J.Marie Designs

We have had an amazing summer so far...

2011-07-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

We have lived in Alaska for over 7 years now, and I have to say this is on of the nicer summers that we have had. We have had over a week of sunshine. Temps have been right around 65+... which for Kodiak, is nice. The kids are nice and tan too.

I've been sewing up a storm. Custom orders are coming in and I am loving it. I really enjoy making something special for a special kiddo's birthday or big event. This week I did a darling knot dress for Miss Cate's birthday. She is a darling little model too. We had a great afternoon hanging out in the front yard blowing bubbles and just playing.

This Apron Knot dress if a from a pattern from Little Lizard King. I just love how easily it goes together. I made a similar dress for Madeline out of the cutest owl fabric from Riley Blake using the same pattern.

Here is Ms. Cate modeling her Genevieve Skirt. (SIGnature Creations pattern)

And bubbles.... how cute is this????

SIGnature Creations Genevieve Skirt - Mom n Me set

2011-07-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

I just love love love how these skirts turned out. They are BIG ALABAMA fans!!!!!

But then again, houndstooth goes with everything!!!

This is the Genevieve Skirt pattern from SIGnature Creations. I was incredibly lucky to test this pattern for SIG and have loved the way each skirt has turned out. I've made them from size 3T to Women's sizes. With the pocket and without. I love them all!!! Fantastic pattern!

You can find this pattern in SIGnature Creation's etsy store.

Here is sassy IzzyB. Love this girl!!!!!

Proud to be an EtsyKids team member!!!

2011-07-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

ETSY KIDS

Stylish Designs with Kids in Mind

I am super excited to be part of the EtsyKids Team. The EtsyKids Team is a diverse group of talented and dedicated Etsy shop owners making items for babies, toddlers, and children. In the members' shops, you will find a wide variety of items ranging from clothing to toys to furniture to art and everything in between, in every style imaginable.

ODU Messenger Bag

2011-06-30T22:46:00.001-08:00

This was a custom order for my friend. I love the fabrics she chose and how it turned out. I also made her a matching passport wallet and key chain.

A few things to share :)

2011-06-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

I have been keeping busy. The kids are out of school now and I have had to rearrange my sewing time a little bit. This is one thing I love about living in Alaska. It stays light well into the night. Here in Kodiak, we don't get 24 hours of daylight, but we do get REALLY long days. Tonight, for example, I needed to take photos of new items and it was 10pm. Perfect lighting!!!!

Here are a few of my latest projects. One of my husband's friends at work recently had a baby. This gift basket was for them. I had so much fun doing this one!!

My other project has been some Tie T's and Onesies for Bells & Beaus, a children's boutique here on the island.

I love this little vest. It is a pattern from Little Lizard King.

It is reversible, too!

Here are a few of the onesies (size newborn thru 18 months)

Enjoy!!!!

Lots and Lots of new things on the horizon for J.Marie!!!

2011-05-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have been super busy. There are some wonderful things in the works, so stay tuned!!!

I do want to share with you some amazing photographs that Amy from Simply B Photos did recently. This is part of the 4th of July Collection I have been working on. There will be some sibling sets, boys items, dresses, skirts, and ruffle pants available in this collection.

I hope everyone has an incredible weekend!

Just checkin' in

2011-02-10T00:29:00.000-09:00

Things have been busy... GOOD BUSY!! I'm doing much better after my back going out a little over a week ago. I've been sewing lots. I even have some design sketches I've been working on and can't wait to see them come to life in fabric.

I am working on upcoming classes at Just Jane's. I'm really looking forward to Jane's "SEX IN THE CITY" sale. I'll post more details soon. It is gonna be so much fun!!!!!!! I mean, everyone needs a reason to get dressed up, right???!!! *wink*

I've finished Madeline's Valentine's Day outfit, almost, now she wants some ruffle pants, too. I am going to do some knit pants, I think. I just got a coverstitch machine and am dying to put it to work on some knits.

Upcoming classes at Just Jane's... :)

2011-01-05T19:26:00.000-09:00

(Miss B in her Tiered Twirl Dress)

All classes are $10. You can stop by Just Jane's and register. (then I know how many to plan for. :)) BRING A FRIEND!!!!

If there is something else you would like to learn, or are interested in, please let me know. You can email me at j.marie.designs@alaska.net. All classes are held at Just Jane's on Monday evenings at 630pm.

1/17 Serger Basics - get to know your machine and what it can do.

1/24 Tiered Twirl dress

1/31 Ruffle Pants II - different pattern than last class offered.

2/7 How to Applique - Valentine's applique - Bring a shirt to applique on

2/14 Baby layette set - newborn Onesie gown, itty bitty baby booties, lined burp cloth (class is $25 - onesie and burp provided)

2/21 Easy Peasy Pillowcase

2/28 Patchwork dress - Cute pieced dress. Great for spring or layered with a turtleneck for Kodiak 'spring'.

Just sharing a wonderful blog

2010-12-28T18:16:00.000-09:00

I found Mary's blog the other day while blurfing. :P http://www.mythinkingchair.com/ I sat and read almost all the way thru her blog. She is a military wife, as well, maybe that is why I found it intriguing.

Enjoy!

I'm a little behind...

2010-12-21T19:24:00.000-09:00

Things have been crazy lately! My sweet little scrapbook store, where I have worked as the asst. mgr. for the last 2 1/2 years, is closing. :(

I have been really busy with Christmas stuff. Recently I participated in a Holiday Market and it was so much fun.

Here are a few outfits I have done recently..

Minky Pants and shirt for Miss B

Brother and Sister outfits...

Brother Outfits

A little Christmas sewing

2010-11-09T22:17:00.000-09:00

I got so much done today. They are in the process of residing our house and it is NOISY!!! So I hung out at Just Jane's and I had so much fun sewing. (and chatting with Martha). This is one of two outfits I finished while I was there. The Polka Dot Pinafore set is a 2T/3T. Over 120" of ruffles just on the top!!!!

I *heart* my ruffler foot!!!

Here is my other pinafore set.

This one has adorable candy cane ruffle pants and a cute Santa print pinafore. This is also a 2T/3T.

The pinafore is a pattern from Little Lizard King. It is quick to sew out.

I'm addicted to making skirts!!!

2010-11-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

(I didn't make this one, but I just love the look of this.)

I absolutely love making skirts. I don't care too much for gathering (love my ruffler foot and my serger for that). I came across this free tutorial this morning while blurfing. :) Izzy & Ivy have some of the cutest patterns!!!!! I really wish I would have found this BEFORE Halloween.

HOW CUTE IS THE SPIDER HEADBAND????

I think this skirt would make a great Holiday Outfit! Hmmmm... I need to find some pompom trim!

I am hoping to get some serious sewing done today. They have been working on residing our house and it is soooooo noisy in the basement. They are onto the front of the house today, so hopefully some loud music will drown out the workers. I have so many ideas and projects on my "to do" list and am hoping to get lots of outfits finished this weekend for Just Jane's. :)

Upcoming classes at Just Jane's

2010-11-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

I'm working on the schedule of clothing sewing classes at

Just Jane's.

11/8 Pieced Bucket Hat

11/15 Holiday Vest (with tie t-shirt applique)

11/22 Holiday Peasant Dress

11/29 Holiday Pinafore

12/6 Stripwork Jumper and matching ruffle pants
12/13 PAJAMA PARTY!!!! **watch for details**

Classes are $10 each or $35/4 weeks.

Sharing a fabulous freebie find

2010-10-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

say that 3 times fast!!!! LOL

Over on SewForum there are some amazing women who are such an inspiration. Laura, is one of them. She recently announced that she was a course instructor for Riley Blake's October Cutting Corners Courses. Her freebie pattern is the cutest patchwork jumper.

You can find Laura's blog HERE.

Pattern can be downloaded HERE.

I have the perfect fabric for this jumper. Can't wait to start sewing on it tomorrow.

Classes at Just Jane's

2010-10-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

I was so excited (ok, beyond excited) when Jane asked if I would like to teach some sewing classes at her store. Jane has one of the best fabric stores here in town. We have almost completed our first 4 week session and will be continuing every Monday night at 630pm.

I also have my clothing for sale at Just Jane's. I am working on quite a few more outfits and will have them in the store soon. Here are a few that I've completed so far...

Custom orders are welcome.

I also had the opportunity to make a few pretties for my friend Amy's daughter, Miss B. Amy owns Simply B Photos. Amy is an amazing photographer and truly loves what she does. Check out her blog and leave her some love. She has a give away going on now, too!!!

You can also now find J.Marie on Facebook.

Maddie Pants

2010-07-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know what else to call them..... MADDIE PANTS...

She chose the fabric and wanted 3 ruffles. So, here is the finished product.

I also did a cute hooded towel for my friend Lisa's daughter.

A little Halloween project

2009-09-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

I made this for a friend's lil cutie! (don't ya love my model?) I need to get some bigger onsies to do, so for now it is just a plain white one. I love making the tiered twirly skirts. Maddie has one that she has about worn out. I bought fabric today to make her a Halloween one as well.

My other project for today was the cutest pink kitty mask for Maddie. She has decided she wants to be a kitty for Halloween. We almost have her costume all planned out. I think Bubba will be Batman.

I have some Halloween bows for a friend that I am working on. She wanted big and poofy. LOL

It has been a while, but time for a change!!!

2009-07-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update! My embroidery machine should be here today! YAY! I am revamping my business and hoping to kick things off soon!

Stay tuned!

Some exciting news!

2008-10-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

So, a couple of exiting things to announce. First, the salon here in Kodiak is going to be changing owners, and the new owner said she would love to carry my bows and headbands! YAY!!!!

Secondly, I have a job! There is a new scrapbook and stamp store that opened, and I'm managing it. I love it and couldn't be happier. Check it out at www.thecraftgardenkodiak.blogspot.com

Back to school outfit

2008-08-26T13:57:00.003-08:00

My oldest is becoming quite 'stylish'. She saw this picture in an email I received... and decided she needed a similar outfit. So, this is my project from last night. And she loves it!

Wow, she has grown up way to quickly. She is in the 5th grade this year. I'm waiting for her to come home so I can hear all about the first day. My son starts K next Tuesday. He is beyond excited.

Tonight is CraftNite! My favorite day of the week. I'm working on more ODU bags, and some new wallets I've designed. I'm also trying to gear up for Halloween and the Holiday season.. yep, I said it... HOLIDAY!!! Christmas is going to be here before we know it! My 'goal' is to handmake the majority of the gifts this year.

I hope everyone is having a great week.

Lots of new things to share...

2008-08-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have been making ODU bags. They are so much fun and I love that each one is so unique. I can personalize them.

I have some new bows to share as well. Halloween is coming!!

And I have a new love for making korker bows! They are just so much fun! They kinda remind me of the pompom we use to make to wear on our rollerskates. *giggle*

And lil bug clippies, too.

And lastly... some monkeys! I love this ribbon.

2008-08-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

I love love love YCMT! I swear, I think it is the instant gratification of being able to download the patterns immediately after payment! I'm silly like that. I don't want to wait for things to ship. All the patterns I have bought are well done and have great pictures along with well written instructions.

CHECK IT OUT!! :) click on the picture above.

Geeesh it's been a while

2008-07-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

I apologize for letting so much time pass between blogs posts! I've been busy. I'll be putting up pictures tomorrow of my latest creations!

Hope everyone is doing well.

So excited!

2008-07-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally did it. I have some of my creations in the Cabin Cache. It is a small consignment store here on base. I have some of my bows, clothing, purses/totes, and baby items. It has been so much fun being involved.

Here is one of the outfits:

I just love this fabric. I'm going to be adding matching bows. So today I'm going to be busy sewing and designing more outifts for the store.

Bottle Cap Alternative

2008-07-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

I have some rollabind discs for sale. These are a great alternative to bottlecaps.

Here are the prices...

Description Size Price Each

Metallic Small .30

Metallic Large .40

Plastic Small .12

Plastic Medium .15

Plastic Large .18

Colors available:

Metallic - Silver, Matte Silver, Bright Silver

Pastel - Lt. blue, Pink, Lavender, White, Aqua

Primary - Purple, Green, Blue, Yellow, Red

Translucent - Clear

Sparkle Translucent - Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange

Sizes: Disc Size Image Size

Small 9/16 3/8

Meduim 3/4 1/2

Large 15/16 3/4

Jumbo (Available in Clear, Red, Navy) 1-1/8 1" image size.

Boutique dress top & Ruffle bottoms

2008-06-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

The lady at the quilt store (where I get my fabric) gave this mermaid fabric to Madeline. She also gave me bags full of ruffles!!!!

Another outfit for Hydie

2008-06-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Diaper Diva!!! I made the pants and designed the layout for the embroidery. Isn't it darling?

My latest creation for Madeline...

2008-06-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

I made Madeline some ruffled capris and the cutest peasant top. The patterns are from www.youcanmakethis.com. I have found a bunch of patterns there.

Whooo hooo I was crafty!!!

2008-06-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a productive weekend! I feel like I got so much accomplished this weekend. I think I am keeping myself busier lately so I don't have to think about the fact that one of my best friends already moved to the other side of the country and that my other best friend is moving even farther... St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. I'm bummed she is leaving, but I'm super excited to visit her someday down there.

Jade brought her embroidery machine over the other day. She figured she'll get more use out of it here. I have to admit, it is so much more fun to have someone to sew/craft with. We spent the day yesterday making lots of things.

I made the cutest ruffle pants for her daughter Hydie.
Jade made her lil onesie and I put together the hairbow for her. So, then she was just too cute to not take pictures of.

I made Bubba some pirate jammie shorts and Jade made him the cutest shirt to go with them. He was so excited we found BOY fabric at the quilt store.

A couple days ago Lisa and I made pants for Abby and Maddie. I love this pattern! I found it on www.youcanmakethis.com .

I think that is about all I have pictures of for now. Lisa and I made purses yesterday, too, but I haven't taken pictures of mine yet.

I am planning on making some peasant tops/dresses today for the girls along with some more pants. I need to do some serious bow production, too!

My craftroom

2008-06-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

I love my craftroom!!! My husband has been great in making things for me.

I use rain gutters to organize my punches and my ribbon! This was my best organizational idea I think I’ve ever had.

This is the workbench my husband built for me. I love it because it is tall enough I can stand at it to cut fabric or to stamp. I can seat 12 around it too for my classes.

I store my fabric underneath in totes.

Here is my ‘office’ area.

I have another table like the white one that I use for my sewing area.

I also have an 8’x4’ sheet of pegboard on one wall. It is great for getting things up off my tables.

Bows, bows and more bows!

2008-06-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

I have discovered a new love! MAKING HAIRBOWS! I am also rekindling my love for sewing. I am working on some really cute boutique outfits for Maddie Grace. We made tutus and hairbows for the girls at her birthday party. They were so cute and so much fun to make.

So, follow along on this blog, as I discover yet another hobby/passion in crafts.