Corduroy Jumper

jumper

jumper-detail

Made this quick pleated jumper from a Simplicity (2828) pattern and Robert Kaufman corduroy fabric.  Bright, isn’t it?

I added the bias tape and ric-rac trim mainly because I only had one yard of fabric and hence had to drastically cut the hem.  My fabric shortage also prohibited me from matching the print at the bodice, but that’s fine.  The bias tape gives the hem a bit of a curl, but I’m afraid it will require ironing!  There should be another jumper coming in the next few days since I make two of everything, although the girls are actually getting to a point where they can share clothes.

Fabric Giveaway Winner

random-screen-shot1

Geez, you people really like fabric!  From a whopping 747 entries, the winner is Mary, #61.  Congratulations!  And for the other 746 of you, be sure to visit the fabric bar and mention thelongthread in the notes section of your order for a 10% refund.

Dala Horse Embroidery

dala-horse-smaller

Just made this Swedish Dala horse machine appliqué design for the shop.  I’ve been thinking about these since before the holidays and intended to make some felt Dala horse ornaments.  Want to know what a Dala horse is?  Read this.  

I think this design would work well for ornaments, but would also be good for baby items or tote bags.  Maybe with some embroidered ribbon trim?

A Recycled Valentine’s Day

valentines-day-recycled-wid

Each Monday over the next month I’ll be posting a new recycled Valentine’s Day project.   Seems like an awful lot of Valentine’s day stuff goes into the landfill or gets dumps into the recycling bin after just a few days.  So skip the plastic hearts and store-bought cards and spread some recycled love this year.

recycled-heart

Today’s project is a copy of the IKEA heart.  Have you seen it?  A little heart with arms?  At the bottom of this page.  A huggable heart in a miniature, recycled version.  I added a face too.  For the fabrics, I used a felted sweater, old men’s shirt, vintage fabric and a worn-out baby dress.  The buttons are extras from clothing, and the filling is from an old pillow.

recycled-heart-2

Here are some abbreviated instructions.

  1. Cut heart shapes and arms according to heart template.
  2. Sew buttons and mouth.
  3. Sew arms, right sides together, turn right sides out and stuff them.
  4. Pin it all together as shown below and sew, leaving an opening for stuffing.
  5. Turn right sides out and stuff.
  6. Hand sew opening closed.

howto1howto2

If you make one of these, be sure to post a photo in the Make it Monday Flickr group.  Thanks!