Patterns for Life - Zinnia Skirt by Colette Patterns

 

We have another incredibly versatile pattern to share with you today! The Zinnia Skirt is the very most recent design from Colette Patterns and I have to say, this is another one of those designs that lives up to "perfect pattern" status!

 

 

This skirt nips in at the natural waist then flows gently out over the hip and thigh area. That means it only requires one measurement to achieve a great fit – the waistline! Since the narrowest part on a woman's torso is the natural waistline, you'll be highlighting your curves creating a flattering silhouette for any body shape! 

 

Every version and every size of Zinnia can be made with less than 3 yards of fabric. And how often are you able to use heavy, swishy or slinky fabric for the same pattern? By offering both a pleated and a gathered waist, Zinnia can be created from nearly any fabric in your stash! This pleated version is just fabulous for a work staple!

That also means you can modify it to suit any kind of weather. You’ll soon have a whole collection of seasonal separates, from pleated wool or Flannel for winter to gathered Voile for spring!

 

LOVE the look of the chiffon in the gathered waist version! Such a pretty look for special occasions! Especially when paired with a top boasting lots of texture like that sweater above! Swoon!

 

 

"Thanks...it has pockets!"

 

Said every single girl who gets complimented on her skirt or dress with pockets! Why? Because they're straight up AMAZING and USEFUL and LOVELY!! And why don't ALL dresses and skirts have pockets?? I mean, pockets are just about one of the top 15 best things in life and Zinnia has lots of pocket options to add to this already versatile design! Add that button placket and GET OUTTA HERE...you won't be able to buy a cuter skirt!

 

So pick up your copy of this wonderful pattern today! And shop the rest of our Colette Patterns for even more perfect Patterns for (real) Life!

 

 

Watch their dreamy style video for this pattern here!



Patterns for Life - Laurel Dress by Colette Patterns

 

I know you may not believe me when I say this...but there IS such a thing as a perfect pattern. What qualifies for such a lofty adjective you ask? Well here are my criteria for what makes a pattern, perfect!

 

1. It has well-written directions/easy to follow

2. It is fairly quick to create

3. It can be made in lots of fabrics for not a lot of fabric

4. Lots of potential customizations and easy-to-make adjustments

5. Actually fits (and FEELS GOOD to wear)

6. I want to make it again

 

 

And you guessed it...I'm here to show off a pattern that fits ALL those requirements! Incredible isn't it? Well I've learned to expect to incredible from the design mind behind Colette Patterns, Sarai Mitnick because every time this lady releases another pretty pattern, I'm just floored! It usually starts of like "How hasn't anyone designed THIS before?"...sometimes genius is found in utter simplicity and with the Laurel Dress, there's no exception. This super simple yet totally chic shift dress is THE DRESS that belongs in every woman's closet so its definitely a little shocking that it took until 2013 (believe me, CAROLINE AND I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR YEARS) to get this perfect of a frock on the market...but I GUESS perfection can't be rushed!

 

All I'm saying is...this is the dress you can wear to any event, on any occasion, in any kind of fabric no matter what your body type!

 

 

Not only is it THE ONLY DRESS I've wanted to make in every one of my favorite fabrics (great for slashing your stash), but you can easily convert this design into a pretty and feminine blouse! 

See even more examples from their photoshoot here!

 

 

 

PLUS!! Sarai created this amazing and FREE bonus booklet with 9 different variations! The Extras Booklet is a totally free download (you don’t even need to buy the pattern), and includes a Basics sections with full instructions on making and using bias tape, plus photo-illustrated instructions for creating any of the variations you see, and even a few extra small pattern pieces to help! Here are some of my favorite variations!

 

 

 

 

As you know, if its an incredible new dress pattern, our girl Caroline will be the first to try it out! And she absolutely LOVED it!! She used a gorgeous hand painted print from Tangier Ikat by Dena Designs for Free Spirit Fabrics and my goodness, it came out totally gorgeous! Proof that you can go BIG with prints when creating Laurel, something Caroline was a little nervous about but totally got over once it was finished! I mean just look at that WOW of a dress! She had some adjustments to make for her figure (you can read about those here) but it was all super easy, looks amazing on her and its comfy to wear!

So, have I inspired you yet?? Seriously if you're not heading to the Cabbage Rose to pick out some new fabric and purchase this pattern RIGHT NOW, I don't know what you're doing with your life!! Okay that was a bit strong, but still! This dress is just dying to made a million different ways and get lots of wear in your wardrobe! Make it in a solid with a little extra detail if you can't see yourself making a dozen of them...you will get so much mileage out of a navy or black shift dress! Add a little ruffle detail to the neck and you fancy!

I'll be sharing another design that's knocking our socks off later this week so stay tuned and...
HAPPY SEWING!!

Everything Blue!!!

(source)

 

There are very few color combos that look fresher than Blue and White! And getting an entire collection of classic prints in nothing but? Well that's a REAL treat! Everything Blue by Marsha McCloskey is a brand new line our from Clothworks that just arrived in the shop and it is the epitome of beautiful in blue! Whether this color scheme conjures up images of a tranquil beach, the isles of Greece or that big ole' blue sky of ours, bringing these fabrics into your home is sure to have a calming affect!

 

 

   

  

 

This collection plays with the lighter side of things as well as deep and saturated shades in big florals as well as small, all over prints! You'll get LOTS of variation of tone and scale when creating a quilt with this collection! There's also a lot of classic styles represented here...so whether you're re-doing your beach house's living room, decorating that formal dining area or adding a little polish to the powder room, you'll find a look you love in Everything Blue!

Plus, Marsha has designed a FREE QUILT PATTERN specifically for these glorious blues! You can download the PDF here!

 

And if you're in the market for EVEN MORE Blue Fabric...be sure to shop our Colors Departments!! We have SO many prints, solids and marbles in Turquoise, Aqua, Sky, Navy, Royal and MORE!!

 

SHOP ALL OUR BLUES HERE!



Houston or Bust!! It's your LAST CHANCE to get on our Bus to Quilt Festival!

Alright ladies, this is your LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP for the most fun trip we do all year!! We will be taking some fabulous ladies to the Fall International Quilt Festival! We leave on Wednesday, October 30th at approximately 10AM (and return Friday, November 1st at approximately 8PM) on a luxury coach to Houston, TX for 3 days! Come and enjoy some of the most amazing quilts from around the world at the massive Quilt Show! And you'll be able to shop until you drop with 100's of international quilting & sewing vendors! You'll have SEW much fun meeting all the ladies attending and getting to know our INCREDIBLE BUS MOMS, Karen & Janine! They'll help keep you laughing the entire trip!!!

 *We are now taking only single and double occupancy rooms!!! No Exceptions! No Refunds. If you're coming alone but would like to be paired up with someone we will do our best to accommodate, but if we are unable, the cost will be for a single occupant. No refunds after September 1st unless we have a waiting list or you can fill your spot! Thank you for understanding!*

 

SIGN UP TODAY!! You won't want to miss this fun 3 day getaway!!

 

 

PS! If you want to get to know our Bus Moms, Karen & Janine before the trip, they are teaching ANOTHER fabulous project from Country Threads THIS SATURDAY! You'll get a feel for just how fun these ladies are all while making this pretty wall hanging!! A few spots available! Saturday, September 14th 1-4pm Sign up here!

Kaffe & Friends Block of the Month Round 2 is Coming Soon!!

 

 Well you guys asked for it and now, you GOT IT! Another round of our WILDLY popular, Cabbage Rose Exclusive Kaffe & Friends Block of the Month program! And we FINALLY got our sample quilted! Isn't she just gorgeous? You KNOW you want to bring this bold and beautiful babe of a quilt into your home!

 

 

We're starting to re-cut all the fabrics and we will be sending new programs out starting in October, after all the craziness of Quilt Across Texas settles down. Sign up now to create this fabulous quilt featuring 25 Ohio Star blocks on point and large setting blocks all in GORGEOUS fabrics from the Kaffe Fassett Collective of designers! This program lasts for 12 Months, there is NO STARTUP FEE & SHIPPING IS FREE for Domestic Customers! ONLY $22.95 per month! Total steal, right??

 

 

 

Crazy for more Kaffe? Don't worry y'all, we've got you covered! Create incredible Kim Mclean Quilts Flower Pots  OR  Flower Garden with our Laser-Cut Block of the Months!! YOU WILL LOVE working with these programs as each month, every single applique piece you will work with comes already pre-cut to perfection for you! So you don't have to worry about giving yourself premature arthritis from cutting out all those insane little shapes! What a relief right? I mean, before we discovered the Laser-Cutting process, I would have NEVER dreamed of taking on one of these beautiful behemoths! Now, the process is way too simple to think twice about it!!

 

So sign up for one of our amazing Block of the Month programs today! Whether you love applique, traditional piecing, brights or the classics, we have a quilt just for you!

 

 

Happy Quilting!