Wednesday 23 November 2011

Pieced Quilt Top Progress

 I have now got the size I was going for - approximately 90 inches square.  My daughter prefers a square shape.

 I went back to Fabricland in search of the centre print because I wanted it to be the last round but unfortunately, it was all sold out.


Now, I think it would look better and more in tune if I added two extra rounds to the centre.  That way it ties in more with the outer edges.  Hmmmmmmmmm. 

Frugal Finds

It was 50% off (practically everything) day at Value Village on Monday.  It was crazy busy.  So I hit my fave 5 areas - books, yarn, fabric, bedding & shoes -  and left.  I probably should have gone earlier in the day for best results..lol.
I did pick up a whole lotta zippers -  all for $2.00  - which is cool, cause I'm making cosmetic bags for all the girls on my Christmas list.


Also a couple cute patterns 25 cents each!  Can't beat that! I love the New Look long jacket, I'd add a placket & buttons.  And the baby outfit is SO cute for winter.   Other than that,  I only got one length of fabric.  A poly blend dress weight, a brand new tablecloth & a yard of black knit.  But it was fun!

Friday 11 November 2011

Pieced Quilt and Purse




I'm so excited - I'm finally getting around to making a pieced quilt for my daughter.  I actually bought all the fabric, months ago during a Fabricland sale, with the plan to make her a strip quilted cross-body purse. But she needs/wants a quilt in Queen size more.
Her bedroom is decorated in black & white with beautiful apple green walls.

 It was quite hard deciding fabric placement, I played around with it for awhile.
 Mmmm, what would look best.........................

This is how far I got.  You can see I mis-calculated the last strip length.  I forgot to add in the width of each new added strip.  I don't have a lot to play with.  Remember, I bought this fabric for a bag.  Oh well, back to the drawing board & fabric store!  I think I'll check out Ikea for the backing & maybe some of the top fabric.  They're fabric is cheap and very pretty, from what I've seen on line - I hope I'm not disappointed with the real thing.  Has anyone else bought Ikea fabric?

Meanwhile.....I'm going forward with the strip quilted purse for her!!  It's modeled after her Coach bag. 

 Same as the quilt top - had to choose fabric placement.
 






I decided on this - hope she likes it!

This is the backing I sewed the strips to.  Just a piece of an old white sheet.
 I decided to add a pocket to the lining.  This is when I misplaced my brand new, awesome disappearing marking pen!! 

I was thusly forced to use the crappy blue chalk marker instead....I hate it because it crumbles & the line is never completely accurate.

 So anyway, that's as far as I got.
I have to pick up a slightly longer zipper, this one's about an inch or two short.  Or I could hunt through my enormously disorganized stash!! Something I really would like to get at!
I'm not a horder, I just have a lot of stuff I need and or things I can make use of some day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Sunday 6 November 2011

Crochet Baby Hat & Shoes

I recently finished these crocheted shoes and a hat for my sweet little grand- daughter.  She'll soon be 10 months old. 

I have so many projects in mind for her.  Including a doll I'm making  - it's so cute.  It's a free pattern called Little Katie.  I haven't quite figured out how to link patterns to my blog, but I can send the links to anyone who wants them.
Happy Crocheting!!!

Upcyled Hanger Covers


These are super quick & easy to make.  You can make them out of practically any fabric.  And they can be a embellished as much or as little as you like. 

They'd make great Christmas gifts.

  Cute eh!?  And a very practical method to stop your dresses and tops from sliding off their hangers and ending up on the closet floor!!


First, trace around the hanger you'll be using.  Add 1/2 "seam allowance around top edge of hanger.  Add an inch to the bottom for hem allowance. Mark the neck opening and add a 1/2" to it as well.
 I used an old top my daughter no longer wears.  I love white eyelet.
I cut it apart and used the eyelet for one cover and the lining for another. Lay your pattern on the double layer, right sides together.  Turn down the neck edge 1/2" and stitch,  or just fold it down and iron.  Sew the top edges using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Be sure to leave the bottom edge un-stitched!

I incorporated the finished lace edge as the bottom of one cover and added some lace to the bottom of the plain one.  Sorry - I didn't take any pics of the sewing process.  Please let me know if you have any questions.


  These can be used as dust covers to keep the shoulders of clothing clean during storage.  I'd add another 1/2" to 1" to the seams allowances though.

 I need at least 20 more!!!

How To Make A Web Belt

I've been needing a new belt for a while, so this morning while getting dressed I decided to whip one up.  I bought the webbing and fixings at my local fabric store.  This belt costs less than $5 to make and takes about 1/2 hour to build.

Supplies Needed

- web belting (your hip circumference plus 8-10 inches)
- two 'D' rings - mine are plastic but you can get metal ones too
- Fray Check (optional)

 Rings placed on webbing round sides up. My webbing is 1.5 inches wide as are the 'D' rings.
 Either turn over the end a bit or Fray check the ends.  If you using nylon, melt the ends with a lighter.
To avoid breaking the needle, make sure you use a size 14 or 16 .  All I had was leather needles, they worked fine.
 Fold end over about 1.5 to 2 inches.  Stitch close to folded under end.  Reinforce stitching.  Add another row of stitching if desired.
 Here is my first fitting...hehe.  I folded the free end over about 4 inches and sewed it down - make sure you fold it the opposite way than the business end.
That way you don't have to worry about the end fraying.
I hope these pics clarify what I said above.  You can see how the folded over free end looks as it's being put through the "D' rings.

    


Here's the finished product. I love it!  And it's so quick and easy.  You could make one in every colour.  This is my first tutorial.  Hope you like it.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks alot!