Amber's Mouse-tastic Laurel with Applique Collar Pattern

I'm a big fan of Colette's Laurel pattern. Simple to make and simple to wear, it has an easy, flattering silhouette. I've made a few Laurels, both the shirt and the dress version, and it is a perfect wardrobe staple. You can even whip one up in just a couple hours, so there's really no reason not to make a bunch!

Pattern: Laurel by Colette Sewing Patterns
Fabric: Lizzy House Catnap fabric, 1 7/8 yds + 2 yards of bias tape
Size and style made: Version 4, size 2 at bust & size 4 at waist
Alterations: appliqued collar (downloadable pattern below) & buttons

The Laurel is easy to embellish--I decided to amp up the cuteness of this mouse print from Lizzy House by adding a contrasting appliqued collar to mine, and three peach flower buttons. I was inspired by my dear friend Sara's adorable collared Laurels.

If you want to embellish your own Laurel with this cute collar, just click below for a PDF with easy collar instructions and pattern.

Click here to download the collar pattern

What could be more perfect than a springtime bike ride in my mice-on-bikes Laurel? 

Catnap Dress Contest: A Cat Dress for Caty

Well, Fancy Tigresses, you really pulled out all the stops for this contest. I know there is a lot of competition out there, but we are darned proud of everyone and had so much fun making cat dresses. Thanks, Lizzy for hosting an awesome contest and making the best cat fabric!

Caitlin (Caty) Vannoy

1) Tell us about your dress - which fabric and pattern did you use?  

This is Colette's Laurel stitched up in Lizzy's Cattitude in Cloud. It's my favorite print from the collection, and it pairs nicely with the Smile & Wave print from Rashida Coleman Hale's Koi collection. I shortened the sleeves a bit and brought up the neckline for more of a boat-neck. And, of course, I added an adorable cat face complete with a button nose to amp up the cuteness factor!
  

2) What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome for this challenge?

Finding a hypo-allergenic cat to model with.

3) How many other cat clothes do you already own? Can there be too many?

This is the first cat garment in my wardrobe! Can there be too many? Probably not. I already have some cat fabric stashed for a top.  

        

4) Do you have cats? How many and what are their names? Do they like your cat dress?

Sadly, I have no kitties at home. I have never considered myself much of a cat person, but I blame my terrible allergies. I do think they are awfully cute, though (from a safe distance, of course)!

5) How do you keep cat hair off your handmade garments?

There is not enough allergy medication in the world for me to cope with this hypothetical situation.  

6) Why should you win the Catnap Dress contest?

There are so many deserving cat dresses out there! I really stepped out of my comfort zone with this one, and I'm so glad I did! 

Catnap Dress Contest: Becky's Cat Whisperer Dress

Fancy Tiger's fourth contestant to enter the heated Catnap Dress battle is an expert crocheter, the maker behind Becky's Buttons & Things and also works at our sister store, Fancy Tiger Clothing. Needless to say, she's got great style and she couldn't be more adorable in her new Catnap Laurel dress.

 Becky Wareing Steele

1) Tell us about your dress - which fabric and pattern did you use? Did you make any alterations?
I made my second ever Laurel dress from Colette using Kitty Dreams as my main fabric and Cattitude for the interior pocket lining. I took in the Laurel pattern on the sides to give it more shape and added interior pockets to add some extra functionality to the piece.

2) What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome for this challenge?
I learned the hard way that it is important to pay attention when using fabric with a directional pattern. My first dress that I cut out was upside down. The mistake was caught before I started sewing and I was able to start over. I may still make the upside down version of the dress to give me the added motivation to master the headstand.

3) How many other cat clothes do you already own? Can there be too many?
The quick answer is not enough, there can never be too many cat clothes.

4) Do you have cats? How many and what are their names? Do they like your cat dress?
I have two furry babies at home, Charlie & Eva Brown Tail. Charlie is 7 years old and Eva is one year behind at 6. Although Charlie is nearly three times the size of Eva she really runs the household. Both of them are full time Quality Control Kitties at becky's buttons LLC which came in handy when making the dress. We had nightly meetings where they'd pick apart the smallest details and send me back to the sewing machine. The interior pockets were all their idea, they figured it'd be the perfect way for me to always have cat treats on hand. Honestly I've never been worked so hard, although I have the sneaking suspicion that it was all part of their master plan to steal my warm spot in the bed.

5)How do you keep cat hair off your handmade garments?
I think it's less about keeping cat hair off and more about embracing it. If I leave the house without any cat hair on me it's probably a sign that the kitties are upset with me.

6) Why should you win the Catnap Dress contest?
Honestly I already feel like a winner. This is only the second dress I've ever made and just owning this beautiful custom made dress that I'll have for years to come is reward enough. Oh, but yeah I would also really like to win : )

Catnap Dress Contest: Amber's Pleat-tastic Ava Dress

To keep up with the stitching madness here at Fancy Tiger Crafts we have entry number three, Amber! This contest is producing some hardcore adorable!!

Amber Corcoran

1) Tell us about your dress - which fabric and pattern did you use? Did you make any alterations? 

I used Kitty Dreams in Green for my Ava dress. This was my first time making the Ava dress from Victory Patterns. I couldn't resist the fancy-pants pleat action at the sweetheart neckline. I've made two garments from Victory Patterns before this one and they were both happy successes, so I knew I could count on the Ava to be a great pattern!

2) What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome for this challenge? 

Obstacles? This challenge was a dream. I relish the opportunity to stitch up cat clothing any ol' day. I've never ironed so many pleats before, but that was fun, actually.

3) How many other cat clothes do you already own? Can there be too many? 

Well, lets see...I have four other cat garments already, so this is number five and I'm already working on number six. There has been mention by a certain person that maybe I have enough cat clothing...but I disagree with that person. There can never be enough cat clothing!

4) Do you have cats? How many and what are their names? Do they like your cat dress? 

Egon is my only pet and he likes to keep it that way. He is very particular about things, wanting everything to happen according to his whims. He likes to look his best and is most happy when he has his summer do, a lion cut. I think he appreciates style, so yes, he must love this fancy dress.

5) How do you keep cat hair off your handmade garments? 

Cat hair is a major problem with this fluffy beast around. I can never quite get it all off of my clothing, no matter what I do. The sticky rollers are the best, and once I've de-haired I have to leave the house immediately. I've considered dyeing Egon black so I can dress in my favorite dark colors...

6) Why should you win the Catnap Dress contest?

If the contest is judged at all on most pleats, I stand a good chance of winning.

Catnap Dress Contest: Miranda's Parade of White Cats

Next up is Miranda's Catnap entry. Miranda is extra early for the new extended deadline, February 21st! Don't forget to catch the deets here! Check out the amazingness Miranda has created once again!!

Miranda Harp

1) Tell us about your dress - which fabric and pattern did you use? Did you make any alterations?
This is the Emery pattern by Christine Haynes. I love a fitted bodice with set-in sleeves, and this one fits very well. The little back neck darts really help the fit. As far as alterations go, I pleated the skirt instead of gathering it to fit the bodice. The dress is made from the Kitty Dreams print in Cranberry - the deep dark reds and purples with splashes of lavender and tomato red .... check out the orange bobble trim I found to go with it!

2) What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome for this challenge?
Every single time I sat down to sew, I had a little helper. Every single time. So you know what I did? I sewed her her very own skirt.

3) How many other cat clothes do you already own? Can there be too many? 
I have at least three other dresses with cat prints. As soon as I thought that maybe that was enough, the Catnap collection came into the store... I don't have any other clothes for my cats, although sometimes Rilke wears a necktie.

4) Do you have cats? How many and what are their names? Do they like your cat dress?
I have two cats, named Rilke and Juniper. Rilke is a seven year old boy cat, and he is definitely my familiar. He is a huge snuggly beast. The only time he leaves my side is when I'm sewing and that's when Juniper takes over.

 

Juniper is a five year old huntress whose favorite things are chasing bugs and things that smell bad. They love my cat dress - they just think it needs two more white cats on it to be perfect.

5) How do you keep cat hair off your handmade garments?

I do a terrible job of that. I do love my Lilly brush!

6) Why should you win the Catnap Dress contest?

I am really into crazy print dresses - I know I'm going to wear this one all the time! Thanks, Lizzy!

Catnap Dress Contest: Jaime's Cat-Assisted Catnap dress

Here at Fancy Tiger Crafts, we have all been sewing furiously for the past couple of weeks since Lizzy House announced her Catnap dress contest. I mean cats and clothes, who doesn't want to win this?! A lot of us are entering so this week we will feature the contest entries of Fancy Tiger Crafts staff and instructors. Check out the rules and details here if you'd like to participate!

Jaime Jennings

Tell us about your dress - which fabric and pattern did you use? Did you make any alterations?

I made the Miz Mozelle dress by Jamie Christina and used the Cattitude print in Cloud as my main fabric with Cat Mint in Raspberry as a contrast fabric. I didn't alter the pattern - I've made this before and it fits me great so I knew it would be good for this contest. I didn't want to take any chances with trying out a new pattern on a contest time crunch! Also, I love that this pattern lets me use two fabrics and I love making my own bias tape, weird right?

What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome for this challenge?
Teaching cats to sew. I thought it'd be cool if my cats helped me sew my dress, but it was harder than I thought. They really have to work together to get the pedal working while sewing.

Lucy, left and Looper, right work together to hem Jaime's dress

How many other cat clothes do you already own? Can there be too many? 
Well, in addition to numerous cat items, I had already sewn up a Scout Tee out of Cattitude in Raspberry so this is my second Catnap garment in less than a month...it's a dangerous road. Luckily, I don't think you can have too many cat items in your wardrobe.

Do you have cats? How many and what are their names? Do they like your cat dress?
Yes, I have two cats, Looper and Lucy. Looper is a black male who is 16 years old. He likes laying in front of the fire or in patches of sunshine. Lucy is a black and white female who hates vacuums, mops and cleaning in general. They like my dress a lot, and are now inspired to sew their own Catnap cat accessories.

How do you keep cat hair off your handmade garments?
Its a constant battle that is won with lint removers in every drawer of every room.

Why should you win the Catnap Dress contest?
My dress coordinates very nicely with my cats for optimal appeal.

Cat Nap: Craft Up Some Cattitude!

Oh boy its finally here! Lizzy House's latest collection Cat Nap has arrived. It's almost like this collection was speaking directly to Fancy Tiger's soul. With smiling cats, mischievous mice, dancing butterflies and all around adorableness Cat Nap has won our hearts! We can't wait to craft up new shirts, dresses, bags, and quilts with Cat Nap. According to Amber, you can never have too many cat dresses. There are 3 perfectly suited color stories available. Per usual, these prints compliment her Pearl Bracelets fabrics--don't worry we still have some in stock that coordinate perfectly! 

We have some lovely inspiration for you from Lizzy herself. Check out what she has been sewing with Cat Nap. 

"Catnap draws from my Scandinavian roots, my love of home, cats, and napping. In my small apartment, I follow the sun through the day as it shifts from room to room. You don't have to love cats to love a good catnap."

-Lizzy House

So Much Fun with Lizzy House

--amber

The adorable and prolific Lizzy House visited us recently and we've never made so many things in a weekend!

Lizzy was at Fancy Tiger teaching two classes--the first, a mini-quilt class where students designed their own little art quilt. Lizzy went over many aspects of color and design and each of the finished quilts were stunning and totally unique.

Jaime took the class and here she is showing off her masterpiece. It turned out very cool!

Lizzy also taught a block printing class, where folks learned to carve their own design into a printing block and then used it to print pattern onto fabric.

The prints turned out awesome!

After teaching these two epic classes, the unstoppable Lizzy was ready to have a non-stop sew-a-thon, especially with the new Nani Iro fabrics we just got in stock, so Jaime and I joined in and made a million new garments.

Here are just a few of our new things...and, yes, they are all made with Nani Iro except for the leggings...

We've already blogged a few of these items, but stay tuned to see the rest up close and in the streets on our bodies! Thanks Lizzy for the good times!

Lizzy House in the HOUSE!

Lizzy House workshops are coming up! Lizzy House is an amazing fabric designer and an awesome person. We first got to know Lizzy and take classes with her in 2011 when she came to town to teach at the Makerie. We are thrilled to announce that she is coming back to Denver to teach 2 in-depth workshops here at Fancy Tiger Crafts just for you!

Lizzy House: all around awesome peep

First up is Mini-Quilts on Saturday August 24th! Lizzy will help you design and execute a Mini-Quilt! These small quilts are beautiful works of art that could be displayed on your wall or tabletop. Using the quilt as art, Lizzy will help you develop and create tiny works using the principles and elements of design. Using intuition, and quilt math you will make a plan to make mini dreams come true. You will be dazzled and amazed by what you produce. 

On Sunday, August 25th, Lizzy is teaching block printing! In this class you will learn true printmaking techniques for successful block printing! The first half of the class will focus on proper carving techniques and skills. The second half you will learn how to print at home like a champion. You will gain the knowledge and skills to assess what's happening on your block and print. 

We went ahead and re-ordered a beautiful spectrum of Lizzy's popular Pearl Bracelets as well so those will be in stock when she is here! They are hard to resist and look great with almost anything.

We hope you can join us for superfuntimes with Lizzy House! Call us here at 303-733-3855 to reserve your space.

Loony for Laurels

--Jaime

Amber and I are loony for Laurels and now we are total twinsies in our terrific tops and distinct dresses. The Laurel pattern is the newest pattern from sewing superstar Sarai Mitnick of Colette Patterns. It can be sewn up as a top or dress - it is a simple shift-dress design that is easy to sew and perfect to embellish. We've only had this pattern in for a couple of weeks, but Amber and I have already each made a top and dress!

 

My top is made from a Japanese print that I have been hording for a while now. I used our natural linen bias tape to trim my top and I love it. This was an easy top to sew and only took me 3 hours start to finish for my first one. The Laurel features bust and back darts so it has a nice fitted look despite its simplicity. I already have more fabric cut for my next Laurel top. I can't wait to make this sleeveless as well for summertime funtimes!

Amber is crazy for cats so she made a sweet cat shirt that features cats in baskets with butterflies and yarn. Perfect. The Laurel's simple design is made to show off bold prints so if you have some cat fabric just waiting for the right pattern, the wait is over. A black bias binding lets the cats pop for maximum cat-action.

Next we took on Laurel dresses. The Laurel dress is a shift-style dress with half length sleeve that features a zipper closure in the back. I chose a Lizzy House Constellations Twinkle Twinkle print for mine and Amber chose a bold Japanese graphic linen print for hers. For my dress, I used a pale purple shot cotton as a contrasting bias trim while Amber chose to go with black for her dress. They turned out great--Laurels 4-ever!

We hope to see you all take on the Laurel this upcoming spring and summer. We can't wait to see how you embellish yours... pockets, collars, ruffles, oh my!