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The Dec ‘09/Jan ‘10 issue of Sew News is now on newsstands, and it’s packed with tons of fun holiday decorating and gift ideas. What’s your favorite project or tip? As always we’d love to know what you think!

There’s nothing quite like a cheesecake-filled pumpkin cupcake.

I love to bake–especially when pumpkin is involved. And although I should have been starting my holiday sewing (the gifts I plan to make for family & friends), I made these delicious cupcakes this weekend instead! It was snowing outside and the smell of pumpkin was so lovely. If you’re looking for the recipe, it’s in the November issue of Every Day with Rachel Ray. It’s probably on their Web site too!

What are your favorite pumpkin dishes? I”m always looking for new ones to try!

Happy Pumpkin Fest!

Ellen

At JoAnn, we selected the pattern, fabric and notions. I chose a purple and white houndstooth fabric to use with View A of this pattern:

I began by cutting the pattern pieces:

Then I learned the importance of the grainline. I pinned each pattern piece to the fabric:

I cut out the pieces:

Then I fused interfacing to the appropriate pattern pieces:

Following the pattern guidesheet and Kim’s expertise, I constructed the jacket pieces.

In that lesson I learned:

• Pattern symbols
• Darts
• Pressing collars
• Grainline
• Setting sleeves
• Ease

I constructed the back and front panels, the collar and one sleeve. I still have to sew on the remaining sleeve, finish the  hem and stitch the buttons and buttonholes.

Stay tuned for pictures of the finished garment!

Are you looking for gift ideas for the little ones in your life? Stitched Toys by Kate Haxell features 20 super-cute designs, many of which you can make with fabric from your stash. As promised, three Sew News readers will win an exclusive copy of the book. Send and e-mail with the subject line “Stitched Toys” to info@sewnews.com that includes your name, phone number, e-mail and address. We’ll choose three winners at random. Stay tuned to find out if you’re one of the lucky ones!

I’m noticing that the sewing world has also been inspired by this very aesthetically pleasing fruit. In the July/August issue, our sister magazine, CME, featured this adorable apple-themed skirt project.

Download the free pocket pattern here, and get the cute apple embroidery design here.

Here’s some pretty apple-print oilcloth available from Hart’s Fabric. How cute would it be to make a fall apron or tablecloth from this?

Or if you want to spiff up your sewing kit, check out this apple-top basket available from Jo-Ann:

Repro Depot has this super-sweet apple applique:

The great thing about New York is that it’s an agglomeration of people from around the world. There’s no place in the United States quite like New York. One street is filled with the sights and sounds of Chinese culture; turn the corner and suddenly you’re in Italy. Walk a few blocks down and you’re in Mexico. And just up the street is the best row of sports bars a football fanatic could ever want.

If you think you need to have a certain look to fit in, think again. I saw women sporting the ’80s look like it was 1984. There were men who wore tights with long T-shirts, kids dressed in fancy hats, elderly women in short skirts and teenagers in buttoned wool cardigans and pleated skirts and slacks. And let’s not forget about the sea of I Heart NY shirts.

I had to pick up one of these shirts while I was there. It’s a must-have item when visiting NY.

Shopping in SoHo was a really fun experience. There’s something for everyone (and everyone’s pocket book!).

I definitely saw proof of the ’80s comeback when I was in NY (in stores and on people). I’m not quite sure how I feel about this decade’s style, but I do like the bright, daring colors and fabric patterns. But don’t worry. If the ’80s isn’t for you, everyone has a place in New York. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes. New York is all about walking, and painful blisters are definitely not chic!

Do you live in New York City, or have you ever visited? Tell me about the craziest, coolest or most interesting fashion trend you’ve spotted there!

Here are a few highlights from our sewing marathon.

Pam sews her very first seam:

Reno helps interpret the pattern instructions:

Pam models the finished project. Nice work!

Have you ever taught someone to sew? I’d love to hear your success (and not-so-successful) stories. Please share below!

Every costume I like seems more appropriate for a child. Like these:

How cute are those?!

Or I could always go as OctoMom:

But that just seems too scary!

I do like Mad Men…

But would anyone really get it??

Please let me know what you’ll be dressing up as for Halloween this year…I need some good ideas!!

Thanks in advance!

Ellen