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​Pattern Reviews, Easy Projects, Tips, & Sew-a-longs 

4/24/2021 4 Comments

Simple to Sew: Fabric Basket

Sew a fabric basket to store you little and bigger items. They're great for snacks in the pantry or corralling  makeup items on the bathroom counter. Let's get organized!

Have you caught the organization bug lately? You've cleaned your house and now need homes for all the random little things? With the world starting to open back up, you are probably having visions of people coming over. I bet you're thinking about all the backyard parties as well. Or not. Either way, everyone could use some easy storage ideas for their home. 

Fabric baskets or bins are the perfect small storage remedy. Keep some hand sanitizer inside a cute basket for your visitors. Make one and fill it with snacks for a new neighbor. Use them in the craft room for thread spools or fabric scraps. Or, make some fun home decor baskets for your kitchen and keep fruit inside.

Pick out fun fabrics from your stash or purchase new styles you love. These simple to sew, fabric baskets are 100% customizable. Soon, every room will have a fabric bin. Once you make one, you'll want to make more. I promise! Yay for getting organized!

Let's get started.
Picture


​Supply List:


  • Sewing Machine
  • 1/4 yard (minimum) fabric for outer
  • 1/4 yard fabric for lining
  • Fusible or sew-in fleece interfacing
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Matching or contrasting thread
  • Pins or clips
  • Scissors
  • All your other sewing notions you love

If you're looking for budget-friendly sewing options, read this post. It's long and has tons of information. If you're brand spankin' new to sewing, start there. It's a great in depth post even if you're a seasoned sewer. 

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4/8/2021 2 Comments

The Ultimate Guide to Sewing on a Budget

Beginner sewing money saving tips.
Sewing a dress or bag can usually cost more than if you bought it at the store. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Sewing can be budget friendly and I've compiled this guide to help you.
​ 
Hobbies are good to have. They give our hands something to do and can keep our minds active. Some hobbies can empty your wallet, while others only cost pennies. Sewing can be an expensive hobby. There are so many gadgets and fabrics, and machines, Oh my! But, it can be inexpensive too. I'm here to tell you, you don't need to empty your bank account to sew or advance your skills. 
You might think you need that ultra-fancy dress form from a New York store. You don't. You won't need a fancy sewing machine that sings to you either. Let's take a deep dive into the world of sewing on a budget. 

When I first started sewing, the craft stores weren't half of what they are now. They offered one rotary cutter, a few boxes of pins, and 1/3 of the fabric selection they have now. Times have changed and the variety has grown tremendously! Hooray! Sales are more prominent now along with budget sewing items. You can get everything you need to create your masterpieces, without breaking the bank! Do you really need 6 different pairs of scissors? Not really. Think needs vs. wants. Ask yourself what a minimalist would do, and you'll be good. ;)


Grab some coffee and a snack, this is a long one.
​

What You'll Learn

  • Where to find fabric
  • Patterns on the cheap
  • Learn to sew for free
  • Shop inexpensive notions (threads, scissors, pins, buttons, zippers)
  • Where to get a sewing machine
Sewing on a budget. How and where to find sewing things on the cheap

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2 Comments

3/27/2021 2 Comments

Easy Vintage Hair Scarf Sewing Pattern

Pinup rockabilly retro vintage hairstyle with scarf
Oh hey, I'm just fixing my hair in my new hairscarf.
Do you love the vintage pinup look but, don't know where to start? Grab some peddle pushers, a black fitted top, and this sewing pattern! You're about to get your vintage style on. 
This pattern is the straw that broke the camel's back- in a good way. I have quite a few patterns I want to share but, I lacked the technical know-how to get them to you. This is the pattern that made me search the interwebs, far and wide on how to create a PDF. And, here it is! Finally a downloadable pattern that was made just for you!

This wide hair scarf is made for good hair days, bad hair days, and for the curly haired gals too! I see you (I am a curly girl). Toss your hair up in a messy bun, and you'll be cute as a button when you wear this retro inspired hair-scarf. This isn't a lifesaver but, it's definitely a hair saver. 

If this thicker style headband isn't your cup of tea, I have a post on a narrower one, over here. It can be worn with your hair up or down. You can tie it around your neck, wrist, or use it as a purse accent when tied in a bow. The size is completely customizable too, lengthen or shorten it to your desired size


Okay, lets get started on the Wide Hair Scarf Pattern. 

What You'll Need:

  1. 1/2 yard of cotton fabric
  2. The Pattern
  3. Sewing machine 
  4. Clips or pins, ruler, chalk pen
  5. Matching or contrasting thread
  6. Chopstick or other turning tool
  7. A smile, because you're making something cute :)
Let's get sewing! 

Download the PDF pattern, print it out (*do not scale or resize), and tape it together. This will now be your pattern piece. Make sure to match up the star points. Cut out the pattern along the lines and set it aside. It will resemble a plague mask at this point. Haha, perfect for the year we've had. ;)

*The pattern will print out on 2 horizontal pages. They are made to overlap a bit to create the pattern. Match the star and you'll be good to go. No scaling or anything is necessary. If you'd like to trim off a thin sliver of paper to match the star up perfectly, you can. That's what I did. 

How to print out a PDF sewing pattern.
I trimmed off a thin slice of paper to match my star up perfectly.
How to prepare a PDF sewing pattern.
Cut along the line just like in grade school. ;)
PDF sewing pattern how to and info. Easy sewing project
Once it's cut, it'll resemble a plague mask!
Wide thick hair scarf headband for rockabilly gals. How to sew an easy headband.
I chose this fun atomic print cotton fabric. It's going to make the cutest retro hair scarf.
Next, wash, dry, and iron your fabric if you haven't already.

​What fabric(s) did you choose? Did you go with a solid color or a fun novelty print? 

​
Rockabilly retro vintage sewing pattern. Wide scarf for pinup hairstyles.
Use pattern weights to hold the fabric and pattern down while you trace.
  • Grab your scarf pattern piece and lay it on top of your folded fabric. Line up the folded edge of the fabric with the pattern side that says FOLD. You can do this with RST or WST, it won't make a difference for this pattern.
  • Use pattern weights to hold the piece down, while you trace out the shape. Use an air soluble pen or a chalk pen to trace. Cut along the lines.
  • Repeat steps for the other side. You are tracing an outer and inner piece of fabric for your hair scarf. Cut.
  • You should now have 2 pieces of fabric cut out.
Retro rockabilly atomic hair scarf
Trace the pattern onto your fabric.
sewing to the moon atomic sewing project for vintage and retro enthusiast. vintage aesthetic
Cut the piece out and set aside.
Vintage sewing pattern. retro vintage style inspired hair scarf for 50s hairstyle
Trace the second piece and cut. You could use the same fabric or a contrasting one.
Sewing to the moon. Free sewing pattern. Retro vintage rockabilly pinup style sewing pattern
  • Now take the pieces and place right sides together. Use pins or clips to hold them together.
  • Mark a 3" gap where the pattern piece indicates. This area will not be sewn so, you can turn the scarf out afterwards.
Easy sewing project for beginners, teens, retro style lovers
Match the pieces together and pin.
How to sew a scarf for your hair. Rosie the riveter rockabilly style
Pin or clip pieces together.
Picture
  • I took an air soluble pen to mark the pivot point on the scarf. This isn't necessary, but it helped. The pivot point is where the scarf gets narrower. 
  • Time to sew! Use a 2.5 or 3mm stitch length. 
  • Seam allowance is 1/4"
  • Go slow, this gets tricky at the pointy ends
how to sew a rosie the riveter scarf headband.
Go slow in the corner area. Stitch until you are 1/4" from the pointed end.
Easy retro sewing project. Rockabilly vintage girl.
Once you get to the point, lift your pressure foot, turn the scarf, then continue down the other side.
Viva las vegas sewing pattern for rockabilly weekend hair style
Continue sewing...
  • When you get to the pointy corners, leave the needle down, lift the pressure foot, and turn your fabric. If it's not quite at 1/4" mark, go back and hand crank a stitch or two. Continue sewing all the way around until you come to the 3 inch gap. Backstitch.
  • Clip your corners.
How to sew a rockabilly rosie the riveter head scarf.
Leave an opening to turn the scarf out.
how to sew a head scarf for viva las vegas rockabilly weekend
Clip the corners to take away the bulk. This will create nice sharp corners.
  • Time to turn the scarf out. Grab a chopstick or any other turning tool.
EZ point & turner tool for sewing tubes
I love my EZ point & turner tool.
Retro vintage sewing pattern
Using the blunt end, push and create a donut like effect. Then, gently pull the fabric down and around the chopstick.
Using a chopstick as a sewing turning tool
I love my chopstick too! Grab your chopstick for this part.
Using a chopstick to turn tubes out.
Push and pull gently, until the fabric goes through the opening. Repeat with the other end.
If you're using a chopstick or pencil, poke the blunt end into the pointed fabric corner. Slowly pull the fabric down around the chopstick until you can easily push it through to the gap opening. Repeat for the other side.

It should look like this once it's turned out! Huzzah! The rest is downhill from here.
How to sew an easy headband hair scarf pattern for vintage style rockabilly hair.
It'll look like this once it's turned out. Time to press it flat.
Iron time! 
  • Roll the seam out. Using your fingernail seems to help this process. You can also take the chopstick and slide it under the seams while pushing the seam out and open as well. It'll take some finagling, but it's well worth it in the end.
Iron as you sew. sewing a rockabilly weekend hair scarf
Press the seams flat.
Sewing pattern for vintage retro scarf.
I use the pointy end of a chopstick to push the seam out. This helps to iron it nice and flat.
Back to the sewing machine to topstitch the gap closed. 
  • Topstitch 1/8" from the edge, backstitching at the beginning and end. If you'd like to topstitch around the whole hairscarf, you can. 
  • Clip any loose threads.
  • Press the scarf again. And, you're done! 
how to close a gap in sewing
Topstitch the opening closed, 1/8" from the edge.
Using sewing snips for loose threads. Easy rockabilly sewing pattern
Clip any loose threads.
Rockabilly vintage retro hair style sewing pattern.
Ta-da! It's done. It's such a quick and easy sewing project. Now, go out and rock that Rockabilly hair!
To wear the scarf:
Place the wide part at the back of your head just covering your hairline. Pull the pointy ends upwards, covering the tops of your ears, and tie in a knot on top of your head. 

This is perfect for messy hair days and curly-haired girls too. To make it into a more formal look, pin curls on top of your head, tie this scarf up, and wear it with a pretty dress.
If you're going for a 40's style, you can pair the scarf with wide-legged trousers and a boxy button-up top. This hair scarf is for anyone looking for a quick and easy retro hairstyle! 
Retro 50s style rockabilly hairstyle scarf.
Wide at the back, narrow at the front. Perfect for casual vintage styled hair!
Rockabilly easy hairstyle sewing pattern.
The shape stays on your head throughout the day! Add a bobby pin on each side if it needs more support.
Viva las vegas hairstyle
Yep! I love this pattern!
So, what do you think of the pattern? It was easy right? Do you plan on making as many as you can for the summer? I wear my hair up most summer days and this thicker style is what I've been yearning for! Easy & cute hair... yes, please!!! 

If you make one or ten, please tag me on Instagram. I want to see them aallll! Use the hashtag #sewingtothemoonScarf
Let me know in the comments below if you've made this or plan to. I seriously can't tell you how overly excited this whole process made me. :D 

Thanks for all the love and support on social and here! Sewing people are the best people. 

​Happily sewing,

Annette

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Vintage retro pinup sewing hair scarf sewing pattern.
2 Comments

2/26/2021 11 Comments

Egg Gathering Apron

Homestead hobby farm with chickens and eggs. Sewing to the moon
Got eggs? If you have a hobby farm or small homestead, you probably have hens. And, if you have hens, you have eggs. So. Many. Eggs.
Well, you need something to gather all those eggs with. A bucket works, a basket is cute, and in a pinch, you can use your hands and coat pockets. We've all been there. ;)
But, wouldn't it be fun and albeit easier to use an egg apron? Yes! You can live out your farm life dreams with a sweet egg-gathering apron. 

So, it's decided. You're going to make an apron for collecting those little breakfast nuggets. Besides, buckets are only made for livestock grain and treats anyway. 
Egg gathering apron swoon patterns

Supplies

  • Swoon Patterns Egg Gathering Apron pattern. This is free on their website. Grab it here. 
  • Sewing machine, thread, and notions
  • 1/2 yard medium weight fabric 
  • 1 1/4 yards contrasting fabric (I didn't use a contrasting fabric)
  • 1 1/4 yards lightweight fusible interfacing 
  • Chalk pen or erasable pen
  • Ruler
  • Clips and pins. 
I chose to use the Swoon Patterns egg gathering apron. This was the coolest egg collecting pattern I found while scouring the internet. I collect about a dozen eggs every morning and wanted an apron to hold eggs and keep them safe. It also needed to be comfortable for me to wear. 

Many patterns had pockets that were sewn in a way that didn't seem secure. If you were to bend over (to pet the cat, or clean out the coop) the eggs would fall out. Swoon Patterns created an egg apron that is pure genius! It involves a little extra sewing but, is well worth it in the end.
​I promise!

Let's Make an Apron

Grab the FREE pattern, print it out, and tape it all together. Decide on the size(s) you're going to make. Simply fold over the pattern for the different adult sizes. You don't have to trace off a new pattern, and it'll work perfectly. For this tutorial, I made the child size. 

Let's Get Sewing
​
  • First, apply your interfacing to the pieces following the pattern instructions. I used canvas as interlining because I was short on interfacing. I skipped using it on the main pieces. Secret lazy sewist tip. You're welcome. ;)
Sewing to the moon sewing an egg apron. Kids sewing.
Grab a little helper to sew the super long pocket tubes.
  • After the pieces are cut and interfaced. You're going to make the pocket portions. Sew the long pocket panel RST (right sides together) along the long edge to form a tube. Turn out and press. Repeat with the other pocket panel.

My littlest sewing buddy helped make her apron. #momwin
How to sew easy kitchen gifts for the farmer wife. Egg apron
Mark all the fold lines.

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1/30/2021 0 Comments

Top 5 Sewing Books You Need on Your Shelf

Sewing books you need. sewing blogger sewing to the moon
Let's talk books. Sewing books, that is. Big books, little books, tall books, small books. Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned seamstress, it's a good idea to have a few books on the subject. This list may even spark your sewjo. These 5 are the ones I reach for most often. The internet is a great source however, if you need to refresh your memory on a specific technique, I urge you to reach for a book. Time is precious and you shouldn't spend it filtering through blogs or Youtube videos. The answer is going to be within one of these books. Each book in this list offers something different. Let's dive right in. 
Books for sewing you didn't know you needed. 5 sewing books you should own.

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    Hi there, I'm Annette and I love eating and sewing. I usually have a cup of coffee or tea with me, but not next to my machine because I'd probably spill it. I am the reason we can't have nice things.

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