shellys sewing shrapnel

a couch makeover and a single girl block

2012-02-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

Its always nice to brighten up your living space with a fresh pillow sham! I made covers for my ordinary couch which has a geometric fabric in warm Autumn colors...which I love in the fall and through the holidays it is very complimentary and cozy...but.....when the sun starts to come through the blinds I want to freshen things up so the white curtains go up and fresh shams. I made these with Joel Dewberry Aviary line, they just make me happy.

before

after

I also recovered a floor pillow with the single girl pattern from DSQ a great scrap buster. I inserted a zipper along one whole side for easy removal and washing.

love the result!

quilted advent calendar

2011-11-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

December 1st is almost here are you ready?

Last year for Christmas I made 2 of these wall hangings for gifts and cut a third one out for myself, I figured I had all year to finish it...no hurry right?. Well its been all year and I didn't make it so now that we are close to the time when you hang it on the wall I needed to get going! So here is the tutorial that we followed from Sew Mama Sew (when I say "we" I mean my friend and I who also made them with me, between the two of us we made 7, we bought yard cuts and shared the fabric) Since my squares were already cut and matched up (pattern wise) which is the time consuming part, I got right to it. If you will notice the different styles of numbering that can be done....you choose what works best for you! The first one I embroidered with colored thread on white fabric, cut out squares and sewed them on by machine, the second I used the printable fabric paper which went faster, and for mine I just freehand embroidery on circles of felt and then stitched the circles on the squares randomly (which might be my favorite method...quick and cute)

I followed this pattern close with thees exceptions:
The Numbering

I did not use the wonky piecing to stagger the pockets

I quilted stitch in the ditch instead of stippling

I added a greeting for each recipient as well as a 25th pocket on the back

So let me encourage you to make this lasting treasure for you family to enjoy this season.

I bought the fillers from fairy tale pumpkin on etsy and they are perfect!

I took theese pictures with my iphone and the instagram app, its fun to play with the filters, they make it look old tyme!

tuttie tute tutorial: closet organizers

2011-11-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

quick and easy baby gift

I used 5x10 scraps

3x3 strips of clear vinyl

I did not take step by step pictures of this project. But here are the basics:

I sewed the side seams then placed the fabric folded in half and traced the hanger to get the diagonal top and added a clear pocket for the front to place the label in so it can be changed as you need

zig zag quilt

2011-07-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

I picked up 2 charm packs of this really colorful and fun fabric a while back, with intentions of a little quilt for my daughter.

I also have been wanting to make a zig zag quit for some time. So this was a perfect match!

I learned about a technique where you sew you white square right sides with your printed square. Draw or iron a diagonal line or fold and sew 1/4" on each side of the line, you then cut on the line and you have two squares complete. Its a genius quilting trick. So I got going on cutting and piecing arranging my layout with my 5 year old input on how the colors should go. She did not like the mixed up look like the quilts online, she wanted the 4 block that matched to stay together so I did as she asked and we put together a very color pleasing quilt. I used a polkadot flat sheet for the backing and black and white dot for the binding. I quilted along the zigzag and was able to complete the machine quilting in a few hours.

Here is the method I used for the blocks, you can arrange theese triangles in a number of ways to get so many different patterns, 4 finished blocks make one zig zag

Next on the list to finish this bed off is a pillow that requires some hand embroidery. Inspired by this lovely shop. To be done in the car on our family vacation. Coming soon!

picnic blanket in a bag

2011-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have a picnic blanket that I bought for I think $7, about 10 years ago. You fold it up and there is a zipper that goes around it and then it has a strap. Great idea....ugly colors AND toooo small for my family of 7. So a few years ago I was commissioned by an etsy customer to create "the ultimate picnic blanket" as she so lovingly referred to it. This blanket started as a small project but got big real fast. Her blanket ended up measuring almost the size of a king blanket. The top was created from reproduction vintage prints and the back of a fabric called cordura, most commonly used for backpacks. She chose this fabric because of its durability and waterproofness. She lives in NY and wanted to keep all the muddy yucky street germs on the outside of her lovely fabric...who can blame her. Well here is what I ended up creating for her....I did not want to give it up!

So I decided that I would eventually make one for our family since I had the practice on this one! Well that was spring 2008.......anyways I have been collecting jeans for many years now with the intentions of a big blanket some day...today is the day! I cut and cut and cut....there was a massive pile of denim squares and still had enough jeans left to make a few more blankets. I also had an old duvet cover that I planned for the backing and binding.

cutting denim is very messy to say the least!

So maybe someday I will share a tutorial on how to add gussets and a zipper to a blanket. It actually is quite simple just takes some thinking and SILENCE....I had to send the kids outside for this one. Here is a picture of how it is applied. I used a 48" plastic zipper, a 4" strip of jeans and a nylon strap from an old duffel bag.

we have already used it ALOT!

easy summer dress

2011-07-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

ok....love BURDA just in case you didn't know! Well they always have fashion that does not look homemade, easy patterns and great tips and advise. Most sizes are European so you have to figure that out but I have purchased a number of PDF patterns and have had great luck so far. Well I got the newsletter with new summer patterns and had to have this dress. BUT....pattern did not come in my size. Most pattern makers on BURDA only make patterns in one size lot, anyways I was looking at it and thought it was a simple idea, and I knew I could copy a neckline from a shirt I liked, so I got out the pattern paper and got started. I wanted to have side seam pockets so I used this tutorial from BURDA as well, I am a big fan of binding so I used a simple binding technique added some gathers at the neckline and it was done! I decided not to add the gathered waist, but I might change my mind later. Without a belt or gathering it looks like a shepherds costume, my daughter and I were laughing about it calling it my shepherd dress, so it definitely need a belt or gathering. Dress in a day! LOVE THAT. I purchased this linen like stripe at a fabric warehouse, it was easy to sew with and is very comfy...I might need some more of it. I used about 1 2/3 yards, the bias binding cut into the last bit of the 2 yards.

tuttie tute: bike basket linner/tote bag

2011-07-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Bike basket liner and tote! Ok I know I went on and on about my old Schwinn bike and the cover was cute and easy but a cute seat cover can only do so much for a sad little bike. It looked good but rode bad :( I need to be able to go for long rides with my kids and pull a few kids behind me from time to time. I needed a new bike. So With my new bike I needed a cute basket liner. After some etsy surfing on what people are making I got a general idea of what my needs were and what I wanted to create. My basket is the quick release by wald. The quick release mechanism prevents the liner from going around the top in a continuous piece so I had to adapt the top, more about that later. Here is the list of likes and wants for my bag.

zipper pocket

key fob

water bottle holder

ability to take out and carry

pocket for phone and glasses

AND to be CUTE!

Ok so I started, here is what I did. Spread out all my fabric scraps to decide my fabric combination, I wanted the bag to compliment my bike colors and I found I had enough of these wonderful Amy Butler prints. Gathered some other supplies like yellow webbing for the straps, a zipper for pocket and a clasp from an old duffel bag. So I got to work. First by measuring the basket and drawing a rough picture with dimensions to go from. If you have not discovered pattern paper, you need to if you like to make your own patterns...its a must. The pattern paper has marks in inch squares so it helps you keep things straight and it has a wax paper backing that you can iron onto your fabric to help cut it out.

So I created my pattern.

The top was 2" larger than the bottom so I created by patterns

Here is a picture of the pattern paper ironed onto the fabric. This is also helpful if you want to line up your patterns and center the fabric. This takes time and uses more fabric sometimes but it makes the difference between homemade and boutique, if you ask me.

Here are my lining pieces ready to add inside details of your choice.

I made a simple pocket on the top peice, placed elastic on the left for a drink, key fob on the right and a zipper pocket. I have been wanting to learn how to insert a zipper pocket so this was the perfect project to test it out. Found this tutorial and its perfect. I made my pocket 8x8.

My pocket is not perfect and a little puckery on the corner but a good first try and good enough for the lining of this project.

I assembled the lining sewing the side seams first, being careful to sew only a 1/2 from the bottom in each side seam. Cut my bottom piece and then attached the bottom. There are many tutorials out there about basic tote bag construction if this is your first time. I will skip alot of the basic construction steps and only tell about the different things I did to customize the bag for a basket.

I then added the straps.

This picture is an example of where I put a dot on the bottom for where to stop sewing to get your bottom to come out square.

Now repeat for the outer minus the pockets and extras.

I like to press my seams out and them top stitch on both sides of the seam, this adds strength and structure to the bag as wall as a nice decorative touch.

I made my casing in two pieces to the handle is able to go up and sown and not interfere with the bag.

Sew the casing to the outer and turn the outer bag inside out and insert in the lining, right sides together. Stitch around the top, I prefer to rip open a piece of my lining rather than have the top opening left. So then rip a lining side seam and turn bag right side out.

I inserted a piece of template plastic for my bottom to have a bit of sturdiness in the side seam opening and then stitched shut. Iron seams and top stitch again under the casing.

Thread you tie through the casing

cant wait to test it out!

tuttie tute: easy bike seat cover tutorial

2011-05-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am a lover of all vintage things, but if they have a family history I love them even more. I have had my Nana's old Schwinn Suburban Bike from the 60's for about 17 years, I started riding it when I was pregnant with my first born because it sat up straight and my mt. bike was no longer comfy for my growing belly. Well it has gone in and out of storage and I rode it here and there. I now love this bike even more since my Nana recently shared with me how it was the first bike she ever bought with her very first paycheck as a working mom, well now I have to restore it! So I dusted it off, polished the rims and handle bars rubbed all the rust off with WD40 and sent the wheels in for an overhaul. I was searching for vintage parts and came across some cute bike seats, then I saw bike seat covers in fun decorative prints, well ......need I say more?

Here is my tute for making an easy bike seat:

1- choose fabric
I am using Joel Dewberry Ginseng dec weight fabric because my bike is sparkly brown and this matches perfect. Some people out there in blog land were using oilcloth, which is a great idea and waterproof, but it hardly rains where I live and I didn't think it necessary for me.

2- trace bike seat onto tissue paper with sharpie

3- add 5/8" freehand around your outline then fold in half to get a symmetrical pattern and cut out

4-cut out fabric and fusible fleece for added padding

5-I also decided to quilt a 2" diamond pattern at this point this is optional but adds a nice touch, plus I just love my walking foot and enjoy little details

6- take a measurement around the outer edge of seat top, and decide how wide you need the sides to be, because this is an old bike seat and not very pretty I wanted my sides to cover the springs on the back and go around the entire seat so I made my sides 5" wide, this also allowed for my seam and for custom trimming later. Then I clipped the edges for easy curves.

7-Attach side piece stretching and curving around the seat top, I decided to stitch in the same manner that I do binding, starting about 1-2" from the beginning, this is the binding tute that changed my binding life :) Follow this and it will open up a whole new world of binding. I know this sounds crazy but really binding is amazing! hehehe, its the simple things that make me sooo happy.

ok back to the project

8- sides are attached and now its time to check the fit

yeah! it fits!!!!! I was totally winging it so I did not know what it would look like.

9- trim around the edges that are too long, my seat has a narrow front but needed more coverage around the back for the springs, so eyeball this step and cut half of the side then fold in half to get the other side so they match up

10- finishing it off: 2 ways this can be done. Create a casing and add a drawstring (which I think might have been a better choice ) but I'm lazy and had tons of FOE on hand to I used it!

FOE (fold over elastic) in case you don't know is a wonderful elastic product that has many uses, skirt waistbands, ironing board covers, to name a few of the uses I have experience with but it was originally purchased by a friend who had an ambitious diaper cover project in mind and bought like a million yards of it, so I ended up with some. Which I love. So you place half on the back and fabric in the middle pull and sew at the same time, I do not use pins for this, though some may want to. I also use an elastic stitch on my machine that runs a straight stitch in a zigzag pattern

I wanted the fit to be a little more snug so I decided to add a elastic strap in addition, this is why I thought the drawstring might actually work better.

this worked out too though

now I cant wait to see it on my bike and try it out. Waiting on the tires...thanks to my hubby who installed them and adjusted my brakes to make sure everything was put back properly after I disassembled it :-)

my next bike accessory project will be a basket liner.......so excited!!!

mothers day gifts

2011-05-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

So as you may know by now I make alot of gifts! I also make alot of bags and little things with zippers. Zippers are nothing to be afraid of, and they are fun to buy, I know this may seem strange but if you browse the cute etsy shops that sell only zippers and you see all the beautiful colors they come in you start to want to make things using zippers, so I like to buy a rainbow pack of zippers and keep them in my stash. Colored zips are so much more fun than just plain white ones, also, they are much cheaper to order on etsy than to buy one at a time in the store. One more reason to love etsy, like we need one! Here is the shop I got my zippers from, check it out I know you will be inspired.
Ok back to the mothers day clutches, if you are a follower of sew mama sew you may recognize this post from a while back, they have the best gift list projects ever! This is the glift list and here is the bag tute I made.

I followed the pattern as written, turned out perfect. I assembly lined 4 bags this made for quick work, as she says it takes longer to pick out the fabric than to actually make the bag, well that was the same for me, and if you make a few at a time you really make the most of your time.

for this bag I used Amy Butler dec fabric Trumpet Flowers in Pink so I did not use interfacing, the other three i used quilters cotton and interfaced. This one is for my sisters birthday this week.

I decided for the zipper pulls to make little beaded dangles instead of the usual ribbon, makes it a bit more girly and unique.

for my Mom, lover of all things red

Amy Butler Love collection: Paradise Garden in wine and the band in Sunspots Tangerine

for my Mom in law, lover of bright colors and calico:

iIcant remember this fabric name, just pulled out of my stash, but the band is Amy Butler sSnspots in Mint

and since I don't sew for myself very much I needed one too!

you may recognize this fabric from my previous post on wet bags, Sandi Henderson's Meadow Sweet, and since I have lately been obsessed with teal, green, tangerine and coral I this fabric was calling my name!

wet bags

2011-05-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

I made a couple of wet bags recently as gifts, I enjoyed making them and think I could use one myself, even though we don't have anymore diapers in our house. This bag has many uses and I think it would be a handy item for anyone, not just diapering....boy do i wish i had one when we were though.

I saw this bright fabric by Sandi Hendersons line Meadow Sweet and thought is was fun and cheery for this bag, I am using it as a gift bag for the baby quilt from my earlier post. I added a name frame with clear vinyl to label who the bag belongs to or its contents. I think a snap strap is useful also, and I like to add pull tabs on my zippered bags. The inside has PUL lining and I boxed off the bottom so the bag will stand up when filling it. This is a simple project that I may do a little tute on but for now I will give out the dimentions:

cut 2 of outer fabric and 2 of PUL lining

13x16

cut contrasting fabric 15x3

this is for the strap and the pulls

14" zipper

The finished measurements are apx 12x12, the extra amount in the length is to account for the square bottom

On this bag I added a pocket on the outside

using the dimensions i gave above, you can put this bag together with out instructions. This little tute got me going on bag lining and zippers, once i made this little bag i just started making all sizes and shapes just off of the instructions from this blog, so YOU CAN TOO!

baby quilt

2011-05-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

I love the chance to make baby gifts, and its even more fun when the person you are making a gift for LOVES color. This is a simple strip quilt, I made strips the width of the fabric by 2,3,or 5. It sews up fast.

Then I used It's a Hoot by Momo on the back

I quilted around the bird and the hills on the front and in the ditch on the other strips

I bound the quilt with Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow Acorn Chain in Pond, love this fabric, it goes with so many prints. One of those complimentary fabrics you can never have enough of.

obsessed with granite and vintage yellow

2011-04-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

I always loved Joel Dewberry's Aviary, I did not buy enough of it and now it is hard to find, but I was very happy when I saw he has a new Aviary2 out! Actually I saw it at my favorite local fabric shop. I did not know what I was going to make but just knew that I had to have some of this new fabric. This is the line, from my favorite online fabric source. I have ordered some other fabrics from this line also, pictures to follow when I complete those projects.
I chose Ironwork in Granite and Lodge Lattice in Vintage Yellow, then I found this great hat pattern that fits EVERYONE! Now I love hats and actually like to make them but when I saw that this pattern would fit my toddler boys, my daughter, myself and could be used to make baby gifts....I was sold. So as usual when I buy new fabric it does not sit for long. The hat pattern was easy to follow and I enjoyed making it. I probably spent 3 hours total so this will definately be a keeper. The flower is detatchable, I have not decided if the flower is for me yet though.....

Joel Dewberry - Aviary 2 Fabric Collection

2011-04-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Joel Dewberry - Aviary 2 Fabric Collection: "Bloom in Granite View Fabric Damask in Cavern View Fabric Damask in Granite View Fabric Ironwork in Granite View Fabric Lodge Lattice in Vintage Yellow View Fabric Sparrows in Cavern View Fabric Sparrows in Vintage Yellow View Fabric Woodgrain in Vintage"

quick baby gift

2011-03-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

1-you can never have too many burp cloths

2-you can never have to many burp cloths

3-did I say there are never enough burp cloths .....CLEAN?

4-a new burp cloth is always nice

So what do you give a mother who already has a few children?

A burp cloth.

Materials:

Chinese Prefold 100% Cotton Diapers (this type are the thickest, smoothest and hold shape after washing the best) I order mine on etsy in the supply category. I usually buy 1 doz at a time for about $25, trust me its worth it. To have this in your stash is very satisfying when you can put together a little gift set in less than an hour. Keep in mind that embellished burpies can run $15-20 each.
assorted scrap fabrics
iron on adhesive
rickrack remnant

Lets get started:

Pre-wash diapers (you always pre-wash your fabrics RIGHT???)

TIP: I like to wash my fabrics and diapers right away when I get them, that way when I put them away they are ready to use.

iron on the adhesive to your scraps, I like to lay my scraps out on the adhesive with the edges touching, then place wax paper over the top, then a pressing cloth before ironing, this way the wax paper will keep the adhesive from sticking to your iron and the cloth will keep the wax off your iron.
cut out triangle shapes, or any other desired shapes, this method is the same for all appliques
place triangles (the flags) on the center column in a wavy pattern
iron with pressing cloth
stitch over the edges of the flags 1/8" from edge
apply the zig-zag by folding under the end and backstitch, then run it along the tops of the flags curving and ensuring you have covered the top of the flags as you sew, fold the end edge as well and back stitch, trip threads....and this project is ready to give!

It is hard to believe that there is actually 8 steps to this little simple projects but it really sews up FAST!

last minute stocking stuffers

2010-12-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

Made 2 crayon rolls for 2 Dodger lovin brothers for stocking stuffers, fast, easy, and cheap....yet useful! Thats the best part, check out this easy to follow tute.

Modern Meadow Quilt

2010-11-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

IT IS DONE! I love the way it turned out and I love that I made something for me! This fabric is so lovely to look at and is so inviting to cuddle up with to read books, and knit away with in my grandpas old chair. Looking forward to winter with it!

Modern Meadow Quilt Top

2010-10-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just finished a quilt top for a lap quilt for Fall.
Now that I am looking at it all together I am seeing I could have turned a few rows so matching fabrics were more spread out , but this is one of those projects I just want to finish, you know what I mean?
I have 2 quilts and 3 wall hanging to machine quilt and just want to get to it!
I bought the Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow set in Sunny Day from Hawthorn Threads and could not wait to dive in. My photo does not do the colors justice, when it is quilted I will take a better picture outside!

pillowcase love....

2010-09-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have made 6 pillowcases recently and have become very fond of making them...when I am not rushing and making foolish mistakes like pulling too hard when seam ripping and ripping the fabric instead of the thread....UGGGG, this is when I put the fabric down and walk away from the machine, Well I picked it up again today to finish a gift. My pillowcase journey started with this post, then it was changed when I read this tutorial and I ended up making my pillowcases with a comination of the two, I used the french seam idea for the side and bottom but used the "snake roll" as I am calling it for the top and it comes together soooo fast and so profdessional, I am addicted for sure. Many more to come I hope, I want some for me!

My fabric choice for this set was:
Patricia Brave, Alhambra II
Main case: Arabesque Buds in Ivory
Cuff:: Tile Reflection in Olive
Trim: Mazy Bricks in Teal

tuttie tute:: two handed oven mit

2010-08-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

This two handed oven mit hangs on the oven door ready to use, its pretty, practical, fast and easy....so whats stopping you from sewing?

step 1. CUT
2- 8"x24" main fabric (the stripes)
1- 8"x24" insulbright (heat reflective batting)
4- 8"x8" for pockets (2 for outer 2 for lining)
2- 8"x8" fusible fleece
2- 3"x8" decorative band (dots)
binding I cut my binding 3" wide (you can use store bought but why?)

step 2. CURVE
find a plate and cut your curves

step 3. POCKETS
starting with the bottom layer
lining wrong side up
fusible fleece
outer fabric right side up
(you can fuse in this step if you choose to use fusible fleece any batting works fine)

quilt a pattern or around the fabric design

pin and stitch decorative band right sides together to straight edge of pocket 1/4" seam

press upward

press raw edge to seam and then fold the folded edge of to your stitch line and pin

stitch in the ditch from the front

step 4. quilting

layer the large pieces
outer wrong side up
insulbright
outer right side up

pin and machine quilt

step5. attach pockets

pin pockets right side out to right side of main
stitch around pocket outer edge

step 6. BINDING

pin binding to BACK all the way around leaving about 4-5" open - stitch 1/4"
bring the left overs to the middle and finger press, pin and pull out to stitch binding seam
trim excess then stitch to mit
that might be confusing so check out molly's sketchbook on where i learned this revolutionary binding process (scroll down to "finish binding ends")

this is how it looks after the binding seam

after stitched down

now press binding to seam and turn to the front

pin and top stitch 1/8"
by stitching the binding to the back it allows you to top stitch on the front so you are sure to catch all the layers, sometimes when top stitching binding on the back side to the front suffers.

hope you get many tasty thing out of the oven with your mit

fabrics I used:
Joel Dewberry Aviary - Broad Strip in green and Rose Damask in green
to dot is a scrap from an old project I don't know the name sorry :-(

tuttie tute:girly party gift

2010-07-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE making kids gifts because:

they are often free and made with scraps

they use up scraps

they are fast

always original

FUN

satisfying

are you convinced of making kids gifts yet?

this is my quickest go to girls purse

I used Amy Butler Lacework /Olive for the outer, Garden Maze/Olive lining and Martini Dot/Blush for the straps and flower. We are going to fill the purse with nail polish and pretty tissue then it will be our gift bag also!

Here are the basics:

2- 13x13 outer and lining

1- 13x13 fusible interfacing

2- 12x1 1/2 for handle

1- 2 3/4x 5 3/4 piece of plastic, cardboard or anthing sturdy for bottom (it wont be seen)

embellishments

1. Cut your outer, lining and interfacing together 13x12 1/2

then fold in half short end to short end and cut out a 1" square at the fold on both sides, this will give you a box bottom

2. Iron on interfacing to wrong side of outer fabric

3. Cut Handle cut 2 pieces, bias tape can be used or you can make your own, ribbon is also nice here.

4. If using your own fabric, fold in half lengthwise and iron

open and fold over 1/4" on each side to incase raw edges, I like to sew 2 rows of stitching 1/8" on both sides

5. Assemble purse

sew side seams on outer 5/8"

sew lining sides seams the same as outer only leave a 2" opening in the middle for turning later

6. Press side seams and stitch bottom seam 1/2" across, this creates the box look

7. Attach handles to top 2" in from side seams

8. Turn lining inside out and push outer into lining to top edges line up and stitch 5/8" seam around

9. Turn through opening in lining side seam, press, top stitch as desired

10. Cut bottom and insert in the lining opening then stitch opening closed, press

The purse is finished and no time to embellish

Fabric Flower:

-rip 2 strips of fabric one aprox. 2x10 and one aprox. 1x8 I just eyeball this for the size of flower I am wanting, and I like to rip the fabric to get frayed edges, they could also be pinked.

-sew a long running stitch on one side of each strip

-pull the thread to gather, as you do this the fabric starts to curl, let the fabric shape itself and once you get ot the desired fullness spiral the gathered ends around and add a needle to the gathering thread and stitch flower middle to secure it, add a button ad pin back or stitch directly to purse.

quick mother's day gifts

2010-05-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

there are many gift ideas that I come across and want to make, what it really comes down to is:
do I have to go to the store to make it and do I have the time?

I know this blog is about sewing but I also LOVE to crochet
so I had all of the supplies to whip up this nice set of body scrubs
here is what to do:

to crochet a little scrubbie:
use a small hook about H or so any size will do
cotton yarn or whatever you have, I used peaches n cream its nice and soft

chain 4 and join with slip stitch
in circle DC 17, join
2 SC in each DC around, finish off
repeat for a second piece but dont finish off
hold the two discs together and SC through both loops joining the 2 discs together, ch3 continue around
I made a loop on some:
2 strands SC 10 and fasten
or
2 strands SC10 and fasten at 2 points for a little holder

Body Scrub:
Lidded Glass Jar
2 cups epsom salt
1 cup carrier oil (I had olive oil)
8 drops essential oil (I used lavender)
food coloring

drop essential oil in the carrier oil and stir into salt, then add a little coloring and stir until color is even makes 2 cups, press into jars and decorate.
We made a personalized label and added some fresh lavender to top it off for a nice presentation

tuttie tute: dishtowel

2010-03-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Finished Dimensions: 16"x24"
Supplies: Main fabric totaling to 17" wide x 27" long
Backing Absorbant fabric such as Cotton Birdseye (what diapers are made of)
Matching Thread

Cutting Fabric:
Use one solid piece or piece several fabrics together as I have done. An easy way to do this is cut several strips and sew them together then cut your final dimensions. I used flat fold cloth diapers that I had on hand for the backing. I did not want the white to show on the front so my backing fabric is 1" shorter than my front

Stiching:
Sew the short end pieces first, this way you can fold the front to the back then do the side seams. Below is a picture of the end seam pressed.

Then smooth out the front and fold over to back. This is where the back pice being shorter comes in. I iron a crease on the ends to give me a guide for when I turn wrong side out to stitch the sides.

Line up both ends and stitch side seams, dont forget to leave a space for turning the project like I almost did. It is better to leave this opening sometwhere in the middle. Trim corners.

Turn project and push out corners with corner tool. Press.

I like to top stitch all the way around 1/8" to keep the towl together.

I love this Rober Kaufman fabric so much, it is very kitcheny, once again I wish they were for me. Sometimes it seems that all I do is make gifts, but I love doing it.

The store had the beater frbric in black and white which I must go back and get for myself.

Excellent gift. Pair it togehether with a pot holder, and ruffle gloves. tute comming soon.

lovin' Amy Butlers Love collection

2010-03-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

EASY yoga bag, free pattern from Amy Butler Nigella Yoga Bag, I used the new Love Home Dec fabric Trumpet Flowers in Pink. This bag took about 2 hours, it is lined and simple to sew. I just wish it was for me :-( But....this fabric will be making a re-appearence, I LOVE IT!

braided headbands

2010-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

made these headbands for my daughter and her friends.

3 pieces of fabric in 3 colors cut to 1"x20"
1 piece of elastic cut 4"

1-stack up the fabric strips, lay elastic ontop and stitch over a few times to make it sturdy

2-pull the elastic back and top stitch over the fabric, I spread out the fabric so it was less bulky under the presser foot

3-braid, keeping the printed side up

4-repeat step 1
try it on!
they are a little snug at first but stetch out over time

2010-02-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

well I promised a picture of binding....but its not on my quilt

had to finish a birthday present, once I learned how to make little zipper bag from here, I went crazy making all sizes and shapes, once you learn the basic technique you will love to make bags of all kinds, and you really don't need patterns. Sometimes I shop around online a famous makers to see whats out, they usually give the exact dimensions of their bag. Then I sketch it out with what I want and get to cutting. You can get a stash of zippers in a variety of colors from a couple of supply sellers on etsy, then its fun to go to your fabric closet and pull out scraps then get a funky zipper to match, its cheaper this way also to buy 10 at a time. So since i discovered binding my seams on Vera Jean I have been doing it ever since, on almost every project I make.I quilted free motion around the deer and put her name in for fun

stiching and stiching and stitching......

2010-02-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Down to my last 18 rows of machine quilting on quilt #1 for the twins "little bits quilt". This portion of the process has taken much longer than I had anticipated, stitching rows the length of the quilt every inch, BUT...that's what will make it pretty later. The only thing keeping me going right now is that I will get to do binding VERY SOON!

I hope to have a binding picture tomorrow if I don't get too side tracked making another birthday present.

cloth napkin love.....

2010-02-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

last summer my daughter and I decided to sew cloth napkins for our family, to see if we like using them we decided to use scraps first. So I got to cutting with the rotary, she ironed and I let her sew the hems, this is a great 1st project. There is a little corner trick if you want your napkins to look professional, look here for detailed instructions. I have used this method for napkins and table cloth corners, very nice. My next inspiration comes from good ol' purlbee because I LOVE BINDING these are great, I made a set for a birthday gift and my friend made a bunch for Christmas presents, they are fun and versatile. Here are a few of mine, I used a poly tablecloth fabric and Amy Butler Garden Maze in 4 color ways. Theese have seen a few washings.

taking a heart break

2010-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

I took a BREAK from quilting because my neck was getting tired and wanted to make a few valentine things, got inspired from Rae and Katiedid, I hope my daughter loves the headband, pictures to come hopefully......

had to take a break from the quilts for a birthday gift

2010-01-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

this little car wrap is the cutest little gift for the little guy in your life, this one will be going to my nephew for his 2nd birthday. Thanks to Jill and her very easy tutorial here

little bits

2010-01-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

pieces cut...and assembly line in place to work 2 twin size quilts at once. I have assembled one panel of the "little bits" strip and love it. My neck and back won't allow me to sew the second tonight but will finish tomorrow, this quilts comes together nice and quick!

it's time to quilt.....

2010-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

this will be my first "real" quilt, I have made tie quilts, picnic blankets, baby blankets, etc. but never a real pieced, quilted, and bound quilt. Mt twin boys are getting ready to graduate to "big boy" beds and I thought this was a perfect opportunity to make the "little bits" quilt from the Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts book, check out the flikr group, I plan on displaying my quilt here when finished.

So follow me on my journey of "little bits"

first the fabric.....

fell in love with the All Star collection from My Minds Eye by Riley Blake

since I am making 2 quilts I am planning on using the same main fabric and accents for the "bits" but contrasting backgrounds to be different for each boy.

fabric came today soooo excited to start

next post will be of the "little bits" panel, see you soon

t-shirt re-fashion oops!

2009-12-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

re-fashioning clothing is all the rage right now, I had some shirts that my twins had out grown and thought I would make the sleeves longer so they would get one more season out of them. Here are the shirts and fabrics I plan on using.

This is the second time I have tried to use thermal material and again without success!

The fabric stretches and gets out of proportion, so it did not work, I used a stretch needle and a stretch stitch so I don't know what happened but as you can see it did not turn out well.....

so....I decide to stick to t-shirt materials, using a long sleeve boys shirt and an old whit t-shirt I make new sleeves and a band for the waist, success!

neck roll

2009-12-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

the perfect gift for anyone......create a warming neck roll for those cold days when you have worked hard and want to relax, just pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes and then rest it on your shoulders and warm up as you relax your muscles.

cut 2 pieces of fabric 5x19" each. I used a cotton top and a fleece backing, sewed Velcro in the top for ease of washing and then sewed the three sides up. Fill with dry beans, rice, wheat, flax, buckwheat, you can even add some herbs like lavender or rosemary.

peggies

2009-11-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

As you may know I love to give handmade gifts. I wanted to give a family gift that small children would enjoy as well as adults, so I had the idea of a personalized game. I made the game in cloth book form and found little peg people on a clever etsy shop naked peggies. You can buy the peggie people in natural wood or have the artist create a personalized set for you.

handmade christmas count down

2009-11-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

sew mama sew is one of my favorite sites to visit, they have posted a handmade holidays master list. This list is wonderful for finding ideas for the right person...check it out.

I adapted this Toy Bucket into an Art Bucket by adding a crayon roll type pocket to the front instead of the toy pocket. Following this tutorial it sewed up quickly and the instructions were accurate, I think I will be making some more, and will definitely be tucking this pattern in the quick gift ideas box.

happy birthday!

2009-10-27T07:04:00.001-07:00

It was time to pull out the birthday banner again, I love this banner and the idea of it.

This banner is made up of old jean pockets from the whole family, I then wrote on the pockets with a paint pen, I did not like the look, so I sewed on some binding over the marking and think that was a better match for the denim. My friend who was making theese with me used the paint pen and they turned out great, it was just a difference of fabric. Give these a try they are fun and easy.

baby boots

2009-10-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Apparently I love to make shoes, there are so many easy fast and cute patterns that I can't resist. What I like most is taking a pattern and making it my own. Found this boot on this cute blog, saved it a few months ago waiting for the time to use it....well my cousin had a baby boy and they live in a cold climate so....camo boots for baby Trevor.

weekend sewing frustration

2009-10-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

I love getting books from the library, thumbing through them and looking at all the beautiful pictures, and projects created by professionals. These books make us think we can do it too....well sometimes we can and sometimes we can't. I had a problem with The Guest Room Slippers, I made the largest size, I stood on the pattern to see if it would fit and it seemed close but I was willing to give it a shot. I could not find anywhere in the book or the on the pattern pieces if you should cut a seam allowance or if it was included, also when piecing the she together there was not reference to a seam allowance, so I made the smallest that I could since they were already close to not fitting, some of the instructions were confusing but I have made enough shoes to keep going. In the instructions she refferes to a buttonhole and a carpet in the last step, I have no idea what she is talking about? Well the shoes came out cute as can be BUT THEY DON'T FIT! So I loved them enough to modify the pattern and give them another try...I am pleased with the result but as you can see in one of my pictures I have the first pair which is the smaller one and then the revised size, its not just a little.....it's SO small..... still love the book and will try some more projects with caution.

More Birthday Pressents

2009-09-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

YES, ANOTHER BACKPACK! Can't stop making them, check out the Flicker Pool on Toddler Backpacks that I have been contributing to. (see I'm not the only one)

Found this adorable monkey pattern super cute right? Only problem is I need a boy, so....I took an old sweater of my sisters and used it for the body sleeves and socks for the monkey, the pattern called for a hat dress and shoes, we just left that out, A ball cap would have been cute but I was under a time crunch. This is an easy to follow pattern and I will be making more of these cuties, since my 3 littles were eyeing it the whole time I was working on him.

Happy Birthday to my nephew!

2009-09-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

After I got this books I have been making Duffle Bags like mad!

I made the bottom duffle first for my daughter with Amy Butler Garden Maze and Happy Dot, then I received an order for the Novaue Trees and Martini, and I just finished the Joel Dewberry Deer Vally/ Antler Damask, Archetectural Barnwood and Lodge Lattice, so far I think this is my favorite. And I have fabric in the closet waiting to be used in my next duffle.

Give her bags a try they are simple and straight foreward patterns.

check out Cindy Taylor Oats Easy to Make Totes With Zippers its great:

2009-09-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

found this new blog, she has alot of great projects and sewing advise as well as links and give aways-fun!
http://http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/09/made-by-rae-jackpack-backpack-guest.html

love the birdie sling

2009-08-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

I made the Amy Butler Birdie Sling for my Mother -in-law, she chose the colors and fabric, fantastic Amy Butler choice don't you think?

I enjoyed using this pattern, it took some time but the finished product is well worth it, the bag is lined and has fusible fleece inside so it has a nice weight to it. The strap is one piece so it fits nicely on your shoulder and you don't have that one pesky strap that always falls off to deal with.

For those of you who are not familiar with Amy Butler and her products I would encourage you to check out her web site, its full of sewing inspiration. http://www.amybutlerdesigns.com/

new style soft shoes

2009-08-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was ispired by a customer to create a new style shoe, and this is one of them, I started with a free pattern that I downloaded from this web site, and then modified it to the new style I wanted, you can adjust this pattern in many ways, let your creativity be your guide.

easy wrap skirt

2009-08-24T11:09:00.001-07:00

sorry I have been away.....busy sewing and not posting.

this wrap skirt is a perfect first sewing project or for a beginner...something that looks store bought and not homemade.

Tip-when making clothing, pay close attention to your fabric choices it will make or break the homemade or store bought look.

I used this tutorial: http://www.bigredcouch.com/journal/archives/2007/03/wrap-skirt.html

I am not a mathmatician and this was simple...really

picnic lap roll

2009-08-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

another roll?????? yes..... they are practical, functional, and a great way to keep organized.

made these for a buyer but will be making more for me and gifts, used the pattern out of this book. Borrowed of course from my sewing buddy.

backpacks by rae

2009-08-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

backpacks for the boys because..... I didn't think they needed to be carrying their sister's purses anymore......

easy pattern to follow, I added a few of my own touches like lining and seam binding, took a few hours but very satisfying results....give it a try.

I will be purchasing a selling license from rae soon and will have backpacks to buy on my etsy shop, check back.

Pj's designed by my "little"

2009-07-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

my little 4yr old was shopping with me in the fabric shop and saw pink silky fabric with large white dots similar to what is on Minnie Mouses dress and asked if she could have some "pink minnie jammies"? how can you resist that? When we got home she proceeded to tell me how the jammies should fit, where to cut, hot short for the shorts, and oh, don't forget the princess sleeves mom!

I believe that smile says it all!

summer top

2009-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

you can never have too many summer tops when you live in California!

my best sewing buddy and me spent the afternoon making tops using made by raes ruffle top tutorial now we just have to make a few more! watch her blog for her top soon!

pencil roll

2009-07-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

today I needed to make a gift for my duaghters frined

alot of my projects are born from necessity...... to not have to go to the store for a gift

handmade gifts ARE better....right?

a personal touch is always nice!

this project came from a inspirational book that I borrowed from my sewing buddy

free lounge pants

2009-07-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Browsing the Internet one day for free patterns, and found this. t-shirt surgery

What is better than a free pattern? Upcycling an old item into something new, one of my favorite things.

So it took 30 minutes....seriously. try it! We used a micro-fiber t-shirt and an old tank top for the raistband. This is an XL women's shirt for my 11 year old daughter.

Now we are looking around to find more t-shirts to cut up.

Hello!

2009-07-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, to all the crafter's out there.

I am starting this blog to share sewing and craft projects, I enjoy searching through sewing and craft blogs and decided to start my own, sew.....here is what I made today!