Hank & Clementine Fabric Blog Tour

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Hi y’all!! I’m Kari from That’s-Sew-Kari and I am super excited to be on tour for the Hank & Clementine Fabric Collection by Susan Emory for Michael Miller Fabrics, hosted by Phat Quarters Fabrics.  This line is absolutely adorable -- squirrels, gnomes, flowers and apples -- what more could you want?!  There’s also lots of coordinates too.  The fabric combinations are almost endless.  This line comes in two colorways - Sprout (shown below) and Coral (shown above).

The fabrics were so cute that it took me forever to decide!!  I also had to choose patterns from my extensive pattern hoard (fancy name for library...lol).   It's a process, I tell ya!  I REALLY wanted to choose the squirrels but I also loved the apples.  I also wanted to incorporate a new pattern I had added to my collection so I designed my outfit around the apples (Isaac in Mint).  I then chose Coral from Cotton Couture and Roxy in Coral as my coordinates.

To showcase this whimsical line, I turned to Violette Field Threads.  I chose to sew the Mackenzie Skirt and the Clementine Jacket.  I love the fullness of the skirt and the fabric drapes so well.  I also like the waistband has a decorative overlay, adding extra detail.  As for the jacket, this was the first time sewing the Clementine Jacket.  I bought it last month when it debuted but never got a chance to try it! (keep reading and I will tell you why it's not buttoned :P)

The waist of this skirt features enclosed seams.  I took my time to make sure it all lined up.  Here are some simple tips to aid the process.

Tip #1: To gather your fabric as evenly as possible (without a gathering/ruffler foot), sew 2 rows of gathering stitches.

Tip #2: To sew perfectly straight top-stitching, switch to your blind hem foot to use the guide along the seam line and lengthen your stitch length (I prefer 3.5 for thicker seams like the waist seam here).

I had been dying to make this jacket!  I loved that it included princess seams on the front.  I took some crochet-edged bias tape and added it to the center panels before adding the side panels for added detail.  I also included the pockets because .... well, pockets!  I would like to try a smaller pocket next time at the princess seam though.  I chose the 3/4 length sleeves to make it Spring friendly and then turned up the bottom to a cuff to show of the lining.

Okay, so here's the scoop on why my jacket isn't buttoned:  My machine was being a jerk.  Plain and simple.  I can usually whip out multiple buttonholes in 5 minutes, but for some reason, it wasn't having it Tuesday.  I was up against a deadline (of impending SNOW) so I had to improvise.  I sewed some buttons on for decoration and styled it as a blazer.   Although, I think the collar works better fitted, but sometimes you have to roll with it.   

Thank you Gemia of Phat Quarters for hosting this tour! Thank you as well to Susan Emory for these adorable fabrics and to Michael Miller Fabrics, thank you!!

Before we get carried away with the fabulous giveaways (YES, there are two!!), visit these tour stops for more inspiration!