Category Archives: sew

Quilted cover

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Sewing is one of my more regular craft-type pursuits.  Quilting is a more recent one and I’m willing to experiment with my sewing machine.  Specifically the quilting, free-motion, or darning foot.

Without getting too technical when using this particular foot, the feed dogs are lowered and the pressure on the foot is set to light.  This allows the sew-er to gently maneuver the fabric in any direction while sewing, not just in a straight line.

I wanted to experiment with free-motion quilting and our heating pad needed a new cover.  No one would ever see this so what better way to learn than to practice!

I layered a piece of 100% cotton batting between two pieces of cotton fabric and pinned this all together before taking it to my sewing machine.  The total size was 12 inches by 27 inches. I began stitching in the center and made my way out toward the edges.

My stitches aren’t even as I moved the fabric around.  Going slowly gave me better control of stitch length.  You can see some longer stitches and very short stitches as I tried to make this star.

I drew a leaf with pink chalk and tried to go over the lines here.

More leaves and a heart.

Can you see the hidden messages below?

 

All quilted.

I added binding around the entire piece (don’t look at the horrible corners!) then folded it in half to make a padded envelope for our heating pad. I also made a new flannel cover to conceal it all and make it removable for washing.

I do need lots more practice using this foot on my sewing machine before I tackle a regular-sized quilt. It was fun and I learned a few things.

Do you sew and have you tried using all of the feet that came with your machine?Patti

Inspired by a Mouse

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I’ve been sewing again and making a couple of small bags that remind me of Mickey Mouse in a red, white, black, and yellow theme.

I asked a friend of mine to make a wreath for me. All she wants in payment is a bottle (or two) of wine.  I decided to add to her request by making these…

She is a fan(atic) of Disney World and is headed there sometime early next year.  She usually travels with her sister-in-law so two bags would allow her to share one if she wants.

The red and white polka dot fabric was from iPad Aunt’s stash and made me think of Minnie Mouse.  It was the perfect fabric for the outside.  I also added some black blocks to one side just to make them a bit different.

The bright yellow zipper and lining really brighten up the inside.  The zippers are from stash and were an inch too short.  The yellow fabric ends on the zippers helped stretch them out and made them work.  Did you notice my sewn-in tag inside next to the pocket?

As soon as the clip/hooks arrive by mail, I’ll make some wrist straps that can be attached to the little D-ring on the outside tab. We probably won’t see each other till after Christmas so there’s still time. I hope she likes them! 

So do those fabrics remind you of a particular mouse?

 

 

 

A couple of things

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I can’t believe it’s already September!  Each season has it’s own special smells and I could smell Fall in the air yesterday.  The days are definitely getting shorter.  Are you ready for the change in seasons?

Last week was eventful in so far as we received some outdoor items we ordered way back in June.  Our new patio table finally came in and we have been eating out on the deck the past couple of days – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  This past weekend was Labor Day in the US.  Mr. Aitch and I hung out at home and enjoyed the beautiful weather. The sunny skies were welcome as it rained every day last week and finally cleared up on Friday. We really missed our evenings eating al fresco and though summer is winding down, we can still enjoy another couple of weeks on the deck.  You can read about the old table.

The fabric I ordered to recover the old cushions at the beginning of June was canceled by the manufacturer in mid-August.  Or that’s when I found out about it.  Back to square one with that.  I finally decided on a solid red for the front porch cushions, ordered it, and received the bolt of fabric last week.

One thing I didn’t like about the original cushions is that they are 3-4 inches narrower than the seat cushions.  That was something I didn’t realize before I made those covers.  I have to get new inserts anyway so I will make them the same width as the seat cushions. I can take my time over the winter months to make the new cushion covers for next spring/summer.

The Rainy Window socks are coming along nicely.  Sock number 1 is finished (except for weaving in the ends) and sock number 2 is more than halfway done.  The heel is turned and I have about one-third of the foot knitted.

My knitting set up over the weekend.  The audiobook I was listening to was hilarious.  FYI it’s not for delicate ears.

You can find me out on the deck knitting.

Patti

 

Mask holder

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This idea is not mine but I’m so happy that someone else came up with it and is offering the FREE pattern.  Lorraine of ikatbag.com fame designed this wonderful Airplane Bag pattern for a bag for airline travel. She has some incredible patterns on her website, some free and some for sale.  Her instructions are great, too!  Granted, I did not follow the instructions as written but adapted her pattern for my own use.  I do plan on making a few of these for family members if and when they decide to fly again. Did I mention the pattern is FREE?!

My bag is a simple version with no extra pockets, secure tie, carabiner slots, or magnetic snap closure.

I used a sturdy cotton fabric (in my fabric stash for 30-35 years!) for the exterior, satiny smooth fabric for the interior, grosgrain ribbon for the hanging loops, and leftover plastic cord from my upholstery projects.  Plus two magnetic hooks to attach the bag to the metal door.face mask holder

The plastic cording used in welting on cushions is pliable but stiff enough to keep the bag open whether full or empty.

The bag is the perfect size for our collection of face masks.

We keep it attached to the metal door that leads out into our garage so we can grab a face mask when we go out the door.

I never thought I’d ask this but where do you keep your face masks?Patti