Graduates

Another round of students have graduated @SewMoni :-)

Diamonds are a Crafter's Best Friend

Image via Kate Lilley of Mini-eco

Learn from the one of the best paper crafters, Kate Lilley of Mini-eco, and check out her 3D paper diamonds!
How to make your own you ask?
1. Download and print Kate's template onto colored paper. Cut around the dotted line.
2. Score along the dotted lines using a ruler and needle
3. Turn the piece over and lightly bend along the scored lines.
4. Use a glue stick to glue the flaps in place one at a time.

Image via Kate Lilley of Mini-eco

Image via Kate Lilley of Mini-eco

Color

I can't remember where I was when I took this photo but it reminds me of one thing:

Wheel O Fortune.

May I have an E please?

Xx-

Moni

Cause You've Got to Have Faith

This has to be one of my favorite songs of all time!
Faith by George Michael

Office Supply Chic

Image via Real Simple

Give your desk a quick facelift by showing off your postcards, vacation pics and notes with the help of binder clips! Update everyone on your latest news with this easy to change trick.

Foursquare for Crafters?

Were you ever a girl scout or boy scout? I was a camp fire kid.

Do you ever feel a sense of accomplishment or at least satisfaction when you win something? I do.

Also, have you ever dreamed of being in the lead, or at least close to number one? I have.

While this post is not meant to be a commercial, it's in some ways a close friend. Foursquare, a savvy mobile App that boasts "making the real world easier to use", allows me to experience all the above and creatively validates my urge to discover.

If you're not a believer then prepare to be intrigued because it's A. Entertaining and B. Doesn't talk back. Take that seam ripper!

Here's a few reasons why you might enjoy "checking in" from a craft gal's POV:

1. Foursquare is a hub of legitimate tips generated real time from real people. Upon check in or even just searching via the Foursquare map tool, you receive local tips, reference photos and recommendations that you won't find elsewhere. So long editors who write about a places they've never visited.

2. Coupons and discounts are given to Foursquare users upon check in. Yup, save money while you "play".

3. The badges. I can't get enough of the badges. Currently I've earned both a JetSetta and Handmade Hero badge. It feels awesome and their badge designs are cute--much cooler than my green and brown campfire troup badge.

4. I love their "Leaderboard". It has instigated laughs, jokes and even the occasional flirt amongst my peers. Let's face it, people secretly like to be number one and there's always room for a bit of creative competition, I mean, motivation :-)

Shout out to my girl Leigh Anne @TWWSTW. This Post is dedicated to you and PS. I'm coming after you.

xX-
Moni

Lace Time

There are a few things that I can't live without and one of them is a black half slip. So when I realized my tried and true black half slip was missing I first thought "Shoot!" and second thought "I've always wanted a black LACE half slip!" Two hours later I have a newly designed slip from vintage lace I found in South Brooklyn. It was pretty easy to make and here's how you can:

-Cut a piece of lace that wraps around your hips comfortably and is your preferred length. Mine turned out to be 42 inches wide by 18 inches long.

-Take a quarter inch elastic and measure, while pulling, a piece that grips your waistline. FYI: I'm a size six/eight and cut a 28 inch piece of elastic

-Sew a fold over seam that's a quarter inch wide and then top stitch your elastic onto this seam.

-Finish your slip with a side seam. Add top stitched ribbon along the side seam for a finished touch.

I'm pretty pleased with this design so I've listed it for purchase @GreeneandSunset.com for $30 :-)

If you have any Q's just shoot me an email. XX - Moni

Week-END

I love to sew my own clothes but I also love to discover new clothing lines from 5th Avenue to the dollar store off the Brooklyn JMZ Hewes stop. Today, I found this dress while shopping with @EYEHeart @LordandTaylor by Ivanka Trump. It's flowing chiffon watercolor fabric caught my attention along with its rouged gathering---a perfect summer frock for any occasion.

What about you? What do you like in a summer dress?

Link Love: Graduation Addition

Image via EverlyLane

1. Love these tassel garlands by EverlyLane Design.
2. Graduation Party ideas from Frog Prince Paperie
3. Follow the Dorm Room Diet by Dormify to avoid those freshman 15.
4. Show off your icing skills with these graduation bear cookies by Diamonds for Dessert.
5. The Stationary Place graduation announcements keeps it classy.
6. Customize your grad party with some school spirit! Get these adorable straws in your very own colors.
7. Blankets are a classic grad gift. This wool blanket by Brook Farm General Store has my vote!

Paris

I'll be headed to Paris soon and at the top of my must do list is to find inspiring textiles for our shops. This image is of a vintage scarf I recently purchased while traveling through New Mexico. I absolutely love its color pallet and tribal feel. My fingers are crossed that I'll bring back similar discoveries from France. Stay tuned :-) xx- Moni

The Truth

Link Love: Teacher Appreciation

Image via Ashley Ann Photography

1. "You're a Lifesaver" diy teacher's gift found on Ashley Ann Photography.
2. A teacher's thank you gift with a twist..and a straw!
3. Sometimes a simple bouquet of flowers says it all. Love this version from Giggles Galore.
4. Follow this easy diy from Then She Made.. to create your own basket, and fill it up with some homemade goodies!
5. Crayons are good for more than just coloring.
6. Love from the oven does it right with these adorable apple inspired cupcakes.
7. Show your teacher your love for the environment with these fun Moxie Eco-Friendly writing pencils.

The Gilded Touch

Image via BHLDN

Add some metallics to your big shebang and watch the night sparkle away. All you need to create such gilded bliss are wine bottles, gold and silver metallic spray paint, newspaper, and a well ventilated area to get your gold on. Pair with some cream colored starbursts and call it a day!

Almost Free

Getting a quick bite @ my favorite spot called Motto. It's near our South Williamsburg sewing shop and the apple pear salad is incredible.

April Craft Pop-Up Shop

Nothing like a Craft Pop-Up Shop! We were excited to host 7 local designers and craftsmen on Sunday and are looking forward to the next. Take look at some of the snap shots from the day.

Screen printed tees for little ones! - Big Bridge Studios

Super cute plush toys made from recycled sweaters. - Sweater Toys

Lovely hand painted cards and illustrations by Hartland Brooklyn

All natural soaps and smell goods by BarSoap Brooklyn

New indie line with design inspiration from kitties! - Brooklyn Cat

Lovely stone necklaces and bracelets from Brooklyn Thread

If you are interested in joining us a vendor for the next pop-up shop, please email katie@sewmoni.com for details and registration!

Patterned Pots

Give last years pots a great textile make-over and it's easy too! All you need is a couple of terracotta pots, Mod Podge, a brush, and a couple of fabrics.

 

THE STEPS:

1. Cut a length of fabric that is large enough to wrap around your pot
2. Cut slits in the fabric around the top to allow the fabric to lay smoothly.
3. Begin applying your fabric by coating a small section of the pot with Mod Podge and stick the fabric edge to the pot. Once it is pressed flat and in place, coat that section with Mod Podge.
4. Continue this process around the pot, ignoring the top and bottom of the pot. 
5. Once the outside is complete, trim the top and bottom fabric edges to extend 1" outside of the pot.
6. Starting at the top, fold the fabric into the pot in pleats so that it lays nice and flat around the rim. Coat in Mod Podge. 
7. Repeat this step for the bottom making sure that your pleats lay smooth so the bottom of your pot remains level. 
8. Give the pot one final coat, and make sure any loose flaps are coated.
9. Allow your pot to dry.

 * Recommended for indoor use only as rain will wash away the Mod Podge. 

Images via Christine Chitnis

The Doily Note

Image via The House of Hearts

Doilies aren't just for Valentine's Day. Take a cue from Miss Pickle's and put a little hand written doily note in your next package!

Williamsburg or Bust

Now that the new sewing studio is open (phew!) I have a bit more time to reflect and look back. The best part about reminiscing is flipping through all of the iPhone photos I took during the construction of our shop. While rummaging through countless junkyards for the perfect sink might sound tiresome and laborious, I enjoyed every minute of it--and hanging out with Katie---master designer. XX - Moni

Success

It's always exciting to teach and watch students complete their first sewing project. Here are two pics of our April beginning seeing students and their tote bag creations!

Cinco de Mayo

Another Original

Lili from our Intermediate Shirt Construction class finished her denim shirt tonight... It looks totally rad girl!

New Sewing Studio in Williamsburg

We have a new space in Williamsburg Brooklyn on the southside!
Stop by our new shop on 330 S.3rd Street between Keap & Hooper.

What We Do

"Sewing dresses and breaking hearts" - that about sums up our sewing classes. Just sayin'

All It's Chalked Up to Be

Add some art to your table and claim your spot with these chalkboard place mats from Milk Bottles. Drawing contest anyone??