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Sewing: Faux Chenille Purse

A few years ago, I found a purse at a thrift store and brought it home with me.  I liked its color and texture.  So did my daughter.  'Recently', she asked if I could make her one. 

Typically, I prefer to sew from an existing pattern and then add embellishments or make changes.  Since I had no pattern for this, I used the thrifted purse as a guide. 

She chose the fabrics.  (you may recognize the interior fabric?) I guessed at how much yardage I would need and proceeded to cut out the bag.  Or should I say, I cut out one side of the bag.  (There are actually two sides to a purse, right? Sometimes I amaze myself that I'm able to get anything done with the immense amount of my brainpower...having so much brainpower can make one muddled you know... that must be it!) 

After another run to Joann's for more Kona cotton, I found the next biggest challenge was the purse's construction: I didn't want to take apart the existing purse, so I had to work around that.

There was much scribbling down of many step-by-step ideas, erasing, scribbling again, sewing, ripping out seams, resewing and recutting. 

The 'scariest' part of it all (if you can call it that), was throwing the purse into the washing machine and dryer to see if the technique worked.  We both like the faux chenille look and the size of the bag.  And what's even better...she's been actually using the purse for a few weeks now! Yay!  

I'm hoping to make another one soon and work out all the quirks.  Maybe add in a pocket or two (it definitely needs a pocket. 

And if I'm really brave, I might add a zipper (now that I'm an 'expert' zipper maker, you know)?  Then I'm toying with the idea of making it into a pdf pattern to share...anyone interested?

Sewing: 241 Tote ~ Take 2 (& a button)

Spent a little time sewing this past weekend.  I had done most of this 241 Tote several weeks months prior, and then it sat in my to-do basket messy pile.  I opted for another loop closure rather than the suggested magnetic snap and lengthened the strap like the last time around.  I like this one better than the first. 

And just so that you don't think I'm a total procrastinator (which I am), I managed to find a button for the first tote and actually sew it on.  It's not ideal, but it'll do. 

The black purse is made from:

Kona cotton in black
Washi - Star Flower in charcoal
Japanese ume blossom print that I bought several years ago from Japan.

Are you sewing anything now?

Ribbon Flowers

Years ago (I won't tell you how long ago...but my oldest was just a babe...), I used to sew flower brooches made from little bits of ribbon and seed beads and soft velvety leaves together and glue on a tiny bit of felt to the back along with a pin clasp.  (Remember, Mom?) I even sold a few along the way.  And then, like a lot of crafts, the ribbons and seed beads and pinbacks got stored away for 'safekeeping' as we were blessed with three other little babies to attend to. 

Fast forward to a few days ago...my daughter wanted something for her hair, and as we rummaged through my stash (never know what you'll find), we rediscovered all those ribbons that I had sewn together and which were waiting for beads and finishing touches to be added.  Don't know if I'll actually add the seed beads anymore or pinbacks for that matter.  My tastes have changed. 

But I do know that she fiddled with one and pinned it to her hair with a few bobby pins.  Now there's an idea...I think I'll sew on a few hair clips or ponytail holders to the existing flowers for some quick accessories. 

Do you have any crafty things that you've rediscovered?

Enjoying

Good morning, Monday!

Another new week given.  How will we use it?

I'm enjoying...

Gazing at some simple store-bought flowers and thankful that something so simple can bring much joy...

Using my cuppow for iced coffee...

Attempting to feed some ducks who were not overly interested in eating...

Sauteeing baby kale with olive oil and garlic and watching that huge bunch wilt into a small pile!  Recipe from the back of the package (found HUGE bag of baby kale at Costco...love it)...

Being surprised by a kite and making note to myself to take our kite next time...

Baking 2 gallons of granola...getting ready for the next tournament...anyone want to come & judge?

Discovering a new shirt pattern and hoping to try it out soon along with a myriad of other sewing projects...

Thankful that some ribbon from my stash easily dressed up a few Easter treats...

Thankful too, for our Risen Christ!  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. ~ Matthew 28:6

Sewing: Testing a skirt pattern

As mentioned already, I hope to make some new skirts for the summer.  I've been looking at patterns and am waiting for a good sale at Joann's, but in the meantime, I'm using a pattern that I have in my stash already (which I've never used before) and a fabric that I've had for a  l-o-n-g time.  I really should purchase some muslin and work with that, but this fabric is not my favorite so I thought it was fine for my test skirt. 

I want a simple skirt with little bulk at the waist that I can then change by adding a border or pockets or some other decorative element.  I didn't want the ruffle at the bottom of the skirt so I eliminated it.  I'm not liking this pattern too much.  The skimpy seam allowance does not allow for easy finishing of side seams, the 1/2" elastic they call for (used at the back of the skirt) would have never fit into the waistband once it was folded and hemmed so I used 1/4" elastic instead.  I'm wondering if the pattern maker assumes that you have a serger?  My regular old machine gets somewhat tempermental if I sew with any other setting than a straight stitch!  I'm not giving up on this one.  Just glad that this is only a test skirt! 

I'll probably add more seam allowance so that I can have an easier time at finished seams (maybe learn how to do French seams?), add more waistband fabric that can be turned over and hemmed and maybe add in some more exciting details?  Right now, it's rather lackluster. 

Do any of you have an easy skirt pattern that you like to use? 

Sewing: A little bit

My sewing has seen very little action.  I began this bag two weeks ago then put it aside knowing that I had to visit the fabric store for some buttons (and a zipper for another project).  Still haven't gotten there.  Now I have a few family members down for the count with a stomach bug (our first in 5 years believe it or not!) so the fabric store run will have to wait another few days.  That's okay.  A little rest and gingerale should do the trick. 

Next week, I'm guessing my 2nd soon-to-be finished 241 tote will receive a little more attention.

Are you sewing anything?

Sewing: 241 Tote

About two months ago, I spotted the 241 Tote on Noodlehead's blog and purchased the e-pattern.  After that, I saw that Randi had made one of her very own.  So rather than let the pattern sit on the shelf (I had printed it out) and collect dust, I gathered the materials from my stash and got to work.  I really like the overall shape of the bag and placement of the pockets. For fabrics, I chose natural linen, Amy Butler's Coriander in pine (which is no longer available so you can see how long I've had it), and a fun geometric print from Heather Moore called Shards. 

I tweaked the pattern just a bit by lengthening the strap (I usually like bags that go over my head and shoulder so that my hands are free) and omitting the magnetic snap called for and replacing it with a loop and button.  The only thing is...I haven't quite got the 'right' button yet. 

The buttons above might work, but I'm going to look for another one.  I'm thinking of a button that is a tad larger and simpler and darker.  Don't want to take too long deciding on which button however, because I do want to use this for springtime.

Sewing: Zipper Pouch

For some of you this may be a ho-hum project.  Been there. Done that.  Sewn that.  No big deal.  For me, this was... drum roll, please... my 1st zipper!  Okay, technically not my 1st ever zipper, but my 1st zipper that actually worked.  I tried twice before unsuccessfully years and years ago, and since then, I've skirted the issue.  Anytime I needed to sew a top or bottom or accessory or some item for the home, I would choose a pattern WITHOUT a zipper.

So I decided to try and conquer my 'fear'. 

After rummaging through my sewing supplies, the only zipper I found was a vintage one from a thrift store (I told you I don't do zippers). 

I followed the tutorial from this video and adapted the size of the pouch to the size of my zipper, which is 7".  Within a very short amount of time, I had a pouch with a zipper. Ta da! Pretty nice I thought until...

...I turned it over.  Notice anything wrong with this? 

At least the zipper went well!  I know there's a lot more to zippers than this simple project but one step at a time.  My daughter told me this will probably mean many many zippers in the near future...

 

What about you?  Are you leery about zippers too?  Or are they easy?

 

Enjoying

Happy Monday morning!

I'm enjoying:

sewing a zipper! (more on that later)...

putting the 'slaves' to good use with a fold-the-laundry party and listening to boys(!) turn a mundane task into a 'battle' with their 'attack of the undies!" cries... Only boys do this, right? ...

thinking how glad we are at having taken out the kitchen cabinet several years ago and replacing it with open shelves...

thinking too how lovely all that dust looks on said shelves (sigh. where's that maid again?)...

staring at yet another Lego creation but grateful for his creative mind...

wondering if those are buds atop the pear tree already and loving that bright blue sky...

wondering too if I like or dislike chocolate covered edamame...the jury's still out...

finding the thorns on one of our backyard trees awfully amazing...

rediscovering a few beads for my collection while cleaning (remind me to show you part of my bead collection another time)...

being thankful that we have a backyard despite the overwhelming ugly state of it right now...why yes, you're right, that is a stray brick, a watering can and a rotting pumpkin amid the weeds and leaves that we never raked up during autumn...

listening to my youngest practice practice practice a variation of Go Tell it on the Mountain from this book...

gobbling down Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs (I tweaked and doubled some spices) and definitely adding this to our must-do-again pile...

being thankful that we have a plethora of clothing (albeit some of it a bit stinky) since our washing machine went kaput this weekend (what's that burning smell, dear?) and our dryer is limping along (we have known about this one for awhile but were hoping to milk it a bit more)...this on the heels of lots of other home maintenance...what's that old adage, 'when it rains, it pours'?...This, I am not enjoying right now nor do I want to spend the $ on it right now, but it truly is a small trial in the scheme of life...

So...what are you enjoying?

And...any washer & dryer suggestions? 

I'm a no bells and whistles, workhorse, energy saver, top-loader kind of person...

 

Sewing: Ironing Board Cover

Last week, Randi introduced her 2nd Fresh Squeezed Sew Along for 2012: an ironing board cover. This was definitely something that could stand to be redone in my house.  Mine was stained, and when I took off the cover, it tore around the edges of the ironing board.  After finally deciding on fabrics (the hardest part of it all), I sewed it up in a few hours.   I made a new cotton padding (the existing one was pitifully thin) also following Randi's advice.  I think, however, I will make a new cotton padding with thicker cotton so it's a bit more cushiony.  Now...if only I would use the iron more often...

In fact, my 2nd son even asked me once in all seriousness and with such incredulity when he spotted me ironing, "You know how to use that thing?"  

(fyi - my husband irons in our house unless it's sewing related or he's pressed for time)

Who irons in your house?