The Leftovers Must Go Somewhere, II

I made an insane amount of bias tape for this project. I get carried away when it comes to bias tape. And it had to go somewhere, right? It's too cute not to do something with it.

Then I read this blog, African Kelli, and cringed because I knew she was somewhat speaking to me and so many others who are faithful fans but have just not sewn from the book we all bought months ago. (This is an excellent sew along, but I have been way too busy to really sew with them this year.)

So, with the freedom they "assigned" to this month's challenge I flipped through my crisp new book that has literally collected fuzz-dust. With an eye toward fulfilling my Christmas shopping/gift list I settled on pp. 83, The Sewing Tools Trio. I'm telling you right now I would have none of the trio business, because I am WAY too busy for that. But the sewing machine cover was a very good choice for me. More specifically my mother-in-law because I happened to use her machine on a recent trip and know for a fact that her current cover is disintegrating. She has the same machine that I have so I felt confident that if I made the thing to fit my machine it would fit hers and I jumped right in. I also hope she doesn't read this blog or she will know what she is getting for Christmas.

Anyway, I jumped right in to changing the pattern. I like the cover featured, but I like to have a handle hole. I also knew I needed an extra pocket for the monster instruction manual that comes with this basic machine (seriously someone needs to tell Bernina that the manual is a bit thorough.)

If you would like to sew the cover as I have sewed it: follow along for my updated pattern -- which includes the general idea of that designed by Sarah Hunter. Snaps to Sarah Hunter -- whoever she may be -- but this new and wholly different pattern is specific to fit the Bernina 1008.


Materials
To begin with let me just say that I just cut, I don't measure and I'm not exactly sure how much I started with.

- 1 yard of 44/45" fabric (I used quilted and I think a heavy-duty fabric is necessary.)
- Some matching thread, but don't panic if it doesn't match, I never do
- A shitload of bias tape

Instructions
I feel I should disclose that I am not a pattern writer, but I used to write instructions for software. This could be dry. Also I used a 1/2" seam allowance on all seams.

1. Measure and mark the following pattern pieces on the wrong side of your fabric (the fabric you intend for the body of the cover). Two pieces 15x13" (front and back panel), two pieces 16x8"(side pieces), two pieces 4x9" (top handle pieces).

2. Cut those and set aside.

3. Measure and mark the following pattern pieces on the wrong side of your pocket fabric (if you don't want contrasting pockets you don't need to.) One piece 13x13" (lateral slide pocket), one piece 10x15" (drop in pocket).

4. Cut those and set aside.

5. Get out that bias tape you're about to have some fun! Sew bias tape per generally accepted instructions (good luck with that) to one side of each of your pockets, the 13" side of the lateral pocket and the 10" side of the drop in pocket. Also sew bias tape along one of the 8" sides of the long side pieces. Lastly sew bias tape along one 9" side of each of the top handle pieces. Confused? Yeah, me too.

6. Pin pockets in place on panels lining up wrong sides of pockets with right sides of panels. Loosely stitch around edges.

7. Center the top handle pieces to the front and back panels with right sides together. Pin and then sew the top handle pieces to the center-top of both the front and back panels.

8. With right sides together, take care to line up and pin the side pieces to the bottom corners of the front panel on each side. Stitch from bottom to top along side and up around the corner so that the bias taped ends of the side panels meet and then overlap slightly on top of the top handle pieces.

9. Pin back panel to sides with right sides together and follow the same instructions of step 8.

10. With cover inside out, or not, try to pin the edges of the side panels on top of the short edges of the top handle pieces. Then sew what will appear to be a top stitch along the side of the bias tape that isn't already stitched down. This is a colossal pain in the ass and you'll feel like you're looking down a deep hole at your project while trying to sew it at the same time. Not a good time for a glass of wine.

11. With cover inside out, attach the bias tape to the bottom edge. Once you're ready to make the final stitch line of the bias tape it will be time to turn the cover right side out.

12. Iron. Now, if anyone could tell me how to get wrinkles out of pre-quilted fabric, that would be great.


copyright notice: I appreciate that these pattern instructions might suck ass, but they are not to be reproduced without my consent, nor sold without me getting a cut.

Inspired by 50% Off

I had the pleasure of hitting on of my favorite fabric shops this week, in the company of one of my favorite blog authors. We rummaged through trims and piles of sample cuts looking for the bargains we just couldn't leave behind. She found some bright orange duck cloth. Did I mention bright orange. It was insanely happy and cute. Really, orange is cute. And then she found another. Of course I snatched it up and was all the more influenced by the 50% off sticker.


But what to do with orange? I knew there was a tote I needed to make -- a gift bag for a friend's 40th birthday present. So, I started staring down that orange. Guess what? I paired it with some other fabric that I found in the "by the pound" bin and voila,the Two Handle Tote.


This tote does not earn its name from the sassy orange and green ribbons you use to carry it. It can carry two handles of liquor. It was the first pattern I can say I truly noodled over, drew, and then re-measured before cutting away. Usually when I make something up I start whacking at the fabric and fidget with the results at the machine. But this time I planned ahead. Finished it is 6"x9"x13". A perfect martini bar in a bag.

PS -- Happy October with this orange, right?

One a Day

When I first started recording some of my sewing and craft projects on this blog I had a lofty goal. I honestly thought I could complete and write about every craft or sewing project I made. And I thought I could sew something new every day. Mmmwah ha ha hah a. That is hilarious to me, now. I can go a month without making anything other than a presentable school uniform (with a lot of hemming, zipper fixing, and taking in/letting out). But this week, I completed two things (actually three) in one night.
I finished the details on that cute purple dress. I finished the veil. Yes, the veil is done. And I whipped up this cowgirl market tote.


Granted, I was up kinda late. But it just goes to show you can't force creativity. It happens when it happens. I also believe, now more than ever, that when creativity knocks you have to walk through the door and go with it. Even if going with it takes you into the early hours of the morning. When you have an idea, grasp hold and go!

I don't feel tired this morning, even though I got about 4 hours of sleep. I think it's because I was doing something I love. Resetting expectations. Not every day. It's just not going to happen. But maybe once a week?!?!?!?

OK, let's see. What's next?

Prototypes, A Bag for All My Golf Stuff

I've been wanting to sew a ditty bag. Anyway, that's what all my golfing friends call them. You basically put your tees, balls, divot tool, glove, tip money, any small thing you might want in your golf bag but not swimming around in the expanse of your golf bag. I've been afraid to try corners. But then I was inspired by this little lady -- yeah, I know I feature her a lot -- and decided to try out a prototype out of some more of that scrap fabric.


It's small, only about 3 inches by 3 inches, by 7 inches. It uses a 12 inch zipper. One thing I do not like, however, is how the pattern instructions failed to finish off the lining. (See yucky pictures.) So, I'm going to have to spend some time figuring out how to put a lining in so that all the seams are finished and covered, or hidden. That's just what I'm like. Why bother sewing something if you don't love the inside?!?!?


PS -- Do you like how I accidentally put my label in upside down. Ha Ha Ha, this is obviously a do-over project. And I'm obviously going to rip this perfectly good zipper out of this flub because I can't stand to waste those.

A Date with Donk

Sweaty palms, flutterby stomach, and a racing brain. That's how I felt on the eve of meeting the author of one of my favorite blogs. Yes, I did that. I met someone who I've spied on for more than a year. What a surreal experience, but rather common place in today's age of technology and social networking. But for me, a first-timer to this sort of meeting, it was a bit like going on a blind date. Except for the part where I'm already married, and I was meeting a girl -- and neither of us date girls, not that there's anything wrong with that.

As soon as I saw her smiling face, however, I knew I was in for a great night of fabric admiring and salty drinks. May I recommend that you read her blog, too. That is, if you like reading well-written musings from a normal everyday gal who is spiritual, creative, and aims to do good in the world. She was everything her blog was -- and more.

Leaving the evening I felt renewed in my creativity, inspired in my willingness to try new things, and excited to have checked one more thing off my list... meet new people.

Thank you Donk.
Your admirer and fan... denverbrunette.

PS -- Donk is the author of AfricanKelli.com (also known as Kelli). And is the Donk in Finny and Donk's Sew Along.

Tunic, Amy Butler Pattern Altered

I returned to the Amy Butler tunic pattern, again. This time I completely reconstructed the neckline. I also opened up the armpits a bit. If you'll remember that pattern was a bit tight in the pits. I did use an Amy Butler print. An oldie, but a goodie. It's lined, with muslin, of course. And I used pale pink polka dots for the button closures. Thanks to the Finny and Donk Sew Along -- from whom I won the pattern. I still love it.

Tunic, Amy Butler Pattern

I'm not going to brag or anything, but I won a pattern. An Amy Butler pattern! I finally sat down to sew it up and here's how it turned out:


Now if you can ignore the lack of ironing (I'm really bad about such details) you'll see that it actually fits me. I consider this an absolute triumph -- as patterns hate me -- and my husband actually said, "It's cute." (He might have learned a lesson in diplomacy after my last project.)

Here's what I estimate I spent on the project:

Pattern = free (Thank you finny and donk sew along)
Amy Butler fabric = about $14 -- I used about 1 5/8 yards and I paid about $8 a yard
Lining fabric = about $2 -- again, I didn't use much and I bought the symphony broadcloth at joann's for $1/yard
buttons = $1.60
thread = I had some

TOTAL = in the neighborhood of $18

Here's a few thoughts I have about the pattern itself.

1. It's pretty simple if you're not simple minded. I myself had a simple-minded, if not absent-minded, moment in which I thought the front was the back and the back was the front. So, I couldn't get my pins to all line up. But it was midnight and I was a little tired -- in my defense. After a good night's sleep the problem became painfully obvious to me and I whipped out the rest of the tunic in minutes.

2. The neck, or yoke, or collar, or whatever you'd want to call it could be assembled in an easier way, I think. I think it would be easier to iron 1/2 inch allowance around the bottom of it, before you sew it on. Then just sandwich the tunic body in between the two layers of the yoke. Just a thought... if you're going to try it.

3. Sizing is great with Amy Butler. There are none of the usual problems with patterns... high waist, too short, etc. But I did envision that the yoke would cover a bit more of my arm. I made the cami from the pattern, but I think it's plenty long. I think I'll try the dress of this pattern, next.

4. I didn't even bother with the flower brooch and belt that is outlined and accounted for in cutting instructions and materials. I'm just not that kind of girl. But I do think I'll make the flower brooch eventually, perhaps for something else, like an embellishment on a tote bag.

Magic Poncho Becomes Magic Swim Cover Up

Lightening does not strike twice. Specifically the creativity bolt. Last month's assignment in the Finny and Donk Sew Along brought me a prize (a yummy Amy Butler pattern for a cami/tunic/dress thingy). This month's assignment was meant to be from the child gifts chapter of Hoverson's book. I loved the magic poncho. But we live in an arid climate and I couldn't really see us ever using a poncho. Soooo, I reworked it to be a swim cover up and made it out of a beach towel.

Some Vintage Inspiration

My grandparents have a cabin in the woods of Island Park, Idaho. It's remote by my standards and is dreamy. I had a sewing deadline to fulfill while I was on family vacation, so I was able to sit on the front porch of the cabin and sew. Simply great! As I looked around the cabin -- which has been their's for about 40 years -- I found many little vintage items that inspired me for future projects. (I'll be posting these little treasures all week, so check back.)

1. The quaint canisters that have been in this cabin for as long as I can remember. I heart birds.

2. The plates we use when we're there. According to my grandmother, she purchased them with S&H green tickets or something.

3. Milk Glass. All over the place and perfect. Oh yummy. I'll post a few pictures over the next couple of days. Even the light fixtures up there feature it. It's wonderful, and precious.



5. The doll. This doll is so cute. Just flip it over to find a new girl under the skirts. I love it. I especially love the green plaid. It's great and I suspect it was used for something really cool before it became the scraps used for the doll's dress. Bottom's up!

PS -- I also learned while I was on vacation that I had been picked as a winner in the Finny and Donk's Sew Along. I was so flattered. So, go check out my winning skirt! (My prize arrived today -- an Amy Butler pattern for a tunic/dress/cami!!!)

Sew Along: Wrap Skirt

I've been plunking along trying to sew along with a group I found online, the Finny & Donk's Sew Along, and the recent assignment was a skirt. The book that we are following along in is Simple Gifts to Stitch and this project had me rethinking the title. I think there is a misnomer out there that if you don't have a pattern and you make something, that it's simple. But the truth of the matter is that sometimes a pattern makes things more simple. That being said, patterns hate me.

I needed another skirt like ... well, like I need another pair of shoes. But at least I wear shoes. I never wear skirts. I LOVE them and I COVET them and I always cave in and MAKE them and BUY them as if I'm never going to see another skirt again. But truthfully I have no business owning a single one. But, I made it anyway thinking that I might just throw it on over the swimsuit -- thus hiding my super white, almost blue they are so white, thighs when I have to take my kids to the pool this summer.
Turns out, I kinda like it and I might wear it other places than the pool. That is, if I ever wear a skirt.
Now, let's see... I have some opinions about sewing this skirt that might impart some level of helpfullness to you if you try to make this skirt.


1. I messed this thing up from the beginning so I didn't follow the book that closely. This book is not easy to follow and I have really fumbled through all the patterns that I've tried thus far. So if you're looking for a new skirt, you should just go find a great pattern and sew it. If you're looking to try another project in this book -- either as part of the sew along or because you've already invested in the book -- keep reading.

2. Go read Finny's suggestions on ribbon. I loved her idea, but I didn't try it. The waistband I selected was actually a drapery tape (for roman shades) and wouldn't iron a crease without melting. But, it is really durable and if I ever need to fashion a tourniquet with it, I'm set.

3. I made mine a full two inches longer than the pattern and I'm pleased with the length (I'm 5'8"-ish). One thing I thought of afterward is that perhaps I should have lengthened the darts (because I am a longer person).

4. I heeded Finny's notes that the skirt itself can feel a little high-waisted. I loathe a really high waist so I folded my waistband in half. This helped a little, but it's still a pretty tall feeling skirt.

5. The no. 1 change I would make if I made this again is that I would make two skirts and then sew the two skirts into the waistband together (wrong sides together) to make it lined/reversible.

6. If you don't have ribbon, don't worry. I personally think that the waistband could be made from fabric. Much the same way the band for Amy Butler's pleated apron is made.

OK... That's just about it for suggestions/thoughts. Oh, and one other thing. This only takes about an hour to sew.

Table Runner with Pintucks

At 8:11 p.m. I stopped in at Finny's site for a quick fix of bitchin' and realized that I was way behind on the March Sew Along project. Behind like haven't even started. In fact, she hinted that a new project would be posted the next day. Oh the pressure!

So, got off the Internet -- my all time favorite time waster -- and ran downstairs to get started. See, the thing is that I had been lamenting on what materials to use. While I really did want to try something new, there is virtually nothing I haven't done with fabric. There's also not a single fabric out there I haven't tried to force through my machine. So.... I used this excuse to procrastinate for the past 31 days.

In the spirit of reduce, reuse, and recycle (and remember I'm on a strict stash diet) I reached for the only thing I knew was both 74 inches long and about 46 wide! Luckily -- or unluckily -- I have all the fabric from all the drapes that were originally constructed for my house about 15 years ago [I didn't pick it. Some crazy old lady did].

I have gobs of the stuff. I don't know what it is, exactly, but I suspect it's silk or something. It's really slippery and slinky and heavy. It's also got a slub to it. I've been using it to line purses and trim costumes. Really fancy stuff. Nightmare to work with.

Seeing as the project was to perfectly press little pintucks throughout the runner, this fabric was the antithesis of a good choice. But in the end I'm glad I used it. It has a formal look to it. But with the bright blue thread I used, the formality is more in line with my actual style.

Oh wait. I don't really have any house style. Seriously, my dining room is empty and I had to move the time out chair out of the corner so you couldn't see it. There's nothing on the walls, and there's a big gaping whole in the fireplace/mantel where a TV used to be. Suggestions?

By 10:54 p.m. I had photographed it and posted it to the flikr group. Good heck, hope the next one doesn't give me such grief.

Working Ahead: Ticking Tote

I know working ahead is probably not allowed, but I just had to do this tote. This is a pattern from the Simple Gifts to Stitch book -- part of the finny and donk sewing adventure. The fabrics are left over canvas made to look like ticking and a little valentine print. I departed from the pattern in a few ways:

1) made a lining with pocket
2) added bias tape to the edges of the outside pockets
3) used twill tape for handle

Ended up giving this one as a thank you to Cooper's teacher who watched the kids while I was sick. Remarkably easy pattern.

Button-Down Scarf

So here's the deal. I've been sick and so I can't do a lot. But in my sitting around waiting for the antibiotics to work phase I've been doing a small amount of sewing. Mostly embroidery, but I did manage to finish this scarf. The scarf was a project outlined by the fine organizers of the Finny and Donk Sewing Adventure (a blog I've been lurking for months). If you want to know about it, just visit their site.
My scarf's concept was to have a flirty, wild look (velvet with wings) and a more "buttoned-down" button down scarf. So, tried to make it look like a wool pin-stripe suit. It is wool, but the stripe was created with the quilting.



It's rather comfortable and all the materials were on hand. I strayed from the pattern in a two ways, a) the dimensions and shape of the scarf; b) I added batting inside the scarf to make it extra warm and poofy.
When Coop saw it, he immediately asked for one. May have to find some kid appropriate fleece to make him one, too. All in all, fun project and will probably throw this in the gift stash for later gifting. Pattern found in the Simple Gifts to Stitch book.

PS--It is impossible to take a nice picture of oneself wearing a scarf. It looks all double-chin-ish. Or maybe I have a double chin. O.M.G.