One Upcycled Shirt for Kids Clothes Week

Last week was Kids Clothes Week. And I sewed. Really I did. Some of it was behind the scenes for upcoming projects; some was by request for The Peanut (must always keep the model happy); and other sewing was out of necessity. But I managed to get one upcycled shirt complete before KCW came to a close.

I Heart [Sewing for] You, Free Printable!

Just in time for Valentines Day, I've whipped up this free printable for your sewing space. There's also a mini-version to use as a tag on your next sewn gift.

Announcing the Crochet-Along Afghan Sampler!

I am going to crochet a contemporary afghan sampler over the course of the year to be finished in time for Christmas 2015; perfect for giving away or cuddling under. And I'm going to make it up as I go. Join me! 

Bundle Up! It's a New Spring Coat

Around this time last year I attempted a new light-weight coat for The Peanut. She's been wearing a coat I sewed for her over three years ago. But when I attempted the new coat last Spring, I was working from a Big 4 pattern and failed to check her measurements against their size chart. A year later it is still comically large across her shoulders and it remains a UFO (Un-Finished Object). Thank heavens for independent patterns, the Bundle Up! blog tour, and the Penny Vintage Coat by Ellie Inspired; finally, a new Spring coat.

Something New: Oslo Cardigan

I tried something new this month! Two new things! First, I used my brand new, Christmas-present, Brother 1034d Serger! Then I used it to sew a seriously drape-y sweater knit! A sweater knit! Yes, this deserves all these exclamation points! These are exciting times!

The Project Run & Play Bubble

[Runs in, throws arms up in the air...] WAIT! I'm here! Don't let January slip away yet! My small Holiday blogging break that I hoped would be barely noticeable kinda grew into a large, obvious break thanks to inertia: a body in motion stays in motion, and this body at rest will definitely STAY at rest unless external forces act upon it. As always the best external force to push me into action is a good challenge. I present to you: Project Run & Play, January! 

Year in Review, 2014

The top five posts for 2014: Lined Canvas Tote, Prop-Up Tablet Case, Simple Mesh Bag, Tissue Pack Cover, and Three-Ten Tote

Happy Anniversary! The Inspired Wren is officially one year-old this week. And it's been an amazing year. Let's take a quick look back...

...and now, another musical interlude.

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

Even when I can't hand make every gift, I still enjoy making the packaging special. So much so that I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to it. There's still two sleeps until Christmas, plenty of time to add a special touch to your wrapping. Unless, of course, you were done and wrapped back in August (go you!) -- just keep these ideas in mind for next year then.

L-R: source; source; source

Hand Sanitizer Jackets, Check!

I'm making my lists. And checking them twice. As of today the teacher gifts are checked!

VOTE! Twelve Days of Christmas Blogger Challenge

It's time to vote! Twelve days, 28 entries, one winner! And it's up to you to decide.

What's in it for you? Twenty-eight awesome tutorials collected in one location! Go! Go check them out and then vote for your favorite -- *ahem* Christmas Forest Pillow or Print, thankyouverymuch.

Sewing for Home!

Friday bonus post: get your home ready for the holidays with these six tutorials!

TUTORIAL: Cozy Tall Tree Pillow

...three free sewn items, two December tutorials, and a Cozy Pillow with a Tall Trimmed Tree. It's not a partridge but it is one more Christmas gift from me to you: sew a cozy pillow with a Tall Tree Appliqué perfect for the Holiday Season.

TUTORIAL (& Giveaway!): The Three-Ten Tote

Three fabrics, ten steps, one lined tote bag tutorial, zero bottom seam; the perfect showcase for your favorite fabrics!

CHRISTMAS! I love Christmas! And I have to work hard to keep myself in check and not over-extend myself baking and making all the gifts for all the people! (Surely, I'm not alone in this.) But as the year draws to a close, and the January anniversary of this blog approaches, I want to make sure I have just the right gift ...for you. How would like another December tutorial? Humbug! That's not enough. How about the actual tote from the tutorial? Read on for an opportunity to get your hands on both, and more!

Marsala: Pantone 18-1428 -- 2015 Color of the Year

Leatrice Eisman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute, describes Marsala as an earthy wine. Last night, when I saw the announcement on the Wall Street Journal website I told Mr. Wren. He asked, "what is 'Marsala'?" I described it as a dusty burgundy. However you describe it, 18-1428 is Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year.

Image source and source

PICTORIAL: Christmas Forest Pillow

Christmas is my most best favorite AWESOMEST time of the year! I can never get enough music! Or lights! Or decorations! [Mr. Wren and I were even married during the Christmas season just so we could have the music, lights, and decorations as part of our ceremony. True story.] Today I’m starting my Christmas celebrating by joining Deanna from Sew McCool for her 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Blogger Challenge. I'm sharing a pictorial for a custom pillow (or print) with a Forest of Christmas Trees to bring the holiday into your home.

...and now, a musical interlude.

PICTORIAL: The Table Running Trivet

Get ready for the holidays by protecting your table with a table runner that doubles as a hot pad (or "trivet")! 

Thanksgiving! I haven't forgotten about it. I'm already planning the dishes in my head that I'll be preparing and serving family style. I'm mentally choosing the serving plates and trays I'll be using. And I'm wondering how I'll protect my table from all that hot food. With a table runner-length insulated-trivet/hot-pad, of course! I've been meaning to sew one since I first hosted extended family for a meal and had to use a mish-mash of pot holders and trivets. As I planned to finally sew it I realized I could make it reversible for year-round use; as I sewed I realized I could write down the directions of my version to share here. So here's a bonus Thursday pictorial post, in case you feel like sewing one up before next Thursday.

Couch Craft: Holiday Crochet Planter Cover (with Pattern!)

Take an inexpensive house-plant and make it special with the Holiday Crochet Planter Cover pattern!

It's almost time to deck the halls with red and green! (I know last week I was all "Halloween, YAY!," and now I'm all "Christmas, WooHoo!," and you're all "I'm getting whiplash over here and what about Thanksgiving anyway?" Welcome to my brain.) The end of November means it's time to change out the crochet planter covers in my kitchen. This month while watch-listening to TV I crocheted up a few Santa-inspired sleeves so my plants can spread the Christmas cheer, and I've written it down so you can, too.

Inspire Us Thursday, November 13!

November! Time for holiday crafting and you've come to the right place to be inspired. ...it's Inspire Us Thursday! Time to show it off, link it up, and click around! Link up your creations in fiber: sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, the fiber of your choice.

Today, find inspiration by clicking on a project the SAME color as your current project -- even if the project is in a medium you don't work in. You'll find inspiration looking at creations made in someone else's studio, who knows where it will take you. But first, click here:

Last week's most viewed link: This clever little Camera Lens Cloth Pouch from Sum of their Stories, keeps the lens cloth safe from falling to the ground -- you'll have to click through to see how. AND it's a tutorial so you can make one for yourself.