Sewing Project - Fold Over Wallets

Another set of Fold Over Wallets.

I found a long scrap of this screen printed linen in my stash. Platinum Collection © NNXIX US Canada.

It had a wide selvage edge so I just layed the next strip over that edge and aligned the designs till I was happy and pinned it.  Then I did that again to give me a strip of fabric wider than the 5.25 inches and just over the 11 inches tall I needed. 

I sewed these pieces together with the same overcast stitch I used on my fabric collage piece with the yellow thread from the previous session.

Then, I found a piece of fabric for the lining and I used the grey stretchy fabric for the elastic.

I found this batick fabric in my scrap stash.  Gorgeous deep rich colors.  It is a heavier fabric but ironed beautifully.

I chose a coordinating brown cotton for the lining fabric.

I added a blue elastic to keep the wallet closed.

Love the vibrant yellow in this wallet.

These again, are all lined with RFID fabric to prevent the theft of your information on your credit / payment cards.

What cards can you put in these wallets: All kinds - credit cards, transit cards, library cards, loyalty cards, business cards (yours or those you need to access regularly). 

Another medium weight fabric in stripes of white, grey and blues.  Working with this weight works really well for this product.

I chose a white cotton lining fabric and a grey stretchy fabric for the closure.

The elastic is placed at the 3.25 inches from the bottom edge of the fabric.  I reinforce the seam where it is as it will be a stress point.  It is easier to choose fabric that is works in any direction.  The one above I wanted the back to the be the front but I put my elastic in the other place and the prettiest piece is on the back.  It does allow one to see it all at least.

Sewing Project - Nightgown Upgrade

I am feeling better from being quite sick with COVID.

I have been home for 9 days and just feeling able to do more than the basics of taking care of myself.

I bought this nightgown this summer but I found it just a bit too short.  When I was on a visit with my sister a while back I found some black starry organza and thought "That should do the trick".

I cut the organza to 12 inches high and the width of the fabric. I cut 2 lenghths and created a loop with two rench seams.  I then folded the loop in half so that the fold was on the bottom.  I alloted the excess fabric in pleats along the way to the point where the full loop fit along the hem of the garment.  I sewed the raw edges along the hem.

Now I had to make it pretty.  Again, in the last few weeks I found a roll of wide frilly ribbon which I thought could play a part in this project. I pinned the ribbon on top of the raw edges of the organza and that cleaned up all the edges.

Now the garment is 6 inches longer to just below the knee and I am surrounded by gold and silver stars as I head for dream land.  Works for me.

There was a manufacturers label on the garment but it was aligned vertically instead of horizontally.  This made it difficult to hang on the hook in my bedroom closet.

I added a twill tape loop on the back neckline so that it hangs more easily in the closet.

Really happy with this small sewing  project.

I have missed my sewing so much in the last year. 
Today was the 1 year anniversary of the flood at the old condo.  I have been in renovation mode for that long.

Card - Slow Stitching - Abstract

I finished another slow stitch card this week.

This was a black and white heavy fabric with zebra stripes type pattern.

I chose to use red embroidery thread and followed several of the large shapes radiating from the dark spot.

I added a frame with black thread all the way around.  

I found a button that worked well as the focal element for the card.  I stitched it one with black thread.

I mounted the fabric to a red card in the landscape orientation. Added an insert and envelope.  

Christmas Cards - Arched Joy

Here are my first Christmas Cards for 2023.  I generally do a Christmas Card Challenge but it did not happen this year.

I used the TH Arched Frame die into which I placed the TH Joy Mover and Shaper die.  Running this combination in the Big Shot with the striped designer paper I got my main element.

I chose a designer paper with a variety of colors which allowed my to use several colors of card stock.  Top left - Handsome Hunter, top right - Tempting Turquoise, bottom left - Kiwi Kiss and bottom right - Island Indigo.

The Joy is visible against the darker card stock.   

I printed the words "to the World" on white card stock in coordinating colors and trimmed them to .75" tall and then cut the left hand end into a banner by hand.  This was mounted to the card with 3D foam tape aligned on the right hand side. 

I added a quarter sheet insert and a white A2 envelope.

Gift - Table Runner Trivet

A table runner trivet is a quilted piece one can place in the center of a table or other serving area to protect the surface from hot dishes.  It replaces the use of several trivets and looks pretty.  Upon doing some on-line research I found a place that recommended layers of terry cloth as good insulation.

I wanted to make this runner reversible so I took my fabric to my sisters a while back and we checked out her collection of fabric and found several pieces that would compliment the fabrics I had chosen.  In the end, I rejected some of the ones I had selected so that both side would work together.

I had just purchased the printed sunshine yellow piece of fabric.

The solid fabric was a left over from a quilt I made a couple of years ago.  The color name I would use is Soft Suede which is a green brown color.  

The cork fabric and the circle fabric came from my sister.  I have now swapped her some from my stash.  

All the fabric is 100% cotton.  

The layers involved are

• cotton quilted layer
• terry towel fabric
• 100% cotton quilted batting piece
• terry towel fabric
• cotton quilted layer

I chose to put the quilted piece in the center of the trivet, the terry cloth goes the full width of the runner.

The front and back pretty quilted layers were stitched to the terry cloth layers.  The front and back are different designs and therefore quilted differently.  I needed to come up with a way to hold the quilted piece to the center of the runner. 

The final measurements of the piece is 14x40 inches and the center is 12 x 37.5 inches. 

The seam in the yellow is the one which goes through all the layers and holds the center batting piece in place. Each side had a yellow in this space.  The sunshine yellow piece on the cork side and a more lemony yellow on the circle side.  Allowed me to have yellow thread in the top and bobbin of the machine.

It would have been really nice to have my walking foot fo rthis project but the order is still on hold awaiting a shipment from over seas.

I decided based on my fabric to make the warm sunshine yellow side in a ladder pattern.  I cut strips of varying heights and 10 inches wide.  The Soft Suede, the cork fabric, some solid burgundy make up the pattern on this side.  

The other side features the circle fabric and this piece was larger and I did not want to cut it up into smaller pieces.  It was also getting late in the day and I wanted to get the project finished. I added some teal from my scrap stash which worked out well. 

I wanted Soft Suede to be on the edges of both side so they would make it the same color no matter which side was showing.

I stitched all the way around with the good sides together leaving an opening then turned the trivet runner inside out.  I top stitched very close to the edge where there was only the terry towel layers.  

The last seam was the one in the yellow that holds it all together.

I hope my niece likes it and it comes in handy for serving from the kitchen island or the middle of her dining room table. 

Exchange Cards - September

I made a couple of cards with smaller pieces of designer paper for my exchange cards for September.

I cut the piece of polka dot designer paper from Micheals just on the diagonal as it was too small to rip.  I glue the triangles into both top left and bottom right corners of a olive green card base.

I dug out some of my dies and cut a Tim Holtz Vintage Alarm Clock from navy card stock.  It was adhered to the card front with Quick Dry Adhesive.



This card I used a striped designer paper and laid them sideways.   I ripped a small section out of it and then taped the pieces to the card front. 

I added the silver metallic Vintage Alarm Clock die cut to the right hand side over the open section of grey card base.

These are off to my Card Exchange partners.

Apron - Cross Back - Sunny Side Up

I made another apron this morning.  I chose the 100% cotton fabric called Sunny Side Up by Ro Gregg.  I lined it with a piece of chocolate brown fabric.

This one is wider than the last one.  I added 3/8 of an inch on the fold as well as 3 inches more than the pattern.  Over all folded dimension was 20 inches at the under arm.

I used the remnant from the armhole cut out to make the patch pockets.  I edged the slant of the pocket with a strip of the chocolate brown fabric from the lining.

The pockets were placed a little farther apart as well at 2.5 from center rather than 2 inches.   It is a bit longer as well at 37 inches bib to hem but I maximized the length of the brown. I just could not cut off just a bit.

I did place one line of stitching down the front on the skinny brown line to keep the 2 pieces together.  Choosing the brown means the seam hardly shows.

The straps were cut 3 inches wide by 27 inches to ensure I had enough.  This time is sewed an end in order to have something to push on when turning it over. It went really well with my 12 inch chop stick.  Ironed it flat with the seam in the center.

The straps were securely attached with X stitching in the front on the bib.  The straps were crossed and securely attached to the back as well.  Still 22 inches between bib and back edge. 

I love the extra cross over at the back and the weight of this one feels great.

These are wonderful colors.  Another beautiful apron which I hope someone just wants to buy!

Pot Holders to Match Aprons

I paired the remaining striped fabric from this Striped Shirt Apron with some bold burgundy fabric for this set of potholders.

This is my standard 8.5 inch potholder with a 1 1/8 inch border. 

The hanging loop is in the corner in the same burgundy fabric as the back.  This makes the corner very full and thick so I will move it to the center next time.

The center stitching is a straight lines along the burgundy stripe.

I paired the remaining denim fabric from this Denim Shirt Apron with some bold red gingham for this set of potholders.

This is my standard 8.5 inch potholder with a 1 1/8 inch border. 

The hanging loop has been moved to the center and is in the same denim fabric as the back. 

The center stitching is a couple of squares following the pattern on the front.

I used the remaining fabric from the Botanic Print Apron for this set of pot holders.  The accent color is a pale green which matches the outlines in the fabric very well.

The print was cut to 7.5 inches square. Four strips of the green was cut at 1 1/8 inches wide and 9 inch long.  These were sewn to the four sides of the square. 

The back was cut at 9" square.

I used a couple layers 100% cotton for the lining of these potholders.

I created the hanging loop from the same fabric.

I top stitched close to the edge to seal the opening I left to turn them inside out then I ran seam along the inside edge of the border as well. 

For the center top stitching I chose to follow the organic lines in the design rather than sew through the bird and flowers.  Finished size of 8.5 inches.

I pieced together the front block of these potholders as I had very little fabric remaining once I completed the Color Block Apron and the Frame Bags.

I paired it with a subtle striped 100% cotton fabric.

Standard flat potholder pattern with 1 1/8 inch border in black.

The center stitching is just straight lines following the black stripe on the front.

I am preparing for Christmas Craft Sales.

Exchange Cards - Red Prima Flowers

I made a couple of cards for my card exchange partners this month.

I started with these red shimmery Prima Handmade Paper flowers which I discovered when I was decluttering a stash of supplies.  Brand new boxes just sitting there!

I chose this striped paper to highlight the deep red stripe and mounted it to pea green textured card stock.

I added a length of ivory twill tape across the bottom and the ends taped to the back.  The designer paper was then adhered to the card front.  The accent is a small gold sequin, a red silk, a pink organza and a shimmery red handmade paper all held together with a gold mini brad.  The accent was adhered to the card front with a large Zot.

The card on the right was made with the same supplies but why make them both the same?

This one is portrait orientation.  I adhered the flower accent in the top left corner.  I cut a piece of twill tape, flagged the ends then adhered it to the card front.  The greeting was color printed and cut with the Stampin Up Decorative Label punch.  It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

Mailing cards today.

Thank You Cards

I am working on a supply of thank you cards for an upcoming project.

I started with a medium blue card base.  I cut a  piece of striped designer paper to leave a small border. I wrapped a length of red cotton ribbon around it and knotted to the right.

The greeting is blue printed on the Stampin Up Decorative Label punchie. I placed 3D foam behind it and adhered it over the ribbon on the left hand side.

I created this second card with leftover Musical non shed glitter paper cut to leave a small border on the black card.

The greeting was printed and cut with one of the  Stampin Up Apothecarty Framelits.

Once cut, I made two holes in the bumps with a push pin and inserted black mini brads and spread the prongs on the back.

I then adhered it to the card front with 3D foam tape.

A lovely elegant thank you card.

HB Stripes & Glitter

I am cleaning up my desk and found this half finished card.

The card base in royal blue.  I ripped a piece of striped designer paper to about 2/3 then I finished the 4.25x5.5 inch piece with blue non shed glitter paper. This layer was adhered to the card front.  I cut the greeting with the Memory Box Jumbled Happy Birthday thin lit.  The happy in the same blue glitter paper and the other in green designer paper. These were adhered onto the striped paper.  I added 5 gold star sequins below on the glitter paper, held in place with Bling Zots.

Apron - Shirt - Tan Burgundy Navy Stripes

I made up a shirt apron as well.

This process takes a men`s XL shirt and makes it into a quick apron.  I started with a 100% cotton shirt in a stripe pattern.

I cut the front on a slant from the arm hole to the collar then along the back of the collar down the other side.  This was hemmed by folding the fabric over and again and stitching to create a hem.


I used half of the back which was removed to make the 2 front slanted patch pockets.  I switched the direction of the stripe so they would show up nicely.

The pockets are reinforces on the corners to ensure they will hold during regular wear.  The original pocket on the right hand side is still there but because the lines align you can barely see it.

In this case I did not sew down the front button hole layer as I did not what to have navy stitching on my tan front stripes.

I used some of the other half of the back to create the ties.  Cutting along the stripes I cut a 2 inch strip, folded each side into the center and then folded in half again.

I stitched along the non fold edge with the navy thread in the machine.
Makes a sturdy tie but not too heavy to create a bow.

I reinforced where the tie connects with the apron with stitching in a box pattern to ensure it does not come loose.

The ties were 30 inches or so and tie nicely at the back in a knot or bow.

Because the shirt had short sleeves it just provides enough fabric to create the extras one needs.  There is very little fabric leftover.

This fabric is not as heavy as I had hoped so the apron is lighter weight than I would like it to be.

I expect it will do its job of protecting your clothes none the less.

Apron - Adjustable with Casing

I made another apron today so now I have a sample of the three designs I have researched.

This is an adjustable apron with the tied going through a casing along the curve of the bib.  This is the style of my current apron.

I chose this bold striped cotton fabric in red, ivory and white stripes for this side and a black poly cotton for the reverse side.   I placed a seam offset to the left of center and ensured the stripes were maintained across the apron. I chose to top stitch the seam and the outer edge of the apron in black thread.

I added black patch pockets, a towel loop in the center between the pockets and a hanging loop on the accent at the top of the bib. 

The corners of the pockets are well reinforced with a triangle of stitching.


I will have to decide which design I will use for my new apron.  I have not yet decided the fabric yet.

Card Club - March - Yellow and Blue Polka Dots

I started with a dark blue card.

I chose 2 patterns of designer in the same family. It is from All My Memories - Herbanella - Design 30 which matches well with the navy in the designer paper.  I cut the paper to 4x5.25 then cut again at 3.5 inches. I turned the small one over and tape them back together on the back. 

I wrapped a length of green grosgrain ribbon across the join and taped the ends to the back. It was adhered to the card front.

I then placed 3 small yellow handmade paper flowers along the ribbon with tiny yellow brads.  I used a push pin to make the holes for the brads before inserting them, then press apart the prongs on the inside of the card.

Card Club - October - Masculine Stripes

I started with a double sided designer paper by WeRMemory Keepers - Urban Window Collection - Restoration Silk Taffeta.

I chose a warm grey card base.

I cut the designer paper to 5.25x4.00 inches then again at 3.5 inches cross wise. These pieces are tape back together so I can handle them as a single piece.

I cut some silver sticky tape to 1 inch wide and 6.00 long.  This was placed over the join and the ends were put to the back.
This layer was adhered to the card front in a landscape orientation.

I created a banner greeting in grey and about 3" long. I fussy cut around the banner along the line. I adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

HB - Stripes

I started with the designer paper features thin stripes in grey and terracotta.  I used a dark grey card stock to punch borders with the Martha Stewart Arches Lattice border punch.  I adhered these to the top and bottom edges of the designer paper.  This layer was adhered to the card front.
I cut the greeting twice with the Memory Box Jumbled Happy Birthday thin die.  Once, with the back side terra cotta of the designer paper then another with dark grey card stock.  I layered these having the grey create a shadow and adhered them with Quick Dry Adhesive.
I glued the greeting on the designer paper. I added a strip of terracotta designer paper below the greeting and adhered it to the card front with 5 tiny brads.

Sharing with the following challenges: Come and Get It Challenges - Checks or Stripes.

Congrats Grad

I made this card for my niece who is graduating from high school.  I started with the stars and then went from there.  I punched a piece of Stampin Up Not Quite Navy with a star border punch from Creative Memories but it's a great substitute for the Confetti Star Punch.  I then punched the stars again from non shed silver glitter paper. I put tape on the back of the strip and placed the stars into the holes.  I used left over DSP strips from this Christmas Card project. I chose a Cherry Cobbler card to go with the strips from the Season of Style stack.  I adhered the wider DSP strip first then placed the narrower strips perpendicular to it.  I alternated narrow and skinny strips.  Then I adhered the NQN star strip over the wide one and shifted it over to the right.  The greeting is from the Sprinkled Expressions stamp set and done in Not Quite Navy.  I cut the right hand side in a banner and adhered it to the card above the star strip.  I then die cut stars with the SU Sizzix Stars #2 die, smaller in the same silver glitter and large in NQN card stock. Layered them and adhered the accent in the top left hand corner with Zots.  I'm happy with the outcome.

I'm submitting this card to the following challenge(s):

TGIF 03 - Congrats Grad

R2G Card Kit - Peace on Earth Dove

This card kit is designed with double sided designer paper called "Peace" by Authentique.  It has a great felt finish and nice weight.
I cut the DSP to 4 x 5.5" landscape and cut it again at 2.5" from the top so the dove piece was larger.  I turned over the smaller piece and tape them back together on the back.  I cut a strip of card stock which matched the card 5/8" and adhered it over the join and trimmed the ends. I glued this layer to the card front.  I cut the dove with thin die by Dee's Distinctively Dove Right from ivory card stock. Assembled the dove as the back wing is cut separately. I glued the dove over the card stock strip. I assembled the greeting which was a color printed greeting punched with the Stampin Up Word Window Always Artichoke and the Modern Label punch from the same card stock as the card.

Submitted to Christmas Card Challenge - Sparkles Creations.

June Photo a Day Challenge - Week 3

Here are this week's photos for this challenge hosted by Kati at Kati's Little Corner.  We could post every day or once a week.

Day 16 - Backyard

Here's a picture of my backyard.  It has a large tree which faces the back alley.  It was not very warm this week.  It's pouring rain.

Day 17 - Stripe

This is a napkin from the summer potluck I attended this week.  It's bright and perky and the word is worth repeating.  We certainly did! We had a good time and the food is always good!  I usually have a grilled hot dog at least during the summer.  

Day 18 - Something Old

This book was printed in 1808 which is over 200 years ago.  Of course, the bible is much older than that.   I chose to open the book to the 23rd Psalm. It's identified with the Roman Numerals XXIII.

Day 19 - Refreshing

This is a glass of Sparking Berry Punch.  This is a punch that has been used in our family for years.  I put it in a tall clear glass with a hexagonal base.  I added 3 ice cubes and a white plastic straw.  The white doily finishes it off nicely.  On a hot day it really hits the spot.

Day 20 - Book

This is a book I read recently.  I enjoyed the autobiography.  It was interesting to read about challenges one faces and how they handle it.  It was a good read.  She sang most of her early years and was destined to entertain. She has a great personality.

Day 21 - Summer

Aren't lilacs really symbolic of summer?  I love the way they smell. I like the shape of the cluster.  They have varigation in the colors because some blossoms are open and lighter in color and others are yet to, so they are darker.  Love the beautiful blue sky with a few white clouds which is a great look for summer.

 

Card - Victorian Stripes

Here's another no greeting card. I cut the coordinating paper with the top being 3.25" x 4" and the bottom being 2" x 4". I tape these together at the back so I could handle it as one piece. I glue it to the Stampin Up Groovy Guava card front. I embossed the River Rock card stock band with the SU Vintage Wallpaper folder. I adhered it over the joint of the designer paper.  I used a push pin to create a hole for my brad and placed 2 silk flowers on the left hand side held in place the a coral brad.