Krista Maurer

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 3: Inspiration Word

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Krista

Oh my achin back … and feet … and legs … and head … and … um, I think that’s all. For now. I hope you’ll forgive the delay in announcing the So Sew! inspiration word this week. I do realize I’m a day late. My internet time has been extremely limited lately due to the fact that I was hired to cater and host a big luncheon. It was today and is now …over. I’ll share pictures and details soon, but I wanted to hurry up and give you the new word for this week. It is …

CIRCUS

This was the word I chose and I’m pretty stoked to get going on my project. And I can’t wait to see YOURS! Join the Flickr group and upload your creations this week. I LOVED RissaRoo’s skirt inspired by last week’s word and AshleyCulby’s dress (that used both the Week 1 AND Week 2 inspiration words!) And don’t forget to stop my Melissa and Sandi‘s to see what they’ve got cookin. Those two are amazing I tell you!

OK. That’s all for now. I’m off to elevate my feet and take long winter’s nap.

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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 2: Inspiration Word

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Krista

I had so much fun last week dreaming up a project inspired by the word “polka-dot!” I’ve never crafted using “inspriation words” before, but it’s made for a really interesting process–one that I think I’ll continue to do even after this challenge is over.

And now we’re on to week two. And this one’s a thinker! Our word is …

JUXTAPOSITION

The dictionary lover in my is super excited. The seamstress in me is a leeetle bit nervous! :) But I’ll give it my best shot and I hope you will too. Be sure to upload your projects to the Flickr group and while you’re there take a browse through some of the other projects. There were some really cute ones last week! I loved the colors in the patchwork pillow created by Catherine’s Attic and Torjo45 used such fantastic fluttery fabric for her polka dot flower necklace, oh and the ruffly pillows by Lisa–I DO love me some ruffles!

And don’t forget to take a peek at Sandi’s Magical Musical Tutu and Melissa’s free download from last week if you haven’t already!

See you back here on Friday!

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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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So Sew! Week 1: Inspiration Word

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Krista

Hi all! Today begins the first week of So Sew! and I’m pleased to announce that the first inspiration word is …

POLKA-DOT

All week long, Sandi, Cheryl, Melissa and I will be crafting something delightful using the word “polka-dot” as our inspiration. We’ll reveal our projects on our blogs this Friday, so stay tuned.

AND if you want to join in the fun!…just add yourself to the Flickr group and upload a photo of your project for us to see!

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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