Lera's Sewing Projects

No Updates

2007-11-20T21:11:00.002-05:00

It has been extremely difficult for me to keep up with two active blogs. While I haven't updated this one since May 2007, I assure you that I am still crafting.

I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit my "real" blog: the sky is pink. Here you will find all my usual crafty things mingled with my family life. If you are interested in my sewing projects, you can hop right there through this link.

I am planning to update this blog again in the future but, right now, life with six small children is too hectic to manage two blogs.

Thank you for your continued interest in my sewing projects.

-Lera

smocket

2007-05-19T15:17:00.009-05:00

A smocket from Alicia's free pattern. Sewn from a vintage sheet, lined in white cotton (with a matching pink pocket).

wrist cuffs

2007-05-19T15:17:00.008-05:00

Using the very last of my fat quarter scraps: three wrist cuffs.

This was all that was left of my fat quarter.

fabric ball

2007-05-19T15:17:00.007-05:00

A fabric ball for the baby with a jingle bell inside. (From this tutorial, using my fat quarter.)

doll apron

2007-05-19T15:17:00.006-05:00

In an attempt to use up every scrap of my fat quarter, I made a doll apron.

hand towel apron

2007-05-19T15:17:00.005-05:00

A waist-apron made from a thrifted vintage hand towel. Dark brown bias tape is sewn across the top of the apron and is used for the ties.

zippered pouch & card holder

2007-05-19T15:17:00.004-05:00

A zippered pouch and mini-card holder using the rest of the fat quarter. The card holder was based on this tutorial.

head scarf

2007-05-19T15:17:00.003-05:00

A head scarf for a little girl. It is trimmed in bias tape with a bit of elastic around the bottom of her head for a nice fit. This was made using my fat quarter.

bag

2007-05-19T15:17:00.002-05:00

This bag was made following Linda's Lotus Bag tutorial. The outside fabrics are white quilting cotton and Alexander Henry's "lemon blossom." The lining is the white cotton with a "lemon blossom" pocket. The handles are leather saddle straps, which Linda sells in her etsy shop.

onesie and softie

2007-05-19T15:17:00.001-05:00

An appliqued bird onesie and a bunny with ribbon ears and tail for Sawyer (bunny was made from my fat quarter).

apron & tote

2007-05-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

For a little niece's birthday: a flowered tote and a Martha Stewart kitchen towel apron from this tutorial.

Easter Outfits

2007-04-15T16:44:00.001-05:00

Each boy (including Joe) had a matching Easter tie. They are made with light blue fabric with small, random white polka dots.

Since Sawyer can't wear a tie, I appliqued one onto his onesie and made him a pair of matching pants.

Spenser had an A-line dress with cap sleeves (Simplicity 4557) and matching panties (Simplicity 5374). I had a matching skirt (Simplicity 5505) and we both had matching headbands.

totes x 5

2007-04-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

Four totes for birthday gifts. I used yellow floral, Alexander Henry's Mocca print, a shoes and handbag print, and vintage Smurf fabric. Each is lined in white cotton.
And a tote for myself to double as my mini-diaper bag. I wanted to replace my Christmas tote, which I've been carrying since mid-December. (This one is Michael Miller's Dotty Dot fabric.)

two three-tiered skirts

2007-04-04T09:02:00.007-05:00

From Simplicity 4252 two three-tiered skirts for Sewing Seeds. I imagine two sisters or little friends with coordinating skirts. Here is a link for a tiered skirt tutorial.

appliqued tees

2007-04-04T09:02:00.006-05:00

A lion for Jack and an alien in a spaceship for Mason, both using my fat quarter.

tote and tissue pouch

2007-04-04T09:02:00.005-05:00

For a friend's birthday, a tote and a tissue pouch. Sewn from Alexander Henry's "Apples + Pears."

In January I declared that this year was "the year of the tote." The birthday gift of the year is a tote, unless previously gifted.

two crowns

2007-04-04T09:02:00.004-05:00

The pink crown was for Carter's classmate's birthday and the green is Mason's. And, I used my fat quarter.

small drawstring

2007-04-04T09:02:00.003-05:00

A small all-white, eyelet drawstring bag for a friend.

a zebra wristlet

2007-04-04T09:02:00.002-05:00

A small wristlet lined with fuschia fabric. This was donated for a youth auction at church.

appliqued onesies and pants

2007-04-04T09:02:00.001-05:00

elephant set
inchworm set

snail set

Three spring outfits for Sawyer: appliqued onesies and matching pants. I made these pants by tracing an existing pair of his pants and adding seam allowances (see this tutorial).

grab-it bags

2007-04-04T09:02:00.000-05:00

From the Better Homes & Gardens magazine Quilts & More: Grab-it Bags

The pink bag is Amy Butler fabric. I followed the pattern exactly for this bag. Well, the best I could, as I really had a hard time understanding the sewing of the handles.

This bag is from a thrifted sheet. I altered the pattern and am still not sure how much I like it.

Changes for bag #2:

1 - Made bag larger.
2 - Interfaced pockets, made larger and closer together.
3 - Sewed pockets lower on lining. (Things are popping out of the pocket and bag, i.e., my cell phone and lip gloss.)
4 - Sewed lining handles longer than exterior handles to see if they would sew together better. They sewed together easier, but still not pretty.
5 - Used fusible fleece instead of cotton batting (thick seams), but the bag is too stiff.

It seems the weight of the contents of the bag has put stress on the handles and they look stretched and wrinkly (pink bag). It's also a difficult bag for a mom to carry around with kids in tow. So it's cute, just not very practical.

Fat Quarter Challenge

2007-03-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

Are you up for a challenge?

Join the Fat Quarter Challenge.

The object of this challenge is to see how many things you can make using one fat quarter (or an equivalent size piece of fabric, 18 x 22"). You will have one month to complete this challenge. All projects must be completed by April 15, 2007. At the end of the challenge, there will be a giveaway. It will be random. Everyone who participates will have her (or his) name entered into the drawing.

Are you interested? If so, leave a comment or email us. Lori even set up a flickr group for the occasion. And there's a button for your sidebar.

Here's a sampling of what I've made from one fat quarter:

bib and burp cloth

2007-03-08T18:48:00.004-05:00

Matching bib (Simplicity 5374) and burp cloth. The cotton matches the ribbon blankie/taggie, the back is baby blue chenille, and it is sandwiched with a layer of cotton batting.

ribbon blankie / taggie

2007-03-08T18:48:00.003-05:00

A ribbon blankie or a taggie. This blankie has all kinds of ribbons sewn between the layers so the baby can chew on them. Some are satin, some are grosgrain. The front of the blanket is a soft, stretchy, minky-type fabric, which I embroidered with the recipient's name. The back is cotton and it is sandwiched with a layer of cotton batting.

The next time I make this, I will also use cotton twill tape with the ribbons.

baby bib

2007-03-08T18:48:00.002-05:00

A simple baby bib (Simplicity 5374) using leftover fabric from my skirt. I decided to add a touch of red, so I machine embroidered an "S" for Sawyer. The back is white chenille and there is a layer of cotton batting in between for extra absorbency. The snap is kind of pearly.

bingo prizes

2007-03-08T18:48:00.001-05:00

6 tissue pouches and 4 zippered pouches/wristlets which were donated to a local nursing home for their bingo prizes (through a church service project).

tote and matching tissue pouch

2007-03-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

A tote and matching tissue pouch made from Marcus Brothers Storybook Garden Collection Little Red Riding Hood. It is embellished with red rickrack. The handles are 1 1/2 -2" cotton webbing/belting.

dish towel apron

2007-03-01T21:25:00.007-05:00

A personalized dish towel apron for my niece, using this tutorial. It's a Martha Stewart kitchen towel, which is very heavy and sturdy.

tote and tissue pouch gift set

2007-03-01T21:25:00.006-05:00

Personalized for a beloved niece (Alana) for her 10th birthday. Sewn from unbleached cotton with a patchworked floral thrifted sheet. The handles are 1 1/2 - 2" cotton webbing/belting.

diaper & wipe carrier

2007-03-01T21:25:00.005-05:00

A diaper and wipe carrying case from this free pattern. The pattern was quick and easy. I used a ribbon and vintage button closure instead of the velcro they used. I plan to make more in the future, but I will make it a little wider next time. It's a little tight for the wipes that we use. (Two in diapers = large wipe container.)

skirt

2007-03-01T21:25:00.004-05:00

Another Simplicity 5505 skirt. It's so easy. I can't stop myself from making these. For less than $10 and under 40 minutes, I can have a new skirt. This one is hemmed in red bias tape.

micro-bead pillow with case

2007-03-01T21:25:00.003-05:00

A white satin micro-bead pillow with a Alexander Henry Bangle Dots pillowcase. I found the bag of micro-beads at Walmart. They were a pain to work with because they were very static-y and made a giant mess. At first I overfilled the pillow and had to take some beads out. That was another mess.

rocking chair seat cover

2007-03-01T21:25:00.002-05:00

A zippered, washable seat cover for our family-heirloom rocking chair. The pad is sewn from wide-wale brown corduroy and Alexander Henry's Kleo in chocolate brown and Bangle Dots fabrics with Bangle Dots ties. Used a pre-cut chair pad from the fabric store as the insert.

puppet theatre

2007-03-01T21:25:00.001-05:00

A doorway puppet theatre, made from blue duckcloth. It is supported by two curtain tension rods (one at the top and one below the window's opening). The rods are stuck through sewn casings on the back. Embellished with red and white striped "curtains."

snowmen feet

2007-03-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Old 2004 version:

New 2007 version:

And a closeup:

Blue duckcloth with white, craft paint footprints of each of my children. They have brown "stick" arms; an orange "carrot" nose; and black "coal" eyes, mouth, and buttons all in three-dimensional fabric paint. There are sparkly, iridescent puffy snowflakes in the sky. And at the top there is a sewn pocket casing for a wooden dowel rod and ribbon for hanging.

skirt

2007-01-23T18:17:00.000-05:00

A skirt sewn from Simplicity 5505. The skirt is "hemmed" in light blue bias tape.

repurposing an old tee

2007-01-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

I turned this old t-shirt

into this:

I used a 14" pillow form, orange piping and a zipper (plus my seam ripper). I had originally planned to make the pillow larger (16"), but the print on the shirt was too close to the neckline. The stretchy knit of the t-shirt made this project take longer than expected. Under the flower reads "you are my sunshine."

patchwork baby thing

2007-01-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

My grandmother believes that all babies need something to hold. She has been known to give babies hankies and washcloths to play with. My baby is 3 1/2 months old, but cannot hold rattles yet, as they are too heavy and he bonks himself in his head.

I decided to make something that was lightweight, small, and visually stimulating. Thus, this small baby blankie was born. It was sewn from scraps of black and white polka dots and red fabric. Squares on one side; stripes on the other. It has cotton quilt batting in between the layers, which makes it a little bulkier than I intended, but still nice to hold onto. (And absorbent to catch drool and spit-up.) The finished size is approximately 12" x 12".

patchwork anniversary pillow

2007-01-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

A personalized patchwork anniversary pillow. This was a gift for my husband's grandparents' 65th wedding anniversary. The top corner has Pappy's name, the bottom corner has Grandma's name, and the center has their wedding and anniversary dates, all machine embroidered. The pillow is stuffed with a 14 x 14" pillow form and is backed with a very soft baby-blue flannel.

in-town bag

2007-01-16T20:29:00.000-05:00

an Amy Butler In-Town bag in Amy Butler fabric. It is lined with chocolate brown corduroy, has a chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon loop and vintage button closure.

wintry bonnets

2007-01-05T11:52:00.007-05:00

Two wintry mailorder bonnets. The one on the left is sewn from chocolate brown corduroy with a brown and lime polka dotted cotton lining (and lime grosgrain ribbon tie). The one on the right is brown calico with chestnut brown corduroy lining (brown satin ribbon tie).

for the cemetery

2007-01-05T11:52:00.006-05:00

An "ornament" for the cemetery where my sister is buried. I traced the font with a disappearing-ink marker and split-stitched over the letters. It has quilt batting between the layers. A decorative edge-stitch in red is made by hand (to cover the machine stitching).

Forever in my heart.

Forever in my thoughts.

Forever my sister.

cookbooks

2007-01-05T11:52:00.005-05:00

These were not sewn. In fact, there is no fabric or thread involved. It's just a Christmas gift idea. I compiled Christmas recipes (main dishes, side dishes, cookies, candies, etc.) from my family and bound them together to make a family cookbook. The cover is scrapbooking paper that has been adhered to cardstock using permanent double-sided tape. (We borrowed the binding machine from my husband's work and puchased the binds. Office supply stores can bind them for you.)

totes

2007-01-05T11:52:00.004-05:00

Tracy Porter fabric with white cotton handle (lined in white muslin).

Amy Butler fabric. Lined with chocolate brown corduroy.

Alexander Henry's Kleo print fabric lined with chocolate brown corduroy.

38 tissue pouches

2007-01-05T11:52:00.003-05:00

38 tissue pouches (personal size, just perfect for purses and totes) for Christmas gifts for teachers, friends and sisters. Each was paired with a bar of my handmade chocolate-mint soap.

The outer fabric is brown with aqua polka dots. The lining is aqua with brown polka dots. (The exterior fabric was interfaced.)

stockings

2007-01-05T11:52:00.002-05:00

The above stockings (sewn from Christmas flannel with a red rickrack hanger) were part of Jack's birthday party favors. Each stocking was stuffed with goodies.

These "blank" stockings were from Taylor's birthday sleepover. They were decorated with buttons, rickrack, and trims during the party by each boy.

birthday crowns

2007-01-05T11:52:00.001-05:00

Same pattern as before. The only difference is that there is a covered piece of elastic in the back so the crown will grow with them. (Carter has a reversed opposite lining, with a blue center and red sides, which is how he requested it.)

felt Christmas ornaments

2007-01-05T11:52:00.000-05:00

Six round, felt Christmas ornaments for my children. Each has their name (machine) embroidered on one side and gold, metallic rickrack on the other. The edges were pinked. These were in the stocking garland one night during advent.

stocking garland

2006-12-01T11:15:00.004-05:00

Advent Christmas Stocking Garland. 25 miniature, flannel stockings "hung by the chimney with care," each with a candy-cane striped ribbon for hanging. Strung on natural-color cotton cording. Each stocking will be stuffed with "advent-type" activities, candies, small toys, etc.

autumn bag

2006-12-01T11:15:00.003-05:00

A bag sewn from 1 1/2 fat quarters and leftover brown corduroy. Used Amy Butler's In Town pattern. Closes with a brown, vintage button. Has small matching inner pocket. (Interfaced the outer fabric and pocket.)

a Christmas tote

2006-12-01T11:15:00.002-05:00

A Christmas tote. Simple tote pattern, lined in white muslin, with matching inner pocket. I bought the Christmas fabric over the summer for about $1 a yard.

baby shoes

2006-12-01T11:15:00.001-05:00

Little cloth baby shoes from this free pattern. They are lined with soft, baby-blue flannel. The pattern calls for bonded fleece/suede. I bought some, but it was funky red with black paisley. I couldn't find any fabric to 'match' it from my stash, so I used the polka dots for the bottom and the flannel for the sole lining. Embellished with a baby blue button. (Uses very little fabric.)

Note: If not using the bonded fleece, put sole and sole lining wrong sides together. When pinning (and sewing) the sole lining will be down and the "outer" sole will be face up (right side up). And I used interfacing on all pieces.

baby things

2006-12-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

Two sets of flannel/chenille bibs and burpcloths. The zebras for my cousin's new baby (with a personalized, flannel receiving blanket) and the cowboys for my new baby. The bibs are from Simplicity 5374. It was in the package with the dress pattern I made for Spenser last year. Fastened with a snap.

receiving blanket

2006-11-03T12:47:00.003-05:00

Machine embroidery on a store-bought flannel receiving blanket.

burp cloths

2006-11-03T12:47:00.002-05:00

Simple rectangle burp cloths sewn from flannel and white chenille.

girly bitty booties

2006-11-03T12:47:00.001-05:00

Girly Bitty Booties for a little friend. Sewn from purple wool felt and embellished with lavender chenille rickrack and blanket stitch.

a crown

2006-11-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

A birthday crown for a princess. This two-toned crown has heavy (crafting-type) iron-on interfacing on both front and back pieces. Used a small saucer to form the arcs.

corduroy skirt

2006-10-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

A brown corduroy skirt sewn from Simplicity 5505. Sewed using French seams.

announcement bunting

2006-09-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Another bunting (banner/flag) to announce the arrival of our new baby. It was made to be hung outdoors, but in spite of recent, national baby-nappings and other tragedies, we decided to hang it in our house.

This was made slightly larger than the last one. Appliqued the letters with Wonder Under and then sewed around letters to make sure they stayed. Made from flannel (old receiving blankets) and double-wide bias tape. And it was backed with heavy drapery lining.

Please note: Until things calm down with baby #6, there will be few sewing-project updates. But, please check back!

appliqued onesies

2006-09-24T08:16:00.001-05:00

Appliqued using Pellon's Wonder Under. Sewed around edges with zigzag (machine) stitch to prevent raveling. (The top right are puzzle pieces.)

baby blanket

2006-09-24T08:16:00.000-05:00

Just a little machine embroidery on a store-bought flannel receiving blanket for my new baby. Whenever he decides to make his appearance. (He's already 5 days late!)

baby "bunting" or banner

2006-09-11T21:43:00.000-05:00

A baby "bunting" or banner for a boy baby. Each triangle measures approximately 8" x 10.5" (finished size), with approximately a 3" space between each. Strung with double-fold bias tape. Backed with heavy, white drapery backing. No interfacing necessary.

pleated pillowcase tote

2006-09-11T21:40:00.000-05:00

Sewn from a thrifted pillowcase. One pleat on each side of the (vintage) button closure on front and back. Lined with unbleached muslin. Wide cotton webbing (belting) used for handles. Lined with heavy fusible interfacing.

pillowcase skirt

2006-09-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

Sewn from a thrifted pillowcase following these instructions. Super simple.

pj bottoms

2006-09-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

Full-length pj bottoms sewn from a thrifted sheet.

skirt #2

2006-09-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

A skirt sewn from Simplicity 5505. It was made from a thrifted sheet, and trimmed in orange bias tape and fuschia ribbon.

skirt

2006-09-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

A skirt sewn from Simplicity 5505. Made from thrifted sheet and hemmed in light pink bias tape.

bitty booties

2006-09-11T21:21:00.000-05:00

Made from this pattern. Sewn from wool felt (robin's egg blue and navy). The light blue booties have embroidered sailboats. The navy booties have light blue "x's." Both have hand blanket-stitch detail at the top. Both are size 0-3 months and are tiny, tiny, tiny.

toddler-sized tote

2006-09-11T21:17:00.000-05:00

A child-sized tote with embroidered name "Kallie" for a little friend's 3rd birthday. Lined with white muslin.

crocheted "lunch money" purse

2006-08-28T08:48:00.003-05:00

Small crocheted "lunch money" purse for Spenser. It's just her size. From this free pattern.

green felted clutch

2006-08-28T08:48:00.002-05:00

Small, green and felted. That describes this little clutch. It's fairly small except the large flower on the top. (Maybe a little too large?) I used this free pattern. (This was my first attempt at felting and "sewing" together a crocheted project.) The finished bag is approximately 4" x 6.25".

crocheted bib

2006-08-28T08:48:00.001-05:00

Crocheted in sage green crochet thread. It is from this free pattern. It's a little large and, thus, heavy. Ties in the back with a white ribbon.

party favor drawstring bags

2006-08-28T08:48:00.000-05:00

Embroidered drawstring bags for Mason's 4th birthday party. Eleven in all. (Stuffed with colored pencils, crayons, small writing table, chips, and a fruit roll-up.) Lined in muslin.

2 more wee bibs

2006-08-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

Two more wee bibs for my wee babe (due in less than 5 weeks). Crocheted from this free pattern. Both have a vintage button closure.

It's hard to see, but the ecru bib is edged in the same ecru crochet thread and has 1/4" wide white ribbon running through it. The blue bib is edged in white and has 1/8" wide white ribbon.

Used crochet thread for both and (I think) a size 2 steel hook.

re-vamped skirt

2006-08-16T16:13:00.001-05:00

This one-time maternity skirt has been turned into a regular skirt. Removed the white stretch knit panel and sewed casing for elastic.

embroidery

2006-08-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

A few embroidered Stitchettes on white muslin. In the "traditional"-style redwork and bluework (also called "redwork in blue"). Used split stitch.

wristlet swap

2006-08-16T15:51:00.001-05:00

A personalized wristlet for my swap partner.

And a tote, tissue pouch and patchwork bookmarker.

summer scarf

2006-08-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

A summery, crocheted scarf from this free pattern. Crocheted in ecru crochet thread, using size 2 steel hook. Finished length is 2 3/4" x 81 1/4".

wee mittens

2006-08-05T06:51:00.001-05:00

Crocheted wee mittens for my wee babe (to be born mid-September).

wee bib

2006-08-05T06:51:00.000-05:00

Crocheted (not sewn) from this free, vintage pattern. However, I did have to sew the ribbon in place. Used vintage button for closure.

My husband has been traveling a lot, so I've been crocheting at night to keep busy after the children are in bed, hence not a lot of sewing going on. More bibs to come...

personalized tote

2006-08-05T06:49:00.000-05:00

A simple tote for a friend's birthday with machine-embroidered name.

Interfaced exterior, white muslin lining, with white cotton webbing (belting) for handle.

tissue pouches and card

2006-08-05T06:48:00.000-05:00

A machine-embroidered, 93rd birthday card (which held money) and yellow tissue pouch for my grandmother. A brown tissue pouch for a friend (who requested it).

tote and tissue pouch

2006-07-28T14:32:00.001-05:00

same tote pattern. same tissue pouch. same fabric as these.

drawstring bags

2006-07-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

2 little drawstring bags for 2 little boys.

purse organizer

2006-07-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

A purse organizer using the basics from this tutorial and a matching tissue pouch. Sewn from fabric, sandwiched with a layer of heavy interfacing for sturdiness. The overall finished dimensions of the organizer are approximately: 25" long, 4" back piece, and 3" front piece (which was actually just one piece folded over). I chose not to use a coordinating fabric. This was a gift.

tissue pouches

2006-07-20T17:37:00.002-05:00

I needed two quick, last-minute gifts. Tissue pouches to the rescue!

skirt #3

2006-07-20T17:37:00.001-05:00

Sewn from Simplicity pattern 5505 (view B, I think) with elastic waist. I made this skirt large enough to (hopefully) wear home from the hospital after I have the baby. Made from thrifted sheet.

skirt #2

2006-07-20T17:37:00.000-05:00

Sewn from Simplicity pattern 5505. Used thrifted sheet and fuschia bias tape. Same sheet and bias tape as this bag. (I promise not to use them together.)

another apron

2006-07-20T17:09:00.001-05:00

No pattern. The front pocket opens from the sides (in "muff" fashion) to hold things like clothespins, miscellaneous toys, etc., and is sewn up from the bottom about 2 inches so nothing falls out! (Interfaced the pocket for a little sturdiness.)

a skirt

2006-07-20T17:09:00.000-05:00

for after the baby is born. Simplicity pattern 5505. Simple A-line skirt with elastic waist. Sewn from thrifted sheet (from which I've also made some tote bags). The pattern claims it is a "2-hour skirt," but it took much less time than that. Only about 40 minutes (so I've sewn two more).

pj bottoms, part deux

2006-07-18T07:08:00.000-05:00

Another pair sewn from the same pattern. Sewn from clearance fabric ($1.20 a yard, which took just over 2 yards for capri length). The fabric is pink with black, pink and white stripes that are sewn on, not printed. Used a pink and black polka dot ribbon for drawstring, which was easier than last time.

I am planning to make more, and will use Craft Apple's drawstring suggestion next time.

more tissue pouches

2006-07-17T17:11:00.000-05:00

I needed to make a few gifts, so I sewed more tissue pouches. I really can't stop myself. Someone needs to intervene. (I think I now have four for myself!)

bag

2006-07-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

Sewn from the Amy Butler pattern "In Town Bags." The exterior is a floral duckcloth, which was interfaced (even though the pattern doesn't call for it). Used a vintage button for closure, and instead of a ribbon loop, I sewed a fabric loop.

pj bottoms

2006-07-13T11:13:00.000-05:00

From McCalls pattern #4979. Sewn in "capri-length." Sewn from new "vintage" fabric from the vintage collection at Jo-Ann (which was on clearance for $1.20 a yard). Very simple, except for the narrow drawstring. It was a pain to turn. Will try again with a different drawstring (ribbon ?).

a tote and a tissue holder

2006-07-10T19:35:00.000-05:00

A butterfly tote sewn from home dec fabric (which was interfaced) and lined with white muslin. The handle is white cotton webbing.

Another pocket-sized tissue holder. Sewn from a watermelon fat quarter (perfect size for wristlets, too!) and interfaced. Lined with solid black.

These are birthday gifts for a friend.

a few projects

2006-07-06T15:15:00.004-05:00

Fabric balls, tissue pouch, and another headband (for a gift).

Oops! Sorry. Here is a link for the fabric ball. I actually copied and pasted the "pattern" into Word and then enlarged it by clicking on the box and dragging it. It is stuffed with polyfill and there is a small beanbag of lentils in the very center. (The idea for the beanbag came from here. I can't take the credit.)

green wee bunnies

2006-07-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

for two wee boys (Jack and Mason). Again from this free pattern. Vintage button eyes and a store-bought pom-pom tail (left over from Taylor's very first Halloween costume).

a wristlet

2006-07-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

minus the wrist strap... so it's really just a zippered pouch from this tutorial. First attempt with zipper in nearly 10 years, but I sewed zipper on right to left. Oops!

green and hot pink bag

2006-06-26T16:10:00.000-05:00

Sewn from this thrifted sheet with hot pink bias tape trim and handle. (Interfaced exterior.) I've been loving these bags, and I tried to mock the shape and idea. The handle is a little flimsy (just bias tape), but I like the bag. I used a vintage button for decoration on the front. There is no closure and it is deep enough that I don't think things will "pop" out. Lined with thrifted yellow sheet and has a pocket (made of exterior fabric).

more capris

2006-06-24T12:19:00.001-05:00

More capris for Spenser. Sewn from more clearanced fabric that I bought over the weekend. Yellow with pink flowers.