Archive for the ‘Sewing’ Category
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Goodness, where should I start? My apologies to all for being away so long. An explanation is surely in order but, unfortunately, there isn’t one. No broken sewing machines, no lack of fabric or patterns, no major family or work emergencies, and no exotic trips to far off locales (unless you’re one of those who count Oklahoma in December as exotic).
I’ve decided that I’m one of those people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues. We have normal mental health (which, of course, depends on your definition of ‘normal’) throughout most of the year, but we experience depressive symptoms in the winter and, get this, we may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. Now I have a reason (with no guilt!) to eat my way through every bag of cookies, bag of candy, tub of cake icing, and carton of ice cream in the house.
I’ve not done a bit of sewing since late October/early November. I haven’t turned on my sewing machine, although I’ve heard him calling my name from time to time. The same with my poor, poor laptop. The little guys are missing me so.
I found these projects on the internet the few times I turned on my computer. You may want to try some of them.
Craftstylish has a tutorial showing how to make this fabric basket. You can use this soft coiled bowl to stow all your notions, threads, jewelry, and more. There are step by step instructions with photos. With Valentine’s Day just ahead, check out their tutorial for this heart sachet. A set of of these are a great gift and a good way to use up your fabric scraps.
As I’ve said previously, we’re in the process of painting the inside of the house. Yes, we’re still painting the house. And, yes, we need to finish this project so we can move onto something else. We acquired quite a collection of chip cards from our days of picking colors for the house. Here’s a neat way to use them. How About Orange used old paint chip cards to make bookmarks. She says to just trim them to a size you like, paste two colors back-to-back with some rubber cement, attach a string or ribbon, and you’re done! They’re especially sturdy because the paper stock they’re printed on is very tough. Now you have no excuse to use old receipts, toothpicks, or food crumbs as bookmarks.
Check out these two new Valentine projects from The Purl Bee. She gives these instructions for making your own sewn paper Valentines. These pretty little cards are a great way to use up the last little pieces from stash fabrics and any leftover thread you might have. Her other project is for these little Valentine pins. These little pins look like they are as fun to wear as they are to make, and is a perfect project for the kids to make for their class valentine swap. Each one takes just minutes to make so you can whip up a bunch in no time.
This site, Cherrymix, has patterns for little food items made from felt. Aren’t these little cupcakes cute? Cherrymix has been around since 2001. It was originally just a gallery site showcasing their personal work. In 2003 it opened a store selling plush toys. The store closed in 2006, but the free patterns have stayed online. You can download patterns for a fortune cookie, a cupcake, a marshmallow, a loaf of bread, and three for sushi: shrimp tempura, mini mochas, and onigiri.
Until next time!
Make this: #21
Posted on: November 13, 2008
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Poppy Lane shows how to make these little flower bowls that you can use in your sewing room, office, bathroom, or bedroom…any place where you need a little storage. They are easy to make with two pieces of fabric and a piece of fabric interfacing. Also check out her tutorial to make a heart wreath for Valentine’s.
Craftstylish makes these nifty quilted flowers to add to a tote, make into a pin, or make a bunch for a bouquet. A great way to use up your scraps, and they’re really fast and easy. All you need are fabric and batting scraps, thread, and some small buttons. And a sewing machine, of course. You can find the instructions here.
The blog dearfii has a couple of projects I found interesting. The first is for these little pin cushions. A sewer can never have too many places to put their pins…right? You can find the link to the PDF here. The second is for this fabric bowl or a wee little Easter egg bowl. This is so easy with fabric and glue. A nice project for kids and your fabric scraps. Here are the instructions.
Flower Garden gives instructions to make a ready threader, which is a handly little holder to carry a spool of thread and some pins and needles when you carry a project along with you to the doctor’s office, the dentist, or a trip out of town. It’s also neat to carry a tube of lipstick or chap stick. Another great idea to help use up all those scraps we all save.
And finally, we can’t end without a new purse project. Heart of Mary has a nice project for her ‘finish it your way’ patchwork bag. You can find the how to’s here. The idea of ‘finish it your way’ means you have the choice about how to do the final bag assembly. You might want to leave the top open, as in a simple tote, or close it with a magnetic snap, button loop or zipper. You might add a flap. It’s up to you. Notice the ‘download tutorials’ button on the right side of the page? Be sure and click on it and check out her patterns for both a large and small messenger bag, a backpack, and her little angel doll. A great site!
Until next time!
Here, there & everywhere
Posted on: November 9, 2008
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My girls were home for a week. Actually, Jenifer was here for two as she’s on leave until she reports to her new duty station at the Port Arthur Marine Safety Office. We drove to Beaumont yesterday and helped her move into her new apartment. She isn’t scheduled to report for duty until the 24th, but she’s hoping if she reports early she may get a few days off at Christmas. She’s also hoping that she’ll up her chances if she volunteers to work on Thanksgiving. We’ll keep our fingers crossed!
I have no pictures of their visit or any of the places we went as I misplaced my camera. I found it right before Michell left. And then I forgot to take it with me when we went to Beaumont yesterday. I wanted to get pictures of Jenifer’s new apartment.
They kept me busy during their visit. We went to the Ikea store in Katy as Jenifer needed some new things for her apartment. I noticed that the Katy store has a bigger fabric department than the one in Round Rock. I practiced great will power and didn’t buy any as I’m trying to use up some of the fabric I have before buying any new. Wishful thinking on my part. I did pick up two small toiletry bags as mine is falling apart. Once we get home I ended up making this one while Michell worked on a tote.
We went to the Houston Quilt Festival (I wish I had my camera!). I didn’t see anything this year that really excited me…other than the new Brother Quattro machine. Very impressive! Many of the booths were displaying quilts in browns and creams. I didn’t see very many bright colors this year. Does this have something to do with the economy? I didn’t buy any fabric or patterns. I did pick up some machine embroidery supplies, and Michell and I both picked up the supplies to make Ficklesticks. These are basically fabric covered floral wire that you then twist into different shapes: flowers, people, jewelry, sculptures, wall hangings. I’m thinking this is a nice project to take on a car trip. I can make up a whole bunch of fabric tubes and then put them together in the car or hotel room.
Roger made it home from his trip on Saturday night so he got to spend some time with Michell before she left. He was happy to be home after being gone two weeks. We’re thinking about going to Houston this coming weekend. We’ve talked about going Saturday and coming home Sunday afternoon. He wants to go to the Bay Area Divers’ annual flea market, which was postponed from October because of Hurricane Ike. I’m hoping I can talk him into going to a few quilt stores (there goes my not buying any new fabric). It’s our usual trade off. I’ll go to scuba shops if he’ll go to quilt stores.
I haven’t got much digitizing done lately. I have a few weeks before the holiday rush sets in. I don’t think I’m going to make gifts this year. Of course, that’s subject to change because I may find a great project in a quilt store this coming weekend!
Until next time!
Make this: #20
Posted on: November 3, 2008
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My dog, Hemi, has an obsession with kitties. We can’t tell if he loves them or hates them. I found this tutorial for kitty ornaments. I’m thinking if I make several and place them in his favorite places, I may be able to help him overcome his ‘little’ phobia. You can find the pattern at Annie’s Cupboard. If you like primitive this is the place to go. The site has everything from Raggedy Annie to Christmas and Halloween items. She has a lot of free patterns that you can download, and she lets you sell what you make.
You find charm packs everywhere these days. I’m sometimes at a loss what to do with them, other than make quilts. Buttonberry has this tutorial to make a nice charm tote. She also has this tutorial for a Posh Pick n Mix bag that takes very little fabric and very little time.
I haven’t bought a pumpkin in a couple of years. I always say I’m going to but never get around to it. Probably because I feel obligated to make pumpkin pies or something out of those disgusting innards. And Roger always wants to toast or roast or bake…whatever it is you do with those seeds. However, I’ve found this pumpkin pattern at Schlosser Designs, which will satisfy my yearning for a pumpkin but won’t do much for Roger’s seed toasting/roasting. While you’re downloading the pattern check out her other tutorials. She’s got some neat ones!
Until next time!
Make this: #19
Posted on: October 23, 2008
- In: Make this: | Quilting | Sewing | Tutorials
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Well, I spent a little time wandering around the web and found a few neat projects that I filed away in my huge stack of papers that I really must go through one day. You may be interested in them too.
Pink Penguin shows how to make this reversible patchwork tote bag. You can find the tutorial here. I wonder how this would look made out of old tee shirts? I mentioned in an earlier post (Make this: #12) about Pink Penguin’s tutorial to make a fabric basket. I know some of you made her baskets and told me how easy her tutorial’s are.
For those of you who sell your crafts here’s a little tutorial on how to make your own labels. Even if you don’t sell your creations, it’s still nice to put in a label so that someone knows that you took the time to make them a special gift. The tutorial includes photos so it’s easy to follow. You’ll find that making your own labels is cheaper than having them custom made.
L’arbre de Bobines tells you how to make this drawstring bag. Isn’t it so cute? I think these would make great little gift bags. I think the site is either French or Italian. The tutorial is in English but you may have to read parts of it two or three times in order to grasp what you’re supposed to do. Still, it looks easy enough to follow. Plus, she says you can contact her if you have problems or questions.
Here’s a couple of pin cushions that will look nice in your sewing room and look easy to make. UK lass in US has a tutorial for the apple here, and you can find the instructions for the pear here. She also has this tutorial for a fabric doll house that will make a nice Christmas gift for a little girl.
Finally, some nifty projects disappeared from the Kunin Felt website when they reorganized. Blossom the bear and Skippy the rabbit were some cute ones from 2000. You can find Blossom here, and Skippy is here. I found these links through Silver Seams Open Source Sewing. If you sell your crafts then you need to check this site. Her patterns are available for you to make and sell. Here is what she says,
Some years back, I decided there was a need for “open source” sewing patterns – not just free instructions on the web with a “You can use this but don’t resell the results” afterthought, but properly licensed stuff like I use when I’m wearing my software developer hat. Since then, the potential for hobby crafters to sell their work has only increased (Etsy, etc.), so there’s more need than ever for the ability to sell stuff without worrying about getting a special dispensation from the pattern designer, or worrying about a C&D or a DMCA takedown notice.
I hope you’ll try your hand at some of these projects. Until next time!
Dog days
Posted on: August 27, 2008
- In: Bloodhounds | Quilting | Sewing
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I’ve been out of pocket since the weekend. Here’s the reason:
We’re calling her ‘little girl’ because she’s not going to stay with us long. She’s already been adopted by a family in Louisiana and is staying with us just long enough to get her vaccinations and get ‘fixed’. We expect she’ll be with us about a month. She’s four months old and has just a ‘little’ bloodhound in her. You can see it in her ears but that’s about it. She’s a cutie and not afraid of the three big boys!
I’ve spent some time sewing on the denim quilt. Here’s some of the finished blocks. I’m going to embroider one of the denim blocks with ‘Jenifer’s jeans’. I wonder if I should add the size so one day she’ll have proof that she actually wore sizes 0, 1, and on up to 5? When you get a little older it’s hard to imagine that you actually wore those small sizes. Okay, I never wore a 0, 1 or a 5, but at one time, many years ago, I did wear a size 7. I’m not looking forward to snipping all those seams. I think I’m suffering from ‘painter’s wrist’ and ‘painter’s thumb’ (is there such a thing?) from all the house painting.
Until next time!
Make this: #17
Posted on: August 19, 2008
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Sew Sassy Mama has instructions for making this fabric grab ball. This is a new blog. Her first post was in mid-July. It’s always nice to find that people have visited your blog, so be sure and visit and leave a little thank you note.
With fall just around the corner, check out the J. Caroline Creative tutorialon making a Halloween basket with a place mat. She’ll also show you you how to make these nifty storage baskets in two different sizes. I must try my hand at these as I don’t think a person can ever have too many places to store one’s junk important objects.
I’m not sure what Manucré is calling this bag, but whatever its name…it’s cute! Quite simple. Here are the instructions. The site is in French but it translates into easy to follow directions. If you have the time, she has some tasty looking recipes you might want to try (if you can figure out how to convert her measurements). Maybe I can talk Michell into giving some of them a go. Those French classes in high school will come in handy in situations like this. As well as those years of culinary school!
You can make this little boxy pouch from three bears. You can see how here. This little bag is only 4.5 inches long, 3 inches high and 2 inches deep. Just big enough for a lipstick and a compact (or better still, she suggests lots of candy).
Finally, here’s a handy wall organizer for your sewing room, bathroom, closet, office…anywhere you need some storage for little things. Here’s the instructions. I just happened to pick up some of that apple and pear fabric a few weeks ago.
Until next time!
I’m back!
Posted on: August 11, 2008
- In: Family | Sewing
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I’m back after a nice visit at home with Michell and Jenifer. They both left on Saturday…way too short a visit. We haven’t been together since Christmas, and with Jenifer leaving for Yorktown, Virginia, who knows when we’ll get together again. Michell’s planning a trip back at the end of October to go with me to the Houston Quilt Festival.
Michell came in on Tuesday and on Wednesday we drove over to Round Rock. We spent four hours at Ikea and only spent $30 each. You’d think for that much time we’d have a shopping cart full of goods. We spent another two hours at the outlet mall next to the Ikea. Jenifer came in Wednesday evening and for dinner we had banana splits. When they were younger I’d sometimes have banana splits for dinner when Roger was out of town. I didn’t do it very often but they remembered it while they were here.
Michell did some sewing while she was here. She made Amy Butler’s Frenchy bag, and then her and Jenifer decided to make an Amy Butler Stash & Dash bag. Michell made one for me at the same time she was making hers, while I helped Jenifer through each step. I made her do all the sewing, although Michell did sew the zipper in for her. Considering she’s never sewn before, Jenifer did a good job on her bag.
As for me, I made a couple of postcards last week. I made the birthday one for Jenifer, and I made five of the tomato ones to send to family members. I’ve started a denim rag quilt. I spent Sunday cutting up I don’t know how many pairs of Jenifer’s old jeans. Now I’m trying to decide if I want to back it with bandanna or flannel.
Until next time!
Make this: #15
Posted on: July 24, 2008
- In: Make this: | Sewing | Tutorials
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The Angry Chicken has a tutorial to make this five minute skirt. You can download a PDF with the instructions. By the way, the five minute rule only applies if you use a serger, but it’s a simple skirt so even using a sewing machine won’t add much time. It’s a two piece pattern with no waist band. While you’re there, be sure and watch her how to video on applying bias tape. Besides being informative, it’s also entertaining and you can see how to make a cheap video with a low budget.
Aren’t these sharp looking quilts? These are made by Karen Griska at Selvage Quilts.com. I’ve decided I just really enjoy the look of things made with selvages, which these quilts are done in. I’m not sure how long it takes to collect enough selvages to make a quilt. Karen has this tutorial that shows you how to make several types of blocks using selvages. The FAQ also has interesting info on using selvages.
The newest project at DIY Style is a foldover clutch purse. You can download a PDF with instructions that show you how to make it with and without the decorative details on the flap. You can see all the other projects listed here. They have a little bit of everything: fashion, home decorating, and even some doggie duds. I don’t think I can get my dogs into any kind of duds so I didn’t even look at these patterns.
Finally, Dizzy Daisy shows how to decorate button clip and bobby pins to match your outfit. A very simple and easy tutorial that uses fabric scraps, a fabric covered button kit, glue, and a pair of needle nosed pliers.
Until next time!
Make this: #12
Posted on: June 18, 2008
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Pink Penguin has several nice tutorials. Here are the instructions to make a fabric basket. This tutorial is very easy to follow. I think I’ll make some of these to use around the house and in my sewing room. These would also make nice gift baskets for someone special. Especially if they’re done in birthday or Christmas fabric. While you’re at the Pink Penguin be sure and check out her other tutorials for both a pen and camera case.
My girls are in their twenties and have already moved out on their own and, unfortunately for me, there are no grandchildren in sight in the near (or distant) future. However, for those of you who still have a little girl at home, Grand Revival Design has this tutorial for a ruffled skirt. She also has this pattern for a cute little girl’s hat. This tutorial is very easy. You can whip up several of these in one sewing session.
You can download the bird pattern at Spool to make this cute mobile. Look for the link to the PDF in the upper right corner. Over the next few months Spool is planning to give directions to make the bird mobile. Each bird only takes two pieces of fabric so throw in a needle & thread and you have a great travel project.
Until next time!
Make this: #11
Posted on: June 13, 2008
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Ric Rac made this tutorial for a little tape measure pouch to carry her sharp scissors in to class. This is one very talented lady. She has several tutorials on her site and freely admits to an obsession with fabric selvages. In an earlier post I gave you her link to make a selvage quilt. Her other tutorials include a bucket bag…very cute. You can find it here. Finally, here are instructions to make her one hour bag.
Carla’s Feathered Fibers has a tutorial on how to create ‘inchies’. Inchies are one inch quilts that are fast and fun to make. What can you do with these? Lots of things. You can frame them as a set and hang them on your wall, you can use them to embellish a quilt or other project, or add an eyelet and make your own necklace or bracelet. You can take part in a swap or a challenge where a coordinator will give details such as size, color, theme, etc. This is a basic tutorial, but Carla encourages you to expand as you learn, especially when it’s time to embellish your inchies. If you find the one inch size too intimidating then try making double inches (two inches) or inchies plus (one and a half inches). Carla has several other tutorials that you can find here.
Until next time!
Quilting bloggers
Posted on: June 4, 2008
Do you want to find other quilters or quilting bloggers in your country, province or state? Then check this site out. You may find a blog you haven’t visited yet.
Until next time!
Make this: #10
Posted on: June 1, 2008
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Amy Butler has a new pattern for a business card holder. Click free patterns from her main website.
Dorie Schwarz has created the Frounchess bag, which is a style that’s very popular now. You can find the instructions here. Dorie’s posted a PDF that you can download, and she also a step by step online tutorial.
Crafty Daisies has a scrap sack tutorial here. This one doesn’t give measurements because it all depends on the size of your scraps or strips. I think I might find something else to use as handles as I’m not sure how well grosgrain ribbon will hold up. Let me know if you have other ideas.
Chickpea Sewing Studio made a tutorial for the Sewing Republic showing how to make reversible place mats. You can see the video here. The instructions are also in a PDF that you can download. Go here to see other projects at the Sewing Republic.
Hope you can use some of these. Until next time!
Make this: #9
Posted on: May 20, 2008
- In: Make this: | Sewing | Tutorials
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Have you always wanted your own Hermes purse? Couldn’t afford it? Well, here’s your chance! Visit here and download your own paper Hermes Kelly purse. It’s a little on the small side, and it might hold a pack of gum, but what the heck, it’s a Hermes! And won’t it look nice hanging off your arm… uh, finger!
If your office is drab and plain (like mine) then here’s a nice way to snazzy it up. Decorate your office equipment with fabric. How About Orange tells you how. She’s tried a couple of different techniques and found that the easiest is HeatnBond. At one time I found a link to make fabric folders. I’ll have to look for that again. Here’s an idea: set your new Hermes purse on the corner of your desk. Won’t your co-workers be jealous?
One can never have enough purses so here’s a very nice tutorial for an easy purse from Sew-Mad. I love this purse, and I’d really like to know where she bought her fabric. I love the red floral. I always seem to have black polka dot in my stash so that’s easy enough, but I’m definitely keeping my eyes open for this red or something similar. Let me know if you’ve seen this fabric or something like it.
Madmuffins and Woogiemonsters has a checkbook cover tutorialthat is easy to follow. Also check out her It’s a Cinch Book bag tutorial for a nice size tote bag…not too big, not too small. I really don’t like giant, oversized tote bags so this one is nice.
I really, really need to turn on the sewing machine and make something. I need to look through my things and see what I have in all those patterns and fabric that I’ve bought and then stashed away.
Until next time!
Linda’s got a brand new bag!
Posted on: May 9, 2008
My friend, Linda, sent me photos of a bag she made using my red work basket design that I posted on Sew Forum a few days ago. Linda added a few bigger flowers around the sides and on the top. Linda’s an excellent seamstress, and she just amazes me with every new project she does. She comes up with some of the neatest ideas. Some people can’t see past an original design and sew it as they see it, but Linda changes up the colors, combines designs, and makes wonderful, unique items.
Thanks, Linda!
Until next time!
Isle B. Stitching 
What we’ve said!