Category: sewing

I showed you a red & green Christmas one of these bad boys a few weeks ago, and now I’ve made one for my dear aunt’s birthday and want to share it too. This one is a bit different, I extended the one side to create a flap. Still the same (easy) stitch around the whole edge to seal it in, still a 5 – 7 minute project.

The Heather Bailey felt is still rocking my socks and I think I’ll be needing more as I continue building these gift card holders!

I should have done a button hole + button to seal this closed, but instead I just ironed it a lot so it lays flat on it’s own. The rose is one of the Prima ones – and darn if the YELLOW ones aren’t the ones I’ve already used up entirely!! I know – it’s shocking that pink + purple remain in stash, virtually untouched.

If you can think of a version of this you’d like to see feel free to give me a shout. I make no promises – but since I need to make about a dozen more over the next month or so I’m open to suggestion.

Happy Crafting!

I have to share – you must be enabled if this is your sort of thing. I know it’s mine. It’s no secret that I love Heather Bailey’s stuff. When I saw she was selling GOOD felt, I nearly cried.

I don’t do felt projects much because the craft store stuff… well it doesnt’ hold up well to stitching. This just came in the mail so pretty – and it’s fan-tab-u-lous. I’ll be working with it asap.

More than that, today I want to show you these cutie pies from www.heatherbaileystore.com :

I’m going to make each of my girls one for Christmas with the pattern (and not use with pins, obviously)

I know it’s only September, but Christmas is sneaking up and I’m starting my hand-crafting now.

Last night I felt like quite the renegade. A wild woman sewing without rules or patterns.

Ok, so there are rules. Here are the top rules I’ve found when working with sewing projects:

• IRON, IRON, IRON. I know it’s hot, it’s annoying, it’s time consuming… but when I iron my pieces things come together MUCH better.
• slow and steady. Don’t rush, don’t try to rush. NO MATTER WHAT. Takes a lot more time to rip seams than to think it through the first time.
• think about the finished product. If you want to have beading, little details, decorative bits, etc… you may need to do those EARLY on – not at the end. This total opposite to my scrapbook work (where details go last) gets me.

The bottom line – a lot of paper skills convert to sewing. BUT! Sewing is it’s whole own hobby with rules, techniques, and learning. I’ve got a lot of learning to go.

Speaking of paper translating to fabric, I finally used the 1/2 yard of pretty fabric (it’s cosmo cricket – got it at equilter.com) I never have known what to do with. I made myself an apron! Just a very simple knee-length with 1 pocket – but fun and great for my sewing skills.

Happy crafting!

So I want to make myself a purse. Plus one each for my girls, and Becca’s friend who also loves purses. Ok, and a few more for ME. Problem? Never made one. I started out by making a pretty simple one for Miss Rebecca.

First off, the Heather Bailey fabric? LOVE IT! I chose two fabrics that coordinate. I made the strap a good ‘becca’ length. My #1 piece of advice: iron everything… a lot. It made a HUGE difference in my bag straight-ness, stitching, etc. Ironing does help even if it’s a pain and not my favorite activity. finished size of this bag is about 8 x 11

Now let’s talk about mistakes. I sewed the lining + outside together too early. Should have made two separate ‘bags’ then sewn together just once. BUT- that’s ok. It’s all about learning, figuring out the creative process, and having FUN. I’ve got big ideas for my next purse – I’ll be sure to share here.

Have a great weekend!

PS- yes, I am still without my laptop so I’m on a borrowed PC to post this. Hopefully laptop will be back in service next week!!!

I have said it before, sewing is not easy. Ah but here’s the thing. Every time I do a project I get a little faster, a little less frustrated, and a little teeny bit better. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I’m bad because I’ve barely done anything! How many scrapbook layouts did I make before I started teaching classes? 100? 300? It was a lot, and I should expect no less from a different craft. (note to self: DUH!)

Just like mastering any art – gardening, cooking, baking, scrapbooking, or SEWING – to name a few – practice brings better skills and better skills brings good things.

So, my goal is to sew at least five times a week. A partial project, simple project, repair, or just practicing with a scrap. I will practice.

Today I made an 18″ pillow case, complete with a fold-over 3 button closure. I used 3 different stitches, layered on fabric and ribbon, and I love how it turned out. It was supposed to be a housewarming gift for my mom, but I don’t know… I do love it…

Tomorrow will = paper craft day and yes, I will share results!)

Until then, whatever you’re creating I hope you have fun and enjoy the process.