by Sherri Sylvester | Mar 12, 2014
In case you are wondering, I haven’t disappeared! I’ve been working on some fun graphic design projects for our company that have been using some of my sewing time. I’ve been bitten by the “spring sewing” bug and have lots of plans… I just need to hit some deadlines first!
I thought I’d pop by today to let you know why I’m super excited! Remember the little zakka-inspired Scalloped Edge Basket I made last year?
I’ve written a tutorial for the basket for Sew Mama Sew and it posted today – now you can make one too! I’ve added an optional handle to the tutorial too, which is perfect for a little Easter basket. (Just in case you are planning ahead!) The basket on its own is great for a little gift basket, or for collecting all of those little things in your house that need a home. It’s a good size, so it holds a lot without being too huge. And – bonus, it uses your favorite fat quarters!
Right now, since I managed to win the rights to the gray one, I have filled it up with my wooden spools and vintage measuring tape. It looks so cute sitting in my sewing room! The kids have had words over the pink basket already and now I need to make another one so they can both have one for Easter. I hope you like it! Find the tutorial on Sew Mama Sew.
by Sherri Sylvester | Mar 3, 2014
I’m calling it – I’m officially BACK and not sick at all! Even if I’m not, maybe acting like it will force the last tiny germs to take flight? (I think I can hear their little voices yelling as they run away right now. Yep – that’s them… I think… )
I figured an easy something cozy was finally in the works this morning and I got to finish up my plans for my lovely infinity scarf from last year. Turns out I could make it, but I couldn’t make it comfortable, or “not wrinkly” or easily look good. All three things being important parts of my usual wardrobe – though I do tend to hold lightly to the wrinkly bit. The scarf just frustrated me until I saw something at one of my local stores that I figured might help.
Someone had the brilliant idea to attach a light linen-weight scarf to the side of a chunky knit scarf. Two-for-One. Perfection! You CAN have cozy and a pretty print at the same time. So I folded up my lovely piece of Liberty and un-stashed my perfect shade of light coral-ly pink knit and then they sat… for months… until today. It was finally the perfect project to do when feeling slightly under the weather. Lots of pins and a couple of straight lines of sewing can’t be messed up easily, and thankfully for me it went well. I decided to encase the pre-hemmed Liberty fabric edges with the knit, sort of like self-binding a quilt.
Now the whole thing is even more super-soft and has a bit more weight, so it lays better when I put it on. It is also a perfect weight for a warmer winter day, and I can imagine it being a perfect early-spring jacket scarf. I might even take it into the Fall knowing me, colour knows no season over here. White belts year-round for everyone! (Within reason of course!)
Anyone else feel like they go through winter hiding in scarves and trying to forget that it’s -15 degrees (Celcius) outside? I’m not a winter person and was definitely super glad to go inside after the photos!
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 13, 2014
I’m posting a project that I’ve been working on since November! My monthly sewing group (the Material Girls) decided to join me in making tea towels with our kids’ artwork on them. We all used them as Christmas gifts for aunts and grandmothers – and of course I kept a set for me! I think I saw this idea a few years ago – when Spoonflower was just a baby – oh how fast they have grown up! I’ve been meaning to try it, but never remembered until the last minute. If you haven’t heard of Spoonflower you can learn more in my DIY Canvas Art tutorial post.
Working with Spoonflower is pretty simple. You scan in your drawing, colour-correct it, re-size it and upload it to your Spoonflower Studio. There are lots of tutorials on how to do this, so I’m not going to go into all the details here. And that is why I have named this a “mini” tutorial and not a full one! When you are printing these, get them made in linen-cotton canvas. When you recieve them they will be a bit stiff. But I used this to my advantage when hemming them and then washed them up. They are much softer and I am assured that they will become nicer with each wash.
I thought it would be helpful to include the template for sizing (below) that I used when I was working everything out. 1 yard of linen-cotton canvas is 54″ wide (selvage to selvage) and 36″ high. This will fit 4 good sized tea towels – as you can see below. Each tea towel is 27″ x 18″ un-hemmed. I put a 3/4″ border on each of my tea towels (like Emma has done here) so it is easy to cut the tea towels apart and also easy to hem them, because you have the line already there. If you want to add the border, reference the smaller size, and make your visible area 25.5″ x 16.5″. When the tea towel front is designed you can add the coloured border to make the final tea towel 27″ x 18″. The other nice thing about Spoonflower is that you can order only one fat quarter tea towel or multiple yards with 4 towels on each.
Christmas tea towel gifts are great – but what about Valentines’ gifts, Birthdays, Anniversaries… and having the kids involved makes it a lot of fun. They were so proud that their artwork was important enough to be printed and given to everyone! I am not sure my tea towels will ever dry a dish. I am far too sentimental and don’t want them to get ruined. Though, if they do get stained (because I think the kids would love for me to use them), I can always order more!
by Sherri Sylvester | Dec 23, 2013
I’m so excited to share this bag with you today! Anna from Noodlehead shared this Cargo Duffle pattern – it’s a free pattern available from Robert Kaufmann. As soon as I saw it I wanted to make one to use as an airplane carry on. We are visiting my parents this Christmas, so it’s going to get lots of use!
The pattern is the perfect size and looks amazing when it is finished. It’s very professional and the construction method makes it strong enough to hold its shape well. I got the fabric from Warp and Weft back in the summer. I’m on a scooter kick… and I love the blue, red and creamy white. I had the navy blue twill and Kona for the pockets in my stash. The inside is lined in some quilting cotton I picked up at Fabricland.
The zipper opened at each end – like a double zipper on a coat. I was really happy to find out that I could turn the zipper pull tab around so it zipped into the centre. I’ll be posting a tutorial on how to do it soon – it’s easier than you think! (Update: Here is the zipper tutorial.)
I added a large zipper pocket to the inside so I can store all of the surprises that will hopefully keep the kids happy for the trip. It is really easy to do this because of the way the bag is constructed.
I wanted to talk a bit more about this bag – the construction, the quilting (which I’m now addicted to!). But it’s Christmas dinner day today so I should likely get back to everyone! Have a great start to your week. Hope you enjoyed the photos with our lovely ice storm in the photo backgrounds. It’s been fun seeing our icy winter wonderland outside!
by Sherri Sylvester | Dec 13, 2013
I made another Sunny Glasses Case a while ago with the most perfect fabric ever. It’s the Geekly Glasses line by Riley Blake Designs (from Double Decker Fabric). When Dorienne sent me this fabric I knew it needed to be a glasses case and I love how it turned out!
These glasses cases are about a 2 hour project – if that – and they work for anyone on your Christmas shopping list – Man, woman or child! Everyone that’s seen mine has said “You made that?!” Which is the universally known in sewing circles as meaning: “That doesn’t look handmade!” and/or “Can you make me one?!” If that is not convincing enough I’m not sure what is – ha!
Warning: If you decide to make one of these when you’ve gotten together with some friends – say at a monthly sewing night – make sure you cut your fabric the right way up! I was so mad when I realized that I cut my amazing deer fabric upside down…. argh! But, it happens – and it still holds my glasses safe and sound – and I’m not making another one, at least not right now! You can even sneak a peek of the case in the Mini Tote giveaway post from Monday – did you spot it?
I’m running to get my Christmas sewing wrapped up (hee hee!) and my wonderful husband is taking care of the kids tomorrow so I can have all day to sew – HOORAY! I’m hoping to finish before next week. But, I usually over-plan, so at least I will have next week to finish everything up! How is your holiday sewing going? What are you making? Really… I’m a super curious person!
Don’t forget to throw your two cents in for “Sewing Survey Saturday” – check out last week’s results and a new survey tomorrow!
by Sherri Sylvester | Dec 9, 2013
I have had the inclination to call this a “Tote-torial” all day, but it wouldn’t help anyone find it on Google – so I have resisted the urge. If you haven’t been introduced to this Mini Tote yet you can check the previous post for more information and enter win it! This tote is part of the 11th Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day. There are giveaways being hosted all over the world!
Since today is also Made by Me Monday – I’m posting a tutorial for this lovely fully-lined little tote! It is quick to stitch up and is a wonderful and easy-to-sew gift. I love that the trim embellishment on the front can make a plain tote into something much more fun!
Ready to make one?
You will need:
- 2 pieces of outer fabric – 14″x14″
- 2 pieces medium fusible interfacing – 14″x14″
- 2 pieces of lining fabric – 14″ wide by 13″ tall
- 2 pieces handle fabric – 3″ wide by 20″
- 2 pieces medium fusible interfacing – 3″ x 20″
- 15″ long piece(s) of sequin trim, or trim as desired
- Optional: 1/4″ cording for the handles – 2 pieces 18″ long
- your general sewing gear
Here we go!
Step 1: Interface the outer fabric and handles with your medium fusible interfacing by following the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 2: Make the handles. There are two options for the handles – with or without cording. I used a piece of cording to make my handles stiffer and so they had a rounder shape. They would look great (and be a lot faster!) without it as well. Follow whichever you’d like then continue on with Step 3.
Without cording: (a) Fold each handle in half lengthwise & press. (b) Unfold and fold each lengthwise edge to the middle (pressed) fold line. (c) Fold the whole handle in half again. (d) Top-stitch close to both handle edges. Set the handles aside.
With cording: (e) Fold each handle in half lengthwise & press. (f) Unfold and fold each lengthwise edge to the middle (pressed) fold line. (g) Fold the whole handle in half again. (h) Centre the cording lengthwise on the handle, it should be 1″ from either end. (i) Fold each handle over and push the cording toward the folded edge. Pin along the length of the handle. Top-stitch each handle on the open edge, making sure the two folded edges match up as you go. (You can use a zipper foot to make this easier) (j) Push the cording toward the newly-stitched edge (away from the folded edge), pin and top-stitch the second side of each handle. (k) Done! Set the handles aside.
Step 3: Cut & Sew the Outer and Lining Bottom Seam. (a) Cut out 2 1/4″ squares from the BOTTOM right and left corners of your 2 outer and 2 lining pieces. (Make sure to cut the lining correctly – it is 14″ across and 13″ high.) (b) Pin and stitch your trim on as desired. I used 2 1″ cream sequin stripes on either side of a 2″ tan stripe. (c) Line up the outer and lining pieces right sides together. Pin across the bottom of the outer pieces. Pin the lining as well, but leave a 3″ opening in the centre of the seam. Stitch across the bottom of the outer pieces with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Stitch across the lining with a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving the 3″ gap open. (d) Press the outer seam open if desired. Press the lining seam back on itself along the opening area. This makes it easier to line up once it is turned as per this trick.
Step 4: Sew the Outer and Lining Corners and Side Seams. (a) Match the outer right sides together, pin and stitch the side seams with a 3/8″ seam allowance. (b) Match the lining right sides together, pin and stitch the side seams with a 1/2″ seam allowance. (c) Match up the bottom and side seams at each outer and lining corner, pin and stitch with a 3/8″ seam allowance for the outer and a 1/2″ seam allowance for the lining. (d) Turn the outer right side out.
Step 5: Stitch the Top of the Bag and Attach the Handles. (a) Place the outer inside the lining with right sides together. (b) Mark each side of the lining (front and back) at 3 1/2″ from the edge. (c) Pin the handles (1 handle per side) where the marks are. Use 2 pins each to make sure they will be sewn on straight. (d) Pin the lining and outer together, matching side seams. Stitch with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Step 6: Finishing Up! (a) Turn the bag right side out through the hole in the lining. (b) Line up the edges of the opening in the lining. Pin and stitch close to the edge or hand-stitch closed. (c) Push the lining into the outer and down into the bottom of the bag. Make sure the outer folds 1/2″ down into the inner bag. Measure and pin around the top of the bag. (d) Stitch around the top of the bag 1/8″ away from the top edge of the lining. I chose not to stitch over the trim – so I began and ended the stitching on either side of it.
All done! Take some fun photos and post them with the hashtag #alongforthreadride! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the tutorial and how your tote turned out.
