fabric

It’s been a while since I sewed anything.  In fact, the last project I used the sewing machine for was back in December when I made an apron for my neice Christmas stocking. 

So, while I was home this week with a sick kid, poor little guy had a fever & cold, I dusted off one of my sewing books.

I’ve had Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter for some time but have yet to make anything. I love her books as they truely are simple, and fast.  The first thing I ever sewed 3 years ago was from her other simple sewing book.  They’re a great way to get into sewing or, in my case, a great way to get back into sewing when time is a limited resource. 

So, while Jr was napping I whipped up these simple pants with some japanese Kokka fabric I purchased from Purl in NYC.  Although the pattern calls for 3/4 of a yard of fabric I was able to make these with 1/2 a yard but just barely!  I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out and since it took less than an hour from the time I cut the fabric to the time they were done I forsee a lot of handmade pants in my future. 

I tried getting Ian to model them but as you can see, he just wouldn’t sit still. Go figured! He’s got things to do and people to see, I guess.  The next sewing project on the agenda is a metal framed purse.  Pattern found here. Wish me luck!

Back in July I did some research on modern quilting.  There are so many great blogs and books dedicated to this specific craft that it was a little overwhelming so I decided to start out with a simple crib quilt using charm squares. The pattern is appropriately named Due Date by Bean Counter Quilts.

I have worked with charm squares in the past and the precut 5 inch squares really do save some time in the cutting process. I went with the Arcadia fabric line because I loved the color combinations and the modern style of the fabric.  I also like the fact that it doesn’t scream baby quilt!

Bourne Supremacy, The movie download

Most of last Sunday was spent piecing the quilt top together.  I probably spend way too much time working on it, but I wanted to get it right.  All that’s left to do is sew the border and then assembling the batting/backing and lastly attached the binding.  There’s where I don’t have a clue! I’m hoping my local library has all kinds of quilting resources so I can figure out the basics.

If you’re a quilter and have any advice or favorite reference books I’d love to hear from you.

I recently purchased a manicure kit from my local drugstore and even though it came with an ugly plastic case I decided to make my own.  It turned out to be a really easy project and a great way to use up fabric scraps.  Although it’s a little early to be working on holiday gifts these would make for some super handy stocking stuffers!

Supplies:

Small amount of fabric for front, inside and pocket
Medium to heavy fusible interfacing
Snap kit or velcro for closure

Step 1: Download the manicure kit cover template I created.

Step 2: Cut out fabric using template. Cut 1 front cover, 1 inside cover, 1 interfacing & 1 pocket (on fold)

Step 3: Press interfacing to front fabric piece

Step 4: Fold, press & top stitch pocket piece

Step 5: Pin pocket piece to inside cover piece.

Step 6: Using template pocket guidelines stitch on dotted lines to create dividers and attaching pocket to inside cover.  I used blue water-soluble marker to create guidelines.

Step 8: Pin front to inside cover (right sides together)

Step 9: Sew 1/4 inch seam all way around leaving 1-2 inch gap for which to turn cover inside out

Step 10: Cut around curved edges of fabric to create a smoother corner when pressed

Step 11: Turn work inside out and press

Step 12: Topstitch around outside

Step 11: Add snap closure to front and you’re done.

If you give this a try and find that you have any problems or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Fabricdepot.com is having a sweet sale! Through the end of the day all Free Spirit fabrics are 35% off and that includes Pop Garden

Jackie Brown

About a Boy divx by Heather Bailey.  They don’t have the entire collection but here are a few they do have.

The last thing my stash needs is more fabric but these fabrics are adorable!  Sale ends midnight tonight!

Here’s a sneak peak at the materials I’ll be using for next month’s giveaway.  Be sure to check back on Dec. 1st for more details!

Just My Luck ipod The Watcher buy

Sister Act full movie

Last month I read about Spoonflower.com on one of the many craft blogs I subscribe to. I can’t exactly remember which site or if it was through Flickr.  Either way, I finally got my invitation today.

Spoonflower.com is a beta website. A beta site in its simplest terms is a test site.  The site provides a new service and opens it up to selected users before launching it to the general public.  What’s so great about this site is that it gives the average Jane, like me, the ability to create her own customized fabric which is just AWE-SOME!

My designs, above, have been sent off and I can’t wait to see how these turn out.  I think my favorite out of the 4 designs is the top right pattern. I’m calling it Blue Bamboo!

Last week I entered a giveaway over at Juicy Bits and I won!  It’s a great crafty blog by Jessica Levitt.  She also has a fun fabric belt tutorial that I may just have to try out with the cute fabric she sent me.   Who knows, I may even pay it forward by doing my own giveaway.  Stay tuned!