Looking at this painfully cute patchwork bag, I have no doubt that its maker was inspired by nostalgic dolly Strawberry Shortcake. To you, this may or may not be a good thing...
If you're in the 'good thing' camp, you'll need to get your craft on - as this bag comes flatpacked with full instructions on how to turn it into the real thing. I have to confess to being something of a fan: the colours aren't too cutesy, and the shaping is very tasteful. I can see this making a great carry-all for those who like to knit, crochet or sew. [Via The Bag Lady]
$9 at Etsy
I'm always impressed by DIY-ers who choose less obvious fabrics to make up their patterns (remember the shower curtain dress?) so I was instantly drawn to this delightful dress that Chic Steals made up from a Vogue pattern using Ikea's Patricia fabric. Ikea's a good place to find bold, clean and eyecatching fabrics, which work just fine in dressmaking, even when they're intended for upholstery.
The pattern used here is Vogue v1068: the little sheath dress pictured top left, made here with a more tweedy fabric that's also a great choice for autumn.
Let's face it, grannies are where it's at. They were getting down to the crafty life when we were still in nappies and many of us owe our crafting skills to stuff we have learned from them. Accused of being bit of a granny with my knitting I am rather pleased. To me it's a compliment. Both of my grannies are amazing ladies.
So when I stumbled across the Purl Bee's Granny Square Slippers I had to share. For a start the Purl Bee's patterns and tutorials are all kinds of amazing. They can make anything look stylish or sassy or cosy. Something I learned when I visited their shop Purl Soho in New York and wanted to stay there all day.
Wander over to the Purl Bee blog for the Granny Square Slipper pattern and don't blame me if you find a few more things you are desperate to make.
Having your wedding dress designed and made directly to your wishes is probably the dream of most brides, but not one that's within a lot of budgets. But if you're lucky enough to know a talented seamstress who is happy (and brave enough) to take on the daunting task, it could become a reality.
This silk and lace dress was made by Indiaeden for her best friend's wedding. She was nervous about the reaction to it, but I don't think she had anything to worry about, since it's gorgeous. Have a look at her blog, Lazy Seamstress, to see photos of the bride in the dress (and an added black and blue petticoat). [Via Bridalwave]
Related: Pretty handmade bridal lingerie from Ayten Gassen | HOW TO find the best wedding dress for your body shape
To celebrate today's beautiful weather, we thought we'd bring you this lovely summer dress from Pattern Making.
Doesn't she look cool and happy in her dress? It makes me wish I'd had more faith in the weatherman and wasn't wearing jeans today.
If you want to replicate it there's a very simple tutorial here, and there's a world of opportunities for customizing it. Different colour materials, changing the straps, embellishments or even - if you want to follow an upcoming summer trend - tie dye (go here for a how to by our resident fashionista, Catwalk Queen editor, Isabelle)!
Related: Tuesday Trends: Ruffle-mania - how to add volume to aprons and skirts | Wednesday Wearables: very easy Vogue
If you've got a plain old skirt with no detailing on that's crying out for a 2009 makeover, why not give it a bit of texture and volume by adding ruffles? The style has been huge on the catwalk this season and it's dead easy to DIY.
One More Moore has a brilliant tutorial here on how you can get the look. She's used an apron as the basis for her pattern, but it will work just as well on a skirt. You can either use various different fabrics and prints as shown on the right, or keep to the same texture and shade for very different but equally cool results.
Related: How to make a ruffle sHirt from a shower scrunchie | Make a colourful 'fiesta' skirt from old jeans
If you're new to the art of dressmaking and want to make your first effort a stylish piece you can treasure forever, look no further than Vogue patterns, which has some great projects that are specially designed for beginners.
The Misses' Dress is a simple wrap-style dress that's flattering to all shapes and sizes, as well as an easy option, partly because you don't need to worry too much about sewing in the waist. You can see a finished version of the dress here, made in a summery, floral print.
Related: Pattern of the Week: Burda Style's Coffee Date dress | Vintage Vogue patterns now 50% off at Sew Direct | Free summer dress parttern from Fitzpatterns
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