Glitz and STYLO – Modern Kids Sewing Pattern eMagazine

I am so excited for our friends Jessica Abbott and Celina Bailey! They just launched STYLO- it's the first fashion forward eMagazine centered around children’s sewing patterns and style- and it's incredible!! Click here to subscribe (you will love it.) You can also visit Jessica's blog, Me Sew Crazy, to learn more!

We were lucky enough to partner up with STYLO for a fabric challenge in their first issue.  They chose Quarter Dot in Mist from our Glitz collection. We chatted with the six designers about their designs so we could share it with you!

......1 fabric, 6 designers......

Here's what they said about Glitz & STYLO!

Hi everyone, Shannon here from luvinthemommyhood. When I first spotted the new Michael Miller Metallic Collection "Glitz" I got really excited! I got even more excited when I got my hands on the fabric - Quarter Dot Pearlized in colorway Mist! Both myself and my daughters loved it! I knew right away that I wanted to make something that really just let the fabric shine! It already has so much pizazz and personality that I thought a fun and modern high waisted floor length skirt paired with a comfy knit crop top would be a great combo! We had a great time styling and shooting this outfit which is part of the premier issue of STYLO Children's Sewinge-Magazine. You can also find more of my work and designs on my website veryshannon.

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Hello! My name is Hayley from Welcome to the Mouse House and I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be over here today. When the lovely ladies from Stylo Children's Sewing eMagazine first contacted me and told me they were sending me Michael Miller fabric, I knew I would love it, but I had no idea what to expect. When my beautiful mint green and gold fabric arrived, I was in LOVE and knew immediately what I would create. Using my own Caroline Party Dress pattern, I created a timeless and classic dress with a gold peter pan collar, gold satin lining, and a golden tulle kicker skirt. I added a gold belt to it and my daughter was in love. She begs to wear it on a weekly basis and yes, we have even allowed her to wear it to the grocery store! The Michael Miller glitz line is absolutely gorgeous and I hope to get my hands on more of it for future dresses. LOVE!!!

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When you are being asked to be contributing editor to a new fashion forward e-Magazine all about sewing for kids AND on top of that you are being told you will received some secret fabric from Michael Miller to make whatever kids clothes you want THEN you know you have hit jackpot.

I have never opened an envelope as quickly as when I saw the name Michael Miller outside and wow, did the contents not disappoint. I am absolutely in love with this fabric. Gold and mint...yes please!! 

 I LOVE mixing fabrics so I have paired it with this golden/dark mustard colored viscose. I got the inspiration for the dress watching Fashion Police on E! (Love that show btw). They were talking about trends for 2014, lowered waists dresses for women was one of them, and showed this red and white amazing dress. Bingo, I immediately knew that the shape would be perfect for this project. I did not totally copy the dress. My neckline is different and I added a front button placket with big brass gold snaps. The starting point for the pattern is from a Japanese pattern book but I added the flounce, button placket, color blocking and fold up on the sleeves. In other words there is not much left of the original pattern.

Feel free to visit my blog SewingLikeMad for more info on this dress.

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Hi, Shauna here from Shwin & Shwin. I was beyond thrilled to work with Stylo (children's sewing Emagazine) and to get the chance to work with such lovely fabric was great. As soon as I saw the fabric I knew it had a destiny. The gold circles just screamed bubble skirt, so I knew it was perfect for a new pattern I had been working on. I used the Martha Bubble Dress Pattern. I love the fullness of the bubble skirt with the cross over wrap top. I added a gold ribbon that wrapped around the bodice and worked with the lovely gold in the fabric perfectly. It's girly and perfect. 

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Hi there, I’m Stef from Girl. Inspired.  The second I laid eyes on this polka dot fabric from the new Glitz collection, I was in. love.  As if the minty “Mist” color wasn’t perfect enough, they’d gone and added metallic gold polka dots??!  I knew immediately that I wanted to make a dance bag for my daughter, something functional yet also a bit luxurious.  I began drafting a duffle bag pattern and decided to accentuate the fabulous gold.  I quilted a diamond pattern using metallic gold thread, added gold piping, and I even snagged the most perfect gold strapping!!  The bag is fully lined and has straps for carrying it by hand or over the shoulder.  When the bag was complete, I decided it was probably my favorite thing I’ve ever sewn.  If my daughter hadn’t known I was making her a dance bag, I might’ve kept it for myself… This project was created as part of the 'STYLO Children's Sewing eMagazine'.   The Quilted Luxe Duffel pattern will be available soon at thegirlinspired.com. 

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Hi, I’m Lindsay from The Cottage Mama. 'The Little Lady Classic Coat was created merging two patterns from my new book, 'Sew ClassicClothes for Girls: 20 Girls' Dresses, Outfits and Accessories from The CottageMama'. The coat uses the longer length of the Classic Coat Pattern, but incorporates the ruffle sleeve and neck tie from the Little Lady Coat. I wanted to use the metallic dot fabric in a subtle way, thus using it for the neck tie and ruffle sleeve, but also for the entire coat lining. The coat is as pretty on the inside as it is on the out. The exterior of the coat is made from a wool blend fabric which is perfect for added warmth. I incorporated additional gold through the use of metallic rick rack in the collar, down the front of the coat and on the sleeve between the main sleeve and sleeve ruffle. I found several gold buttons to tie the look together. Through the use of the metallic dots this coat is classic, yet modern all rolled into one. Check out my blog for more information!

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Congratulations to everyone involved in the launch of STYLO!

Happy Sewing!

xo

kait 

 

Glitz Up Your Party... DRESS!!

Last week we glitzed up your party... this week, we glitz up your party dress!

Gold metallic in unexpected patterns can add the perfect amount of dazzle to your dress...

If you'd like to re-create the look above, there are a couple options for patterns. Vogue has a good selection of retro inspired dresses-- Vogue 8789 and 2960 would both work well with the Confetti Border in Confection.

The clutch (pictured above) was made with Sleek Chevron in Glitz.

I found a great tutorial for an envelope clutch on See Kate Sew ... you'd just need to find a glitzy pin!

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If you'd like to re-create the outfit that Little Miss O is wearing, just click on the links below!

The dress pattern: Burda's Peter Pan Collar Dress

The dress fabric: Quarter Dot in Mist

The sneakers: OshKosh gold high-tops from Target 

The socks: Eyelet socks from the Gap

The collar is Cotton Couture in Bright White with gold sequins...
 I found a great tutorial over on the blog, Thanks, I Made It. 

(The gold jewelry is from my own stash- I pick it up whenever I see it on sale or in a vintage shop- it's so hard to pass up anything gold and glittery!) 

If you'd like to re-create Little Miss E's dress (pictured above and below) just click on the links!

The dress: Made by Rae's Geranium Dress

The dress fabric: Confetti Border in Glitz

She had cute gold mary jane's... but preferred her bare feet :)

Gold mary jane's: Bow Ballet Flats

Happy sewing!

Glitz Up Your Party!

Glitz is exquisite with its subtly shimmering chevrons and dots. In soft ice cream shades, these prints can show up anywhere--from dreamy wedding scapes to a modern-day retro cocktail dress. With this mix-and-match line, you don't have to be a visionary to create something magical.

We couldn't wait to send our new Glitz collection to stylist and photographer, Trenna Travis- we knew that she would work wonders with it (and she did!) Whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party, a wedding or a little girl's princess party, glitz would be wonderful on the table!

Tablecloth ~ Quarter Dot in Confection
Seat cushions ~ Chic Chevron in Blush
Napkins ~ Sleek Chevron in Mist

Trenna also styled a photo shoot for a retro inspired cocktail dress! I've included a couple sneak peek photos below- Stay tuned for a post about the dress next week!
 

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After I saw Trenna's photos I was on the hunt for some gold flatware... and other pretty gold things. I found some flatware at West Elm...

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...and a D.I.Y. for a striped gold vase from Two Twenty One
(click on the image below for the tutorial)

Not interested in the D.I.Y. gold dipped option? Design Within Reach carries the Midas Collection pictured below...

Need more gold dipped inspiration? Just log onto Pinterest and search "gold dipped"... you can thank me later :)

Ok, I think you've been Glitz Blitzed enough for today-- Don't forget to check in next week when I'll blog about the pretty pink cocktail dress!

~kait

**if you'd like to see what Trenna is up to, you can follow her on Facebook and Pinterest**

MMF Glitz Blitz: Jess Abbott the Sewing Rabbit!

Hello Michael Miller Fabric lovers! My name is Jess Abbott the Sewing Rabbit, and I am honored to be here today.

Gold. Metallic. Polka Dots. 

Is there really anything else that needs to be said?  Lol. When I first saw a swatch of this fabric, I nearly ripped it out of the Michael Miller Fabric rep’s hands. Everything about this fabric is perfection. To be asked to create something with this fabulous material? Well, that is just the icing on the cake.

When working with geometric prints in apparel, I like to break them up somehow.  Which is why I chose to sew ‘Look No. 6’ from the Five and Ten Designs Volume One eBook. The piping design within the bodice was ideally suited to work with the fabric, and really make the dress pop. With white and black being on trend, the gold metallic polka dots make this the perfect kids party dress!

Naturally, every little girl loves her accessories, and this fabric covered notebook is just the ticket. An easy DIY project for showcasing your latest fabric obsession, while bringing your journals to life.  All in under 5 minutes, with no sewing involved.

Materials Needed:
●    Composition Notebook
●    ⅜ yd fabric
●    Fabric Spray Adhesive
●    Ribbon
●    Pins (to hold fabric in place while it dries)
●    Scissors

Instructions:

1.    Measure around the notebook, from the front to the back cover, and cut around. Be sure to add extra fabric around the sides to be able to fold over the front and back cover later. At least 1” all around is recommended. If you are using a light colored fabric, you may want to double up, and add a ‘lining’ fabric. 

2.    On the wrong side of fabric (the fabric that will go against the notebook), spray the fabric adhesive. Do this in a well ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong.

3.    Immediately after spraying, wrap the fabric around the notebook. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles that may appear in between the fabric and the notebook. 

4.    Using your scissors, clip the excess edge at the notebook’s binder, removing about 1” of the fabric. 

5.    Fold down the top and bottom edges of the fabric to the inside cover of the notebook. Repeat for the outer edge. Add extra glue if necessary, and secure with a sewing pin to ensure a firm hold while drying. Repeat for back cover.

6.    Allow the notebook to dry. 

7.    Attach ribbon by wrapping around from the front to the back, and tucking inside the notebook’s cover. Secure with glue. Make a bow with your ribbon, and glue to the front of the notebook. Press down gently to secure, allow glue to dry.

And there you have it, a fabulous recovered notebook!  Utilizing your fabric scraps, and making the perfect accompaniment for your handmade outfit in one fell swoop.

To see more of the dress featured above and the rest of the Five and Ten Designs, Volume One collection, click here.

Thanks again so much for having me here, I absolutely adore Michael Miller Fabrics. 

Happy Sewing!
Jess 

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In honor of our first Glitz Blitz post, we're giving away two bundles of our fabulous metallics!

We'd love to hear what you'll create with it!

*COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED! 
Thanks to everyone who participated-- and stay tuned for more glitz and another giveaway!

***Congratulations to--

Erin who said...
"Definitely summer dress for my tiny toddler!"

&

Little Ella Lu who said...
"This fabric looks so fun! I think it would be great for holiday dresses and skirts."



 

Glitz Blitz!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday! 

I promised an announcement for the month of January, so here it is... We're planning to feature our new Metallic collection for the entire month, hence the title of this post, "Glitz Blitz!"

Several bloggers and creators from around the web have been busy working with our Glitz collection to create dresses, home dec items and quilts. We plan to do a blog hop which will feature all of these artists. I'm so excited about this project and I think it will give you tons of ideas for using metallics!

Here's a sneak peak of the Michael Miller photo shoot...

The Glitz collection will start shipping to stores in mid January!

May your days be merry and bright!

We wish you the merriest of holidays!

And, just so you know, we will be closed from December 25th through January 1st. We'll be back in the office on the 2nd so be sure to check back for an exciting announcement for the month of January :)

I'd also like to debut our new MMF model, Wendy O Williams. She is wearing Chevy Chevron in Garland...

Growing up, we always had big dogs and we never dressed them up-- well, those days are over! I am obsessed with sewing dog outfits, especially for the holidays... Why shouldn't they be festive?! Be prepared for many dog themed blog posts in the near future!

I loved sewing with the Chevy Chevron so much that I decided to make Little Miss O a maxi skirt for her to wear with her jean jacket that she loves so much. She can probably wear it this weekend since it will be in the high 60's in NYC. I guess there won't be any dreaming of a white Christmas!

I didn't use a pattern to make the chevron skirt. I just measured O's waist to ankle and made a big rectangle. I gathered the top edge to O's waist measurement plus 2 inches and sewed it to a wide red ribbon. The gold sparkle sneakers are from Target and I found the white ruffle socks at Gap. Then we rocked out to some Pat Benatar- I know... Hit Me With Your Best Shot is not the most Christmas-y of songs :)

I found a tutorial over on Simple Simon and Co that would make a great maxi skirt. Just click here.

Looking for a last minute idea for your Christmas dinner table? Trenna Travis created a lovely look using the Chevy Chevron and our classic Ta Dot. 

*Reversible placemat and napkin tutorial from Centsational Girl

*Cute table runner tutorial from Sew We quilt
*Holiday printables from Scrappy Sticky Inky Mess

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I haven't forgotten about you, classic Holiday prints! I made Miss O a dress using Scarlet Poinsettia that is worthy of Christmas day.

I used Butterick 3762 for the dress and the black patent leather shoes are from Target.
My sister-in-law made that fancy gold pine cone ornament that's attached to the gift- I found a tutorial here. 

Heidi Pridemore also designed a new quilt using Scarlet Poinsettia. The free pattern will be available on our website very soon!

 Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy New Year!

xo,
kait and the mmf family

Introducing Indo Ikat!

Indo Ikat by Gillian Fullard/London Portfolio

Doesn't this collection lend itself well to stunning home dec?! I love the pillows that Trenna styled for our Fall catalog. There is also a panel pattern that would make a really great tablecloth or quilt back...

Indo Ikat Collage

I don't have a photo of the back of Heidi Pridemore's design but she used the Indo Ikat Collage on the back of her modern quilt pictured below.

 You can find the free quilt pattern here.

I used the Sunki pattern by Figgy's to make Little Miss O's Dress. It was a hit at the office so don't be surprised if you see it again! 

Oh, and just a helpful hint if you'd like to make a fabric headband-- I added a comb to the underside of the headband so it wouldn't slide out. You can find the combs at most local drug stores, beauty supply stores or online. Just whip stitch the comb to the headband!

Indo Ikat is shipping to stores now! We'd love to see what you make with it- Post your pics on our facebook page or on Instagram (#michaelmillerfabrics).

Happy sewing!

xo,
kait

Laura Gunn- Poppy Remix for the Holidays!

Laura Gunn's Poppy Remix is back by popular demand! Laura checked in with us with a project that is perfect for the holidays!

Here's what Laura had to say about it:

"Red is my go to color all year round.  So come December, it's always easy to work in some Christmas decor.  I discovered a few years ago that my poppies can look quite Christmasy with the right accessories.  And with these red and aqua circle garlands they look so cute and retro!"

"When I was making these circle garlands I wanted to incorporate red and white baker's twine. I also wanted the garland strung on something stronger then regular thread.  So I used an old trick of threading the bobbin on my machine with the twine (regular thread on top) and sewing straight through the garland.  It is so easy!!  A friend helped me make a little video tutorial."

Just click on the link below for the tutorial--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RdgZAxBJenI

Swing by Laura's blog to see what she's up to!