I’ve been struggling to find a great Halloween costume this year, but I just discovered a project for this:
… and have been dying laughing ever since.
Obviously I will have to alter some of the measurements, but I am only 5′2. I can “make it work.”
Feel free to get your own instructions here for the “Tricky Gnome on Toadstool” costume. Just don’t come to the same party as me, okay?
When buying buttons for your next garment project, do what ready-to-wear brands do! Buy a couple extra matching buttons and sew them to the inside side seam. Then you will have a spare ready if you need one!
One of the biggest challenges for anyone, sewer or non-sewer, is finding that perfect balance between a career and life at home. One Stitchin’ Woman who has managed to combine these facets is Megan Midworth of Dove’s Nest Designs.
Megan creates original bags, skirts, jewelry and more with an incredible variety of techniques, including patchwork, appliqué, and even glass lampwork. Each creation is full of bright colors, whimsical designs and amazing detail.
Megan’s D-I-Y attitude inspired her to take on new projects and techniques early on. When she was 13, she began making clothes for herself. By the time she was 18, she was working on quilting techniques and experimenting with patchwork. She eventually majored in art education at the University of Toledo, where she met her husband in an art class. Throughout college, Megan continued to discover and fall in love with new creative outlets.
Megan Midworth of Doves Nest Designs
“When I see a new cool technique, I get excited. I’m like a little kid. Like, ‘I have to learn how to do that!’” she exclaims.
This enthusiasm has led to some of the most unique aspects of Megan’s designs, such as the gorgeous lamp-work glass closures found on Dove’s Nest purses and the appliqué patterns found on the majority of her pieces.
All of Megan’s appliqué patterns begin as a drawing. Megan never uses a set pattern – she loves making every piece different and one-of-a-kind. Every seam on Megan’s skirts, dresses, purses and wallets are serged and then sewn with a regular machine, ensuring that each piece is durable and long-lasting.
“When I get an idea, I’ll go out and look at the trees, or I’ll research by looking through books about an 
animal.” She draws her inspiration from her family, music, the American Arts and Crafts Movement (“I love the design and detail”), and of course, nature.
“My parents basically instilled that in us,” says Megan, an avid camper and hiker. “It’s important to appreciate nature. It carries over into everything I do.”
Megan’s love of nature has inspired not only her designs, but the name of her company – Dove’s Nest Designs. “Doves signify peace, and a nest is a kind of a home. I have a very close family, so it’s very fitting.”
Megan Midworth of Doves Nest Designs
Megan’s main inspiration, she says, is her mother, artist Cindy McGuire. McGuire began creating one-of-a-kind teddy bears about 16 years ago, when Megan’s little brother was born. Today, she travels all over the world sharing her China Cupboard Bears with collectors and artists. Naturally, this drive and talent had a strong impact on Megan. Megan doesn’t remember exactly when she began to sew, but she does remember her mother teaching her a cross-stitch when she was in preschool. “I was always around it,” she says about sewing. “I guess it all came together from watching her sew and trying to do things myself.”
The best part about Dove’s Nest Designs, says Megan, is that she can spend all day doing the two things she loves most – sewing and spending time with her 2 ½ year old daughter, Indigo. Megan and her husband are expecting their second child in December.
“It’s great to see her grow up,” she says. “And it’s amazing to see some of the ideas she comes up with.” Indigo paints, draws and sculpts – and she has even shown interest in sewing. “She’ll climb on my back and watch me work.” So, has Megan taught Indigo to sew yet? “She’s still too young – I’d say around age four.”
In addition to spending time with her family, Megan loves sewing because “I can be different and people still accept that. When you finish a project and it turns out exactly the way you envisioned it, there’s a big sense of satisfaction and accomplishment,” she says. “I’m just really appreciative that I can do what I’m passionate about.”
Megan Midworth of Doves Nest Designs
Megan is planning to enter the art show circuit next summer, but her main goal is getting Doves Nest Designs established online, through her site at Etsy.com. She loves the online crafting community for their encouragement, feedback and inspiration.
“I’ll get random emails from people who like my work,” she says. “It’s cool for people to connect with you that way, and tell you that they’re inspired by you.”
Megan’s Advice
“Look for inspiration. Look around, look through books – inspiration is everywhere.”
“Everything I make is first sewn with my serger, then with my regular machine to ensure durability and a quality project that will last for years.”
“Remember, if you see something you like, you can probably make it yourself!”
“Keep with it! New techniques can be a struggle, but it will get better if you stick with it. Everything progresses.”
Boat Bag - Groovy Green Sewing is one of the most fun and inspirational ways to express yourself. But sometimes, in the midst of all that creativity, you just might discover a new technique or niche that can be turned into a successful business. One talented woman who has turned her love of sewing into a career is Jenae Michelle, who launched her own line of one-of-a-kind handbags, range of emotion, in 1995. Today, Jenae’s exclusive bags can be found on the arms of senators, lawyers and fashionistas who have standing orders for a new bag each season.
Jenae learned to sew from her grandmother, and spent many summers designing outfits and sewing while on her grandparent’s farm in Indiana. After several of her friends complimented her on a coat she had made for herself, she started making coats for them as well.
“Many custom coats later, I had a beautiful box of scraps,” she explains, “I heard my grandma’s voice in my head – “waste not want not” - and that is how the whole thing started.”
NewWork Hot PinkThe “thing”, of course, is range of emotion, Jenae’s successful line of bags which she showcases at the DC Farmer’s Market every Saturday, rain or shine. She also attends a limited number of American Fine Craft and Art Shows on the East Coast. Her attention to detail and durability sets her bags apart from most garments and accessories on the market today.
Despite several offers from larger companies, Jenae prefers to put her personal touch on each bag. She looked into a variety of options for selling her bags before deciding that the “smaller is better” business model was the best avenue for her.
“It allows me to control quality, make one of a kind pieces and keep the business aspect fairly simple.” She says, “The result is that I earn more money per piece and my customers are able to get high quality work for less than they would pay at a boutique.”
Floral Dot BagThe majority of Jenae’s bags are crafted from wool, which Jenae admits is her “truest love.” Currently, her interests include learning new skills to texture and dye wool. “I feel like I just wanted to learn how to get more and more deeply involved with the process that eventually becomes a bag. Even in the heat of summer, I am excited to get back to making my wool bags.”
For those interested in working with wool, Jenae cautions to always check carefully in woolens for moth holes. Here are a few other sewing tips from Jenae:
“When picking out vintage fabrics, focus on what catches your eye but also consider the quality. The last thing you want to do is put your time and effort into to a piece that won’t hold up.”
“Don’t be fooled that sewing from vintage garments is ‘cheap’. By the time you clean and take apart the garment, it will probably be more expensive - but I find the fabric quality, prints, and colors outweigh the time and energy spent. You will soon get familiar with the old, good labels, and that can also guide your picking and choosing.”
“Take it easy on yourself! Some of the most expensive designs have uneven hems, seams showing, etc. So what if there’s a mistake? Put on some nice shoes and wear it with pride.”
Artist Jennifer Marsh was growing tired of rising gas prices. To make matters worse, every day on her way to her art studio in Dewitt, NY, she had to drive past an abandoned gas station that she considered an eyesore.
Marsh decided to make a statement by combining art, activism and a community feel. She founded the International Fiberwork Collaborative, inviting thousands of artists and students from 29 states and 15 countries to help her create a massive, colorful blanket that could cover the station.
“I wanted to startle people so they would stop and think about it (oil) … and be inspired to make up their own opinions about the situation and how it has affected their community,” she said.
Altogether, Marsh collected over 3,000 panels of fiber, composed of virtually every color and fabric. The panels were crocheted, knitted, quilted ot stitched together to cover 5,000 square feet. The project has been well received by both artists and other members of her community.
Marsh plans on starting a new project as soon as she relocates for a teaching gig. Check back with her website to see what it is and where you can send your own fiberwork to help her out! I know I will!
Grace’s Jump-Up Jeans – Turn a pair of jeans (especially ones with worn hems) into a pair of convertible capri pants. These fashionable, flirty capris include several length options for any kind of weather or activity, like bike riding.
Avoid embarrassing moments and future mending jobs by backstitching seams in stressful areas such as the hip seams or underarm seams when sewing the garment.
Are you decorating your first home or want to add some flair to your family room? Here’s an idea that won’t damage your budget. This accent pillow can be created by recycling those forgotten items in your closet!
If you’re a recent graduate or a concert fanatic, then you probably have a lot of sentimental t-shirts that you’d like to keep around, even if you don’t want to wear them anymore. Turn all of your favorite team, club, and school t-shirts into comfy and cool throw pillows for your room!
Add a special touch of whimsy to everyday towels by embellishing them with your favorite ribbons. These towels are easy to make and liven up any bathroom.
