Make something old new again, and dig into your scrap stash. Our new collection of fun and practical patterns is ready and waiting.
New Beginnings Refashioned Leather Bag
Dear Sewing Superstar,
Upcycling is all the rage these days; why buy new when you can repurpose something you already have — or that you can get inexpensively or even free? Thrift shops are full of possibilities. Of course, you may not have to look any farther than your fabric stash for inspiration.
We have upcycling projects that will help put some of your stash to good use, plus projects that will transform old clothes in delightful new ways! Many of the projects in this issue require materials you may already have on hand. These projects are perfect for seasoned sewists and beginners alike. Get ready for some creative upcycling!
Miracle Makeovers
Coat styles come and go, but leather is virtually forever. You can take a thrift store coat — or a “vintage” coat you’ve had stashed in the back of your closet — and transform it into new stylish purse. This project achieves two goals: it keeps an old coat out of the waste stream, and it gives you a fashionable new purse without the high fashion price tag!
The tutorial for our New Beginnings Refashioned Leather Bag walks you through each step of the process, from choosing the ideal coat to use as the fabric for your purse to the little details on making this a well-constructed purse that will complement almost any outfit — all without having to spend big bucks on high fashion!
At our house, the general rule is you can never have too many tee shirts. They’re comfy. They’re convenient. They’re everywhere… When it’s time to winnow the tee shirt collection, take your tee game up a notch with a little style (and not a lot of work!).
Pastel Perfection Upcycled Tank Top
Enter our Pastel Perfection Upcycled Tank Top. You can breathe new life — and style — into a tired old tee and transform it into a dreamy tank top. Get a jump on your summer wardrobe with something “new” — upcycling for the win!
The New Beginnings Refashioned Leather Bag is a stylish way to reuse a leather coat that’s outlived its usefulness as a coat. You can make the bag for yourself, or make it as a gift for someone special. You can even dress it up with some beading if you’re feeling fancy. When you’re ready to prepare for the dog days of summer, take a tired old tee and spiff it up into something cool and casual. The leather bag and the Pastel Perfection Upcycled Tank Top are just two of the stylish patterns awaiting you in the January issue of We Like Sewing. If you want to make something that will make you look good and feel good, you’ll find it here!
Storage Staples
With so much sewing going on, you need a place to keep your pins handy. Not all pins are perfect for every project, so why not have a special place for your special pins? Besides, can you really have too many pincushions? Of course not!
Shades of Violet Flower Pincushion
All you need to make our Shades of Violet Flower Pincushion is a few pieces of felt and some basic hand sewing skills. In just a few hours, you’ll have an adorable addition to what will certainly become your growing pincushion collection!
This pattern is so adorable, you’re bound to be inspired to make a few more for friends and loved ones. You pick the color combination to suit the recipient. (You might want to make some ahead to have ready as birthday or holiday gifts.)
It seems like no matter how much I organize, I could always use another basket to keep things organized. Simply the Best Sewn Storage Baskets to the rescue! With three styles to choose from, you’ll find plenty of storage solutions here. So get out your favorite sturdy fabric, some pattern paper, and get going! These baskets are also a great way to dress up a plastic planter. Once you get started, you’re going to find all sorts of uses for these baskets!
Simply the Best Sewn Storage Baskets
Simple Stashbusters
Stack and Slice Quilted Tote Bag
Topping our “looks more difficult than it really was” list is our Stack and Slice Quilted Tote. This project is perfect for beginning quilters who are feeling a little adventurous and for more experienced quilters who’d like to make a project freestyle — all while making a dent in their stash.
The Stack and Slice technique — also known as Stack and Slash — lets you improvise your pattern. Through creative layering and cutting, you’ll stitch together a one-of-a-kind tote bag that comes together almost seamlessly (OK; not exactly seamlessly, but you take my point). Pick a bold color combination and be prepared to collect plenty of compliments when you take this bag out.
Take another look at your scrap stash. If it’s anything like mine, it’s probably quite sizable.. Imagine creating your own unique fabric with small scraps from your stash, using the technique of crumb quilting. Quilters from beginner through advanced can use this technique to create one-of-a-kind fabrics. Make our Ultimate Scrapbuster Crumb Quilt Pillow for yourself, or choose a friend’s favorite colors and patterns and make a customized pillow they’ll cherish.
Ultimate Scrapbuster Crumb Quilt Pillow
This project gives you a great way to use up those random quarters and small scraps to create something uniquely your own. Keep this project on your To-Do list and know that you always have a way to put those scraps to good use!
You’ll also want to check out our feature on How to Sew with Leather — this smocking pattern has beautiful texture and built-in flexibility. And don’t miss Fit Fabrics — it’s always good to know what’s new on the sewing machine front!
You don’t have to be an expert at quilting or sewing to make any of the projects in our January Issue. Every pattern in this issue includes a detailed template, pattern notes, and a complete list of the tools and materials you need to succeed. Ready to create something beautiful? Let’s go!
Become a Charter Member of the We Like Sewing Gold Club today, and you’ll never run out of projects or inspiration! And right now, when you become a Gold Club Charter Member you will get instant access to printable, designer quilting and sewing patterns for home décor, quilts, bags, outfits, baby items, and so much more!
When you activate your We Like Sewing Gold Club Charter Membership today, you’ll get access to everything we have about sewing and quilting—all access, all the time:
| Summary of Gold Club Membership Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Description | Your Price |
| 1 Year We Like Sewing Charter Gold Membership | Now only: $59/year! |
| A full year of We Like Sewing magazine—12 monthly issues packed with gorgeous designer patterns with step-by-step instructions, tutorials, sewing tips and tricks, and expert techniques. | INCLUDED |
| Full access to the We Like Sewing digital project library, that’s instant, complete access to every single printable pattern, tutorial, and video we have ever published! | INCLUDED |
| Instant access to We Like Sewing Collections–we’ve created topic specific collections of our favorite projects. You’ll find Christmas, Baby, Summer, and more! | INCLUDED |
| We Like Sewing Videos–watch clear step by step instructions on hand sewing, machine sewing and quilting techniques. | INCLUDED |
| Instant digital access, so you can take your projects with you anywhere. | INCLUDED |
| Stunning full-color photographs for quick and easy learning. | INCLUDED |
Please act now, while this special offer is still in effect for you!
Happy Sewing!
Caitlin Eaton
Editor, We Like Sewing Magazine
P.S. Imagine having 24/7 access to hundreds of sewing patterns and articles, step-by-step instructions, and video tutorials to help you master any sewing project. All this and more can be yours when you become a Charter Member of the We Like Sewing Gold Club today!