The Ideas of March......

Ok so yes I know Ides of March was 2 days ago. But, I have SO many ideas and have had SO little time. Therefore the Ideas of March.

Sick kid, injured husband, sick myself, working out, eating right, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, grocery shopping and everybody gets sick again. Loop all that and it is basically what this year has felt like so far. Right now I am sitting in my very messy house alone. It is so quiet. Too quiet. So I am putting on some music and writing this blog post and getting some other stuff done around here.

I really have no excuse for not writing except that I don't get paid to do it (yet) and therefore I let life get in the way.

I have been doing some sewing. Not a ton, but some. I have also been doing some fabric & supply buying and inheriting. All giving me lots of ideas.

Currently I am working on finishing up my commissioned jobs so I can get to our family Spring clothes. My favorite sewing time of the year.

I volunteer once a week at the Decatur Education Foundation aka DEF. They had a whole bunch of old banners laying around. And they asked me if I would turn their banners into tote bags.

Not only is it recycling, but now they have great incentives for their donors or volunteers. They are not sure what they are going to do with them yet.

All the banners were vinyl. The banner with the blue background was super stiff and hard to work with. All the other banners were a much softer, more playable vinyl.

It took me a few bags to get the construction and sewing right. It is a heavy material but no heavier then denim. So I used a denim needle and regular thread.  I have worked on these with both of my moody machines. (One is Italian and the other is about 50 years old, so they have their reasons for being moody).

After a few attempts, I discovered it is much easier to put any binding and handles on while it is still flat and then finish the construction of the bag. Which seems obvious in hindsight, but things always do.

You do not want to have to do a lot of turning it inside out and back because the lettering and color come off the more you handle it. So here are the steps of the best way to put it together.

1. sew the front and back together at the side seam

2. finish the top edge with bias binding, hem or zipper

In some ways the zipper top is easier, it's really just what you are up for. 

I put the zipper in on both sides of the bag and then top stitch it. A separating zipper is way easier for this but a purse zipper works well too. If you use a metal zipper make sure you rub the teeth with beeswax or soap to make it open and close more smoothly. 

Bias binding on the top edge of the bag. 

I use both store bought binding (b/c people give me all sorts of stuff) and binding that I make myself.  Making your own binding makes it so you can use any fabric. But store bought is easier, if you are the sort of person who takes the easy way to do things.

3. attach handles and any pockets

4. sew other side seam

5. sew bottom seam

6. square off corners (if desired)

Measuring the line where you plan to stitch across the bottom can really help get it right. 

Some bag patterns cut out the corners before you sew it, 

but I find folding and stitching the corners easier, just personal preference. 

 

When you get to the side seam, make sure you back tack over it. 

This helps to make the bottom stronger. 

back tack here at the side seam

Trimming the corners off after you sew them takes the bulk out of the inside of your bag.

7. turn bag right side out

Sometimes this is the hardest part, it feels weird and wrong. 

Depends on how stiff the vinyl is. On the really stiff ones I heated them before turning. 

But you have to be careful not to melt it or get it too hot. 

It starts to warp before it melts so you want to catch it when it is just soft. 

You can iron it with a pressing cloth or use a hair dryer. 

8. Enjoy your fancy new bag

Other tips for sewing on vinyl
- use a teflon sewing foot, helps move the vinyl through your machine more smoothly
- if you don't want to invest in a teflon foot, you can put tissue paper between your sewing foot and the vinyl and then tear it away after you sew. But I find this to be annoying and if you make a lot of things with vinyl the teflon foot is only about $6
- sew once! Vinyl is like leather in that it is unforgiving. Once you sew those holes are there. You do not get a second chance.
- test on a scrap, see above
- plan ahead, really think about how you are putting something together. Vinyl is not forgiving and a lot harder to shove around your sewing machine than most fabrics.

Today I finally feel that there is hope that spring is here for real. The sun is out! The sky is blue! I am on the right side of the ground. So I am going to enjoy a little inspiration and get some work done today!

I hope that spring is coming your way soon too! Be brave and try something new.

Peace Out - C

Procrastination!

I don't know about you but when I am a little fearful of a project, I find anything else in the world to work on. I will give you a little insight to my multi-page to do list here in a moment but, what did I do this morning? I made a new cover for my ironing board. Why? You ask. Because it felt like something I could accomplish and it NEEDED to be done.

On Friday I spiled a bunch of orange dye on my ironing board. I was working on a project and knew in my heart that a short cup and a long brush was a bad combination. Moments before the spill I said "that is sort of dumb". Did I listen to myself? No I did not. And the old ironing board cover did not fit and needed to be replaced for other reasons as well. So.... I justify spending an hour this morning making a new cover.

So since this is supposed to be a sewing blog and not a whine about crap blog here is how I made the cover.

First I looked on Pinterest for inspiration. 
Here was the one that I "used"
http://blog.plushaddict.co.uk/2013/05/22/ironing-boards-recover-tutorial/

Materials*
Insul-Bright Insulating Fabric
Fleece
Cover fabric - I used an Alexander Henry print cotton
*how much you need depends on length and width of your board. Mine is long and extra wide so I am not giving measurements or amount of fabric.

1. Take old cover off. 
2. Find some inspiring music, I am listening to the "Hipster Halloween" station on Pandora right now
3. Set up your naked ironing board and use the Insul-Bright to make a template. you want about a 2 inch overhang all around the edges of your board surface. 
4. Use your template to cut out your fleece and your cover fabric. 
5. Cover on top, Insul-Bright in the middle, fleece on the bottom, pin your layers together. 
6. Serge your 3 layers together, taking the pins out as you go. 
7. Measure your elastic to be 2/3 the size of the circumference of your board. 
8. Stretch your elastic on as you sew it to the edge of your new snazzy cover. Use a wide zig-zag stitch
9. Put your new cover on so you can stand back and admire it. 

Underside & elastic

From the top. It matches nothing! But it is so cheerful!

I know I could be way more specific about how to do this. But I really think you need to experiment and work with fabric and learn that every project is different and gaining skills and making it work is what you need. You can do it!! 

Plus lots of other people have put specific directions on this here internet-y thingy and I am sort of lazy. So just get out there and try this, it is a super simple one that I will be shocked if you mess up. You have permission to email me and yell at me if you do. 

Ok off to do some real work... well ... ok yeah I really have to now.
- C 

Giselle Dress Pattern Review

When we were on sabbatical in NYC I got to meet Kati of Kate & Rose and I knew we were meant to be friends. We have only met in person once and just sporadically email and chat on-line but we are kindred spirits. Our connection is the love of the peasant style. She has designed many peasant style patterns and I have made them. Her latest line, "The Midtown Collection" has just come out and the first one I have made is the Giselle Maxi Dress.

Since I live in GA and it is already hot I made the sleeveless maxi version. Just look how pretty even the line drawings are.

I decided to take a chance and go full out crazy hippie lady with my fabric selections.

 The top fabric is Tula Pink, Field Fox Trot in Dusk. The bodice fabric is Tula Pink, Field Pony Play in Dusk. I have a serious navy and lavender thing going lately so I had about 4 yards of each of these laying around. They were clearly waiting to become this dress.  And two pairs of pajama pants for the Divine Miss M.

I will say I love the style of this pattern, and I am happy how the dress turned out. I am going to make some modifications on my next one. But the fact that I am already planning my next one is a good thing. It is over all great. With a few minor changes.







So the basics are:

•  I used quilting cotton
• Cut out view B 
• size XL

I will admit downloaded patterns are not my favorite. It is a lot of printing and taping. But this one was worth the extra work. Especially when you add in the instant gratification component of downloading.

The only flaw in the pattern is that the back bodice was way longer then the front (see picture). I decided to just cut the back piece shorter to match up with the front so it was easily solved.

I will also admit I only sort of glanced over the directions. I am sure they are great. But I am stubborn and like to put things together my way. Which mostly usually works.

The other issue I had was that the XL was WAY too big in the armpit. I had to take in the sides two inches each. But I do need the boob room up front on the XL so now I know how to handle that differently next time as well. I will make the top pieces of the front bodice a wee bit longer to allow for a little more space for the "girls", while taking in the sides.

I am too lazy to make a muslin so if you are not as lazy as me or are more thrifty with your fabric you should make a muslin of the bodice. It would be worth your time to get it just right.

 A mistake I made was that the fabric was not evenly gathered, it is fuller in some spots than others. I decided once again I am too lazy to care.

I gathered it and sewed it together at the same time on my serger.

IF you do this I would suggest you attach the skirt to the bodice BEFORE you sew the side seams together. Gathering and stitching on the serger when it is round does not work.

Again this is something I would do differently when I make my next one. This was a judgement error on my part.





Let's ignore the fact that I look a little forlorn in this picture. I was melting! Sweat was pouring down my back as I was running back and forth to my camera on a tripod.

I think this dress is fun. It will get worn a lot this summer. But I think the skirt would look better out of just one fabric or with more tiers? Or something? Thoughts?

Here are some outdoor close ups

Yes the ties are another fabric. I had these ties already made from a previous project. I did not end up adding them to that project so I thought it was thrifty (and somewhat lazy) to add them to this dress.

That face I'm making is my: "it is still May! why is it so damn hot already? and of course my AC is out!!!" face. The AC gets replaced on Tuesday thank goodness!

All in all I would give this pattern an "I love it!" rating. It was quick and easy and had no major flaws. I typically think of patterns as a starting point. It will be easy for my lazy self to adjust and make it just perfect. And that is what I like, easy with great results!

Well I am off to see if there is any way to escape this hot house. Today is the last day of school, can we say POOL tomorrow?!?!

Peace Out! 

Getting a little bit done is better than nothing......

At least that is what I keep telling myself. I was supposed to be doing a whole series on things that I made for me. After my last post I made a flannel shirt that I decided that I do not like at all. It is just not flattering so I am not going to show you but it will make a cozy pj top. I also made myself a comfy flannel night gown.

While they are not that exciting they are warm which is what I need these days. It is cold and we are basically just sitting here waiting for the ice storm to hit us tonight. Fortunately we got our gas fire place working today and we have a gas stove so if the power goes out we should not freeze to death.

Since we are having to remodel the first floor (because of the burst pipe) I am looking at many parts of the house. I am going to paint just about everything. And a lot of our furniture is crap, but the best I can do is recover or make slip covers for some of them.

This is one of our dining room chairs. It is gray and  blah and has a bunch of stains. And not too surprising they were dirty when I took the seat out I had to clean up all the wood.

It is amazing what a difference a little bit of fabric makes. And chairs on a chair just cracks me up! For ages I have been saying that for someone who works with fabric we have remarkably little fabric around the house. Well folks I think that is bout to change. I am going to do all these chairs. And I have a different chair print for my cozy nook chair.

Next I need to pick out fabric for my couches and possibly some curtains! Crazy!

The kid is home today because we are apparently about to get hit with "Snowpocolypse, round 2". But nothing so far. She just went to play at the neighbor's so I better take this chance to go work on my chairs before she gets back. Apparently the sound the stape gun makes, makes her crazy.

But in good old snow day fashion we have already done the school work that they sent home, made some crafts, watched a little TV and baked cookies. Lord I hope they get back to school at some point this week!

Just in case you wanted to see them, here are the cookies....

Cake mix batter, rolled in sprinkles and baked. Super easy and Marion and her friend had fun making them.

Hope you stay safe and warm.
Peace Out
C

Made Myself... An Anything Organizer (for sewing supplies)

Today starts my new blog series call "Made Myself..." It is going to be all about the things I make for myself. Yeah!

Tomorrow I am heading to Camp Misty Mountain to be all girl scout leader-y for the weekend. The nice thing is that it is an all adults trip and my awesome co-leader Amanda is coming this year. The down side is that it is camping in January. Even though we will be in cabins, with projected lows of 19ish I will be packing lots of tea and sweaters and scarfs and well you get it.

We got to pick what activities we do this weekend. And me being me, I choose all crafts all the time. While packing up all my goodies for all my crafty classes I was like "why don't I have something that holds all this crap?" (If you know me you know that crap is my universal word for everything and I am working on just accepting such things about myself). I travel with this crap for classes and events (like this weekend) way too often to not have something better than a plastic bag or a tote bag with all this floating loose in it.

In answer to the eternal crap question, I made an organizer. I made one a couple of weeks ago as a sample for a class but it is living over at Sheepish right now and I think may end up with a permanent home there.

I started with three fat quarters and an idea.  I pulled out all the stuff I wanted to organize aka carry around.

Scissors, a chop stick, rotary cutter, pins, clothes pins etc.....

I figured out that the longest thing was the chop stick. Essential for turning things inside out and poking corners.

And I figured out that the widest things are my easy hem and button guage.

I did not take a good picture of the process but I laid everything out and drew on my pockets based on what I wanted to put in said pockets.

Then I sewed the top lager of pockets to the bottom layer (gray to red shown here) and then sewed the red layer down to the backing fabric.

I also wanted to have a flap to cover everything and a way for that flap to be held down so I added a loop of elastic and a button. Here is how it looks open.

Here is how it looks with the flap closed. Everything all snug and secure.

Did I mention that I used 3 fat quarters and two layers of interfacing?

I wanted this organizer to be stiff like a notebook. So there is interfacing on the backing and inside some of the pockets.

The outside also has pockets foe things that I might need to access easily and a large pocket on the back to hold a notebook. The closure is velcro.

This weekend will be a test run of actually using it, and I hope it is as handy as I planned for it to be.

Now... what should I make next for myself?

Peace Out Peeps!
C

Come Sew with me!

NEW Sew Night @ Sheepish
Check out their blog post with all the details HERE.

Tuseday 11/19, 6-9
@ Sheepish in Decatur.
$18.00 includes most materials

We will be making the Burda, Charlie Bag. It is a pattern I have made over and over and over. It is so easy and can be modified in a ton of different ways. I will show you examples of how to create a lined Charlie, a bias edged Charlie and a simple serged Charlie. Should be tons of fun!!

Pop me an email c@chrissyweeks.com and I will get you signed up!
• Chrissy will provide the pattern, fabric and as much help as you need.
• Sheepish will provide the space.
• You bring your sewing machine, scissors & thread.
• You help us decide which project to do next.
• Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks.

I have 1 sewing machine I can loan out so let me know and you can borrow my back up.

I even submitted my application to the next sewing star with this pattern, check it out. 

And I made Charlie Bags for my daughter's entire pre-school class ages ago. 

As of right now we have 3 spaces left!!

Hugs - C




 

Sewing Classes, Sign Up Now!

Adult Sewing classes.
From taking your machine out of  the box to following a pattern and beyond.

Taught by Decatur local, Chrissy Weeks
Decatur Recreation Center
231 Sycamore St.
404-377-0494 
Fall / Winter Classes

Sewing 099 
10/28/2013, 7-9:30 pm
Taking your machine out of the box. In this 2.5 hour workshop you
will learn the basics of your machine and how to use it.

Sewing 101
Monday mornings 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 & 12/2, 9:30 - Noon    or
Wednesday Evenings 11/6, 11/13, 11/20 & 12/4, 7 - 9:30 pm
In this 4 week session learn the basics while making real, usable
projects.

TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES CALL THE DECATUR REC CENTER AT 404-377-0494 or through their WebTrac System

For more information about the instructor and future classes go to:
www.chrissyweeks.com
and make sure to sign up for her newsletter!

In a small space being organized is key

My studio used to be our spare bedroom in our house. As I got more and more sewing supplies the spare room was lost and a studio gained. It is a wee bit of a pain when we have visitors but the everyday use of this room is so much better and productive than I would have every imagined.

I continue to squeeze more and more supplies into my little room. My latest acquisition is a serger thread rack. I hopped on Etsy and searched for a serger thread rack. And low and behold I found a local couple with an Etsy shop and they make thread racks. Crazy pants, right?

Their shop is called Butterboo's Crafts. And since they are close to me we met in a parking lot near by, which was way easy and very sweet of them. 

I took it home and hung it, and filled it up.

 Super cute, I know! And I was able to hang all this thread up on the wall and freed up a shelf for other things.

 All this serger thread is for my very own one woman sweat shop. Right now I am getting ready for GreenFest in Decatur Square on Saturday May 11. What am I making?

This is a pile of cut napkins.  GreenFest is a festival that focuses on "green" products and companies and such. Reusable stuff made a mile from the Square is about as green and local as it gets. Ok so I guess I should have grown the cotton and spun the fabric myself. But I do what I can.

This is a pile of snack bags, sandwich bags and some matching napkins. I still have to cut the linings, but these are next up to be sewn after the big pile of napkins. You know more green products for GreenFest.

Lots and Lots more sewing to be done. Also I do need to finish the rest of M's Spring / Summer line.

Alright back to the machines.

Peace Out - C 

Been busy working all week.

It seams like Halloween was weeks ago already. I spent most of this week working on getting new products ready to take over to HomeGrown and listed on my Etsy site. On Friday I was one of the featured artists at HomeGrown for the art walk as a part of the Decatur Wine Festival. Basically I hung out at the shop and had snacks and talked to my fellow artists and met some fun customers.

I managed to get some more of my big lunch bags ready and my display at HG was looking pretty spiffy. Forgive the slightly grainy and out of focus phone picture.

I also got these cool little pouches over there. They come in various sizes and range from $6.00 - $18.00 dollars. These are some of the items I came up with to add to the shop for the holidays.

I am doing 2 more craft shows this year as well as having my Etsy sight pretty well stocked right now. I have 40 items listed which I think is the most I have ever managed to get up there. I made 60 napkins yesterday and hope to make at least that many tomorrow.

Here are some better pics of the lunch bags. They actually could also be a make-up / toiletries bag rather than a lunch bag if you wanted.

On a few of the bags I tried to be a little extra creative and added some applique. The flower on this one is felt and silk.

For the fist time ever Fabric.com let me down a little. I ordered more strap material and it took over a WEEK! for my order to get here. I was a little desperate to get some bags finished so I scoured the house and found two old belts and was able to use those to make handles. 

Over all it was a long week and had some challenges. But now it Sunday and I have had a nice morning of puttering. Guess I better go get dressed.

Have a great week! Hope I am back to talk to you before the week is out. Peace Out!
C

See you at the Decatur Greenfest tomorrow!

I  know there are a million fun things to do in Atlanta this weekend. It is festival season after all and with the weather like it is you better go outside and do something tomorrow! Can I just say I am LOVING this weather. Could it be any more perfect? This is why people are happier in California because the weather there is almost always 68 and sunny. I am going to drag my work outside and finish out there! If it were more often like this I would like living here more.

I am doing two outdoor things this weekend. First thing in the morning I am doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. If you would like to make a donation please click here. I am just doing the one mile walk. I am super out of shape right now and not up to the 5K but maybe one day I will get back to it. Think of me when you wake up b/c I plan to get to Atlantic Station at about 6:45 in the morning.

Then in the afternoon is the Decatur Greenfest. It starts at 3 and goes til 9 and there will be music, food, drinks and lots of cool handmade stuff to buy from Home Grown. I will have some new items for sale myself. My favorite new item is the polyurethane lined tote bag.

It has a cotton outer with a waterproof lining. The handles are edged in handmade bias tape which adds both strength and cuteness.

What are the uses for such a tote bag you ask? Great question, it would be perfect for the pool or beach. I used mine today to bring home all my sweaty stuff from my hot yoga class. Basically any time you are going to be getting messy and carrying stuff. I only have a few colors ready right now but if people like them I have plans to make more.

They are in whimsical fabrics as is my usual style. My perpetual need to make the everyday more fun and interesting.

I will be doing set up and working the Home Grown booth (the entire band stand), until about 4 then I plan on hanging at the festival with my peeps. So if you are one of my peeps and you are going to be there look for me or send me a text message so I can find you!

Peace Out - C