Sewing Gift Guide 2020

Hobby gift giving can be difficult, and it's one of those things most people steer clear from. But if you're dying to get that special someone a sewing related gift, I'm here to help! I'm posting this early because there is some investigative work that you need to do.

If you're trying to machine shop...

 First, identify the kind of sewist they'd like to be. There's a difference between apparel sewing and quilting/embroidery! Typically, those who are looking to quilt need a lot more bells and whistles than someone who sews everyday clothes like myself. That's not to say they aren't nice, but 40 decorative stitches might not have much use for someone who doesn't quilt.

Personally, I learned how to sew on an entry level machine with only 10 stitches and no fancy features. It was perfect if you ask me! You can go with a more expensive machine but if they don't stick with it as a hobby...it's kind of wasted money. The model I started on was a gift from my aunt, the Brother LS2125i which seems to be no longer manufactured. 

I've also sewn on a Janome HD1000 (~$300) and a Brother SE6000 (~$500). The Janome is a midrange industrial meaning it's a big stronger, whereas the Brother has a lot more embroidery/quilting type features as well as an automatic thread cutter... which is pretty nice honestly.

For me, the combo of a normal sewing machine (without quilting features) and a separate serger (to finish seams and sew stretching fabrics) is the dream setup! 

So, if you're trying to machine shop, the most important thing to find out is what kind of projects they'd like to sew. From there, you can set the price by what fits your budget. Some may favor a stronger machine that can sew through faux leather and faux fur compared to someone who wants to embroider sweatshirts. I've linked some of my favorite machines below! Don't forget to look into return policies.

If you're looking for something fun... 
 If you're looking for more of the stocking variety of gift, there are many options out there! A unique seam ripper, fun colored clips for sewing instead of pins, a fresh set of pins, a cute new wrist pincushion... I could go on and on. Here are some of my favorites from Etsy! I mean, how cute are the biscuit pattern weights.

If you're trying to buy fabric...
Just don't. No, really, this is such a hard one because you have to make sure the fabric is right for whatever sewing pattern they are going to be using. The only time I would buy fabric is if I knew exactly what to get style wise and with a particular pattern. Instead, grab a gift card to their favorite store.
Mood Fabrics and Blackbird Fabrics are my favorite!
If you're trying to buy sewing patterns...
This isn't as difficult as buying fabric but can still be risky. Again you can go the gift card route but for the fun of it, I've rounded some up cute, lesser known sewing patterns from Etsy. 

 

Alright! That's all I have for you this time. Next up?

maison miru | my 8 favorites

Hi, my name is Jade and I have a shopping problem. My self-imposed shopping ban started at the end of January and I've struggled to stay with it. I've started a note on my laptop to track my purchases beyond money leaving my bank account, in hopes that seeing a long list will slow me down. But just because I'm slowing down on spending/consuming doesn't mean you have to.

I've been eyeing some ear cuffs from Maison Miru who I found on...where-else...Instagram. And just because I'm obsessed with gold doesn't mean you have to be! Many of these options are available in silver as well. Happy (window) shopping!

my new favorite etsy shop: ShopCholla

Sun Beams by ShopCholla

One of my favorite internet shopping pastimes is discovering new Etsy shops. And it's double exciting when a new one pops up by someone you know! ShopCholla's founder Hallie and I went to the same high school. Like many, her style has evolved over the years but there is one thing that has always stayed with me...her colored hair. No joke, Hallie seriously had different hued locks just about every week. My favorite? Her blue hair with straight bangs. So cool. Funny how certain things stick with you. You'll have to ask her for a picture.

So am I surprised that she's created such a cute/cool/chic/hip jewelry line? Nope! Give your adblocker pause 😉and check out my favorites below!

Music Festival Sewing Patterns

April marks the beginning of festival season for most music fans. Many started prepping their fits months ago but it seems that no one talks about it in the sewing community. Maybe that's a matter of different interests but I know I can't be the only sewist interested in a weekend filled with music.

So, as someone who hasn't attended Coachella lately but has been in previous years, I figured I'd share my thoughts on what I would be sewing if I was traveling out to the desert. 

1. Adrienne Blouse | Friday Pattern Company. No, this isn't a shameless plug to the sew-along I filmed. If you haven't noticed, big sleeves are in. This pattern fits the bill and can be cropped to go with your high waisted jean shorts. Enough said.

2. Ogden Cami | True Bias. The festival is high temps during the day and chilly at night, so you need pieces that are easy to layer. The Ogden Cami is just that. Such a flattering cut that goes well with everything. 

3. Pilatus Swimsuit | Opian. Technically I wouldn't wear this to a show, but it would still be coming with me on a trip. I have fabric in the mail to whip up one of these and I can't wait!

4. Portside Travel Set | Grainline Studios. Everyone needs a weekend bag and Grainline stepped up to the plate with this pattern. Perfect for any 4 day getaway, honestly.

5. Lander Shorts | True Bias. Second True Bias pattern moment! It's not my fault they make such stylish pieces. I find it hard to find cute shorts because they are either too long or too short. So, make your own!

5. Dress 47 | Cali Faye Collection. I love the feel of this dress! Hack off a few inches and you've got yourself a Reformation dress. That was easy, right?

But now that I'm thinking about it, I don't need Coachella as an excuse to sew all these up... ;)

Spoonflower Fruit Favorites

I love the amount of prints that Spoonflower has to offer! No, this is not sponsored. I'm just really excited to try their sport lycra. Coming in at $32 a yard, it's not cheap. Thankfully, swimsuits don't require that much fabric. So, here are a few fruit fabrics to inspire your next swimsuit!

Some inspiration:

favorites: 4 etsy fabrics

Stylish Fabrics  is one of my favorite shops on Etsy. I've had some great luck ordering from there, you know me...I hate online fabric shopping. Here are four picks that I'm loving to inspire your upcoming sewing projects!

1. I think the Penny Raglan would look stunning in olive!

2. This black french terry would make a great Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studios.

3. Okay...another Penny Raglan!

4. Might need a lining, but this would look so pretty as M7834 View B!