of interest without overwhelming your outfit.  How about a vest in a wool suiting or jewel-tone corduroy?

The purse definitely needs a fabric crisp enough to stand up to those great pleat details.  Drapery-weight cotton or dupioni silk would be ideal.  But add a good-quality interfacing and even softer fabrics will cooperate enough to work!

images: Fabric.com

Post from: Blisstree

Add Some Free Style to Your Fall Wardrobe

• Are you a beginning quilter?  You might want to check out this handy guide on different types of quilt batting.  I’m a hard-core cotton batting fan for art quilts, but I have no problems using a polyester batting with bed or lap quilts.
• Creative Kismet shows a great way to re-work t-shirts to make a cute and comfy cover-up for the beach.

• Want a quick, no-sew bag?  Living Creatively has a great tutorial for turning a pretty scarf and two bangle bracelets into a simple hobo bag.
• Feel like tackling some hand embroidery on felt?  This felt name book is just too adorably cute – I may need to make one too… just add it to the list

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Crafting Around the Web

• Planning a wedding?  These charming little “love notes” would make a great addition to your tables – especially if you made fabric covers!
• Are you interested in learning more about fabric?  This is an amazing guide (along with some great videos) to fabric from “acetate” to “zibeline”.

• Want to make a cute and cuddly softy?  Check out this adorable pattern for a terry cloth cat.
• Or do you prefer your softies with an edge?  ReForm School makes a great monster softy kit – perfect if you’re not quite sure how to tackle sewing one of those beasties!

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Crafting Around the Web

• StudioWERX has a great series of video tutorials on creating image transfers using acrylic gel medium (easy and non-toxic!)
• Moda has a ton of lovely free quilt & craft patterns on their website – I’m so tempted to make their “Funky Monkey” quilt

• Do you need a new skirt for summer?  Sew Mama Sew has dozens of pretty patterns, all in one post.
• Are you a musician, or do you have friends & family who are musicians?  Make this great bag to safely stash sheet music and more from Purl Bee.

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Crafting Around the Web

Are you looking for a fun summer project to make?

Do your summer games and accessories look a little tired?

BurdaStyle has come to the rescue!

They’ve just created a list of 20 of their favorite summer sewing projects.  There is everything from cute bathing suits to outdoor games for the kids to play.  How about a bbq apron?  Need a new towel bag or cover up for the beach or lake?  Why not make a quick and easy drawstring dress – perfect for those hot afternoons in the sun.

image: Stock.xchg

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Fun Summer Sewing Projects from BurdaStyle

• Do want to do something with all those leftover plastic bags?  Craft has a great list of different projects to crochet, stitch and more.
• Create an enchanting Japanese “Sarubobo” softy with Mairuru’s step-by-step instructions.

• Are you going to be in Chicago in July?  “Chic Chicago” is a fabulous exhibition of dozens of couture garments, dating from the mid 1860s through to the current day.
• Sew Take A Hike has a great tip for transforming the standard slipper Omnigrid ruler into an “Omnigrip” ruler – without having to buy a new ruler!

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Crafting Around the Web

Maybe it’s the distraction of all the interesting things happening outside, but I definitely prefer simpler, faster projects.

This skirt/dress pattern from Fabric.com fills the bill perfectly!

The “Nancy” dress is a simple convertible pattern that can go from skirt to dress, just by unfolding the yoga-style waistband.

Even better?  It’s free!  That’s right, you can download the pattern and make it yourself – no charge

image: Fabric.com

Post from: Blisstree

Need a New Summer Dress?