Kids Sewing Week was a great big bust around here. In that it made me want to chuck everything I owned out a window and light it on fire in frustration. Okay, not THAT bad, but I don’t like being completely unable to keep to a schedule…and having to bump this dress to the next day on my to do list every single day made me a little insane.
This took well over the 7 hours of sewing week, mainly because of a lot of hemming and hawing on my part, hesitating on a step that I was unsure about, questioning a direction that seemed counterintuitive…but now that it’s done I’m very happy and will make it again and I could probably easily knock another one out within 7 hours. For this 15 month old tall but lean baby I made the 12-18 month size. It fits really well (which is a relief–picking a size is always a little scary!)
The pattern is good–well written, with lots of little tips and explanations as to why you should do something at that point (helpful for someone like me that wants to read through it all and understand it before jumping in blindly). The experience reminded me a lot of Amy Butler bags and the way I feel while following her patterns. It takes way longer than a more casual pattern or tutorial with lots of extra little time consuming steps, but in the end you have a professional looking item. Worth it in retrospect, but annoying during the execution phase when you just want to get it done and admire your work! My only true disappointment with the pattern is that it is definitely written for sewers without sergers. So if you do have a serger, you’re just using it to finish the edges of unsewn pattern pieces–you don’t get to use it to your time advantage.
When I make this bad boy again I’m going to simplify it by making the back one piece and having the shoulder straps close with a button. It’s really cute on (much cuter than I expected), but the buttons up the back add a lot of steps and I’m not a fan of the way the shoulder straps come together in this pattern. I couldn’t make it look perfectly clean.
(In the above shot you can see the contrasting hem facing–one of those additional pain-in-the-butt steps that really does end up being very cute, even if a serged rolled hem would have been a lot faster!)
One Oliver + S pattern conquered, two more to go before this summer is over!
felicity - Ooooh now those look like fun! Thanks for a great giveaway, and for the inspiration in your blog. I’m a happy follower.
charlotte - I could use these! I plan to make a sewing machine cover with selvedges appliqued on but I don’t have nearly enough. I do have a naked sewing machine!
Charise Randell - oooh….I’d love them. I’m saving mine for a spiderweb quilt!!
Jen B - I think I’d make a bag with them, that way lots of people could see the cuteness!
twila - love your blogs. would love to win!!!!!!
Kirsten in Oslo - Wow what a great giveaway! I just started collecting my first selvege 2 hours ago lol – I was checking the net to see how much to cut extra and decided to cut 1 1/2 inch into the fabric. But I am realising that this collection will take time. You have been on my blogroll for a long time and I always get inspired when you post!
Hugs from Norway!
Sonia - That is such a great give away. hi from Australia.
Monica McNeill - What a great giveaway! I would love to put these to good use. Love your projects & photography.
Colleen - What a clever and sweet giveaway! I love your blog and will add to my reader.
Nancy - How cute is that little tree selvage? I would love to offer a home for them 🙂 Thank you for the chance Traci!
Allison Gougeon - I would love to make one of the cool projects on the blogs with the selveges! gougeonathome@charter.net (Allison)
Sarah - So glad to discover your site through SMS, since it’s adorable! Adding you to my GReader feed now! Those selvages are waaaaay too cute.
Sandi - Oh, be still my heart! I’d love to do a selvage project but I don’t like to cut off selvages – I use them to help square up my fabric before cutting strips. This would be a perfect solution! Thanks for the opportunity.
Jacey - I’ve been saving my selvages as well! Thanks for the giveaway. Ooh, and your Aviary 2 skirt? Awesome.
Marci - I really enjoy reading about your projects. These might make for a fun pillow for my sewing room all stiched together!
Nicci P - Great blog. I have been peeking at it on a regular basis for a few months now and it is always inspirational. I wish I could be as prolific as you and be able to collect so many selvedges, but it would just take FOREVER. So, maybe my odds are actually improving with this chance drawing!
aquaknits - What a fun giveaway! I love all your projects, but especially your Sherbet Pips quilt!!
Christy - wow, cutest giveaway ever. those selvedges are just adorable!
KristyR - what a great giveaway! I started saving selveges a few months ago – one day I’ll put them all together 🙂
Ruth - I really want to make a selvage quilt, I thought it was going to take years to collect enough, fingers crossed it won’t now.
lauree myler - oooh what a great giveaway. i have been trying to collect selvages, but usually only buy fat quarters and they are almost never on them. i really want to incorporate selvedges in my patchwork.
thanks for a chance!
Kait Neely - Eeeeeee! I am working on a selvedge spiderweb quilt right now and this would be the perfect addition!
Jen - Ooh! Enter me in the giveaway, please! I’d love to make a selvage string quilt!
Maggie - What a FUN giveaway! Thank you!
Maggie G - What a FUN givewaway! Thank you!!
Kati - I started saving mine a while ago as well and would love to have more to add to the stack. I have a few ideas–maybe a fun mini quilt.
Corinne Lewis - I am just getting on the Selvage bandwagon. I found a pattern I just can’t live without!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Taylor - I always forget I”m going to save mine and they end up in little bitty pieces before I cut them off. Good job on saving them.
Kelly P - Ooh! My quilt guild just did a tutorial on how to make strip blocks and selvedges are perfect for that! Would love to win this to contribute to our charity baby quilts.
Kristin O - Wow, how generous! Thanks for a chance to win!
Ruth - Oooh how awesome! I love the one with the little trees. 🙂
Marci Girl - Awesome giveaway, I love it!
mori - oooooh! how fun.
love.
nicke - oh i would LOVE them!
Alice - How fun. I have been wanting to collect selvedges and I keep forgetting to do it.
Amy B. - These are beautiful selvages! I would love to make a string selvage quilt with them!
Staci - Of course I’d like to win those fabulous selvedges! Wow! What a great pile of fun. I love how they are becoming more fun and interesting–finally!
Thank you for participating in Giveaway Day!
Julia - How cute! And I love your projects in the mosaic – that bride and groom are too cute. I’ll definitely be coming back for more!
pamw - i love making things with selvages
Tara - My mom collects selvages so I would love to win this for her!
Grace - Oooh I have so many ideas for these! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Becky in Georgia - I’d%20love%20to%20give%20your%20selvages%20a%20new%20home.%20I’m%20working%20on%20a%20pouch%20for%20my%20e-reader%20using%20selvages.%20Would%20love%20to%20include%20your%20stash%20in%20this%20project.%20Take%20care!
Samantha - Oooh! I LOVE selvedges! String quilt, here I come! Thanks for the chance to win them 🙂
Caren - I just saw a mug rug tutorial using selvedges that I wanted to try!
Deb - I’m pretty sure I could come up with something(s) to make! Thanks for the chance to win. I have really enjoyed following your blog :o) In fact, I liked your latest quilt so much I’m making one for our house!!!!
Melissa - What fun fabrics!
Erin Marie - What a GREAT prize! I always forget to save mine, but I see all these awesome selvedge projects that I’d love to try.
Natalie Christensen - I just finished my first selvedge quilt top! I really want to make another for my friend and would love some more to help me on my way.
Jessica - Fun! I would love to win a bag of fabric! I have so many little projects I want to do for my son, I think this would be perfect for them!
alison - This would make a fun project!
Kathy - Beautiful giveaway! Thanks!
Katy~TheCountryBlossom - I would love to win this! Oh the creativity that can be expressed when you have the proper supplies!
J Strizzy - I love selvage projects but somehow I rarely remember to save mine…
Shelley C - I would LOVE these selvadges! I have another valance to make for the sewing room..I need aquas and greens. Been saving for a while but don’t buy fabric that often. Have one window done have a larger one to do…these would so help get me there!
andrea - i save all of my selveges so this would make a fun prize!
Stephanie Granite - I’ve always wanted to try to make something using selvages but I’m not very good at saving them. I’d love to win yours and maybe try incorporating some into mugrugs or small pouches!
shann - Ohh, dear…be still my beating heart! I would BE SOOO very honoured to have your selvedges. I have resenctly fallen in love with the spiderweb seledge quilt and have no hope of ever finishing with out help!
This is the best givaway bag I have seen YET!
ooooohhh so excited……im wiggling in my chair a bit!
JayTee - I love selvedges…they are so fun to use.
Kari M. - I have tons of projects I do with scraps and salvages! This would be awesome!
craftinomicon@gmail.com
Laura - Beautiful blog! And so inspiring. 🙂
Elizabeth - Yes please, yes please, yes please! I’d love to make a quilt out of them but would have to save them for years. So I think I’d just showcase them in some mug rugs!!
Thank you for the chance to win 🙂
zabecc(at)hotmail(dot)com
Katy - Having made one selvage spider quilt, I am hooked. Have so many more in mind; these selvages would come in mighty handy
thanks for the opportunity
Catherine - What an awesome, creative giveaway! My mom has been saving selvedges for me for a bit and we haven’t even filled a tin can…so this would be a fun giveaway to win.
Thanks for the chance!
Dolores @ A Labour of Love - There are some great projects out there, I’m sure I could find something fantastic to do. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to them but I can’t throw out mine either (maybe it’s like a fabric diary).
dxx
Kathy - What a fun giveaway! Never let cute fabric go to waste.
Skooks - I would love to gain an instant selvedge collection. AWESOME!
skooksplayground[at]gmail[dot]com
Skooks - I would love to gain an instant selvedge collection. AWESOME!
skooksplayground[at]gmail[dot]com
annabelle g - Love them…I would have to make a pillow for my library hall bench. Thank you so much for the chance to win 🙂
annabelle g - Love them. I would have to make a pillow for my library hall bench. Thank you for the chance to win 🙂
summer hook-rinehart - I have been saving my selvedges for a spiderweb quilt as well! I love the monaluna by birch fabrics one the most. I even made a bracelet out of some RK selvedges! What a fun giveaway.
Ella - Ooo..I’d love to save up for a quilt.
Candice - Oh, I’d go absolutely BONKERS for this 🙂 WOW!! P-A-L-E-A-S-E!!!
Deborah in Atlanta - Oh, this would be awesome! It would take me a bazillion years to save up enough selvage to actually make something. You’d be providing me a dream! So bring it on!!! Pick me.
Bethany - I always forget to save my selvedges, so I’d be happy to take yours 🙂
Dell - Great giveaway thanks
Limor - I’ve been dying to make a selvage project but I have very few, since I buy a lot of my fabrics from the thrift store and they tend to be odd pieces.
limor477 at aol dot com
Patty D - i would love to win – want to try one of these selvege quilts.
bea - oh. so pretty and bright. Just so happy. I don’t even need the selvedges to enjoy them, I can just look at the picture and be happy.
Mennikelly - I love the selvage string quilts and would love a chance to make one.
Corey Rachael - I just started collecting selvedges in hope of making something with them, and yours would be an awesome addition to the meager ones I have 🙂
rachaelroyce [at] gmail [dot] com 🙂
thanks!
2hippos - using selvages is fun!
Ellen - I love that project with the trailer. It’s cute!
Sharon - I have just started saving selvages, would love to add these to my small collection. Thanks for the chance
Erica - You read my mind! I have been collecting selvedges to make a selvedge quilt for a long time and don’t have enough. I just love them! Looks like you have some beautiful ones 🙂
Nancy Sue - Great idea for a giveaway. I love looking at random selvages, as if they have a family history 🙂
camelama - oh wow oh wow! I’ve been collecting selveges myself, but man it’s slow going. 🙂 I hope to make a quilt out of them someday!
Melissa Corry - Selvages are so fun. I just started collecting them and boy would this boost my collection fast 🙂
Marilyn - What a bonanza! So many cute things to make with selvedges. I always forget to cut them off first and only end up with short pieces. ARRRGH
Sarah - Whoa! Thats a lot of selvedges!
Cheryl - I’d love to make some selvedge pincushions someday!
Rachel - Wow…Those look awesome! I would love, love, love to win these…for my Sister In Law who would have a blast with them!
Sallie - Perfect! I’d love to win! Thanks for the novel giveaway!
Sallie - I’m not trying to enter twice – just didn’t see my first comment post. I would LOVE to win your giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
Selina - I have been wanting to make a bag using selvages for a long time, but I keep forgetting and cutting through them… I’d love to win this. Thanks so much!
Ladybug - I would love to win these. They would look great as book titles fort bookcase quilt.
Alexis - They look like so much fun. 🙂 Would be amazing to win.
Sunni @Love Affair with my Brother - I LOVE quilts and projects that have selvedges, but always neglect to save mine. I have 3 or 4!! So I really want to add these to my stash pile!! Thanks for the giveaway!
LisaT - Im actually saving these for my sis, she’d love them!
Elizabethdx - Oooh, selvedges! I have been collecting mine for a while, but sew so slowly that my collection pales next to yours. I’d like to make a string quilt with them. (P.S. Now I see who came up with the idea to make scarves from the pastry line dobby — thank you! i don’t remember where i saw it, but i used it and love mine.)
Mom C - I visited your blog when you had a ton of the selvage projects you’d made posted. Absolutely amazing! I like to sew 2″ and under strips together and see what I can do with them. I love all the mix of color I get but I’d never thought of using the selvage. Since seeing your blog I’ve been more selective about saving the good edges but I’m a long way from having enough to do anything. Your bag would be nice. Thanks
bc(underscore)hats(at)hotmail(dot)com
Melanie - Thanks for the chance! thurbs8(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Unity - I have seen things made with salvages and been curious to try. this is a really interesting giveaway. 🙂
Thank you for the chance to enter.
Terri B. - OMG! I would love to win the selvedges and make a quilt! Thanks for the opportunity for the giveaway!
Katie - Fun! My mom would love this!
Laura - OH the JOY of SCRAPS!!!
Laura - how FUN!!!
Christie S. - Oh my goodness! The little projects I could use this pieces in. To start….a coin purse.
Emily - Gorgeous photos 😀 There are so many cute things made with selvages these days!
rose - I love the idea of selvedge projects, but only just started saving myself!
RP from BBC {at} gmail {dot} com
rose - inspired by your skirts, I’m a follower now. 🙂
I have plans to replenish my summer wardrobe by sewing this summer!
RP from BBC {at} gmail {dot} com
Kim R. - I’d love a chance to enter!
Thanks 🙂
com
Kate F. - I would love, love, love your selvedges! My sewing budget is tine and I mostly buy fat quarters (and have a talent for getting ones without printed selvedges). I recently made my sister a book wall quilt with selvedge book titles and I’d love to do more with them.
Page - Thank you for a great giveaway!
amy - Thanks for the chance. Lot of cute things to make. Yea!
Rae - crossing my toes over here. 🙂
laura - Wow! Thanks for the great giveaway, and I think you’ve found a new follower! I love blogs with great photography!
June S - I have been working on a selvedge project, these would be great!
Penny G - I love the selvedges that you show and see a great project coming up. I just bought a kindle – COVER. Daughter who loves covered composition books. I think I am in love with the concept.
Sonja - I have been looking at a few tutorials and getting ideas for using selvages but drat if I didn’t go and throw mine out last year. I have been saving all of my selvages this year, like a good girl, and would love to add these to my stash so that I can start my projects!
Yay, thanks for the opportunity!
jennifer h. - Love the giveaway! 😀
hope I’m lucky!! 😀
Jacy - YES YES YES. I would love to make a string quilt with all of those beautiful selvedges! Don’t let those go to waste!!
jacy468 at aim dot com
Amanda - I have a pattern saved for a whale made out of selvedges. It would be perfect!
Amanda - I have a pattern saved for a whale made out of selvedges. This would be perfect!
Sherri S. - Fun! thanks for the chance! I’m having a giveaway of vintage sewing stuff on my blog, Foziewisp. Please stop by! Thanks!
Amanda - Oh, I’ve been saving up mine for a project, and this would really help me get closer to being able to work on that!!
pam - love the selvedges. i have been collecting them but i don’t have many yet
pam - i love selvedges. and your blog is fun
Pam - Hello,
I have tried to collect selvages, but just couldn’t make myself cut the fabric in such a way that they were usable. I really like some of the projects that I have seen made with them. Thanks for the chance to win.
radiya - thanks for the giveaway
radiyas(at)gmail(dot)com
Jocelyn - Oh wow, I have been trying to save enough selvages to make something, anything 🙂 Great giveaway! Thanks for participating in SMS Giveaway Day.
Danette - I could make some wonderful stuff out of these.
Heidi - I just discovered your blog, I am a follower now:)
Your projects are beautiful and very inspiring!
Thanks for the shot at the give away!
Nicole Watson - would love these for mixed media projects!!!!
Cuuuuuuute!!!!
thanks for the giveaway!
email in profile
or
nicmowat (at) gmail (dot) com
Rebecca - I love the selvedges. There was a quilt I wanted to make but I didn’t have enough selvedge. This would be awesome. Thank you for the chance to win this.
Kathy - Oh to have selvedges – I would love those!
CJ - Love the selvedges! I’ve seen some projects recently using them…and after decades of sewing, you’d think I’d have a few, but never thought to save them!
Shannon - Wonderful! I love it. You are so nice to share some of your salvages with someone you might not know.
Anna McD - Thanks for a chance to win!
Phoebe - i love selvedges!!!
Margaret - I’d love to win this big ol’ bag!
Melissa - I’ve been eyeing the quilt that Jacqui from Tallgrass Prairie Studio made from selvedges for a while now but I don’t have near enough yet.
Erin Hutchinson - I’ve never sewn with selvadges before, but one of my co-workers does, and she just lost her mom last week so I’ve been looking for something to bring to her besides hugs and food.
Rebecca - I love selvedge projects, but for some reason never manage to save mine. Maybe this would get me started and would help me remember to do it!
Audrey - I have been collecting selvedges and I need more to make something! Thanks, Traci!
Emily - ooh I have always wanted to do a selvedge project, thanks for the giveaway! bruzzinie@net.elmhurst.edu
Theresa - No way!!! I would love those yummy selvages! My wheels are turning already. Btw, love your photo collage, perfect for showing visitors what you’re up to.
angelina - i’m mmaking a selvedge quilt and i would LLLOOOOVVVVEEEE THIS. XOXOXOXOX
angelina - YOUR BLOG is beautiful! !!!
Heather - Oh my goodness…I can’t believe you are going to part with all these salvages…I have been trying to save up enough to make a quilt this would definitly help out alot. Thanks for an awesome giveaway!
Peggy - Oh I LOVE salvedge and I would so LOVE to make a wall hanging for my craft room… I’ve been saving mine for so long! thanks for the chance to win!
Valerie - I have seen so many cute selvage projects! This is very cool and unique giveaway!
Laura - I LOVE selvedges. Thanks
nadila - I would love to win..love your blog!
mageenadilah(at0gmail(dot)com
Shana Putnam - Oh my goodness. You have no idea how much I am wanting to make a selvage quilt. But at the slow rate I can buy fabric I will be 75 before that happens lol. Only half kidding though. Seriously I would love to win.
Lizzie F. - OOOOOOOOOOOO
Your blog is gorgeous!
Also, I would LOVE to win this, my brain is all-a-flutter with ideas right now 😀
krissa - Fun! I have been wanting to make a selvage quilt!
Jenn - would love love love these! thanks for the chance!
Greta - Funny, I was saving my selvedges for someone else who was collecting them but then after seeing the amazing quilt she made I’ve been trying to save them up again. This would be a great help 🙂
sadie fox - I would love to win! thank you for the chance! I would love to make a quilt.
Taleah - Those are awesome!!
Paloma - I’m so glad to have discovered your blog, your projects are so inspiring! What a nice giveaway as well. Thanks!
Andreina Bates - Maybe some pillow covers for my craft space!
bunchofbees at gmail dot com
Syd - I’d love to win these selvedges!! I saw a purse/bag made using them and it was pretty cute! Thanks for this chance to win.
Suzy - I’ve always wanted to make something with selvedges but I never seem to save mine, these look great!!
Liz - I would love to make a string quilt out of these!
Willa - I have been saving them too but don’t have so many. Would love to play with these. Have slipped some bits and pieces of them into projects.
Alli - Those look cute! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Leigh - Ohh I’ve been wanting to make a project with selvages! Thanks for the chance!!!
Lyanna L - Wow! This is a fantastic giveaway – who doesn’t love selvedges?
Ly
lyannab(at)gmail(dot)com
hueisei - Thanks for the generous giveaway!
I loves all of it ^^
Very useful for me to make small patchwork project like wristlet, pencil case and also wallet 🙂
Jenny - yes! i just started saving my selvages…they are getting so darn cute!! thanks!
sukie - I would selvages! I would totally incorporate them into a quilt
Steph - Sew beautiful! I have a couple of bookmarked projects that use selvedges but it takes so long to save enough!
Pippa Gore - Oooooh! Totally love selvages! Sometimes they are cooler than the actual fabric. I have a picture of a super cute purse made out of selvages that I would like to copy if I win!
Thanks for sharing!
Crystal - I have been trying to collect my selvages but it is a slow process! This would get me so much closer to being able to making something
Candace Henderson - Oh I have been trying to collect shelvage but I think this would totally give me enough for the projects I want to try! Thanks for a great giveaway!!!!
Cindy - Way cool! I’ve always wanted to play with selvedges!
Leslie - this is so great since I alway intend to save my selvages but never do! thanks for sharing!
Cathy - Wow I would love that. I sure hope my number comes up.
thanks for the chance.
cathy
Liz Mouse - You can sew and take excellent photographs?! Not fair, you got too much talent 😉 I’d love to make a dress or two for my girls using pieced together selvages as the fabric. How hip would that be!
Thanks for the giveaway!
liz at mommysaidsew dot com
Melissa - Cuter selvages! Love the one with the trees! Thanks for the chance to win!
karen peachey - Count me in, i adore selvedge!
Christine - I would love them!!! Your blog is great – thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
Ashley at The Feisty Redhead - Offer me a huge bag of ANY craft supply and I’d take it! This is wonderful. Thank you!
Sandy - I just started saving selvages and would love to win these!
Katie - Would love to win those! I’ve seen them in “library quilts” & desperately need to make one for a friend. Thanks for the opportunity.
By the way…I love your bride & groom piece…I think it’s what drew me to your blog in the first place!
Lisa - I have just started to see all of the cute things you can make with the salvages off of fabric. I would love to win yours! So pretty. Thanks for the chance to win!
Krystal - Oh yes! Selvages (and scraps) are my favorite kinds of quilts.
Lisa - I have just started seeing all of the cool things that people are making with salvages. I would love to win yours. Thanks for the chance to win!
Mary - Fun giveaway item! I’ve never thought to save my selvedges until I saw a few giveaways with them and looked up some projects so this would give me a great head start!
Jo - Oh what a great prize! I have been wanting to try a selvage project
Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner - omg, I would LOVE some selvedges!!! I only just started keeping mine after a couple years of sewing…never saw the need before. Silly me!
Edamommy - They are really cute! ^_^ I agree – the trees are awesome!
Mama Lusco - I’d have fun with these! Thank you!
duff - I’m just getting into the whole selvage thing–better late than never!
dawn - I’ve been saving my selvages but this will really help getting enough to make a quilt! Thanks
Annie - Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I love selvages…it would be awesome to get your collection!
shelley - what a great idea and unique giveaway! all together they are beautiful. love your sight, i’ll be back for more inspiration – not just for sewing but photography ideas!
Michelle C - What a lovely giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
amy dame - oh my goodness, this would be AMAZING! i’ve been saving my selvedges, but my pile looks pretty pitiful compared to yours! i’d love to win more!
thanks so much for the chance to win!
robin - I’d love them – thanks for the chance!
Michelle T - what a unique prize–love it!
michelletripper(at)yahoo(dot)ca
Keri Schorah - AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! I live for selvages! But I never have enough for a project/gift! YOU ARE SO GENEROUS to be willing to part with them!!!!!! Love your blog! You have inspired me to take more pics with my kids (actually try to get in them)! KERIHAG at YAHOO dot COM Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!