New Upcycle Sewing Pattern released by Paganoonoo on December 31, 2014. Happy New Year!

Another upcycle sewing pattern released on Etsy!  Check out the Ashlee Blouse Pattern, flattering on just about every figure type and oh so comfortable to wear.  Perfect with jeans, or make a dressy version. 

Coming soon, The Ashlee Blouse

I've been finalizing my next digital pattern, The Ashlee Blouse, and plan to publish within the week on my Etsy Store. The process of writing a pattern involves making up multiple versions of the garment, perfecting the techniques and steps needed to reproduce the design and then translating that information into illustrations and instructions. 

Upcycling doesn't involve using paper pattern pieces, as in sewing from flat fold fabric, instead it is is built on deconstruction and reconstruction of existing garments. 

One of the biggest advantages of this method is that sizing is self scaling, based on the starting garments.  Anyone that can find a collared dress shirt that fits the upper torso well can successfully make these patterns. 

A pet peeve of sewers the world over is inadequate pattern instructions coupled with confusing & sparse diagrams. Paganoonoo patterns include detailed instructions and step-by-step illustrations to support newer and experienced sewers. Illustrations are on the left, so those with experience can skip right past the written instructions. 

Let's exercise our creativity and start a green sewing movement! 

Happy Upcycling,  

Michelle

Coming Soon:

The Ashlee Blouse completed design

Published in Threads Magazine!

My Threads Magazine article on upcycling is published! The digital copy is available only with a Threads insider membership. Print should be on the shelf or in your mailbox soon. It's the February/March 2015 edition.

Yahoo! 

Upcycled Christmas Skirt with Snowflakes

This year I made a new Christmas tree skirt from two pieces of velvet from my fabric stash.  As I was working on it I thought about my collection of vintage doilies and how much they look like snowflakes - ah ha!  Finally I knew what to do with the doilies - I made them snowflakes on the tree skirt : > .

Before next year I will make a pad to go underneath it so my "snowflakes" are not balancing on the sharp corners of the stand.   Merry Christmas!

My favorite family recipe for Christmas cookies, best frosted cookies ever

My grandmother made these cookies with me when I was little and my family still makes them every year.  Delicious with or without frosting!  Merry Christmas

Grandma Michelle’s  - Christmas Cut Out Cookies

Equipment:

• ·      Heavy duty mixer
• ·      Rolling pin
• ·      Cookie cutters
• ·      Large flat surface to roll on, or use a big cutting   board w/ a wet towel under it to keep it still
• ·      Cookie Sheets, lined with parchment paper
• ·      Rolling pin
• ·      Plastic wrap

Ingredient List

·       5 sticks of butter (salted)

·       2 boxes of powdered sugar a.k.a. confectioners (not granulated), 1-lb each box

·       8 cups of flour

·       1 teaspoon (tsp) cinnamon

·       1 teaspoon (tsp) baking soda

·       ¼ cup milk

·       1 teaspoon vanilla

·       Sprinkles for decorating

Cookie Dough Directions

Start with room temperature butter, soft but not melted.

Using a heavy duty mixer,

·       Combine 1 lb butter and 1 lb powdered sugar until creamed

·       Add 4 eggs, and mix well

In a separate bowl,

·       Add 7 cups of flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda

·       Mix well

Add the flour to the mixer  ~ 1.5 cups at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be stiff.The dough needs to be refrigerated prior to rolling it out, so wrap it well in plastic wrap, and keep it up to 2 days in the fridge.  The dough also freezes well if precautions are taken to avoid freezer burn.

Rolling and Baking

·       Let the dough warm slightly.

·       Place a cup of flour in a shallow bowl & use it for dusting the dough and cookie cutters to prevent sticking.

·       Roll the dough out evenly, about 1/3” deep.  If cookies are different heights they will cook at different rates.

·       Bake at 350° until golden on the edges, ~ 11 minutes depending on thickness

Frosting

Start with room temperature butter, soft but not melted.  Cookies must be cool before frosting.Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar.  Add vanilla.  Add a splash of milk at a time and mix. The frosting should be a bit stiff but spreadable.