Online Garden Seed Resources

Today we are going to talk about seeds! Vegetable, fruit, and flower seeds to be specific. Starting most plants from seeds is not difficult, it just takes some time and a bit of care.

Before I go on, if you are interested in learning more about starting seeds inside, you can see my post about that - Seed Starting Indoors 101. Or if you want to try starting seeds early outdoors with mini diy greenhouses, you can see the Let's Go Hobby post on Winter Sowing.

Onto the seeds. So, how about all those terms you hear about or see on seeds packages like heirloom, organic, hybrid, or GMO? What do these terms really mean? Let's break it down:

Heirloom Seeds - Seeds taken from plants that have been passed down from generation to generation. They have not been purposefully modified in any way and are stable. Meaning, that you can collect the seeds of the plant and grow the exact same plant again. These seeds can also be referred to as open pollinating. Heirloom seeds must from suppliers, must have had cross-pollinating plants grown a certain distance away from plants of the same type (i.e. they can't grow two varieties of corn right next to each other) in order to result in the same variety being produced from the seed.

Organic Seeds - Seeds from plants that were grown using organic methods. No harsh chemical pesticides or genetically modified plants. Seeds labeled as "organic" have to be certified (and pay for that certification). So, sometimes plants are grown in an organic way, but because the farm hasn't been certified, it will not be labeled as such.

Hybrid Seeds - Seeds from plants of the same species that were crossbred on purpose or by chance. If seeds are listed as "hybrid" then they were modified purposefully for better characteristics (disease prevention, frost tolerance, earlier fruiting, etc.).  These are not genetically modified and not harmful at all. However, if you try to save the seeds, you may get something different than what you started with. One year I saved seeds from a spaghetti squash and upon planting those seeds next year, was surprised to find something resembling a zucchini spaghetti plant that never quite ripened. Maybe something like this has happened to you!  By the way, according to the National Garden Association, "Beets, brassicas, carrots, corn and squash are cross-pollinating, and so require isolation in the field to keep varieties true. Beans, lettuce, peas and tomatoes are self-pollinating, do not require isolation and are the easiest for seed-saving home gardeners to sustain year to year." This is great information for seed saving. I actually did save beet and carrot seeds last year, it will be interesting to see if the new plants end up looking the same next year!

GMO Seeds - Seeds purposefully modified in a lab setting to garner sought after characteristics. GMO seeds are not readily available to the home grower. These seeds are marketed to large scale farmers. 

Okay, so once you decide what types of seeds you are interested in buying, you will then have to decide which seeds you want. Of course, the what variety of seeds you buy is largely dependent on climate you live in, individual tastes you are catering too, and perhaps - whims! I mean, who knows when the desire to try bright red carrots or yellow tomatoes will hit you! I will say, there is sometimes merit to buying seeds locally since smaller nurseries will sometimes carry local seeds that do better in the specific climate you live in. In my experience though, unless  you live near a special seed supplier, most nurseries selections are lacking. And if you are looking for heirloom or organic seeds, they are in limited supply.



Here's a short list of seed suppliers. Which one you choose, will depend on your interests so I've included a small snippet about each link.

In alphabetical order:

Baker Creek Seeds (aka Rare Seeds) - A large variety  of heirloom seeds with many rare cultivars. Not certified organic, but most seeds are probably grown organically. They send out a basic free catalog each year if requested (which can also be viewed online). They also have a more in depth catalog with lots of fun stories, historical facts, and interesting pictures that may be sent free with a large order the previous year. Otherwise, it's available in the magazine section at many stores in the US. This is one of my favorites.

Burpee - A large commercial type seed supplier. Sells a mix of , heirloom, organic, and hybrid seeds as well as gardening supplies.

Fedco Seeds - Mostly certified organic seeds. Sells in small quantities, but also bulk for the small farmer.

Fruition Seeds - Organic seeds which are marketed as "seeds from the Northeast." Located in New York, they carry varieties that are better suited to shorter warm seasons and harsher winter conditions.

Hawthorne Farm - Organic seed supplier out of Ontario, Canada. Only ships to Canada.

High Mowing Seeds - Organic seed company out of Vermont. Ships to USA and Canada. Good variety of seeds common and rare. Largest variety of cover crops I've come across.

Johnny's Selected Seeds - Offers a good variety of organic, hybrid, and heirloom seeds. Operates out of Maine and will ship to  the US, Canada, and internationally where permissible.

Park Seed - Large scale commercial seed supplier out of South Carolina. Sells heirloom, organic, and hybrid seeds plus gardening supplies.

Seed Savers Exchange - A non-profit company out of Iowa that is dedicated to saving heirloom and open pollinated seeds (some are organic as well). They grow, save, and preserve seeds as well as distribute the seeds so that home growers can enjoy them and keep the seeds alive. As the name suggests, there is also a seed exchange program that anyone can participate in.

Tomato Fest - It's all about organic heirloom tomatoes from this supplier. A wide variety of different and fun tomatoes from a husband and wife team. They also have tomato and tomato/flower seed collections which could be fun.



Ah, I  almost forgot to mention the Let's Go Hobby post about seed storage and organization, you can see that post HERE.

2019 Garden

Here's to a great seed starting year for us all! 

Happy Gardening!

So Jess Sew - Rebecca Page Keeley Cardigan

I've always wanted to have a duster cardigan. So when I saw that the RP Keeley Cardigan had a midi option, I was all about it! It's winter and I wear this a lot. True confession, I wear my bathrobe around the house when I'm cold. So if the doorbell rings, I have to throw my bathrobe off to answer the door not to look like I'm still in my pajamas in the afternoon! As you can tell, this baby was much needed. It's so warm. Cute to layer under a jacket with leggings and then your backside still stays warm and covered!

I didn't make any alterations to the fit and just made the size that fits my arms and upper body since I didn't want to add buttons on this make. The sleeves are set in, but with the loose sweater knit I used, it gives it a drop sleeve look. If you used a more stable knit, they would sit right up where they are supposed to. The pattern does have the options for a shorter length, buttons down the front, and a side vent.

The fabric is sweater knit that I scored from Walmart at a buck a yard. This longer version does take about 2 yards or so depending on your height and size, but so worth it. I've gotten a ton of complements while wearing it. It can glam up a simple outfit quickly.

The pattern is located HERE on the Rebecca Page website if you are interested in seeing it there! I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Sewing!!

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So Jess Sew - Ellie and Mac Be Bold + Pinsperation Upcycle

This post is part of the Ellie and Mac Summer Pinsperation event. What is a Pinsperation you might ask? That is finding a picture or "pin" from Pinterest that you like and trying to re-create the look. How did I do?! I used the Ellie and Mac, Be Bold pattern to recreate this off the shoulder striped look. An old shirt from my husband was the perfect way to make a fun quick shirt for next to nothing.

The Be Bold  is really a cute pattern. It also has options for a flounce at the neckline, a few different sleeve looks, and an elastic waist for a full dress. A perfect pattern to use up lots of woven fabric!

Using an already made rtw shirt makes this sew super fast. I started with a large sized mens shirt.

Laid the pattern on top to see the length and width needed. It was a little bit longer that the pattern, but the width was close. So I kept the side seams and hem the same and just cut out the top and armscyes.

*Use a ruler at the top to ensure you cut straight across. If you have a cutting mat, you can line up the shirt and ruler to ensure a straight cut.

Make sure to flip the pattern over to cut the opposite side out.

This was a short sleeved shirt, so I placed the pattern piece on top of the sleeve with the hem line near the short sleeve marking and cut the sleeve out. Remember since it's already sewn on the side, it's okay to leave the width of the pattern piece off the sleeve a bit.

 Then use the first sleeve to cut out the second for ease.

Finally, just use the pattern instructions to complete the shirt!

If using a larger sized shirt or making a smaller sized pattern, you might be able to cut out a flounce for the top too or make longer sleeves! No old husband shirts? Check out nearby thrift stores!

If you don't love the off the shoulder look, I have a friend who uses a shorter piece of elastic to pull the neckline onto the shoulders and it looks super cute too.

Click HERE to see this pattern on the Ellie and Mac Website. Have fun with your Pinsperations and Upcycles!

Happy Sewing!

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So Jess Sew - Rebecca Page Toronto Tee (free pattern)

The Rebecca Page Toronto Tee is a loose fitting boxy shirt made for knit fabrics. Oversized tops are definitely in right now. I usually choose more fitted shirts as a pear shape, but this one is really cute tucked in just in front. It would also be cute untucked with some skinny jeans or jeggings. 

This is a free pattern, so there aren't a ton of options, but there is an optional pocket that can be attached in the classic placement on the left or right side of the chest. The sleeves are cut on the fold, but since it's a loose fitting tee, it works just fine! The neckband length was pretty spot on and the seams were all trued.

If you wanted a slimmer fitting basic tee, you could size down or bring in the sides a bit. Another cute option, would be to cut it shorter to have a loose crop top, those are really popular right now. Something like this:

Photo by Anıl Görkem Özşan from Pexels

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I used french terry for the main part of the shirt and DBP for the neckline (both from knitpop.com).

You can find the pattern HERE on the Rebecca Page website. It's a PDF pattern, so you an download it instantly and print it out! For more free patterns, check out my blog post HERE.

Leave your comments and questions below.

Happy Sewing!

Free PDF Sewing Patterns

There are a ton of free patterns out there for everything from napkins to stuffed animals to dresses and shirts. Here I've compiled a list of some of the free patterns I've tried. Some of them are free just by going to the website. Others are free only if you join their Facebook Group or sign up for a newsletter for example. Some designers will have a free pattern each year, and then that pattern goes back to full price and a new free pattern will be available. It's nice that some of the designers offer a free pattern or two so that you can try it out and see if you like the way the patterns are formatted and how well the drafting is. I'll add more patterns to this post as I try them out. Enjoy!

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Patterns for Pirates, Pirate Pencil Skirt

This is a classic pencil skirt drafted for use with knit fabrics. In the picture below, I made this skirt from a sweater knit. You can see the full post on it HERE. The pattern is available on the website for free.

Patterns for Pirates Pegs (Leggings)

This is a basic pair of leggings, but it does have some fun options like a side panel with pocket and a contoured waistband. Make sure to download the add-on pack if you want the extras. I've made 4 or 5 pairs including a wide-legged version (you go straight down from the inseam points and add a few inches) and the shorties version to wear under skirts. On the pair pictured, I added a bit of length so that they scrunch at the bottom. Free on the website.

Made for Mermaids Mama Paige Piko Top

A dolman top with some fun options including a hi-lo curved hem. You can see my post on it HERE. Also available in girls and doll sizes.

George and Ginger Lounge Gown

Lounge gown is the name, swim cover up is its game! A fun sew for the summer. Free through the Facebook Group. See my post on it HERE.

Rebecca Page Toronto Tee

This is a loose fitting boxy shirt. Oversize tops are definitely in right now. I usually choose more fitted shirts as a pear shape, but this one is really cute just tucked in at the top. It would also be cute untucked with some skinny jeans or jeggings. You can see my post on it HERE.

Rebecca Page Dragon or Dinosaur Stuffed Animal/Pillow

This is a cute pattern. There are pattern pieces for both a dinosaur and a dragon. I love the details with the fiery tongue for the dragon and the different shaped spikes for the dinosaur. You can see the full post I made HERE.

Spruce Crafts Christmas Stockings

I used the same shape as the free pattern for these, except I just made them bigger as I wanted larger stockings for Christmas. I think I drew a line out 2 inches on each side of the existing pattern. Then cut the cuff the same width as the new stocking size. The two stockings pictured below are Mrs. and Mr. as the one on the left has a fun lace overlay on it. I just put a basting spray on the back of the lace and stuck it on top of the fleece cuff then top stitched it on top and bottom. Instead a loop, I sewed a wired ribbon into the seam of the cuff so that I could tie it to our banister as we don't have a fireplace. These are really simple and affordable, and you can find some fun fluffy fabrics for these if you wanted.

So Jess Sew- George and Ginger Lounge Gown (free pattern)

Lounge Gown is the name, swim cover up is its game! Or a nightie if in the right fabric perhaps? This pattern is free through the George and Ginger Facebook group (join! there are other free patterns in the files). This is not an "options pattern" since it's free, but it's so cute as is. There are two lengths - babydoll or dress. I made mine a dress length. The top is lined and the bottom is a half circle skirt. It's not meant to be a true dress with coverage, so the v-neck part is low as well as the sides. You can overlap the notches instead of bringing the edge of the fabric to the notches to make the v come up a bit higher.

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Here is the side, see how it comes down low? So cute for a swim cover up so that your suit peeks out.

The back is smart, you connect the two straps through a casing so that it scrunches up. So cute.

Gotta love a free pattern! You can find it HERE.

Happy Sewing!

So Jess Sew - George and Ginger Edgy Top

The Edgy Top is so fun. One side of the top has the option for long sleeves all the way to no sleeves with a band. And the other side? No sleeve! The Edgy Top is aptly named. I made mine sleeveless for a summer tank top with a twist. There is also a flounce option at the top band.

The striped fabric I used came in a sweater knit pack from Knitpop. It just feels like a cotton jersey blend with 2-way stretch. The bands are mustard colored DBP.

I think the best part about this shirt is that it uses less than a yard of fabric and you can easily sew it up in less than an hour. Just two side seams, two bands (or one sleeve and a band), and a simple straight hem!

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Here's a fun GIF to show the shirt in action. I love how all the George and Ginger patterns come together so nicely and always fit. That's a sign of great drafting.

You can see the listing for the GG Edgy Top HERE. It's on sale for super cheap for the month of May (5/2019) as the pattern of the month.

Leave your comments and questions below!

Happy Sewing!

How to Sew a Neckband on a Knit Garment

Attaching a neckband onto a garment is not difficult per se, but it does take some practice. Follow these steps, take it slow, and you'll get it down in no time. I have outlined the process for quartering and pinning/clipping the neckband in pictures, and then a video for how to sew/serge the neckband on. If using a sewing machine instead of a serger, it's the same process, just use a stretch stitch and you may just need to trim the seam allowance as a sewing machine won't do that for you. 

1.  First sew the short ends of the neckband right sides together. You should now have a large loop. Then fold wrong sides together along the whole length of the band. 

2. Quarter both the neck hole and the neck band. This is easily done by pulling opposing sides of the neckband taut, pinning or clipping, then pulling the opposite sides taut with the two previous clips/pins in the center. You should now have 4 clips/pins evenly spaced apart. The same method applies to the garment neck hole. Start by pulling the back and front of the neck band taut away from each other aligning the shoulder seams. Clip/pin the front and back points. Then pull the neckband by the sides with the previously clipped/pins touching eachother in the middle. Clip/pin the sides. 

3. Starting at the back of the garment, attach the seam of the neckband right sides together with the garment. Match up each of the 4 pins/clips all the way around the neckline. The band will sit on the outside of the neck hole and all 3 layers of fabric on the raw edges will be aligned.

4. Although this step isn't necessary, I highly recommend it for beginners or if your neckline is especially long. Pull the fabric between each clip/pin taut and pin in between the two clips/pins.

Once you have pinned/clipped all the way around, your neckband should look like the picture below.

5. You will now sew the neckband to the garment's neck hole. Start at the back of the garment with the neckband underneath the garment fabric, and sew or serge all the way around the neck hole stretching the band so that the garment fabric lays flat. Remove each clip as you go. See the video below for detailed instructions.