The Inspired Wren

Fabricated Irish Sewing Blessing -- Now on Totes, Tees, & More!

March! Time for the Fabricated Irish Sewing Blessing first published last year. Go get the FREE printable to frame, or order yourself a tote or tee (with free shipping from society6 for a limited time!).

Top Stitch

From the visible side of a project, straight- or decorative-stitch on the piece. Similar to Edge-Stitch with the only difference being location, top-stitching is visible on the final project.

Edge Stitch

Straight stitch sewn on a visible part of the project, 1/16" or 1/8" from and parallel to the fabric's edge, a seam, or another stitching line. When stitching use the edge of your pressure foot as a guide and adjust the needle position (left, center, or right) to create the distance you desire. Can be used to reinforce a seam or as a decorative finish.

Sherlock-Inspired Cosplay sewn by The Inspired Wren

The game is on, Mrs. Hudson! I may no longer be a contestant but I was too deep in my mind palace to stay away from cosplay inspired clothes for Week 2. This is in my wheelhouse. It was elementary, my dear Project Run & Play readers.

*And by "scarlet," I mean burgundy.

As a contestant on Project Run & Play Season 11, I confess I struggled this first week. I found the "Nothing But Knits" prompt to be so broad that I had trouble narrowing down a look. In the end I love where I landed -- completely self-drafted, constructed of delicate knits, and very much The Peanut's style. But it took sewing and setting aside five (5!) other garments to get there. Let's have a look at those today.

Eeeks! It's here! It's time! PRP waits for no sewer regardless of how many days of leave Mid-Atlantic schools grant amid the Great Blizzard of 2016. (Seven. Seven plus a two-hour delay. Seriously). But! That doesn't matter because I am a contestant for Season 11, Project Run & Play! Read on, learn more, and then GO VOTE!

It's almost February. Valentine's Day is a little over two weeks away. Time to break out the "I Heart [Sewing for] You" print from last year. Never got around to printing and framing it? Wear it instead!

Lock Stitch

At the beginning or end of a line of stitching, set your stitch length to 0 and take a couple of stitches in place before changing your stitch to the appropriate length for your project. This acts as a knot, preventing a seam from unraveling at the beginning and end of stitching. Nearly invisible, it can be used in place of back-stitch or hand knotting.

Classic. Oliver + S Library Dress in blue textured cotton | The Inspired Wren

My final project of 2015 was The Peanut's Christmas dress: an Oliver + S Library Dress with bonus (refashioned) bling!

When I add to my family's wardrobes I make a point to never sew or buy items that would only be good for one use. Unless it's Halloween, then I pull out all the stops for a single wear. Seriously. But that's a post for another day. Today we're talking about Christmas, and stitching up a dress that is perfect for the holiday season, yet wearable beyond.

Back Stitch

Sew 2-3 stitches forward, sew 2-3 stitches in reverse, repeat two-three times. This acts as a knot, preventing a seam from unraveling at the beginning and end of stitching. Best used when the stitching remains unseen; avoid using when top- or edge-stitching.

It's time to show off! Your 2015 Crochet Along Afghan Sampler is complete, so let us see it. Come link up...

Happy Anniversary! The Inspired Wren turns two-years-old this week. Let's take a quick look back at 2015...

Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress into Shirt Dress | The Inspired Wren

Did you know that you can modify the Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress into a Shirt Dress with two very simple modifications? Let me show you how...

Multidimensional or Flat Felt & Pom-Pom Garland | The Inspired Wren

Is there a blank space in your home crying out for some festive cheer? Do you need one more something that you just can't find in the stores? How about this contemporary Felt & Pom-Pom Garland: super fast, machine-sewn, and you can customize it to match your seasonal decor!

I realize it's been all crochet all the time around these parts lately, but I am still sewing! And here's the proof...

Great use for un-used crochet afghan squares: package them as dishcloths! | The Inspired Wren

Oh dear. You started the Crochet Along Afghan and only got a few squares done. Now what do you do with them?! Make them into Christmas-gift Dishcloths -- that IS what you meant to do all along, right?

Crochet Along Afghan Sampler for 2015 from The Inspired Wren | CAL with two crochet squares per month for a complete blanket in one year

And ...we're back! Time to add a border to our Crochet Along Afghan Sampler. Simple. Contemporary. Complimentary.

You've waited (extra long; a week and a day too long) for this moment! It's time. Let's put our afghan together...squee!!!

Crochet Along Afghan Sampler 2015 from The Inspired Wren | CAL with 2 squares per month for a complete blanket in one year!

It's here! It's here! It's the very last square! It's time for Square 10 (of 10!), October, of the Crochet Along Afghan Sampler: Spider Stitch.

Crochet Pattern: Mary Poppins faux straw hat -- uses sparkle yarn for shine! Perfect for Halloween or cosplay. | The Inspired Wren

A crochet pattern for Mary Poppins' Hat. There's still time to eke this one out before Halloween, and thanks to a few requests, here it is!