Sewing 101-Misusu FREE’kin Sewing Challenge [Bruno Cardigan Pocket Modification]

Woo Hoo!  I'm so excited to share the first ever Misusu Patterns FREE'kin Sewing Challenge and blog tour with you all today!  I'll share more on how to enter to win a free pattern of your choice, a coupon,  as well as contest details below but first I wanted to share my blog tour contribution, complete with a pattern modification I made from Elles' amazing patterns.   The best part...two of the patterns I've used are free!   If you haven't checked out Misusu yet, you are seriously missing out.  Her patterns are modern, fun, and full of unique details that will take your baby and toddler's wardrobe to the next level! 

Crafting Against the Grain

Wearable Art-Coloring with Appliqué

To say I'm addicted to applique may be a bit of an understatement. I’m always trying to come up with new ways to apply it to my makes and I'm always on the lookout for new techniques I haven't tried yet. This idea came from a late night sewing session where I had the perfect panel for ”coloring” but I wasn't quite sure how to go about doing it. I tried a few different ways to sew on the appliques, including cutting the individual tiny pieces out and sewing them on but I soon realized that this wasn't going to work, and was much too time-consuming. So I thought about reverse applique and how the same principle could technically be applied here but in the reverse sense. (Hopefully, that makes sense lol. If not, don't worry because I'm going to explain it!)

Sewing 101-Tips and Tricks for Installing a Zipper in a Knit Garment

One of my sewing resolutions last year was to "master" the zipper in a knit garment. I hadn't had a whole lot of experience with them while using knit fabric, and it definitely showed. So, I decided to do a little research and a lot of testing to figure out how to get that zipper to look perfect every time. Now, there is definitely more than one way to put in the perfect zipper but today, I'm going to share the tips and tricks that I have found to be successful in my own sewing adventures.

Crafting Against the Grain

Sewing 101-DIY Faux Fur Blanket

Faux fur throws. They are simply gorgeous and make me wish I was sitting around a campfire while on an epic adventure. I've been wanting to make a faux fur backed throw blanket for awhile now, thanks in part to all of the beautiful examples I've seen on Pinterest. I just hadn't quite found the perfect fabric for the top piece. That is until I got the opportunity to sew up this amazing red wilderness and inverted x's minky from Rockerbye Destash Fabric.

Wearable Art-The Valentine Love Bear

Appliqué is a huge part of my sewing "style". I love adding in all of the little extras to really make a piece of wearable art! I usually design my own appliqué patterns but I also love using ones made by fellow girl bosses. One such Girl Boss is Amanda Ho Hanson over at Whimsy Baby Customs. Her appliqué patterns are fun, whimsical, and perfect for the beginner!

Crafting Against the Grain

Life is a Journey…Fill your tank with joy

Well, I did it! I've been wanting to start a blog for awhile now to share all of my favorite appliques, projects, crazy ideas, and the experience I've gained through making masterpieces out of messes!  I actually had it on my list of goals last year and as the year progressed it just got pushed further and further to the back of the list.  When January came around again, I decided to just go for it!  So as a little thank you for coming along for the ride, I'd like to share one of my favorite applique patterns with you all...The Love Bus!  This is by far one of my favorite, most versatile, and well loved patterns I use in my shop Cotton & Grain Sewing Co...