Kimonos for babies are super cute! The style makes for easy dressing, and the simple shape makes for easy stitching. Our customers have caught the baby kimono bug, and here are their ridiculously cute results!

Marianna made this darling kimono set for her niece, Nora. She used the Oliver + S Bedtime Story Pajamas pattern, and a wild flower and polka dot print by Kaffe Fassett. Marianna says of Nora,” She digs bright colors, flowers, and dots. So this was the perfect fabric for her.” Indeed! She looks amazing in it and so comfy too. Kudos!

Courtney’s kimono is from Amy Butler’s book Little Stitches for Little Ones, and it couldn’t be sweeter. She has been in love with Heather Ross’s Mendocino line lately, and used many of these fabrics in her Beginning Quilting class. Fortunately, she had enough left over to make a pair of tiny pajamas! Jay McCarroll’s hexagon print makes for a great contrast to the pretty little mermaids. Great job, Courtney!

Making a kimono is a great baby gift, and a great way to get started sewing kids clothes. Amy Butler’s version is for babies up to 12 months and the Oliver + S pattern is sized up to 8 years. Heather Ross’s Weekend Sewing also has a newborn kimono in its collection. All of these patterns have clear instructions to help you make the little ones in your life look even cuter- as if that were possible!

We had a wonderful weekend with the lovely and talented Betz White

. Thanks so much to everyone who came and made her feel welcome. Betz is such a creative person with great ideas, not just for better crafting, but for better living. I’m so pleased to have finally met her in person!

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The fun started off at Stitch Party, where we had a trunk show of Sewing Green’s projects, including the amazing Leaf Scarf from the book’s cover!

Then, Betz did a demonstration on making the plastic rings from milk jugs into adorable napkin rings. We learned to make rosettes from ric rac to embellish our rings. Everyone was very impressed by Betz’s clever technique!

Afterwards, we shopped and chatted with Betz.

Saturday, Betz taught a workshop on using repurposed items to make bags. There were so many cool raw materials and trims, including Betz’s new fave, karate belts! Students came up with awesome combinations and left with fantastic one of a kind totes.

Thanks so much for coming, Betz! We had a great time!

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This skirt is possibly my most favorite project from Sewing Green Murder in the First film Finding Neverland trailer . Nothing says summer like a pretty wrap skirt! Alana made this one using a lovely Amy Butler floral. I am making one in Joel Dewberry’s woodgrain print to wear to Stitch Party Friday night. I have a feeling I will be making a few more to work into my warm weather wardrobe.

The pattern is worked using 7 gored panels, which gives it a flattering tulip shape. A clever D-ring closure makes it easily adjustable for a range of waist sizes, and gives you a little extra room to breathe after that delicious summer barbecue!!

Speaking of extra room, we have a few spaces left in Sewing Green author, Betz White’s class this Saturday from 10AM-2PM. As you can see from our last few blog posts, Betz is a wonderful designer. Her use of alternative materials in her book’s projects are incredibly creative, and working with her in a hands on studio session will be so inspiring. If you’d like to join us, be sure to call the shop to reserve your space.

Betz will also be signing books at our monthly Stitch Party this Friday from 5-8PM. Please stop in, have a glass of wine, and welcome Betz to Philly. See you soon!

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This baby sundress just couldn’t be any sweeter! It’s another adorable project form our latest favorite book, Sewing Green by Betz White. Betz used a pillowcase to make her dress in the book, but we had an extra cut of Jay McCarroll’s Stawberry fabric, just waiting to be put to good use. The bias binding at the armholes makes for easy finishing, and the rickrack trim and ribbon ties give it girly flair. Slip it on over your little one’s head on a summery morning and she’s ready to play all day with ease and style. I could definitely see this becoming the perfect warm weather baby uniform!

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After flipping through Betz White’s Sewing Green, I wanted to start making something right away!! All the projects are so pretty and the photography is so enticing. I had a little time before dinner the other night, so I got to work on the Easy Breezy Skirt.

I used Tina Givens’ Chandelier Medallion fabric, pink ric-rac, and some elastic. A few measurements, a cut here and a seam there, and 30 minutes later I had this super cute and comfy skirt! It looks great and I am ready for summer.

Betz recommends using a vintage pillowcase to make this simple skirt. It’s amazing how she uses beautiful thrifted things for the projects in this book. While I have always admired the patience (and awesome clothes!) of my thrift store shopping friends, it has never been something I have done on a regular basis.

I do, however, have a lovely collection of fabric that has grown considerably since we opened the shop! I fall in love with certain prints and just have to have a yard or two. I wash them and fold them neatly, and then never quite get around to making things for myself. Sound familiar? I love it that Betz gives instructions for projects using repurposed materials, but also gives yardage requirements so that I can make good use of my pretty print collection. Thanks, Betz!

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We are so excited to welcome author and seamstress extraordinaire, Betz White, for a crafty weekend at Spool. Betz has designed for major clothing labels, and has had work in Adorn, CRAFT, & Country Living magazines. She has been featured on Knitty.com and has also been a guest of the Martha Stewart show. What a talented lady! Sewing Green

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is Betz’s latest book, and it is just gorgeous!

Eco-consciousness is on everyone’s mind, and Betz takes the approach that DIY sewing is, in itself, environmentally friendly. Sewing Green teaches you how to repurpose materials you already own, and showcases items made from organic fabrics and thrift store finds. Projects range from reversible wrap skirts to reusable wraps for your sandwiches! Each one is full of creativity, style, and a touch of wonderful whimsy.

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Betz will be signing copies of her book at Stitch Party on Friday, April 24th from 5-8 PM. At 6:30 that evening, Betz will give a free demo on how to make the adorable rosette napkin rings from her book- so don’t be late!

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On Saturday, Betz will teach you how to make your own bags (MYOB!) for shopping, gifts, and groceries using recycled materials such as T-shirts, jeans, Tyvek mailers, sweaters and more. Create unique bags with straps, flaps, gussets and handles. You’ll learn to convert leftovers and scraps to useful objects and great gifts and leave class with fabulous bags and more ideas than you can use!

This class is open to all skill levels, but familiarity with sewing machine basics is recommended. Participants may make one or many bags depending on projects selected and prior skill level. You may bring your own favorite scraps to add to your bags but your class fee covers all the items you need. This is a unique opportunity to learn from an innovative and talented artist!

MYOB is Saturday, April 25th from 10AM-2PM. The class fee is $55 with all materials included. Class space is limited, so be sure to call the shop and reserve your space today!

The Spring Oliver + S patterns have arrived! The Birthday Party Dress is one of two designs that have just been released. Simple and sweet, I thought that Tina Givens’ new Fairy Tiptoes fabric would be lovely with this pattern. Little girls are loving it, and grown up girls are wondering when this dress will be sized up for them!

The front pattern pieces are divided into 2 side panels and 1 one center pleat panel. Not only did this make the pleating a cinch to sew, it allowed us to arrange this cute bird print to fall on the dress just as we wanted. As always, the pattern instructions are easy to follow, and little details like the hem facing and button back closure make the garment even more special.

Oliver + S is one of our favorite lines for children. The Tea Party Sundress & Playsuit from their first season has continued to be one of our most popular patterns. We are holding a 3 session class to make either the dress or playsuit, starting April 19th at 3PM. Please visit our class page for details, and be sure to call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

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Since many of you have asked about machine applique classes, I thought it would be fun to learn this new skill and make a cute pillow at the same time. Not only will you learn to use fusible web and machine applique, but you will also be installing a zipper for the pillow closure. Our sewing instructor, Cathy, kindly made up this pillow sample with my initial on the front- so thoughtful! The possibilities are endless once you learn this simple embellishment technique.

Class is Saturday, April 18th from 10AM- 1PM for a fee of $30. If you’d like to join us, please call the shop to reserve your space. Let us know what initial you’d like on your pillow when you sign up, and we’ll have a template ready for you when you arrive.

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Thanks to everyone who came to join us in celebrating our first birthday and to meet the lovely Heather Ross. We had a great time and hope you did too. Heather is such a talent and we had so much fun hanging out. As usual, when the party gets started, I completely forget to take enough pictures. The one of me & Heather shown above is one of the few good ones we took. Leslie, Heather’s publicist, came to my rescue and sent me lots of fun shots this morning. Thanks, Leslie! You’re a lifesaver!

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Heather signed many copies of her book! She charmed everyone, and gave lots of good advice for working with her patterns.

We knew Heather was a giant in the sewing world, but this is ridiculous! Leslie brought her new, very tiny sewing machine along to the party and everyone wanted a turn trying it out!

Fellow Freespirit designer, Jay McCarroll, stopped in to say hi to Heather. Aren’t they so cute together?

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On Saturday morning, Heather did a demo on smocking with elastic thread to make a little girl’s sundress. She walked us through all the steps, and students were able to try out the technique with Heather’s expert supervision.

Thanks again to everyone that came to party down! Thanks, Heather, for helping to make this birthday even more special. I know the crafters of Philadelphia would welcome you back anytime!Montana Sky release