Showing posts with label craft blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craft blogs. Show all posts

Friday, January 03, 2014

I've been MIA - Sorry...

In recent months I've kinda been neglecting my blog and shops while dealing with some medical issues.


Hopefully, for the new year that will change with regular posts and pics and the filling of merchandise in my two Etsy shops.  Re:  I NEED TO GET OFF MY BUTT AND DO SOME SEWING!



Thursday, August 02, 2012

Paperback Book Covers

I saw THIS paperback book cover on Etsy last week and loved the design so much I bought it from Kim's shop. I love listening to audio books, but lately I've been reading to fall asleep faster.

I was going to make one myself, but really liked her unique design so I just bought one of hers. Then, I thought about all the different paperback book sizes there are now (when did that happen?) and decided to look for a free pattern online and make one too. But, I couldn't stop at one and made three! - one is for a hardcover book.



It was fun looking through my fabric stash and coordinating fabric choices. I found the free pdf pattern to download HERE. And of course I made a few changes to it.

1. I didn't quilt mine. I used a heavy fleece as the "batting" (padding) instead and it worked great.

2. I top stitched all three of mine once I'd finished them for a neater look. You must check first though to see if your book will fit after you do that. You may decide not to do it or change how far you stitch in.

3. I turned in the tail of the bookmark and stitched it shut so there wouldn't be a raw edge.

4. And, I basted, basted, basted. Since you are pinning so much together before you stitch around the whole book holder, I basted everything together first. I did it piece by piece, building up the layers and then basted all those layers together before the final stitching. I don't see it as that much extra work to be able to sew fast and stress-free knowing it'll all look great when it's turned right side out.

5. After I used pinking shears on the long sides of the lining I did turn the edges under slightly and top stitched.

I hope all that makes sense. After reading my changes and editing them several times for clarity, I know why I hate writing out my own patterns for others to follow.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Fabric Felt Jewelry Box

I found THIS great idea/tutorial and made these two Fabric Felt Jewelry Boxes. Aren't they darling? Actually, you can use them for anything, but a pretty place to put my jewelry when I take it off works for me. I found the floral fabric at Walmart on clearance for $1.50 a yard. I have enough left to make a pillow or two.



Thursday, April 26, 2012

Let's visit the pillowcase tote again.

Are you tired of me making and blogging about These yet?

Please indulge me one more time (and maybe yet another time soon)...I found this beautiful, vintage pillowcase in a shop at Etsy and knew I wanted to buy it for a pillowcase tote. When I received it in the mail it is was kinda thin from a lot of use and washing I guess, but I decided to make a tote out of it anyway. I'd been tempted to buy it in the first place because of how it was constructed knowing the edge print would make cool, accent handles. I found the pin-on flower accent for only a dollar at a JoAnn new store opening.


I should write a book or at least a small article on how to fix or what to do with things that you screw-up or things you think you've ruined 'cause I think I've become an expert at it. For me, maybe that's what "my creative talent" is mostly rather than dreaming up things to make. The arrow points to what I finally came up with after I accidentally cut my almost finished tote bag with my SUPER sharp sewing scissors. :o( I tried to make it look kinda like a logo or something.








Friday, March 02, 2012

Pillowcase Grocery Tote Plus

Taking the pillowcase grocery tote a step further...After sewing yesterday and last night, I was suffering from a back muscle spasm (which I get a lot) that wouldn't quit and continued today somewhat so I just sat, relaxed, watched TV tonight, and embellished. My back seems to be better now. This commercial pilloqcase wasn't made like most so I got thinner handles out of this one.

I've had this pillowcase for I know over 15 years, maybe even 20 or more so It's definately vintage. Now I have a "free" vintage tote.

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Love, Love, Love...

this website I found on the list below...Even the guys would love this one!

I am humbled by just how talented some people are...

http://www.ana-white.com/

Top 50 Mom Craft Blogs-2011

Check it out...Some of my favorites are on the list.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Blog Tutorials

I just spent a couple of hours going through craft blogs with tutorials. I love these kind of blogs. I could do this all day. Though it makes my blog look and content pretty boring.

I'd love to do some photo tutorials to add to my blog, but I'm just lucky if I get the item made...lol