A couple weeks ago I made a video on my Youtube channel that was sponsored by Mercari.  Mercari is a buying and selling app that is FREE and very easy to use!  My video shows how I went through my mountain of scraps, divided them into colors, weighed them and ultimately packaged them to see in 1/2 pound bundles on Mercari.  Here is the link to my Mercari store if you want to buy scraps from me.  You can do this too!   I think the key is to weigh them because they charge shipping by the pound.  Here is the video… I gave Anne one of the scrap bundles so she could make a new drawstring back pack.  Look how super adorable this turned out!  She used the pattern from my book, Sewing to Sell. Can you believe how big my girl is getting?  Look at her here.  Going to 7th grade this year and she made this bag all...

Does anyone else out there always click on the Pinterest recipes that say (for example)”BEST MEATLOAF EVER”?  I do!  I can’t help it.  I think, if they claim it is the best, it must the BEST!  Well, I think this 1/2 yard tote is pretty great, so I am going to go ahead and call it THE BEST.  Haha!  I will let you be the judge but I may as well shoot for the moon 🙂 I am teaching a little sewing class to a few local kids.  They are so fun and I am really enjoying sharing my love of sewing with them.  Our first project was pin cushions and now we are making our second project, this tote bag!  I think it is perfect to teach them how to follow a simple pattern, learn If you are coming from my Youtube channel, WELCOME!  If you are already a blog follower, head over to my channel and watch this new video and learn how to make this adorable tote bag. You can download the cutting guide to by clicking on these BLUE words below.  Print out this page for easy reference when making these bags (because I KNOW you are going to make more than one!). QuickEasy1:2YardTote-byGingercake Here is the stabilizer I use.  It is my favorite now and I love only using that expensive fusible interfacing when I have too.  I love saving the $$$, the time, and I love how sturdy this stuff make my bags!  Here is for sale on amazon.   Here are a few more photos of the bag!  I used chambray fabric from Andover for the lining and the exterior fabric is from Blend fabrics.  I love this combo, don’t you?  What would you use this bag for?  Library tote?  Piano bag?  Crafts on the go?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments!...

I am so happy and thrilled to be a stop today on the Frolic Fabric Collection Tour!  I love all fabrics by Tamara Kate and this one is no exception.  I had a hard time choosing just one fabric to work with so I chose a few that matched my favorite one- the flower hedgehog of course:) . Those hedgehogs are too cute for words.I had lots of different thoughts about what I wanted to make and then, last week, I was asked for the millionth time “MOM!  when are you going to make that bean bag chair you promised?!”  That is how 13 year olds talk to their moms by the way.  I knew I had to finally take the leap and make that chair!  And, it would be the perfect way to show the Frolic Collection 🙂 This chair was made from the tutorial by Live Colorful but instead of just using 2 meters of 54” wide fabric, I basically created a simple quilt top with 18” squares and half triangles.  I had four 1/2 yard cuts of Frolic and added two 1/2 cuts of solid fabrics.  Once I had it all pieced together, I backed it with a white muslin and “quilted” the outlines to all the pieces.  The backing was to give the bean bag more stability for wear and tear. One cool thing about this style is that it can be flipped over and takes on a new shape.  The girls call this napping shape and the first, pointy top shape, is reading shape!  I like the fabrics together a little more on the napping side but both look pretty 🙂It took me 2 1/2 bags of bean bag filler from Joann’s to fill this up.  I bought them at 50% off online and picked up in the store.  This filler was something that was always holding me back from making a bean bag chair.  I thought it would be super pricey and hard to work with.  It was a bit challenging to get the filler into the bag but the expense wasn’t too bad with the sale.  Each bag was $12.50, so I spent about $30 total on “beans” and I have about 1/2 bag left over.  Not bad for such a cute chair! Thank you so much to Tamara for including me on her Frolic Collection Tour!  Fabrics will be in stores and online June 15th!  YAY!  They are so bright and beautiful in person and you must try to see them in person 🙂...

I was asked to make another round of Katie Birds for Blend Fabrics!  These fabrics, called Flutter & Float, are perfect for bird pillow!   Very pretty and whimsical 🙂 The Katie Bird pattern is fun for showing off pretty prints since it is simple and not too busy.  But is also adds some character that a simple square pillow can’t possible offer!  I  hope you will try it out sometime 🙂When you use nice high quality fabrics like these from the Flutter & Float line, you don’t need to necessarily add the extra layer of interfacing/ flannel that the pattern calls for.  I also reduced the size the 90% (because I can fit them into a standard box for shipping more easily!) and instead of zig zag stitching on the wings, I sew them right sides together with a piece of white fabric and turned it right side out.  This is an extra step but gives the wing a more finished look which I like when combining 2 prints like this. These cuties will be in the Blend Fabrics booth at the Quilt show this spring.  Let me know if you find them there!  I would love to see a photo of the display!...

  I can’t resist making Modern Folksy Bunny Sewing Kits!  It’s something I look forward to every spring.  My youngest, Marion, loves the Peter Rabbit stories.  My others were only moderately interested but she loves them.  Something about being naughty I think!  Although she is interested in the stories about Peter, Benjamin, (and that very naughty Squirel Nutkin), she likes how the very sweet Flopsy Mopsy and Cottontail look.  She always wants me to stop and admire their pretty pink shawls and sweet innocent faces.  So, this year I decided to change up the modern Folksy Bunny and give it a new look inspired by those sweet sisters of the more famous Peter Rabbit.   I changed the regular Modern Folksy Bunny Pattern quite a bit to create this version.  First, I changed the shape of the head by moving the dart to the center.  Then I made both ears face forward and created this sweet little face.  There is something so special about embroidering little faces and it really takes your handmade projects to the next level.  From a simple afternoon project to a family heirloom in my opinion!  In the altered pattern you get with this kit,  I provide lots of instruction (including links to very helpful video tutorials) to insure that you are successful at the embroidery.  No need to feel intimidated if you have never done embroidery before.  It is easier than you think and you will probably find that you love it. The shawl is also a new creation and it adds a special touch for sure.  My girl loves playing and dressing her bunny with the shawl!  I think I will make her a few more so she can change it up.  It is a quick and easy sew with the pattern pieces included in the kit.   It took a lot of trails to get this shawl just right, but it was worth it since the fit is so nice 🙂 Although I originally wanted to use linen, I decided to use this lovely Robert Kaufman Essex Linen Blend instead and I think it’s a better choice.  The essex blend gives the pretty look of linen (and is part linen!) but is much easier to sew with.  The pink shawl fabric is Art Gallery fabric and has that wonderful “art gallery feel.”  The fabric is smooth and easy to sew with, and has a lovely bright pink color and delicate white pattern.    The kit not only includes the fabrics, you will also receive yarn for the tail, interfacing for the ears,  and the embroidery floss for the bunny face.  Visit my shop to get your Modern Folksy Bunny Spring 2017 Kit...

Although I set out to make this Classic Bowling Bag sewing Pattern in black, I just couldn’t make myself do it.  I like a soft black leather bag from the department store, but if I am going to sew it, it has to be BRIGHT.  I am so glad I chose this gorgeous coral!  I love how it turned out with the buttery yellow thread. I made the tassels from some up cycled suede and used a saved pice of jewelry from a broken necklace for the brooch.  Have you tried making your tassels yet?  I used this ebook but there are also lots of free tutorials on pinterest. Only one more day to get this fabulous new Classic Bowling Bag sewing pattern for only $5!  After March 16th 2017, it will go up to regular price.  I love how versatile and fun this bag is to make!  Now I just have to decide which one I am going to start carrying around! Don’t forget the giveaway happening too!  For just purchasing the pattern before 3/17/2017, you are entered to WIN!...

Last weeks winner was Serina from Stuart FLA.  Congratulations Serina!  This week I have another fantastic giveaway coming your way!  Have you ever shopped at Bloomerie Fabrics?  It is a beautiful online fabric shop that sells quilting cottons, patterns, organic fabrics, home decor and gorgeous fabric bundles too!  People often ask me where I get my fabrics, and Bloomerie is one of my favorite shops!  I bought all the solids I used to make this quilt for my 12 year old there. Jess & Donna of Bloomerie have generously offered a $50 shopping certificate to one lucky winner this week!  YAY!  Here are some pretty pics from their shop…    So pretty, right? Are your dying to start new sewing projects just looking at those photos?  Me too! So, back to the giveaway!  Before we proceed to the entries, Hayley from Welcome to the Mouse House (our guest sewer on Thursday 12/8!) has also offered THREE patterns from her shop to the lucky winner this week!  Hayley’s patterns are elegant and stylish and you are sure to find something perfect for you (she has 2 patterns for ladies!) or your sweet little one.  Head over to her shop to check them out.  Here are a few of my favorites!   OK, Finally!  NOW, you can enter the giveaway.  Thanks so much to Bloomerie Fabrics and Welcome to the Mouse House for their generous prizes this week! a Rafflecopter giveaway...

When you make the Lulu Llama sewing pattern, I recommend buying a 1/2 yard cut of faux fur.  (if you go to JoAnn’s you can save more by purchasing only 14” instead of 18!).  Fur is usually 60” wide!  This means your Llama only used HALF of the fur you purchase!  What to do with that other half?  Well, first, you can just make another llama.  But there are also lots of simple and fun project out there for sewing with faux fur.  Here are a few… Make a fur pom pom for your favorite hat!  This is really cute.  You can find this tutorial here .    This hood from Lemon Squeezy home is ADORABLE!  THis is free pattern that comes in several sizes.  With your left over Llama fur, you might only be able to make the little one.  You can get the pattern here. My girls would love a stool like this one above for their room!  It is so fun!  You can get the tutorial here. Ok, ok.  The instructions to this one are in either spanish or portuguese, but look at this sweet cappella!  That collar makes it really special.  I know some of you are up for a challenge.  You can find the pattern here. This are really cool boot cuffs!  I’m not sure I could pull it off with my wardrobe (PJ pants?) but I know some of you could really rock this look!  Or you could make them for someone you know who could rock it!  Get the simple tutorial here. Add a little fur to your holiday with this trendy stockings!  Get the tutorial here. This little fur vest would make a really cute baby gift!  so cozy and stylish for the little one!  Get the tutorial here. I hope these ideas got you inspried to use up that other half of your faux fur!  I know I am excited to see what you are making!  ...

My 2nd daughter Anne likes things BRIGHT and FUN and LOUD!  She saw these birds (again from Belnd fabrics!) and knew right away that she wanted her binder to be covered in this fun fabric. Anne is going into 5th grade this year.  She is ready to rule the school!  Her last year of elementary is going to be her best for sure (according to my positive and bright middle child!) Go ahead and get your your pattern on sale to make your own Binder...

At the end of this month I am sewing a couple of bags for one of my favorite fabric designers, Kelle Boyd of AnnKelle.  YAY!  She sent me 1 yard of this 108” wide remix yellow daisies which was WAY more than needed to make the bag she requested.   I thought it would be perfect to sew up a cute and summery vacation tote! This version has a twists I wanted to share.  I made the bag just like in the pattern describes but added a flap and magnetic snap closure.  I cut 2 pieces of fabric that were 4” x 8” and fused interfacing to the backs of each.  Then I cut a matching 4” x 8” piece of cotton batting.  I then added one half of a magnetic snap to one fabric side. See the drawing below~Next, layer the pieces together in this order, cotton batting, 4” x 8” piece right side up, 4” x 8” right side down.  See drawing on the left.  Then, sew them together with a 2.5” opening on one 4” end.  Curve the corners at the other 4” end (the one where the magneic snap is attached.  See the drawing on the right. Turn the flap right side out through the opening, poke out the corners, and press flat.  Then top stitch around the entire piece 1/8” toward the edge.  See the dawing below on the left.  Then center the flap on the top edge of the bag- the opposite side of the bag that you want to be the front (both sides are identical in the pattern but maybe you like something better on one side of the bag that the other!).  Pin the flap 2.5” from the top edge and stitch on with a box that measures about 1.75” x 3.25”  you can draw this with water soluable ink or chalk if desired.  See the drawing on the right below. If you are adding the flap on AFTER making the bag (like I did), you will have the problem of inserting the other half of the magnetic snap to the front side exterior.  Simply use your seam ripper to gently take out about 3” of the top stitching and then open the seam between the lining and exterior up.  Measure down 2.75” from the tope edge, centered, and make a mark with chalk or water soluable pen.  Use this mark as your placement for the other half of the magnetic snap.  See the drawing below.   I used steam a seam to close the opening back up but you could also use a blind stitch or simply just use the top stitch to close the opening back up.  Be careul though in...

Yesterday I made the softest, prettiest Kimono.  I have been wanting to try out the kimono looks and finally had the perfect fabric to use!  This is an organic double gauze from Organic Cotton Plus. I have never sewn with double gauze before but I really liked it.  A couple thing to keep in mind is that it does get wrinkly and frays easily. This kimono pattern is the free tutorial by Melissa Mortenson of Polka Dot Chair.  You can find  it here.  It is a very clever and easy project!  The hemming took the longest but was really very simple.  I love the casual fit! I made a video for my Youtube channel so you can see it in action! and here is one more photo of me looking shocked to be having my picture taken even though I am taking the picture!  haha.   But you can see how pretty and drapey the fabric is in this one, so it is worth sharing!...

Do you remember that cute Day Out Purse I made for Sew Mama Sew last year?  They were an extra project from Sewing to Sell that I was able to share.  I made some for the holiday craft shows I did back in November and Decmeber 2015. They were fun and quick to make.  Since they are 6” x 7”, you can use some of those bright and colorful FQs you have laying around.  Also- it’s a great chance to use up some of those trims you have been saving for who knows what.  Here they are in action in my booth~ My girls were really hoping they would get one of these after the show- even though I already made them their own back when I wrote the pattern!  But, too bad for them!  These all sold.  I prices them at $22.  Since I used odds and ends to make them, and they are small, I felt like it was a fair price. You can get the COPY RIGHT FREE pattern here on Sew Mama Sew and make your own!  If you plan on selling online, I do appreciate credit for the pattern.  In the versions above, I used a magnetic snap and a zipper as alternate closing.  I also omitted the interior pocket to make them faster for the show.  ...

You know those cute checkered pants I made for Miss M a few weeks ago?  I also made a 2nd pair in cute pale pink fabric with gold dots that I still have not shared.  Why? (you might be asking).  She absolutely refuses to wear them.  No amount of bribing will work.  But 2 year olds are fickle- I know eventually she will wear them and patience is needed.  I am a little frustrated though because I LOVE those pants!  And, I honestly feel a little betrayed about wasting some of my favorite fancy fabric on something she won’t wear.   Hmmm. So this time when I decided to sew something else for her,  I went straight for fabric I knew she would like.  In fact, we picked it out together at the fabric store to make her a coat for the bus stop. Right now, the coat is for the walks to the end of the driveway to wait with the big kids to get on the bus, but soon the cool mornings will last the whole day (insert sounds of sighing here) and this coat will become one of our staples.  The fabric is fleece from JoAnn fabrics and the binding and pockets are also from JoAnns. The pattern is the Nituna Jacket from Figgys.  It is a great pattern- an excellent fit and also fun to make.  I have made the fully lined version also (never shared here but I will soon!) and I really enjoyed making it. I have to admit, I might finally be a fleece convert.  I really haven’t sewed much with it and making this coat was so fun- the good pattern probably helped!  But the fabric quality is nice and soft.  It’s kind of like she is being wrapped in a cozy blanket everytime she puts it on! She loves the cozy hood the most!  It is big and roomy.  In fact, I had to get the hood off photo quick before she put it right back up! Our mornings have been so foggy lately.  I love the affect the fog has on my photos.  It really gives a feel for the cool early mornings we are having this september.  OK- maybe fall won’t be so bad after all.  I just could use another month or 2 of summer… But this one is ready for cooler weather for sure!          ...

I like to mess around with my sewing patterns and see if I can find other uses for them.  You all know this about me, right?  I think it fun to expand on one concept in sewing and find new uses for it.  Fun for a sewing nerd like me! I loved working with Chio from Llama Fabrics!  She sent me a beautiful set of FQs from her shop and I was excited to make something fun.  These beautiful Art Gallery fabrics are from the Priory Square line by Katy Jones.   I couldn’t just make a simple zip pouch.  I made it with a divider like the Waste Free Lunch Bag.  The Zipped version of that bag has been a really big hit on Pinterest lately and it had me thinking about a smaller version. The size is rather squareish-  I started with pieces that were 9” x 9”.  This version has some cute quilting on the lower 2/3rds of the piece.  I love the texture and softness it adds! This one above is the 2nd version I made, but the first version is pretty too!   I just used 1 fabric for the exterior and no quilting… These were fun to make and will be useful for sure.  I’m not sure it the divider is really necessary as part of the pouch.  Maybe for the super organized?  Which, unfortunately, I am NOT.  For travel it would be nice to be able to use it to stand things up- like nail polish, small lotion bottles etc.  I’ll use it for a few months and let you know!  ...

Yay!  More of the things I am sewing for Blend Fabrics!  These pieces will be part of their display at the Fall Quilt Market in Houston.  Theses fabrics are so bold and pretty!  I really enjoyed working with them. To be honest, this flower shop fabric line was my least favorite of the fabrics sent to me, BUT I really really love how the train case turned out!  The bold black & white & turquoise is a great blend for this project.  The train case looks fabulous in bold prints and this fabric line designed by Josephine Kimberling is a great fit. This train case above is from the Affinity Line designed by Jessica Swift.  This is the same fabric line I used for the Katie Bird last week.  These colors are my favorite right now!  Turquoise, Grey and Coral-  mmmm.  Delicious in every way! The Train Case Sewing pattern is available in my pattern shop.  It is a great pattern- best for the advanced beginner to intermediate sewer due to the layers you need to sew through.   Once you sew one, you will want to sew them for everyone in your...

At our elementary school, when they become 4th graders, the kids are allowed to start using a 3 ring binder to keep their papers organized.  For my girls, this is a big deal (I don’t think my son is going to care all that much).  It’s like a big kid rite of passage or something- add style to your school stuff and be cool! Last year, my Anne was just going into 3rd grade and I made this binder slipcover for her from my Notebook Slipcover Pattern (now on sale for only $5!).  She was so excited.  Her third grade teacher felt so bad but told Anne she had to leave her binder at home since it wasn’t what the kids were using yet.  Tears were shed (lot of tears and lots of smiles for this middle child) but then it was quickly forgotten and I put the cover away.  Well, 4th grade is now about to start and this pretty cover is coming BACK! The fabrics I used were from Pinked Fabrics on Etsy.  They are Le Boutique by Michael Miller. If you like this Notebook Slipcover, please help me spread the word by sharing on Pinterest, twitter or Facebook....

I really loved doing the giveaway last week with you all!  It was so fun to hear about your day off plans.  I felt relaxed just reading about them!  #51 Mary, was last week’s winner. But do not fret my sewing friends…  today, we have another fabric kit and Day Off Backpack pattern giveaway!  AND, this time, I partnered up with my pal new pal Chio from Llama fabrics.  Have you ever shopped there?  Beautiful selection, reasonable prices and SUPER fast service. I will be providing the backpack pattern and all the basic supplies to make your own bag.  Llama fabrics is going to let the winner shop for her own two 1/2 yard cuts of fabric from her fabulous selection of Art Gallery Fabrics.  You can choose from designers like Leah Duncan, Jeni Baker, Sara Lawrence, Caroline Hulse, Bari J and Pat Bravo!  And many more AGF designers! I made 2 of my sample bags from Art Gallery fabrics.  The quality and feel of these fabrics are wonderful.  The first one below is from fabrics by Bari J called Bijoux and the next one is from Leah Duncan fabric line called TULE. To enter to win, leave a comment here telling me What you would pack in your Day Off Backpack?   This may seem like a boring question to you but it totally interests me.  I think I might be a packing and preparation nerd 🙂  Like, you want to bring everything you need but too much will make it too heavy and uncomfortable to carry, right?? Giveaway will end tomorrow night, Tuesday July 21st.  I will radomly slect a winner and let you know!   The Giveaway is now closed!  Thanks to all!  I am emailing the winner #66 The Day Off Backpack is on sale for just a few more days!  I can’t wait to see how you backpacks are turning out.  Be sure to either tag me (@gingercakesews on Instagram) and use the #makeyourgetawaybackpack and #gingercakepatterns so I can see what you are making.  OR, send me a pic via email or on Facebook!...

The Sewing to Sell Blog tour is still going strong!  Last week, Jenny from The Southern Institute wrote about getting your finances in order when starting (or fixing up!) a handmade business.  Be sure to go over and read her blog post– you might learn something new and valuable… Yesterday, Shannon from Little Luvins shared this beautiful tablet sleeve she made from a project in the book.  I love this arizona fabric combo, don’t you? Head over to Shannon’s blog and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of the book!  Shannon is already a successful etsy seller so I really liked her insights. The end of this week is Vanessa from LBG Studio!   Her blog and photos are wonderful so be sure to head over there on Thursday....

Happy New Year to all you friends out there!  I truly hope that 2015 is your best year yet.  I hope you take risks and follow your dreams and love and laugh and do all that good and wonderful stuff that makes life so wonderful. I just made this banner for our new mantel (as in less than an hour ago!).  Isn’t it cute?  I confess that I didn’t even sew it at all!  I know, I know.  You have seen so many of these banners and they are no longer very special.  But, for me, this one was really sweet.  I grabbed my scraps bin and picked out fabric scraps from my favorite projects of the past year.  Some I blogged about and some that I did not- dresses for the baby, lunch bags, projects from the book, baby quilts for friends, notebook covers for my big girls- all these scraps are special since a project that I loved making is attached to them. 2014 was a fantastic year for Gingercake!  I hope that 2015 will bring more surprises and new challenges including more kits, more youtube videos, and more books!  What are YOUR hopes for...

Doesn’t that sound wonderful?  Wild and Free Sewing.  Hmm.  I have to admit that sewing is not always wild and free- more like specific and detail oriented!   But we love it anyway, right?  Like a puzzle we have to work out to make something beautiful.  My lovely sewing friend Maureen Cracknell asked me to sew a bag and dress with her brand spanking new Wild & Free Fabric line from Art Gallery Fabrics.  How would I ever say no to any request from the amazing and talented Maureen and then add beautiful, high quality art gallery fabrics on top?  YES PLEASE! First I made another Sally Dress in the super soft knits.  The main navy/ cream print is called Woven Path and the Pockets are in Sun Tracks.  Miss M loves this dress and when we put it on she said “soft!  soft!”  It is so so pretty.  What is nice about the fabric, beside the lovely print, is that it stretches in both directions.  Not too much but enough so that I could make the bodice in the horizontal direction and the skirt in the vertical direction.  A really cute contrast! Maureen needed a bag to fill out her Booth at Quilt Show this Month where she will be presented her fabrics.  This Make Your Getaway Duffle with a pocket in Wild & Free Folk Plaid  should be a great supporting piece!  I use AG solids in Spiceberry (for the lining) and Honey (for the handles and base).  To add a little extra color, I made a quick and fun tassle from left over Sun Tracks for the handle.   I am pretty happy about that tassle!  I see more in my future soon… Thanks to Maureen and Art Gallery fabrics for sharing their beautiful fabrics with me and if you see Maureen at Quilt Show, be sure to say hello!  She is as kind and generous in person as she is on her blog. P.S.  Beware out if you have never been to Maureen Cracknell Handmade Blog before.  You may never leave.  It is so...