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
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Blossom Handbag
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Tablet Sleeve
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Lap Top Bag and Matching Pouch
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Basic Tote
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Wrap Skirt
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Convertible Purse
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Embroidered Applique Purse
with a floral folk design

Messenger Bag
with an undersea theme

Backpack
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Sling Sack
with a drawsting top and outer front pockets

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

Purple tote, version 2
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Gardener's tote
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Purple Tote
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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
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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
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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
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Floral Skirt
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Shirt
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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
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Shirts
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Blue Skirt
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The Shy Gardener www.theshygardener.com theshygardener@gmail.com
