Krista Maurer

So Sew! Week 4 Project: Orange Neck Cuff

Posted on October 30, 2010 by Krista

To whom it may concern (or to anyone still reading this blog):

I know. My project is late. And I hate excuses. Hate ‘em. But here they are …

I’ve been sick.

And extremely tired.

And supremely overwhelmed.

I’ve also been in a slump.

A slumpy slump.

And am just trying to deal.

Don’t worry. I’ll pull it together. I the meantime, I’ve been avoiding life and working on this …

My orange neck cuff. It’s an orange chiffon base, ruched with a button snap closure in back and two pink rosettes on the side. It looks lovely with a simple sweater and jeans combo. Although I’m partial to the way it completes the “demin jacket / upsweapt hair” look. It just adds a little something special, if I do say so.

Be sure to check out Melissa and Sandi‘s final projects, as well as all the other goodies in the Flickr pool.

And that concludes the So Sew! Challenge. I had a wonderful time creating projects based on inspiration words and I particularly loved collaborating with Sandi and Melissa. They are such fantastic women and I am inspired by their creativity and outlooks on life. Thanks ladies for playing along.

Much love to all of you.

So Sew! Week 3 Project: Under the Big Top Tank

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Krista

Well Good Morning! And happy Friday! Do you have any fun plans for this weekend? Frit and I are hanging out with her sisters and mom tonight and tomorrow while the men are off hunting. We’ve got dinner at (our favorite) Sego Lily Cafe tonight and then a Zumba class, brunch, and an afternoon matinee planned for tomorrow. Methinks I’m going to fall in love with Zumba.

But anyhow! Welcome to any new visitors who found me through Good Things Utah. If you’re interested in having me make your child’s monster, just send me an email and I’ll get you more details. If you’re interested in watching any of my other segments for Good Things Utah, click here. And finally, all Halloween Trick-or-Treat bags will be on sale next week in my shop for $5. Just sign up on the mailing list (over there on the right, near the top) to get the discount code.

And now for my So Sew! Challenge Week 3 project. If you recall, the inspiration word was CIRCUS…. As I was thinking about what I wanted to make, I came across a vintage paper doll playbook, circa 1980, starring Raggedy Ann and Andy.

Inside it’s filled with all sorts of circus-y goodies and darling illustrations, but the page that caught my eye was the one with a red and white striped Big Top Circus Tent. As soon as I saw it, I knew what I wanted to sew.

And so … here’s my project. My “Under the Big Top Tank.”

I used a red & white striped polyester fabric and a simple McCalls pattern. As I began sewing I got a little worried it looked a little pirate-y, but I think the bow and biased neck binding help alleviate that.

And I’m not sure yet, but I think I might want to redo the bow. Bigger and floppier. ???

What do you think? Either way … I’m super happy with it. And I think it’s pretty darn cute if I do say so!

Be sure to check out Melissa and Sandi‘s fantastic projects! And stop by the Flickr pool to see what other readers have been working on this week. And don’t forget to tune in on Monday for the new inspiration word and our final week of the So Sew! Challenge.

Have a fantastic weekend!

So Sew! Week 2 Project: Linen & Lace Wrap Skirt

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Krista

This week the inspiration word was JUXTAPOSITION, which means: placing things side-by-side. In art this usually is done with the intention of bringing out a specific quality or creating an effect, particularly when two contrasting or opposing elements are used. The viewer’s attention is drawn to the similarities or differences between the elements.

View Melissa’s Project . View Sandi’s Project

As I thought about this word this week, I simultaneously watched, with thorough enjoyment, the changing of the seasons here in Utah. I took a morning walk on Monday and paid close attention to the leaves and trees and colors and textures. And of course the sky.

When I finally sat down to create something, I knew I wanted my project to reflect what I’d seen in nature, and so I began pairing different combinations of fabric together in my mind. My initial plan was for a heavy linen and lace, but I couldn’t find the right linen so I “settled” on a brownish-plum tweed-like fabric that I wound up loving so much more than the linen I’d hoped to find. It’s sturdy and soft, rich and warm–perfect for fall, and so close to the colors of the leaves on our tree out front.

Then to find the right lace. Lace–because, to me, it looks like the fall sky with its delicate, but crisp, airiness. I think the juxtaposition of the tweed and lace in this skirt is the perfect representation of everything Autumn.

I used the wrap skirt pattern found here as a starting point and modified it slightly when sewing the side seams and, of course, when I added the lacy strips to the hem. Now I just need to find a light blue cardigan set and some tall brown boots to wear with it!

Don’t forget to check out Melissa’s fantastic pillow with its sea of juxtaposed ruffles and Sandi’s lovely autumnal cloche. To see other projects inspired by the word JUXTAPOSITION, visit the So Sew! Flickr group. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

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So Sew! Week 1 Project: Polka Dot Baby Shoes

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Krista

Our week one word was POLKA DOT, which was perfect because I’ve been in love with a particular fabric combo as of late that includes a black and white damask, a yellow/orange micro-patterned fabric, and … a purple polka dot fabric! Combine that with the fact that my sister is due with our family’s first grandbaby (my first niece) in just three short months and what do you get? A perfect storm, I say. A perfect storm for some baby sewing!

And so I present:

my Week 1 project / baby shower gift for my sister / hot little number for baby Laela’s 6 month birthday!

I used Heather Bailey’s Bitty Bootie pattern with a few modifications.

It was so simple and the result was too cute. (If I do say so.)

I have a feeling Laela just might acquire a closet full of shoes before she even arrives. (Start ‘em young is what I always say.)

But how could I stop there. I mean. A girl needs a new outfit to go with her new shoes! If Laela learns nothing from me besides this simple fact then I will have done my auntie duties well. And so I give you–the dress.

This was a bit more time consuming as I drafted the pattern myself as I went along. But I’m in love. In love with the itty-bitty collar and that eensy-weensy rosette. I’m in love with the frayed double ruffle (not to be confused with a double rainbow) peeking out the bottom. And land sakes I am in love love with this fabric combo! Crazy I know. But I am really digging the totally-random-but-totally-works quality of it.

So there is my Week 1 Project. Be sure to check out Sandi and Melissa‘s projects too! (Cheryl had to back out last minute, but her space will be filled shortly.) One of them involves a freebie [!] and the other involves lots of ruffles and lots of lace [swoon!].

And don’t forget to upload YOUR project to the Flickr group. I’ll be selecting a few of my faves to show here on Monday when I announce the Week 2 word. Until then … have a fantastic weekend!

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Click Here to Download the Frankenstein template

Tutorial: Trick-or-Treat Bag

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Krista

While this particular tutorial features a bag with bat silhouettes against a yellow moon, it can be easily modified to showcase the Halloween creature of your child’s choice. But whatever your applique, you can be certain this simple trick-or-treat bag will hold a motherload of delicious goodies!

Felt Trick-or-Treat Bag
Supplies: purple felt*, yellow felt*, sparkly black felt, scissors, sewing machine, thread, bat template. *Be sure you chose a durable, heavy-weight felt. I do not recommend using the inexpensive pre-cut felt for the actual bag. It is flimsy and will not hold up well. It is fine, however, for the appliques.

Instructions:

1. Cut two 14″ x 18″ rectangles from the purple felt (Bag). Cut two 3″ x 22″ strips from the purple felt (Handle Straps). Cut one 10″ circle from the yellow felt (Moon). Cut three bats from black felt using the bat template as a guide.

2. Place the yellow circle on one of the purple rectangles five inches from the top and centered between the sides. Stitch in place, close to edge.
3. Place bats on the yellow circle as desired. Pin in place and stitch close to edge.
4. With right sides together, sew a 5/8″ seam along sides and bottom of purple rectangles.
5. (Optional Step) Pinch bottom corners so that the seams touch and are even (almost creating a triangle). Sew perpendicular to side seam 1 inch from sewn corner. This will create a “boxed” bottom. Trim close to seam.
6. Fold top edge down one inch and lightly press in place. Fold over again and pin in place. Sew 1/4″ seam around top rim edge.
7. Fold handle straps in half length-wise and sew closed close to edge.
8. Pin one strap to each of the top rims, with edge of strap 3 inches from side seams, and end of strap 1 1/2 inches from top rim.
9. Sew each handle in place with a rectangle where the strap overlaps the bag. Reinforce by sewing an “x” inside the rectangle.
10. Trick-or-Treat!

Other applique templates:

Click Here to Download the Cat & Bat Silhouette templates

Click Here to Download the Pumpkin template: Pg 1 & Pg 2

Additional Ideas:
1. Make it extra fun and mix up your felt colors!

2. Use your imagination. You could applique witches, ghosts, the word “Boo,” your child’s name, polka-dots, stripes, etc. You could even applique a “mini me” version of your child’s costume. There are so many options!

3. Tie bows or ribbons to the handle straps or sew buttons.

4. Instead of sewing your applique, use an iron on transfer to print an image from your computer.

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It Was a MONSTER Mash!

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Krista

Well the Monster Mash is in full swing downstairs, but I thought I’d take a quick break from the graveyard smash to share some photos of the monsters we made for the kids. I’ll upload all the details on the decorations, food, and games next week as well as “must-see” pictures of the kids gettin’ their groove on. (Zombie Jamborie ‘ll do it every time!)

So last week before the kids received their invitations in the mail, we had their moms ask them to draw the best monster of their imagination. They had no idea what it was for and we secretly gathered the pictures. I then raided the fabric store and made them come to life. Here are the results …

The kids LOVE them and can’t believe their monsters have “come to life”!

Can’t wait to share more fun with you tomorrow! Sleep tight. xo

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Introducing: So Sew! [a word-a-week challenge]

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Krista

Hello October! This is going to be one crazy month. I won’t bore you with the details…actually on second though–yes I will! Cuz it’s all fun! So. We’ve got a nieces-n-nephews sleepover tonight (Monster Mash is the theme). General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. My next Good Things Utah appearance on Wednesday (10/6) where I’ll be demo-ing Halloween Treat Bags. Then I’m teaching a class on Friday (10/8) about How to Hostess a Party. On Saturday (10/9) I’ve got a big, crazy photo shoot down at BYU, plus Frit‘s grandma’s 80th birthday party that I helped plan and coordinate. THEN, my mom, sister, and brother-in-law come into town the following Wednesday (10/13)–staying with Frit and I, another Good Things Utah appearance on Thursday (10/14) where I’ll be demo-ing No-Sew Halloween Costumes, and finally, I’m hostessing a baby shower for my sister (with my other sister) who is due in February with our family’s first grandchild (a girl! …to be named Laela) on Saturday. Whew. At this point I get a “rest week” and then things get crazy again the last week.

On top of all that, I’m excited (really excited) to announce that I’m hostessing an online sewing challenge this month! I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but didn’t have the gumption to ask people to participate–until now. So here’s the deal …

I’ve invited three other amazing crafters to join me each week in October in creating something–anything! 1) out of fabric & 2) based on an inspiration word. Basically, each of us came up with a word (any word!–could’ve been a person, place, thing, adjective, verb, etc.) and every Monday morning one of our words will be pulled out of the hat as inspiration for the week. There are no rules about what should be made–it’s all up to our own individual interpretation (although fabric must be used). On Friday we’ll all post what we’ve made for you to see.

But lest you think this is all about us–We’ve created a Flickr group so if you’d like to participate, you too can upload photos of your inspiration-word-creations each week for others to see! Click Here to join the So Sew! Flickr group.

Now (drumroll please) … let me introduce the ladies joining the challenge! These three crafty bloggers are favorites in my Reader so I highly encourage you to check out their sites, sign up for their feeds, newsletters, Twitters, etc. They’re honestly so fantastic and I’m so (sew!) excited to “play” with them this month.

First up we have the talented Sandi of Portabello Pixie …

Sandi is a fabulous fabric designer, pattern creator, and author, as well as a mother of two (a girl and a boy). She can be found on Twitter, at Sewing School, or in her newsletter (on her blog). And I can’t wait to make her shabby pumpkins this Thanksgiving!

Next we have the thrifty and chic Melissa of ISLY (I Still Love You).

Melissa is an amazing artist and designer, mom to darling Penelope (and one on the way), and comes up with the most fantastic clothing refashions. You can also find her on Twitter, Flickr, and Design House Digital. I am particularly fond of her calligraphy.

And finally, we have the lovely Cheryl of A Pretty Cool Life.

Cheryl is a crafter from Chicago, mom to two little guys, with all sorts of darling tutorials, project ideas, and lots of bright colors (which I love). One of my favorite “Cheryl projects” can be found here. She’s on Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, and has an email list (on her blog).

So (Sew!)–Do join the Flickr Group, won’t you? And tune in Monday for the first word. We are going to have some serious fun! See you next week! xo

p.s. Welcome to any new friends who found me via Cheryl, Melissa, or Sandi! I’m thrilled to “meet” you and can’t wait to get to know you better.

p.p.s. I also wanted to let you know that I was recently featured on TodaysGiveaway.net where I’m offering a free photo shoot to the winner plus a discount of 20% off all photo shoots scheduled in October (photo shoot does not need to occur in October, just needs to be scheduled). So hop on over and enter to win if you so desire!

p.p.s. (Last one, I promise) I was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal’s Smart Money section. Check it out here (page 3, tip #10). This was one of those “life achievements” that I was totally stoked to call my dad about. :)

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