My favorite part of the SF Bay Area Maker Faire was the Craft building. Here is a picture of the wrap jacket pattern I picked up. The patternmaker interprets vintage styles and makes the fit modern. I enjoyed browsing through their rack of samples. I got so excited when I saw this lovely jacket. I plan to try it in silk dupioni. If you want to find out more about Decades of Style
I first came across Harajuku style when I was searching YouTube for videos about sewing. This Japanese street style is trickling into USA teen culture. My daughter, who is an avid manga reader, is my fashion adviser for this costume. There are many flavors of Harajuku style. You can find tons of images on the Internet for ideas. These girls and guys are not shy.. And it's all about self expression. If you are into fashion it's something you'll want to see. Vivienne Westwood is idolized here. I think there is a hint of early eighties Madonna mixed with Minnnie Mouse. Here are some of the ingredients I plan to use: crinoline skirts, polka dot fabric, black and white jacket and plastic accessories, bright striped socks, bright necklaces and some sort of plush. Fun!
Here is a great resource for anyone who likes to sew. Even beginners who are still thinking about learning to sew will enjoy poking around here. Here's the link to Threadbangers.com. Those who know me will understand why I appreciate the name-- inspired by the heavy metal reference! Too fun! Check out the cool DIY idea for displaying your earring collection at this link. Here's a scan of Threadbangers sticker so you can see their great classic logo! In my favorite colors- rock and roll!
Here is the reason I haven’t made many entries on my blog in the past week. I‘ve been working on a special gift for my brother and his new bride. My goal was to get this queen size quilt complete by Christmas so they would have it for the New York winter. Well it’s been especially cold already this year so I know they can use it.
Here’s what the finished quilt looks like on our reproduction rope bed. It looks pretty good I must say, almost good enough to keep! But no, it’s meant to be a gift.
Here’s a close up of the fabric in rust and cranberry earth tones mixed with medium blues, the sky tones. I think it has a nice balance. This quilt top was designed by Donna V. Boozenny, my mother in law. Donna left it to me along with many other quilts in various stages of completion when she passed away over 2 years ago. She was an amazing artist and I am proud to carry on the quilt tradition for our family. Donna won many awards in the 1980’s for her quilts at the Marin County fair in California.
I’ve been sewing since childhood but only made a couple of quilts before this, all crib size. So taking on this larger piece was an interesting learning process. Donna said she always used two layers of batting. I only used one and I am glad I did for this first large machine quilting project. Man, the quilt is heavy, about 12 pounds! I started without a walking foot and after about 1/3 of the way decided to go ahead and get one. What a difference! I recommend the walking foot for projects like this. And I learned that you need the right thread. I stitched about 5 lines with some crappy old thread and was almost in tears. Luckily there is a quilt shop in my town, Picket Fence Quilts. They had just the right thread, color and quality, and great advice too.
I searched the internet to find out how to attach the self made binding and how to get the mitered corners to work out. This article got me there. I think my standards are pretty high on the mitered corners. I would say 3 of my corners are really nice. It definitely takes a bit of practice. The main thing for this quilt is to get the edges protected because the quilt top was probably pieced in the early 1990’s and the fabrics are at least that old.
Finally, I wanted a special label for this quilt that would celebrate the gift to the newlyweds. I’m really inspired by the Quilt Otaku blog. She had a perfect tip for labeling the quilt with a pigma marker. In order to see the markings on the fabric I wrote on the wrong side of the print. Then I added my own flair with a wavy edge stitch. I think it came out great. I’ll be able to rest when I know the package has arrived safe and sound. It sure feels good to complete a project this big and now I can move on to other holiday activities with a load off!
Here are the instructions on how to sew a lining for knit, felted or crocheted bag.
There are so many beautiful felted bags out there these days. I am currently using one without a lining and I wish it had one. The bag lining stabilizes the shape of the bag so it holds up better over time. Also the lining adds character and design interest- like a pocket for example. I definitely believe in lining those knitted, crocheted and felted bags for the better.
"How to line a knitted, crocheted or felted bag” gives you all the information needed to finish your bag. Here is what’s included:
• List of tools
• Ideas for bag handles
• Suggested fabric types
• Step by step instructions with color photos
• How to make an inside pocket
• Helpful Tips
This “how to” manual will lead you to a beautiful, lined and finished hand bag that you can be proud to give as a gift or to keep for yourself as a unique hand made treasure. This project is 23 pages long with over 35 full color photos. There is a photo for every detail so you will know exactly how to keep each part of your project moving!
There are two great bag examples pictured in this tutorial. The main example shows how to attach handles, as shown in the picture.
So, if you have taken the time and pleasure to create a knitted, crocheted or felted bag, now is the perfect time to learn how to finish it. If you don’t know where to begin or just feel more comfortable with step by step instructions then this is the right instruction booklet for you.
If these instructions are not as described and you are not satisfied I will refund your money. Feel free to check out my reputation. I have 100% positive feedback as ebay seller named elegantkb.
Click on the button to checkout with Paypal and purchase your copy of the instructions for How to Line a Knit, Crochet or Felted Bag. It will be sent to you in a PDF file via email once payment is complete.
Please be sure to provide your email address during checkout so the .PDF file can be emailed to you. The approximate file size is 840 KB.
Thank you!
$8.50 USD
Here it is…. just in time for the Holidays! Here are the instructions on how to line a Christmas Stocking using the example of a Needlepoint stocking. This Needlepoint stocking kit came with a piece of felt for the stocking back. The felt is okay but really not.
The time and effort that went into stitching this piece really deserves nice fabric for the stocking back and special trim. Of course it needs to be lined so that it looks professional and stays intact for many Christmas seasons. One of the best things about this project is that once it is finished you have a beautiful, hand made stocking that can become a family heirloom.
"How to Line a Christmas Stocking” gives you all the information you need to finish your needlepoint or other type of stocking project. Here is what’s included:
• List of tools
• Fabric recommendations
• Trim suggestions
• Step by step instructions with color photos
• Helpful Tips
This project is 16 pages with over 20 full color photos to guide you every step of the way. If these instructions are not as described and you are not satisfied I will refund your money. Feel free to check out my reputation. I have 100% positive feedback as ebay seller named elegantkb.
Click on the button to checkout with Paypal and purchase your copy of the instructions for How to Line a Christmas Stocking. It will be sent to you in a PDF file via email once payment is complete.
Please be sure to provide your email address during checkout so the .PDF file can be emailed to you. The approximate file size is 750 KB.
Thank you!
$8.50 USD
This was a fun project, especially since my a friend of mine prepped it for me by ripping out the seams and pinning the denim triangles into place- Thanks! This skirt was made from a size 32 Men's Levis- 529 low rise. The shape is flattering. I was so pleased to find a fun folksy braid in my stash that works for the bottom edge.
