Pink Chalk StudioSewing | Pink Chalk Studio

Retro Mama Greta Doll

Carrie — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:56:32 +0000

Project Name: Retro Mama Greta Doll – Downloadable Pattern

Dimensions: Finished doll is 18″ tall

Sewist: Carrie

The first birthday of my niece was all the inspiration I needed to make this cute little doll. Dolls have been on my sewing wish list for some time now. The Retro Mama Greta Doll simply makes me smile. Pulling out fabrics and ‘dressing’ the doll is tons of fun – this greatly extended my estimated sewing time for this project!

The pattern refers to the facial features as eyes, nose and freckles. I see a very happy expression. The features are stitched with 3 strands of embroidery floss. The little collar is felt and attached with a running stitch of 6 floss strands. I elected to make a tiny yoyo to replace the button. (It is suggested in the pattern to use a felt circle for children under 3.)

Little Mary Jane shoes are a perfect fit on Greta!

The most challenging part for me was stitching around the body and securing the arms and legs. Kim, the designer says, “Go slowly and be patient” – if you stick to this suggestion you will be fine. Patience is so hard sometimes…sigh

I absolutely love the personality of my Greta. I am looking forward to her coming to ‘life’ in the hands of a little girl.

pink chalk fabrics ~~ new arrivals ~~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Color Inspiration – Quilt Blocks

Diana — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:33:03 +0000

Moodboard inspired by Quilt Blocks from Ellen Luckett Baker for MODA.

Stacked Quilt Block tutorial by Ellen Luckett Baker of thelongthread.com using her Quilt Blocks fabric collection from MODA.

What will you make with your Quilt Blocks?

Enjoy! ~Diana

pink chalk fabrics ~~ new arrivals ~~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Everyday Scoop Neck Raglan T-Shirt – Ottobre Magazine

Carrie — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:32 +0000

Project Name: Everyday Scoop Neck Raglan T-Shirt

Dimensions: Women’s European sizes 34 – 52 (US Size 4 to 3X)

Sewist: Tracy

The arrival of our Valori Wells t-shirt knit fabrics inspired Tracy to make the Everyday Scoop Neck Raglan T-Shirt from Ottobre Magazine Autum/Winter – 5/2011.

Tracy chose the Karavan Kashmir Indigo print with a coordinating rib knit for the neck edge and cuffs. The Valori Wells t-shirt knits are very soft. Tracy said, “The knit feels wonderful to wear and is easy to cut and sew.” Tracy recommends pre-washing the fabric. The Valori Wells knits will shrink approximately 5 inches per yard.

Tracy found the t-shirt easy to fit. She felt the measurement chart in the magazine was useful. The raglan sleeves made the project especially simple. Finishing the seams with a serger gives the t-shirt a tidy inside.

Comfortable and pretty makes this shirt perfect for work and play!

pink chalk fabrics ~~ new arrivals ~~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Color Inspiration – Maasai Mara from dear Stella

Diana — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:00:41 +0000

Moodboard inspired by Maasia Mara from dear Stella.

Pink Chalk Fabrics exclusive fat quarter set of Maasai Mara with solids to coordinate.

The inspiration behind the new collection Maasai Mara from dear Stella. A little bit ethnic, a little bit tribal and a whole lotta fun!

Enjoy! ~Diana

pink chalk fabrics ~~ new arrivals ~~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Pleated Pouches by Keyka Lou

Carrie — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:54 +0000

Project Name: Keyka Lou Pleated Pouches Downloadable Pattern

Dimensions: Small – 4″ high x 4.5″ wide, Tall – 5.25″high x 3.75″ wide, Large – 5″ high x 9″ wide

Sewist: Carrie

I love patterns from Keyka Lou! During my nightly check in the “What’s New?” I discovered this fun new pattern. Off to my sewing room and into the stash. My collection of Sandi Henderson called out to me as a great fit for this project. I decided to piece the pouch front bringing together a handful of favorites.

Keyka Lou patterns are always easy to follow. The step by step instructions and picture illustrations make for fun, successful sewing. I recently purchased Wonder Clips which came in very handy on this project. They are perfect for the many layers in the final step of sewing up the pouch.

The pattern calls for a Velcro closure. I decided to try a “real” button. I learned that I have too much strength with a seam ripper for opening the center of the button hole. Next time I will cautiously clip with a sharp scissor to open the hole.

The design has a great pleat in the front. I love the style and how it makes the tiny pouch roomy.

Vintage buttons, I just can’t resist collecting them. This one is perfect for my notions pouch.

Thank you Keyka Lou for this fabulous set of pouches. I have so many ideas for them.

pink chalk fabrics ~~ new arrivals ~~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

How much does Essex Linen shrink?

Diana — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:55:00 +0000

We have all been curious as to how much Essex Linen will shrink. Time for a test.
One yard of Essex Linen was cut. The wash cycle set to regular cold. The dryer placed on the regular setting. No special care was taken.

Result – 1 inch shrinkage on all side. The color is still lush and vibrant.

Washed, ironed and ready for quilting!

Happy sewing!
~Diana

pink chalk fabrics ~~ new arrivals ~~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Lollipops Pillow

Carrie — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:14 +0000

Project Name: Lollipops Pillow

Pattern: Book – Quilts from the House of Tula Pink

Finished Size: 18″ x 18″

Sewist: Carrie

Tula Pink’s fun new book, Quilts from the House of Tula Pink, tapped into my passion for covered buttons and love of bright happy colors. The Lollipop Pillow was a perfect project for using my Pink Chalk Fabrics covered button kit.

Immediately after seeing the pattern, I pulled out my ‘inspiration’ basket and began digging for a fun combination of colors. This basket often serves as my jump off point for projects. Sometimes the scraps inside are large enough to be part of the project – sometimes the scraps just get the creative thoughts running around in my head. Hours are spent moving the bits and pieces from pile to pile.

The wonderful arrangement of buttons is set on a foundation of stitched lines. The lines are drawn on with a disappearing ink pen. I used a double stitch on my machine to make the star pattern. Stitching continuously, each line crosses back through the center point.

After arranging the buttons on the fabric, I taped them on with blue masking tape. The buttons are hand stitched with a curved needle and heavy thread in groups. It is easier not to tie off between each button. (The draw back of linking buttons together is that they are not moveable in the end. I had a couple I would have placed differently!)

To finish the pillow the envelope style back is attached. Once the pillow is turned a simple top stitch gives it a beautiful look. Insert an 18″ x 18″ pillow form and – Voila!!

The pillow now has a cozy spot on my bed.

Happy Sewing! – Carrie