Tag Archives: sewing

Creative Bug class.

I was hanging around last night with some people, mostly just to be in the company of others. They were geeking out with various games, roleplaying things and such and I was just happy to be out and about. I actually got to a lot of things I’ve been meaning to do. Things I wouldn’t have sat down and done at home, I would have let myself get distracted by chores and such.

I watched some Craftsy classes, I read some of my online magazines and I watched a Creative Bug class. I watched this fun bracelet making class while I was out and then got home at around midnight, put the kettle on and started to find the fabric I wanted to use so I could take the project with me to embroider. But then I got inspired and decided to quilt together scraps and make my bracelet out of those.

When I tried to insert a fun snap I discovered my bracelet was too thick. I chose a thick interfacing so note to self not to do that next time, but also I think the quilting, depending on where you had seams, would effect the snap being able to work too. I had to resort to velcro, but it still works. I was going to add a fun wooden button to it too but I think that would make it too bulky. Can’t wait to give another one a try.

Now of course my favourite section is the sewing classes, but there are lots of fun other classes to watch too.

And yes, I write notes on my hand. Had to remember the mall and berries today. It was super important.

Jam filled weekend.

Spent most of my weekend doing this. I also depleted my stash of Kool Aid Jammer pouches! Which means I either have to buy them for my kids to drink, which is sugar they don’t need, or I need to get begging!

Now that I can walk into a ‘normal’ clothing store and shop

I’ve decided to try making my own clothes again!

I’ve only made a shirt and some skirts (one, two) so far. The shirt was a disaster, hence the lack of proof about it’s existence. I tackled this pattern but I think, while I picked the size listed for my measurements at the time, I should have made a size smaller. I made view A but it was icky once done. So not flattering for me. And somehow the neck hole part was much smaller than the shirt part . . . it didn’t go well.

The other day during a pattern sale at Fabricland I went a little crazy and picked these ones up.

Its the pink one at the bottom in the middle that got me on that pattern.

I doubt why these dresses are awesome needs an explanation!

I also picked up a skirt pattern that I can’t seem to find the picture for right now. I tried to photograph them this afternoon but it was a really grey day here and my camera battery was dead.

I still have some Lisette patterns I’ve been dying to try. I think as school winds up and I have more free time to create I’m going to be fleshing out my wardrobe with some handmade creations. Which is good because after losing 55 pounds I’ve been purging my closet a whole lot!

Catching up.

Spent the weekend catching up on orders and stock piling cozies for upcoming shows.

I think it was pretty productive!

Pattern sale!?

Perhaps you’ve heard, my favourite pattern maker is having a big ole sale.

It ends tomorrow. Click the link or image and pop over.

More scrappy wallets.

Yep, ask I made some. Pattern available from Michelle Patterns, buy link at top right.

Stockings!

I made a stocking for a lady last year, sort of suprisingly since she just asked at a craft show I was at, “Could you make me a stocking?” and I said “Sure, probably”. And I did. Then she emailed in January raving about it and how nice it was and asking for 3 more. So cut to this November and what am I doing but scrambling to sew up 3 stockings! But I think I did ok.

I *love* this cute birdie filled print.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t entered already my Giveaway Day post is here.

Friday Create Along.

So you know what I should have been doing yesterday with my afternoon off, no not attending 3 appointments, I *should* have been photographing my finished bag!

I promise to snag some pics over the weekend.

Also I’m going to make this next.

You may be able to find it elsewhere but that’s where I bought it.

If you’re sick of hearing about these look away now.

I’ll forgive you.

Yeah more scrappy wallets. I love Michelle Patterns, perhaps you’ve noticed. I want to grow up and be like her. I keep collecting PDF patterns and trying them all out in an effort to better understand them and how they work so that someday, someday, I can create my own from all these sketches I just keep accumulating.

I just need some time to research it all and get going on it. Michelle Patterns has this great resource for heading in that direction. It’s an ebook/document sharing some of her knowledge from years of selling PDF patterns online.

Description from her site:

• What the pattern user needs
• Basic overview of the pattern making process
• General photo info – test photos, file formats, etc.
• General info about the pattern pieces – margin guide, text to include, etc.
• Setting up and saving a template so your document will be ready for future patterns
• Tips for writing the instructions – style, voice, font considerations, etc.
• Inserting the instruction images
• Inserting, testing, and troubleshooting the pattern pieces (the hardest part!)
• Exporting to pdf
• Testing the pattern
• Lots of tips from my own experience!

I love that she supports other women in starting their own business by letting you make and sell items from her patterns. I don’t always intend to do that with what I make but it’s nice to know you can if you’d like. Also now that she’s branching out and sharing tips on how to *make* your own that’s even more awesome. She’s also selling patterns made by other people in her online shop now so if you’re ahead of me and making your own PDF patterns already that’s something you might want to explore for some more exposure.

I recently bought the Idea Pouch and can’t wait to make one and store my iPad, stylus, little notebook some markers in it.

Scrap Swap Time!

Sooooo who wants to scrap swap?!

I’ve done a bunch of summer sewing and hope to do even more during the fall so let’s revitalize our stashes!

Leave your name here, make sure there’s an email address/blog/contact info and I’ll find you a buddy.
Sign ups are open until Sunday night, September 22nd, and then I’ll match us all up and let you know Monday who your partner is.

The keep everyone happy guidelines:

– scraps must measure at least 2 inches by 2 inches, there is no maximum size
– scraps must be clean and in usable condition
– scraps can be new fabric or vintage reclaimed pieces
– fabrics should be of relatively the same weight (cotton preferred) to allow for quilting, or mixing with other fabrics and use in the same project
– be ready to send 10-ish ounces to your partner by Monday October 1st.

Swap is open to everyone so please be aware you may be shipping internationally unless you tell me otherwise.