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{BLOG TOUR} One Thimble: Issue 18

Legalese: This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing through my links, I receive a small compensation (for more sewing *of course!*).  
In exchange for this review, I was provided the full issue.  All opinions, comments and thoughts are all mine.

Happy One Thimble time!!  It's 2018 and it's Issue #18!!  Where has the time gone?!

This issue is a fun one and one to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your sewing skills!  Jen said she was inspired by a picture on Pinterest of a little ballerina who was riding a skateboard with a ballet slipper on one foot and a shoe on the other.  She absolutely captured that image and translated it into the amazing Issue 18.  Of course, the designers helped play a role in designing patterns around this theme.  There are several patterns suitable for boys, but can be sewn for girls if you are a #girlmom like myself.

In case you are new to One Thimble, it is a quarterly digital sewing magazine with about 10 or more sewing patterns and several inspirational articles and quick tutorials.  This issue has 10 patterns - a mixture of boys, girls and ladies patterns..  The cost for everything is $25 AUD (which is $19.79 USD)   Buy your copy HERE!  You can also sign up for a subscription and save some money in the process.


Patterns included are:


  • Linnden Tote -- This gorgeous bag will elevate your sewing game and will teach you some serious bag-making skills!  This is on my MUST SEW list, but one I definitely want to take my time sewing it.
  • Origami Raglan Sweater and Dress -- Sizes 9/12m - 13/14y -- With its unique neckline and large size range, this sweatshirt will turn heads.  The front colorblocking is perfect for scraps too!
  • Hickory and Spice Henley -- Sizes 2-14 -- This Henley is a staple item in any wardrobe.  Suitable for both boys and girls, you can sew for all the kids in your life.  Plus, you'll learn how to sew a professional henley placket.   I love the look of this one!
  • Abby's Ballerina Tie Top -- Sizes 12m - 14 -- Ballerina-inspired, this slim-fitting knit top includes several sleeve lengths and different tie options.  Read my thoughts below on this top!
  • Ladies Ballerina Tie Top --  Ladies US 0 - 22 -- This stylish top is perfect for mommy and me sets or sew it just for yourself!  This is on my MUST SEW list (but after I use the elliptical a few more time... lol)
  • Super Tough Jeans -- Sizes 3-14 -- Not only will you sew awesome jeans, but your kids won't wear the knees out!  I can't be the only one whose kids put knees in EVERY pair of pants, sometimes in just a few weeks.  I will be putting these to the test!
  • Piccolo Moonface Cushions -- These round pillows look so fun!  They are sure to be a conversation starter as well as a fun new pillow friend for your kids.  I am going to try the face in iron on, using my Cricut Maker.
  • The Spirited Dress - Sizes 2-9 -- A twirling girl's dream dress!  This pattern calls for stable knit and features a Queen Anne's neckline and full circle skirt.  It also comes with a bonus underpants pattern...because you're going to need them!! Trust me.  Read my thoughts below on this pattern and see the twirl in action!
  • Basilica Skirt -- Sizes 2-14 --  This fun ballerina skirt has an elastic waist and and handkerchief hem.  This pattern will have you reaching for the sheer fabrics a bit more often because it will be a favorite of your girls.  I've got to order some nylon chiffon because my girls will love it!
  • #120 Footloose Leggings -- Sizes 2-10 -- This leggings pattern includes optional attached legwarmers, perfect for the dancer in your family.  Read my thoughts below on this pattern!  


I am going to call this the issue of specialized fabric.  Read the issue, get inspired and then get shopping!  Or maybe you can shop your stash like I did.


The first pattern I sewed from this issue is the Spirited Dress.  The neckline caught my eye first and then of course the full circle skirt was a close second.  This dress is designed by Candice Ayala and I have been following her on social media for quite some time.  I always love what she posts so I knew this was a must sew immediately.  

As I consulted the sizing chart (Read the OT article: Measuring Up: How to Accurately Measure Your Kids), I found that my daughter (nearly 9) measured into the size 2 width (21.5" chest) and between the 6 & 7 height (48") tall.  Now, this information will shock/scare some of you.... but this is my normal!  My daughter is obviously not the average 8/9 year old size, but this is why I sew, right?  I simply sewed to the measurement chart which means I sewed a 2 width and a 6 height (we like them short here...lol).  You can see the result is a perfect fit and no one in real life knows that she is a size 2 width.  The way the layers are nested made it really easy to blend sizes too!!

Takeaway:  Always take current, accurate measurements. Trust the sizing chart.  Blend the sizes properly.


Remember when I said it was every twirly girls dream?!  I think nearly every picture I have of this dress is mid-twirl.  You can also see why the included underpants pattern is needed...lol  

This pattern calls for stable knit in order to help keep the shape of the Queen Anne's neckline so my original knit I had picked had to be replaced (don't worry, I used it to sew Abby's Ballerina Tie Top so all was not lost) but luckily I had this black and white polka dot ponte that I had bought from my friend Cassie a couple of years ago.  It has a nice weight to it and sewed up nicely.


I had to include a close up of this neckline!  It is so pretty and feminine.  I recently treated myself to a coverstitch machine (Juki MCS-1500) so I was positively giddy to see THREE articles on coverstitch machines. (Read the articles: Why I Bought a Coverstitch Machine, A Beginner's Guide to Using a Coverstitch Machine and Handy Hints for Your Coverstitch Machine).  I decided to see how it would handle the curves and angles of this neckline and I am really pleased with how it came out!


Next I sewed an outfit for my youngest daughter.  I used Abby's Ballerina Tie Top and paired it with #120 Footloose Leggings.  We are headed into Spring here so I made a version that will transition nicely.  I chose a white with black polka dot cotton Lycra for the top and a solid black cotton Lycra for the leggings in Capri length, included in the pattern.



This was my first time trying a Wolf and the Tree Pattern and I really liked how it came together.  Not only is the pattern layered for your printing convenience, she includes a pattern piece for the neckband.  She also offers instructions for sewing in the sleeves both flat and in the round, depending on your preference.  The only wish I had was that Height was included on the Size Chart.  My daughter's are generally a size 6 in most designers so I just went with that. But I used the 4 width because of her chest measurement.

There are 5 sleeve lengths and an optional cowl neckline so the options are plenty.  You can also chose woven for the ties if desired.


I always enjoy sewing the Thread Faction patterns so I had to squeeze these in to make a complete outfit.  I decided to see how the Capri length would look and figured with Spring coming, they would be worn longer.  I love that there was a detailed set of instructions on blending the sizes in her pattern and that she knows many kids need things blended!  This way, everyone can achieve the intended fit.


I blended a 4 width with a 6 height and they literally fit like a glove.  These are super easy to sew up.  Later in the year though, I will try the attached legwarmers because they are adorable and my daughter "super duper wants them"! HA!


Of course, One Thimble is so much more than just a collection of patterns.  It's an actual magazine so each issue comes packed with articles.  I included this picture because there are SO many fantastic articles and I even recognized some of the contributors.  In the Regular Columns, Stitches in Time is my favorite.  I felt the emotions inside as I read this installment.  Next Issue is also a favorite because I can already tell #19 will be amazing.  

There are two quick tutorials that are super cute, both made from felt.  One is a swan hair clip and the other is a play makeup kit for this little girls.They would make quick and easy gifts!

I could name off all the articles that I loved reading and took something away from, but I would have to type out nearly every article!  Seriously, they are that good!

Every issue inspires me in a way that I had not been inspired before.  I really don't know how Jen does it over and over and over again, but she does and it's for the 18th time! I am truly in awe thinking about all of the patterns and articles for the past 18 issues.  Some of my most favorite sews and pictures have been my One Thimble sews.  Congratulations Jen and team on your inspiring success!!!

Be sure to check out the rest of the stops in the 

One Thimble Issue 18 Blog Tour!


2/15

2/16

2/17

2/18

2/19

2/20

2/21



How to Sew a Blind Hem {TUTORIAL}



I absolutely love a blind hem, but the first several attempts I made were disastrous.  Trying to comprehend the instructions booklet that came with my sewing machine had me ripping more stitches than I could count.  I simply could not wrap my brain around the vague pictures.  Then I had my AHA moment and thought I needed to share it with the world.  I really wanted to title this tutorial -- "How to Wrap Your Brain Around a Blind Hem" ... lol but thought it didn't quite match the gorgeous fabric I used in my step-by-step tutorial.  Before I talk about the fabric, here's a basic definition of a blind hem.

blind hem  /blīnd hemnoun  

             A method of hemming fabric so that the stitch thread is invisible, or nearly invisible on the front of the garment.

Okay, let's discuss the stunning floral fabric, shall we?!  This print is just one of 18 in the Berkshire Garden line, available now by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs.  These vibrant prints showcase a mixture of floral, damask, flourishes and pears.  Simply stunning!


These fabrics have me dreaming of Spring!  In fact, this dress will be my daughter's Easter Dress.  I chose the Aqua Berkshire Main and paired it with Pink Berkshire Flourish.  I chose one of my favorite patterns to sew, the Amsterdam Dress by Little Lizard King.



I definitely squealed when I opened the package.  They are even prettier in person!  I thought this fabric was the perfect canvas for a blind hem.  As neat as my normal hemming is, I couldn't bear to sew through those roses.



{Tutorial} How to Sew a Blind Hem

Materials Needed:

  • Sewing Machine
  • Blind Hem Foot
  • Iron
  • Hot Hemmer Tool (recommended)
  • Added length on pattern piece
  • Starch (optional)
To begin, add 1.5" in additional length to the item you will be blind hemming. In my case, I added this length to both the front and back skirt pieces of the Amsterdam Dress by Little Lizard King.
Sew the skirt as directed in the pattern, but do not attach to the bodice.  I prefer to hem first while the skirt fabric is not gathered so you don't have to have the additional weight of the bodice in your hands during hemming.

Step 1: With the wrong side facing up, turn the bottom edge up 1/2". Press.


Step 2: Turn the bottom edge up an additional 1 1/2". Press.


Step 3: With the hem ironed in place, carefully turn the skirt right side out so the right side of the fabric is facing up.  Fold the bottom edge to the right side of the fabric 1 3/8". Press.


This is what it will look like on the back side: 


You should see 1/8" of the original 1/2" hem that you ironed in Step 1.

Step 4:  Head to the sewing machine and switch to your blind hem foot.  


Next, choose your blind hem stitch (as pictured on the left of my sewing machine screen).  It is a straight stitch alternating with a < on the left side.


Step 5: Place garment, wrong side up under the blind hem foot with the white guide foot against the inner fold (where the wrong side of the fabric begins). Adjust your stitch length and width to your preference and then adjust the hem guide on the foot so that your needle is just to the left of it.   Begin stitching.  Verify the straight stitches are sewn on the 1/8" overhang and that just the very point of the left side of the stitch ( the < portion of the stitch) is sewn on the folded edge of the wrong side of the fabric.  Adjust if needed.  Hem the garment.


Your stitches should resemble this:


Step 6: Unfold hem and iron on both sides.  Use starch if desired.

The backside will look like this:


And the front will look like this!  Can you find the stitches?



TA-DA!!!! You did it!!  Quick, do a happy dance!!




I hope you enjoyed the tutorial -- once it clicks, you will want to blind hem ALL.THE.THINGS!

Special thanks to Lila Tueller and Riley Blake Designs for providing me with these beautiful prints from Berkshire Garden!


P.S.  Use your blind hem foot for super straight topstitching! Check out my post on Instagram to see it in action.  

Cricut - BE MINE - Blog Hop


Oh my gosh -- it's FEBRUARY!!  (Ummm, where did January go?!)  I am excited to be a stop in the 
Cricut 💗 Be Mine 💗 Valentine's Day Blog Hop!  I've got a fun, easy {layered} iron-on for the candy lover in your life!  For me, it's my youngest that considers candy one of the main food groups.😜

I hopped on the Cricut train last summer with the Explore Air 2.  In November, I received the {new} Cricut Maker (stay tuned for a FULL review because you need one!)  This past month, I have used my Maker nearly everyday and am constantly looking for new projects.  Iron-on is one of my favorite things to do because it's SO easy with big results.  

Valentine's Day Iron-On: XOXO {I'm just here for the candy} 

Materials Needed:

Step 1: Open the cut file in Design Space (Cricut) and verify the sizing is suitable for your project (the current size is for a Girls' 4/5)


Step 2: Cut your Iron-On Materials & Weed Your Cuts

(NOTE: Be sure to MIRROR image in the Make It section and place Iron-On Shiny side down)


Step 3: You should now have 3 separate layers:


Step 4:  Find the Vertical Center of your shirt. Press.



Step 5: Place your layered Iron-On cuts in place to verify placement -- DO NOT IRON YET!


Step 6: Remove the top TWO layers, leaving just the bottom layer (Metallic Blush). Place protective cloth over and iron according to package instructions.  

Please make note whether you need to peel hot or cold.



Step 7: Place the middle layer (Brown/Cocoa). Place protective cloth over and iron according to package instructions.  

Please make note whether you need to peel hot or cold.


Step 8: Place your final/top layer (Red Foil). Place protective cloth over and iron according to package instructions.  

Please make note whether you need to peel hot or cold.


You're finished!!



Be sure to check out the rest of the stops for more Cricut-related Valentine's fun!


Cricut 💗 Be Mine 💗 Valentine's Day Blog Hop

Wednesday 1/31 The Intrepid Thread

She couldn't believe she was getting chocolates during her photoshoot!


Savoring every bite and wondering how many she'll get to eat.

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