tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38974446332432932782024-03-05T17:54:45.312-08:00A Sewing BloggeryI've decided to share my bumpy voyage to learning how to sew on my own. The slow learning process involves a lot of question asking, googleing, frustration, ruined fabric, close relationships with seam rippers, hopelessness, triumph,accomplishment, profit, stupidity, blood, sweat, tears, rage, pride, improvising and experimentation. Yes, all of those are meant to be and will always be, present tense.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-54065718907774994542012-07-14T03:06:00.001-07:002012-07-14T03:06:48.345-07:00DIY Felt "cotton" Rounds<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-h1sdhpcyUVv-zU_3CFQx32bQ4CE1ypM8K8M529VKooBUdXO2U8eWHUzD4ObTkGFEHHVGTUDiB0xBx-JYB1FUaZQnyeu23y3wZjkGOjds3bgdyJezm_Yeh-Y_bTpSX6llP3TGfVrgPM/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-h1sdhpcyUVv-zU_3CFQx32bQ4CE1ypM8K8M529VKooBUdXO2U8eWHUzD4ObTkGFEHHVGTUDiB0xBx-JYB1FUaZQnyeu23y3wZjkGOjds3bgdyJezm_Yeh-Y_bTpSX6llP3TGfVrgPM/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As of late, I have been obsessed with <a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/" target="_blank">CrunchyBetty</a>! It has changed my life and skin care routine. Seriously, my skin has never looked so good!! I'm in love. Right now, I'm removing my eye make-up with olive oil, washing my face with honey, and using a mix of apple cider vinegar and water as a toner (you can read all about this method <a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/removing-your-makeup-the-honey-face-wash-way" target="_blank">here</a>). But, to properly use a toner, cotton rounds work best. I didn't have cotton rounds . . . <br />
<br />
I'm also a poor student and that isn't going to change anytime soon. So poor, I don't feel like forking over $2 for cotton rounds! So, being the thifty gal I am, I thought about how I might be able to sew/make some cotton rounds.<br />
<br />
My first thought was cotton. Specifically, Bamboo cotton flannel, which I've seen used as the fabric used for washable pads. Has to be pretty absorbent if it's used for that! However, that stuff isn't cheap either. So, I pondered again and thought of felt! Felt is cheap, it will absorb right away, and . . . um . . . it's cheap. Thus, my felt rounds idea was born.<br />
<br />
At first, I thought I would just buy that good felt you find by the yard. I'd never used it before, nor even looked at it. Well, as it turns out, that stuff isn't cheap! At 18.99/yard, I was disheartened. I opted for the those cheap, craft staple felt rectangles. With thirftyness comes compromise . . . I knew there would be 2 major problems with using the cheap felt:<br />
<br />
1. The rounds would be pretty rough<br />
<br />
2. I didn't know how will they would wash<br />
<br />
But, at $1.10 for 5 squares, I figured I could risk it.<br />
<br />
First, I used the bottom of an ibprofen bottle as a "pattern", traced as many as I could on a felt rectangle, then cut them out. Then, I doubled them up and zig zag stitched them together. It took a few attempts to get it right and figure out how to make them look at least some what cute. Here are the "best" I whipped up:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3plLs_4DQ-R6aDn2Khe02X5eovKXVnnr0u14c5FzFch4UYNxU_FTHyXaMmgp2tjj-3KrdPxU7IfszCBevDbxDE_0Gx7NYMkfPiaBCxD1wtXHalhZ-hTR7CTUS-Hfs_0LDO2aTejY-I6c/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3plLs_4DQ-R6aDn2Khe02X5eovKXVnnr0u14c5FzFch4UYNxU_FTHyXaMmgp2tjj-3KrdPxU7IfszCBevDbxDE_0Gx7NYMkfPiaBCxD1wtXHalhZ-hTR7CTUS-Hfs_0LDO2aTejY-I6c/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are a bit rough, but if you choose the smoother side, it isn't so bad. Still, the more expensive felt would be the best option. Also, after I use them, I just wash them by hand and they are dry the next day! They look just fine after I wash them too! They will also work perfectly for removing nail polish, but I haven't used them for that yet. Also not sure how well nail polish will wash out either. Yet to be determined!<br />
<br />
<b><u>So, felt rounds = success. They are cheap and crunchy! I hope Crunchy Betty approves! </u></b><br />
<br />
Here are some of my failures. Still useable, just not attractive:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXhq-_2jyVcLrhnwVTQofePn9wxO0dTKyOkcGvLfHxW79YD6hHOcs0DAzRxPXxOaZB4JyzxVgRyKDYzZz1M_WHeXq0InsKXDtXDZO6jCftuhdduKj1Gl3ZFeXJSmo5LeB3aVUmmzlC-M/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXhq-_2jyVcLrhnwVTQofePn9wxO0dTKyOkcGvLfHxW79YD6hHOcs0DAzRxPXxOaZB4JyzxVgRyKDYzZz1M_WHeXq0InsKXDtXDZO6jCftuhdduKj1Gl3ZFeXJSmo5LeB3aVUmmzlC-M/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-50568278374664766562012-06-30T11:37:00.002-07:002012-07-11T11:52:42.324-07:00iPad Pillow TutorialHere is the iPad pillow pattern! To be fair, it could be used for any tablet type of device like a Kindle or Nook.<br />
<br />
As for the pattern, I'm not wild about it for several reasons, and it's mostly because of the size and bulk. There is also the fact that most of these bigger devices have some sort of stand that is built into the cover, so the lack of practical usage is low.<br />
<br />
But, maybe you feel differently and you want to have your device propped up by cool fabric and rice! So, grumbling aside, let's get onto the sewing stuff.<br />
<br />
This pattern is a little bit different than the iPod Pillow:<br />
<br />
1. All the pieces are separate.<br />
<br />
2. There is one triangle, which serves as the base, that is shorter than the other three. This was done to minimize bulk. Although, it's still pretty bulky! <br />
<br />
3. You are going to use a 1/4 seam allowance. <br />
<br />
4. You are going to make the stopper 1 1/2" wide<br />
<br />
Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0UuZ3v6xj0qUW9uTi1zVDNkeU0/edit" target="_blank">here</a> to see how the pattern is laid out. Also, here is a pic of all the fabric pieces when they are cut. It's difficult to see, so that is why I drew it all on paper to help you get a better visual. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEK01cOHSFAmzenIg8oW8lv2L7ce1khIOa8hmKqGvhusM5KFVwU-pZ4RzI3x691yx_we7o5OiDLM0znjZ_UiCW1rBzCGpoxcLB-wmOCbMxk0gZ-xEb0nI49ZhRPUyE8AK85hoqXBIW-s/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEK01cOHSFAmzenIg8oW8lv2L7ce1khIOa8hmKqGvhusM5KFVwU-pZ4RzI3x691yx_we7o5OiDLM0znjZ_UiCW1rBzCGpoxcLB-wmOCbMxk0gZ-xEb0nI49ZhRPUyE8AK85hoqXBIW-s/s320/106.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the pattern to get you started:<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0UuZ3v6xj0qbHBYWkdSLWFJLUk/edit" target="_blank"> iPad Pillow Pattern. </a>(For whatever reason, google docs decided to upload that one completely upside down! And I have no idea how to fix that . . . sorry! It's still totally useable, I swear!)<br />
<br />
To make the iPad version, follow the<a href="http://seamedsimple.blogspot.com/2011/10/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html" target="_blank"> iPod Pillow tutorial</a>. But keep in mind the changes I outlined above and you should be fine.<br />
<br />
Here is a naked iPad Pillow for your viewing enjoyment. (Ignore my tomato pin cushion! It's bigger than the "usual" tomato pincushions that you might be used to seeing, so don't let that be a point of reference!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5v8yNDQ7_1jNdxVilwRE_7k16mzgo2RU0fLeTGo759td8MUVU7qVkiWMEcao8Vh_QcOCQ0Dp2-Yi7c9j4TMR9tDHvNj8aetiUr3MplWPyHDn0YmSmoI-4c4ujfk_pk9IBlfyRcp3EFw/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5v8yNDQ7_1jNdxVilwRE_7k16mzgo2RU0fLeTGo759td8MUVU7qVkiWMEcao8Vh_QcOCQ0Dp2-Yi7c9j4TMR9tDHvNj8aetiUr3MplWPyHDn0YmSmoI-4c4ujfk_pk9IBlfyRcp3EFw/s320/108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Update - Here is a pic with an iPad . .. finally!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm4JGETDDsxyrzRDcFC2P6FRIfzH1StaNwKAdiqEBfKYSCOSVx7jStMIkkbawjBqF6xTxfA-aLnolDrtkhdr94JUvIp2b9TVOrsKisl0bggpnUyEdY0U6PAAJZBkiBOOjabjuS9BcCMA/s1600/ipadpillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm4JGETDDsxyrzRDcFC2P6FRIfzH1StaNwKAdiqEBfKYSCOSVx7jStMIkkbawjBqF6xTxfA-aLnolDrtkhdr94JUvIp2b9TVOrsKisl0bggpnUyEdY0U6PAAJZBkiBOOjabjuS9BcCMA/s320/ipadpillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-36870632443728886722012-06-28T02:56:00.000-07:002012-06-28T02:56:19.978-07:00iPad pillowOkay, so I recently got a request on Etsy for an iPad pillow. I had been meaning to whip up a pattern for quite some time, but since I just got done studying as an exchange student for the past 6 months, I haven't found the time. <br />
<br />
Well, that changed today! And let me tell you, making the pattern was a serious pain in the a**!! I couldn't just enlarge the iPod pillow and call it good because if you make 4 equilateral triangles for the entire thing, you get a bulky, heavy, cumbersome iPad pillow. So, taking this into account, I had to rethink the dimensions. You will see what I mean when I post the pattern . . . hopefully I will succeed in making it easy for you!<br />
<br />
I will post a tutorial and a PDF pattern soon. Making the pattern yourself will cause you a lot of grief! Or maybe I just made it too complicated . . . who knows!<br />
<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-3149004520071792712011-12-17T20:13:00.000-08:002011-12-17T20:18:05.825-08:00Pod Pillows now on etsy!So, I've decided to sell some of my fabulous Pod Pillows (I kinda prefer Pod Stand) on etsy! I only made 7 to start, just to see if they actually catch on and sell. I'm hopeful because I think these are awesome and so super useful. <br />
<br />
Click the link <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/Seamedsimple?ref=si_pr" target="_blank">here</a> to check them out!They are $8 a piece but . . .mention my blog when ordering in the "notes to seller" and receive 10% off your entire order! <br />
<br />
Here are my photos of them, courtesy of my step mom, who gladly and graciously helped me out with the photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YsCs0bCeY4h8iWBXCXeKoQyZV18KQRdBiNd0flhTxjN6AK83t3PV4obOahwztCI7q2x09GsRiAnwLICZUyL2Jc67dX86v2WJgXJYv7kKWZka19ANzT_Xz-DuHYFK1IV4aDoGhu8j5Ao/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YsCs0bCeY4h8iWBXCXeKoQyZV18KQRdBiNd0flhTxjN6AK83t3PV4obOahwztCI7q2x09GsRiAnwLICZUyL2Jc67dX86v2WJgXJYv7kKWZka19ANzT_Xz-DuHYFK1IV4aDoGhu8j5Ao/s320/023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iV0MOTt2J0l1MpYG_jyJ50FRLBdmtTqTKGC86TNuOm7ap3ZddRPtbfZ6S2Wvv9ZA8PZmddv325t1LRgUUKWMU-2SAWoARe2HF1KvetDVVV3U8rnDhQEftefiGV298XQ9X2OjQisjwTo/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iV0MOTt2J0l1MpYG_jyJ50FRLBdmtTqTKGC86TNuOm7ap3ZddRPtbfZ6S2Wvv9ZA8PZmddv325t1LRgUUKWMU-2SAWoARe2HF1KvetDVVV3U8rnDhQEftefiGV298XQ9X2OjQisjwTo/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkvhLXM1uVByhBkHKPlXN-q_loCSLfU_y4WoXl0s1hm0fgLHC4obLNIzvea_Ea_Kd1sBEYnU1HdB3ntmYsOi7eImg3hbniGu5etbiGlDWvqnVXyC3TGh-iK9enrID9ULWTva0lnCJmkI/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkvhLXM1uVByhBkHKPlXN-q_loCSLfU_y4WoXl0s1hm0fgLHC4obLNIzvea_Ea_Kd1sBEYnU1HdB3ntmYsOi7eImg3hbniGu5etbiGlDWvqnVXyC3TGh-iK9enrID9ULWTva0lnCJmkI/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kZAvOnEY9j6xLBwT86Ko67mPdvtxKemuBcLfb_2lviWbigAs5KwkMMaoFdRZA38T-4Z17Prr6i315bXGv2gREVXVVF22LgBC9S8B77OwTVGpoxFy5oQQQOHQbgY4XtJsaGzsjGjhQZ0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kZAvOnEY9j6xLBwT86Ko67mPdvtxKemuBcLfb_2lviWbigAs5KwkMMaoFdRZA38T-4Z17Prr6i315bXGv2gREVXVVF22LgBC9S8B77OwTVGpoxFy5oQQQOHQbgY4XtJsaGzsjGjhQZ0/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw01Ix2AOnT4i9MuB-nh6IU1_sCimLb35ZfQ3BIGEQdNoyPs4MeC5sVoTRIKuWjFjrW4FHeG7fU5SpmmPdTxuvBMC-dEFan6tszRikm62ezuf_aI87Mm3iJjl9mpKjpR6SpRfNBmosbQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw01Ix2AOnT4i9MuB-nh6IU1_sCimLb35ZfQ3BIGEQdNoyPs4MeC5sVoTRIKuWjFjrW4FHeG7fU5SpmmPdTxuvBMC-dEFan6tszRikm62ezuf_aI87Mm3iJjl9mpKjpR6SpRfNBmosbQ/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rCbh6A7sGdeAoISSrDEtnMUp9BXAM-LTQ3UXE3Ht-CqeIbVSYsmN5bO85IhtuxtSKccM2SqoR1JWaOQRxCyOY6YSy8z30wAkNACjgJQlhAyshNx8KvmIiKEdQzAJ2n9urqxdF5WEnTY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rCbh6A7sGdeAoISSrDEtnMUp9BXAM-LTQ3UXE3Ht-CqeIbVSYsmN5bO85IhtuxtSKccM2SqoR1JWaOQRxCyOY6YSy8z30wAkNACjgJQlhAyshNx8KvmIiKEdQzAJ2n9urqxdF5WEnTY/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5HIctP-xtbDac6exPRlm38bmGzpcZwPefY6Fe-asKHvJzdrUUF15G5YcVw-z9Vn8JOMtqWlfydlIpsrh9WJj4ZDgikIwwM123i74sov_fv3u380uYJUweQrwxGPbBv6Qo0-2qzILzG8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5HIctP-xtbDac6exPRlm38bmGzpcZwPefY6Fe-asKHvJzdrUUF15G5YcVw-z9Vn8JOMtqWlfydlIpsrh9WJj4ZDgikIwwM123i74sov_fv3u380uYJUweQrwxGPbBv6Qo0-2qzILzG8/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I've gotten so many views for this pattern and I'm so thankful for everyone checking it out!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-244703770360619812011-10-13T22:38:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:38:11.576-07:00Dress Form Pin CushionSo, I have been eyeballing this adorable pin cushion in the shape of a dress form at Joann's forever, but I didn't want to fork over $16 for it! So, I held off. Plus, it didn't have the sand/emery stuff that keeps pins sharp.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm super happy I held off because I found a pattern for one (from <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, of course). I want to modify it just a bit, but here is my first attempt and I think it worked out reasonably well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WwMAijoyF_2YEasHWPArz3sDDEc6aXyB2krqVAcPCUUHoWUzIVnDz9iMauSrKzTy-m747yelK9WzI1z1UJiBTMGoxAeo9xbcj-xX9qy2dn0VoPc5V7PVDf9XX6qK3dg2PDjKUtNSSSI/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WwMAijoyF_2YEasHWPArz3sDDEc6aXyB2krqVAcPCUUHoWUzIVnDz9iMauSrKzTy-m747yelK9WzI1z1UJiBTMGoxAeo9xbcj-xX9qy2dn0VoPc5V7PVDf9XX6qK3dg2PDjKUtNSSSI/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If you want to give it a try, the link is <a href="http://www.thediydish.com/2011/10/season-4-how-to-make-a-dress-form-mannequin-pin-cushion/">here</a>! Of course, the ones they make look just a tad better than mine, but the second try should prove better results. I'm not thrilled at how huge it is just for a pin cushion and putting it on a candle holder doesn't help either, so I'm on a mission to find something else to put it on, but for now, it was all I could find . . .Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-70556519609929639322011-10-08T14:02:00.000-07:002012-07-15T22:24:33.605-07:00*Updated* Pod Pillow Tutorial!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnRCRWXiwtXRe_c1ieAe7yP9N6SQIawpq-6c6cJ0QIPsMOyOQvETPysaX8nvAtSKpFo_OoSsD8o6ZoKICashAT-DhSHisLys0YvPbxUxpNjjDAug4vYh6jQllySE8hydDkJFwj4eQ9X8/s1600/DSCN0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnRCRWXiwtXRe_c1ieAe7yP9N6SQIawpq-6c6cJ0QIPsMOyOQvETPysaX8nvAtSKpFo_OoSsD8o6ZoKICashAT-DhSHisLys0YvPbxUxpNjjDAug4vYh6jQllySE8hydDkJFwj4eQ9X8/s320/DSCN0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, so this is my first tutorial! I’m pretty proud of myself for figuring out the pattern for the Pod Pillow and I am happy to share it with the rest of the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My directions might be flawed but bear with me and ask as many questions as you need. Hopefully, someone in cyber space will stumble upon my humble blog and be delighted at this piece of iPhone magicalness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will need:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disappearing ink pen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thread</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Fat quarter of fabric</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bag of rice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A funnel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A spoon </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pattern:<br />
Update: I've read a lot of comments on Pinterest and other blogs that making the triangles is kind of a pain! I have run into this very problem and after making these over and over, I've found that different measurements work better than equilateral triangles.<br />
So, you can now download the pattern <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0UuZ3v6xj0qRWFJdXd0dWV4ZGc/edit" target="_blank">here</a>! It comes with a layout of the pattern NOT drawn to scale, then two separate pattern pieces.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Cut the pattern pieces out. You have two options: you can cut each piece individually or cut the two pieces out and tape them together. I prefer to leave them in two big chunks and tape them together once. It's really up to you though. The latter looks like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuZJeTsCjx-M42hcy4LfOTCfsesOxbG0AtSQhQyD47epyz9LlinVFoBx8rQteMPxFbWHG1mS465HW2Iyw02hKCdJD90_7rCyI7-U6wqt0DsgI6IbS6TVz3vAIDr0nRsvxYsvI0nAKckU/s1600/DSCN0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuZJeTsCjx-M42hcy4LfOTCfsesOxbG0AtSQhQyD47epyz9LlinVFoBx8rQteMPxFbWHG1mS465HW2Iyw02hKCdJD90_7rCyI7-U6wqt0DsgI6IbS6TVz3vAIDr0nRsvxYsvI0nAKckU/s320/DSCN0027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This pic is old, but it does show you how the pattern should look once all taped. I've changed the letters to each triangle side. Now, you just match the letters together and sew! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Now, once you have taped your pretty pattern, its time to cut the fabric! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span> 3) Draw lines with a disappearing ink pen on the fabric, front and back. This will help when you are constructing the ramp. It's hard to see in this pic because I didn't choose the best fabric to contrast with a disappearing ink pen, but you get the idea . . .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF0V8lxCBQNn6Ex-8z2j9S90nTERUlXbFrqgdToKQyvSwowM9MGBogsEIRXKZWDZRZiMtD1D_klS3Mwhy7ia589NfO5PCFbZoj62gQBKsZFev8ApxHARFzC60im9O8JxnswBAYzV-Wmc/s1600/DSCN0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF0V8lxCBQNn6Ex-8z2j9S90nTERUlXbFrqgdToKQyvSwowM9MGBogsEIRXKZWDZRZiMtD1D_klS3Mwhy7ia589NfO5PCFbZoj62gQBKsZFev8ApxHARFzC60im9O8JxnswBAYzV-Wmc/s320/DSCN0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>4) Press triangle lines. This really helps when you are stitching up the sides of the triangle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCChQFRLcs0ut843oTnoFXVBn1q3DVkx9P35xSBKBN5d12aFh9JXgzcbA2HXfwFY8Q4aTTLaxsrLalnHK3zpbhle-9rIkM-WMG96XOtzVeHRHpSfzkIw4Uz4ySMrEsJouIXYAv2IY6EM/s1600/DSCN0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCChQFRLcs0ut843oTnoFXVBn1q3DVkx9P35xSBKBN5d12aFh9JXgzcbA2HXfwFY8Q4aTTLaxsrLalnHK3zpbhle-9rIkM-WMG96XOtzVeHRHpSfzkIw4Uz4ySMrEsJouIXYAv2IY6EM/s320/DSCN0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJKHJPfSy5GY9Ds13GM2LOLYvpRR8XEzyDiTKAGgvHpE7TVrESe9gOWAEeDr8DsKirRM6txc0Llr57RQTB7VG_yLPsdUDvdpewoOq54QJitHBDvEefXc9WEJKtTK0oItmFVom9V3m_lQ/s1600/DSCN0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJKHJPfSy5GY9Ds13GM2LOLYvpRR8XEzyDiTKAGgvHpE7TVrESe9gOWAEeDr8DsKirRM6txc0Llr57RQTB7VG_yLPsdUDvdpewoOq54QJitHBDvEefXc9WEJKtTK0oItmFVom9V3m_lQ/s320/DSCN0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
5) Match, pin and stitch together the following sides:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: small;"> E</span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz1K-xK5ChMwIDRcmJJPWiij9XVSk79aIYJyJDWtpyJerXbNfnp41u4qb1IYrWh5brGZaWvohvHdQy-3Gpq7wzhvyhROs8BVfspQB_wSivisO7pVlG_M4BsEwLec4sZgY_2AW1Mt8qLA/s1600/DSCN0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz1K-xK5ChMwIDRcmJJPWiij9XVSk79aIYJyJDWtpyJerXbNfnp41u4qb1IYrWh5brGZaWvohvHdQy-3Gpq7wzhvyhROs8BVfspQB_wSivisO7pVlG_M4BsEwLec4sZgY_2AW1Mt8qLA/s320/DSCN0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>F. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYiHYJgb0N3uiTzdEip81j9kB6QpHWyFYl5X3fMTLFBB236MlwDsFMJN7LPyX6Zpjkf2ZlPIPhpOn65uXVRRWkYcTvgMGQEysDxj3IRKYaGExF29FHZtm6Xkh-Vb5vF_h9D6RfL33Aqs/s1600/DSCN0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYiHYJgb0N3uiTzdEip81j9kB6QpHWyFYl5X3fMTLFBB236MlwDsFMJN7LPyX6Zpjkf2ZlPIPhpOn65uXVRRWkYcTvgMGQEysDxj3IRKYaGExF29FHZtm6Xkh-Vb5vF_h9D6RfL33Aqs/s320/DSCN0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: small;">G</span></span>. This is the side I like to have the opening. Make one about 1 to 1 1/2" wide</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQEEwA2HLxQaEeQMHXC0PYN8GLTEyyJZA1z1bEIOc1PQRDGBohOtR6w9bo_bWXEkpo1zwtzz_cFvxR_0c-nOQYOQZARJvPPDJbWnTP2riIpLMTtABdJeHg_0r7A_utWhJyz1k9jly4qk/s1600/DSCN0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQEEwA2HLxQaEeQMHXC0PYN8GLTEyyJZA1z1bEIOc1PQRDGBohOtR6w9bo_bWXEkpo1zwtzz_cFvxR_0c-nOQYOQZARJvPPDJbWnTP2riIpLMTtABdJeHg_0r7A_utWhJyz1k9jly4qk/s320/DSCN0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Match and pin ramp corners together. Stitch one side closed (it's the right side in this photo). I tried using the best contrasting thread I could, but again, it's not the best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUs97tmM77gUFvxAw09SQfyZQUpoc2TYtHaGS6LvzvbpviuqqdywkQAM6isCr1Bua1W_Hn1xsx-HPseAvsG6fqLdBQ3wfmZAhO-FgdUIjjCSTsVV0p0n1rZiwi3u6Q7HDRW2D2DicDsk/s1600/DSCN0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUs97tmM77gUFvxAw09SQfyZQUpoc2TYtHaGS6LvzvbpviuqqdywkQAM6isCr1Bua1W_Hn1xsx-HPseAvsG6fqLdBQ3wfmZAhO-FgdUIjjCSTsVV0p0n1rZiwi3u6Q7HDRW2D2DicDsk/s320/DSCN0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>7) Turn triangle right side out</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXOpHuqnJddMQxdngVy9kSD6BdHGyMF3eg8Yw5ySAr__9j3lnuuph5xgyfJGoDGFKkT5I2gET-EQ6k6L6DzP7Z6KwjTUhm0kOGqb3ZZ-34JYMB8tGkSvAEQ0twXgkVlM9LSfZusKrsHk/s1600/DSCN0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXOpHuqnJddMQxdngVy9kSD6BdHGyMF3eg8Yw5ySAr__9j3lnuuph5xgyfJGoDGFKkT5I2gET-EQ6k6L6DzP7Z6KwjTUhm0kOGqb3ZZ-34JYMB8tGkSvAEQ0twXgkVlM9LSfZusKrsHk/s320/DSCN0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
8)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>8) Press the fold line on the ramp</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rnhLJ9RKyPPHhFuG0KsAL2yAF7qp71ItklnkEmqjmIB_TAx8KWLawKRfJTfIMXP5VPAvEkZVXIKGOyl2FSCB7SYHlo6jcRbC637SpIgmcjCvkM-fo92jewVv7v1EcDO-lGOKpbWkUIU/s1600/DSCN0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rnhLJ9RKyPPHhFuG0KsAL2yAF7qp71ItklnkEmqjmIB_TAx8KWLawKRfJTfIMXP5VPAvEkZVXIKGOyl2FSCB7SYHlo6jcRbC637SpIgmcjCvkM-fo92jewVv7v1EcDO-lGOKpbWkUIU/s320/DSCN0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
9)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>9) Press a ¼” seam allowance on the opened side of the ramp. I usually just eyeball this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvLEWZFiEAK-Yq8r-_wWZmeueYNtxVJG6VTK2HZUTaM-GUV4NcmN7Z7w7Im88rpwkYy_9WUedvadmyOF7uD8lq-wjW0RqQtLvJCiRxRyx8UZIB8RbU5ya6EvO9Dy79P1-rEGR09kuh-g/s1600/DSCN0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvLEWZFiEAK-Yq8r-_wWZmeueYNtxVJG6VTK2HZUTaM-GUV4NcmN7Z7w7Im88rpwkYy_9WUedvadmyOF7uD8lq-wjW0RqQtLvJCiRxRyx8UZIB8RbU5ya6EvO9Dy79P1-rEGR09kuh-g/s320/DSCN0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
10)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Sew ramp shut. Basically, you are closing off the ramp from the rest of the triangle body. I've drawn a line across to use as a guide when stitching it shut.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v6nd0DNhfKP1y40LwWKGg-TEg-oDn8GeCwihpqzdO70Po7nWaGY75CCRx9GGN8kj52LPEEkVh40vgikXihkxL7WAUvDeCCuA0Cl6pUa2VAQS_1I21DmW0nr7i9YMEd9sNsuxxkfCcoQ/s1600/DSCN0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v6nd0DNhfKP1y40LwWKGg-TEg-oDn8GeCwihpqzdO70Po7nWaGY75CCRx9GGN8kj52LPEEkVh40vgikXihkxL7WAUvDeCCuA0Cl6pUa2VAQS_1I21DmW0nr7i9YMEd9sNsuxxkfCcoQ/s320/DSCN0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
11)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Make a seam 1”away from the folded edge of the ramp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_LouLNcK2HEAE9cArybXV5Oxc7RdRkoSodl-ooWxnLHLmcmUEBUsORrV2LAbN4cnEG6GyDABFTXi0cWqhdsKwD5lZfMrwzxHbzB0EZRx9-WZWLD4r9DTzgOBLLGUNYrr0-UeuYYWHJ4/s1600/DSCN0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_LouLNcK2HEAE9cArybXV5Oxc7RdRkoSodl-ooWxnLHLmcmUEBUsORrV2LAbN4cnEG6GyDABFTXi0cWqhdsKwD5lZfMrwzxHbzB0EZRx9-WZWLD4r9DTzgOBLLGUNYrr0-UeuYYWHJ4/s320/DSCN0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
12)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Make 3 to 4 decorative stitches along ramp (ignore the filled stopper, that will come next)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiWoWKGKRSLmXgVz7ONB_QUgFUxs8vUkmV-vHLuWKuGIiEA30UQlHIpGuPA2IE34fL6tA_tuoDqbEOjwBGOmr0oqXUKFW__WQOJ27RSvfzlA3R0SGuNzSbRnL77jI14M_ZgfNHWJQlag/s1600/DSCN0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiWoWKGKRSLmXgVz7ONB_QUgFUxs8vUkmV-vHLuWKuGIiEA30UQlHIpGuPA2IE34fL6tA_tuoDqbEOjwBGOmr0oqXUKFW__WQOJ27RSvfzlA3R0SGuNzSbRnL77jI14M_ZgfNHWJQlag/s320/DSCN0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
13)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Grab a funnel, your bag of rice, and a spoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZfN0fZ1-tgew7ZAbTL9A-Le6oJ9kiuo1KlzesDMqRpYWYT_jq-rSs7WsnbAKBynwaf2WXTI3CWr0uxgFJS3Bei7PG1HlphY5s6hi4U0ZwtEW6OozrEQ6SUV_TVBjcnaHHdO06TIkTfw/s1600/DSCN0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZfN0fZ1-tgew7ZAbTL9A-Le6oJ9kiuo1KlzesDMqRpYWYT_jq-rSs7WsnbAKBynwaf2WXTI3CWr0uxgFJS3Bei7PG1HlphY5s6hi4U0ZwtEW6OozrEQ6SUV_TVBjcnaHHdO06TIkTfw/s320/DSCN0057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
Fill tunnel with rice until around ½” away from opening. This is about 1 ¼ Tbsp of rice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbz36ho-vOQPFNwJKepyOZadQ8H724wqivyDWQTHxgl9-M6Hg42sJoJWyHoiMG_k1pelTg3qw7W_vvrNC_W-wRAQr9MOoeTqu2HEejoKPCm4tuC1tS0Q6dFhNDQktJI3dyHNLRT2oGgE/s1600/DSCN0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbz36ho-vOQPFNwJKepyOZadQ8H724wqivyDWQTHxgl9-M6Hg42sJoJWyHoiMG_k1pelTg3qw7W_vvrNC_W-wRAQr9MOoeTqu2HEejoKPCm4tuC1tS0Q6dFhNDQktJI3dyHNLRT2oGgE/s320/DSCN0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Be sure to pack the rice down so it gets really dense. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Leave about a ½” space from the top</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-6_gDwb8CySy3ma0G9qG8g07nvjgFzEy9oH5Tm76D5x8lMre-Y4dp-_ipVFXE8PvGMMOzJuJDs3RgUGjjj6Wfob5d69AKHqvnGxEvFbrq5mmTy9J_pBtAqym_DUG7I7ImTHFgeGWp08/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-6_gDwb8CySy3ma0G9qG8g07nvjgFzEy9oH5Tm76D5x8lMre-Y4dp-_ipVFXE8PvGMMOzJuJDs3RgUGjjj6Wfob5d69AKHqvnGxEvFbrq5mmTy9J_pBtAqym_DUG7I7ImTHFgeGWp08/s320/DSCN0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
14)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Stitch opening closed completely (From corner to corner)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEkEJhJ8FDNHqvSdEym0bVaNvUfBfrSzFpAC0ZPK0-YYSbg-SnBFZp12od_5CALdr536WMPmt6CYlJ3vL0UA-moCa6FTixH_ZCkAvn1-pog4Ly7CkIs_MbszD_94I7JfK5U5oLRItEPk/s1600/DSCN0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEkEJhJ8FDNHqvSdEym0bVaNvUfBfrSzFpAC0ZPK0-YYSbg-SnBFZp12od_5CALdr536WMPmt6CYlJ3vL0UA-moCa6FTixH_ZCkAvn1-pog4Ly7CkIs_MbszD_94I7JfK5U5oLRItEPk/s320/DSCN0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
15)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Now, fill the triangle body with about 1 ¼ c of rice. Be sure to pack it in and move it into the corners. Pack it as full as you can so the very top will be filled. The opening should sit open like the picture shows, but you should have no trouble pinning it shut.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCroY99c-EZscVZYNvSSBAhOkmqGnWyD5mHLEb39-RbMy2AtXLiS2kPc412u2cIpAgdjFN4Q804fbdRbsQDN3VNv6mWhyphenhyphenw-nukIxXlq1HKFabEMb3T0x_ctRiO3w6v8l9E4GAsFSV6fHM/s1600/DSCN0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCroY99c-EZscVZYNvSSBAhOkmqGnWyD5mHLEb39-RbMy2AtXLiS2kPc412u2cIpAgdjFN4Q804fbdRbsQDN3VNv6mWhyphenhyphenw-nukIxXlq1HKFabEMb3T0x_ctRiO3w6v8l9E4GAsFSV6fHM/s320/DSCN0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
16)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Hand stitch the opening shut. My hand sewing skills are the greatest, but I just do a stitch that looks like a "x"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm_xAKPbfl5MxgnEFm4XFcivuAIrceB93cpxo-rrMToAqcrvhL-hb3-N2OHt-w_LB-Qg1RItOcme3APN5yG4qeYYNnzX9qIGqeom3iJz66Bo_WbtV_R0HyAKO6Wnoi6bwAHobZSbErG4/s1600/DSCN0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm_xAKPbfl5MxgnEFm4XFcivuAIrceB93cpxo-rrMToAqcrvhL-hb3-N2OHt-w_LB-Qg1RItOcme3APN5yG4qeYYNnzX9qIGqeom3iJz66Bo_WbtV_R0HyAKO6Wnoi6bwAHobZSbErG4/s320/DSCN0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
17)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>You are done! Hooray!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnRCRWXiwtXRe_c1ieAe7yP9N6SQIawpq-6c6cJ0QIPsMOyOQvETPysaX8nvAtSKpFo_OoSsD8o6ZoKICashAT-DhSHisLys0YvPbxUxpNjjDAug4vYh6jQllySE8hydDkJFwj4eQ9X8/s1600/DSCN0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnRCRWXiwtXRe_c1ieAe7yP9N6SQIawpq-6c6cJ0QIPsMOyOQvETPysaX8nvAtSKpFo_OoSsD8o6ZoKICashAT-DhSHisLys0YvPbxUxpNjjDAug4vYh6jQllySE8hydDkJFwj4eQ9X8/s320/DSCN0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This pic is the original pattern I made that didn't include a printable pattern for you!<br />
<br />
Here is a pic of the "new" pattern:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08xyof0w5niOw15-B4LEgnM8L8bW3I8dzxuNyPR2X3SqDfmJeIBRh5iO9MtstvOO7CmHa2sS56e59oI0Z4mxY9RVhMjxMJLnL8eFjs6PZRdj-M7QSawNof2X90vA0Xni2VKkVE-Zm5v8/s1600/235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08xyof0w5niOw15-B4LEgnM8L8bW3I8dzxuNyPR2X3SqDfmJeIBRh5iO9MtstvOO7CmHa2sS56e59oI0Z4mxY9RVhMjxMJLnL8eFjs6PZRdj-M7QSawNof2X90vA0Xni2VKkVE-Zm5v8/s320/235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope this is easy to follow. It’s a really simple and quick once you get the hang of it.<br />
<br />
You can make the triangles smaller or bigger, too if you prefer (check out the <a href="http://seamedsimple.blogspot.com/2012/06/ipad-pillow-tutorial.html" target="_blank">ipad pillow tutorial</a>). You might also like a shorter or longer ramp, too. Here is a pic of the 2nd Pod Pillow I tried out before I made this tutorial. The triangles are 6 x 6" and the square is 6 x 6 1/2".<br />
<br />
It looks like a throne for my little iPhone . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx9nTEPDAbFrddw3MnaeChiT0gYPA6BST_NLTeAby3ieknKU1T1fzgzhjv9ckoyjwX3qCJJKTbRTXjBz02svqSEU61bKrqXxi8rG83JFTMKk47Dw-c1zC9H5LoGtMQL1nkaDlki41qKA/s1600/DSCN0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx9nTEPDAbFrddw3MnaeChiT0gYPA6BST_NLTeAby3ieknKU1T1fzgzhjv9ckoyjwX3qCJJKTbRTXjBz02svqSEU61bKrqXxi8rG83JFTMKk47Dw-c1zC9H5LoGtMQL1nkaDlki41qKA/s320/DSCN0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as the filling goes, be creative! You can use lentils, buckwheat, sand . . . anything that has some weight. I wouldn’t recommend pillow stuffing for the whole thing, but you could use something heavy like rice or sand on the bottom and fill the top with pillow stuffing, I suppose. The possibilities are endless!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To all those who stumble upon this blog, please post pics of your Pod Pillows!!!! I’m eager to see any creative deviations from this pattern! Please feel free to share this pattern!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-23179238895128336452011-08-31T22:33:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:33:10.876-07:00Men's Shirt DressI finally made one of those t-shirt dresses that I keep seeing on Pinterest. I really like the way it turned out! I used an old sheet for the top, but I used an old stretch cotton tee for the back so I didn't have to put a zipper in. It takes some manuevering to get it on because it's a little tight when pull it over my hips. And, the side seams are a little weird. Bottom line, it has it's flaws but I still love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBimwWJY9VIGfg16H-hVmjX02e-UdVMhTnZnldyjVgyOExxW6vkowvTskNi4MsIepu9WKqJJRA9mqTqR70T9EeigsG0FWTJ9gBc-nIU60UZFDrwuUlfJFVoBMthb3bAjMR7kMTQxwri2Y/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBimwWJY9VIGfg16H-hVmjX02e-UdVMhTnZnldyjVgyOExxW6vkowvTskNi4MsIepu9WKqJJRA9mqTqR70T9EeigsG0FWTJ9gBc-nIU60UZFDrwuUlfJFVoBMthb3bAjMR7kMTQxwri2Y/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-86480350972639169662011-07-22T00:28:00.000-07:002011-07-22T00:28:21.134-07:00Boutique Bag for Charity Auction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY2aNWEuRVG9eDKQd4eBBHWiAybLqjAwrnWYXCB1Y1aOrBwavNcNteXVHNVgYyH3lJ1q7ALcO_b5CNLNCvH5i2E4mreE3Kfh9ovSohGKzJFvzEk6hIlXKMjdWc4Ah2T3NPJd3Cvw7dFM/s1600/BNboutiqueshoulderbag_MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY2aNWEuRVG9eDKQd4eBBHWiAybLqjAwrnWYXCB1Y1aOrBwavNcNteXVHNVgYyH3lJ1q7ALcO_b5CNLNCvH5i2E4mreE3Kfh9ovSohGKzJFvzEk6hIlXKMjdWc4Ah2T3NPJd3Cvw7dFM/s320/BNboutiqueshoulderbag_MED.jpg" width="301" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, the above picture is the Boutique Bag pattern that I wanted to make it for this charity auction for a fundraiser for foster kids to go to camp. I really liked this pattern and for some reason, only made it once before. Probably cause I feel in love with brocade fabric and it just wouldn't work with the casing. Anyway, here is the very first one I made . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j1bpXdtHKNj8jCGebMJNB_AWGruOFa-wtSXDKoSL5eDFRs6b3LlPVS9BqKiATAxS1tvCu3V3zrg8XtUQAXgoPO8hMnvEdkB071gOYYKrZjuKsyYzfw8t4-QT1Sgv_YDFPG3vSa8b5zY/s1600/Best+work+yet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j1bpXdtHKNj8jCGebMJNB_AWGruOFa-wtSXDKoSL5eDFRs6b3LlPVS9BqKiATAxS1tvCu3V3zrg8XtUQAXgoPO8hMnvEdkB071gOYYKrZjuKsyYzfw8t4-QT1Sgv_YDFPG3vSa8b5zY/s320/Best+work+yet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxdH5cUzA5-32V24ZIZhMcINUvhJ1gIjqJCT9lukQaBjDsYEoHXfDefKRRPPXBqbo0UAR52C6o48kqvzrMb1hWqOJZ7-EEGUrhfooQndlfyULIxUs592F_AW2YRMDqzRjsR06n5ls3I8/s1600/Lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxdH5cUzA5-32V24ZIZhMcINUvhJ1gIjqJCT9lukQaBjDsYEoHXfDefKRRPPXBqbo0UAR52C6o48kqvzrMb1hWqOJZ7-EEGUrhfooQndlfyULIxUs592F_AW2YRMDqzRjsR06n5ls3I8/s320/Lining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish I would have picked a different color for the lining, and looking back at it now, all the colors in general. But, hey, it looked good to me at the time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the one I made for the auction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNbwGoMwq0XWLWKWb6S4xESENDh01DAUw_JWEZOTsL0v99Wtqg3Ykgkdu5kc9N0eZsfdUPpMrj_d3WxD41gSMFmULjzOiqAhcOsPhCKtIXDo0bv30P5Rojr6fQZo8n9BvlrRZHhlJb6Q/s1600/DSCN0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNbwGoMwq0XWLWKWb6S4xESENDh01DAUw_JWEZOTsL0v99Wtqg3Ykgkdu5kc9N0eZsfdUPpMrj_d3WxD41gSMFmULjzOiqAhcOsPhCKtIXDo0bv30P5Rojr6fQZo8n9BvlrRZHhlJb6Q/s640/DSCN0009.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The colors are more subdued than I normally go with, which I think is a good thing. I'm not 100% sure on the bow, I keep thinking yellow would have been a better choice, but I go back and forth! I tried to keep in mind that not everyone likes weird contrasting colors like I seem to be drawn to, so maybe the bow is just fine as is (its the same as the lining). I made quite a few changes this time around too . . .<br />
<br />
- First, I moved the location of the bow because I thought it being in the middle was obnoxious (which I also did the first time around). Just a personal perference.<br />
- I also shortened the strap length so the purse curves right underneath your arm and added interfacing inside of the straps so they hold their shape better. That was one problem I remember having with the first one. Plus it adds stability and just looks better.<br />
- I've also made the purse smaller in width because the original pattern is HUGE and downsizing it helps give it more of a purse feel.<br />
- I also didn't put four pockets on the inside, just two because, again, four was just obnoxious and too much. Seriously, who needs four freaking pockets?!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I totally love it and am sad that I must see it go, but hopefully who ever wins it will love it!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-25585963079595238272011-07-16T21:52:00.000-07:002011-07-16T21:52:49.684-07:00Inspiration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwawEooMgEz3nJNip9w7NTpgckIRsp770tHzubPKDert2kllhSrY8nvVYDUnIkpQFzZ-rxg9WY72FlbHi8JJitjy6hsC9PGZ2g5U5uJeDInBCL8magWiUZyD5qSJebaDPOi5kVEtSMGw/s1600/Ira+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwawEooMgEz3nJNip9w7NTpgckIRsp770tHzubPKDert2kllhSrY8nvVYDUnIkpQFzZ-rxg9WY72FlbHi8JJitjy6hsC9PGZ2g5U5uJeDInBCL8magWiUZyD5qSJebaDPOi5kVEtSMGw/s400/Ira+Glass.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To quote the first line, I wish some one had told me this when I first started sewing! </div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-35353941151912482012011-07-16T21:38:00.000-07:002011-07-16T21:38:15.813-07:00Clutch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I've been wanting to whip up a clutch for months now, but never really got around to it, but recently, my step mom asked me if I would make some purses for a charity auction that would raise money for foster kids. I figured two purses would be a bit ambitious, since I take so long with them, so I settled for one purse and one clutch. I found this super easy, super cute clutch tutorial (you can find it <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html">here</a>) and gave it a try! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZVeBqOjc3na0i3zGoLf4d8RBIZv3BgNm2pQVv-sXC4vpxOzcdKMBB1nDriR7m33tuKtr6-o1irqwNXXsso7Bhg-smKJQH4W-IcGqQa_9samduFMf1jo3HEAiVvpq5XSij3g7ejH9NBo/s1600/DSCN0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZVeBqOjc3na0i3zGoLf4d8RBIZv3BgNm2pQVv-sXC4vpxOzcdKMBB1nDriR7m33tuKtr6-o1irqwNXXsso7Bhg-smKJQH4W-IcGqQa_9samduFMf1jo3HEAiVvpq5XSij3g7ejH9NBo/s320/DSCN0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I've had this fabric for years and I finally just decided to use it for a practice clutch, but it turned out awesome! I modifed the the "pattern" by doing the ruffled front on both sides and added a handle (which I made a bit too long). One thing I was super excited about was how she did the zipper with two tabs at each end that are sewn into the purse so it lays flat. Mine did not turn out that way, I think next time I will make the zipper just a tad smaller than she says to make it so I have more room to sew it all together (if you read the tutorial, you will know what I am talking about).<br />
<br />
Anyway, here is the lining . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXfPQbHa3MBcfXuC0-QuIMHJKi5kLNVW7WTvVNi7U4nbFnhZTTeBua0RqZ6c5EA97eZy6s_NUmF5wY1EEDC0HOQEhYlK90oexClysQBkPfSkUBhttl9Z3Kp-CvVfsMhBEGM2SWxcuoi4/s1600/DSCN0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXfPQbHa3MBcfXuC0-QuIMHJKi5kLNVW7WTvVNi7U4nbFnhZTTeBua0RqZ6c5EA97eZy6s_NUmF5wY1EEDC0HOQEhYlK90oexClysQBkPfSkUBhttl9Z3Kp-CvVfsMhBEGM2SWxcuoi4/s320/DSCN0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Another problem I had was the lining not fitting very well at all. As you can see, it's a bit puffy by the zipper and it just doesn't lay right. Next time, I'm increasing the seam allowance to 5/8" which will help with the zipper problem and enough seam allowance to press open after it's all sewn together. Also, I want more rufflage (I know that isn't a word), so I'm going to increase the length by an inch or two.<br />
<br />
Well, that is my big accomplishment! Enjoy!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-13235365065296256612011-07-10T15:18:00.000-07:002011-07-10T15:18:22.782-07:00It's been awhileWell, I have really lost touch with blogging my sewn creations. I must admit, after seeing all the other sewing blogs, I felt more than inadequate. All these other ladies make such amazing, beautiful, well-made things with the coveted Amy Butler fabric that my small hometown seems to hate selling. Not only that, but the photos are perfect and look like they are done by experts! I'm not an expert. I'm a sub-par seamstress on a limited budget with a short attention span. I also get discouraged and feel like my projects are just ok.<br />
<br />
BUT, the silver lining is Pinterest. Pinterest as sparked such amazing inspirations in me, I cant' even begin to explain. Sliced bread doesn't hold a candle to this website. So, while this particular post does not have a project or anything, I can say there are more to come! I have seen HUNDREDS of crafts I want to dabble in, but I have so much going on in other areas of my life! Time consuming projects just aren't holding my interest. I want something simple and can be finished within the span of two days and I have found tons! <br />
<br />
<br />
So, I want to start this up again, but kinda redesign it. Other websites have tutorials, patterns, tips and so on and I want that too. What's another thing to add to my long list of goals? <br />
<br />
<br />
More to come (promise)Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-63923253280307003282010-10-10T17:39:00.000-07:002010-10-10T17:39:39.136-07:00The Easy PurseEven after all the purses I had made and all the compliments and all the encouragement to sell, I still felt like I wasn't that good. Patterns confused me, I made thousands of mistakes during the whole process and every purse had at least 10 problems. To top it off, I was getting tired of my boxy purse designs.<br />
<br />
Then, one weekend my Grandma, who also sews, found a pattern in a magazine that was soooo cute. AND I could read it and understand it! There were color pictures, concise directions. I was in love. Not only that, the pattern showed me a whole new way to sew a lining into the bag body.<br />
<br />
I have taken the liberty of drawing a less than awe-inspiring picture of the way I was putting in the lining and the new way I learned.<br />
<br />
Here is the old way:<br />
Now, if you know nothing about sewing, this might give you a better picture of what I'm talking about. You see, in sewing you always put right sides together to sew and have the "raw" edges to face the "wrong side" or the part no one sees. So, here I have drawn what the purse looks like when you are sewing in the lining. I would place the lining inside the bag, right sides together, and sew the top around and leaving a 3-4" opening to turn the bag right side out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvLfpgOryFgn9Ib5BtO23mwCGfvlkxfeNChaJEHrhBzE5w11h3xDzNDx6Ln8FcMi676mYv_u61hz85FS6FO9cOk-0IEBAau5PNd28OFz4EVCXJAKRfX_5Ou-TwsJG30eJUGy-W6XYW1Y/s1600/Old+way.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvLfpgOryFgn9Ib5BtO23mwCGfvlkxfeNChaJEHrhBzE5w11h3xDzNDx6Ln8FcMi676mYv_u61hz85FS6FO9cOk-0IEBAau5PNd28OFz4EVCXJAKRfX_5Ou-TwsJG30eJUGy-W6XYW1Y/s640/Old+way.png" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<br />
The problem with this method is that the opening likes to move around when you are trying to edge stitch it shut. Edge stitching is a tricky business and you want to make it as smooth as you can because it is decorative and makes the purse look finished. Sometimes this way is the only way to put the lining in, but it is the hardest way, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the NEW way:<br />
This way is easier because you sew the lining to the bag first, then sew the two big pieces to each other and leave an opening at the bottom of the lining. It really made a difference in the purse and this pattern was the least time consuming one I have ever made.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC4x2KGGTqfwfQ2h1GrYyFYGnjIhEBD9akpxqMbDFWaB8e69Pq02CzRbbS9757xdsemTpUWnf8XjDnoO1fnDloHlHUrCty8BN8cTeltOGjX-Lg-AmiO_tmKbh6BbyGwbRiFPXFuMQb5w/s1600/Updated+bag+lining.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC4x2KGGTqfwfQ2h1GrYyFYGnjIhEBD9akpxqMbDFWaB8e69Pq02CzRbbS9757xdsemTpUWnf8XjDnoO1fnDloHlHUrCty8BN8cTeltOGjX-Lg-AmiO_tmKbh6BbyGwbRiFPXFuMQb5w/s640/Updated+bag+lining.png" width="640" /></a></div> The new way to turn the bag right side out wasn't the only new thing about the purse. The design was so cool looking and the pockets were on the outside! And, like a good little seamstress, I did a practice one first and I whipped it up in about 4 hours.<br />
<br />
Here is the practice one. I really didn't think was all the pretty but it went together relativlywell considering I used nothing but the scraps I had attained from my mom and grandma.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B3XhM4-mFsvqcylCHLJimxH76cTP8cyrul_bwmRObUl_3SKOFARh898MoSMdbGf12iz_WTNiQQqAeP2AxV5Kb0zap1XyRgxSkU_6CWlhNqwonQ41MKWY8oAdxp1m2RIYJC7zhkOaDJA/s1600/Practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B3XhM4-mFsvqcylCHLJimxH76cTP8cyrul_bwmRObUl_3SKOFARh898MoSMdbGf12iz_WTNiQQqAeP2AxV5Kb0zap1XyRgxSkU_6CWlhNqwonQ41MKWY8oAdxp1m2RIYJC7zhkOaDJA/s320/Practice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Not only do you get to see the bag, but you also get a glimpse into my old room. Don't you feel lucky?<br />
<br />
Anyway, you can really tell how different this purse is from all the others. There are two straps the go down the purse, which gives you a sturdy strap and several pockets on the outside divided up by the straps. All three prints seem to work together and my Stepmom liked it so much, she wanted one made just like it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That marked the first time I'd ever been asked to make a purse specifically for someone else. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7fllZrxT7fBz1MPPcU98V-O5K90hFMkCceU7wEHogALo7eCB7rI_4OH3yuEqlM1aThKOO-2GqBmcipnCCWAvdLaVZ5V_0bfhzbDiUZF3wVbO_h-Ff0iQyzV2DUk2tCoNx230s1HnSTI/s1600/1st+custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7fllZrxT7fBz1MPPcU98V-O5K90hFMkCceU7wEHogALo7eCB7rI_4OH3yuEqlM1aThKOO-2GqBmcipnCCWAvdLaVZ5V_0bfhzbDiUZF3wVbO_h-Ff0iQyzV2DUk2tCoNx230s1HnSTI/s320/1st+custom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcrMCAg-p4r_HqfdvfheY1Rsk9uAF714jjnXyi16A7_PqYn4_lXo-pUlXcIeoTIr13myOuh6yDTl7H5EHn6Crp0zk5yRtAqnXnc7oxljQ6NG7c_S_X0itNaT8Rs0jV32OL3dd6E0R1dA/s1600/Custom+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcrMCAg-p4r_HqfdvfheY1Rsk9uAF714jjnXyi16A7_PqYn4_lXo-pUlXcIeoTIr13myOuh6yDTl7H5EHn6Crp0zk5yRtAqnXnc7oxljQ6NG7c_S_X0itNaT8Rs0jV32OL3dd6E0R1dA/s320/Custom+lining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I tweaked the lining so it had some of the strap material on the top part. That was actually because I ran out of pink fabric and had to improvise. Usually, improvising is where the most creative stuff comes about.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I another purse and ended up giving it to lady I worked with who had been helping and rooting for me since The Great Disaster. A lot of people asked to have this one, but I gave it away then posted it on myspace ( Facebook was barely catching on). I miss this purse and after seeing it, I think I might have to make another. It's one of the rare purses where I picked out fabric that really worked together that didn't come from my scraps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmkhkdFl5laYuSTGPzqQHruov9BnUCmbcEp8ec9Q_5IUiuukhtJm6F26_b7OT9zVg5ArJ43McO75GCOgefgUIl36NNNgrxF4wosc3SCtpBCNd9E0UPd5JT4PzCz3aN9SjupqFRIsh5LY/s1600/Harder+than+it+should+have+been.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmkhkdFl5laYuSTGPzqQHruov9BnUCmbcEp8ec9Q_5IUiuukhtJm6F26_b7OT9zVg5ArJ43McO75GCOgefgUIl36NNNgrxF4wosc3SCtpBCNd9E0UPd5JT4PzCz3aN9SjupqFRIsh5LY/s320/Harder+than+it+should+have+been.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Now, I haven't written too much about the mistakes I made with the last two because those didn't have any that really stood out. But this one, I will call Harder Than It Should Have Been.<br />
<br />
First, I didn't buy enough fabric for the straps. I had to go back to the fabric store only to find they did not have the orginal, so I settle for something similar. Obviously, I was not going to use two different fabric prints on the outside, so I used one of the prints for the backing to the straps. This one change added probably another hour and a half to my overall time. When sewing straps, I like to fold them up to about 2" and sew four lines to give them a finished look. However I have to do this four times.<br />
<br />
Then, I also wanted to lining to be like The First Custom Made Purse lining with the two contrasting fabrics. Well, I did this but I didn't need to. I had plenty of fabric and not doing it would of saved me another hour or so. All in all, this project took me three days whereas the two before took me a matter of hours. After that much sewing, your brain is fried and sewing is the last thing you want to do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMr4D1vnB-0M3FmEnkk_gY-TmMLhKQv8ArLSnjXOMw5PaE-irH3tsJ9Bqjsqxyl7uKwkQdpNb86-SR9FWmq8MoXKi5e9qTstRBoJEfq5nAdusXiNKqfzQy-8vOEUPSgJ1Dx0qBagMD-k/s1600/Harder+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMr4D1vnB-0M3FmEnkk_gY-TmMLhKQv8ArLSnjXOMw5PaE-irH3tsJ9Bqjsqxyl7uKwkQdpNb86-SR9FWmq8MoXKi5e9qTstRBoJEfq5nAdusXiNKqfzQy-8vOEUPSgJ1Dx0qBagMD-k/s320/Harder+lining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Even though the lining looks awesome, it was a bitch to do.<br />
<br />
Lessons I learned:<br />
1) When making a pattern twice the size shown, buy more fabric than you think you will need<br />
2) Don't choose fabric that makes the pattern harder than it has to be<br />
3) Straps are the least favorite thing about a purse<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I made another pattern like this for a friend who needed a bag for her bible study books. I used this pattern because it makes for a super durable purse. The fabric she picked was the hardest I'd had to deal with at that point and it seemed like every time I went to work on it, 10 things went wrong right away. The fabric would move no matter how much I pinned it, the lining fabric also moved and frayed like crazy. I actually may or may not of throw the thing across the room after poking myself with a pin. It took me 3 months to finish that purse just because I didn't want to touch it. I hated it when it was finished. I thought my friend was going to be really disappointed. However, she loved it and to this day, that purse is still going strong. She washes it and gets tons of compliments and people never believe it's homemade.<br />
<br />
That is the last I have made of that exact pattern, I do modify it later on though. The next series of purses are inspired by a patchy purse I bought on sale. None of them turn out how I imagined they would...Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-63237704775628815062010-10-10T17:16:00.000-07:002010-10-17T12:48:18.538-07:00Jackpot - UpdatedOkay, I'm going to mix it up. Instead of going through more history, I'm going to do a blog about my current sewing happenings. Please contain your excitement.<br />
<br />
So, a guy I used to date not too long ago texted me asking if I wanted a bunch of fabric and other sewing related items that he found packed away that was his Grandmas. I was caught of guard hearing from him as things did not end ideally between us, but how could I refuse fabric? And more importantly, I was flattered that he thought of me when he found that stuff, although he also didn't want to just throw it all away. But still. That was pretty cool of him.<br />
<br />
Any who, I was thinking I was going to get a box or a bag and some other stuff maybe. Well, I got two big black trash bags and several boxes. My car was filled with all the stuff he gave me. This picture shows part of my messy room, but at least you can see all the stuff I was given! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer2TMI9MptY9uFeQkJNVbtDW7DF_a5WrEtRP__Cz1qSkHE4_LwD4GPc5gcUim8dK-JtVdEpYFy0Q12sfMjjmsAPZYfAg4QmqLYbIrkRp794ItCjKsrNyAr-VoMUYI1cAmb7hewFBRqxk/s1600/DSCN1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer2TMI9MptY9uFeQkJNVbtDW7DF_a5WrEtRP__Cz1qSkHE4_LwD4GPc5gcUim8dK-JtVdEpYFy0Q12sfMjjmsAPZYfAg4QmqLYbIrkRp794ItCjKsrNyAr-VoMUYI1cAmb7hewFBRqxk/s320/DSCN1231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I wasn't able to look over all of it right away, but I did go through a box of patterns circa 1940s. There was mostly baby clothing patterns but there was a few clothing items. One was a baby shirt that had a Roosevelt election pin on it! Naturally, I had to tell him because I'm sure he did not know it was in there. Obviously, he wanted it back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJqcmFqjU-w2oztJ70TbnXSXf13efD3LNFXwbpbdBCCqR7ECyIJFAcqleVgLQ4vw_LCzkZwbyeMp7sM8iah11qwiu5K6J4uFQMi8pML0XENVeRnSDgbwedNTSk-BoOYeXza1OK-TL-gs/s1600/DSCN1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJqcmFqjU-w2oztJ70TbnXSXf13efD3LNFXwbpbdBCCqR7ECyIJFAcqleVgLQ4vw_LCzkZwbyeMp7sM8iah11qwiu5K6J4uFQMi8pML0XENVeRnSDgbwedNTSk-BoOYeXza1OK-TL-gs/s320/DSCN1235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Well, today I went through the rest of it and it took a good hour to hour and a half! Soooooo much stuff. Much of it was small scraps that I couldn't use, but there was still tons of great vintage fabric that is just amazing. This woman had great taste in fabric!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP4W2edzftoTdloVYcAyhm5VU9Kk-NoAFdnzNyykWYBSiJ0cxdnmVN4aCuOl4o_GAMVpneOxREkHp_nlYLZZ9KaVhypfgP-ovNkYXuJOzA3GUCiaoHWwvzypqgGK_5eePZud8cNWTVTA/s1600/DSCN1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP4W2edzftoTdloVYcAyhm5VU9Kk-NoAFdnzNyykWYBSiJ0cxdnmVN4aCuOl4o_GAMVpneOxREkHp_nlYLZZ9KaVhypfgP-ovNkYXuJOzA3GUCiaoHWwvzypqgGK_5eePZud8cNWTVTA/s320/DSCN1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is just a small portion of all that was in there. But all of it is equally amazing! Also, I can't even tell you how much rick-rack I got. Even after that huge rant about it in the last blog, maybe it can grow on me?<br />
<br />
Another thing I found was a box filled with the beginnings of a quilt. I'm told that this quilt is called "Flower Garden" and they were a really big deal back in the 1950s (give or take a decade). They are usually hand stitched because that is the better way to go about the quilt but I've read ways to do it on a machine. It's pretty impressive though, considering there are about 40 hand stitched blocks! I guess my Great Grandma made one too and it was her "pride and joy" as my Grandma tells me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqeLlxf5uUoQ89Z7yCYIGWxOcGcWe45K_s3DwoMJjV0mABkjb1LylP_TeYl9vjMD38bw_KwQZh6sWsXknIfgwuVLm-V73Yeb8-lD4eHTBC4azNuUrEBA9hVb5QSYfSFVhQpOz-EJha6o/s1600/DSCN1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqeLlxf5uUoQ89Z7yCYIGWxOcGcWe45K_s3DwoMJjV0mABkjb1LylP_TeYl9vjMD38bw_KwQZh6sWsXknIfgwuVLm-V73Yeb8-lD4eHTBC4azNuUrEBA9hVb5QSYfSFVhQpOz-EJha6o/s320/DSCN1258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I tried to get as close as I could to get an idea of the prints. I will admit that my cat's tail is in the bottom of the picture, sorry. <br />
But anyway, I really want to finish this quilt. It is hopelessly vintage and I just love it. It's going to be a challenge though! But, if the guy who generously gave me this stuff wants it, I would do so but it will break my heart!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxkI59-LFpXHDjWHY8a1JJLX4R-ZF04GokVqEMNkdHjRzq5tP3tcvkPH94VOFcEUpVtZCa2UvKkatR89sHoYmbIwnvMtJ-0zI910zeHo_i_m4NqxNoreZmMcaiS9fKoXshuPOVSPcRLk/s1600/DSCN1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxkI59-LFpXHDjWHY8a1JJLX4R-ZF04GokVqEMNkdHjRzq5tP3tcvkPH94VOFcEUpVtZCa2UvKkatR89sHoYmbIwnvMtJ-0zI910zeHo_i_m4NqxNoreZmMcaiS9fKoXshuPOVSPcRLk/s320/DSCN1249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are quite a few "blocks(?)" here but not enough to make a full quilt. But, she did have a huge scrap box with the pattern, the cut pattern pieces and the material she was using. I think I can finish it. What is odd though, is that every single block has a bright peach center except one has a green center. I'll have to think of a way to work with that. Maybe make a few with a different color to balance it out.<br />
<br />
I will say that I am not going to hand stitch it. I just do not have the patience. Too many modern conveniences I have grown accustomed to just can't compete. I've tried cutting some pieces with scissors only and it did not go well. And even thinking about all the extra steps for hand stitching brings up all the possible things that will probably go wrong.<br />
<br />
There is so much more: flat sheets, foam pillows, ironing board covers, LOTS of lace, other patterns, tracing paper, yarn, thread and other notions. Old sewing magazines and a book. So many different fabrics it's insane. She even used newspaper to make copies of her patterns. That is pretty ingenious to use newspaper in my opinion. She also used cardboard, paper bags and tissue paper. It's possible many women did this, but it's new to me!<br />
<br />
Well, that is my huge jackpot. I'm pretty excited and my head is swimming with possibilities!<br />
<br />
The other problem...is my fabric closet. It's bursting through the doors as of now and there is a huge pile of fabric I got at the thrift store that I haven't even managed to fit in. Needless to say, I'm going have to do a lot of organizing and throwing away. Am I the only sewer who hates to throw away scraps? After looking at all the scraps his Grandma left behind, I can say with confidence that I am not. <br />
<br />
It's hard to keep blogging about old projects when I have so many going on right now that are so much better than those made in that first year or so. Also, after seeing all these other sewing blogs with ladies sewing stuff with fabric so cute I couldn't hope to compete, even now. Yet another reason why I don't sell my stuff...*sigh*.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-25009118768822695712010-10-05T14:18:00.000-07:002010-10-05T14:37:35.424-07:00The next several pursesAfter those two purses, I felt a tad defeated. The purses I had sewn were nowhere near what I had envisioned. When I looked at the purses, all I saw were the mistakes. It is only now, with perspective, that I can appreciate the purses I started out with.<br />
<br />
For awhile, I took a break from sewing (like a week or two at most). But, it wasn't too long before I started to conceptualize how to modify the patterns I had made. I kept envisioning fabrics and designs and had big dreams. Everyone was so encouraging and reassured me that I was an artist and artists never like their work. I'm quoting others, of course. The labeling me as an artist is something I'm not quite comfortable with even now.<br />
<br />
Now, it's hard for me to remember exactly the order I made these next purses. It's kind of like trying to guess the order humans evolved in. I can only guess, but I am 75% sure that these are the order they went in.<br />
<br />
All of these were inspired by another pattern or purse I had. I was running blind as a novice sewer trying to make her own designs. Guessing measurements and execution were not as easy, which I should of learned by then. None the less, I learned a lot from each one. I've also decided to give each one a festive title in case I have to refer to them in later posts.<br />
That's just how I roll.<br />
<br />
<b>The Pillowcase Purse</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BiSyQZfMo_SqLEsHMxpBw1bFSxIHrP5oe_6y-B9AbNAVFm1x_nyBJUicavtC6A1gN0Q_lLOC-z3fEYd8w9a-FzSUJc-rWKW0kcd3KxmTPQfesq_0UeN6j2Fm_fxQ53Zc_lSWkCUTzL0/s1600/DSCN1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BiSyQZfMo_SqLEsHMxpBw1bFSxIHrP5oe_6y-B9AbNAVFm1x_nyBJUicavtC6A1gN0Q_lLOC-z3fEYd8w9a-FzSUJc-rWKW0kcd3KxmTPQfesq_0UeN6j2Fm_fxQ53Zc_lSWkCUTzL0/s320/DSCN1216.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The purse on the left is one I bought from Target and at first I didn't like how everything in it bunched together. I had to dig to find anything in it, but for whatever reason, I'm still in love with it.<br />
So, I figured once again "how hard could this be?". Well, not that hard really, but I made so many stupid mistakes. This particular design is a marriage of The Horrendous Pattern Purse and the purse on the left. There are two pieces sewn together at the top and the body is sewn on second, just like my good friend Horrendous Purse. Again, hard to tell but the next ones will show it.<br />
<br />
I did get a lot of compliments on it and even inspired one guy from my work to make his own!<br />
<br />
If you couldn't tell by now, I love lists. So here is a list of things I learned:<br />
<br />
1) When designing my own purse, accounting for seam allowance in all parts is very important. As a result, there is an accidental pleat in the middle of the bag that doesn't really go well. A pleat happens when you have excess material when you get the end and you have to bunch it up, resulting in an accidental pleat.<br />
2) Never, ever line a purse with dark fabric. You will not be able to see anything in it.<br />
3) Make sure the opening of the purse is big enough so you can easily search through it<br />
4) Make sure to check the seam lines of the outside part. Sometimes, it looks like crap.<br />
<br />
<b>The Rick-Rack Purse</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgxZFk2ZqzITU7TQV955H6Cpy4kwidInW2rC8RWyDMk2Rcl0hsdjqLBYpjXNUZTwuGYJ9wrHOBILRwh3UELROrYNM3jE7JWM4FrjInXn4n00YuAm1k38fwQbel4f9Kh9bQ9X7Ck2wT-I/s1600/DSCN1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgxZFk2ZqzITU7TQV955H6Cpy4kwidInW2rC8RWyDMk2Rcl0hsdjqLBYpjXNUZTwuGYJ9wrHOBILRwh3UELROrYNM3jE7JWM4FrjInXn4n00YuAm1k38fwQbel4f9Kh9bQ9X7Ck2wT-I/s320/DSCN1214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Yet again, a purse I owned inspired one I designed. This is a purse I bought cool fabric for, envisioning one thing and getting another.<br />
<br />
The purse on the left was a huge favorite from Target (so was the Pillow Case Purse inspiration) and this is where I actually started thinking about how easy this one too would be to make. So, I roughly copied the shape, did the two pieces in front and added a magnetic snap. AND RICK-RACK!<br />
<br />
What the hell was I thinking? Once again, I was thinking "Ohhh, rick-rack, very retro". No, it looks stupid.<br />
I also decided to use flimsy interfacing, probably because I was broke and couldn't afford the Pellon stuff that makes a purse stand up. I honestly don't remember but I do remember hating it. I still hate it. It's a really crappy design.<br />
<br />
Lessons I learned:<br />
1) Magnetic snaps need re-enforcement and are often have too strong of a magnetism<br />
2) Don't use dark fabric to line a purse (you see what I mean when I say I make the same mistakes over and over?)<br />
3) Rick-rack is like Kim Kardashian: no one knows what the hell they do and we serioulys contemplate if they have a function.<br />
<br />
<b>The Most Liked Purse</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF5z0ZSedrCUq-sUdfyzT43OL5AyA8Zn8pv0rwm6twM6bpehT3htDK4fZKwPxkA3wA53D4bNhd3gS4Vuz3e7YqACCnQ-4sK6VVmykXwJnvtchc3caDcZG7I0IHEjBVFTAC8waxJNkHsA/s1600/DSCN1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF5z0ZSedrCUq-sUdfyzT43OL5AyA8Zn8pv0rwm6twM6bpehT3htDK4fZKwPxkA3wA53D4bNhd3gS4Vuz3e7YqACCnQ-4sK6VVmykXwJnvtchc3caDcZG7I0IHEjBVFTAC8waxJNkHsA/s320/DSCN1217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After all those problematic purses, I finally had a successful one. The purse on the left is The Horrendous Pattern you saw before and the one on the right was the accumulation of all I learned.<br />
<br />
Here is the best picture for the two pieces on the top sewn together, but I also did that for the bottom. So there are four pieces on each side. You can tell because the flow of the print changes four different times.<br />
<br />
This one turned out really great. I made it out of a pillow case too and the lining was scrap fabric I had that worked perfectly. I tried several new things, one of them being the four pieces sewn together. I also:<br />
1) Used ribbon for the closure (inspired from the black and purple Target purse from above)<br />
2) I made a wider strap that would stay on my shoulder better<br />
3) I folded the lining over the edge of the purse and used it as the edging<br />
<br />
Here are some better pics of the purse that I have on Facebook:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLN4xtj59pSzKHPGE1yS0pP3BS5j68iNyLr94zQ-CyDd_yFQmfSA4V7_UPri3DNfU3C0Z2pd4Rt1neY3nfmwqVULdx7PFkGZ9V7lbRZVMKgcTgEqzhuk5l6HZr84VLyLVyI4tdsy5_Vo/s1600/Most+Liked+Lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLN4xtj59pSzKHPGE1yS0pP3BS5j68iNyLr94zQ-CyDd_yFQmfSA4V7_UPri3DNfU3C0Z2pd4Rt1neY3nfmwqVULdx7PFkGZ9V7lbRZVMKgcTgEqzhuk5l6HZr84VLyLVyI4tdsy5_Vo/s200/Most+Liked+Lining.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftm2sHM5qfwhSDgCKZf8BJXc3vY2T8PLOS2XmV1Q3y3sPx4MI2yRNv7lzcHNlJ428zOQe7jQgl-wooao2RO96oahXA1DBmjlzgd3gzuPeqnOSHrH47w0GLLwC4lsqmETQbqifOENNX7U/s1600/The+Most+Liked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftm2sHM5qfwhSDgCKZf8BJXc3vY2T8PLOS2XmV1Q3y3sPx4MI2yRNv7lzcHNlJ428zOQe7jQgl-wooao2RO96oahXA1DBmjlzgd3gzuPeqnOSHrH47w0GLLwC4lsqmETQbqifOENNX7U/s200/The+Most+Liked.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Now, despite my love and the huge amount of compliments I got for this purse, I still had my qualms with it:<br />
<br />
1) Purses need pockets<br />
2) The strap is too wide<br />
3) The lining was too big<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Purse I Thought I Would Get More Compliments Than I Actually Did</b><br />
<br />
I Love argyle. It is just the trendiest print and really gives a purse an elegant and expensive look to it. But, it is hard to find in your local anywhere. I had to compromise but I thought it was still a pretty damn nice print. I want to say this was inspired by a coach purse my sister-in-law Alexis has but I'm not sure. Just the design of the purse, obviously not the fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Skto53X0SqGS19MkmAIDOW6FiUQX0cqZ59WbTUjUtdjxveVBg7DlXyxk-kM1PwvjMo7POp9-fQcE2r83l61RuddkjxTseEA2vyZkrpWwCD09t1UYpXbEqbTL6YIBiMXX9cuKHg8tq5Q/s1600/Not+Complimented.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Skto53X0SqGS19MkmAIDOW6FiUQX0cqZ59WbTUjUtdjxveVBg7DlXyxk-kM1PwvjMo7POp9-fQcE2r83l61RuddkjxTseEA2vyZkrpWwCD09t1UYpXbEqbTL6YIBiMXX9cuKHg8tq5Q/s320/Not+Complimented.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53nIUe70a1zOYVufu-Rurcd1ZI3PwxntofKcre8jK9_H0DgLFazyXWjbkY0E5g-VmKNsFjqd-V9nVLnfb_7AMlAXlQZY2Y2w1p5YG4o4tqy0MRwjFSYRQrPqw9r1iXj0J3s0gGHB-h2A/s1600/Not+Complimented+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53nIUe70a1zOYVufu-Rurcd1ZI3PwxntofKcre8jK9_H0DgLFazyXWjbkY0E5g-VmKNsFjqd-V9nVLnfb_7AMlAXlQZY2Y2w1p5YG4o4tqy0MRwjFSYRQrPqw9r1iXj0J3s0gGHB-h2A/s320/Not+Complimented+lining.jpg" width="320" /></a>This photo was taken right after I made it, so this is the purse in it's full glory. I still love this purse, I think it's beautiful and I knew that once I wore it out, I was going to get compliments left and right.<br />
<br />
I was wrong. I never get one kudo or comment on this one. Nothing. It kinda broke my heart. I had the fabric perfectly straight! I mean, you can see near the edge how the triangles are perfectly cut when they meet the white bottom! But, still nothing. No one saw what I saw...<br />
<br />
This shape is just like The Most Liked Purse, but a different design. I also added a pocket! Oh la la! I used jean material for the bottom and coated it with scotch guard, which I lost right after. But I digress..<br />
<br />
I also contemplated a zipper for this one, but when it came down to it, I couldn't conceptualize how to put it in. I have only recently done a clutch with a zipper and it took me a few brain storming sessions to work it out. In the end, I went for the ribbon closure stand by. <br />
<br />
Things I learned:<br />
1) Argle prints like this one are easy to cut straight because you can just follow the triangles<br />
2) One strap on a purse sucks<br />
3) The baggy lining problem had to be fixed (which I won't figure out for a while).<br />
4) Ribbon closures are starting to be stupid <br />
<br />
<br />
Well, there you have a bit of evolution. I gained a bit of confidence in my sewing skills but still only saw all the flaws of each one. It was at this time everyone was telling me to start selling some, but I didn't (and still don't) have the faith that anyone would buy one. There were too many problems to sell these things to innocent buyers who were looking for quality. And mine weren't quality. Plus, after I sew a purse, I want it for myself as it is made to suit my tastes.<br />
<br />
After The Never Complimented Purse, I got tired of that pattern design but was at a loss of a new design. I realized that even though patterns were confusing, they still were all I had to go off of. I kept envisioning different fabrics and seeing what I wanted to sew but had no idea how to go about sewing it.<br />
<br />
I soon found a new pattern that changed up my designs and wasn't a nightmare to follow.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-89127918889489077112010-10-04T12:19:00.000-07:002010-10-04T22:24:36.979-07:00The pattern that almost made me give up...Now that I have taken you through my first purse experience, I will speed up the process. I'm not going to write a blog about each project I've done over the past 2 years because that would take for-effing-ever.<br />
<br />
After I explain this next hurdle, I'm going to show some pics of the gradually more successful purses I made. This pattern inspired many other ones I will show in the next blog.<br />
<br />
After The Great Disaster, I learned to buy thrift store fabric. Mostly pillow cases and place mats. Place mats work really well because they usually have interfacing in them or the fabric is stiff enough that you don't need any. I will admit, I'm not big on the thrift store fabric these days... but maybe I should start again.<br />
<br />
This one is made out of two different pillow cases. On the plus side, they were easy to cut and sew with and the match! On the downside, it's a stupid print to have for a purse unless you live in the 70s. Even then I think it's pushing it. Retro is cool, but I seriously missed the point on "trendy retro" or "mod" if you will. Being able to see what would make a striking and "mod" purse just by looking at the print comes later on (kinda).<br />
<br />
Also, on the downside, I used flimsy interfacing. The kind that comes in a bag and is used for giving the fabric more integrity. Not for structure like to stand up. I call it bulls**t interfacing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2Nbxzwp683JoKfdszVujJI2LQMKmXX-YkYEQWse5dnw_P5hCWagBMg70IKIub_00sBTcHpU9Im0g-uF8pyLs_ORZuC_nr9t4hqKuKBvNjbYzhj4FDrhjvPQVk6J5aOj-8PmpTc9yVkw/s1600/DSCN1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2Nbxzwp683JoKfdszVujJI2LQMKmXX-YkYEQWse5dnw_P5hCWagBMg70IKIub_00sBTcHpU9Im0g-uF8pyLs_ORZuC_nr9t4hqKuKBvNjbYzhj4FDrhjvPQVk6J5aOj-8PmpTc9yVkw/s320/DSCN1226.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This purse was the next purse I tried after The Great Disaster.<br />
<br />
I hate this pattern. Then and to this day.<br />
<br />
It looks simple ( it always LOOKS simple) but it is actually quite hard. So hard, in fact, it took me a week of literally staring at the instructions and the cut fabric pieces just to figure out how in the world I was going to do the straps. I finally figured out how to finish it when my then boyfriend and I were watching tv. I shouted out "OMG!" and he was like "WHAT! WHAT HAPPENED!". He wasn't amused when I told him and he gave me a look like i was crazy. He gave me a lot of those looks throughout our relationship... <br />
<br />
ANYWAY, It was not what the instructions said but it got finished. To this day, I have no idea what the instructions are trying to say. Most straps are separate from the purse but that top part is all one piece PLUS that middle seam is sewn first. If you know anything about sewing, you know what I am talking about. But if you don't, it's hard to explain. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRczgXar8S7FMvIuzQjdtTqvQFjMnzKbSU1bvUelmf4mamCxiOAm1ys_gH0V40840G-qXGl1ZypjTtyZXR8YhQYk3p7TolCxzsQJRmqBdk7AzJe2n4ktDMX820No0Spfvp5qleXknMQM/s1600/DSCN1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRczgXar8S7FMvIuzQjdtTqvQFjMnzKbSU1bvUelmf4mamCxiOAm1ys_gH0V40840G-qXGl1ZypjTtyZXR8YhQYk3p7TolCxzsQJRmqBdk7AzJe2n4ktDMX820No0Spfvp5qleXknMQM/s320/DSCN1227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I took a closer pic of the center because that particular design (two pieces sewn together in the front) is going to be a reoccurring design in future projects but not the way they do the straps. I know it's hard to see here, but future projects will show it better. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This purse really made me think that maybe I couldn't sew purses. That I was in over my head. Patterns were so confusing and the instructions were overwhelming and poorly written. It really put me to the test. Staring at that pattern over and over for a week really made me think that I sucked at sewing. But, I know now that patterns just suck. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This very purse is were my aversion to patterns have steamed from. I do not buy purse patterns now because I can figure out how to make them just by looking and most of the time, the fabric is what makes you want to but the pattern. The design might be cool too, but the fabric is what makes it work. Most patterns don't come with the fabric. KEEP THAT IN MIND!!! ( Amy Butler is challenging my thoughts on this, though. She is amazing with both inventive designs and fabric choice)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the horrendous pattern that should die...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWw9Ku6HIdReMeQDzOKwjp8p2qHcYSrHk1_A4vMd7Za-rDrnnSnl3dAHhmtC2p68rGkxGWMxauD4bv-TMdjF7TfqmtfTP_gy85pwj8rUKnbz_eKZMvcJXbty3O6Z-kr2bd3u8fI3U1R4/s1600/4625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWw9Ku6HIdReMeQDzOKwjp8p2qHcYSrHk1_A4vMd7Za-rDrnnSnl3dAHhmtC2p68rGkxGWMxauD4bv-TMdjF7TfqmtfTP_gy85pwj8rUKnbz_eKZMvcJXbty3O6Z-kr2bd3u8fI3U1R4/s320/4625.jpg" width="162" /></a></div> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-84394915578187799452010-10-03T13:12:00.000-07:002010-10-04T22:18:31.891-07:00My First Purse, the Great Disaster<div style="margin: 0px;">Like I said in my background blog, it was the summer of '08 I decided to try and make a purse. How hard could it be? Hell, I made pajamas! What was a purse compared to pajamas? In my head, purses made sense and they were easy.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Oh.... how naive was I?</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">It turns out that purses are a whole new ball game. You aren't just dealing with fabric, you are dealing with interfacing too! Zippers, magnetic snaps, button holes, pockets, edge stitching, top stitching and mass confusion for a novice sewer like me. No one had told me this before hand but then again, they probably thought I knew. BUT, I didn't and I had a thousand questions..</div><div style="margin: 0px;">What the f**k is interfacing to begin with? </div><div style="margin: 0px;">Do I really NEED interfacing? </div><div style="margin: 0px;">Where does one even get it?</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Can't I just have ribbon to close the purse with?</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">There was alot of "Do I really NEED to do that" throughout the project</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">And the answer is HELL YES to most of those questions. The others aren't important.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"> To complicate matters more, It never occurred to me to have scrap material to practice with. I barely had materials to begin with! My step mom had supplies but fabric I had to go find.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">And find fabric I did. But not just ANY fabric....</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">As I wondered through Joann's, I only looked at prints. Different textures, wafts, waves, stretchiness meant nothing to me. Fabric was fabric! So, I chose some really cool looking, soft feeling fabric for $10 a yard.... </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">I found a free pattern (compliments of http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2006/02/21/the-lindie-bag-free-pattern/) , had my fancy fabric, a fresh face and a determined look. I was ready to go!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">But I didn't get just ANY fabric. Oh. No. I got probably the most difficult fabric to deal with, diagonal stretch cotton! Dun, Dun, Dun!!!! You know, that kind you can cut with the ut most care and it will still need manipulating when matched up with a lining? Yea, that's the one.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"> One good thing was the interfacing. I actually asked the lady at Joann's where I could get it and she asked me what I needed it for. I told her a purse and she got the perfect kind I needed. This was an actual success!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">The best part was the lining! I chose an old, jersey cotton t-shirt. I could just cut it up and it would match the fancy fabric perfectly! </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Needless to say, this project was doomed...</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Now, for those of you who don't know the ins and outs of fabrics, here is a list of what is wrong with this combo</div><div style="margin: 0px;">1) The interfacing I bought was very thick and sewing through it when folded will make the sewing machine shake and stop in mid sew. </div><div style="margin: 0px;">2) Diagonal stretch fabric moves when you cut it, pin it, sew it or look at it. </div><div style="margin: 0px;">3) Jersey cotton rolls when you cut it. This is why your favorite t-shirts are hemmed in the fashion that they are with a fancy $2,000 machine. You can't iron it so it won't roll, you just have to learn how to seduce the fabric.</div><div style="margin: 0px;">4) Jersey cotton, especially faded black, looks terrible next to polyester blends. It looks terrible period. Jersey cotton needs some polyester friends.<br />
<br />
Well, the first problem I ran into after cutting all the fabric and what not is learning the whole trick "right sides together". I make this mistake to this day and each time I scold myself. Each time, I find a new and interesting way to overlook it. This particular problem happened with the straps. As you can see from the picture below, the raw edge of these straps are supposed to go on the WRONG side of the purse, the side no one sees. You can also see why faded jersey cotton looks like crap next to this particular type of fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ17RDB5-7QNDIqrf328CZ1cSyb-P2QG2XwY19vVedgjes76HtgDr2hwHuU85Cg63B9VRehEk9b1XkhjAV_jXGl-ohh4ba97zXEJnqWZNzszAvA-zXaexSMe2inZtxkEoCYZGCjHTS6lY/s1600/DSCN1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ17RDB5-7QNDIqrf328CZ1cSyb-P2QG2XwY19vVedgjes76HtgDr2hwHuU85Cg63B9VRehEk9b1XkhjAV_jXGl-ohh4ba97zXEJnqWZNzszAvA-zXaexSMe2inZtxkEoCYZGCjHTS6lY/s1600/DSCN1209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Here is the finished purse. It's all wrinkled because it's been stuffed in my purse tote for awhile. Trust me, the wrinkling isn't what is making the purse look like crap!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFya_AAyzbvYXLbWfapVQcw__XD5vd4FnL4aVBRSJoUcIjIul_IvIFWumw3VQPmTdWXDQg7WOUWCE63V3e4QQRsGz2GlzFg7nOvb7EvM99LOYgenbOG6TZsdOI_EOtNxtETArYwe0pKgY/s1600/DSCN1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFya_AAyzbvYXLbWfapVQcw__XD5vd4FnL4aVBRSJoUcIjIul_IvIFWumw3VQPmTdWXDQg7WOUWCE63V3e4QQRsGz2GlzFg7nOvb7EvM99LOYgenbOG6TZsdOI_EOtNxtETArYwe0pKgY/s320/DSCN1206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here is the same shot but with a white background for more contrast. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I-mDq_RVWChBfQrS8oBP7WWOCAX0Qh1ZTyDIDZvlkMFsFpYLRe6ws4jgFo5OOsa8Nh0hWqrU89ROcfyhu9L_jqmxW4y3zoVa_K9JWgA5uqmgJZs6Lg7_cdG56_xNhIr3bRMhHLwO0Zo/s1600/DSCN1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I-mDq_RVWChBfQrS8oBP7WWOCAX0Qh1ZTyDIDZvlkMFsFpYLRe6ws4jgFo5OOsa8Nh0hWqrU89ROcfyhu9L_jqmxW4y3zoVa_K9JWgA5uqmgJZs6Lg7_cdG56_xNhIr3bRMhHLwO0Zo/s320/DSCN1212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">If you try, you can see how the strap edges are pointing out! And you can get a glimpse of the horrid lining.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, let me some up what I learned with this purse:<br />
1) How to box corners. On this particular purse, I went over board and now the purse sits wide open.<br />
2) How to get strap edges to go in the wrong side of the purse<br />
3) Do not buy fancy fabric and use it on a pattern you have never made before<br />
4) Jersey cotton is the devil<br />
5) Interfacing is awesome but requires patience.<br />
<br />
Everyone I showed it to was very nice about it. They told me I did a pretty good job and the straps were hardly noticeable. They were impressed that it could stand up and that I edge stitched the sides. Looking at it now, maybe it isn't as awful as I remember it but the result was not what I had hoped for.<br />
<br />
The good thing is I didn't let this deter me. I went on and found some actual patterns to buy. But that is a whole other can of worms... <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897444633243293278.post-52966407195059953242010-10-03T12:59:00.000-07:002010-10-03T19:30:32.999-07:00A brief backgroundAs the title implies, this is how I got into sewing. It might not be the most interesting story, but I will try to liven it up. IF I feel like it....<br />
<br />
Anywho, I have always had a fascination with sewing. I can remember when I was little just having a needle, thread and scrap fabric, trying to sew but not really sewing anything together, per say. The idea of being able to create everyday things was just mind boggling and cool to me from the get go.<br />
<br />
My futile attempt at "hand sewing" fell to the wayside, having been only 5 years old. Barbies were just too time consuming for much else. And baths. I'm a huge fan of water in general, but that is another issue entirely.<br />
<br />
Like most people, my first actual sewing machine experience was 6th grade Home Ec (spelling?). We had races for threading one's machine the fastest and I ALWAYS won... small accomplishments but I was a classic underachiever. Little things like that stick out.<br />
<br />
The first project was a pillow and any after that I don't remember. But, I got a very good grade and compliments on my invisible stitch (the 5 year old me set the stage for greatness, I guess). For whatever reason, sewing just made sense to me. After that, I went on a pillow making frenzy! I made at least a dozen pillows for myself and for my brothers.<br />
<br />
But again, that was short lived. I remember the loss of hope when I proudly fished out four different fabrics to do a quilt. My mom saw this and laughed at my goal. She said that quilt fabrics had to match and be of the same material (which is not true!). I don't know if it was my mom's kick in the pants remark or just more barbies but sewing fell to the wayside once more.<br />
<br />
Then, in Juinor year of High School, I took a "Fiber Arts" class as an elective after seeing my friend Naomia make the most beautiful table runner ever. I still remember the fabrics and how they were just simple and beautiful! (good job Naomia!). This class was a huge turning point. We made a blanket first, which I was so proud of and wanted so badly to keep BUT all the blankets were made for newborns at the hospital. I <i>guess</i> a newborn might need the blanket more than me. Whatever...<br />
<br />
Then we moved on to pajama bottoms. Mine did not work out for several reasons, but mainly because they weren't long enough. Pajama bottoms are stupid anyway.<br />
<br />
Then came the table runner. I really wanted mine to be as fabulous as my friend's. Elegant and pretty but mine ended up being cutesy and I hated it. Never the less, I learned quilting basics. And a very important rule to sewing: the fabric you choose is always going to be hit, miss or meh and that you never stop making mistakes.<br />
<br />
After that, we made hats and scarves. Mine weren't cool looking and I would never wear them out but they were well made (kudos to me). We made other things small projects for different holidays, but those 3 projects were the biggest ones and they were still very fun.<br />
<br />
That class taught me a lot, such as:<br />
1) The wonderful world of rotary cutters and mats<br />
2) See through rulers<br />
3) Husqvarna sewing machines are A-mazing<br />
1) Rotary cutters are very sharp<br />
2) When you are panicking because you cut yourself after doing what the teacher told you not to do, you don't notice how much blood you are getting everywhere<br />
3) Grain lines are important (but I don't remember why)<br />
4) Following grain lines may cause you to have short pajama bottoms<br />
5) My fabric selection process should be more thought out<br />
<br />
Many more, I am sure. At the moment, those are what stick out the most.<br />
Oh and....<br />
<br />
6) SCREW GRAIN LINES<br />
<br />
My interest was renewed but short lived. I didn't have my own sewing machine, fabric or supplies to support the kind of range I hoped for. I briefly dabbled in crochet, knitting and rug braiding but they were are all too time consuming to keep my interest. Once again, Barbies stole the scene (okay not really, but I will admit I love Barbies to this day and I would totally play with them if it was socially acceptable).<br />
<br />
Several years past by and I hadn't tried to sew anything. I remember taking Intro to Theater at college and the Professor pleading that anyone with sewing skills to please help out the drama department. I wanted to say something so bad, but I chickened out. I didn't want to do it alone and I was too shy to say anything. Plus, I knew next to nothing about sewing clothes.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until the summer of 2008, when I was a broke college student making minimum wage and working 20 hours a week that I starting itching to try again. Even though I was broke, I would hopelessly wander in clothing stores, torturing myself with things I couldn't afford. One such thing was purses. There suddenly so many cute purses that I wanted, but at $40 each, I found I couldn't afford even one. <br />
<br />
And that is where it all got started. Since then, I have ventured to dresses, costumes, quilts, hats, reading pillows, scoodies and it just keeps on going. I never seem to retain half the mistakes I make note of when sewing either. As a result, I do a lot of seam ripping and impromptu trouble shooting. And some serious abuse of stitch witchery and liquid stitch.<br />
<br />
Anyway, each blog will detail a project or two, starting from my first and then going on from there. I've made a lot of stupid yet occasionally funny mistakes and many failures. Even to this day, I have much to learn and I continue to do sew on my own for reasons none other than laziness and frugality. It's gotten me this far, so I might as well see as far as I can take it...right?Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931683564534341noreply@blogger.com0