the Modern Prairie Girl – PDF patterns!!!!

Howdy everyone!

I just wanted to stop by here at the marie-madeline blog and share with you that I’ve designed and am now selling 2 new PDF patterns!! I’m so excited with how they’ve turned out and I’d love to hear what you all think about them too!

The above pattern, Sophie Bags Crossbody & Clutch, is one of my favorite bag patterns. The crossbody is sturdy and perfect for long days, while still boasting of something pretty like the gathered eye-catching panel on the front of the bag. The clutch is one of my go-to bags. Not just because it is pretty, but because carrying it feels pretty!

Here are so more pictures of the Sophie bags!

The Reflections Quilt pattern is a quick and fun make for anyone that loves quilting (or at least wants to give it a try!). The pattern includes three sizes: twin, full/queen & king. So everyone can have one.

Read more and see more about my patterns over at my blog, the Modern Prairie Girl.

Reflections Quilt

Sophie Bags Crossbody & Clutch

Check out my Etsy shop, the Modern Prairie Girl!!!!

Thanks for letting me stop by and chat a spell. It’s been fun!

happy sewing, Abi

Her Perfect Play Day Dress tutorial

playdress

Our Abi wrote a fun tutorial on her blog, The Modern Prairie Girl, for this adorable, simple t-shirt dress. Run go check it out and make your own version with and for the special little girl in your life!

xo Us

Modern Prairie Sewing Blog Hop!!

WOOHOO!!! Hooray for Abi's blog hop! Abi was SO sweet to ask me to do a project for her blog hop…especially since I'm not the world's greatest seamstress. Shame on me, I know. Of course, I can sew, but all of my sisters are a whole lot better at it than me. Anyway, this is seriously THE GREATEST book (and I'm not biased!!!). Abi did an amazing job, and every project is so beautiful. Another reason I adore this book is the photography…I was so blessed to get to be behind the scenes, and watch an amazing photographer work. YOU REALLY NEED YOUR OWN COPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For my project, I decided to do the It's A Cinch Belt. I used an Anna Maria Drawing Room Home Dec for the main belt, and Amy Butler Hapi in cotton for the contrasting side and ties. It was SO easy, and I had it whipped up in no time flat. All of the instructions are very clear, and with illustrations if you're a visual kind of girl (like me). I am so happy with the way it turned out, and even more thrilled that Abi was so tickled!

Oh, and don't forget that Abi is giving away two copies of her book along with two made projects from the book. Go check her blog for the giveaways going on August 29th through 31st!!!

Now, check out all these awesome seamstresses blogs, and see the cute things they made from the book!!

Jenny Fish!August 20th

Pam Kitty Morning! August 21st

Jona G! August 22nd

Melissa P! August 23rd

SewCaroline! August 25th

Melissa S! August 26th

April Rhodes! August 27th

Abiah! August 28th

xoxo, Abiah

Saying it with Red.White.Blue.

Happy July! Ever since we were little, Independence Day has always been fun. Mom's always been a red, white, and blue fan (that's an understatement), and has always taught us the importance of never, EVER letting July 4th roll around without proper clothing to go with the day.

See? Now we have this thing about us (we tease Mom and call it a 'complex') — we just can't let Independence Day roll by without wearing red, white, and blue. It just isn't happening.

We spent some time this morning looking at all the fabulous July 4th party ideas on Pinterest. Here are some of our favorites to put some firecrackers in the day…

We are definitely trying these Sugar Cookie Bars out.

This bunting is pretty enough to use all year round.

Boots. What else can we say?

Popsicles are a must. (And red, white, and blue makes them tastier.)

Tablesettings that make us happy.

And, we can't forget the fancy wear.

Happy, happy Independence Day!

xoxo Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, & Abiah

Modern Prairie Sewing: 20 Handmade Projects for You and Your Friends

Hi all! Wow! I can hardly believe it. I really can't. It's been a long few years getting this dream together, and it's been so exciting for me to see it all come together! SO! I'm super happy to tell you that I wrote a sewing book – and it's coming OUT to all of YOU this July!!!! This book is full of fabulously fun and fresh projects that'll be able to be used by everyone!!

This really easy-for-beginner quilt is found in Modern Prairie Sewing! (Who else loves that beautiful red hair?!)

My gorgeous sisters, Apphia & Achaia, show off the Turnabout Blouse. One of the 20 projects you'll find in Modern Prairie Sewing!

These are only a couple sneak peeks! I'm so excited and can't wait for all of you to have your own copy and show me what all you sew up!!! You can read more about Modern Prairie Sewing over at my blog, The Modern Prairie Girl.

Let's start sewing!

xoAbi

pillow perfect.

Here I am to jabber about the pillow that I showed some snippets of in December. You see, it just wouldn't have been fair to talk TOO much about it, since it was Ashley's Christmas present, and no one wants a spoiled present, do they??

Mom spotted the Anchor wool needlepoint (some times it's also called 'tapestry') kit on eBay awhile back, and I knew it was just the thing for Ash's present. It took me a few months to do, since I had to set it down sometimes to stitch for our Market booth. This was the second needlepoint I've completed, but I'd never finished one completely — blocking and making it into something.

I just had in my mind that I wanted to back the pillow with velveteen. The mix of textures seemed perfect. Apphia had some leftover burgandy velveteen from a sewing project, so she was sweet enough to give it to me. I sewed a zipper into the back as well, to make dry cleaning the case (if necessary) more easily possible.

It was SO much fun to stitch. Now I've already taken my first needlepoint and made it into a pillowcase. I just need to purchase a form, and I'm set! Stitching always seems like a good thing to do on a pillow, doesn't it? (Remember this one?) Let's just say, that I think I'll always be pillow-rich.

Happy Monday to all of you! xoxAchaia

PS Ash loved the pillow and said it was her in a pillow! Yay!

Full Week.

Whew! The last week has been so busy… the birthday bash, Mom's birthday, starting to prep for Quilt Market, and throwing ourselves into something brand new!! It's been fun, so no complaints. We especially couldn't complain when the brand-new-something required us to spend the day with best friends (!), a new friend, eat cupcakes, sample chocolate, and dash in and out of the rain. It was a fun, full 12-hour day.

Today feels like the first "break" day, but it won't last long. We have custom orders to sew, more Quilt Market related work, and it's almost time to start sewing for the booth. Oh, and the laundry is full too.

We're not sure we are ready for summer to be over. How 'bout you?

xoxo Achaia & Abi

A new Ironing Board cover {a tutorial}

We use our iron + ironing board a lot. We mean. A lot. So it's no wonder that after three + years we needed a new one! (We're too embarrassed to show you a picture of the old one. Really. You could hardly tell what it was made of!)

Mommy and Abi got together and in an afternoon whipped up this new ironing board cover. They took step by step pictures. Measurements will depend entirely on your own special ironing board. Ours is old and dips (just a little bit) in the middle, so we needed extra padding. We'll explain more below!

So — are you ready??!

Ironing Board cover {a tutorial}

1. Choose your fabrics! Fun! Since our ironing board sits by the one red wall in our studio, we wanted to have red in our cover to make our board pop. (Mommy's favorite color choice.)

2. Cut and arrange your patches. This can be one of the most enjoyable parts, so have fun mixing and matching your favorite pieces! You'll want it to be 6" to 8" bigger than your ironing board (so that you have several inches left-over on all sides of your board).

What you'll Need:

Putting it Together!

1. Layer sheet, batting, and patched top. Use large safety pins to pin it together.

2. Sew through all layers. We chose one of our favorite (and sturdy) stitches on Mommy's machine.

3. Lay your ironing board face down on top of your Insul-Fleece. Use a permanant marker to draw the shape of your board onto the fleece. (NOTE! if your board is not like ours (dipped), than you are more than welcome to skip the batting when your quilting your cover. Use the Insul-Fleece in place of the batting. We're also hoping that once we wear this cover out we can replace it and the insul-fleece will still be good).

4. Our Insul-Fleece was shorter than our board, so we pieced it.

(Continuing) 4. Pieced.

5. Cut out the board shape and lay the Insul-Fleece right on the board!

6. Lay your ironing board face down on top of your patched top and prepare to cut around the board shape. Be careful to leave several extra inches all the way around the board!!!! Do a finishing stitch (we did a zigzag stitch) around the edge of your cover after you've cut out the board shape.

7. Working from the top of your cover and at the middle back-end, fold back a little end of the raw end of the extra wide double fold bias tape. Sew on at 1/4".

(Showing) 7. See?

8. Finish sewing on the bias tape just like you started. Do not overlap the pieces, but only meet them up together.

9. Fold the bias tape completely over to the back. Stitch in place.

10. Use a large safety pin to run your 1/4" elastic through your "casing". We cut approximantly 122" of elastic because this was the measurement around the under side of our ironing board. We ended up cutting plenty of elastic off, but we want you to have plenty too. Put your smashingly adorable cover onto your board and pull and tug, working the gathers to fit around your board. After your elastic is just perfect, knot and knot your elastic ends. Cut off extra elastic. (And save the rest of another project!)

11. Grab your Scotch Gard and head outside! Follow the instructions on the bottle. (We gave ours plenty of spray-layers.)

(continued) 11. Cute dog not required. (But helpful.)

And your ironing board cover is finished!!!!!

Let us know what you think! And happy ironing.

xoxo Kristie & Abi (for all)

Light Peasantries

I am happy to say that my embroidery adventures (starting here and here) have blossomed onto a peasant top!!!

While Nan was here in February, we did some closet cleaning and I came across this white peasant blouse. The fabric feels wonderful, but I just didn't have much use for a plain white shirt like this. So, we pulled it out, used my light box and some embroidery transfers from the 70s, and I got stitching! I had the best time working on it. I'm a huge fan of embroidered garments, and it's exciting to think that I can make my own! I already have plans for something else…. I can't wait to share.

xxx Achaia

Circus Laundry Bags! {a tutorial}

With vacations, camping, and all the running around that summer happily brings, what could be more useful (and helpful) than a good laundry bag?? That's what we thought! So we're bringing you the Circus laundry bags – in two sizes!! (Because getting ready for and going on vacation around here is just that: a three ring circus!)

Circus Laundry Bags

Note to sewist::: the pictures shown during construction were taken when we made the big size. However, both laundry bags have the exact same directions. Yippee!

size Big

-a string of crochet thread or yarn 23'' long

-1 1/4 yd for base

-23'' x 38'' for fabric tunnel

-casing 4'' x 38 1/2''

-drawstring 2'' x 2, 45"

-washable marker

size Small

-a string of crochet thread or yarn 19 1/4'' long

-1 yd for base

-18'' x 27 1/4" for tunnel

-casing 4" x 27 3/4"

-drawstring 2" x 1 1/2, 45"

-washable marker

Let's sew up your Circus laundry bags!

1. Take your piece of yarn and knot it to the washable marker.

2. Put your marker at one end of your folded fabric and lightly (but tightly) hold your thread down while you draw your half circle.

3. Cut your circle out! Set aside.

4. Right sides together, sew your tunnel down side the shorter side. Serge for extra strength. (Who doesn't stuff a laundry bag?!)

5. Run a gathering stitch around your circle. Divide your circle and tunnel in fourths.

6. Right sides together, pin your circle to your tunnel.

7. Gather your circle to fit your tunnel. Pin like crazy!

8. Serge at 5/8''. Trim off excess. (if you have excess!)

9. Turn right side out! Even though it's looking like a circus tent right now, I promise; it'll be a laundry bag in the next 5 minutes!

10. Take your 4'' casing strip and iron the ends up at 1/4".

11. Fold over again and sew.

12. Press raw edges in to meet in the middle.

13. This is not a must, but I suggest serging the top of your unfinished tunnel. This helps prevent fraying.

14. Sandwich the raw edge of your tunnel in your casing.

15. Sew your casing down at lower edge. Make sure that you caught all of the casing on the wrong side of your bag.

16. Take your drawstring strips of fabric and sew two short ends together. Press raw edges in to meet in the middle.

17. Fold the end in before you fold it in half and sew down the side.

18. Sew down the side.

19. Fold the edge at the bottom in before you sew to the end.

20. Grab a bodkin or a large safety pin and pull your drawstring through your casing.

21. Knot the ends of your drawstrings for a finishing touch.

Let the games begin!

love, Abi

Nancy Zieman’s Sew With Knits Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Hello everyone! We had so much fun last summer when we participated in Nancy's 30-minute Doll Clothes blog tour, that we were absolutely thrilled when she invited us to be a part of Sewing With Knits. To be perfectly honest with you, knits have always scared (some of) us just a tiny bit. It's funny that the thing we love wearing most is also the most intimidating to sew! But Nancy has officially changed that. Her book, Sew Knits With Confidence, is a must-have for every seamstress! (Stick with us, we'll be giving away a copy in a little bit…)

So without further ado, here is our own interpretation of the Santa Fe Dress!

We opted to make dress view 1, but added 16" to the length in order to get a good maxi.

We LOVE this pattern. The clever neckline facing makes wearing a camisole unnecessary, and the bodice goes together in a flash. Best of all, it really looks store-bought when finished! We chose a novelty red pique knit from JoAnn's to make our Santa Fe dress. And then we got the idea to draw up one side in a big rose-like knot to add a fun touch!

Now are you ready to hear about the giveaway? One winner will receive a copy of Nancy's book, Sew Knits with Confidence, along with the four beautiful patterns we showed you earlier this week!!! Just leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address, and tell us how you feel about knit. We will choose our winner on Wednesday (April 24th) and ship out your box of goodies the next day!

Have fun!

P.S. Don't forget to take a look at the rest of the tour!

April 21, 2013 Stitchin' Jenny's

April 22, 2013 Amy Lou Who Sews

April 23, 2013 Sew News

April 24, 2013 Designs in Machine Embroidery

April 25, 2013 Riley Blake Designs

April 26, 2013 The Sewing Loft Blog

April 27, 2013 Nancy Zieman the Blog

a letter to open {a pillow tutorial}

I got carried away when I saw Achaia embroidering (and Nan, and Abiah, and Mommy….). I had to do it too. I decided to use osnaberg as my pillow base, stitching on it to my hearts content. Now, for a fun tutorial for my all-time-favorite way to make pillows and my first-ever-to-make-kind of pillow. Lovingly called (by us anyway) the envelope pillow.

A Quick Tutorial for the Envelope Pillow

What you'll need:

-fabric for the front of your pillow, but don't forget to add seam allowance. (Whatever size you like. I decided to go with a size that would fit a pillow form that we had in our closet, just because I couldn't wait.)

-fabric for the back x 2. I needed two 17 1/2'' pieces of 45'' fabric. (I couldn't resist using one of my favorite pieces from our friend, Jennifer Paganelli's collection, Girls World Vibe. It looks amazing with my favorite Va Va Bloom Vera Bradley blanket too. Yay!)

-pillow form to fit your size of pillow top … Don't look any further than these fantastic pillow forms from PillowCubes (by the way – how cute is that name?!) Run go check out their site and feel free to use the coupon code MarieMadeline10 to get 10% off your order!

And the usual items: sewing machine, thread, and scissors.

Let's get started!

1. Choose your fabric. (Probably my favorite part.)

2. When you lay the pillow top on your backing, you should have at least 1'' extra on each side. Don't forget to x 2 your backing.

3. With the folds in, overlap about 6".

4. Lay your pillow front face down onto your over-lapped pillow back.

5. Sew around all four sides of your pillow front using 1/4'' seam allowance. Once you're back where you started, make sure your pillow back is not caught in any places. If everything is perfect, cut off the excess backing, using your pillow front as your guide.

6. Turn your pillow right side out. Open up your "envelope" and stuff your pillow form inside. Adjust till it looks just right. Oh joy!!!

Your pillow is finished!

Oh. My Goodness. My embroidery skills??? After seeing Kay and Nanny at work, I think mine must look a little bit silly. But I love it anyway. Probably one of my favorite letters I've ever sent.

xoxoxo Abi