Sewing Project - Fold Over Wallet

This is another version of a card wallet. 

This one has 2 pockets with an elastic closure.

The special thing about this one is that I put a piece of RFID fabric covering the full back of the wallet.  So when it is closed the cards inside are protected.

The RFID fabric I purchased at Marshall's Fabrics in the city.

The piece of fabric for this one was 5 inches wide and  10.5 inches tall (front and lining).  I think I will make it longer next time. The RFID fabric measures 4.25 x 5.5 inches.  That is wide enough to be captured in the side seams without extra bulk. It is quite stiff. I added the elastic in the side seams so 3 seams and you are done.  This one looks very lack lustre.   

I am working on making more interesting fabric from scraps.

Sewing Project - Fabric Cheque Book Covers

I find myself the owner of 2 chequing accounts.  It happened back in November when I had to write my annual cheques and had a limited supply because the rest were packed in a box.

I have had a chequing account which allowed me all I wanted as long as I kept a certain balance. 

I was convinced to apply a plan to my account so the cost of my cheques would be covered.  If I maintain a certain balance the cost of the plan will be reversed automatically every month.  I have had to go to the branch every month and have the charge reversed manually.  The issue was escalated to the tech team and the second time the answer was found.  I had the wrong type of account.  So a few weeks ago I went and opened another chequing account and applied the plan to that account which allows me to have 20 accounts under the plan. Who needs that many accounts?

I have not tested the theory yet as the end of the month has not arrived but soon we shall see.

Since I have all those cheques I wanted to keep that old account for my regular chequing activities and use the new one for my online and debit transactions.

I went to the pay my bills and realized that I need a cheque register for this new account so I headed to the bank and asked a young teller for one.  She was perplexed.  I asked the young man who had helped to open my new chequing account and he was perplexed.  I dug the one I had from my purse and off he went to the back room and returned with 4. I was very happy but they don't have any plastic cheque book covers.

I decided that I needed to make my own and here we are.

An online source suggested cutting the fabric 7x13 inches. I added the grey patterned fabric to add some interest.  I chose poly cotton fabric so it will wear well. The grey one was a bit too narrow at 7 inches so I had to cobble an additional strip.  It has plastic inserts on each pocket to keep it stiff.  The knots on the front and back keep them in place.

When checking condition of the plastic cover on my old cheque book it was obvious that I needed another. I cut the fabric 8x13 for this cover and that worked out well. 

Again, I chose poly cotton fabric red on the outside and yellow as the lining. I added a few accents on this one as well. Added top stitching to close the opening and add a bit of structure.

This one is big enough for me to tuck the book of cheques in one of the pockets. Happy with these.

Sewing Project - Adjustable Bookmark

I have been thinking of making some bookmarks for the Christmas sale since we share the space with the library.

With a bit of research, I found a few features I would like to incorporate. Adjustable and a pocket for a writing instrument.

After some measuring, I decided to make the it wrap around the book with an elastic and a couple of buttons for adjustment.  A pocket could be placed on the front and maybe some stitching could be included.

I cut 2 pieces of fabric measuring 3"W x 21" T - one patterned one solid.  I decided to use elastic from old face masks. I cut a piece of mustard fabric for the pocket. The buttons and embroidery need to be added before sewing.  The pocket needs to be sewn on the front of the bookmark. 

The elastic was pinned in place at the opposite end from the pocket. Then, I sewed all the way around the long strip leaving a slit to turn it inside out. I trimmed the corners, turned it inside out, pushed out the corners with a chopstick and pressed it flat.  I then top stitched all the way around. It was very difficult to do the buttons and embroidery after the pocket was sewn on.

Notes: 

• The pencil pocket is too tall and could be narrower. 
• Stitching and button(s) need to be done before assembly.
• This is a hard cover book so the overall length of the bookmark could be shorter to accommodate smaller books.
• I will use this one and implement improvements to future versions
• The mask elastic may too soft.

Sewing Project - Picnic Placemats - QAYG - Red,Yellow and Blue

This is the last one for a while as I have to get ready for contractors on Monday.

The deep floral fabric in this placemat was the inspiration.  It came in the box of free fabric I received back in February.

I chose the main colors in it and added coordinating strips in the quilt as you go method. I used flannel as my foundation layer.

The zipper is upcycled and it had been cut along the way so I was able to make it longer.

I chose black for the zipper insert/pocket as well as the backing.

These ties are about 11 inches long.   These will be donated to Grandma Africa sale in June.

Sewing Project - Picnic Placemats - QAYG Warm Blues

These placemats are becoming fun to make, now that I have a system.  Here's the collection of warm blues scraps I had.

I did have more patching to do in this placemat.  Some of the scraps were not 12" long so I had to ad bits.  The zipper insert/pocket was great with a turquoise 9" zipper. The back is a light grey cotton poly so I did put grey in by bobbin so that my back seams would blend. The ties are 12" each.

Sewing Project - Picnic Placemats - QAYG Warm Greens

After a trip out this afternoon, I made another picnic placemat.

This one featuring warm green fabrics.

I was able to get warm green cotton poly fabric at the thrift store so do the back and pocket of this placemat.

This one feels very nice because the backer fabric is heavier. 

It has a full layer of flannel as well.

Wavy stitching again to keep the layers together.

A dark green tie at 12 inches for both.

Sewing Project - Picnic Placemats - QAYG Blues

Another set of scraps put to good use.

This time I chose all blue fabric. 

I created the navy blue zipper insert/pocket on the right hand side first. 

I chose a piece of grey flannel and chose to make the size of the placemat this time. 12.5 x 17.5 inches.

I sewed on the strips of fabric starting from the right hand side close to where the pocket ended. I continued till I got to the left hand side. 

I created a tie from the polka dot fabric.  The back is a pin striped cotton poly fabric which I cut the size of the front.  I pinned the ties opposite the pocket and sewed all the way around leaving a space open to turn it right sides out.   I trimmed the fabric in the corners, turned it and pressed it nicely.  I put a line of top stitching very close the edge which closed the space I left open earlier.

I chose my wavy decorative stitch to quilt the 2 layers together 3 time across the placemat.

Another done!

Slow Stitching - No. 018 - Pocket & Visible Mending

It's week 18 in the K3N Cloth Tales slow stitch challenge.

The prompt was pocket and visible mending.

Today, we take pockets for granted and in general I need at least one in every garment.  Such, was not the case for women in the 1600-1700s. Was it because they were considered to own little so they did not have to carry anything?I would think at least a hanky.

 This is why tie on pockets were created to wear under your dress. It was accessed through a slit in the skirt. These were precious. I chose blue fabric for my Mom and added a piece of Dad's blue plaid shirt. The bit of yellow is the nod to visible stitching. The tiny heart is for my Mom. Kathryn did an eyelet so I did one to try it out. The pin is there to hold my 3 things to the right in my pocket.  I created little tags from fabric and permanent markers. A fishing rod for my Dad, a seed packet for my Mom because she would be all in by now and the 50th is to remember my 50th high school graduation this year with white and green - our school colors..

Sewing Project - Picnic Placemats - Yellow Purple

I started working out my process for making picnic placements with a zipper pocket to hold a napkin and the cutlery. 

I cut the fabric 12 x 18 inches for both the yellow front fabric and the grey back fabric.

I created the pocket like my zipper inserts with the addition of tabs at each end of the zipper so there is no holes for things to fall out.  I inserted the pocket between the 2 layers with rights sides together.  I made some white ties which I placed at the opposite end of the pocket in between the layers.  I then ran a 1/4 inch seam all the way around leaving a space to turn the piece inside out.  

Once turned inside out, I ran a line of decorative wavy stitch to close off the left hand side of the pocket and then added 2 more lines of wavy stitching to hold the layers together.  I added purple tabs to the ends of  the ties to finish off the ends. 

The pocket can hold your cutlery and a napkin.

Notes: 

My ties could be thinner and longer. 

I like that this method does not introduce a third color to the mat.

It is quite thin but would do the job to give you a clean place to eat your lunch at the park.

My tab on the left of the zipper could be narrower.

Art Show - AAC - Redux Show 2024 - Upcycled Every Day Carry Bag

This my second piece in the Spruce Grove Gallery - Form Redux Show which opens today.

It is an Every Day Carry Bag which was made with upcycled fabrics from a box of fabric given to me by Michelle at ReImagined Fabrics. You can find her on Instagram #reimaginedfabrics  Other bits were chosen from my thrifted/reclaimed stash as well as pieces collected from the ReUse Center.

I made myself one of these bags several years ago.

Title: Upcycled Every Day Carry Bag

Size: 15.00 T x 13.00 W inches

Medium: Fabric Bag with embellishments

I started with the beige cotton fabric for the main part of the bag.  All the seams are finished inside so no raw edges anywhere.  I added a zipper insert made from a beautiful leaf patterned fabric from this box of scraps and squares with a teal zipper chosen from my stash of reclaimed zippers.

I chose a taupe microfiber for the handles which means they will last a long time.

The bag features 3 pockets. The front pocket was made with the accent fabric and I added a coordinating blue button that I found in my stash. The back pocket is a reused Carhartt pant pocket with a velcro closure. I sewed the pocket to the back of the bag which creates a pocket and added an accent fabric tag to the help with the opening the Velcro on the ginger colored pocket. I added some teal slow stitching to the flap of the pocket.

The ginger heavy weight fabric was added to the bottom to show less dirt and will wear much better than the beige cotton fabric. 

A few pieces of tomato red bias tape was added as an accent color which was again pulled from my thrifted supply.

I added a little bling on the zipper pull which was brought from a ReUse Center donation.  

Inside I added a clip for your keys which again was found at the ReUse Center.

It is on display at the gallery and is for sale.  The reception is Saturday April 27th at 1-3pm.

Information on "My Bag" line:

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Blue Mottled

 
I made another book sleeve but with a different process - where we make the outer layer and the lining layer and then insert one into the other. I chose light grey thread for this project.

I cut my blue outer fabric, the flannel padding then the grey lining fabric all the same size - 12 inches wide and 19 inches tall. 

I quilted the padding to the wrong side of the outer blue fabric with a pretty stitch.  This one though is too thread intensive and very slow. 

I prepare my handles which measured 12 inches long and 3 inches wide and I folded in the edges then ironed it in half and sewed both edges.

I then sewed the side seams on the outer blue fabric. I decided to add a tiny pocket on the inside for a pen so I prepared that piece then pinned it into the seam and sewed the side seams of the lining fabric. I made sure that it stood the right side up this time.

I then tacked my handles in place on the outer fabric along with the small elastic just to give me a last chance to make sure they are not twisted. 

I inserted one into the other with right sides together and pinned it very well. I sewed them together leaving a small opening to turn them inside out. I then turned them right side out, ironed them, and pushed the lining into the bag. I top stitched the edge very close to the edge all the way around closing the gap in the same process.

I chose a button which matched very well.  This process is working well. It fits my large paper back book which is my guide.

For information on the "My Bag" Line

Sewing Project - Book Cover/Carrier

My sister and I had a discussion recently about products we could sew.

Book sleeves seen to sell well.  They just protect a book but don't allow you to read without folks seeing what you are reading.  I'm not sure how import that is.

We did find adjustable book covers which are not as adjustable on the height of the book only the thickness of the book.

There were book cover carriers which allow you to protect the book, open the book to read and will a flexible closure would adjust somewhat.

I did watch one video which I followed the instructions which made this book cover much larger than it should be.  I have put one of my hard cover books in it and it's still a bit too tall but about right for thickness.

The book carrier has great handles which I think are the right length. It has yellow pocket sleeves which provides a contrast to the pale blue lining fabric. There is a layer of cotton flannel in it to provide some padding. There are 2 mini pockets to carry a pen and maybe a small notebook. It has an elastic closure which allows tension to keep closed and flexibility on the thickness of the book. it has two bookmarks which may be handy. I have added a pony bead to the elastic which shorten it and works better. It also provide purchase to pull it across to the button.

The final measurements of the book cover/carrier are:

16.5 inches wide, 10.5 inches tall, cover pockets are 4.5 inches deep, mini pockets measure 2.5" w X 4.5" tall, handles are 9.5 inches long.

There are a few things to improve upon with this design. 

• I attached some reinforcements for the elastic and the button and sewed them directly through the cover pockets which now limits the width of the cover you can put in the sleeve. 
• I think the overall height is too tall. 
• The width of the overall carrier may be to much as well. 

UPDATE:

I have decided to convert my book cover to a sleeve where it is a much better size and it will accommodate any book almost.  It holds my largest paper back book which measures 5.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall. 

I just created a narrow tab for each end and finished the ends - top folded and bottom hemmed and top stitched it into the folded length of the bag.  The pockets on the inside are largely inaccessible and I cut off the book marks. 

I am happy with this.

This book sleeve because it is in the landscape orientation allows you to hide your book cover if you choose.

Sewing Project - Tote Bag - Red Tulips

I made another tote bag for charity. See the previous one here.

This is a beautiful red tulip microfiber with green accents and a red zipper.

This pillowcase was small so only 18 inches wide. I was lucky that one of my shorter zippers was red. Win Win.

I used the fabric from a forest green pillowcase of poly cotton for the accents on this bag.  The handles will be more durable rather 100% cotton.

I added a fabric on the bottom again to help with keeping the bag looking good and providing more strength to the bag if it is very full.  I boxed the corners again.

I chose to fold over 3 inches at the top of the bag to strengthen the to edge and help with the proportions. I created handles with the poly cotton green fabric. They were cut 3.5 inches and were 40 inches long on each side. 

I put pockets on both side because I had the fabric and who can't use an extra pocket. Phones, keys, day books always need to be close at hand.

I used the same zipper panel as before.  This works so well.  The red zipper is very visible in the green panel.  I followed the Zipper Panel Tutorial by The Crafty Gemini. Tabs at each end makes it easy to find and open the zipper.  It goes completely across so gives full access to the bag.

I chose to make the handles only go down just below the pockets on both sides.  Well anchored ends and connections at the top.

Boxed corners and a decorative stitch along the top edge of the pocket and the seam which holds the zipper panel in place.

Will be off to charity before Christmas.

Sewing Project - Large Tote Bag - Stars and Planets

My sister and I had a conversation the other day about projects which we could make to give back. 

I still have quite a few microfiber fabric which can be used for another project.  Originally, they were collected to make Re-Useable shopping bags.

Those were donated and have not sold really well.  I think presentation is the problem. I am moving on.

Morning Star is an organization which supports women in crisis.

There is no dignity in carrying all you own in a plastic garbage bag so large bags can be used to give these women some self worth.

I chose the Stars and Planets pillowcase which is made of deluxe microfiber fabric. 

I paired it with some cotton fabric in deep navy small pattern which was donated to me when a quilter in our group retired and de-stashed her supplies.

I decided to put a piece of navy on the bottom since the fabric is white the bottom of the bag will likely get dirty fast and being a dark color will help.

I layered the cotton over the microfiber which will add strength.

I wanted the bottom to be boxed. I created the corners at 5 inches across then folded the  triangles onto the bottom of the bag and sewed them down.  That will add layers on the bottom and help to add structure to the bottom corners.

I chose a navy thread so it does not show on the cotton fabric.  It is more evident on the microfiber pieces.

I created the zipper insert the same what I made it for my own tote bag.  I used the method explained in this video Tutorial by Crafty Gemini.

This produces a completely finished edges with no open fabric ends.  Tabs are added to the 2 ends of the zipper so it is easy to pull open and shut.

I hemmed the top edge of the bag after I cut off about 10 inches off the top of the pillow case once I had undone the seam that created the top hem.  I used that fabric to make the handles. Microfiber more durable than cotton being handled all the time.  Handles are 1.25 inches wide finished with the seam place in the back center. They are 53 inches long. I tied the bottom of the handles in the cotton bottom for sturdiness. They were sewn 7 inches from the sides. 

 

It is important to have reinforce the stress points to ensure there is some strength is distributed to take the wear and tear.

The zipper insert is the same width as the opening of the bag. It is about 6 inches deep which is slightly more than the bottom but we have to account for the seam to put it in.

Now it is just a matter of pinning it very carefully and sewing the insert into the top of the bag.

I chose this decorative stitch on my sewing machine which produces this wavy seam which adds a bit of pretty to the bag.

Once the zipper insert is sewn in the zipper end tabs can easily be accessed when opening or tucked in when on your shoulder. 

It does allow an addition amount of space for hold stuff when the bag is full.

With the zipper insert the same width it makes the bag well sealed to ensure there are no holes where one could lose items from inside the bag.

The color of the zipper provides some contrast in the dark fabric so it is easy to see.  The tabs also help the find the zipper slider.

I will be making a few more of these to be donated in early December.

Sewing Project - Zippered Tote - EDC

I made myself a zippered multi pocket tote today.  I have been thinking about this project for several months.  It will replace this one.

I wanted to make some improvements mainly a zipper at the top to ensure the contents stay inside. I wanted more outside pockets. Having a pen handy is always nice.  I have purchased a small binder to use which would not have a space for a pen so the bag needed one.

I did watch several videos as refresher on assembling a tote and in particular for the zipper. 

The fabric I used is from a fall jacket that the zipper has been a problem.  I have replaced the jacket.  Since I have been wearing the jacket for at least 7 years and the fabric seems indestructible,  why not use it for a bag that will get a lot of use.  I used one sleeve from the jacket, the dark green outer fabric and the navy lining.  I used the inside of the green as my good side of the bag.

The exterior piece of the tote measures 9.25 T and 20.5" W.  I used grey thread since I did not have any dark green thread.  Would have been better on the strap top stitching if it had been dark.

The pocket panels I created from batik cotton in wonderful colors on one side and a cherry colored cotton on the other side.  I only had 2 small pieces of the batik so I wanted to make best use of it. Those are 4.5" W and 9.25 T same as the main piece. I top stitched just below the cherry on the top before I sewed the panels to the dark green exterior along the other edge. I placed the panels 2.25" apart based on the center of the exterior panel at 10.25 inches.  I am planning a 2" box bottom.

The straps pieces were cut 1.5 inches wide and over 35 inches long.  I used the bias seam approach from my quilts to connect 2 pieces to create my straps. I sewed the side then turned them inside out.

Finished they were .5 " wide and 33" inches long.   I wanted the straps to run the full length of the tote.

I created 2 bags with the lining one just a smidge smaller than the exterior one.  I sewed the 2 side seams, boxed the corners on both at 2" then tacked them down to the bottom with a triangle of stitching.  This was done on the green and the navy one.  I added a narrow channel of green fabric on the one side.

I placed the exterior inside the lining and sewed the top edge leaving an open space to turn them inside out.  Once right side out and the lining in the tote and put a line of decorative stitching along the top to close the opening and add a bit of stiffness to the top edge.

The straps were added once the tote was assembled because I wanted them to hold the lining in place as well as create the pockets on the outside.  I placed them 2.25" from the side seam. I started on the bottom, pinned everything very well and tacked the strap 2 inches from the top edge.  Putting on the straps was quite challenging because there not much room to maneuver.

Just being patient and pinning very closely it worked out well.  I have 6 outside pockets in this tote.  The center pockets are larger and the side ones are smaller.  Just what I wanted.  I added some batik fabric at the very top of the handles where they will get the most wear.

Then it was the zipper.  I had prepared the zipper ahead of time and wanted to insert it inside for a recessed one.  But of course, the batik fabric panels on each side were too long now that I had box corners.  Plan B.  I just sewed the panels to the outside of the tote where I had reinforced the edge with decorative stitch earlier.   I added extra reinforcement X a little higher on the strap now that I had cotton behind it which will give it more strength and it is still not too close to the zipper.

I added pull tabs at each end of the zipper to help with opening and closing it.  I left extra zipper so that the bag can be opened the full width of the bag. Makes getting things in and out easy.







The channel on the one side is designed to hold a pen.  I am still a notebook and pen person.  I carry a note book every time I got out which contains listings of the day's list as well anything I am on the hunt for.  I track size, color, and other details so I am prepared when the right thing comes along.

That is why I always carry my measuring tape. In the past it lived in a pouch but this will do nicely.

Considering the old is 3 years old and barely shows wear this one should last a long time.   I love the batik fabric and it works so well with the dark green fabric of the tote.

It took most of the day but really happy with this project.

Potholders - Pocket

This is my first set of pocket potholders. It took a while to design and then plan the order of doing things to get my desired outcome.


























I paired some beautiful Deep Red Asian Floral fabric for the pocket with a warm green solid for the rest.  I chose 6.5 x 9.5 for this set. I was hoping for the pocket to be square.  It has a center hanging loop from the patterned fabric.  I hemmed the top edge of the pocket.  I stitched the front of the back in 3 inches in hopes that it would easily fold there when used.  I wanted the edge of the pot to contrast against the solid which helps the eye to know where the hand should go. 

Some changes I will make is to make it wider as this works for small hands but more pocket would be helpful.

This set was cut 7.5x 9.5 inches which makes the pocket more the size I wanted it to be.  I have a wider hem on the pocket just because I had the fabric. The Autumn Leave fabric is paired with a burgundy cotton.  Top stitching close to the outside edge to close the gap I used to turn them over.  I am happy with this design.  The set I use a lot in my kitchen is a pocket set. 

Mosaic Monday - My Every Day Fabric Bag

I carry a small fabric bag when I am out and about. I'm still old school, so I use a pen and paper rather an electronic device so the bag holds a coil bound book. I make notes in the book for my errands, details about items I'm on the hung for, and anything I need on that particular day.  I always carry a small measuring tape (inset in the large photo).
I have been using a black reusable bag turned inside out to hide the logo.  I had resewn the seams on this one several times over the last couple years.
With my latest surge of sewing I decided to make myself a prettier bag.  I spent about 2 weeks thinking about this project.  I started by recording the measurements of the old one and made some adjustments to the design to make it work better. Adding a pocket for my measuring tape was one of those adjustments and I wanted better attached handles.
I chose a heavy navy fabric saved from an old pair of pants. I lined it with a wonderful yellow fabric and you can see that I created X at the top of the bag where the handles are attached, this will not come apart. I chose a fabric with sunflowers on red background fabric for my pocket.  I placed it between the handles. I added a small velcro closure on the pocket to ensure I don't lose my tape measure.
Learnings: I needed to make the pocket taller than wide because I need to finish the top and bottom edges.  Some of my seams are not as straight as they should be.  The navy fabric is a bit heavy for the project. 
The bag completely covers the book and you can just see the pen nib sticking out.  I did cut a piece of heavy plastic to keep the bottom square.  It took me over 3 hours to make. Some of the seams are not as straight as they should be but overall I am happy with it. I look forward to using this bag for years to come.

Sharing at Mosaic Monday #26 hosted by Maggie at Normandy Life.

Card - Challenge - Pocket

I made this card for a challenge at CST.  We need to put a pocket on our card.  I started by stamping the pocket in Brilliant Blue onto the yellow gingham paper.  No credit on the stamp.  I cut the pocket out with scissors.  I found blue designer paper and cut it into strips in different widths.  I rubbed their edges with the BB ink pad then glued them down to the card.  I punched a Modern Label punch from the yellow gingham then layered the greeting onto it. It is adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.  I glued the flower to the card then layered the pocket over it then the blue button over that.  I put yellow thread in the button.

Not a Card - CST Challenge #18

I made this little pocket for a challenge which indicated "not a card". I used the Sizzix Petal Card die on scrapbooking cardstock in Soft Sky polka dots on Chocolate Chip.  I created the little sentiments on the computer.  They are 2 3/8 inches square.  This is a little gift for someone who has given support.  The first square is a place address and sign it.  The others are customized to the particular situation.  I made holes in 2 of the flaps and tied it closed with brown crochet cotton.