Fabric Cakes

I came across these wonderfully decorated cakes that look like embroidery on fabric or quilting or even a crocheted christening gown! Amazing what can be done with icing. Almost too pretty to eat! http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2010/04/sunday-sweets-gettin-crafty.html

One of those weeks

This is my pile of projects to work on. It doesn't seem to go down no matter how long I have been working on it either! My reunion dress is buried in there and a top I meant to make in the fall. Until today I have been successfully avoiding cleaning my son's room, but I decided it couldn't wait any longer. Took me all morning but I am pronouncing it finished!


I am also working on a quilt to be displayed in a show in June. No pictures yet.

Super Easy Summer Dresses

These are so easy it is almost embarrassing! I found this fabric with one edge already shirred with elastic and hemmed. Just buy enough to stretch around the body. I sewed straps but you could also use ribbon. Simply sew the one side seam and attach the straps. Hem the bottom edge at the right length or just use the selvidge! And Voila! Mom is a hero- my daughter is thrilled with these 2 I made for her. Sewing doesn't have to be complicated.

I Love my Gypsy Sit Upon

I picked up a Gypsy Sit Upon at Quilting Adventures and I love it! You put it on any chair (desk, sewing) and sit on it. "Softly inflated flexible disc prevents fatigue and reduces pressure on the tailbone. Helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens core muscles, and improves posture." Its fun too!

http://quiltingadventures.com

Bowls made of Thread!

At a recent American Sewing Guild neighborhood meeting, I learned how to do these fun bowls! So easy. You need 2 pieces of water soluble stabilizer and thread, yarn, embroidery floss etc. I used embroidery floss for my first bowl. Arrange or just drop the thread onto one piece of stabilizer. Place other piece on top creating a sandwich. Stitch all around. When satisfied, very briefly dip the bowl into warm water and drape over a bowl to dry. You don't want all the stabilizer to wash out. After a day of dripping, it is done!

I was thinking of an azalea bush when I did this with embroidery floss.

This bowl is from serger trimmings from a recent skirt. This is fast and fun. I can see kids having fun making these too. You could make a flat one to use under a vase. Thanks Rose for showing us how!

salty // oat: wedding project: quilt

This is such a neat idea for a special occassion! salty // oat: wedding project: quilt She collected fabric scraps from friends and family and used them as a banner at her wedding, then later, made them into a quilt. I love it!

Quiltathon for Cancer Support-Beginners Welcome!

Complete beginners are welcome! Please sign up to join me Fri.April 30, 7-10p.m.- Team 7! http://www.quiltingadventures.com/classes-detail.php?ID=241&mth=2And here's where to register on the Quiltathon for Massey donation website (*after* you register with QA):http://www.quiltathon4massey.kintera.org/

Pantone Color of the Year- Turquoise!

http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20705&ca=4 Pantone, a color forecast service, has announced its color of the year (2010) is turquoise. This is great news because I love turquoise! Especially for spring and summer, it makes me think of Italy...

How To: Spring Placemat Purse

I had this place mat and realised it would look great with many of my spring and summer outfits! I also had a skirt I wasn't wearing anymore, so I cut the side panels for the purse, using the hem as the upper edge.

I measured across the front to find the middle. I installed a magnetic snap and removed the shank on a button and hot glued it to the outside to cover the back of the snap.

These are my side panels. In the end, I made them narrower- 2 3/8"x6". I had to hand sew the sides to the place mat because the mat I chose has bamboo threaded through it and it is very stiff. If your mat is softer, you could probably machine sew the sides on.

I also hand sewed a cord on for the shoulder strap.

How To: Lined Tote Bag

I had this great piece of embroidered home dec fabric that was just screaming for me to make something with it. Cut out two fancy fabric pieces 17" x 13 3/4", one bottom piece of the same size, but a heavier fabric. For the pocket, cut two 7" x 5 1/2". Straps: cut two fancy fabric and two bottom fabric pieces (total of 4) 2" x 24 1/4". Cut one lining and one fleece 17" x 36 1/4". I was using stuff I already had at home, so feel free to substitute.
Sew the outside fancy pieces to either side of the bottom piece- right sides together so the bottom ends up in the middle, 1/2" seam allowance. Press seams toward the bottom and layer on the fleece, wrong sides together. Top stitch 1/4" away from the seam through all layers.

Sew the straps, right sides together, 1/4" seam allowance. Turn right side out, press and top stitch down the center.


Sew pocket pieces, 1/4" seam allowance, right sides together. Leave a space open for turning. This will give you a lined pocket. Turn, press, edge stitch the top edge only.

Top stitch the pocket to the lining. Sew the side seams of the outside bag, right sides together, 1/2" seam allowance. Do the same for the lining, but leave a space for turning later.

Box the bottom: flatten the bag as shown and stitch across 2 1/4" in from the end. This creates depth. Do the same for the lining corners. Attach the handles to the bag upper edge. Sew the lining, right sides together, 1/2" seam allowance, to the upper edge of the bag, with the straps on the inside. Turn right side out through the hole in the lining, stitch up the hole. Reinforce the straps by sewing over them again as you top stitch 1" around the top edge of the bag.

Inside view of the pocket.

Side view of the seam nicely matching up.

A pretty classy bag, even if I do say so myself! Hope you enjoy your new bag and please check out my other patterns for sale in my shop-

http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com

Quiltathon for Cancer Support-Beginners Welcome!

http://www.quiltingadventures.com/classes-detail.php?ID=241&mth
Sign up for my team (#7) at Quilting Adventures and learn as you go! Plus you will be helping a very good cause- Massey cancer support. It all happens Fri. April 30. We need you!