AUGUST and Hotter than Ever!!

New Category!

I've added a new category called "Baby Dec". This category contains children's home dec fabrics by Moda. These fabrics are precious and are slightly heavier than Moda's regular garment/quilting line. However, they are still wonderful to touch and sew and are simply, Moda. These fabrics are perfect for all your nursery sewing as well as diaper bags, totes, etc. What fun! Patterns will also be added to make some of the above items.

This heat wave has kept me inside sewing like crazy. I have lots of new samples in my Simply Samples!

There are also lots of New Items!

One of my absolute favorite books to come along is "Summertime Baby" by Karen Bosch. It's awesome! I've already made several samples from the book and they are just precious. The pull-out patterns are for sizes NB-24M. The book contains great pictures, step-by-step instructions, technique tips and FUN! You're going to love it - I promise :)

"Frannie" - the ever popular pattern by Lyn Weeks is back in print! The pattern was picked up by the Sew Beautiful Collection and now available. This was one of the most popular patterns when it came out because it is so sweet, different and fun to sew.

"More Sewing with Whimsy" by Kari Mecca is now in stock. Kari's brand new book offers some amazingly unique and precious sewing techniques and patterns. Her use of trims and flowers can turn the most basic pattern into something enchanting!

Lots of new Corduroys have come in (new colors and prints). It's almost time to start thinking about sewing for those crisp, cool days (oh, how wonderful that would be right about now :) Once August arrives, we all know that School Days are upon us and before you know it, pumpkins and turkeys will be on the agenda.

Speaking of pumpkins, I've gotten in the most amazingly orange pique! It's really orange and just perfect for that fall jumper when paired up with my Teeny Orange Floral Lawn!

I've also added a new category called "Ready-To-Smock Kits". These kits are ready to go when you are! They include a pleated insert with smocking design plate, needle and DMC floss to complete. You don't have to think about hunting up the floss or anything - just pick up and start smocking.

There's also a new "Bonnet-In-A-Bag" that's ready to smock...you just pick your floss and ribbon colors!

I don't think it's ever been this hot this early before! We are in desperate need of rain - who would ever think that would be the case in South Louisiana - where everything mildews like crazy.

Never forget the first time one of my son's girlfriends came down from Minneapolis to visit. The first thing she said is, "It smells funny down here." :) Well, yes, it's humidity and what we call gumbo mud and lots of lush greenery. We're used to it - and we don't think "it smells funny"!!

Just thought I would share another sweet picture of one of the little critters that wandered into our flowerbed this week. My husband had the shovel out (thinking it was a rather large rat) and was prepared to do battle, when he surprisingly discovered it was this sweet little bunny rabbit.

I immediately put in a call to my best friend (an avid animal lover) and said we absolutely had to rescue this little one. She doesn't raise rabbits mind you, but much to my amazement, she very calmly told me she just happened to have a rabbit hutch and rabbit chow in her possession!! I told you - she's an animal lover - so there's no telling why :) Ya think she knew I'd be calling her for help?!? She's my personal hero :)

I went back out to check on the little one and discovered not far from where she was sleeping was an entire nest of little ones. Mama rabbit had evidently found the flowerbed much to her liking and decided to raise her family there. The little one above must have hopped out from the nest in search of adventure. We are so glad to know she has a home and will hopefully grow up to inhabit our little piece of land.

Mother's Day 2010!

In celebration of Mother's Day, we're having a huge sale!

Hundreds of sale items - from 10% to 50% off !!

The sale begins Friday, May 7th and will go through Monday, May 17th.

Since we can't send each of you flowers, this is our way of saying have a wonderful Mother's Day.

HAPPY EASTER!

To all of you who have given me such joy and blessings, I wish you a wonderful Easter!

March 15, 2010 - Spring has arrived in South Louisiana! This weekend we mowed grass, trimmed trees, mulched flower beds, and did the annual Springtime cleanup. Everything looked so pitifull from the harsh Winter we had. Won't be long before things will start to blossom and the grass will grow like crazy. We could literally mow twice a week! The Wood Ducks are back and starting a family in the wood duck house on our pond. There feather colors are incredible. Daddy duck is always standing (floating) guard beneath the house where Mama duck patiently tends her nest. Having a pond in South Louisiana brings us a neverending array of critters - turtles, ducks, egrets, herons, all sorts of water birds and our very own Mother Goose. She's the guardian of all the little ones. One day I hope to get close enough to her (she honks and chases you away) to take a picture of her.

Be sure to check out the New Items page. We've got lots of new things - patterns by Favorite Things, new baby shoes by Curby's Closet along with the perfect quilted squares of fabric to make her baby shoes. We also have the latest patterns from Children's Corner - Jacqueline and William & Winnie along with the latest issue from Australian Smocking & Embroidery.

The gorgeous new book from Country Bumpkin, A-Z of Heirloom Sewing, is awesome! I love it! It has some great ideas (I've pictured my latest Sample with a collar idea from the book). It was fun and easy to do and just made the little baby dress perfect. Learning new things in heirloom sewing is always fun! Hope Spring has come to you...it's a wonderful time of year...a time for new beginnings and a time to grow.

February 2010 - Thanks to all who participated in my Mardi Gras Madness sale! Have fun sewing and keep checking back for new items, samples and great sales!

JANUARY 2010 - Happy New Year! May this New Year bring you joy & prosperity.

The newest addition to Adrianne's Attic is our Fun & Trendy Fabrics & Patterns category. In this category you'll find all the latest new patterns designers such as Izzy & Ivy, Pink Fig, Portabellopixie, ModKids, Sew Sensible, Curby's Closet, Oliver & S, Kati Cupcake, Indygo Junction, Jackie Clark and more. It's still a work in progress, but we'll eventually have lots of quality cottons in bright colors and very hip patterns by companies such as Robert Kaufman, Moda, Henry Glass, In the Beginning, Free Spirit and more, as well as designers such as Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Lila Tueller, Sandi Henderson and more! The patterns are great fun to sew and easy for beginners. The fabrics are wonderful to work with and will always make you smile :) Kids love them!

Be sure to check out our latest category - ODDS & ENDS in the Attic ! We've put on lots of magazines (shop copies), patterns (both discontinued and shop worn), ends of bolts of some great fabrics as well as small cuts of Swiss embroideries and laces. Some of these smaller cuts work quite well for doing doll clothes, tiny baby things, patchwork quilts, etc. The prices are great, too! Every now and then we have to clean out the Attic and come up with some great bargains for you!

Check out our Newest Additions - We've added lots of new items, including Baby Entredeux in Pink & Blue, the latest AS&E Issue #88, new colors of Imperial Broadcloth & Imperial Batiste, the latest from Bonnie Blue, Karen Faylor, and Ginger Snaps Revised Basic Yoke Dress. Along with that, there are some sweet new flannels, delicate prints, a precious floral dotted Swiss, gorgeous herringbone shirting, brushed floral twill, laces, smocking plates and more.

Old Fashioned Baby's latest patterns will be here shortly. They are so sweet and fun to sew. How can you resist making those precious little garments for a little one? I know, I can't!

There are a few new Samples to inspire you and several more to come!

Take care and have a wonderful Fall and keep checking back for more new items and Samples!

August, 2009 - Time for back to school preparation! Where has the Summer gone? If you haven't checked out our Newest Additions you need to. There are so many new things in stock - just in time for that Fall/Winter sewing. Gail Doane's book has been selling like crazy and so have the precious new Hand-Dyed Buttons we now carry. They are perfect for little garments and add just that perfect accent to your smocking! The colors are soft and wonderful - and fun!!

June, 2009 - Now that summer has arrived in South Louisiana, I'm definitely spending more time at my sewing machine (it's too hot to go outside for any length of time).

I've been working on some cute little samples and so have some wonderful customers. They so kindly shared their work. It's always fun to see what others are working on.

Bonnie Blue has a new pattern coming out in the next few weeks - Sydney! It's a precious little suntop & bloomers. Check back!

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Also, if you haven't seen Gail Doane's book --

"Sew Cute Couture", you're missing out! I think it's awesome! I want to make everything in there. Gail has outdone herself with this book and since it's a Country Bumpkin publication, everything about it is perfect. It comes with wonderful pictures, instructions and pull out patterns. Everything you need to create the sweetest little dresses and jackets for your girls.

The latest in the A-Z Series has arrived."A-Z of Sewing - The Ultimate Guide for Beginning to Advanced Sewing!!" A wonderful addition to your sewing library.

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Lots of new items have come in over the past several weeks. I've added Maggie's Classics to my pattern lineup. Her patterns are traditional and very sweet. I think you'll enjoy making them. Not sure which one I want to make first. It's always so much fun trying to decide what pattern and what fabric will work together.

Added a new color of Imperial Broadcloth - Wild Coral! It's bright and fun! My husband loves bright colors and thought this one was great. I've also added Candy Cords in several colors. These are lightweight cottons with just a tiny raised welt. They're perfect smocked or made into little summer dresses, romper, etc. The colors are really light and airy.

The new patterns by Bonnie Blue are in - Riley's, Shelby Kate & the revisedHolly & Hunter.

Also in is Evangeline- the latest pattern by Petite Poche. This pattern is a precious little baby shirt & diaper cover. Wendy's patterns are always to sweet.

Finally, there's the new pattern by Love & Stitches called Dainty Heirloom Diaper Set. Debbie Glen has again worked her magic. It's just precious!

Mother's Day! - Couldn't let this day go by without wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day.

April 23, 2009 - New Bonnie Blue patterns are on their way...Holly Hunter, Riley & Shelby Kate!

EASTER & APRIL, 2009 - What a special time of year..everything is in bloom, colors are popping up everywhere, the grass is greener, and the smells are fresh and clean.

I wanted to share with you our little Easter miracle. We have a pond and have quite a few ducks that inhabit it. For the past several years our little speckled headed Mama Duck has given us baby ducklings right around Eastertime. This year is no exception. She sits on her eggs most of the day, doesn't move (and when she does move, she somehow manages - without hands - to cover the entire 12 eggs with tons of down feathers) - an amazing mother tending her babies. Then, almost immediately after hatching, they are in the water. What a precious site those little trailing yellow ducklings are. I'll try to capture the ducklings, but they are very quick and don't hang around for photo ops.

I love my Knockout Roses!! I've never grown roses before, but I have to say these are awesome! We have clay soil and this bush has just taken off and is growing like crazy. I never thought I would have roses blooming :) Now, I want more!!

CORRECTION TO: Iva Leigh pattern by Bonnie Blue....there were a few mistakes in the pattern instructions and we have a copy of the correction sheet. If you need it, just send me an email and I'll send you a copy.

CORRECTION TO: Bailey pattern by Bonnie Blue...there was a mistake made in the instructions regarding seam allowances. All seams should be 1/4". However, in the instructions she indicates that you should "cut down your seams to 1/4", which would lead you to think the seams should have been wider. This is an error. Leave seams at 1/4".

I've been busy sewing samples - I've recently made quite a few Bonnie Blue outfits - Iva Leigh, Bailey and Hallie. I've added some new buttons that are so sweet and delicate. Mother of pearl buttons are really one of those special finishing touches in heirloom sewing.

One of the samples I recently made with Emery by Pintucks & Pettiecoats. I had a great time making this little outfit. I think you're going to love it!

Recently received more Featherwale Corduroys from Spechler-Vogel. I will be adding those shortly. I already have customers thinking about those holiday outfits!

March, 2009 - Spring is here in South Louisiana! I think the temperature today will be 82 degrees! Well, maybe we skipped Spring and we're already in Summer :) It's getting hot here!

Just finished a little swing top and capris. I used the Pintucks & Pettiecoats pattern Emery in a Size 4. The pattern was great to work with and I just love the outcome. It went together quite easily and the fabrics were so nice to work with. I think it's precious :)

Check out the latest from Collars Etc.------ Twirly Girl Hanna! I love it!! What little girl wouldn't want her very own "twirly dress"? If you go to the Collars Etc. website, Trudy shares the instructions (pdf file) for making this precious sundress. The use of fabrics, trims is unlimited -- let your imagination go wild! To view our Hanna pattern, click here.

Mardis Gras Madness Sale!

February, 2009 - Here in So. Louisiana it's Mardi Gras time. There are parades everywhere and it's definitely a party atmosphere. Ever since I can remember, it's tradition that local shops have Mardi Gras Madness sales! So, I figured I'd have one, too!

You'll find lots of Children's Corner pattern at 50% off our already low price. Throughout the weekend and up until Tuesday, February 22, I'll be putting lots of other items on the sale page. Please check back often for updates!

Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone - Mardi Gras is fast approaching - Easter is around the corner. All reasons to start planning your sewing projects for the year and take advantage of our Grand Redecorating Sale!

We have lots of new fabrics, trims, patterns, smock plates, etc. See the What's New page!

Be sure to check our Sale Items page for additional items!

January, 2009 - It's been so long since I've written in my newsletter. It's time to let you know what's been happening here at Adrianne's Attic. We've redecorated and added a few new touches and lots and lots of new items!

One of the new things we've added is the awesome Design Board. With it, you'll be able to visually match colors/prints/patterns - all at one time. You just click on the link beneath the item you like - "Add to Design Board". Your selection goes on the board. You can put lots of items on your board. Then, when you go to the board, you click on the picture of the item and it pops to the center so you can really see it. You can arrange them, move them around or delete them. Have fun!

Our checkout is a bit different, too. It should be easy to use. However, if you have any questions, just let me know.

Some of our departments have been renamed and things have been moved around. See, I told you we redecorated! Hopefully, you'll have fun finding all the new things and seeing what we've changed and improved.

UPDATING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS - Please be sure to sign up using the "Join Our Mailing List" (to the left) . Since we redecorated, we need your up-to-date everyone's email address. You don't want you to miss out on any news or sales!

FROGS GONE HEIRLOOM CRAZY!

~~ Adrianne's Attic hasn't "gone to the dogs" ... we've "gone to the frogs"! ~~

Check out the ribbons lying next to the cute little bullfrog in the picture. These are my wonderful silk satin ribbons. What - you ask - are they doing near a frog?

Well, they were used to make tiny frog belts to hold transmitters so biologists in Oregon could study their wintering habits. They had originally ordered sage green ribbon (what else would go with that lovely skin color?), but I was out of it. So, they settled for ecru and lavender. Didn't they realize that lavender and "frog green" go quite well together?!

We think the frog seems to like her little silk belt. And, this, without a doubt, is the most interesting sale Adrianne's Attic has made to-date :)

p.s. Who knew frogs had a waist?!?

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hopefully 2009 brings you love, joy & prosperity!

Dec. 9, 2008 - Keep checking back - things are happening here at Adrianne's Attic

Dec. 8, 2008 - Be sure to check out the latest issue of Creative Needle (December 2008) - THE BABY ISSUE!  I have 3 little outfits appearing in the magazine.  This is always my favorite issue of Creative Needle because it's loaded with adorable baby garments and ideas!  I know you'll love it!

Dec. 2, 2008 -  A very sweet gal kindly told me I needed to write in my newsletter since I'd been neglecting it for a while now.  Sorry about that.   I've just been so busy sewing and working on the website (and doing a little holiday sewing, too).  I love handmade gifts. 

If you haven't checked out my latest Samples, you need to!  The new Skinny Dip Pique I spoke of earlier sews up beautifully.  I made a precious little Springtime yoke dress with an embroidered collar. I also made up a sweet little Romper & Shirt using a pattern by Creative Needle and Heirloom Imports Jessica floral...too cute! .

Nov. 5, 2008 - Election Day is behind us now and we can all take a deep breath and KEEP SEWING!  In passing a window near my gym, the owner had posted a sign reading "Only 7 Saturdays until Christmas"!!!  Can you believe it?!?  We all need to be sewing really hard to make sure we have those precious holiday outfits complete.  What fun this time of year is!   Happy Sewing!

October 29, 2008 - New from Spechler-Vogel!  Just in, this beautiful Skinny Dip Pique!  It's awesome and you're going to love it!  In stock is white, pink, green and yellow...blue to come later.  The colors are as soft and wonderful as the fabric.  Perfect for all your Spring & Summer sewing - delicate and light.  

October 28, 2008 -  New arrivals!!......

I've just put the new Little Memories plates on the website.  Suzy has outdone herself.  They are so cute!   I think my personal favorite is her Cupcake Party!  Perfect for that upcoming birthday party!

Also new are  three beautiful floral Swiss Embroidered insertions.  They match some that I already had in stock.  Added a couple new patterns by Kay Guiles that you might like.

October 9, 2008 - Can you believe it's already October?  Fall is my favorite time of year.  I find it so easy to be motivated to sew and create rather than during our hot, humid Summer weather!  If you haven't started on your Holiday outfits yet, you better get going!  Time is flying by and it will be here before you know it!  I have lots of gorgeous colors of Featherwale Corduroy in stock.  

I've just added 4 new dresses to my Simply Samples.  Making baby dresses and daygowns is a joy for me!  I hope you take the time to take a peek :)

September 21, 2008 - I finished the Dobby Dot Yoke dress.  I think it's sweet.  The pleats were plump and it was easy to smock.  What a cute little dress!

September 15, 2008 - We survived Hurricanes Gustav & Ike!  Hopefully, that will be it for this year!! 

New items are coming in all the time so be sure to check back often for updates!  I've just received a selection of Moda solids and prints.  One of my favorites was the Dobby Dot by Moda.  I immediately pleated a little yoke dress (to see how it would pleat) and found it worked beautifully.  I'll get it smocked and up on the website shortly.

Also now in stock is a beautiful Cross Embroidered edging and insertion.  These are perfect for that christening or blessing gown.  There's also a beautiful new Lace Group and a gorgeous new color of Silk Satin Ribbon (Antique Gold). 

New pattern arrivals -- The Bodice Dress (Collars Etc.), Summer Fun (Vaune Pierce), Baby Romper (Creations by Michie), Tunic Blouse (Grace Knott).