Inspirations - Sew Hip Magazines

I wanted to write about where I draw my sewing inspirations other than the fabulous creative indie blogs I frequent every day.

Sew Hip Magazine published by Kalmedia. I love it. It turns sewing, an endeavour once exist out of necessity into a modern women's avenue for expressing creativity, sharing love and inspirations. Every issue is packed with wonderful projects with full sized patterns plus step by step instructions. More than that it includes valuable information about all things related to sewing and crafts.

This magazine is from the UK, thus it arrives here in Malaysia one month late. I don't have a subscription. Every month I haunt the bookstores to get the latest issue. Most bookstore only carry one copy so if it's gone, it's gone. You can order back issues from it's website here.

Oh, one perplexity I would like to share here. Lately I noticed that sewing magazines are getting less and less space on our bookstores' magazine stands. Instead, a lot of knitting magazines being offered. And by a lot, I mean multiple issues of knitting magazines put on the shelf. I understand the trend for warm, knitted clothing in other countries where winter is approaching. But in this land of perpetual summer (even in the current rainy season), I just don't get it. Can't help wondering if our local magazine dealers did any research about Malaysian craft scene.

But then again, perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps there is indeed a large community of knitters in Malaysia I don't know about. I'm wondering aloud here mainly out of frustrations. It's so difficult to get good quality sewing magazines here. Especially when my favourite mag, Burda World of Fashion (BWOF) was no longer distributed in Malaysia. I'd been a faithful collector for years and it's so sad now that I can no longer buy it. I'll write about that magazine in another post. For now I'm enjoying my divine Sew Hip magazines.

Till then lovely peeps, have a great day ! :)

The Garment I Was Talking About

It's the popular Simplicity 3835 Built By You pattern by designer Built By Wendy.


I read rave reviews all over the net on this pattern and how it's the best pattern for beginners. I got it at a bargain, on sale at Sewingpatterns.com for only $2.99!


I sewed the tie sleeves version. I did pretty good with the sleeves and the tie band facings. But I had a hard time with the neckline and back zipper. I used 16" invisible zipper instead of the 20" lapped zipper as in the pattern. Sewing invisible zipper is not as easy as it looks. The neck facing was a struggle for me. Once, when I realized I need to rip the seams and reattach the neck band, I put this project aside for 2 weeks!
I sewed size 12. The tunic is wearable but it is a tad too tight for me in the middle (my ample tummy doesn't help :P). I know this can be fixed by reducing the generous seam allowance.

I chose a shabby rose print cotton and soft, pinkish polkadots trimming simply because I wanted to see how does a retro-ish pattern like this would look like using feminine, girly print. Some might think it's not modern enough, but I love this combination.

Overall, I think the tie sleeves view I chose is a little bit ambitious at my present skill level. I should have started with the easier option. But once completed, I fell in love all over again with the design!

SewingBusiness.com Collectible Gingher Scissors Giveaway!

Checkout this fabulous giveaway over at sewingbusiness.com. It's open to International readers as well.

Apart from amazing giveaways, I like the site for all the sewing information and inspirations. The site also have good resources about small business for crafters & sewers alike.

3rd Margaret Bag for Aisha

Whatt?? Another one??

YESS! It's for Aisha...The first one was too big for her, the 2nd one was for my sister and I don't have the heart to say no to her as she likes the 2nd one so much and wanted one too.

After making it twice, the process for the 3rd one is so much easier. To make the bag smaller for Aisha, I scaled down around 1/2 inch of the pattern and used the shoulder bag variation. The bag turned out so cute and actually make a perfect purse for me! But then again, this is for Aisha, I must not be tempted :D

I used another fun Chocolate Lollipop print by Anna Maria Horner. I wanted a darker colour so that it can withstand stains a bit longer than a lighter coloured fabric.

The inside is lined with dark brown tiny polkadot basic print from RJR Fabrics. I used decorative stitch for the pockets too.

As you can see from the 1st pic, Aisha's happy and smiling with her bag. She can actually sling it across her body, just the way she wanted it. And I know that when she brings this to her extra classes (school is almost over, so it's gonna get a lot of use next year), she will have a unique, one of a kind bag coz it's handmade by her momma.

I love making bags!!

Easy Lounge Pants, Express Version

I need lounge pants. Desperately. Because I've worn mine to death, especially those in comfy woven cottons. I decided I gotta make one, pronto. Too lazy to trace any paper pattern in my collection, I used the following method.

I used my old, trusted lounge pants. Fold it, making sure the crotch part is pulled all the way out and pin to folded fabric. Cut the fabric (on the fold) with seam allowance i.e 2 inches longer at waist and hem and 1 inch bigger on the sides.

Unpin the old pants. Take the above piece and pin again to the remaining yardage to cut an exact second piece. You will have two folded pieces of fabric for the "new" pants at this stage.

Open the 2 pieces of cut fabric. With right sides together, sew (or serge) the crotch top sides as shown above.

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Now, take the middle of the pants and pull open so that it lays like above. Sew the inseam as shown by arrows, going all the way round. Zig zag stitch or serge the seams edge.

Hemming - Press the hem 1/4 inch, press again 1/2 inch for both legs. Stitch hem. Do the same for the waist, but do not sew all the way round. Leave a 1 inch gap to thread the elastic in.

Elastic - measure your waist and take off 1 inch - that is the length of elastic you need.

Thread the elastic using a pin through the gap created before. Overlap the elastic ends and stitsh to secure it. Sew the gap close once elastic is threaded.

Press all seams and voila!

So comfy! Am totally hugging myself here :P

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Hawthorne Threads Art Gallery Giveaway

One of my favourite fabric store on etsy, Fabricsupplies has launched the most wonderful online store Hawthorne Threads. I love the new store!! It's so easy to navigate in and the wonderful tiered pricing really is a gem! I'm sure many Malaysian crafters would love to try and shop at Charlie and Lindsay's new store. Real easy and they have Paypal option for online payment, no worries!

Right now they are also hosting a giveaway of Patricia Bravo's Art Gallery fabrics.

Oooohh....I love anything from Patricia Bravo. All her designs are aesthetically retro, but very modern and updated. I remember the days I spent prowling the net for her ever elusive Pink Le Fleur from the fabulous Belle Epoque collection (still to no avail, could anyone help me find this fabric? :D ). The fabric and kits in this giveaway is from her new Girly Girl collection. Being a girly girl myself, of course I am madly in love with this collection.

Friends and fellow crafters, if you haven't, do give Hawthorne Threads a visit. With their top notch customer service, you will not be disappointed!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I'm In!! Stash Swap Group 3

I saw the stash swap organised by sweet Hani over at her blog. I missed the first two groups and managed to join the 3rd Group, yeay! I wanted to join the fun so badly, thanks so much Hani for accepting me in this wonderful Stash Swap, you're the best!! :)

I have yet to know my swapping partner, but already planning the stash to prepare for the swap. The requirements include :


1. 10 buttons
2. 3 fat quarters (18"x22")
3. 3 ribbons (1 meter each)
4. 2 pieces of felt (A4 size)
5. A special (suprise) stash


The best part of this swap is definitely #5. I love surprises!! Off to prepare the stash! :D