Tutorial ~ Easy Dolman Sleeve Shirt for Any Size

Looking for a quick, easy, comfortable knit shirt?  Try a Dolman-style top.  Feel free to make the sleeves larger and lower for a more dramatic look.  Also lengthen or shorten the top to suit your style.  You can also change the look by using different finishing techniques on the edges.  My friend at Jocole Patterns made this great tutorial showing 7 different ways to finish knits and offers excellent PDF patterns to which teach you to sew with knits.  If you have 1-2 yards of knit fabric, 1 hour of time and a sewing machine, you can make this top!  Let's get started....

Please excuse Miss A's bedhead.  She was home sick the day I made this top for her. 

If you use this tutorial, I'd love to see pictures of your finished creations.  Enjoy! ~ Angie

You Did It! Cat in the Hat Dr. Suess Hats

I was so happy to receive a few emails and pictures from readers who used my Dr Suess Hat tutorial this year.  Here are is Nicole's version...love it!

I was also happy to get a sweet email and photo from Tiffany.  She is new to sewing but was able to make a Cat Hat for her son.  Good work! 

I love to see photos of projects you've done using project ideas from this blog.  Thanks for sharing!

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!

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!

Upcycled Shirt to Purse FREE Tutorial

Bugglebee Handmade

I've got bags on the brain!  I love a good upcycling project and a cute, handmade shoulder bag...this project combines both!  I found it over at Bugglebee blog.  She has many other great free tutorials there, so please hop on over & say hello!

I need to make two diaper bags for my nieces expecting in the next 7 weeks.  They both liked this Tohuku Tote from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar.  I plan to add extra pockets inside and may enlarge the pattern for a bigger Mommy Bag.  It looks like a quick, easy project!

Photo from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

Dropped Waist Knit Dress FREE Pattern & Tutorial

My girls would love this cute, comfy knit dress!  Head over to Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom for the tutorial and free 5t pattern.

Updated Tutorial Pages

See those little linkies below my header?  I've added new pages featuring tutorials for Womens, Kids, Bags/Purses/Aprons and Crochet projects.  Pictures of the projects area also posted!  Check out these pages for some inspiration and grab a Mama Lusco Handmade Button to share the love!

Button code available in the left sidebar.


Mommy & Me Trench Coats

Our challenge last week was Puddle Jumping, so I thought of rain jackets.  Mine was made from 'Chic & Simple Sewing' by Christina Haynes, the Trench Coat.  The book only has patterns through size 12, so I added about an inch all the way around to make my own XL size.  This was a super simple jacket to make.  I also made the 25" belt from another project in the book.

Had I known this book was so simple, I probably wouldn't have purchased it.  No button holes or zippers...very simple, beginner sewing projects for smaller, younger women.  If you can rock a baby doll dress, then you'd love this book.  Larger gals like me are not going to find many appropriate patterns.  I only paid $10 though, so it was worth it for the few patterns I will use.

Mally's jacket is from DMK, the Little Red Riding Hood jacket.  I love the removable hooded cape.  The cape is also reversible, so you get 3 looks in 1 coat!

Lastly, here's our Frog Prince.  I used the crown from Little Blue Boo and the frog from ???? can't find the link now. 

This week I'm working on Let's Go Fly A Kite.  Hope to get all my sewing done!

Sunsuit Love & Tutorials

Have you seen the gorgeous ruffled sunsuits out there?   I've been considering making one for my big girls to use as swimsuits this summer but haven't found a modern pattern for bigger girls...Think I'll try my hand at drafting them.

  Here are a few of my favorite patterns and even a free tutorial for size 1 from Little Betty.

Photo from Little Betty blog

Little Lizard King's Sunsuit, size 0-4T

Photo from LLK

Ruffled Bubble Romper by Tie Dye Diva, size 2-6

Photo from Tie Dye Diva