Kristl Pelz: October 2011 Archives

The Merchants and I have chosen a few products that we love and think deserve some of your attention this week. In case you missed it, we have the latest prints in the Celebrate Seuss line on Pre-sale now. They are not available anywhere else until November. If you love Dr. Seuss or the Cat in the Hat, check out the new prints now.

The holidays are getting closer, and we know that if you don't start those holiday sewing projects now, they won't get done. I like to throw in a new holiday garment every year to spruce up the black pants or skirt I wear to holiday parties and gatherings. This year will be a snap because Elizabeth, our Apparel Buyer, has a collection of slinky, sparkly, shiny knits that are perfect for a holiday inspired top or cardigan. Actually, all the sparkly knits aren't slinky, they just have the right amount of glam to make you sparkle and shine during all your holiday events. And, your tried and true knitwear patterns are perfect for these fabrics! Make two!

Lastly, we have new home decorating fabrics from a well-known designer name, Duralee. If you are addicted to magazines like I am, you may subscribe to a couple of Home Decor mags. Duralee prominently advertises in many of them. Their drapery prints and upholstery fabrics are modern without being trendy. The colors are totally fabulous, too. While you are thinking about updating your holiday wardrobe, throw in a couple of new pillows to spruce up your couch for holiday company as well. It only takes about a yard of fabric to cover an old pillow or two and make it new again.

Shannon, our Craft and Notions Buyer, and I have created Back of the Envelope instructions for an easy sheer skirt you can make for yourself, or your little girl, for Halloween or dress-up. The perfect fabrics for this skirt are those that will not ravel when cut like tulle or nylon tricot. We also chose to use a single layer of 108'' wide tricot or a double layer of 108'' wide tulle. There are lots of options for costumes with this adjustable pattern including:

Sheer Black - Cat, Black Swan Ballerina, Witch

Sheer White - Ghost, White Cat

Sheer Red - Devil, Super Heroine

Sheer Pink - Ballerina, Piggie

 We also have some really quick, really cute costumes on a stick! We have patterns for mustaches on a stick from Lisa Welge, and lips, glasses and masks on a stick from our in-house designer, Valerie. We cut the templates from  Polyester felt fabric squares. I got the sicks at my local craft store, and hot glued the felt cutouts to the stick.

We hope you enjoy your spooky holidays and your dress-up time with these easy, adorable projects!