The Mimi Shirt, Adorably Chic

Sometimes when you're neck deep in a project of one type it can be energizing to work on a quick project of a different type. I'm sewing furiously behind the scenes on some lovely dresses for my sister's upcoming mid-October wedding. Thank heavens for my commitment to Pattern Parcel -- I don't know that I would have taken the break if it had not been scheduled for me (by me) in advance. But sewing a quick knit top, straight from a pattern felt like a breath of fresh air this week amid my fury of woven fabrics and pattern alterations.

The Mimi Dress & Shirt is just one of five patterns (plus a sixth, bonus pattern) included in Pattern Parcel #5: Girls & Tweens | The Inspired Wren

Everyday Wear for the Holidays

When you sew regularly for kids and the holidays roll around you immediately think of Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving outfits, and fancy dresses for Christmas. But don't forget the holiday wear for the everyday events: the casual seasonal concerts, the trip to the pumpkin patch, the Thanksgiving lunch at school, the nighttime cuddles. 

Sew everyday wear for the holidays with large-print quilting cotton appliques. | The Inspired Wren

Today I'm over at Mabey She Made It with a quick tutorial on making seasonal appliqués with basic sewing tools. Grab a large-print seasonal quilting cotton and head on over to learn more.


Ren Murphy writes for The Inspired Wren.
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You should really see all that goes into each project!
From my marathon sewing sessions, to all that I do when I should be sewing, catch daily updates on Instagram (and Flickr) of works-in-progress. Get that behind the scenes view you’re looking for, and sneak peeks of First Tuesday Tutorials, too.
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Inspire Us Thursday, September 25!

It's Inspire Us Thursday! Time to show it off and link it up! Link up your creations in fiber: sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, the fiber of your choice.

Today, try to click on a project in the opposite colorway of the project you linked or are currently working on. Click across the color wheel: for example, if your project is something predominately blue, click on something mostly orange. Who knows what you'll find. If we only fill our creative wells with projects and styles like our own, our wells, and therefore our work, will become stagnant. Time to look around and see what else is out there.

Inspire Us Thursday: Sew Needle Stitch Hook | September 25 Feature | The Inspired Wren
Last week's most viewed link: Julie of The Sum of Their Stories linked up this bright and happy Diamond Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket -- click through to see how she breaks down the pattern with great detail.


Couch Craft: Tiny Crochet Hat, Perfect (and Quick!)

Brand new babies are the best. I know one scheduled to arrive in less than a week. Eight months ago I made a pair of too cute pants for this not-yet-newborn. But as his arrival gets closer I couldn't help but make him a little something else. 

Crochet Cables Baby Beanie | A tiny cap for a brand new baby is a wonderfully satisfying and super quick crochet project. | The Inspired Wren

Inspired Us Thursday, September 18!

Time to show it off and link it up! It's Inspire Us Thursday! Link up your creations in fiber: sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, whatever.

Today, click on the link just before yours regardless of the medium. Who knows what you'll find. If we only fill our creative wells with projects and styles like our own, our wells, and therefore our work, will become stagnant. Time to look around and see what else is out there.

Last week's most view link: This gorgeous Dip-Dyed Cardigan from Work Pray Sew -- and it was her first time dip-dying! Click through to read more about it, including the modifications Angela made to the original pattern.


Small Fry Skinny Jeans Rock My World!

You guys! This pattern. I have a new favorite pattern.

Small Fry Skinny Jeans by Titchy Threads | The Inspired Wren


Inspire Us Thursday, September 11!

It's Inspire Us Thursday! Time to show it off and link it up! Link up your creations in fiber: sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, whatever. Then stick around to click around and be inspired by all the amazing work out there.

Today, try to click on a link in a medium different from what you linked up: if you're a quilter, click on a knit project; if you crochet, click on something sewn. Inspiration can come from so many different sources. If we only fill our creative wells with projects and styles like our own, our wells, and therefore our work, will become stagnant. Time to look around and see what else is out there.

Inspire Us Thursday, September 11 Feature on The Inspired Wren
Last week's most viewed link: You have to click over to see this fabulous collection of dresses with flounces and hoods (love it) at Roby Giup Handmade. This one is my favorite because the ombré flounces mimic waves so beautifully.


The First Day of School (Marathon-Sewn) Dress

So this happened.

Documenting an Oliver + S Library Dress sewn for the First Day of School (Kindergarten!) in one marathon session 12 hours before the school bus arrived. | The Inspired Wren

Kindergarten. First Day. And I was okay. Really, not a tear. I had spent all of my nervous energy the night before in a frenzy of sewing a dress from start to completion. If you follow me on Instagram this is old news, but here's how it went down.

TUTORIAL: Pocket Tissue Pack Cover

Sew up this quick, self-binding Pocket Tissue Pack Cover to help you smile through the sniffles.

This month's tutorial is a quick one as I play catch up from a Summer's-full back-log. But it's one I needed. As we head back to school and into fall, I foresee many sniffles and runny noses. I'll stash a pack of pocket tissues in my bag and another in my coat pocket, so I whipped up these quick, self-binding pocket tissue packet covers from my scrap stash to make me smile every time I have to reach for one. And you can, too.

Pocket Tissue Pack Cover | Tutorial for sewing a self-binding Tissue Pack Cover with a vertical OR horizontal opening. | The Inspired Wren



Inspire Us Thursday, September 4!

It's Inspire Us Thursday! I am always awed by all the talent out there. Inspiration can come from so many different places and styles. Come share the fruits of your talent here. Inspire us with your creations, whether it be yarn, thread, fabric or floss. Show it off and link it up! Then click around and see if you can find the inspiration for your next project.
Last week's most viewed link: These GORGEOUS quilts from Glory Be Quilter. Be sure to click through to see her new sewing machine found for a steal!