Spirited Look Book - The Garments

Spirited Look Book - The Garments

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Just over a week ago Art Gallery Fabrics published the Spirited virtual Look Book full of beautiful projects made from my new Spirited fabric collection. If you missed it, view the Spirited Look Book here.

I contributed a lot of sewing projects to the Spirited Look Book that to be able to give you more images and project information, I’m splitting up my blog post coverage into categories. Last week it was all about The Quilts. This week will be all about The Garments and next week will be The Sundries.

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View the entire Spirited Look Book HERE and then come back to see extra photos and learn more about each project.

The Garments

Boundless Spirit rayon by Sharon Holland

Boundless Spirit rayon by Sharon Holland

Art Gallery Fabrics is known for their fine quilting cotton that feels like percale but did you know they offer other substrates besides? Spirited offers two rayons and three knits—both incredibly soft.

Spirited by Sharon Holland - Art Gallery Fabrics rayon and knit substrates

Spirited by Sharon Holland - Art Gallery Fabrics rayon and knit substrates

My absolute favorite is the rayon. The drape is superb in garments, it’s comfortable and breathable like cotton, and even though it’s silky and lightweight, it’s very easy to sew with.

Sew House Seven Burnside Bibs and Burda Style Viscose Bouse

Sew House Seven Burnside Bibs and Burda Style Viscose Bouse

I wouldn’t consider myself a garment sewer but I may need to adjust my thinking because I sure have made quite a few pieces this year. I did a quick count and think the number comes in at 16 garments! That’s more than I’ve sewn in total over the last 10 years!

The big difference now a days over the past is Indie clothing designers/patterns. I find the fit of the Indie patterns truer to size and on trend and one successful sew makes you braver to try more.

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When I started planning what I wanted to make for the Spirited Look Book I had a specific mood I wanted to capture. After seeing Sew House Seven’s Burnside Bib garments on Instagram I knew I wanted to sew these overalls. I made them in AGF natural linen for a chic farmhouse look and pulled the look together with the Viscose Blouse by Burda Style made with my Boundless Spirit Sorrel (horses) print in rayon. I think this has a 40s-vibe to it and love the current trend of wide-legged, cropped pants. That’s my beautiful daughter modeling the look, by the way.

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We took the majority of our garment shots in Kentucky on a very cold and dreary day. Hopefully we don’t look like we’re freezing.

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Here’s another look at the Burda Style blouse on me and the Cleo Skirt by Made by Rae on my daughter. I like that we can still share each others clothing!

Cleo Skirt by Made by Rae in AGF Spirited fabrics

Cleo Skirt by Made by Rae in AGF Spirited fabrics

I combined view A and B on the Cleo Skirt to have the longer length skirt with the big side pockets. This skirt is super flattering in rayon and was the easiest of all the adult garment patterns to make!

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The most challenging garment I stitched for my Spirited Look Book was the Button-up Button-down shirt. It was challenging only because there were so many pieces and steps to making it. The pattern by Oliver + S was an excellent pattern and they expertly talk and illustrate you through every step. It went together perfectly but just took time to get it done.

Button-up Button-down shirt by Oliver + S in Spirited cotton

Button-up Button-down shirt by Oliver + S in Spirited cotton

I used the Lore and Legend print in quilting cotton with accents of Bright Star Washed quilting cotton on the inside yoke, neckline, and sleeve plackets. Instead of buttons I attached Dritz Pearl Snap Fasteners and and love how it turned out. Unfortunately it was too large for my grandson as the smallest this pattern comes in is a 3T. But, he’ll soon grow into it.

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The same Spirited Lore and Legend print comes in a knit. AGF knits are buttery soft, cozy, and have just the perfect stretch for garments. My daughter has been sewing pajamas for her kids and as gifts from my beautiful knits.

The original plan was for my grandson to wear his cotton button-up shirt and matching Lore and Legend knit ear flap hat but since the shirt didn’t fit—he just modeled the hat.

Ear Flap Hat by Delia Creates in Spirited knit

Ear Flap Hat by Delia Creates in Spirited knit

Oh, my goodness, the kid rocked modeling his hat! I mean, come on, just look at those baby-blues! This print and the fit are perfect on him. I used the free Ear Flap Hat pattern from Delia Creates and this was another fast and rewarding item to make.

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I love this sweet snuggles photo from our day out in the cold.

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If you’ve never sewn with knits before they really are an easy material to work with and quite forgiving. You don’t need to worry about edges unraveling and the stretch makes the garments hang nicely and fit comfortably. Yes, there are some consideration for sewing with knits but nothing to stop you from tying them and garments can be made just with a domestic sewing machine—no need for sergers, if you don’t have one. There’s many books, sites, and videos available with expect advice for working with knits. I know I could stand to learn more about it but my little dip into sewing with knits has given me confidence to try more!

Tatum Dress by Violette Field Threads in Spirited Knit

Tatum Dress by Violette Field Threads in Spirited Knit

A really good beginner pattern for first time working with knits is this Tatum Dress by Violette Field Threads. I think this only took about 3 hours from start to finish to make. That includes cutting out the pattern from the printout, cutting the pieces, and assembly. The fit on my 4 year old granddaughter was perfect and I love the lavender Calico Days knit on her—so cute! This sort of dress would be great any time of year and can be worn with leggings or shorts.

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My last make was stitched after the Look Book and purely for no other reason than I wanted to make it for myself. I used the Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater pattern and Spirited Delicate Balance Terra knit.

Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater in Spirited knit

Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater in Spirited knit

I took this with me to Thanksgiving in Iowa with hopes of having a chance to get a photo of me wearing it but the timing and weather just didn’t cooperate at all! Another great pattern by Sew House Seven and it comes in two views. I plan to make more of these (in each view) but will add a little length the the torso next time for the A view. I love how the neckline, cuffs, and waist band are folded over so there’s no hemming!

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I hope you’ve gotten inspired by my Spirited garment makes and that you give some of these patterns a try!

Spirited quilting cottons, knits, and rayons are shipping to quilt shops everywhere. I’ve started a stock lists of online shops for this collection on my FABRICS page and will continue to add links as more shops get their listings up. If your local quilt shop hasn’t ordered it yet, let them know you’d like to sew with these prints and feel the AGF difference for yourself at your favorite shop.

When you do make a project with my fabrics, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @sharonhollanddesigns because I love to see what you’re sewing! And tag the Spirited collection as well with #AGFSpirited.

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Giveaway Alert!

This week I’ll be hosing another Spirited fabrics giveaway on my Instagram account @sharonhollanddesigns in collaboration with Linli Boyd of @lambandloomfabrics starting on Friday, December 13 with the drawing on the 16th for a 10-piece fat quarter bundle for you and a tagged friend. You’ve heard it here first so be sure to stop by IG on Friday and enter on this Friday’s Instagram giveaway post.

—Happy sewing!

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post. Thank you!

Everlasting Blog Tour - Week 2 Recap + Giveaway

Everlasting Blog Tour - Week 2 Recap + Giveaway

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The Everlasting Blog Tour has been a tour de force of incredible talent and this week’s makers brought their A-game! Every day I swoon over the newest blog post—I hope you’ve been following along but in case you missed a day, here’s the week’s recap.

Art Gallery Fabrics released my Everlasting fabric line this spring in May. The summer-inspired prints make sewing easy with a classic palette of navy, red, turquoise, and blush and what better way to show off sewing with Everlasting than with a blog tour. So, to keep those summer vibes going, I invited the industries finest to make beautiful things with Everlasting fabrics and blog about their projects.

Take a look at the Everlasting Blog Tour Week 1 Recap, here.

EVERLASTING BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, July 12 - Sharon Holland

Monday, July 15 - Marija Vujcic

Tuesday, July 16 - Carolina Moore

Wednesday, July 17 - Dana Willard

Thursday, July 18 - Lisa Ruble

Friday, July 19 - Dritz Sewing

Monday, July 22 - Eleri Kerian

Tuesday, July 23 - Marisa Wilhelmi

Wednesday, July 24 - Sharon McConnell

Thursday, July 25 - Modernly Morgan

Friday, July 26 - Alexis Wright

Monday, July 29 - Priscilla Geissler

Tuesday, July 30 - Maureen Cracknell

Wednesday, July 31 - Elina Temmes

Everlasting has been a huge success and is available in shops everywhere. See FABRICS page for stock listings of online shops.

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Week 2 Recap

Day 6 started our second week with the multi-talented Eleri Kerian and her astonishing Seafarer quilt (pattern by Simple Life Patterns) and adorable garments for her daughters. Eleri excels at a challenge and this relatively new-to-quilting quilter masterfully pieced a stunning Mariner’s Compass-style quilt. I love her placement of Everlasting fabrics to get maximum contrast of the pieced elements. Hop over to Eleri’s blog and learn more about this quilt and the sweet romper and dress makes for her youngest daughters.

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Eleri Kerian

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Eleri Kerian

Day 7 was a day of many first for Marisa Wilhelmi. If you follow me on Instagram you’d know that I’d held an Everlasting fabrics giveaway this spring for 1/2 yard of each print from the collection for a winner and their tagged friend. Marisa was the tagged friend and was so excited about her bundle of Everlasting fabrics I invited her to be part of this tour. This was really an unknown for me as to what Marisa would create and she even went the extra mile and started a blog in preparations for the tour. Her passion for sewing (again, she’s new to quilting) is apparent in her exciting and creative pieces. I was blown away by all the beautiful quilt projects she made for the tour. Check them out yourself and give her a big hand for all she’s accomplished in such a short time.

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Marisa Wilhelmi

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Marisa Wilhelmi

Day 8 was Sharon McConnell of Color Girl Quilts day to wow everyone with her stunning new quilt pattern. I met Sharon through Instagram with my first Art Gallery Fabrics collection, Gossamer. We’ve been friends ever since and even traveled and roomed together at Quilt Markets. Sharon has an eye for mixing prints and playing with color and she certainly shined brightly during the Everlasting tour. All ten Everlasting prints were used in her quilt plus the addition of the green FE-527 Lettuce Floral Element from AGF. Find out more about her rulers and the soon to be released star pattern on her blog.

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Sharon McConnell

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Sharon McConnell

Day 9 comes to us from the UK where Morgan of Modernly Morgan is stationed with her husband. Morgan designs beautifully modern quilts and has a great eye for color. This was my first time collaborating with Morgan on a tour and I was so excited when she could take part. Morgan’s Tropical Storm quilt is absolutely sublime with Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids and Bouquet Muse large floral spinning around the central eye of the block. Be sure to take a peek at the back of her quilt that uses primarily Something Blue print with a splash of Crossed Paths. I’m also enjoying her #QuiltsInTheWasher hashtag and images on Instagram!

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Modernly Morgan

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Modernly Morgan

Day 10 closed out the second week with my dear friend Alexis Wright. I met Alexis through her sewing for Art Gallery Fabrics Look Books and in person at Quilt Market. I knew right away we were kindred spirits and although I’m almost old enough to be her mother, you’ll see in our Instagram comments we call each other Little and Big Sis (sisters) because she feels like the little sister I never had. Alexis can design clothing (Blake dress pattern Violette Field Threads), professionally sew, and I’m insanely jealous (sibling rivalry) of her photography! The garments Alexis made with Everlasting prints are easy, breezy, and summer-time perfection! In fact, I’m hoping next week to do a little garment sewing myself with the Flower Keeper rayon!

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Alexis Wright

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Alexis Wright

WEEK 2 Giveaway

That’s two out of the three weeks of Everlasting blog tour and the only way to make it even better is to have a giveaway to keep this party hopping.

The week 2 sponsored giveaway comes to you from:
Bloc_Loc Ruler.

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If you remember on my opening blog post for the tour I posted about my Pineapple Block pillows and BlocLoc Pineapple ruler. These rulers have been game-changers for my patchwork and I seriously don’t know how I ever lived without them! Bloc_Loc has instructional videos to accompany all their rulers.

Bloc_Loc has been a sponsor for this blog since the Community Sampler sew along days and I love being able to introduce you to their company and product line. Bloc_Loc was created by husband and wife team, Paul and Janna. Paul, an Australian, was an aircraft maintenance engineer and Janna, and American, is a quilt designer and author of Courtship Quilts; Inspired by the Victorian Language of Flowers, published by Martingale & Co 2005. Now based in Loveland, Colorado, Bloc_Loc manufacturers, distributes, and sells their own patent pending products which are new and innovative. Their rulers are made of the highest quality materials by the old-fashioned standard of making products and are built tough enough to last from one generation to the next!

 Shop Rulers * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Instagram 

Bloc_Loc is generously giving away a 3” Kite in Square (KIS) ruler set for making 9” finished blocks and the new KIS ME book so you can make beautiful quilt variations from this one ruler set! You could have a lot of fun with this—see entry rules below.


Giveaway Now Closed. Congratulations to Barb K!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow Bloc_Loc on Facebook and/or Instagram. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment - second entry). 

3. My followers get a third entry! If you follow via subscribing to my posts, through Bloglovin (or other service), or on Instagram, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment - third entry). Note: I'm no longer on Facebook.

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the Everlasting Blog Tour on YOUR instagram, facebook, tweet, pin, blog post, etc... (separate comment - fourth entry). 

That’s four possible entries! Enter now through Tuesday, July 30. The winner will be picked at random around 4 pm Eastern. I’ll post the name of the winner on this blog post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

Don’t forget you have a second chance to win this same prize by reposting any of the the Everlasting Blog Tour makers projects on Instagram. Simply tag the project’s maker with their IG account, #ArtGalleryFabrics, and use the #EverlastingBlogTour hashtag on a public Instagram account and you’ll automatically be entered into all the IG giveaway drawings for this tour! Enter as many times as you’d like by reposting blog tour images—just be sure to give tour makers proper credit and tag them in your repost.

Happy sewing,

Sharon

Everlasting Blog Tour - Week 1 Recap + Giveaway

Everlasting Blog Tour - Week 1 Recap + Giveaway

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It’s felt like Christmas in July this week as the Everlasting Blog Tour makers posted their tour makes. I want to give a huge thanks to everyone taking part in the tour and for the incredible gifts they’re giving all of us by sharing their talents and creativity.

This May saw the release of Everlasting, my seventh fabric line for Art Gallery Fabrics. Romantic, summer-inspired prints make sewing easy with a classic palette of navy, red, turquoise, and blush. Everlasting has been a huge success and is available in shops everywhere. See FABRICS page for stock listings of online shops.

I knew right away I wanted this collection to have a blog tour and coordinated a list of wonderfully talented makers to share their love of stitching with all of us. Here in the States we’re enjoying summer and I know I’d love these long, lazy days to never end. So, to keep those summer vibes going, over the next three weeks you’ll find inspired sewing posts, exciting makers to follow, beautiful projects, and of course, weekly giveaways all focused around my Everlasting fabric collection—you won’t want to miss a day!

EVERLASTING BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, July 12 - Sharon Holland

Monday, July 15 - Marija Vujcic

Tuesday, July 16 - Carolina Moore

Wednesday, July 17 - Dana Willard

Thursday, July 18 - Lisa Ruble

Friday, July 19 - Dritz Sewing

Monday, July 22 - Eleri Kerian

Tuesday, July 23 - Marisa Wilhelmi

Wednesday, July 24 - Sharon McConnell

Thursday, July 25 - Modernly Morgan

Friday, July 26 - Alexis Wright

Monday, July 29 - Priscilla Geissler

Tuesday, July 30 - Maureen Cracknell

Wednesday, July 31 - Elina Temmes

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Week 1 Recap

Day 1 of the Everlasting Blog Tour started out with a bang as Marija Vujcic gave us not just one but THREE amazing sewing projects to drool over. Marija is a must-follow maker and so passionate about sewing. She can sew anything and does everything to perfection. Find tutorials for her projects along with the soon-to-be-published pattern for this amazing Everlasting Garden quilt (top left).

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Marija Vujcic

Everlasting Blog Tour projects by Marija Vujcic

Day 2 belonged to Carolina Moore our very own Art Gallery Fabrics Sewcialite. Carolina created a stunning improv quilt incorporating traditional English Paper-Pieced blocks by Brimfield Awalkening into a color-blocked modern strip quilt. Learn more about Carolina and see the stunning quilting on this quilt on her blog.

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Carolina Moore

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Carolina Moore

Day 3 had me smiling ear to ear when Dana Willard (an Art Gallery Fabrics sister-designer) posted about her smartly-designed reversible skirt. I adore Dana and she has the best tutorials! This easy-pease skirt can be sized for any girl-young or old and a must-make for your summer sewing.

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Dana Willard

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Dana Willard

Day 4 was Lisa Ruble’s stop on this fun blog tour. Lisa and I have worked together over the years and she’s a wonderful and passionate quilter, amazing person, and extremely talented in everything she does. Definitely follow Lisa on her quilting adventures! Now through the end of the month you can get 10% this gorgeous Ribbon Weave quilt pattern that Lisa made using the blues and teal prints from Everlasting.

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Lisa Ruble

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Lisa Ruble

Day 5 ends the first week with one of our tour sponsors and everybody’s favorite notion company, Dritz Sewing! The super talent team of creatives at Dritz bring us the most innovative and fun projects. Their tutorials and products are easy-to-use and give your projects that professional finishing touch. Make a customizable cork banner to hang in your sewing room, office, or how about making one for those going off to college!?!? The possibilities are endless! Find all the how-to’s and make this pretty banner to display favorite things on the Dritz Make Something Blog.

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Dritz Sewing

Everlasting Blog Tour project by Dritz Sewing

Week 1 Giveaway Now Closed: Congratulations Lacey!

What an amazing week, right??? The only way to make it even better is to have a giveaway to keep the party hopping. The week 1 sponsored giveaway comes to you from Dritz Sewing.

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The Dritz story spans nearly 100 years, and encompasses tens of thousands of creative products. What began as a family business in 1920s New York City, is today a storied brand that is recognized by DIY enthusiasts around the world. Today, Dritz embodies a heritage of quality, value and innovation. Sewists and quilters alike turn to Dritz for top-notch quilting and sewing supplies. Dritz is conveniently sold via mass merchants, independent shops and online retailers, so it’s readily available where and when you need it. - See more at: Dritz!
Products  *  Projects & Patterns  *  Instagram  *  Blog 

To get you started on your Banner, Dritz is including the following fun hardware and notions to their giveaway package:

  • Double Cap Rivets Nickel 750-65

  • Rivet Tool 750T

  • Triangle Rings 738-65

  • D-Rings 1" 117-1-65

  • Swivel Hooks (2 packages) 512

  • Grommet Pliers 1P

  • Nickel Grommets 1-65

THANK YOU DRITZ FOR THIS GENEROUS PRIZE!

* Note * This giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry, international friends). If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow Dritz on their Blog and/or Instagram. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment - second entry). 

3. My followers get a third entry! If you follow via subscribing to my posts, through Bloglovin (or other service), or on Instagram, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment - third entry). Note: I'm no longer on Facebook.

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the Everlasting Blog Tour on YOUR instagram, facebook, tweet, pin, blog post, etc... (separate comment - fourth entry). 

That’s four possible entries! Enter now through Tuesday, July 23. The winner will be picked at random around 4 pm Eastern. I’ll post the name of the winner on this blog post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

Happy sewing,

Sharon

Everlasting Blog Tour

Everlasting Blog Tour

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I’m so excited for next week when the Everlasting Blog Tour officially begins! Thirteen incredible designers and sewists from around the globe have been busy stitching behind the scenes to make this upcoming blog tour truly remarkable.

Everlasting by Sharon Holland rolls.jpg

This May saw the release of Everlasting, my seventh fabric line for Art Gallery Fabrics. Romantic, summer-inspired prints make sewing easy with a classic palette of navy, red, turquoise, and blush. Everlasting has been a huge success and is available in shops everywhere. See FABRICS page for stock listings of online shops.

I knew right away I wanted this collection to have a blog tour and coordinated a list of wonderfully talented makers to share their love of stitching with all of us. Here in the States we’re enjoying summer and I know I’d love these long, lazy days to never end. So, to keep those summer vibes going, over the next three weeks you’ll find inspired sewing posts, exciting makers to follow, beautiful projects, and of course, weekly giveaways all focused around my Everlasting fabric collection—you won’t want to miss a day!

EVERLASTING BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, July 12 - Sharon Holland

Monday, July 15 - Marija Vujcic

Tuesday, July 16 - Carolina Moore

Wednesday, July 17 - Dana Willard

Thursday, July 18 - Lisa Ruble

Friday, July 19 - Dritz Sewing

Monday, July 22 - Eleri Kerian

Tuesday, July 23 - Marisa Wilhelmi

Wednesday, July 24 - Sharon McConnell

Thursday, July 25 - Modernly Morgan

Friday, July 26 - Alexis Wright

Monday, July 29 - Priscilla Geissler

Tuesday, July 30 - Maureen Cracknell

Wednesday, July 31 - Elina Temmes

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My Blog Tour Makes

You know I couldn’t host a blog tour without contributing so this pre-blog tour post is also my opportunity to share my new Everlasting makes with you.

I was originally planning on making a new free quilt pattern for the tour but decided instead to make hand quilted pillows. I’ve been wanting to make a Pineapple block for ages and pillows seemed the perfect application! Also, these pillows are going to be gifted to a friend and it’s a win-win when I can make a project, blog about it, and use the finished piece as a gift!

Everlasting Pineapple pillows by Sharon Holland

Everlasting Pineapple pillows by Sharon Holland

It was very tempting to use more than just one print from this collection but I wanted to keep these pillows very classic and slightly rustic. Red and white, or in this case natural with Art Gallery Fabrics Linen and the bold red Flutter Buds cotton print. Besides, you’ll see the rest of the prints in action during the tour from the other makers!

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To get perfect Pineapple blocks I used the Bloc_Loc Pineapple Ruler and it was so easy! Simply cut strips to a desired width depending upon your ruler size. I have the 3/4’’ - 1-1/2’’-size ruler and cut according to the 1-1/2’’ size to make a 21’’ square for my pillow top. Bloc_Loc has a helpful video, cutting charts, and printable instructions.

Once the piecing was done and my block measured 21’’ (unfinished) I basted a 23’’ square of Hobb’s Tuscany Silk batting scrap to the wrong side of the blocks. I didn’t use any backing because it is intended for a pillow and not having the backing reduced the bulk for hand quilting.

I hand quilted with DMC #8 Perle Cotton thread in ecru for a more traditional look. Once both blocks were quilted I used my Hidden Zipper tutorial to add Dritz Sewing brass zippers, giving a professional finish to my pillow covers. The finished size of my pillows is 20’’ square.

24’’ Brass Upholstery Zipper by Dritz Home

24’’ Brass Upholstery Zipper by Dritz Home

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With the insertion of feather pillow inserts these pillows have a high-end designer quality to them and I cannot wait till I can give them to my friend—she’s going to love them! She loves red, too!

Everlasting Pineapple Pillows by Sharon Holland

Everlasting Pineapple Pillows by Sharon Holland

My next make to share was created because I love easy-to-wear summer dresses and had the strong desire to stitch something for myself. My daughter and I wear basically the same size and have similar tastes in clothing. In fact, our tastes are so similar that we bought the same dress, in the same print, on the same day, and we live a state away from each other. We both liked how it fit us so I had the big idea to use it as a template and try to make a knit dress with it.

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Now, I don’t want to take any business away from pattern companies or Indie pattern designers. This project may actually do more to encourage you to BUY a pattern rather than make your own hack like I did because after finishing the first one I really want to make more adjustments to my pattern and try it all again. Never the less, I will quickly go over my not-so-skilled hack and let you be the judge.

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  1. I used the grid side of a roll of gift wrap as my template paper because it was wide enough to accommodate the store-bought dress (once I get my final templates I’ll transfer it to freezer paper, so it’s sturdier). With the dress inside out, I taped it down to the paper with washi tape, trying not to stretch it out of shape.

  2. I drew the shape of the dress, adding a 1/2’’ seam allowance and marking the back and front necklines. I cut out the shape using the taller back neckline and then folded the cut out in half. Once folded I could do more cutting to mirror image the sides. After cutting the mirrored shape down the center (where it will be placed on the fold of the fabric) I went ahead and designated one side as the back (higher neckline) and the other I cut a lower neckline for the front of the dress. From paper scraps I cut out the pocket shape. For a great tutorial on sewing pockets into a garment visit Dana Willard’s Made Everyday You Tube channel.

  3. Finally I took a piece of rope and roughly measured around the neck and arm openings to determine the length of binding needed to finish the garment openings. Use a straight ruler to determine the amount determined with the rope and add 1’’ to that total for seam allowance. Since I’m sewing with knit fabric I simply cut my binding on the straight of grain from selvage to selvage. I cut 1-3/4’’ wide strips.

Everlasting Flutter Buds knit by Sharon Holland

Everlasting Flutter Buds knit by Sharon Holland

Overall it wasn’t a bad first attempt and some very minor tweaks may yield just the perfect fit.

Everlasting Flutter Buds Knit dress.jpg

I do love this Flutter Buds print in blue knit and so does my daughter so we’ll both have one to wear this summer. I also want to make myself one in the red Cherished Wishes knit print. There’s enough unused fabric from my dress attempt that my granddaughter will be getting a summer dress(s) to match!

Everlasting by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics

Everlasting by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics

The extremely talented Marija Vujcic will be leading off the Everlasting Blog Tour on Monday, July 15th. Be sure to stop by each of the makers blogs to get the full story about their Everlasting makes and get to know these incredible women even more.

Blog Tour Giveaways!

I know you follow me on Instagram and I’ll be posting daily to keep you in the know about the tour. Each weekend I’ll have a weekly recap here on the blog and announce the special giveaway that week from one of our sponsors! Dritz Sewing, Bloc_Loc Rulers, and Fat Quarter Shop have generously offered fabulous prizes to be given away during the tour.

You’ll have two chances to win each week!

  1. One chance is here on the blog by leaving comments on the weekly recap posts (see details coming next weekend).

  2. The second chance is on Instagram. Starting today (Friday, July 12) if you repost any of the tour makers projects (including mine or any of the tour graphics) posted during the Everlasting Blog Tour, tag the project’s maker with their IG account, #ArtGalleryFabrics, and use the #EverlastingBlogTour hashtag on a public Instagram account and you’ll automatically be entered into all the IG giveaway drawings for this tour! Enter as many times as you’d like by reposting blog tour images—just be sure to give tour makers proper credit and tag them in your repost.

More details about giveaways, how to enter, and giveaway drawings will be announced at time of giveaways.