When Allyce was in school they had “Pi Day”, on 3-14 (you know pi is 3.14….). She loved it because she got dessert on her birthday, March 14th TWICE! Both as a special celebration at school (with pie of course), and again at home with her favorite confetti sprinkles birthday cake….talk about sugar overload! So, when we discoved a FREE embroidery design by a super company called Urban Threads, celebrating Pi Day we thought it would be a great way to celebrate Allyce’s 23rd birthday AND get you all a free Pi Day embroidery download!

So, if you have not yet checked out our new bestest (is that a word?) machine embroidery friend, then this is the perfect time to see all of their fab designs. Don’t waste any time either. This free download is only available until March 14th. Not your grandmothers embroidery (I know–you’ve heard that before!) REALLY! Watch for new projects coming on DIYStyle that will feature their edgy embroidery. We think they are way cool………..

And Happy Birthday Girl!!! We love you

This year I made a pact to only give handmade (or at least semi-handmade) gifts this holiday season. I thought you might like to see my favorite to sew, and the one that everyone loved! Polar fleece is so soft, warm and in tons of fab colors and prints, and was perfect for this Pull thru Scarf. These are so simple that you can churn out several, even at the eleventh hour. And, they take very little fabric and supplies (only matching thread), so they are easy on the budget too….and we all need a little help there. I made these out of two coordinating colors and prints, but change them up as you like.

If you want directions for the fleece scarf just add your comment to this post, along with your email address. Let us know what you think about DIYStyle and we’ll send the easy instructions right out. If enough of you give the thumbs up, we’ll tape this for an upcoming DIYStyle episode!

Have a creative Happy New Year!

Need a dress in a hurry? A new DIYStyle pattern is fresh out from McCall’s! M5881 is a super easy sundress, with several views to create your own design-it-yourself style. Stitch one up in a fun cotton summer print for a picnic or barbecue, or choose a solid silk or stretch sateen for that special dinner, wedding or evening event. This is one of those patterns you will be sure to use over and over again…..each time you make it up you will have a completely different look……and it’s SO easy to sew!

When you’re done with your creation, send us your pics of your completed dress at info@diystyle.net and we’ll post them here on DIYStyle! The first 5 Creative Chicks to send in pics of their M5881 DIYStyle dress will recieve a free DIYStyle pattern of their choice! What are you waiting for…….that cute new dress is right around the corner!!! 

It’s time for us to reveal our TGIF Gifts lucky winner of the Dual Duty XP thread pack. Congrats to Kati, your present will be on it’s way to you pronto! And thanks for leaving us that nice comment about DIYStyle

Our next TGIF Gift is not one…………but two gifts!! Allyce is gifting a copy of her very own My Style, My Place book. It’s full of super easy fashion and home dec projects (kinda like we do on DIYStyle!!), just in time for your to create your own gifts for the holidays. AND…….we’re adding a full set of DIYStyle patterns (Lingerie, Coats, Dress and Tops) as the bonus gift! Yes, 4 patterns and the book. What a treat for one lucky Creative Chick.

PLUS!!!

Be sure to leave us your thoughts about what you want to see on DIYStyle on this blog as your contest entry. We love hearing what sewing techniques you need to learn, and what kinds of projects you would like to see on our vodcasts. So, get writing……..you could be our next winner!

 Cindy

Though snow and cold may still be in the forecast where you live, the coming of March always has me thinking spring! Hi, I’m Gena Koning, and I’m helping out on the editing end of DIYStyle vodcasts. It’s been a blast working with this great group of creative, fashion-savvy ladies. Hope you’re getting in on the action and taking advantage of vodcasts, contests, project ideas, and more that this site has to offer.

As much as I love fashion (aren’t Allyce and Melissa fabulous?!), my main sewing interests include charity sewing, costuming, and home decor. With a house under a major remodel, I’ll soon have opportunity to play with rich fabrics and colors to adorn the windows and spice up the furniture. Who knows, maybe I’ll even tackle an upholstery project or two. I’ll be sure to share pix.

As you can see by the photo, I’m about to hatch a baby chick literally any day. The excitement of an imminent new arrival has me thinking of even more things to sew, like eco-friendly, re-useable cloth diapers with their own waterproof outer layer. You can find free patterns and the waterproof fabric (PUL—Poly Urethane Laminate) online. The nursery could also use a new valance and some throw pillows for the rocking chair. Yikes! I’d better belly up to the sewing machine asap! So a special shout-out to all the mama chicks or mama’s-to-be out there. We’d love to know what you’re sewing for your new arrival! We’re thinking a thread on our soon-to-be launched forums on this topic could come in handy for many of you.

Oh, and the hospital gown I’m modeling was actually sewn for me by a good friend in the quilting industry, Rita Fishel. She designed it as a free pattern so people can make cheery gowns for those who are battling illness. There are so many reasons to sew. Whatever your sewing pleasure, be sure to share it with us! Happy spring!

Gena