MADE: Pilvi Coat

Posted on January 04, 2016 by Jennifer Swartzwelder | 0 comments

Lotta Everyday Style Pilvi Coat - Spool Pittsburgh

I've long been a fan of Lotta's style - not just her fabric and surface design, but her seemingly effortless personal style. Naturally, I was excited to dig into this book - an apparel sewing book with patterns for key pieces to build a versatile wardrobe (and fun accessories as well). It's the type of book that you really should sit down with and look through from front to back to get the whole picture. (Stop by the shop to check out our copy if you haven't already - sale copies should be arriving later this month.)

My first project? The short version of the Pilvi Coat...

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Posted in Lotta Jansdotter, Made, Pattern Review, Womens' Clothes

MADE: Stowe Bag

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Michelle Lancet | 0 comments

Once upon a time when I had wee ones and knitting won the contest for Craft That Feeds My Soul I remember seeing the Fringe Supply Company's project bags referenced on popular knitting blogs. These bags always sold out instantly, or what seemed like instantly to me because, listen people, I did not have a smartphone when my first kid arrived. Instagram wasn't a thing. I had to walk barefoot uphill to the computer. Both ways.

Grainline Studio Stowe Bag from Spool Pittsburgh

I kid, but these bags were very popular and I never managed to get one before they stopped selling them. Fast forward and here we are during a time in which sewing is the craft that's winning most of my creative time. I still wanted one of those bags. So, when Spool received notice of this pattern partnership between Grainline Studio and Fringe Supply Co., we knew it was a perfect match and we didn't hesitate for one second to carry the Stowe bag pattern. Good things come to those who wait!

Stowe project bag Grainline Studio at Spool Pittsburgh

This bag pattern features two sizes and both versions have lots of great pockets for all of your crafty wares. It's absolutely perfect for stashing your latest knitting project, toting your sewing tools to and from a class or your weekly maker gathering.

Generally, I'm not one to go the cutesy route when it comes to prints, but I don't know, the small creatures and the small bag size let me get away with it in a great way, don't you think? These canvas prints are from The Tinies Collection and I'm smitten with them! The possibilities are endless though with fabric and binding choices. I'm already planning out the large size bag.

The pattern is listed as one that an advanced beginner can tackle and the "advanced" part is the application of the bias binding on a curve, but go slow and you'll be fine! Cute and useful bags await!

Not so sure you are ready to tackle this alone? Join us for our Stowe Bag class and we'll guide you every step of the way!

Posted in Accessories, Bags, Grainline Studio, Made, Pattern Review

MADE: Runaround Bag

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Jennifer Swartzwelder | 0 comments

Bags. I feel like I should be using a more alluring word when talking about this, but…there is something really, really satisfying about making bags. For me, anyway. I think it’s the neatly finished details. And the pockets. (Oddly enough, the same things that make me love a hand sewn garment!) The fabric love goes […]

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Posted in Bags, made, Noodlehead, Pattern Review

Made: Plantain T-Shirt

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Jennifer Swartzwelder | 0 comments

I know that at least a couple of our readers have already made themselves a Plantain Tee, and why not? It’s a free pattern from French pattern designers Deer and Doe and has some nice options to make it your own. You can choose from three sleeve lengths and it includes optional elbow patches. I […]

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Posted in deer and doe, free, Knits, made, Pattern Review, Tops

MADE: Wiksten Tova, Two Ways – Pattern Now In Stock

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Jennifer Swartzwelder | 0 comments

Wiksten Tova - Spool pittsburgh

Did you know that we’ve started stocking sewing patterns? Our pattern orders are still coming in, but several are already listed for sale in the shop. One of them is the Wiksten Tova. If you’ve been around the online sewing block, no doubt you’ve seen the Tova in one form or another – and perhaps […]

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Posted in made, Pattern Review, Tops, Wiksten

Made: Ruby Dress

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Jennifer Swartzwelder | 0 comments

Yes, those are whales. Lovely blue whales, and lots of them. As soon as I saw this fabric, I knew I wanted to wear it. It is from a line of quilting cotton called Hearty Good Wishes from designer Janet Clare. It has been discontinued, so I’m sorry to say it’s not available in the […]

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Posted in Dresses, made, MadeByRae, Pattern Review, Ruby

Made: Stylish Dress Book Dress W in Linen

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Jennifer Swartzwelder | 0 comments

This tunic is Dress W from the first Stylish Dress Book. If you’re unfamiliar with this book or the others in the series, it is a Japanese pattern book with dress and top patterns from A to Z…”relaxed and comfortable yet elegant dresses and tops.” It’s also filled with lovely photos. For this top, I […]

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Posted in made, Pattern Review, Stylish Dress Book, Womens' Clothes