As I researched information about six-pointed star patterns in answer to Misty’s query, I discovered the numerous patterns incorporating eight-pointed stars.  What an ideal topic for Thursday 13!

Blazing Star
Sunbean Block
Feather Edged Star
Lone Star
Eight-pointed Star
Virginia Star
North Carolina Star
French Star
Tennessee Star
Le Moyne Star
Saw Tooth
Rising Star
Lone Star

Of course, there are many more variations of eight-pointed stars.  What have you made utilizing these designs?  They also can be incorporated into other types of art and crafts.

If you love to collect, sew or wear aprons – today is the day for you!
The Apron Goddesses are holding a one day “Aprons, Aprons Everywhere” event today, Thursday, July 16th.  Bloggers are invited to take a picture (or a dozen pictures!) of their favorite apron.   You can add your photo, name and link to their Mr. Linky and then have fun checking out everyone else’s favorite aprons.
There are so many great apron patterns on the market these days too.  Simplicity has some real charmers, from the contemporary #2932:

How about a sassy retro apron?  This one is pattern #2592:

How …read more

For today’s Wordy Wednesday post, I’m going to be brave and share what my pattern storage looks like
I’ve tried quite a few different methods of the years, and I still find that my trusty set of plastic drawers work just fine for me:
All of my patterns are in there – in no particular order, I will admit.  I’ve tried using different boxes for different types of patterns and I found that it just got too hard to manage.
And besides – I ended up with waaaay too many patterns that way!  One drawer works for me, so what works …read more

There are some wonderful vintage wedding dresses out there – as well as some lovely vintage dresses that would work as wedding dresses!
But what if you don’t like the fabric it’s made out of?

Or what if it’s too small?

Or bits of it are falling apart!

Luckily, there are pattern companies who are making vintage-style patterns for modern bodies. Vogue has some lovely ones in their catalog:

Click on the patterns for more information.
Of course, if you prefer to work from the original sewing patterns, So Vintage Patterns is the place for you!
images: Vogue Patterns

Because there’s always room for one more project, one more inspiring article or one more new piece of fiber artwork….

Sweet Sassafrass has a great tutorial for re-working an older sweater – yay for re-purposing!
Wow – these sewing-themed tattoos are amazing…
Maya Made has an adorable how-to on sewing a little felt basket for Spring – perfect as an Easter basket.
I would have loved making these charming little wooden spool people from Mr. Monkeysuit when I was a child, actually – I think I would still enjoy making them today
I’m a sucker for little fabric birds, so I’m …read more

There are so many wonderful craft projects, ideas and fiber art works out on the web, that I’m going to start a new series and share my favorites with you every week!

The Twisted Stitcher has a great idea for using Altoids tins, fabric and a little piece of cross stitch embroidery to create a cute little needle carry case.
I laughed so hard at this wonderful video from Hankering for Yarn!
Embroidery As Art is a new-ish blog that focuses on embroidery, not as a craft but as fine art – there’s some amazing stuff here!
Large is a sewing blog for plus-size …read more

I’ve been keeping a reading journal for several years now. Not only is it handy for finding the title of a book you’ve read, or the author’s name, but reading through can give you insight into yourself. Last year I decided to reread through the lists of books I’ve read in my reading journal. I hadn’t read with the intention of seeing a pattern, but after only a short time, I did. Most of the books I’ve really enjoyed have been coming of age type stories. This helped me understand why the stories I’ve written often include this element.
Of …read more