Bringing Katya Home Blog

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Pattern Sale - April 2011

ALL THIS WEEK. . .

Sunday through Saturday -- April 10 through 16, 2011


McCall's Patterns - 99 cents each

(MSRP $11.25 - $19.95 each)

Limit 10 No Special Orders

excludes Easy Stitch 'N Save


Vogue Patters - $3.99 each

(MSRP $11.95 - $30.00 each)

Limit 10 No special orders



Thursday, April 7, 2011

Notice of Maiden Flight Clothing's Doll Jeans Give-Away



Hi all! Many of you know that I try not to post about doll fashions anymore here at Brambleberry Cottage. I now list all my "dolly" news on a separate blog that bears the name I have given to my line of clothing for Karito Kids and American Girl dolls -- Maiden Flight Clothing. But I decided to post this here today because I know that several of you who come here are doll-lovers, and I don't want you to miss out on a give-away that I am holding on my Maiden Flight Clothing Blog for a pair of jeans for either Karito Kids or American Girl size dolls (winner has the choice).


Just click here for a post on how to enter.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - March/April 2011


I've been doing a lot of sewing lately. I have gotten so far behind on baby gifts. We have had a bumper crop in the cabbage patch at church this year. I'm nearly finished with an outfit for one of the new little "guys". I'm rather pleased with it, so I'm sure you will be getting to see a picture of it soon.
So what are the sale dates for patterns at JoAnn's this time round?



Friday - Sunday
March 25 - 27, 2011

Butterick Patterns - $1.99 each
MSRP $10.95 to $19.95 each
Excludes See & Sew
Limit 10
No Special Orders

* * * * * * * * * * *

Thursday - Saturday
March 31 - April 2, 2011

Simplicity Patterns - 99 cents each
MSRP $6.95 - $17.95 each
Limit of 10
No Special Orders
Excludes "It's So Easy", New Look,
Burda & Simplicity Books


Remember, if you need other items, be sure to look for the in-store flyer for coupons.


Friday, March 11, 2011

Cherished

"My beloved is is mine, and I am his"


Twenty-two years ago today, I wed my love, my best friend. How grateful I am to the Lord that He has brought us together!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Pattern Sale - First Half of March 2011

If you need to get some sewing done for Easter, now is the time to pick up your patterns.



Thursday - Saturday

March 3 - 5


Butterick Patterns - 99 cents each MSRP $10.95 to $19.95 each Excludes See & Sew Limit 10 No Special Orders * * * * * * * * * * *

Sunday - Saturday

March 6 - 12, 2011 Simplicity Patterns - $1.99 each MSRP $6.95 - $17.95 each Limit of 10 No Special Orders Excludes "It's So Easy", New Look, Burda & Simplicity Books


Monday, February 14, 2011

Blossom in the Snow



Hi, everyone! Those of you who know me, know that winter is NOT my favorite season of the year. While I'm not overly fond of being cold or having treacherous ice underfoot, the Number One Reason that I dislike this time of year is lack of sunlight and color. Greyed-out colors and dismal days last far too long in my opinion. Although, around here we consistently had a good deal of snow on the ground this winter, and that does a tremendous job of reflecting sunlight and brightening the world around me. So if it must be winter, my motto is "let it snow".

Those who know me, also know that the winter solstice is just about my favorite day of the year because I know that there will be more and more daylight as the days grow longer. By the end of this month, I will be making daily excursions into the yard to see if any little green "shoots" are there to greet me.

I found the most beautiful blossom, full of color and promise, in the snow last Friday evening.
I thought I would share the color and the beauty with you.


This was the first formal event, that she has ever attended,

and there was lots of excitement in the air.


I love the beading and the embroidery on the bodice and skirt panel of this very simple gown.


Her hair was pulled up and sparlies added.

And yes, it was too cold, even for this flower, to be outside, so she bundled up in a warm coat and headed off with her friends for a wonderful evening.





Friday, February 4, 2011

Pattern Sale - February 2011



I seem to be running a little late on this one - Starting today Butterick and Vogue Patterns are on sale for the weekend.

Friday thru Sunday
February 4- 6, 2011

Vogue Patterns - $3.99 each
MSRP $11.95 to $30.00 each
Limit 10
No special orders
Butterick Patterns - $1.99 each
MSRP $10.95 to $19.95 each
Excludes See & Sew
Limit 10
No Special Orders

Thursday, January 27, 2011

To Go With His Big Baby Blues

There is sewing as a chore; I absolutely hate to mend. There is sewing as a job; alterations are not my favorite. There is sewing as an enjoyable, creative outlet; I love seeing creations in my mind becoming fashions for dolls. And then. . .


There is sewing that is truly a labor of love. . . each step of the process is performed with loving thoughts of the one for whom it is being created. In my mind, it must be just the right pattern, the perfect choice of fabric, and have added details to convey "I love you so much, and I want this to show how special you are to me!"

This little outfit fell into the last category for me. . . all the while I was making it, I thought about how I was going to call my dear friend who has moved away and whom I miss so VERY, VERY much and say, " Would it suit you if I came up for a quick visit?" But my hopes were dashed when my youngest was exposed to "Mono" , and I could make no such call. A few weeks later, we learned that she didn't have "Mono" --a fact that we are very happy about but disappointed that we were unable to make the trip to deliver this ourselves and see precious friends again.


After reading a post that the little guy that was to receive this was growing by leaps and bounds, I decided to mail it fearing that he would outgrow it before I could hand deliver it. In truth, after reading that post I feared that it might already be the case. So off it went, without me!

The good new is that it fits, "Mama" says that he even has a little room to spare. I tried something a little different with the leg closure. Instead of snaps, I used a zipper. I am anxious to hear how that worked out for Mama and son. The fabric is a soft-as-velvet miniwale corduroy that I fell in love with.

If you would like to see this little fellow wearing it, there are some gorgeous photos taken by his very talented Mama that you can see by clicking here.


Friday, January 7, 2011

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - January 2011



So, you have some sewing projects to do. . .

Well, Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, and Vogue patterns are all on sale at JoAnn Fabrics this month. Not all patterns are on sale at the same time, so be very careful to check the dates for the particular pattern in which you are interested.

3 Days Only
Thursday through Saturday
January 13 - 15, 2011

Butterick Patterns - $1.99 each
MSRP $10.95 - $19.95 each
Limit 10
No special orders
Excludes See & Sew

and

McCall's Pattterns - $1.99 each
MSRP $11.25 - $19.95 each
Limit of 10
No special orders
Excludes Easy Stitch 'N Sew


* * * * * * *

7 Days Only
Sunday through Saturday
January 16 - 22, 2011

Simplicity Patterns - 99 cents each
MSRP $6.95 - $17.95 each
Limit of 10
No Special Orders
Excludes "It's So Easy", New Look,
Burda & Simplicity Books

* * * * * * *

3 Days Only

Thursday through Saturday
January 27 - 29, 2011

Vogue Patterns - $3.99 each
MSRP $11.95 to $30.00 each
Limit 10
No special orders

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Quiet Moment To Write




Well, I'm finally back. It's been a really busy few months, but it's also been rather exciting. I've been learning lots of new computer skills needed for my Maiden Flight Clothing endeavor and, of course, sewing and getting ready for the holidays.

Christmas was very good. Bill was off work the week between Christmas and New Year, so that made the time especially enjoyable for our family. We didn't do any homeschooling during that week, so Orangeblossom, the ManChild, and I were especially pleased about that. (Yes, we have often been known to continue homeschooling when others are out of school on Christmas vacation). The eldest had a much needed break from college work. While her two younger siblings and I have been back in full homeschool mode for 4 days now, she doesn't return to classes until the 10th. Much of her time off has been revamping and organizing her bedroom when she wasn't at work. I can barely believe that she only has one semester to go with her nursing program. This last semester will be a full one for her.

Yes, and she has also been doing some 'modeling" for me. I roped her into modeling these fingerless mitts that I am putting into my Etsy shoppe later tonight. I had made a pair for Orangeblossom for a Christmas gift, and they were a great hit. Then I made myself a pair because I thought they were so "neat", and fit nicely and snugly.. So, I'm going to try them on Etsy. They are a 70% wool blend, washable, and I have found them to be great for driving.

I really like the lacy pattern.


I thought the next two pictures of the "Eldest" were good.





I'm working on a sewing project that is almost finished, but I can't show it here yet because it's a gift. One can't be too careful about prying eyes, you know (wink, wink)!


I, also, wanted to welcome the new "followers" that have joined us here at Brambleberry Cottage. I notice that we have some doll lovers in the group. I don't blog a lot about my doll clothing here now, but you can still see what I am making over at my Maiden Flight Clothing blog. I'm having a Give-away over there duing January. Check it out, if you'd like.


There's been a good response to the patterns that I resized to fit Karito Kid dolls for Liberty Jane Clothing, so it's been agreed that I will proceed resizing some more of them. I started on that project last evening.


Well, if I plan on getting my "to do" list for THIS evening completed, I better get off here and get moving.

I hope this finds all of you well, and that 2011 holds great blessings for each and everyone of you.







Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - December 2010 January 2011





Thursday thru Sunday
December 30, 2010 - January 2, 2011


McCall's Pattterns - 99 cents each
MSRP $11.25 - $19.95 each
No Special Orders. Limit of 10.
Excludes Easy Stitch 'N Sew




Vogue Patterns - $3.99 each


MSRP $11.95 - $30.00 each
No special Orders. Limit of 10.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - First Half of December 2010



3 Day Sale


Thursday thur Saturday
December 2 - 4, 2010

McCall's Pattterns - $1.99 each

MSRP $11.25 - $19.95 each
No Special Orders. Limit of 10.
Excludes Easy Stitch 'N Sew



Vogue Patterns - $3.99 each

MSRP $11.95 - $30.00 each
No special Orders. Limit of 10.


Happy Holiday Sewing
from Brambleberry Cottage

Saturday, November 20, 2010

I've Been Kidnapped by the Karito Kids. . .

Gracious, it's been quite a while since I've sat down here at the computer to interact with all of you. I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, but I have been immersed in a rather secret project. Finally, today the wrapper came off, and I can finally share the news and my excitment with all the people I love. I have been nearly bursting keeping this little secret to myself.

Since about the time of my last post, I have been adapting some fabulous patterns that Cinnamon Miles, Designer and Founder of Liberty Jane Clothing, had created for 18" American Girl Dolls. Anyone who knows me, knows my love for American Girl dolls and making fashions for them. Then I was introduced to the Karito Kids and have fallen in love with them as well.

When Cinnamon approached me about adapting some designs for the Karito Kids, I was honored and just thrilled to pieces.

So while I REALLY haven't been kidnapped by the Karito Kids I have been knee-deep in the project. Thus far I have adapted pieces for three patterns and am in the midst of the fourth. I have sewn a tank top, 4 tee shirts, 4 strappy tanks, 2 skirts, a pair of leggings, and two pair of jeans for the photos. And I have taken an awful lot of pictures of the completed items.

I have been so busy that no time has been left for blogging, and my Etsy Shoppe is rather poorly stocked these days because I have precious little time to sew things to put in it. Bill and the kids have been so sweet to pitch in around here to pick up the slack of my undone chores. And I could never be doing this without their wonderful help and support.

But, this is something I have dreamed about for half my life. . . to design doll clothes for someone other than myself. And I have to tell you today that I am so excited, and I thank the Lord with every stitch and photo along the way. Cinnamon Miles has been such a dear; I thank the Lord for letting our paths cross. She has shared so liberally!

Sorry for rambling; guess you can tell I'm sort of giddy. Just wanted to say hi, apologize that updates may be scarce for awhile, but at least now you know why. I know not everyone can get excited about doll clothes, and that is one of the reasons why I started the Maiden Flight blog -- to keep my personal/sewing blog from being over-run by my doll designing enthusiasm. I hope you'll overlook my making an exception in this post, but this is really too much to keep to myself. And since it is affecting me so profoundly -- I guess that makes it personal as well.

Anyway here's the cover to the first pattern book. . . that's my doll and I made those clothes. . . I have to pinch myself because this all just amazes me. The patterns will be available in the next week or so at Liberty Jane Patterns.







You can check out Cinnamon's announcement of the patterns to be released here.

Note Added: February 1, 2011 -- 9:05 pm

Although this post is two months old,I have noticed that many web serches about Karito Kids have brought folks to this post. If you are interested in some more things that we have been doing for Karito Kid dolls, please check out our Maiden Flight Clothing blog. I think you will definitely enjoy seeing the fashions and information we have there.

Nanci

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Wonderful Surprise

I'm so excited that I just had to share this pic with you all. Orangeblossom has tried sewing a few projects over the years, but it just never seemed to be something she enjoyed. She had a ton of other interests, but needlework just didn't seem to be one of them.

At the beginning of school this year, she wanted me to sew a shirt like this for her. I told her it was a simple pattern, and I would be glad to help her with it -- but I wasn't going to make the whole thing. It's not that I think that she should love sewing as much as I do, but I do think that every girl should know a few sewing basics like sewing on a button, or hemming something, or (even for economical reasons) to be able to sew a very simple top if needed.

She agreed, and so at the end of August we cut it out and I reviewed a few things she should know about. She got as far as some of the casings, and then her interest in the project waned. I thought, "Well, that's the end of that."

Lately, she has been talking more and more about being a clothing designer. I offhandedly mentioned that she really ought to know about garment construction to go into that field.

Saturday, she spent most of the day in her bedroom, which seemed a little odd to me.


Imagine my surprise when she came down wearing this peasant top. She had decided she wanted to finish it, studied the instructions, and voila. I think she really did a great job on it. And it is probably one of the nicest surprises I have had. I was so happy!!!


In case anyone else is interested, this is the pattern that she used.
Anyway, a very pleased and proud mama had to show you what she'd done. Orangeblossom is one of those kids that once she decides on something, she goes at it full force.



Saturday, October 30, 2010

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - First Half of November 2010


Boy, I almost missed the information on this one. It took me a little bit to locate it -- it looks like only one brand of patterns is on sale during the first half of November, but it lasts an entire week.

SUNDAY thru SATURDAY
November 7 - 13, 2010
SIMPLICITY PATTERNS
5 for $5
MSRP - $6.95 - 17.95 each
Limit 10. No special orders.
Excludes It's So Easy, New Look, Burda, & Simplicity Books
Thanks "sew" much for stopping by! ;D

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Sew with Confidence - Where do I start?

About a week ago, Dana left me a comment in which she asked me this question: ". . . I have visited you from time to time and was wondering if you have any sites/tutorials that would be good for me as a beginning sew-er to look at. My daughter (11) is anxious for me to make the very simple skirt I bought the pattern for. I know some things and have sewn some straight line things (curtains, bags). Any suggestions?"

First of all, Dana, I'm sorry I didn't respond to you more quickly. Time somehow gets away from me these days. Second, I thought this might be a topic that others might be interested in as well, and so, I decided to answer as a post.

I have taught my two daughters to sew when they were younger, and several of their friends, as well as a few adults. Several of them are becoming quite accomplished, steadily progressing in the difficulty of patterns they use.

My first suggestion is this: Always set yourself up for success. Start on projects that have only straight seams, perhaps casing and elastic waistband.. Progress to gentle curves in the next project. Perhaps gathering in the next. You want to walk away from each project with a sense of accomplishment that gives you confidence to do the next step. (I find that one of the biggest discouragements that causes someone (especially adults) to try one sewing project and never, ever try again is choosing a style they love, but the pattern is too difficult for them. They become discouraged and decide sewing is something they don't have the "talent" for. In truth they simply never learned the basics that allow them to eventually tackle a more difficult style.) ALL THAT TO SAY THIS -- START SIMPLE, WORK UP.

My second suggestion is this: A book rather than a tutorial. Why? Because a book is more portable, it can be taking right to the sewing machine. It's more easily referenced.

The book that I suggest is Sew with Confidence by Nancy Zieman. I have bought this soft covered book for my own daughters and also for a couple of their friends. It is a beginner's guide to basic sewing with lots of clear insructions and illustrations. It's a great reference book. The ISBN # is 0-87349-811-9. Here's a picture of the cover.


Nancy Zieman, learned to sew through 4-H when she was younger, and has now written the manual that is used by young girls in 4-H. However, this book is great for any beginner -- young or old. This and your sewing machine manual can get you started on your road to sewing well. I've always felt that she explained things simply and understandably in her books.


In the back of this book their are a few very simple projects such as the one shown above. There are also one for gift bags (good project with Christmas closing in).

I hope these suggestions have been helpful to you. If you have further questions, just comment and I'll try to answer them for you.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - Last Half of October 2010




Thursday through Saturday
October 17 - 23, 2010


McCall's Patterns -- 99 cents each
MSRP $11.25 to $19.95 each
Limit 10
No special orders
Excludes Easy Stitch 'N Save



Thursday through Saturday

October 28 - 30, 2010


Butterick Patterns -- $1.99 each
MSRP $10.95 - $19.95 each
Limit 10
No special orders
Excludes See & Sew



Vogue Patterns -- $3.99 each
MSRP $11.95 to $30.00 each
Limit 10
No special orders

Monday, October 4, 2010

Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - First Half of October 2010


In a continuing effort to cut costs, I try to reuse patterns, and if I do have to buy a new one, I try to buy it when it's on sale. You know the old adage, "A Penny Saved IS a Penny Earned." Here are the sale dates for patterns at JoAnn Fabric Stores for the first half of October 2010. If you have a costume sewing project you're thinking about, check out your local Jo Ann Fabric store for your pattern on the dates listed below.




FRIDAY - MONDAY
OCTOBER 8 - 11, 2010

Simplicity Patterns - 99 cents each


(MSRP $6.95 - $17.95 ea.) Limit of 10


No Special Orders - Excludes "It's So Easy", New Look,


Burda & Simplicity Books




* * * * * * * * *




THURSDAY - SATURDAY
OCTOBER 14- 16, 2010


Butterick Patterns - 99¢


(MSRP $10.95 - $19.95 ea.) Limit of 10


No Special Orders - Excludes See & Sew



Y What will you be sewing?


Nanci


Friday, October 1, 2010

Diabetes and Drink Stick Wallets


You may remember these from this post at the beginning of the month.

I left you hanging as to what I was going to do with them. "Not to my etsy shop" was all I told you.


Well, today is the day all you curious types get your answer. It all began with a short email from Misty, mother to sweet Allison, a cute little girl with blonde hair and Type I Diabetes. Misty maintains a blog where she gives support and information and encouragement to other moms of children with Type I Diabetes.

Bill, my husband was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes a few years back. At that time, we had to make some changes in our life to accomodate his special needs, nothing too major -- just a few adjustments here and there. One of the adjustments was handled by coming up with the idea of a Drink Stick Wallet. His was black plaid. It was a nice neat way to carry sugar-free drink sticks in his shirt pocket. It worked out great for him. It was frugal and it was discrete; it easily could have been mistaken for a business card holder carried in his shirt pocket.

After Misty's email, I began to read Misty's blog. I became acutely aware of how many "adjustments" have to be made when your child has diabetes. There are so many things that must always be close at hand in order to minister to that child.

Take a look here to see just what became of those drinkstick wallets

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

More Prototypes for American Girl Doll Clothes

Hi again! Well as you can see from the background in these pictures, fall has arrived in Central PA, and the trees are losing some of their leaves. I think this is mainly the result of dry weather because the leaves have not yet really turned colors. Around here in the mountains, we have beautiful displays each autumn.

I'm still working on some designs for American Girl dolls. Now before you look any further, remember these are just prototypes of the patterns I am working on -- trial runs to check for fit and such. The outfit is not co-ordinated in color, but a girl can't have her picture taken without having her bottoms on, and these were the jeans she was wearing. Okay? 'nuf said.


This is my shirred-front tank top. It can be worn alone or layered over a tee shirt. I'm really pleased with this. Now I am ready to make a couple in a little "snazzier" fabric. Note to self: shorten shirring by about 1/2".

I had been looking for a hobo bag pattern for an 18" doll but hadn't come up with anything that I had pictured in my mind. Then I ran across this full-size purse and just loved it. I knew I had to design a pattern for the 18" crowd.


So I grabbed some paper, pencil, rules, scrap fabric and such and began. I'm pretty satisfied with the results, but I need to "tweek" a few things before I really feel good about the pattern.

Just showing another angle. I think the size is good in proportion to the size of the doll.


I need to widen the tabs that hold the D-rings. I should, also, shorten the length of the tab.
Top stitching should be added for aesthetic reasons I think, especially on the straps. It has good body to stand on its own, and I like the contrasting lining. I think a tab with button closure would be a good detail to add.


One last picture of Sam in her mismatched outfit. . . Tsk, tsk, tsk.
If you have any input or suggestions on these, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Two heads are usually better than one.

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