Free Number Templates 1-10 for Applique

Photo from The Quilted Fish Patterns

I'm just starting a custom birthday crown and couldn't quickly find free number templates, so I made my own.  These measure 1.5" high, so feel free to resize to fit your project.  These were created with the free Clementine Sketch font.  Get the free number template download here.  Enjoy!

I've been scouring Pinterest and Etsy for ideas for a Girly Crown and found some great ones.  Check them out on my 'Other Crafty Goodness' Pinterest Board.  Send me a request for an invite if you're not on Pinterest yet.  I'm finding dozens of free patterns & tutorials that I hadn't seen yet in blog-land.  What a great resource!

Sewing for Me ~ Simplicity 2221 Easy Tunic

My BFF gave me some patterns for Christmas and I was finally able to sew for me!  This is Simplicity E2221 cowl neck, 3/4 sleeve view A that I lengthened to mini-dress/tunic length.  I've been wanting to copy one of Jill's tunics like this and this pattern is a really close imitation.  My tunic is made in jersey knit that I found at a 50% off clearance sale at JoAnns last month. It's so comfy! 

I was impressed with the directions for this pattern.  They were easy to follow.  The fit on this top is generous, but princess bodice seams make for easy adjustments.  I took in the back by 4" overall at the waist.  For my mini-dress, I lengthened the skirt to 22".  I followed the directions pretty closely, but did baste & trim down my neck seam before applying the bias tape.  What a pretty seam!

I'm looking forward to trying view B for a summer top or dress.  I highly recommend this pattern.  Read my full review here on Pattern Review.com. 

Super-Sized One-Hour Bag Tutorial

Recently, Sew Can She featured the One Hour Bag tutorial from Ric Rac.  This was one of the first bag tutorials that I found but I'd never made it.   Sew Can She is having a One Hour Bag sew-along, so I jumped in!

I prefer a bigger shoulder bag, so I super-sized the template.  I was out of magnetic snaps, so I improvised with a flap closure with a snap.  Flaps usually are enough to keep a bag closed, but the snap will secure it shut if needed.  My pocket is also bigger and I sewed it down the middle to make a double pocket.  The finished size of my bag is 9.5" tall x 15" wide with a 12" shoulder drop.  It's just big enough for my wallet, organizer & Kindle. 

This bag took about 2 hours with pressing & topstitching then making & applying the covered buttons.
It's a simple, quick bag.  I think these would make great gifts for your favorite friends.  I've uploaded a copy of my template here if you'd like to make a Super-Sized One-Hour Bag, too.  If you use my template, please send me a photo of your bag...I'd love to see it!  Find more versions of the One Hour Bag in Sew Can She's Flickr pool.  There's still time to join the sew-along!

Crazy Cute Jumper ~ Pattern Review

Hailey Bugs Closet just released her latest pattern, the Crazy Cute Jumper.  This versatile jumper is easy to customize by adjusting the length for tunic or dress and mix up the fabrics.  Available for sizes 18mo - 12, the bodice is from knit and the other fabrics can be any type!  I love the jumbo ric rac trim across the bodice and crossed straps in the back, too.  Straps can be attached using snaps or buttonholes - Stacey walks you through either option with great photos & instructions. 

For my tunic-length Crazy Cute Jumper, I used knits purchased recently at a JoAnn clearance sale.  I didn't have any jumbo ric-rac, so I omitted it.  Instead of a wide band, I used a small band of contrasting knit for an enclosed hem.  It fits great and is comfy because of the knit bodice.  My leggings were made using Jocole's Ruffle Leggings pattern (a new fave!)  She's worn this every day that it has been clean for the past two weeks :)

Stacey also offers custom-made clothing and kits to sew your own designs, at great prices.  Find more Hailey Bugs Closet on Etsy & Facebook .  Thank you, Stacey, for allowing me to test this pattern!