You bring your favorite beverage to drink plus your sewing machine, glue gun, glue sticks and other sewing notions (we will have some extra glue guns available). We will have light snacks and wine glasses on hand. Each student will receive a kit for 1 glamour clutch and the posie belt.We will teach you how to make several different posies and how to design your belt that could be worn on the provided ribbon belt, your own belt, and more. The glamour clutch will come to you in a complete ready to sew kit that we will stitch together.
: : samples and sheep and sewing, oh my! : :
I'd like to say I've been lounging around sipping on Mimosas all day while watching daytime talk shows but the truth is from sun up to sun down, I've been running like mad.
Sewing samples (Quilt Market = New Fall Pattern Releases, yep, 2 new patterns!). 2 new patterns that I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Prepping for our County Fair. Yes, our county fair is the last one in the state and I've got a cake decorator and 3 girls all doing the Guys and Gals Sheep show (plus my Dad - he's actually doing the pairs class with Sprout). I've been thrifting, sewing, prepping and sewing more getting all these show clothes ready.
And last week and this week, I'm a guest teacher in my girls art class - working on fiber arts of course! Big compliment because one of the kids told my daughter that I was the coolest Mom ever and I was a great teacher. Score!
Did I mention I've been sewing? More than just Quilt Market samples...oh, but I'll save that for another day. Promise, it's good!
Ohh...and I have a new "Sip and Sew" class coming up oh soo soon! The evening of OCTOBER 13th to be exact. I'll have a full kit prepped for you to put together an accessories group plus some light appetizers - you bring your machine and notions and your fav beverage and we'll spend the evening sewing! Message me if you want the full details. I'll have the registration posted later this week but if you want full dibs (class size is limited)
Not enough hours in the day to get to everything?!? Know what I mean? And not only that but, we are in the countdown to my FAVORITE holiday - I LOVE Halloween!
How are you all anyway?
{ sewing class - professor peas gadget cases }
I am so excited to be teaming up with the Creative Art Studio in Bexley, OH to offer a few sewing classes this Fall. To get you ready to sew up some fun gifts for Christmas - we are starting off our class schedule with the Professor Peas Gadget Cases pattern.
Saturday, August 25th from 6-9pm, we will be putting together the Large size case - suitable to fit an iPad or other tablet. Since I don't have an iPad, mine carries my scheduler / calendar and other tidbits. It has 2 zippers and I'll walk you through how to put this together with ease. I promise you will love it and it makes a great gift for a friend.
You will need to bring to class: Your sewing machine, notions and tools.
Your class registration will include: Your kit which will include your pre-cut, ready to sew project including your zippers plus the retail version of the Professor Peas Gadget Case pattern. You will get 3 hours of hands-on instruction from Trish plus we will have a light snack on hand. BYOB if you'd like to bring your favorite wine to sip while sewing.
Class registration: $65.00
Sign up with a friend - purchase 2 class seats together and receive a $10 discount.
Class size is limited so register early before the class fills!
To purchase the class, Click on the Sewing 101 Class link in the right side bar.
{Refunds will not be given once course is purchased but if you need to cancel, you will be issued a credit that may be used on a future class}
See you on the 25th!
: : Hazel Hipster E-course : :
The Hazel Hipster course is NOW LIVE! In this course, we make a fun variation of the paper pattern that includes a straight pocket on the front with a ruffle and trim added. It's a great bag for anyone and excellent for beginning sewers and advanced alike.
Stacie says, "Let me just start by saying I absolutely loved the online video course!!!! I'm a visual learner so seeing you on the screen while sewing made this the perfect way for me to take a class. And the fact you can go back and forth on the video was so helpful! I think this is such a great idea! I thought the video was great and the instructions were very clear. You explained things in detail which is always very helpful!"
To register for the course, just click on the right side bar. Super simple...hope you'll come sew with me!
: : hazel hipster - the e-course : :
My most popular sewing pattern is now and e-course! You can come sew this bag right along with me on my backporch.
Ok, not literally, but pretty darn close. This e-course is a series of 3 videos you can watch from the comfort of your home, anytime. The course is roughly 1 hour long - broken into 3 easy segments.
The version we are making via this e-course looks like this:
I will walk you through every step of the way:
- How to prepare your materials, cutting and how to use fusible interfacing
- I'll talk about what my favorite interfacing is for bags...
- We will do a patchwork style strap for this crossbody bag that you will love
- We will create a ruffle using a gathering stitch
- Make divided slip pockets
- Learn how to insert a magnetic snap
The class is made up of 3 videos that will take you through the various steps. You can watch them all at once or on separate days. I will have text information up as well to help you along and we can chat in the comment section if you'd like or send me an email.
Stacie says, “Let me just start by saying I absolutely loved the online video course!!!! I’m a visual learner so seeing you on the screen while sewing made this the perfect way for me to take a class. And the fact you can go back and forth on the video was so helpful! I think this is such a great idea! I thought the video was great and the instructions were very clear. You explained things in detail which is always very helpful!”
And from Kristen at K-D Quilts - check out her review HERE.
The course costs $20 and you can see over there to the right, you can make your purchase from the front page here.
For instant access - purchase via etsy HERE.
I know you'll love the Hazel Hipster as much as I do and all of my friends! Karen from Shabby Ever After had this to say about our e-course:
Registrations are open! See you on the back porch!
{the very versatile tie tote}
Trish Thanks so much for this class/pattern! I finished my bag today! I have to confess, I am something of a "bag addict", and this is one of the fastest, easiest patterns I have found, your instructions were so easy to follow. I loved the videos, I could almost make the bag just by watching the videos alone! Thanks so much! I've aattached a picture of my bag!
Jenny
I have had such a nice response to the Tie Tote e-class...and I'm excited to tell you that we have another that will be ready very soon! The next class will be the very popular Hazel Hipster! Jenny, a very nice reader sent the picture of her finished Tie Tote that she made recently...I especially love the kitty lounging on the back of the couch! What a great color combo for Spring!
What are you sewing up lately? I'm opening up a link list so you can share what projects you are working...I'd love to see!
{tie front tote class}
{The class is NOW LIVE! You can purchase the class over there in the side bar - you'll receive an email within 24 hours that will give you access to the course}
Read a few reviews about this class with:
|
Aubrey at Mauby's
The voice of quilting - Pat Sloan.
Myra at My Blessed Life
I am SO excited to share this with you!!
Back HERE I told you how we were doing this cute little bag as an online sewing course so you could sew along with me on my back porch..
You can join in and sew along with me to make this adorable bag! I will guide you through start to finish on preparing your materials, cutting your pattern and putting it all together.
The class is made up of 3 videos that will take you through the various steps. You can watch them all at once or on separate days. I will have text information up as well to help you along and we can chat in the comment section.
The course costs $20 and you can see over there to the right, you can make your purchase from the front page here. You will then receive a password so that you can access the class content.
I hope you will love it - we had a lot of fun putting it together and it's super fun to try something new!
Registrations are open now! See you on the back porch! http://youtu.be/rwMv3p1MXdI
{sewing 101}
The kids are back to school and that is OUR time to get back to SEWING SCHOOL! I have some great classes coming up and I hope you can join us! Both classes online (I'll post more about that very soon!) and also in person.
If you are not local to Columbus but would like me to come and teach at your shop or a private sewing class with you and your friends at your home, just contact me at twopeasinapoddesigns at gmail.com and we can discuss how to make that happen!
Beginner sewers - you will love these projects as they are not too complicated that you will get frustrated. Advanced sewers, you will just have fun! Classes will be held in the Southeast Columbus area and you will get confirmation once your registration is complete. Fun things for the house and great projects to get you going on your handmade gift giving this season! I really hope you'll join me!
Sewing 101 - Fall Class Schedule with Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs
September 30th, Friday @ 1:00 pm in Southeast Columbus, OH Give Thanks / BOO Table Runner / Let it Snow Nap time sewers unite! A simple and fun patchwork table runner with textural details that will really make a statement. Choose a harvest theme in warm fall colors and the words GIVE THANKS or Halloween colors of black, orange, green and more and the word BOO. This class includes all of your fabric materials pre-cut. You will need to bring your sewing machine and all of your notions, thread, etc. Perfect for your Fall table. You may also choose to do a winter themed table runner in blues and neutral colors and the words Let it Snow. Cost $50.
October 1st, Saturday @ 12:30pm in Southeast Columbus, OH Pocket Full of Posies Banner I love this banner! It's so adorable for parties but it is even cuter in a child's bedroom or hung in a playroom for a year round decoration. Your pattern and stuffing is included in this class. You provide your fat quarters, scraps, buttons and bias tape to construct this project along with your sewing machine and notions. Cost is $35.
October 7th, Friday @ 1:00 pm in Southeast Columbus, OH Professor Peas - gadget cases Nap time sewers unite! These fun gadget cases will happily house your ipad, e-reader and serve as a travel case for your ipod. With fun details and a place to stash your cords, you'll be the first to have your hands on this brand new pattern from our Sprout sewing pattern line. Your pattern, zippers and interfacing will be provided. You provide your fabric, sewing machine and other notions needed. Cost is $40.
October 8th, Saturday @ 12:30 pm in Southeast Columbus, OH Pocket Full of Posies Apron Chances are, you'll be spending a lot of time in the next few months in the kitchen. Hosting parties with family and friends, this apron is the perfect way to keep clean and also look fabulous at the same time. Plus, they make the perfect gifts for this holiday season. Your pattern is included in this class. You provide all of your materials, sewing machine and other notions. Cost is $30.
October 21st, Friday @ 1: 00 pm in Southeast Columbus, OH The Valentino Bag Nap time sewers unite! My favorite of the new bag patterns coming out from the Sprouts Sewing pattern line. Valentino is just like its namesake, very stylish, sophisticated details and the perfect bag to sling on your arm for those holiday parties. Your pattern is included in this class. Be the first to have your hands on this brand new pattern before its released to the public! You provide your fabric, sewing machine and other notions needed. Cost is $30.
Additional classes may be added and I'll keep you posted. Sew SO excited to sew with you all!
To reserve your seat, go HERE and purchase your the class you'd like. If you have any questions, message me at twopeasinapoddesigns at gmail.com.
Happy Sewing!
Sewing Bee - Two Peas Style
The Girls of Gahanna...invited me out to teach a class on stitching up a Hazel Hipster over the weekend. Sweet bunch of ladies and they rocked it! I was so impressed how quickly they moved through this project and they all turned out great {well, you'll have to take my word on it - this iphone photo doesn't do them justice}.
Thanks so much girls! Fab new bags for Spring - love it!
Learn more about hosting your own Two Peas Sewing Bee here.
This week...loads of fun blooms and blossoms tutorials and ideas! Get ready!
xoxo,
Trish
These girls can rock it...
I know! Right...so these girls came to my sewing class and went TOTALLY WILD!!!
Nah! Just teasing...but there is a good story behind this photo. See...last month we had a fun little Two Peas Sewing Bee that was making basic pillowcase dresses with a few tiny Two Peas tweaks. One of the girls made a dress that was size 10. Well...see here...she's holding it up. See?!
Doesn't it look like it would fit a grown woman? Well...that's what we all thought too! So we totally convinced her to try it on and told her it would be so cute on HER! Um, yeah, so size 10...not so much converting to a full grown womens size. And thus...she kinda got stuck. This is how we ended up with our "Girls Gone Wild" version photo from our Sewing Bee up there. (mind you these are all iphone photos - excuse the quality - I edited them as best I could)
Well, we DID have a good time at the sewing bee and commented about how "cool" we all were for spending our Friday night out with the girls...sewing. Because sewing is...so cool. 
I mean it's totally, the hip thing to do these days. All the cool kids are doing it. Wanna try?
Well, here's your chance. We have another sewing bee class coming up on Friday, July 23rd at 6pm. We will be making the Patsy Ann Apron top and a matching doll apron to go with it. Registration and fee info can be found here.
Now, I have to leave you with these images because they will melt your heart. One of the Moms left before we did our group shots but she sent me these of her darling modeling her finished dress we made in class that night. Seriously! Could you eat her with a spoon or what?!
Do you LOVE the matching hair bows? Me too! She has a Facebook fan page for her bows now...you have to see all her cute little creations she's made.
If you wanna try out a basic pillowcase dress...just ask. I do have a PDF version of my basic pattern that are available (for a small fee...I know, what?! Not free? My husband is gonna make me stop all this crazy sewing stuff if I don't start showing something for the oodles and oodles of time I spend doing it!) Really, $3 you get a nice full color PDF pattern with all my hints for making a basic single panel dress. Not the ribbon in the casing kind...I have a different twist to it.
(...and I promise to add more freebies soon....there's a few over there. No, to the left sidebar, under tutorials. Even a nice purse pattern!)
Come sew with us if you can or if you can't sew "with" us...sew along and share your projects over on my Flickr page! Did I mention there might be a "sale" going on with one of my patterns currently? And maybe a giveaway or something like that...hint! hint! (you. might. want. to. look. at. my. Facebook. fan. page. I'm just sayin'...you might...)
Happy Summer Sewing,
xoxo,
Trish
The date night that never was...
I'm feeling rather sorry for myself. Stand by...because I'm about to whine in 3...2...1...
I am never alone. Except on my way to or from work. I have a child attached to my hip at most times of every day. And usually it's more than one, it's usually all 3. Now, don't take that the wrong way. I ADORE my children.
I work really, really hard. I work part time outside of the home which requires me to actually do a wee bit of work everyday from home in terms of just checking and responding to emails, etc. I run my own business. That requires me to sew, list, sell, create tutorials, submit articles, and lately, pick up and work on my portfolio again (yes, yes...I'm one of "those" - like a million others - wanna be textile designer). To enhance what I can do in communications at both my day job and also in my dream job, I've started taking classes at our local art college. On my wish list of classes for the summer is a basic figure drawing course. I haven't done that since high school...
And art, is something my mother always told me to do. I was too stubborn to listen...but I digress, that's a whole other subject. I was still whining. So, let me finish my pathetic little whine session.
I think I was saying I work really, really hard. I serve my community in an "official" capacity (we'll leave it at that) - belong to our twins club, the local art guild, active in our church, oh, did I mention I have 3 kids?
I know. Big whoop. Like, who doesn't do all these things? I'm just sayin', I'm never alone. I can't even tell you the last time I was alone in my house. I can't remember. It's been since before the baby was born and she's 21 months now.
And the gardener and I ('cuz that's what I call my husband) - the last date we went on included the baby. Not much of a date.
On occassion, I'll stop somewhere on my way home from work for an hour or less maybe to run an errand. But what I need is some me time. ME! Or ME and the HUBS. He doesn't get any time either because while I'm at work during the week, he's at home with baby. And while he's at work, I'm at home with the baby. And when one of us gets home, the other may run out for an errand.
It's just the "moment" we are in in our lives. I don't want to complain...ok, yes I do.
I love my life. I'm just pooped. If I had one day a month - a full 8 hours - to do whatever I wanted and I didn't have to fix dinner for anyone or do laundry or work or sew for a whole day - LUXURY! Man, what I would give to have that one day a month. Heck, I'd settle for every other month at this point.
So, our date night that never was...our 12th Wedding Anniversary, Valentines Day. Spent, me with the kids, the husband at work. One of his Rangers called off sick all weekend and he had to cover his shifts.
To make myself think that we would really be actually going on a real date sometime, I made this fabulous necklace inspired by this...
...and here is a great tutorial that got me started on this whole fabric roses thing awhile ago...I've made little pins and hair barrettes but I just hadn't made the necklace I wanted yet.
So my date night that never was...well, here's what I would have worn on my neck.
A few things I did differently than the tutorial. I used a polyester type of fabric. I used a hot glue gun and dabbed a dot of glue on every turn. I twisted and folded my fabric constantly as I went around. Then, I cut with pinking shears, a felt circle the size of the rose. I mounded it with glue and pressed the rose into it when I was done. I pressed it really hard to try and flatten it out a little too. Then, I sewed each flower and bead to each other to make it one big piece.
I love it. And like usual in my quest to afford to only work part time so I can be home more with kids - I have one for sale over in my etsy shop. (you saw that one coming a mile away, right?). I can do it any color or combination of colors and fancy do-dads and lace and bling so if you'd like one for your date night (good luck with that!) I'd be happy to make one for you!
If you want to make one with me - well, join me for our next sewing class. We'll be making some accessory bags and learning how to make these into pins to adorn our little bags - and I promise, we always have fun!
Now, if I could just arrange some time away...
{ps A THANK YOU to Bernina Sewing Machines and their fab blog for featuring me in their favorite blogs links this week - check them out! They have super fun things over there!}
xoxo,
Trish
Sew? Me? Why yes, yes I do. You?
Some of you sew. Some of you don't. But if you don't...is it fair to say you wish you did?
I hear it all the time. "I wish I knew how to sew!". Seriously - anyone can sew! And so, I've been teaching a few classes about once a month on some original and other projects. Fun for beginners. Fun for those advanced sewers.
Last week, we had our TOTES! class. The idea was that I would share how I draft...ha! How I "draft" a bag pattern. Um, a tote bag is a rectangle basically. Add straps. Boom! You're done.
With a few patches and a basic pattern, I introduced them to using offset blocks and a little no sew trick. Two different ways to make the gussets and how to make the straps. How to create pockets from whatever scraps you have. How to use interfacing. How to insert a snap. I think that about sums it up. Wanna see what they came up with?
February, we are sewing up some fabulous accessory bags and learning how to make little rolled roses and more to pin on or attach to barrettes.
March, we are getting ready for Spring with some home dec sewing. Pillow covers and table runners. I love making the table runners actually into placemats which you can use on an end table too.
April, preparing for Mother's Day we will be making aprons.
May, end of school year so we will be making teacher thank you gifts. Notebook covers and coffee cup cozies.
June, ready for the summer - we will be making a classic, pillowcase dresses.
Want to join us? If you sign up for any 3 classes and pay in advance, you'll receive a $20 discount. If you've taken a class with me - I'd love to hear what you think and share with everyone. I love seeing what you all create! Thanks for sewing with me!
xoxo,
Trish
sew it up sunday {love on a limb}
Sew it up Sunday (formerly known as Make It Monday - a little name change to make the google searching easier for my projects) kits are available HERE.
Each month, I feature a different tutorial and invite you to sew along with me and make something new. Our February feature - a bit early - is inspired by Valentines Day.
For February, I made a table topper for our dining room table. You can adapt this to make a doll quilt or a table runner by adjusting the size. You can also do this in all kinds of bright colors for a spring /Easter table top.
Materials besides the usual sewing machine and other doo-dads:
Doll blanket : 6 qty of 6.5" squares of varying fabric, 1/4 yard of flannel, 1/4 yard of backing fabric, scraps for applique. (assemble square to lay 2 x 3). You can increase the size as needed.
Table Runner: 15 qty of 6.5" squares of varying fabric, 1/2 of yard of flannel, 1/2 yard of backing fabric, scraps for applique. (assemble squares to lay 3 x 5) You can increase the size as needed.
Table Topper: 36 qty of 6.5" squares of varying fabric, 1 yard of flannel, 1 yard of backing fabric, scraps for applique (assemble squares to lay 6 x 6) You can increase the size as needed.
If you are quilter, forgive me for what you are about to read. I fudge all the way through this project. I'm a mother of 3, a baby who is on the go and my sewing time is limited. I make no promises with this tutorial...give it your best shot. I'm just sharing how I do it to get the look without all the work. Sew at your own risk.
The directions are the same essentially for each item - the doll blanket, table runner or table topper. You can expect the table topper to take roughly two nap times to complete. What? You need that in real time you say? Sorry...about 4 hours or less. You can expect the other two to take substantially less time than that.
- Cut your squares. {my sample shown here has used mostly Moda's french general fabrics with a few others thrown in - I think they are perfect for this "season of love" we are in}
- Lay out all your squares until you get them in the design order you like. If you've never "quilted" before...we are going to sew these in rows.
- With right sides together sew the square from your top row, far left to the neighboring square with 1/4" seams. Press your seams open.
- With right sides together using 1/4" seams, sew the next square on and continue until your entire top row has been sewn together with all of your seams pressed open.
- Repeat for the rest of your rows.
6. Take your top row of squares and with right sides together, pin your second row to the top row. You see where we are going with this?
7. Sew each row to the next and so on until your top is completely assembled.
{applying your applique}
Once your top is complete, you are going to sew on your applique picture of the birds with their heart on a limb. Click here to download a pdf of the applique pattern pieces Love on a Limb
For the doll blanket, you will cut out 2 birds, 2 beaks, 2 wings, one limb, and 3 hearts of varying sizes. You can place the scene in the center of your blanket.
For the table runner, cut out 4 birds, 4 beaks, 4 wings, 2 limbs, and 6 hearts - 2 large, 2 medium, 2 small. You can place them at either end of the runner.
For the table topper, cut out 8 birds, 8 beaks, 4 limbs, and 12 hearts - 4 large, 4 medium, 4 small.
I didn't really give you the heart pattern - remember from elementary school how you fold your paper (fabric) in half, draw your half a heart and cut? You can figure out that part, right?
You will also need to cut some ribbon. One that will loop over your limb and one to tie into a bow.
I use a little stitch witchery to "glue" my applique pieces all down so they don't move while I'm stitching. Place your bird beaks a little under your bird to hold them on better. Place your wing on your bird, birds on their limb and your hearts all together.
Take your one piece of ribbon and BEFORE you "glue" or stitch your limb down, run your ribbon behind the limb. Stitch all your applique pieces on. I used both a straight stitch and a zig zag stitch and leave all my edges raw for that vintage look. I looped my ribbon over the limb, sewed it down and then put a few stitches through the center of the ribbon bow to hold it together.
That's it. Be patient. I found that applying all of these appliques to the table topper took as much time as piecing the top. If you have any questions - zip me a note! But, be creative. This is just the basic idea.
8. Next, lay your completed top on top of your flannel. Typically, in quilting, you use quilt batting. Since I was using this on my table I didn't actually want all the loft that quilting creates. I wanted to have some heft to it and lay flat on my table and so I choose to use flannel. 
9. You want to make sure you have both layers pulled taut and everything smooth. Pin your layers together and cut your flannel the same size as your top.
10. Quilters - close your eyes. You won't like this a bit. I didn't quilt the top at all. Instead, being lazy and needing to finish quickly, I simply did some decorative random stitching around the top to hold the layers of flannel and the top together. You will see my random stitches in some of the photos.
11. Next, the backing. Being cheap and thrifty - I had a new bed sheet that I bought on clearance for pennies. I used that for my backing. This isn't a blanket (well, for the table top / runner at least) where you will see both sides because it's flat on your table so if you can use some inexpensive plain fabric - that works great for your budget!) Lay your top onto your backing fabric and cut to size.
12. Pin all 3 layers right sides together and sew around all sides using a 1/2" seam allowance. Leave an opening about 8" long for turning. I know, I know...this is not how to quilt. We are cheating - remember?! Who has time for a binding? The baby is waking up soon!
13. Turn your table top right side out. Press and make your edges all nice and crisp.
14. Now, our "binding" is really just a top stitched border. I go around twice. It'll do. Be sure you have your opening securely closed.
Well, there you have it. A doll blanket, table runner or table topper with some sweet little applique. Pretty and nobody will know you totally fudged the whole quilting process - well, except for quilters who are cursing my name I imagine after reading this (tee! hee!)
Next month's {sew it up sunday} project will be some softies. They are so much fun - I've been collecting some great beaded necklaces to adorn mine....you'll love this little project!
Hope you enjoyed this one - please share and link back to me. Leave me a comment and let me know so I can come visit you too! Don't forget, I do have a few kits available in my etsy shop for this project.
AND when you've finished your project - go click over there =>>> in the sidebar on my Flickr page. I have a group for Sew It Up Sunday projects. I'd love to see what you come up with!
And check out all the other goodies at Get Your Craft on on Today's Creative Blog
xoxo,
Trish
Two Peas Sewing Bee
Ok ladies...pull up a chair, warm up your machines, put your foot to the pedal!
Join in on the "Two Peas Sewing Bee"! We've been having some fun and I wanted to share a little of what we have been stitching away in our Sewing Bee...
My dear friend and neighbor, Barb, has this awesome craft room in her house. A separate entrance, loads of great lighting, plenty of space and tables - she typically teaches a stamp class there. She's a Stampin Up sales rep. I've been leasing her space from her to teach my sewing classes. Most everyone in the class is a beginner, some a bit more advanced than others, and our first class we made a whole bevy of projects for beginners.
A tissue pack cover. A lanyard. Val Wells petal pouches. And a little wallet, also by Val Wells.
Our second class, we tackled applique shirts and the twirl skirt by Chelsea Anderson of Pink Fig.
There is a designer in all of you! I loved the fabrics that everyone choose. So dang cute!
AND next, in November, I'll be offering an all day "Santa's Workshop" sewing bee. We will be tackling 3 projects in one day!
We will be making an apron, like the one seen here on me (this one is a take on one of the aprons from my husbands grandmother - you can see this apron on "jane" up at Harvest Moon. I gave it to her in honor of the awesome cinnamon rolls and bagels she whips up daily).
Project 2 will be a patchwork pillow.
And number 3, a quilted table runner.
All great projects for gifts at Christmas. The pillows and table runners can be made with all kinds of manly fabrics for a boys room or a brother or Dad might like a nice throw pillow for their couch. Or some frilly fancy fabrics for a sister.
Anyway, lunch will be provided as well as some of the materials. I'll have more details later so if you are interested in one of the seats - let me know asap!
Happy Sewing all!
xoxo,
Trish
PS Just added the class to our schedule. Santa's Workshop Sewing Bee will be on November 14th - all day, 9am - 5pm. $125 per person with a $20 discount for early birds who register by November 1st. Just email me at twopeasinapoddesigns at gmail dot com
Work hard to play hard...
I'm having one of those months. One of those months in which I am literally chained to my sewing machine. I'm not sure I could possibly show you the shear amount of STUFF coming out of the Two Peas studio lately. It's a lot. Like a bazillion key fobs and wristlets and bags and t-shirts. Ohhh, t-shirts. Which is what I really need to be doing right now. I have 3 shows coming up AND we have some serious fun planned for this weekend. I have GOT to have everything done and out the door so I can relax a bit. I can not wait! Seriously. Can. Not. Wait. Somebody. Unplug. My. Iron. I'm just about done!
I said I shared with you some of the other little outfits I had made for my girls for school and here's a few.
The skirt and pants pattern is Simplicity 4206, Sewing Pattern for Dummies. And let me tell you, it is seriously extremely easy, very few instructions / steps and really quick. I think they turned out cute. I added the ruffle to the bottom of the pants and I added bias tape to the hem of the skirt. But if you want an easy quick pattern, this is it! Loved it.
Wish I had more time to share all of the other goodies going on here but I just don't!
I will leave you with a fun quick tutorial though! I started teaching my series of sewing classes, my very own Two Peas Sewing Bee...and one of the projects we made was a lanyard.
So easy...here's what you need: key ring and lobster claw clip to hold a key and your id badge. I found these in the jewelery supply section of JoAnn Fabrics.
Cut one strip of fabric 2" x 32". Now, if you want it longer - add a few inches to the length, maybe 34" or 36". Press wrong sides together in half. Then open it back up. Press wrong sides together each half to the center creating your own piece of bias tape. Again, press. Make sense?
Sew down each side of this strip. Then add your key ring to one end and your clip to the other end. You want to make sure your strap is straight and then fold your ends over your hardware towards the center about 1 inch. Bring your ends together, lining up your raw edges of each end so that they are even. Your raw edges are now folded to the inside. Sew, following your side seams, down each seam, across just above your raw edges so that you have sewn a square and completely encased your hardware and hidden your raw edges. That's it! That's all there is to making a cute little lanyard! So easy, start to finish, 15 minutes!
OK...I SO have to get back to my machine and work on shirts! Have fun making lanyards!
xoxo,
Trish
A life well organized
My life? Well organized? I hear people comment to me all the time “I don’t know how you do it?! Work part time, run a business, make all this stuff. You must be so organized”. Far from it.
Since I was a kid, I have never, ever been “well organized”. I wish I was but I’m just not. My Mother used to take pictures of my room and the crazy get ups I’d wear (I was big into thrift store shopping as a kid – the wilder the outfit, the better!) and she would claim she was going to save them to show my children someday. Yep, that day has come and my kids think it’s a good laugh. As I get older, I think I’m better able to accept this about myself. That I’m bound to a life, well, maybe not so organized.
I mean, for years, I have emptied out closets and drawers, bought great little containers, and tried to color code and organize by size. And it works. For awhile. And then, before I know it, I have piles of stuff, just stuff, all over the place. And my kids, well, they are just like me. “Two Peas,” I say, “what IS THIS?”, pointing to a pile of bottle caps, little silk rosettes, ribbon and rubberbands. I’m usually told of the latest craft idea they have and how they need to keep all those things because they have an idea for later. Sound familiar? Holy moly! How many times have I said that one! “But I keep this ginormous bag of scraps honey because I have this great craft idea for later and I NEED them!”. Oh surrre!
I guess this “confession” stems from the sermon I heard in church this past Sunday. It was all about confession and how getting things off our chest will make us feel better and that God still loves us for who we are. So just because I can’t find the Brownie field trip permission slip, again, or maybe I’ve lost track of my work keys because I switch purses so often, again or I let the laundry pile up to the sky – hey, God loves me anyway and there’s SOME solace in that. (ok, I do have some heftier confessions than that but those are between me and the big guy). I mean really, wouldn’t all that organization just stifle my creative thinking anyway?! That’s what I keep telling myself at least. I mean, all that clean space, totally overrated, isn’t it?
Ok, another confession. I do still keep trying for organization. I say, I’ve accepted it yet, I do keep trying. In fact, last week while the two peas were off visiting Grandma, I took a break from my sewing machine and my day job and cleaned house. I mean, finally got piles of stuff put away, swept away the clutter and pretty much sanitized the main living portions of our house. To tell you how bad it had been for so long, the two peas came home and oh’d and ah’d about the clean spaces. And they’ve been home for almost a week now, and they have totally kept up with the clean space idea. They’ve been cleaning up after themselves brilliantly. They even asked me to pick up a few things because “they wanted to keep everything clean”. Ok, ok, ok. I get it. When an 8 year old tells you that, I guess I realize that the clean space helps them too. A clean organized space for them helps them to feel safe, relaxed and calm. It does the same for me. So, if you come to my house, it may not be the most organized. I may not have everything “show ready” but it will be creatively organized and a little bit cleaner than it has been. It works for me. Because let’s face it. A life well organized, well, I’ve made peace with how well I can organize.
On other news fronts, have I mentioned here before how our baby pea has a hair obsession? I mean, sees a stranger walking by with long hair and screams out for them. Of course, they stop and say, “oh, such a cute baby” and she knows she’s got them. She reaches out the arms and of course they say, “oh my! Do you want picked up? May I?”. Hook. Line. Sinker. She’s got ‘em. She’s up and instantly the girl has got her fingers twirling through this strangers long locks. It’s bad. It’s her baby crack. But, slowly she’s transitioning into a new obsession. It’s shoes. I mean, we all knew it was coming. She’s a GIRL, hello?! Of course, she no doubt would love shoes someday I just didn’t think it would happen this early. She’s not particular. Anybody’s shoes. My husbands. Mine. The two peas. Shoes found around at the pool. Flip flops. Heels. She’s not picky. She wants to put on her sun hat, put on a giant pair of shoes and suck her thumb. That’s pretty much a good day for her. A life well organized or cutie patootie days like these? I’ll take the cutie patootie days thank you very much.
A few new things heading out of the studio. Making some progress on patterns. Had a product photo shoot yesterday and more to come as I’ve narrowed down my projects to a set of three that I think you’ll enjoy. And so much more on the horizon.
New designs I’m working on to complete my color stories with my original portfolio and hope to resubmit before the end of the year. So that’s what’s new with us in a nutshell. How about you?
Xoxo,
Trish
**Bloggers Note** Oops, I did it again! Oh yes, left for work this afternoon and forgot my work keys, again. Shheeez!
last hurrah!
It’s been on my to-do list, honest it has. I meant to update my blog. I meant to get on here and announce the July giveaway winner. Really. I did. But, well, it’s just that school starts soon. And I know, I often hint at the fact that I can not wait for that day to come because, I’m about to lose my mind BUT…I will miss them, honest.
So, the two peas, wee one and me, we’ve been hangin’ at the pool, spent a day over at our most “awesomeness” zoo and now, the two peas are doing their rounds with my family. I heard today that they went to the waterpark and an Indian mound, tomorrow a different waterpark and a trip to the putt-putt course my niece works at…sounds like a great “last hurrah” before school starts.
While they have been gone, all of 24 hours now, I have sorted their play “nook”. Our house is really tiny so they don’t have a play room, just a corner. I gathered enough garbage out of that wee little corner to fill our entire kitchen size trash can. Tomorrow, my boss was kind enough to let me take a last minute vacation day so I could maximize on their absentness and continue with the purge – moving on to their room. Feels rather nice to finally have at least a few rooms of my house, cleaned out and well, finally actually, clean. See, when it’s summer time, our house isn’t clean. Ever. Seriously, I’m working, the hubby is working, we play as much as we can and the house, well, it kind of falls apart over these few months. So, I’m looking forward to getting some order back around here in time for school to start.
We last left off here chatting about pillowcases for our troops, right? Ah yes! So, I got some great brown flannel with white polka dots and then I thought, it’s kind of hot over there. Flannel? Maybe not so much. I’ll have to see what cottons I have in my stash. Anyway, ladies, here it is. A great little pillowcase tutorial offered up by “Little Birdie Secrets”. Super simple and looks fantastic when you’re done. I mentioned an article I read about a foundation that was collecting such things. You’ll find them here at Operation Bedding. Or maybe you have a family member or friend who is serving you’d like to send your cases off to. Make ‘em up, send ‘em out and then share your photos and a shout out to who your pillowcases went to here. In the comments section, leave your comment and a link back to your blog or site to share your completed projects. I’d love to especially see who they are going to, first names or whatever so we can remember these very special folks in our prayers and ask for their protection and safe return.
More fun things to share with you! I’m going to be offering some sewing classes! Yahoo! What fun! If you are local to Columbus Ohio – we’d love to have you. The “Two Peas Sewing Bee” is a series of beginners classes. 3 classes offered September 10th, October 8th and November 5th. The first class we will be doing a bunch of easy quick projects – projects to help you get more familiar with your machine and build your confidence. They are also great projects for you to replicate again and again for Christmas gifts (you know, Christmas is coming sooner than you think!) The second class, we will be making a cute little skirt and doing an appliqué on a t-shirt. Our third class, we will be making one of my
easy peasy little hipster bags. You can sign up for one or all three classes but you have to hurry because we only have 6 seats for this class. If you’re local and interested, email me at twopeasinapoddesigns at gmail.com for registration information.
Thanks so much to my uber Mom friend Barb, who is allowing me to offer this class in her uber cool craft studio where she hosts her “Stampin’ Up” classes. Love ya Barb! You’ll love her craft studio – I could get lost in there and craft for weeks!!! So much fun stuff – if ever I need anything on a moments notice, I call her!
And here’s the best part about “The Two Peas Sewing Bee”…Quilthome.com has been kind enough to offer a 10% discount to my registered students to get your supplies. LOVE Quilthome.com. Those ladies have THE best service ever! I swear – I place an order and from Washington state to Ohio, I get my fabrics within 2-3 days. Very fast service! They are just wonderful to deal with and when you log on to their page, always check the right hand column because they always have something on sale and a coupon code posted there. Love them! (Thanks Heidi!) I have other favorites too but I’m a big fan of theirs, for sure.
I finally, finally, am nearing the point of getting ready to release a few patterns of my own. I have a product photo shoot later this week and hopefully before the end of Fall, I will have something ready to go. Local at first, and for use in my class, but I’ll probably offer them up on etsy and my dot com later on.
And last but not least. My monthly giveaway. Crystal, my dear twins mommy blogger friend – your bags WILL come, I promise. And for July, a little mini notebook cover – goes to…drum roll please and a random drawing courtesy of whatever the wee one pulls out of the hat, “vallovesherboys”. Sweet! I’ll be sending this little book ‘o’ love your way soon. For August, a stash of fabric for you, cut and ready to cut to make your own pillowcase. Free fabric – what could be better!
So, signing off to go do some more cleaning while I can! How good it feels to purge!! And did I mention? The “homegrown” of our name – well, really enjoying it at the moment. The gardener has done well this year. I picked 30 yellow and red tomatoes today and a huge bowl of cherry and grape tomatoes. To die for, seriously! Any ideas how to preserve them? I heard I should freeze them whole to use in sauces later. Any other ideas? I could hardly hold the baby back while I picked, she was eating them so fast – all that acid, not so good on her bum. I had to block her from getting into the vines and she was getting so mad :>) Just like her sisters! The two peas eat tomatoes whole, like an apple, love ‘em! Hope you’re enjoying your harvest too!
Xoxo, Trish