sewtakeahike

"Janey" a FC Modern Quilt Guild scrap challenge

 

 (Front of Janey, inspired by the book "Intuitive Color and Design".)

Tomorrow is our January FCMQG meeting, and for it, in October, Jane had given us each a few scrap strips of solids to make something out of. 

Lately, I've been so focused on finishing projects that I was feeling like my spontaneous creativity was lacking.  So last night, I just started sewing strips together, using my curved piecing tutorial as a guide, and came up with this pillow.  I'm calling it "Janey". 

 

 (back of Janey)

So back to telling you about my projects at hand. 

Firstly, I am waaaay behind on some bee blocks. 

Secondly, I haven't mentioned this here yet, but I'm going to be published in a few books and magazines this year and next!  I can't wait to show you all!  For starters, I just have these words for you:  Stitch magazine, and a special publication called "101 patchwork projects" which will be coming out  in April!

Thirdly, have you seen those Mexican poncho hoodies before?  Well, while we were down in Arizona, L-man decided he wanted to get matching ones for us to wear when we're out camping and kayaking for lazing around the camp and such.  So we bought two and he wants me to line them with fleece to make them a little softer inside and a bit warmer. 

So yeah, just a few things on my plate!

 

And just a heads up for those of you haven't heard this sad news yet;  Aunt Bea's fabric shop is closing.  They will be sorely missed, but because of their unfortunate closing, you can get some pretty good deals right now on some great fabrics, so check them out!

 

 

timor bag

 

 

Coffee bag patterns are pouring out of me and the "timor" bag is now in my etsy shop!  I'm working on a few other designs I'd like to make and put in my shop along with a few java bags. 

The material for the timor is Michael Miller's garden tour and the straps and flip close strap are yummy leather.   The timor is fully lined with a divided pocket.

 

 

p.s. (if you're here for the Tiffany snail lamp giveaway, click here!)

 

 

 

overall overhaul-season finale

Ok, here's a little overall history.  I bought a pair of linen overall shorts about 10 years ago at a little shop that used to be here in town called Timbuktu.  They sold strictly linen clothes, and I frequented their little shop enough for them to ask me to model some of their clothes occasionally. When the time came last year to give up the overall shorts (they were pretty short, and now that my body is a little more, um...., mature, I decided it was time to stop wearing them) I couldn't bring myself to take them to the goodwill, so I kept them, with the hopes of using the material for something eventually.  The idea hit me the other day to make a messenger-ish bag out of them so this is what I did. 

                                                   

1. cut the front from the back of the overalls
2. cut the back in 1/2 and cut rectangles around each back pocket for the front and back of the bag.
3. cut strips of material from the remaining material from the back of the overalls and sewed them together for the gusset.
4. sewed the front and back to the gusset.
5. cut a piece of material from the front leg area for the flap
6. sewed the flap on
7. cut and sewed in the lining
8. used part of the overall straps and other pieces sewn together for the shoulder strap
9. sewed shoulder strap onto bag.

                           

                                 

I was at a crossroads in my previous post needing some help and I received so many helpful comments (here and here) but when I read the one LeeAnn left, I knew it had to be.  Pin tucks.  Bingo.  Today I took the flap apart, sewed in some corded pin tucks, and put it back together ONCE AGAIN (and yes, that is velllllvet ric-rac, yummy!).  I am in love with it now.  I liked it before, but now I love it!  Thank you all for your suggestions and candid thoughts!

                                                   

~Penny

overhaul the overalls

I need feedback please!!  I had a pair of linen overalls that I refashioned into this messenger bag.  I plan on carrying books and notepads in it to church or whatever casual meetings come up.  My question is, are the hemline creases on the flap too distracting (a nice way to put it) or not?  Please give me your (honest even if it's not nice) feedback!

~Penny

(Not so) Blue Cafe bag (updated with pattern) and how-to

One of my copies of Cotton & Paint:

has a picture of this bag in it:

I decided to make my own version:

I realized after looking at the photo with morning eyes instead of late night eyes, that I didn't follow the lines of the handle in the original bag at all.  I will definately have to adjust this pattern for a remake at some point!

List of materials needed:

• old linen skirt (for outside of bag)
• thrifted material (for lining of bag)
• thrifted leather jacket (for handles)
• material from converting husband's lounge pants to lounge shorts (for pocket lining inside of bag)
• button
• hemp cord chain stitched to a length of 10 inches
• pattern (will post soon)

Here is the basic pattern I used:

And instructions:

1. cut 2 for outside
2. cut 2 for inside
3. cut pocket from same material as outside of bag (or your preference) as big as you like and sew onto outside front piece
4. sew outside front and back together down the sides and across bottom, right sides together
5. repeat step 4 for inside pieces making sure to leave opening in bottom of these pieces (to pull bag through once completed)
6. pin outside and inside of bag together across top and handles and sew together
7. turn and press
8. use leather to finish off handles or whatever material you desire.
9. chain stitch hemp cord and sew both ends into back seam of bag (I had to unpick the seam here since it was already sewn)
10.  attach whatever closing mechanism you prefer onto the outside of the pocket

YOU ARE DONE!

                                                    

I also saw this bag in the same magazine:

I think I will have to make this one next.  It should be a little faster since there is a pattern and how to in the magazine!

~Penny