marie-madeline studio

To The Max.

I.am.scared.of.sewing.with.knits.

There.  I said it. 

My Mom has sewn with knits for years, and has always loved them.  When I was a girl Mom made me some darling dresses with knits.  I love the way knit feels, and I love wearing knit-y things.  But, I've always been a little hesitant sewing with them. 

I have made myself a few knit garments, and usually they end up on the side of a-pain-to-sew-with and I-don't-wear-it-long-before-I-get-rid-of-it-because-it-looks-homemade.  I hope someone out there understands.  I'm not a perfectionist for the most part, but I hate it when I sew up a garment and it looks like I sewed it.  Cringe.

Well, the time rolls around again when I voice to Mom how much I would love to have a maxi knit skirt that is cute and comfortable and I sewed it.  And, of course, Anna Maria Horner having just come out with new knits gave the perfect excuse to try ONE more time and get over my fear of sewing with knits. 

People, I'm here to tell you..... I DID IT!!!

That's right!  All those pictures above are photographic evidence.  I purchased a piece of Anna's knits from some of our favorite fabric folks (hi, Quilt Home!), and made myself a skirt.  In fact, I made it in about 1 - 1 1/2 hours one evening.  So I could wear it to Church the next day, of course.  And, I love it. Yay!!!!

This knit is a dream to sew with.  Most of the other knits I've worked with want to catch and slide around, then catch some more.  Then, when you put it on it wants to grab you and cling in all the places you are telling it not to.  Not this knit!  I also just used my regular machine with a stretch knit stitch (because sergers kind of scare me to death).  No problem-o.

So, I guess this means I'm officially a sewing with knit survivor and advocate, right?  I know (because My Mom has told me this for years...) that not all knits are created equal.  So, if you're like me and have sewn with knits and had bad results, pick another knit and try again.  You can conquer!  And, while I'm at it, may I recommend the knits that I used?

Did I mention it's as comfortable as pjs?

If you have any knit experiences (bad or good) do share them!

xoxo Achaia

Modern Prairie Sewing Blog Hop!!

WOOHOO!!! Hooray for Abi's blog hop! Abi was SO sweet to ask me to do a project for her blog hop...especially since I'm not the world's greatest seamstress. Shame on me, I know. Of course, I can sew, but all of my sisters are a whole lot better at it than me. Anyway, this is seriously THE GREATEST book (and I'm not biased!!!). Abi did an amazing job, and every project is so beautiful. Another reason I adore this book is the photography...I was so blessed to get to be behind the scenes, and watch an amazing photographer work.  YOU REALLY NEED YOUR OWN COPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For my project, I decided to do the It's A Cinch Belt. I used an Anna Maria Drawing Room Home Dec for the main belt, and Amy Butler Hapi in cotton for the contrasting side and ties. It was SO easy, and I had it whipped up in no time flat. All of the instructions are very clear, and with illustrations if you're a visual kind of girl (like me). I am so happy with the way it turned out, and even more thrilled that Abi was so tickled!

Oh, and don't forget that Abi is giving away two copies of her book along with two made projects from the book. Go check her blog for the giveaways going on August 29th through 31st!!!

Now, check out all these awesome seamstresses blogs, and see the cute things they made from the book!!

Jenny Fish!August 20th

Pam Kitty Morning! August 21st

Jona G! August 22nd

Melissa P! August  23rd

SewCaroline! August 25th

Melissa S! August   26th

April Rhodes! August 27th

Abiah! August   28th

 

 

 

xoxo, Abiah

Modern Prairie Sewing: 20 Handmade Projects for You and Your Friends

Hi all! Wow!  I can hardly believe it. I really can't. It's been a long few years getting this dream together, and it's been so exciting for me to see it all come together!  SO!  I'm super happy to tell you that I wrote a sewing book - and it's coming OUT to all of YOU this July!!!!  This book is full of fabulously fun and fresh projects that'll be able to be used by everyone!!

This really easy-for-beginner quilt is found in Modern Prairie Sewing! (Who else loves that beautiful red hair?!)

My gorgeous sisters, Apphia & Achaia, show off the Turnabout Blouse. One of the 20 projects you'll find in Modern Prairie Sewing!

These are only a couple sneak peeks!  I'm so excited and can't wait for all of you to have your own copy and show me what all you sew up!!! You can read more about Modern Prairie Sewing over at my blog, The Modern Prairie Girl. 

Let's start sewing!

xoAbi

BIG NEWS... Our Abi wrote a BOOK!!!!

!!!!!!!!!  She'll be back with the details in the next couple of days, so hang tight!

xoxo

Expensive Inspiration: French Knot Sweater

 

Mine.

Theirs.

I admired J.Crew's beautiful French Knot Sweater as soon as I saw it in the catalog a few months ago.  Really, you all probably know me pretty well by now, right?  How in the world can I resist anything with handwork attached to it?  Of course, the price tag stopped me from scrambling to scoop it up.  But then I got an idea.  I'm always up for something that I have to do with a needle and thread so why not try making my own version?  I decided to give it a whirl.

J.Crew's sweater is merino wool, so I wanted to try and find a merino wool one for myself.  I went on eBay and in about 10 minutes found a brand new with tags Banana Republic one (for a fraction of the price, naturally).  Score!

I decided against doing the sleeves as well (even though the J.Crew one has their sleeves done), as they would just be too tight to work with.  Overall, I'm extremely happy and satisfied with my version.  I even used two different colors of pearl cotton to get 'the look'.

I got the opportunity to wear it while we were down in Texas a few weeks ago.  It's amazing for me to look at these pictures today... there I am perfectly comfortable in my outfit, and today it's snowing outside.  Just a few weeks can change everything!  Maybe tomorrow we'll go roll around in the snow.

xoxoxoxo Achaia

Light Peasantries

I am happy to say that my embroidery adventures (starting here and here) have blossomed onto a peasant top!!!

While Nan was here in February, we did some closet cleaning and I came across this white peasant blouse.  The fabric feels wonderful, but I just didn't have much use for a plain white shirt like this.  So, we pulled it out, used my light box and some embroidery transfers from the 70s, and I got stitching!   I had the best time working on it.  I'm a huge fan of embroidered garments, and it's exciting to think that I can make my own!  I already have plans for something else.... I can't wait to share.

xxx Achaia

Walkin'. (an unplanned outfit post)

What I'm wearing:  chambray shirt - from Paps (TJMaxx), white tank - I don't remember; I've had it forever! dipped dyed skirt - at the mall in Indianapolis, ones and twos (that's for shoes) - Target

Taking a walk around town is fun. But when you do with a sister (or 2 or 3) it's really fun! It was so great to be in our home town with family and friends for 2 whole weeks! My outfit....  I have to say that this was on the spur of the moment. Completely unplanned. But I loved it!  This skirt and shirt are my new favorites. I love having pieces of clothing that I love that I can wear through all seasons. After talking with my Nan, I think the next time I wear this favorite skirt, I'll wear it with a navy T-shirt (perfect for finishing off summer!). But since the summer this year in Indiana was so gorgeous, I wasn't over-dressed with this light-weight chambray shirt.

Missing Nanny and Paps (and everyone else) terribly, but we're cooking up some pretty exciting stuff here in the studio!

Wouldn't you like to know?!

love, Abi

Summer Wear

Abiah~ {dress - Boden-birthday gift} {vintage boots - Etsy} {green satchel - TJMaxx} {sparkle bracelet - CrewCuts} {sunglasses - Walgreens} {friendship bracelets - handmade with friends}

Abigail ~ {racer-back jumper - made by me} {pink tee - American Eagle} {flip flops - Old Navy} {straw bag - Target} {sunglasses - Dooley's in Fredericksburg, TX} {camera - Christmas gift}

Achaia~ {Odille skirt - eBay} {melon tee - TJMaxx} {embroidered shoes - Anthropologie-sale} {bicycle tote - Anthropologie-sale}

We realized it had been so long since we last had some fun laying out outfits that we liked!  Since Mom and Apphia were out this morning running errands we took the time to do it. It's always fun to come up with new outfit ideas.  They might just come in handy for our upcoming trip!

So, out of the three cast your vote... which one best suits your taste?  Which one would YOU wear first? (No hurt feelings over here, promise.)

xoxo Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

Sew Summer Dresses.

 

I don't know about all of you, but there's something about summer that spells dresses to me.  All year 'round I love a good dress, but warm weather seems to make me want one extra bad.  So this spring/summer I've been working at "collecting" some great cool summer dresses.  Here's a round-up of some of our favorite dress patterns this year....

1. Vintage Vogue Gathered Bodice Dress.  I recently made this one out of polka dot knit.  I love it!  Because I'm a bit zipper-shy and was using knit I just skipped the side zipper completely... and it worked!  I'm waiting for some navy/white star knit fabric to arrive in the mail so I can make another one for Independence Day (can't wait to see how it turns out!).

2. Retro Butterick Side Swoosh Dress.  I'm sewing this one up right now in a stretcy bright yellow denim.  Apphia has already made hers up in a nice aqua suiting fabric.  The 'swooshy' side makes it a bit more dressy, so it would be perfect to wear to worship or a wedding.  I'm hoping the denim fabric I'm using will casualize it a bit, but either way it's too cute to pass up.  (Oh, and it reminds Apphia and I of a dress worn in Monkey Business... darling!) 

3. Socialite Dress.  I made this one last year and it's so fun.  It has pockets too and can easily can be lengthened.  I've also seen a lady add some little sleeves to it.... too cute. 

4. Knit Wrap Dress.  Apphia just made this one in a watercolor floral knit, and it's darling!  She plans to wear a little camisole with it.  Too, too adorable.

5. Retro Butterick Wrap Dress.  Great dress!  If you'll remember, we've used this pattern before -- right here.  I also used it for the bodice of my ever-favorite Gina dress.  I'm thinking of making another Gina dress actually.  In my humble opinion, it's practically the ultimate go-to summer dress.

6. Amelia Dress.  This is such a cute little thing!  Abigail made one in bright turquoise and pink floral cotton, and it was darling.  I hope to make one sometime.... it's on the to-sew list....

7. Jiffy 1960s Shift Dress.  Confession: I've never made this one, and none of the other girls have either.  But, it's on my favorite-cutest-thing-ever-love-it-must-have-my-own-copy pattern list.  Get a load of that darling collar one, or the bow front one!  Eep!  

8. Evening Empire Dress.  I made this one a few years ago and it remains something I love.  I have a feeling that it will always be something that I love, and appreciate the fact that I spent all that time piecing the fun zigzag skirt.  I think it would be very cute in just one voile print too in the mid-calf length version!

Does anyone have a favorite dress pattern that I missed (I know there is)?  Please do tell!

xoxo Achaia

PS.  Abiah and I also have this neat-o Navajo-style knit fabric that's waiting to be made into some casual dresses.  If they work out like we hope they will we'll have to share them!  xx

The Winner!

So sorry we didn't announce our winner yesterday!  We've had a pretty hectic and stressful week, so we are feeling a little bit behind on everything.  Now, onto the winner....

Congratulations, Helen!  You are now the happy owner of Nancy Zieman's Sew Knits with Confidence book + 4 awesome especially-designed-for-knit sewing patterns!  Please drop us an email with your mailing address and we'll get everything headed your way.  We're sad we can't give a copy to each and every one of you!  The book and patterns are really a wonderful addition to any lady's sewing library, and we'd heartily recommend picking up your own copy here on Nancy's website.  Your knit clothes will thank you, trust us.

Thanks so much for the enthusiasm about our rendering of the Santa Fe Dress!  It was wonderful to hear what everything thought.  Did we mention the comfort level?  As most knit items, it's a dream to wear!

Happy Thursday, all! xoxo Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah