Fun Beret Class at Quilting Adventures

 

The Banded Beret by Indigo Junction

 

I used a hand dyed flannel but you could use a recycled jacket or denim shirt too. 

Hidden back elastic. 

Class is March 23,2014

Sign up at www.quiltingadventures.com

 

 

Colonial Vest

Here is another Colonial Vest worn for dancing.  It is cotton for breathability.

Flaps cover functioning pockets.

Thin ribbon and machine button holes.

Upcoming Class: Beginning Sewing

#052
Fresh Out of the Box -
Beginning Sewing
Is your sewing machine still in the box it
came in? You want to get started but don’t
know how? This sewing class is for the
complete beginner. Students will learn
the basics: machine threading, using
the feet and attachments and different
stitches, while completing a drawstring
bag.
Hermitage High School,  Henrico,VA
Monday: March 3 - March 24
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Registration deadline: February 19
Visit http://www.HenricoAdultEducation.com to register!

Infinity Scarf Class at Quilting Adventures

Sew a super easy and very stylish infinity scarf. Great way to update your wardrobe or give as gifts! Register Here! February 4,2014 from 6-8pm.

Silhouettes Classic Blouse by Peggy Sagers

This is the Classic Blouse #600.  I absolutely fell in love with this peacock print.  It has a great drape in a herringbone weave.  Darts give the blouse fit and shape while still being loose enough to be comfortable.  I left the front pockets off.

Button close up- plastic and very washable.

Collar and band cut in one.  Quick and easy construction.

Kwik Sew Top 3302

As you may know, I love using stuff I just happened to have already.  So here is a blouse from fabric that I just happened to have (no idea where it came from!).  It is a synthetic crepe in a diagonal dot pattern.  It looked a little plain when I finished so I added 3 bias flounces to the front neck.  I didn't hem them, so I'm hoping my hunch is correct that raveling shouldn't be a problem.

Hawaiian Dress

I am so happy to have finally finished my Hawaiian dress from fabric sent to me from my sister in Hawaii!  I started it back in June.  I used New Look 6053.  I chose to underline the whole dress since the back ground is white and I want to wear it in the summer without having to wear a slip. 

It is knee length with a back zipper.  The fabric has a design running down the middle of it as you can see and both selvidges have ferns. 

I am so excited- I can't wait for summer! 

Colonial Dancing Vest

 

A customer of mine from at least 20 years ago, asked me to copy his old vest that I had originally made for him.  It was fun seeing it again and seeing how my methods have evolved over time.  The new vest is pictured here with Alice.

 

I like the back lacing because it makes it adjustable.

My current machine makes nice eyelets so I used them instead of buttonholes.

My First English Paper Piecing

My aunt gave me a kit from Blank Quilting.  Here it is finished (I supplied the background fabric).

I was excited to try English Paper Piecing, and I really like it.  It is an all hand sewing technique.  The instructions were easy to follow.  The paper hexagons are reusable.

It is a very portable project.

Here is the back after I hand appliqued it to the background. 

I will be doing more of this in the future!

Sewing a Leather Zippered Case is Not Hard

My son requested a special Explorer's Pouch to keep his tiny flashlight, compass, bandaids and pocket knives.  I had some scraps of a soft black leather that were just the right size (roughly 8"x5").  I used regular all purpose thread and a regular needle.  Leather doesn't unravel so I didn't turn under or finish any edges.  I top stitched the zipper under the leather.  A small piece folded in 1/2 forms a loop.  Sew right sides together (leave zipper open for easy turning).  I boxed the 2 lower corners by pinching them and sewing across(forming small triangles in the seam allowance).  I don't backstitch on leather and it does stretch a little, but it really isn't scary or hard to sew. 

Try your hand at a small project first. 

Copying an Existing Skirt

A customer asked me to copy her favorite skirt.  First, I measure the skirt and make note of all its features such as an elastic waist and how wide the elastic should be.  I take lots of measurements and note everything.  This was an easy garment to copy because it is flat, no darts or shaping seams.

There are inseam pockets.  Lay them flat and trace around them for the pattern.

Cut 4 pocket pieces for 2 inseam pockets.

The skirt is a 4 gore design, so I traced one gore and cut it 4 times.  Remember to add seam allowance to all pieces!  I try to do similar hem allowance and top stitching as the original.  She loves the new skirt (sorry, I can't find my finished picture!).

Easy Changes to a Skirt Pattern for a Hawaiian Border Print

This beautiful print was a gift from my sister in Hawaii.  To make a skirt out of a border print, the hem needs to be mostly straight as opposed to curved like an a-line or circle skirt.  This New Look pattern #6843 is slightly a-line, but it still works.  The print is curvy and varied so I laid the tissue pattern on top to eyeball the best placement.  I didn't even try to match the side seams because I didn't want to waste any fabric and with the lively print, I don't think it matters!

The pattern called for darts, but I used gathers instead.

Seat Cushion Covers

So this is what I have been working on lately: 8 seat cushion covers!

My customer chose the fabric and sent me the measurements.

I think they turned out great!  The butterfly pillow, below, is a nice addition.

The cushions have a long zipper that wraps around 2 corners for easy on and off.

When applying the piping, be sure and clip the corners so it will bend around.  This shows the piping being attached to one top piece.  I used a regular foot here and then used a zipper foot for the final sewing so the stitches will be less likely to show.

To join the piping, I clipped the inside cord so it would just meet.  The tan fabric is longer so the raw edges of one side can be turned under for a neat finish.

 

Just in time to enjoy the beautiful weather!

 

How To Make a Recycled Sewing Kit and Pin Cushion

A relative gave me a bag of these containers and said "maybe you can do something with them".  The challenge was on.  With a glue gun, fabric, stuffing and trims, you can make a pin cushion sewing kit or just a cute place to keep stuff.  Start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the container.  Remove any labels.  These containers are nice and strong and are completely clear of labels except the top.  If yours has side writing, just cover with fabric and trims.

Cut a square, or circle larger than the top.  Wrap the fabric around a nice big wad of stuffing.  I took a few stitches to hold the corners together.

Hot glue the pouffe to the lid.  I worked my way around, tucking under the raw fabric edge and gluing as I went- probably the hardest part.  Add trims around the rim to cover any glue drips.  I used trim and ribbon scraps I already had.

I have the fringe and lace facing up so it doesn't get in the way of closing the jar and

it is cute like this.  They remind me of flowers and cupcakes.

Makes a great sewing kit or place to keep jewelry. 

You could place fancy broaches and earrings in the pin cushion too.

Happy Feline Friday!

Feline Friday-Vinal Cross Body Bag

My favorite red vinal shoulder bag that my daughter gave me 1 1/2 years ago is wearing out.  I needed a replacement.  Looking in the Feb/Mar. 2013 issue of Sew News magazine, I found the perfect bag.  I used red and orange marine vinal, a loud combo I know, but a statement bag for summer is what I want! 

It has swivel hooks and "D" rings to attach the straps.  The front and back look the same.

You can wear it with the flap up for more room.

A magnetic snap closes the bag securely.

Inside, there are 2 pockets.  Please notice the cats on the lining (it is Feline Friday after all!).

The textured panels called for a product I didn't have so I used tucks instead.

And of course, Emma wanted to be in the picture too.

A few notes- I left out the extra interfacing called for in the instructions.  I would use a stitch length of 3 but no longer.  Reinforce the strap tabs!  I love this purse!

Easy Table Runner

Using this super easy flip quilt pattern, I sewed this graphic table runner in black and white with pops of hot pink and touches of periwinkle and green.  The runner is longer than the above photo.

Here is a close up of the binding and corners.  This pattern is perfect for non-quilters and

un-perfectionists!  A great way to use up scraps too.