Archive for October, 2009

Havel’s Sewing is built on innovative solutions for sewists’ and quilters’ needs.  So, when we find a happy customer, we like to hear just exactly what it is that has made them happy with our products.  Check out this review on Sharon Darling’s Quilter’s Review.  She reviews our Snip-Eze, our seam ripper, our machine embroidery scissors and our applique scissors.

Your child’s repetoire of toys probably includes several items from the local department store. Although those types of toys can create great pleasure for children, they often don’t stand the test of time. Or worse, they’re suddenly recalled due to deadly paint or toxic materials used in their production. The Columbus, Ohio company, Little Alouette, created the solution to such problems: totally natural, locally-sourced wood toys for tots and toddlers. Inspired by the “Farm Animals” set, Havel’s Sewing went online in search of patterns for the perfect plush playhouse to go along with such a whimsical gift.

Fabric Dollhouse by UK Lass in US

We found two very thorough tutorials for fabric houses. With a little adjusting to the details, you can create handmade heirlooms that will last through years of playtime. UK Lass in US actually started with a barnyard fabric house and altered the pattern for her tutorial. She created a wonderful fold out playhouse that kids can carry with them with ease. To see her tutorial, click here.

Fabric House by London Mummy

London Mummy has a very detailed tutorial on making plush houses. You could make a whole town of plush props for your child’s imaginative delight. To see her tutorial, click here.

And to find out more about Little Alouette’s heirloom wood toys, click here.

A few weeks ago, Havel’s Sewing mentioned that you can develop your own fabric design and send it to Spoonflower for production.  But what about printing on fabric by hand, at home?  In Amy Karol’s new book, Bend the Rules with Fabric, she has terrific instructions on how to print images, from photos to your favorite sketches, onto fabric for your crafting projects.  She recommends using EZScreenPrint products, which are apparently a cinch to use.  You can learn more about her fabric and sewing projects at her blog, Angry Chicken.

And, for the printing enthusiast, Havel’s Sewing would like to introduce you to Lotta Jansdotter, a Swedish designer who designs for textiles, ceramics, stationery and more.  You can learn more about her techniques in her book, Lotta Prints.

So get some ink and get to work!

Basil likes handmade gifts.

A few of us here at Havel’s Sewing are devoted dog owners, spoiling our rescued pups with lots of rawhide and ham bones.  But, if you want to dress up your dogs for their daily walks, or just add a little sparkle to their favorite sleep spot, you can get to it with these nifty projects.

1.  Anna Maria’s Dog Leash

2.  Designer Dog Leash from The Purl Bee

3.  The b-line’s Dog Collar Pouch

4.  No-sew Dog Bed from ModHomeEcTeacher

5.  Must-sew Dog Bed from The Stitchery

And don’t think we forgot about all the cat-havers out there. Here’s a few projects to keep your feline feeling fabulous.

1. How to Make a Cat Bed from an Old Sweater on WikiHow

2. Sew a Mouse Catnip Toy from About.com

3. Cat Toy Tutorial from Tiny House

So, sew some pet accessories and let your pet walk proud. Your dog will be talk of the dog park and your cat will show off to all her feline friends.

Although you can often find McCall’s patterns for a steal, sometimes we like to try more of what our favorite designers have to offer.  Most of our fave fabric designers offer free patterns on their websites.  And, sometimes, their fabric manufacturers do, too.  Here’s a quick list of Havel’s Sewing’s Favorite Free Patterns:

Amy Butler offers free quilt, yoga bag and tunic patterns here.

Anna Maria Horner offers free quilt and pillow case dress patterns here.

Made by Rae offers a darling free pattern for her Buttercup Bag here.

Heather Ross offers her Medocino sundress here.

Moda Fabrics offers several free quilt patterns here.

And, The Purl Bee offers a variety of free patterns here, including their Oilcloth Grocery Tote (which is more a tutorial than a pattern.)

We hope you like our selection of free patterns. Now get busy downloading and get your sewing machines started!