Posts Tagged ‘sewing’

Thrift Shop Thursday 5/16/13 – Tie Dye Dress

// May 17th, 2013 // No Comments » // Art Groups, Blog, Kids Crafts, Mixed Media, Journals & Papercraft, Needlearts, Stich, Felt, Sewing

HELLER :D

Oh my goodness, I have got something super cool to show you this week, but first, I have to tell you about my shopping trip.

I needed some plant pots this weekend, so I stopped by the thrift store to see if they had any. Unfortunately, they did not, but since I was there, I figured I would look around.  Keep in mind, this was not my regular day to record Thrift  Shop Thursday, so I did not have my camcorder with me!

Normally when I go to the thrift store, I have a system. I start with the candles, move to the craft section, head over to the books, followed by the housewares, furniture, clothes and finally finishing at the boutique. This week, however, I veered from my normal path. It was like something was pulling me to work with fabric, so I listened to my instincts and headed straight for the clothing section.

I was just looking through the clothes for some unique fabric when I discovered this weeks item. It was a plus size (5 X) dress and even though it was entirely too big for me, I KNEW I had to have it! Luckily I had my phone with me and I was able to whip it out and shoot the video footage of the find!!!

DSC07483

Fast forward to this weeks regular (recorded) T S T  trip – I got NUTHIN’! I searched the ENTIRE store and didn’t find a single thing that inspired me or even had any potential for altering! I am sooo glad I had my phone with me when I found that dress because if I hadn’t I would have probably created something I wasn’t really happy with… and that wouldn’t be very nice, now would it Precious.

I have already finished making the skirt and I can’t wait to share the video with you on Mixed MEdieology Monday!

*Another little behind the scenes tidbit – You can’t tell it, but since I had already found the dress (and altered it!) by the time I shot this weeks footage, I am actually wearing the finished skirt in this weeks Thrift Shop Thursday Video! Sooo, it’s kind of like I time traveled… I am wearing the item to FIND the item ;) *

Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel.  Don’t forget to share it with your friends ;)

My blog will be changing within the next couple of weeks, so keep watching for some big announcements.

That is it for today.  I will see you on Monday!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4AK4sg67s&w=560&h=315]

Thrift Shop Thursday 5/9/13 – With Special Guest Robyn Couillard!

// May 9th, 2013 // No Comments » // Art Groups, Blog, Kids Crafts, Mixed Media, Journals & Papercraft, Needlearts, Stich, Felt, Sewing, Thursday Themeday

I have just finished editing this weeks video and I am STILL cracked up laughing!!!!!

My dear friend Robyn Couillard flew to Norfolk from Minnesota for a visit. While she was here, we took a trip to the thrift store and she was awesome (and brave) enough to make a special guest appearance on the show. This was the most fun I have ever had at the thrift store and I have NO idea how I am EVER going to top this one!

Be sure to stick around after the talkie bit to see some behind the scenes footage ;)

2013-05-09 10.16.12

 

Making a Wall Hanging With Yarn

// October 25th, 2012 // Comments Off // Crochet, Sewing, Uncategorized

I have had a bunch of yarn hanging around for quite a while now with no idea of what I wanted to do with it.   I have been playing around with the idea of making a wall hanging and finally decided there was no better time to do it.  I decided to make it out of yarn because I love the idea of a wall hanging that both looks soft and feels soft to the touch.  I am a very tactile person so I wanted something I would be able to touch and not have the oils from my skin completely ruin it.
I started out making simple crocheted circles.  I used the same technique you would use to start the center of a Granny Square.  If you’ve never made a Granny Square you can find some really good basic videos on YouTube to get you started.  I found a couple here and here.  I think I made about 40 in various colors.  You can make as many or as few as you’d like depending on the size of your wall hanging.
I also added 3 woven circles to my wall hanging.  I used an embroidery hoop for my loom.  I cut 8 pieces of yarn and laid them across my hoop.  When you put the outside part of the hoop back on it will secure your yarn and will allow you to pull it tight.

 

I tied another piece of yarn around the center with a square knot to secure it.  I made sure to cut off the tail close to the know before I started.

 

Then you just start weaving over and under your base yarn. (not sure of the technical terms)
Once you’ve made the center as wide as you want it, tie of the first color.  To do this just tie the yarn to one of the base strings using a square knot and cut off the tail.  Tie your next color on to one of the base strings and cut off the tail to start your next layer.
Now you follow the same process going over and under your base yarn.  For the second layer I switched the strings I was going over and under.  So if you were going over one string and under the next, for your first layer, this time you would go under then over.
I added layers of yarn until it was the size I was looking for.  I like to add decorative yarn as on of the layers to add some extra texture.
When you are done tie off your final layer and cut off the tail.
To removed your woven circle from the hoop and tie off the ends, you cut two of the base strings off at a time and tie them together using a square knot.  This will keep your circles from seperating.
This is what it will look like when you are done.  You can either cut off the tails or leave them to add some extra texture.

 

To attach all of the pieces together I use a simple basting stitch and embroidery floss.

 

While you want to attach all of the pieces on all sides, I have found it is easier to attach and entire row across the bottom first.  Then you can stitch up the sides.
To finish off the edges I used a simple single crochet stitch.  I found that this helped to keep the edges flat and hold everything together.
I added some beading around the center circle on the finished piece.  Remember you can make your wall hanging any size shape and color you’d like.

 

Summer Sewing Project Ideas

// June 21st, 2012 // Comments Off // Sewing

The heat is on!  Today in the Northeast we reached close to 100′.  That kind of heat encourages me to get crafty in my air conditioned studio!

I wanted to share with you a few fun projects I’ve come across on the internet which are on my summer sewing list.  Perhaps they will inspire you too!

Upsize a too-small shirt with this tutorial by Craftzine

Water Bottle Carrier by Pink Chalk Studio

Ruffle Dress by Ellie Inspired

Mail Organizer by Noodlehead

Stay Cool, Stay Crafty!

-Jennifer
Sewplicity

Cloth Diapers Made Easy

// May 27th, 2012 // Comments Off // Book Reviews, Mixed Media, Journals & Papercraft

I was given the instruction and pattern book “Cloth Diapers Made Easy” by Babyville Boutique Book to review.  I don’t have babies in diapers anymore so I didn’t whip up a sample however I found the instructions easy to read and follow.  If you are interested in making cloth diapers this instruction booklet would be a terrific place to start.   They even have a YouTube channel with videos on how to make the diapers.  The Boutique Book is available a wide variety of online fabric stores or at Amazon for less than $10.

 

Have you made cloth diapers for your children or grandchildren?  Leave a comment and let me know your experience.

Danee Kaplan

www.rainingjellybeans.blogspot.com

Twitter: RainJellyBeans

Book Review: HeartFelt Giving

// May 24th, 2012 // Comments Off // Book Reviews, Sewing

Marie Osmond has been a crafter for years.  She has designed a line of highly collectable dolls for many years.  Her book HeartFelt Giving: sew and quilt for family and friends is a terrific tribute to her mother and her love of sewing.  She begins the book by relating stories of her childhood and her love of sewing that she discovered at an early age.  I found the stores to be genuine and heartfelt and fun to read.

Besides childhood stories, she has included 25 patterns for projects ranging from quilts to aprons to baby items to bags and more.  The majority of the projects are adorable while the instructions are well written and easy to follow.

Heartfelt Giving is available from Amazon on sale for less than $12 or from Barnes and Noble for regular price of $21.95.

If you make something from this book- or have already made something, I’d love to see a photo and your review of the instructions and patterns.  Leave a comment.

Danee Kaplan

www.rainingjellybeans.blogspot.com

Twitter: RainJellyBeans

BOOK REVIEW: Everyday Handmade

// April 12th, 2012 // Comments Off // Book Reviews, Sewing

Cassie Barden, author of The New Handmade, and Adrienne Smitke created this wonderful book full of 22 inspiring projects.

Everyday Handmade is geared towards the beginner/intermediate sewer, however it absolutely will appeal to those who have been sewing much longer.

For newbies, the book offers some great introductions to types of fabric, tools and different techniques.  While the advanced sewer may want to skip over these sections, it may be worthwhile to read…you never know what you may learn!
The projects themselves are broken down into four categories:

Bags & Totes


Collector’s Item Tote Bag

 

In the Kitchen

Secret Ingredient Apron

On the Go

Literary Genius E-Reader Cover

Gift-Worthy Goods

Dogwood Blossom Knitting Needle Case

Each project is presented with a gorgeous photograph of the finished product and accompanied with clear, concise directions.  While there are no photographs of the actual sewing steps, there are colorful diagrams which will help guide the novice.  More advanced sewers may or may not need to refer to these diagrams.

Another nice detail in the book is that throughout you will find little tips and tricks like how to stitch across a zipper.  It’s these little things that make this book bookshelf worthy.  There really is something for everyone.

I did take the time to make one of the projects in the book.  I found the Flotsam and Jetsam Box Bag appealing.

Flotsam and Jetsam Box Bag

I wanted to try this box bag out because one of the challenges with box bags is how to handle the interior seams.  I’ve made them box bags that serged them, and box bags that were more complicated and hid them in between the layers (time consuming and tricky), this pattern cleverly hides them with a binding.

And if I find the time, I would love to try out the Garden Party Selvage Wristlet….and awesome use of otherwise scrap!

So whether you are a beginner or skilled at sewing, I would recommend checking out this creatively beautiful book.

-Jennifer

Product Review: Cool 2 Cast Fiber Plaster

// April 2nd, 2012 // Comments Off // Art Jewelry, Beads, & Glass, Blog

I received a sample of Cool 2 Cast Fiber Plaster and some push molds and I have to say I love this product. It makes my head spin with ideas.

Cool 2 Cast

Cool 2 Cast

It’s super easy to use! Just mix with water, pour into the molds (I like to tap them on a flat surface like a table a couple of times to settle the mix, we used to do that with plaster of paris when it was watered down back in school) and let it set up for about an hour.

The possibilities are really limitless. I have plans to use some brightly colored tissue paper and mod podge to do stained glass backgrounds and then stamp over those.

What I had on hand though, were some markers, a big set of Prismacolor Watercolor pencils and some matte finish Krylon. So I decided to do some art. :)

The first is a necklace I call ‘Gar’. It’s based on an old Celtic design.

Gar

Gar

The second is destined to be a pair of earrings with the working title of ‘Day and Night in Hill Country’. I live in Texas and of course this time of year bluebonnets are everywhere. My day job takes me on long trips so I see lots of fields and meadows. I love old broken down fences and flowers, it’s a combination I never get tired of looking at.  These obviously aren’t finished but I have glued the Ultrasuede backing on, that’s the choppy looking stuff around the edges.  That’s how I attach my beadweaving and by the time it’s finished those rough edges won’t show.  I thought you might like to see a piece in progress though.  You can also see that the casted pieces are thick and I like that.  An added bonus is anything made with Cool 2 Cast is feather light so you can go big and austentatious and not have to be afraid that you’ll feel like you’re wearing bowling balls in your ears, always a plus.

Hill Country Day & Night Earrings

Hill Country Day & Night Earrings

Pick up some Cool 2 Cast and see what you can do! You can paint, stamp, glue…..I even carved around on these. The extremely white lines and dots are where I actually carved into the Cool 2 Cast with one of my little files.

Also, if you should pull your pieces of of the mold and find a slight blemish (which is actually really rare, I was *very* impressed with the lack of lumps and/or bubbles) it’s easy to use a fine file or fine sandpaper to smooth the surface. Heck, use a fingernail file or buffer, we all have those!

I’m having so much fun with my Cool 2 Cast, I know you will too. :D

A Little Amy Butler Love

// March 10th, 2012 // Comments Off // Sewing

I am a fan of Amy Butler.  This talented woman has an eye for modern design which you can see in her pattern and fabric designs.  Her style may not be for everyone, but I have always found myself drawn to her work.  Honestly, her fabrics are what inspired me to pull out my dusty sewing machine about 4 years ago…

Over the past few years I have purchased many of her colorful fabrics and patterns.  Today I thought I’d share some of my “Amy Butler” projects and tell you a bit about them.

PATTERNS
I’ve always found Amy Butler’s patterns to be well written.  The instructions are always easy to follow and explain each step in detail.  While all of her bag patterns are wonderfully attractive, the one thing I’ve noticed is that they tend to lack closures and offer simplistic interiors.  I typically modify her designs to fit my needs, which mean adding closures and different types of pockets (she likes slip pockets).  Her home decor patterns are perfect as written!

Amy Butler Stash & Dash Bags
This pattern includes 3 different sizes and I’ve made them all.  Super easy, functional and cute!  I love any pattern that allows you to mix and match coordinating fabrics and this one does it.

Amy Butler Nappy Bag
I’ve made this bag for several people over the years.  It really is a super roomy bag that has allows easy access for Mom.  The first time I made this bag I did it as written.

The next time I completely overhauled the interior.  I felt that a diaper bag should have more pockets so I improvised.
Overall, this is a great gift for any Mom with small children!

Amy Butler Birdie Sling
I can’t tell you the number of compliments I’ve received on this bag.  I’ve made multiple versions of it and loved each and every one.  Once again, the very first one I did, I made as written.

Subsequent versions were made with interior modifications.  More pockets, and for this particular bag I added a magnetic snap closure.

FABRIC
I can get lost in fabric designs, and Amy’s designs always catch my attention.  If you like bright and modern, you need to check out her designs. 

I can tell you my ALL TIME FAVORITE fabric duo comes from Amy Butler.  Lacework and Full Moon Polkadot.

While these fabrics are in limited print (it is super difficult to find now), I have about 1/2 bolt left of each and covet it.  It needs to be a super special project for me to tap into my supply!

-Jennifer (Sewplicity)

 

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: Cloth Diapers Made Easy (Babyville Boutique)

// February 24th, 2012 // Comments Off // Book Reviews, Sewing

I don’t have any babies, but if I did and I wanted to try my hand at making cloth diapers, I would buy this book.

Why?  Let me share!

OPTIONS:  Do you prefer snaps?  Velcro?  Do you want to add decorative ribbons to your diapers?  Do you need a super soaker, or regular absorbancy diaper?  Gussets?  No gussets? Do you want to make your own soaker inserts or use store-bought pre-folds?  Binding or no binding?  This book gives you the how-to on all of these options!  There is something for everyone.

PATTERNS: All the patterns are included in the book.  No drawing required!

PICTURES:  The book is loaded with pictures.  Lots of images of finished diapers, and lots of pictures of the steps.  If pictures help you,  this is the book for you!

DIRECTIONS: All directions are written step by step, and in detail.  Most steps include a picture.  Awesome!

TRUST:  This perhaps is the best part….Babyville PUL (yes, they have their own brand of PUL cloth and snaps) and all their snaps have been tested to meet CPSIA requirements.  This means you can trust the Babyville brand.  They do due diligence and ensure that their products are safe for our precious little ones.

All in all, I have only positive things to say about this book.  If you want to learn more about Babyville, be sure to visit their website HERE.

Happy Sewing!

Jennifer (Sewplicity®)

« Older Entries