sewing – Page 38 – the long thread

March 21, 2009

First Sewing Project

patchwork-pillow

I bought this Hello Kitty sewing machine for my older daughter last year, but it seemed that she wasn’t yet ready. So we gave it another try last week and she made the patchwork top for this pillow!

I cut the fabric into squares and she folded the scraps to put back on the shelf (which is a step I usually omit). Then she started sewing and really did it by herself. Of course I sat next to her and handed her the pieces to make sure everything was in order. This was a good first project because you don’t have to use the back stitch. The back stitch on this little machine is somewhat tricky for a six-year-old.

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March 16, 2009

Pintuck Pillows

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pintuck-pillows1

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There’s something going on with me lately that makes me want to sew repetitive lines. May need psychoanalysis. Anyway, I made these pillows from washed silk. I had some silk remnants, washed them on cold and let them air dry, which gives the silk a wrinkled look. These pillows use pintucks to create a tailored, clean look. This is a very simple project, one that would work well for a beginning sewer. I backed my pillows with upholstery weight fabrics, which helps add some durability to the silk. Click below for instructions:

March 2, 2009March 9, 2009

Child’s Artwork Tote Bag

make-it-monday

tote-bag

Do more with your child’s artwork! I used my embroidery machine to sew my daughter’s drawing onto the fabric, but you could transfer your child’s design and hand embroider, print on fusible paper or printable fabric, have your child draw with fabric markers, or a number of other options. We use tote bags frequently and I thought it would be nice to have a pint sized version. They can haul their own snacks to the park, carry home groceries, or tote a change of clothes.

Here is the tutorial for the bag: childs-artwork-tote-bag. The pocket method that I used is a bit different from the version pictured above and the pocket is smaller (6″x6″ finished size). Also, I did not include specific instructions about creating the drawing on the pocket, but you could use any of the methods mentioned above. So this is a versatile tote bag pattern that you could edit in many ways.

February 26, 2009February 26, 2009

Quick Dishtowel

dishtowel

I found some dishtowels on clearance the other day and added this Kokka Japanese fabric. Our dishtowels are generally used for mopping up the kids’ messes, so good to have a nice one around for company.

February 25, 2009February 25, 2009

Betz White’s Bird Tutorial

Look at this cute new tutorial from Betz White. The pattern includes instructions to make a stuffed bird and a zippered pouch. Perfect for spring! You can purchase it here for $8.

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Oh, and if you haven’t seen her new book Sewing Green yet, you can get a sneak peek here and pre-order it here. I’m really excited about this book. The photos are filled with fresh light and the projects look smart and practical. As we’re all trying to be greener and more budget-conscious, this is a timely book.

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