I love this time of year. Something about the changing weather (it does plan on changing, right?), upcoming holidays and all the beautiful burnt colors is so inspiring. At the end of every summer I remind myself to limit my sewing list for the fall so I don't get crazy, but then the season creeps up on me and I want to SEW. ALL. THE. THINGS. And since I love sewing, I usually do it.
We have two Open Workshops (formerly Flex Sews) coming up this month: Saturday, October 21st and Monday, October 30th. Open workshops are group classes where each student works on their own projects at their own pace, with instruction and cheerleading from me of course! So pick your project, register for a workshop and we'll start discussing the details about patterns and materials! If you'd like to sew something not in the Project Catalog just shoot me an email and we can talk about it!
Please note: I love sewing with friends ages 8+. If you're under 15 though you'll need to attend Open Workshops with a paying adult. It does make for a great outing for a mother/daughter or mother/son or father/daughter or father/son or grandparent... ok, you get the idea...
If you need a little inspiration for projects, here are my suggestions for October!
One Open Workshop: A Trick-or-Treating Pillowcase
I know there are no shortage of treat bags for Halloween trick-or-treating, but is there anything as classic (or that holds as much) as the pillow case? This project is simple to put together and can be completed in one 2 hour Open Workshop! Typically, due to the way you sew this, you want to avoid anything with a directional print (meaning the print on the fabric looks upside down if you turn it one way), but since Treat Bags are meant to be held with the opening on top you can use whatever you want!
Affordable Fabric in Rocky Hill has some great Halloween quilting cottons right now (that's where I got these), but if you don't have a trip to the store in you, then you can always buy a Pillow Case Materials kit from me for $12-- sadly, I don't have any Halloween fabric in stock. Instructions are available for free with the workshop.
Three Open Workshops: Alberta St. Skirt by Sew House Seven Sewing Patterns
Have I mentioned before how much I love mixing textures? Leather tall boots, tights, a denim skirt and a chunky knit sweater may just be the quintessential autumn outfit! And don't be fooled, this is an intermediate pattern! The construction is simple and the pattern goes to size 20. Everyone works at a different pace, but I estimate this project will take about three 2-hour Open Workshops. The pattern is available for purchase from the studio.
Four Open Workshops: Half Square Triangle Lap Quilt
You won't regret investing a little more time in this classic lap quilt! Over the course of 4 workshops you'll learn how to cut fabric, sew half square triangles, piece together the top, sandwich a quilt, quilt the quilt (yep quilt is a verb!), and finish it off with a binding. You'll have to do some work in between workshops as well. Want a smaller version? You can always make a crib quilt! Unfortunately, the studio isn't large enough to make quilts larger than lap size. Instructions are available for free with the workshop.
So remember, these are just for inspiration! There's plenty of awesome projects out there and I'll bring you a new batch of inspiration in November!
If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to me!
Happy Stitching!
Laura
PS- In case you missed it: I just released my first FREE pattern with optional Teacher's Supplement on Craftsy. I'd love to get your feedback!
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