Sarah J. Doyle ~ Pattern Maker, Author & Instructor
Sarah J. Doyle's Blog
Buying Fabric At Discount Prices
Have you been to your Wal Mart fabric department lately? Does it show signs of being closed - even though there are no big "closing this department" signs anywhere??
You can definitely tell that our local Wal Marts are getting out of the fabric business! There are big (bigger than usual) sale prices on fabric, and not just a few colors or prints -- a BUNCH of them. AND, there are empty spaces where fabric "used to be", and it's very apparent that there will be nothing coming in to replace what was sold.
The whole idea of this post then, is this ---- get out some patterns that you will be using later this summer and fall and go buy the fabric while it's available, and on sale.
We've been stocking up on fabrics for our Tropicoolers -- check out the patriotic "Stars", and the cute "dog bones" prints that we just bought.
And, speaking of Tropicoolers - with the heat wave that we've been having, we're selling tons of them. Personally I wouldn't go outside without wearing one! It looks like this may be a long hot summer, so get stocked up on a variety of Tropicooler Designs in order to help beat the heat!
You can definitely tell that our local Wal Marts are getting out of the fabric business! There are big (bigger than usual) sale prices on fabric, and not just a few colors or prints -- a BUNCH of them. AND, there are empty spaces where fabric "used to be", and it's very apparent that there will be nothing coming in to replace what was sold.
The whole idea of this post then, is this ---- get out some patterns that you will be using later this summer and fall and go buy the fabric while it's available, and on sale.
We've been stocking up on fabrics for our Tropicoolers -- check out the patriotic "Stars", and the cute "dog bones" prints that we just bought.
And, speaking of Tropicoolers - with the heat wave that we've been having, we're selling tons of them. Personally I wouldn't go outside without wearing one! It looks like this may be a long hot summer, so get stocked up on a variety of Tropicooler Designs in order to help beat the heat!
New Blog Makeover
Well, how do you like these colors so far? It seems that the colors / design I picked out for my blog are not quite what I thought they'd be, so perhaps you can enjoy the colors today, as tomorrow they might be different. What can I say? Sometimes things just don't go quite the way it was planned. (Ever noticed that in what you had scheduled for the day????)
We're working on the redesign, and it will be super great when finished --- might even get my picture back on it. I can say this though - all my posts are here so I don't have to go running around trying to find them to put them back in, so that's a big plus!!!
The moral of this story is ---- the greatest plans made can sometimes fall apart at the seams, so always have a second plan ready to put in place. Hmmmm, this happens from time to time in my sewing as well --- had a great plan set up for my sewing day, and lo and behold I was missing rick rack or thread didn't match, and I was certainly not gonna spend my precious sewing time running to the store, so my back up plan was immediately put in place ---- work on a different stack of projects until my regular shopping day got here so I could purchase what was needed for the other projects.
It all works out in the end - so the perfect day is still a perfect day!!!
We're working on the redesign, and it will be super great when finished --- might even get my picture back on it. I can say this though - all my posts are here so I don't have to go running around trying to find them to put them back in, so that's a big plus!!!
The moral of this story is ---- the greatest plans made can sometimes fall apart at the seams, so always have a second plan ready to put in place. Hmmmm, this happens from time to time in my sewing as well --- had a great plan set up for my sewing day, and lo and behold I was missing rick rack or thread didn't match, and I was certainly not gonna spend my precious sewing time running to the store, so my back up plan was immediately put in place ---- work on a different stack of projects until my regular shopping day got here so I could purchase what was needed for the other projects.
It all works out in the end - so the perfect day is still a perfect day!!!
Six-Gore Twirley Skirts
I've been making the little girls some six-gore skirts, and they love it when I make a little extra fullness at the bottom so they can be "twirley" girls. The advantage of making the patterns for each of them (AND some of their cousins!) is that this quick and simple pattern is made by using each girls' individual measurements, so it doesn't matter if the girls are my little 3 1/2 year old grandbabies, or their 7 - 10 and 14 year old cousins and friends (the simple pattern can also be used for adults). I'm just using pieces of left over fabrics that co-ordinate for the gores and have some of the cutest skirts, with no extra money spent on fabric. Can't beat a deal like that! And for you, the six gore skirt pattern is FREE at PatternsThatFitYou.com, so you can have some really inexpensive summer outfits for the little girls, and bigger girls, in your family.
We're making tops using the sport bra pattern and making them out of one of the fabrics used in the skirt. Wow! I LOVE sewing and the sparkle in the eyes of the children when they get to try on their new outfits.
If I can get them to stand still long enough I want to get a bunch of pictures. Try some of the six gore skirts and matching "sport bra" tops -- it can be addictive!
We're making tops using the sport bra pattern and making them out of one of the fabrics used in the skirt. Wow! I LOVE sewing and the sparkle in the eyes of the children when they get to try on their new outfits.
If I can get them to stand still long enough I want to get a bunch of pictures. Try some of the six gore skirts and matching "sport bra" tops -- it can be addictive!
Blog Makeover
We are in the process of doing a total make-over of our blogs, and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! My blog will be done using buttons, clips and drawings from "a perfect day" templet.
A perfect day ........ what would you consider to be a perfect day?
For me, there are actually TWO "perfect" day scenerios --- one of my perfect days would include having the little quads and big brother Jacob here. They are just so cute, growing so fast, and because each has their own personality you never know what's gonna pop out of their mouth, or what they're wanting to do. Jacob will turn five next month and start kindergarten in August. What a milestone for him, and how sad for me because we won't get to see as much of him since he'll be in school Monday through Friday. WOW! Kids just grow up toooooooo fast!!
My second "perfect" day scenerio is one where I can spend an entire day either in my sewing room and/or in the office making patterns, writing up new instructions for patterns, or sewing for the little ones.
I'm very happy to say that I do enjoy so many of these perfect days, that I wouldn't want to change places with anybody else in the world.
What do you do on your "perfect" day???
A perfect day ........ what would you consider to be a perfect day?
For me, there are actually TWO "perfect" day scenerios --- one of my perfect days would include having the little quads and big brother Jacob here. They are just so cute, growing so fast, and because each has their own personality you never know what's gonna pop out of their mouth, or what they're wanting to do. Jacob will turn five next month and start kindergarten in August. What a milestone for him, and how sad for me because we won't get to see as much of him since he'll be in school Monday through Friday. WOW! Kids just grow up toooooooo fast!!
My second "perfect" day scenerio is one where I can spend an entire day either in my sewing room and/or in the office making patterns, writing up new instructions for patterns, or sewing for the little ones.
I'm very happy to say that I do enjoy so many of these perfect days, that I wouldn't want to change places with anybody else in the world.
What do you do on your "perfect" day???
Biggest Milestone of Our Sewing Business!
I've been telling you about the fact that we've been working on some big changes and exciting announcements for a new program of fitting that will make all of your clothes fit right every time. We've actually had people waiting for a very long time for the final details of this super program.
WOW!!!! we are now only a couple days away from releasing the first part of this program -- and it will be HUGE as far as fitting and designing clothing garments. We've given a few of our customers a sneak peak just to test the program, and the emails back are saying ..... "AWESOME" .... "FANTASTIC"! One of the customers wrote back saying she'd NEVER had a garment fit so well until she tried our program.
The final announcement and program information will only be sent to our customer list, so if you'd like to be among the first to have access to the program, you can still get "in on the action" by signing up for our newsletters at SewWithSarah.com or at PatternsThatFitYou.com. As with everything we do, your emails and information you give us is confidential and never shared.
WOW!!!! we are now only a couple days away from releasing the first part of this program -- and it will be HUGE as far as fitting and designing clothing garments. We've given a few of our customers a sneak peak just to test the program, and the emails back are saying ..... "AWESOME" .... "FANTASTIC"! One of the customers wrote back saying she'd NEVER had a garment fit so well until she tried our program.
The final announcement and program information will only be sent to our customer list, so if you'd like to be among the first to have access to the program, you can still get "in on the action" by signing up for our newsletters at SewWithSarah.com or at PatternsThatFitYou.com. As with everything we do, your emails and information you give us is confidential and never shared.
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to all you dad's, uncles and grandpas out there.
We had little Jacob this weekend, as we do every weekend, however this weekend was a special "Happy Papaw's Day", so he had to tell Papaw that several times during the day.
He then made a card for his daddy -- he refused to say "happy father's day" - instead he wanted to say "Happy Daddy's Day", which I told him was just fine.
We'd had a subdivision yard sale yesterday, and Jacob had his own table with lots of little items that neither he nor the "babies" play with anymore. His sign was "Jacob's Yard Sale -- Everything 5 cents". 
I couldn't believe how well he stuck with it -- he'd spent over an hour looking for things to sell last weekend, then yesterday he set up his table (helped me tape his sign on the table) - he wanted everything in nice straight lines. Every time a customer would walk up he'd say "everything's five cents", then push a button on an animal or toy that played music. He was just way toooooo cute!!
He came inside two or three times to "rest", but was back out within a minute or so to check and see if any customer was at his table.
Now for the great part! He made probably close to $4.00 -- two $1 bills and the rest in change. When we made the "daddy's day" card today he insisted on putting in one of his dollar bills as a present for daddy, and then put in 3 nickels, a dime and a quarter.
This was his first "real" yard sale --- you've seen pictures of how he stacks stuff on the couch for a pretend yard sale, but this was for real and he worked very hard for the money he got. Nearly every time somebody would put money into his coffee can "bank", he'd run into the garage yelling "Papaw, I EARNED some money"! He was so proud of the money he earned, and we were so proud of you too Jacob!!! For a little, not quite 5 year old, boy you did an awesome job at sticking with the project at hand!
Daddy was so pleased with his special card / picture from Jacob and especially one of his hard earned dollars! Way to go Jacob to give a special gift for your special Daddy!
Have You Sent Us YOUR Fitting Issues?????
A few days ago I talked about the biggest fitting project ever that my daughter, Denise and I have been working on for over a year. We've requested that each of you send us your fitting challenges so we can be sure to cover nearly every fitting problem that has been sent to us.
Oh my!! Over the past couple of weeks, we've had literally hundreds (actually close to a thousand) frustrated individuals write in with their fitting problems and issues with the commercial - store bought - patterns.
The bust, darts, shoulders, arms combination has come in first as the biggest problem area, followed by the hips/thighs and waist.
The message is loud and clear -- some of you have stated that you no longer enjoy sewing for yourself because you can't get the patterns to fit right. Others have mentioned certain problem areas that they have no idea how to correct, and issues with anything that says "plus size" that doesn't come even close to fitting in the bust area.
In response to the huge demand, we're providing a new FREE class that gives you the information and step by step instructions you need to alter the dart line on any and all commercial patterns you may have.
You can get your copy of this FREE class by visiting the "Altering Darts on Commercial Patterns" page. We're working now on a video class, which we plan to give to our readers for free as well. By signing up for the "Altering Darts on Commercial Patterns", you will be notified immediately when the video class becomes available, and remember that will be FREE for you also.
Thank you to all who have submitted fitting issues - we've heard and we ARE listening to you!
Oh my!! Over the past couple of weeks, we've had literally hundreds (actually close to a thousand) frustrated individuals write in with their fitting problems and issues with the commercial - store bought - patterns.
The bust, darts, shoulders, arms combination has come in first as the biggest problem area, followed by the hips/thighs and waist.
The message is loud and clear -- some of you have stated that you no longer enjoy sewing for yourself because you can't get the patterns to fit right. Others have mentioned certain problem areas that they have no idea how to correct, and issues with anything that says "plus size" that doesn't come even close to fitting in the bust area.
In response to the huge demand, we're providing a new FREE class that gives you the information and step by step instructions you need to alter the dart line on any and all commercial patterns you may have.
You can get your copy of this FREE class by visiting the "Altering Darts on Commercial Patterns" page. We're working now on a video class, which we plan to give to our readers for free as well. By signing up for the "Altering Darts on Commercial Patterns", you will be notified immediately when the video class becomes available, and remember that will be FREE for you also.
Thank you to all who have submitted fitting issues - we've heard and we ARE listening to you!
Garden Flags
I'm always on the look-out for projects that our little quads and big brother can do! Our daughter always seems to have the "right" stuff for them to do on rainy days - she calls it "activity" time. They LOVE to do "activities" - ranging from finger painting to play dough to paint by numbers, and whatever she can come up with.
Well, I have come up with the PERFECT "activity" for the next time they are at our house and it's raining cats and dogs outside, forcing us to stay indoors ---- Garden Flags!
I found these fabric garden flags at Maya*Made blogspot and I think they'd be perfect for the little ones to make. I have plenty of fabric crayons (might need to get some of the fabric markers to make the drawing easier for them), and I also have plenty of cotton duck fabric available, so all we need now is the rainy day.
Aren't those just the cutest little flags you've seen lately? Our little ones will LOVE making them, and helping to hang them. I'll show you our version of the flags as soon as we have another rainy day. Thank you Maya for the great idea!
Well, I have come up with the PERFECT "activity" for the next time they are at our house and it's raining cats and dogs outside, forcing us to stay indoors ---- Garden Flags!
I found these fabric garden flags at Maya*Made blogspot and I think they'd be perfect for the little ones to make. I have plenty of fabric crayons (might need to get some of the fabric markers to make the drawing easier for them), and I also have plenty of cotton duck fabric available, so all we need now is the rainy day.
Aren't those just the cutest little flags you've seen lately? Our little ones will LOVE making them, and helping to hang them. I'll show you our version of the flags as soon as we have another rainy day. Thank you Maya for the great idea!
Plus Size Children Pattern SALE
Everywhere you look businesses are putting on their "spring" or "summer" sales, and I'm one of those that check the paper to see what I might be needing that is on sale this week.
Our Plus Size Children's clothing patterns have been a runaway success, due to the numbers of overweight and obese children all over the United States (statistics show that among children ages 6 to 11, over 35% are overweight or obese). When my daughter suggested that because of the "apparent" need for these plus size children's patterns, I ought to put a sale on them, I scoffed at the idea.
However, because of the "exciting announcements for a new program of fitting that will make all of your clothes fit right every time" program that I mentioned a few days ago, we've also been flooded with questions and issues with children's clothing patterns. We're seeing an upswing in the numbers of orders of the childrens patterns. SOOOOOO, Denise, (that's my daughter!), we've decided to do a special SUMMER SALE on the most popular pattern styles and size ranges in order to do our part in boosting the economy, save our cusomers some money, and get some great fitting clothes made for the overweight and obese children for summer and for school!
We're sending out a 2 page flyer to our customers, however, you can also take advantage of the "buy 2 get 1 FREE" pattern sale -- here's how it works. You can go to PlusSizeChildren.com to see pictures of the most popular patterns we've included in the sale --
The following pattern numbers are included in the sale, and you choose the size range you want -- either 8/10/12 OR 14/16 (the 4/5/6 size range is NOT included in the sale).
#5101 - Tank Tops
#5102 - Modern T Shirts
#5103 - Long Sleeve Tops
#5105 - Modern Peasant Blouse
#5301 - Elastic Waist Slacks
#5302 - Denim Jeans
#5305 - Denim Jean Shorts
Normal prices are $14.95 + $3.00 P&H ($17.95) for each pattern
SUMMER SALE Price -- buy 2 ($29.95 + $6.00 P&H) Get third pattern FREE --- SAVE $17.95.
You can send us a note with the pattern numbers and size ranges you'd like to order -- send it to me at
Sarah Doyle
3412 Holt Circle #SB
Pensacola, FL 32526
OR you can call me with Visa / Master Card orders -- 1-850-944-7570
The summer sale goes through June and July only.
Happy Sewing!!
Our Plus Size Children's clothing patterns have been a runaway success, due to the numbers of overweight and obese children all over the United States (statistics show that among children ages 6 to 11, over 35% are overweight or obese). When my daughter suggested that because of the "apparent" need for these plus size children's patterns, I ought to put a sale on them, I scoffed at the idea.
However, because of the "exciting announcements for a new program of fitting that will make all of your clothes fit right every time" program that I mentioned a few days ago, we've also been flooded with questions and issues with children's clothing patterns. We're seeing an upswing in the numbers of orders of the childrens patterns. SOOOOOO, Denise, (that's my daughter!), we've decided to do a special SUMMER SALE on the most popular pattern styles and size ranges in order to do our part in boosting the economy, save our cusomers some money, and get some great fitting clothes made for the overweight and obese children for summer and for school!
We're sending out a 2 page flyer to our customers, however, you can also take advantage of the "buy 2 get 1 FREE" pattern sale -- here's how it works. You can go to PlusSizeChildren.com to see pictures of the most popular patterns we've included in the sale --
The following pattern numbers are included in the sale, and you choose the size range you want -- either 8/10/12 OR 14/16 (the 4/5/6 size range is NOT included in the sale).
#5101 - Tank Tops
#5102 - Modern T Shirts
#5103 - Long Sleeve Tops
#5105 - Modern Peasant Blouse
#5301 - Elastic Waist Slacks
#5302 - Denim Jeans
#5305 - Denim Jean Shorts
Normal prices are $14.95 + $3.00 P&H ($17.95) for each pattern
SUMMER SALE Price -- buy 2 ($29.95 + $6.00 P&H) Get third pattern FREE --- SAVE $17.95.
You can send us a note with the pattern numbers and size ranges you'd like to order -- send it to me at
Sarah Doyle
3412 Holt Circle #SB
Pensacola, FL 32526
OR you can call me with Visa / Master Card orders -- 1-850-944-7570
The summer sale goes through June and July only.
Happy Sewing!!
Happy Memorial Day
From our house to yours, we hope you are enjoying this Memorial Day Holiday. We also want to thank those past and present military folks who have done, and are doing, what needs to be done to keep our country safe and free.
My husband is retired Air Force and spent a tour of duty in Viet Nam; my dad served a short time in the US Army during World War II; one of my brothers served two tours of duty in View Nam, and now a grandson, who is in the Army, is preparing to leave the first part of July for a tour of duty in Iraq. To each of you we want to say THANK YOU for your willingness to help defend our great country.
Today has been pretty much a "catch up" day for me, so I'm very happy to have had a quiet phone day, and been able to get a little work done, watch a baseball game and just relax with my husband.
Again, hope you're having a great day!
My husband is retired Air Force and spent a tour of duty in Viet Nam; my dad served a short time in the US Army during World War II; one of my brothers served two tours of duty in View Nam, and now a grandson, who is in the Army, is preparing to leave the first part of July for a tour of duty in Iraq. To each of you we want to say THANK YOU for your willingness to help defend our great country.
Today has been pretty much a "catch up" day for me, so I'm very happy to have had a quiet phone day, and been able to get a little work done, watch a baseball game and just relax with my husband.
Again, hope you're having a great day!
