for the love of gardening

Sew Sweet
I sew in the winter while I wait for spring or in the evenings when it is too dark to be outside. I enjoy sewing simple clothes for myself, especially skirts since they are quick to make and fun to wear. My favorite projects are still the Halloween costumes I made for my boys over the years.
My newest interest is sewing bags. I started with a simple tote and moved on to more complicated patterns including a convertible purse to replace my old one.

In the Works

Sewing masks for friends, family and the community.
Sewing Projects

Felted Wool Blanket

Blossom Handbag

Tablet Sleeve

Lap Top Bag and Matching Pouch

Basic Tote

Wrap Skirt

Convertible Purse

Embroidered Applique Purse
with a floral folk design

Messenger Bag
with an undersea theme

Backpack

Sling Sack
with a drawsting top and outer front pockets

Crabby Beach totes

Ottoman and Pillow Covers
I sewed an ottoman cover and 3 pillow covers to match my sister's new sofa.

Purple tote, version 2

Gardener's tote

Purple Tote

Poppy Pattern Purse
I found a pattern for a Sweet Seasons purse in Simply Stitched with Applique by Yumiko Higuchi and a Poppy Garden Embroidery pattern at Purl Soho. Inspiration struck when I realized I could combine the two and make a poppy pattern purse.

Pair of Skirts

That's a Wrap
Using the unique Watercolor Linen from Purl Soho and their pattern for the Watercolor Linen Wrap, I completed this simple sewing project that produced an elegant result.

Sewing in Reverse
I have been wanting to try reverse-applique for awhile. My inspiration comes from a great book, Improv Sewing, that helped me overcome my fear of making clothing. I picked the reverse-applique skirt from their projects but created my own floral design.

Stacked Dot Scarf

Pillows, too!
Re-covering my ottoman was my snow day fun but I completed a bonus project this week. I made matching pillow covers.

Re-Cover Up
I love my new couch but next to it the ottoman looked tired. I made the ottoman cover three years ago, see Cover Up, and it had sustained heavy use. It was time to re-cover the ottoman with a fresh look to compliment the new couch.

I Lost My Bounce
I used my felted wool bag for a bit and realized that it needed some upgrades. Nothing fancy but changes that would make it even nicer to use. Felted wool has some stretch to it and I began to feel that my bag was on the end of a spring.

New Pattern for Purple
I am cranking up my sewing machine now that it is winter. After making the Sweet Spots Skirt, I am now going to sew some tops. I decided to make a new shirt pattern since I wasn't satisfied with last years'. I took all new measurements and cut up two shirts to trace. I want to make a shirt that is flattering and fits well.

Sweet Spots
I finished the sweetest skirt but it had me seeing spots. I chose a fun, cheerful jersey fabric with some of my favorite colors in it. I followed the easy instructions in the book, Improv Sewing, to make a pattern and sew this two panel skirt.

Felted Wool Blanket
After felting the sweaters, I was ready to turn them into a cozy throw blanket. It had been an extremely cold winter and a blanket sounded just right.

Handmade Doll Clothes

Floral Skirt

Shirt

Cover Up
Now that the garden is put to bed and the ice rink is close to being finished, I am moving on to other projects. I am making a new cover for my ottoman. The current cover is stained and the color doesn't match any of my furniture (it's light pink). I have fabric that I bought months ago and am determined to use it.

Shirt and Skirt

Shirts

Blue Skirt
The Shy Gardener www.theshygardener.com theshygardener@gmail.com
