Sewing - composition book cover with a journaling book mark

I decided to try something new - I made up a cover for a composition book using two layers of fabric with a rectangle flannel in the center where the book will be!!  I am very pleased with out it worked out so I will be coming up with scrappy tops which I can layer with solid fabrics for the inside.  I stitched my flannel piece to the inside piece, layered on my top and stitched all the way around leaving an opening to turn the whole thing inside out.  After that stitched all the way around to secure the pieces and close up the opening.  I then added lines of stitching to quilt the layers to each other. I   laid my composition book in the middle of the finished cover and figured out where to fold it to make the it the right height and then folded in the both sides to create the flaps that the composition book covers tuck into.  I removed the book and pressed the cover really well so I could mark where I had to sew the flaps to keep everything together.  Four little seams and flipped it back around and my book fits in really well.  You have to leave a bit of give when you sew your seams to allow for the thickness of the fabric cover.  Sew it too close and it is too tight to easily insert the book covers.   

  

I created a journaling bookmark to go with my composition book journal. This bookmark has room for two writing instruments in its front pocket which means you will always have something to write with when you are ready to journal.  It measures just over a 1.5" wide and 7.5" long and the pocket comes up to about 5.75".  I used two layers for the back - bright yellow for the front and a plain yellow for the back.  I created the pocket using a scraps of yellow and green.  I added red binding to the top and bottom which was just what I had on my sewing table.  The elastic is foldable soft elastic and I cut it to 11" to work with the journal.  You layer your pieces and sew all the way around leaving a gap so you can turn it inside out.  Press it really well and then add stitching all the way around to secure the pieces to each other and close up the opening.  I think these are really neat and would be really handy for any journal.  

You can see below the inside and back side of my journal cover.  I am looking forward to using this technique to create some really fun and colourful journal covers in the future.  These are reusable - simply replace the filled composition book with a new one and you are good to go!!!  Therese

 

Sewing - mug rugs from leaf fabric

 I have had this fabric for a while and ran across it again recently and set it aside for mug rugs.  I trimmed four of the images, added two layers of flannel for batting and a deep purple for the backing.  Sewed them together leaving an opening so I turn them inside out.  Pressed everything neatly and then ran a line of stitching all the way around to secure the layers and close up the opening.  I added stitching on the lines in between the leaf designs to quilt them all the layers together.   Therese

Sewing - a cute red flower embellishment for my cat bag

I thought my cat bag needed a bit of something so I went looking for inspiration on line hoping to find maybe a cute little fabric fish I could make up to add to it.  No such luck!  I did find a fabric flower that I found acceptable so I went ahead with that the other morning.  I found a tutorial at Notches Sewing on You Tube that worked very well.  

It starts off with a pentagon shape that fits in a 6" circle.  I gave it a try and was not precise enough that my measurements were not exact so I just found a petagon on line and placed it in a 6" circle in Corel Draw and printed it out.  Success!!  The sides are all 3.5"!!!  I trimmed out the pentagon and then cut two pieces of red cotton fabric using this pattern and placed them right sides together and stitched a 1/4"  seam all the way around leaving a gap of about 1.25".  I turned this shape inside out and then pressed it neatly to get a nice flat pentagon.   I then stitched all the way around about 1/8" from the edge which secured everything and closed up the opening.  What you see on the front will be the front of the flower.   Next, I followed the instructions in the video  - measured and marked the center of all the sides, measured two inch towards the middle on each point, drew a curved arch between the points next to the center of the side, through the 2" mark and the back down to the just next the center mark on the next side.  Repeat until you have five arched lines.  I used a removeable ink pen - first time - and it worked well. The lines are where the gathering happens so it may not be too serious if you draw in some light pencil lines.   Next, you sew quarter inch stitches on the arches using a 20" of double heavyweight thread (needs to be sturdy and that long) knotted on the end so it will not pull through.  You start stitching from the back (important) and follow the arches always coming to the edge with your needle to the front (important).  Once you get back to where you started you pull on your threads to gather each petal and then tie off with double knots.  The points of the pentagon create the petals.  Works really well and makes a nice sturdy flower.  You can then add it to your project, add a clip or barrette, add a brooch pin - whatever you want.   I used the threads at the back to stitch it to my cat bag!!!!  It was just what I was looking for - a very 3D fabric embellishment.  I would have preferred something more related to the cat theme but this will do purrfectly!!!!!!  Therese

 

Sewing - pet bowl mats for cats

It seemed appropriate to make some cat themed pet bowl mats this week as I had made some dog themed ones last week.  I used the Japanese cat fabric on the back and a strip on the front of this first mat.  I used the colours in the fabric - yellow, blue and red to make up a couple of strips to frame the cat fabric on the front.  I used toweling as batting and sewed the strips on QAYG to add the front to the batting and backing.  I used the backing to self bind the mat which worked really well.  

For my second mat I started with one of my cat squares which I made quite a while back and still have a good supply of.  I added strips all the way around (QAYG) until I had the height I needed for the mat. I added two more pieces to the left to make it the size I needed (12" x 17").  I cut a piece of  Japanese cat fabric for the bac, added two layers of flannel for batting and then bound the edges with a bright blue fabric.  I added stitching through out the mat to secure all the layers together.  Fun!!!  Therese

 

All occasion card featuring a spring bird mounted over a collage background of blues and greens

 Another family card!!  This one also features a collage background.  I used scraps of blue and green decorative paper to make a serendipity background.  Says spring to me!!  Once it was dry I trimmed it to fit on my large ivory card and adhered it in place.  I added a green strip of cardstock embossed with polka dots which has a flagged end.  The digital bird (Clipartix) was laser printed and watercoloured.  I added paper pierced lines on all four sides before mounting it to a green cardstock.  I used a border punch (SU) on the green piece and then embossed two lines using my score tool.  Mounted the image to my card using 3D foam tape.  It will be on its way shortly.  Therese

Sewing - tote with cute cat fabric with a cute fabric embellishment

I was into my stash a few weeks ago looking for something and rediscovered this fun cat fabric - cats on the ocean waves with large fish and surf boards!!!!!!!!  The fabric is printed in Japan and I really liked the design.  I decided to make up a tote bag with some of it!!  I worked out the layers for this bag - navy blue for the top and bottom and cat fabric in between.  I used some of my fun aqua floral fabric for the inside - a light fabric helps you see what is inside.  I trimmed the inside fabric and laid out the fabrics and sewed them into place one at a time QAYG fashion.  I was careful to keep everything well aligned and it worked out well.  I added wavy lines to quilt the outer fabric to the lining.  I made up  handles and inserted them at the top between the navy and lining fabric.  I sewed them to the lining and then folded over both fabrics and stitched them together from the outside.   To finish off the bag neatly I used a technique where you lay the wrong sides together and sew a small seam.  Then you flip the wrong sides out and stitch again using a wider seams which incorporates the previous seam allowance inside the seam.  Makes for a neat finish inside the bag.  I boxed the bottom corners at 3" which gives the bag some structure without too much width.  It would be perfect as a library book bag or general tote for the car when you are just buying a few things.  It worked out really well!!!  NOTE:  I have added a little red 3D fabric embellishment to my bag and you can check it out here.  Therese

Sewing - Two aprons - large and medium with a safari fabric

 I made these aprons this past week.  I was homebound due to having tested positive for Covid and not being really ill - coughing and runny nose - so I decided to take some time for sewing.  I have had this fabric for a little bit and could not find inspiration to make anything else other than aprons so I just made them up.  We are needing adult and child size matching aprons for our merchandise inventory for Gramma Link Africa so I made a set.  The fabric was not quite wide enough for both so I added black strips on the side where they will not interfere with the look of the safari fabric but give the needed coverage.  I added them with felled seams so there would be no raw edges.  I have used this pattern from Instructables before and I was fortunate that it gave measurements for two sizes.  I had to create the casing for the small one and then I was on my way.  These sew up quickly and then I added light blue ties made from fabric from my stash.    Therese

All occasion card featuring a truck die cut, some die cut trees over a collaged background

 Working on cards for special occasions for family members.  I started with a large ivory card and then created a collaged landscape using scraps of paper.  Once it was dry I added the trees which I found in my stash and then the blue truck - also from my stash. My sister owns this die and I cut a bunch a while back.  I used a clear glitter gel pen on the hub caps, door handle, lights and windshield.  

Therese

All occasion card featuring a gold embossed grass image, vellum and textured cardstock

I made up this card for a friend you recently lost her husband.  They had been over 50 years married though he was only 76.  

I made up an off white card using textured cardstock, added a torn strip of vellum and then added my gold embossed stamped image of grasses.  I watercoloured the image before adhering it over the vellum.  

Therese

 

Sewing - braided fleece and mesh dog toys

 I rescued a scrap of blue fleece from our fabric sorting last week and wondered what I could use it for in the way of creating a sellable item.  After a bit of research on line I decided to make up some dog chew toys.  I cut the scrap into 2" x 20" pieces and then trimmed the same size scraps from a mesh t shirt from my fabric stash.  I layered three of them and tied a knot pulling hard so it would be tight.  I then braided the lengths until I had about 3" left and tied another knot.  I flagged the ends to make them interesting.  I ended up with 10 of them.  I will bring them to add to our merchandise bins when I go to sorting this week.    Therese

Sewing - pet bowl mats with dogs and bones

Pet bowl mats for Gramma Link Africa.  These will be on our merchandise table in June when we have our Rhubarb Tea and again in the fall at our Chili for a Cause.  At fabric sorting last week one of the girls was wowing about this cool dog fabric and then out of the box came the bone fabric!!  I had already prepped the flannel batting for three of these so I indicated I could use the fabric for making up the outside layers for the pet bowl mats.  They came home with me and I washed them up.   I used the plaid fabric on the back of each of the mats.  All cotton therefore very washable!!  They are about 13" x 18".  

I used other coordinating cotton scraps from my GA stash to create three unique mats.   I like how they turned out.  I gave another go at making flying geese and they turned out well.  I added spacers to get the width I needed for my mat, framed that in black and then added the bone fabric.  

I 

I cut a 7" square of the large dog fabric and added pieces all the way around.  I did darker to the upper right and lighter on the lower left.  After it was done and I took a photo it would have been better to put the dark on the lower left which would have better framed the image once I added the black strip.  I created a length of short pieces where I incorporated some of the bone scraps for the right hand side. 

I cut a length of the large dog fabric to 7" along the width of the remnant.  I used a long piece on this mat and a square on the above mat.  I have a square left that would make a unique potholder for a dog lover!!!  I added two strips to each side to finish off the mat.    Therese

 

Sewing - a cut little purse with a bright inside

I brought home some scraps from our fabric sorting last week.  The black fabric with the bright embroidered polka dots seemed perfect for making a small purse for a little girl.  There was just enough fabric to make up the purse pieces and I found a small piece of black quilting cotton in my stash to make the strap.  The inside was made from a scrap of beautiful quilting cotton which really makes it fun.  I had never made a small bag like this before so I searched for one on line.  I found one that was about the right size for this project and printed the fabric and cut my pieces - one from the bright cotton for the lining and one for the back from the polka dot fabric.  One of each for the front of the purse and a strip of each for the strap.  The strap is just over 30" and the overall size of the bag is 8" wide and 7" tall.  The instructions asked for a 3" wide strap.  I thought it was a bit much but decided to follow the instructions.  I had to go back on line to check if I had put the strap in correctly because it interfered immensely with the folding of the flap to the front.  After checking the photos on line I had correctly followed the instructions but being as they did not work well I decided to make some adjustments.  I removed the strap and resewed the seams.  That finished the bag so then I unraveled one side of the strap and resewed it to be 3/4" wide.  Then I played with several placements before sewing the strap ends to the inside of the bag as close to the back as I could on each side.  This way the flap comes through and is barely hindered by the strap.  I added a large black snap and then covered my stitching on the flap with a green button.  Done!!  I am happy with the final product but will be looking for a different pattern for making a small purse for next time.    Therese
 

Sewing - large bag from outdoor fabric, button closure and a cool way to shorten the handle

I worked on this fun bag this week.  It is outdoor fabric that would be used for covering cushions on patio chairs, etc.  The colours were really cool and one of the girls found these fun buttons that coordinated very nicely.  It was a smaller piece so I made the best use of it.  I cut two widths of the piece to make the handle and made the bag from what was left.  It is about 18" wide, 6" deep and 15" tall.  This durable fabric would be perfect to use for a trip to the beach or for taking the kids to the play ground.  It is very spacious and the fabric will hold up to wear and tear.  It will need hand washing because the buttons are made of wood.

I added a cool feature - a length of black twill tape which I stitched to the side of the handle which can be used to shortened the length of the handle.  I tied it in a bow and it looks cool that way.  To shorten the handle you undo the tie make several folds in the handle and wrap the two ends around a couple of times pulling them tight and retying.  It works really well.  A good feature for such a long handle.  

The inside seams are finished making a really neat inside.  It is nice to have a bag with a light inside when you go looking for "stuff".  I only realized just now that it would have been even better if I had used white thread on those seams!!  Next time!!!   Therese

 

All occasion cards featuring birds with fluffy tails along with ribbon/seam binding and glue seals

These are the final cards that I made up from kits from my last cardmaking session.  I love these little birds which are simply created by folding a circle in just less than half so you can create their belly in a different colour.  These are best made with double sided paper but because these were not I simply coloured the belly area on the back of the paper - makes it nice because you can colour it any colour you wish.  They are so fun with their fluffy little tails!!  Card #1 - a stamped background with a little green bird and a gray seam binding and silver glue seal.  A nice soft look!! Card #2  - a black and white background with a tricolour ribbon across and a green glue seal.  I added clear glitter around the eye to give it a bit of definition against the black background.  Card #3 - very similar to the last one but with a very dramatic paper pieced background.  

Therese

 

All occasion cards featuring embossed arches, die cuts and punchies and fiber

I am still working on getting the card kits from my last cardmaking session finished.  It has been fun to play around with the elements and get these cards made up.  Card #1 features two gold hearts with a flourished embossed layer and a gold fiber tie.  Perfect for an anniversary - especially a 50th!!  Card #2 - this one has a flurry of butterflies which would be appropriate for sympathy card or any occasion for a butterfly lover.  Card #3 - another wonderful sparkly balloon in bright colours would be suitable for anyone's birthday!!!

Therese

 

Sewing - bowl cozies in fun fabrics

We have been sorting fabric for our upcoming sale.  A friend of mine asked me to finish up a project she started a while back  - some bowl cozies.  They were fun to make and featured plain yellow on one side and a very cute bee fabric on the other.  These have to be made with all cotton materials - outer fabric, batting and thread - as to keep them safe from melting in microwaves.  She provided all I needed including precut batting so I made up all four of them.  I misunderstood the instructions so these are a little larger and shallower that they should have been.  In the end, that is not so serious but I did have to rectify my mistake by adding several seams on the sides of the tucks in order to keep the batting well centered once these are washed which they no doubt will require at some point.  I was supposed to incorporate the batting and fabric in the seam when I was sewing the darts.  I only trimmed the fabric after I was finished sewing.  Had I trimmed the triangles out before sewing it was have been much more evident that I had to sew all four layers to each other.  My first time making bowl cozies so I have learned my lesson and I was glad to be able to rectify my mistake without taking them apart.    These are headed to our merchandise table for our Gramma Link Africa events later this year.  I did make several more with flannel which I had on hand so there is a good selection of colours in this little stack.  So nice that they are reversible so you can use the side you like the best.  

Therese

 

All occasion cards featuring cute images, fun brads, and embossing with ribbon/ seam binding/ twill tape/ lace

I am just getting back to the extra card kits I made up for cardmaking a while back.  It has been fun to play with these and make them interesting.  All the images are from Cre8tive Hands.  They are all very cute and so appropriate for all occasion cards because of their flexibility.  Card #1 has a yellow and gray theme with a cute little elephant which would be appropriate for a new baby card or a child's birthday.    Card #2  features a flighty little heart butterfly with a floral background and yellow and green colour scheme.  Card #3 is perfect for a birthday!!  Your best friend or the little girl next door with is bright colours.  Card #4 would be perfect for a boy with both a robot and dinosaurs which would span a few years of interests.  Card #5 with its pink and green colour scheme and it's HB brads would do any feminine birthday.  Card #6 is a gender neutral baby card with a fun little baby carriage.  Card #7 features two little cats and a heart which would be perfect for a cat lover for any occasion.  I made a few in landscape format and also varied the embossing, the border punches, the "ribbon" and the brads.  Lots of fun to be playing with cards!!!  Therese

 

All occasion card featuring feather moths, a watercoloured flower and a splattered background

Here is a nice bright card!!  I started with little double feathers which I turned into moths/butterflies!!  These are stickers which I coloured with Sharpies to coordinate with my splattered background.   I thought it would be good to add a flower.  I found this one in my stash - silver embossed and fussy cut.  I simply watercoloured it to coordinate!!  It is very whimsical and fun!!!  I just added bodies to the feather wings using a brown marker.  

Therese
 

Sewing - Flying Geese bag with black guitar fabric

Here is the finished bag!!!  There are a few things I would change up for the next one.  I was not as diligent in keeping my lining even as I added strips so the bottom of the bag seems visually off because of that.  I should have left a larger margin on my lining so I could finish it off by machine.  I ended up finishing this one by hand because it was easier to fold over and stitch that way that trying to get a line of stitching in just the right place on the sides.  It worked out quite well in the end.  It is all finished inside and out with no raw edges and I made the handles so it would be reversable but in the end I boxed the bottom and that sort of made it less reversible because the triangles are on the bottom.  I suppose I could have stitched them to the sides and that might have been better - not sure.  Anyway,  it was great to have tried something new and the end result is very decent though not perfect!!  

Live and learn!!!  I like the look of the flying geese strip on the front and the fabrics out the outside all coordinate quite well.  

I will plan a bit better next time and watch the lining for shifting as I go along!!  

Therese

 

Sewing & Quilting - flying geese strip with black guitar fabric added to a QAYG bag

I have never really done any traditional quilting but there are several blocks and combinations that I like so with this fun guitar fabric I decided to have a go with making some "flying geese".  I found a tutorial for five different ways to make flying geese and one of them use a few squares to make four with no waste.  I checked it out and decided it would be worth a try.  Here is another site that has instructions for the no waste flying geese which makes four.  This link will bring you to a page where there is a chart of sizes and what size you need to cut your squares. I made mine 2" x 4" using one 5.25" square of the blue guitar fabric and and four 2 7/8" squares of gray fabric (two of one pattern and two of another).  It worked out so well!!  I have never done this before and I got them very near perfect.  Great tutorial!!  I sewed them all together to make a strip and then included the strip into a bag I was creating using a QAYG method.  I made up the handles and then sewed them into the top seam with extra stitching to make a good solid connection.  I prepped strips in blues, grays and blacks using what I had.  It worked out really well.   I had planned to have the turn around at the bottom but I forgot so it was added on the back of my bag where I overlapped the two two strips over the guitar fabric and over stitched.  Check out my next post for the finished bag!!  Therese