A Finished Quilt During My Mini Vacation

I finished binding this quilt a week ago, and completely forgot to share the pictures.


Usually, with a quilt like this I would have chosen white fabric for the bias tape, but this time I wanted to do something I normally don't do... and you know what? I think I kind of like it.


Since that last procedure was canceled and we had to reschedule it, I have been working on some projects. I am going to be able to share a couple of the projects soon, and some not so soon, but I am enjoying this little "vacation time" from the procedures.

I miss having you all for my link parties on Wednesdays, but I decided that it is best to take a break until this medical craziness calms down. I don't know exactly how long, but probably a few months.

Having said that, what project is making you happy? What have you been working on?

Good Day at the Thrift Store

One of my children had a doctor's appointment a couple days ago. After that, I took him to school and dropped him off. By the time I did that though, it was better for me to stick around that area than go home, since we live kind of far from school. It is not worth the drive home if I have to leave right away to pick them up from school.

So, I decided to have a little peek at the thrift store... boy I made a good decision!

I found some vintage pillow cases, a couple of Liberty of London clothes (by Target) that I can use for quilts and such, but I will share some items that I am really thrilled about.. .check them out! (followed by a squeal of JOY)


Aren't they gorgeous?

A vintage tea towel...


Also a vintage table cross...



and, milk glass cups...


Aren't they so pretty? I am most excited about those vintage tea towels and the table cloth. They are in such good condition, and such items are VERY hard to come by.

Every year around September I get antsy because I know there is going to be a Country Living Fair in Atlanta (or Columbus, Ohio). What's country living fair? It is basically a festival-like atmosphere with over 200 vendors and artisans selling antiques, gifts, home décor, and jewelry. Also the events are filled with seminars and demonstrations from Country Living editors, contributors, and special guests, as well as live music, gourmet markets, and more.

Mmm... Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun or what? I certainly don't care for ALL types of antiques/vintage items, but there are certain things that I love, yep, you guessed it right, fabric, linens, laces, buttons and other sewing notions. I am wondering if there is going to be some vendors selling those things at CLF, if you have been to CLF before (you lucky you!) please share your experience, I would love to know!

It is one of many dreams of mine to attend the country living fair someday. Until then, I guess I will get an adrenalin rush from the thrift stores when I find those rare vintage items. ;)

Tutorial ~ Sweater Refashion

I shared this sweater refashion at Me Sew Crazy last week. I am posting this here today just in case you missed it!


{You will need}

Sweater
Fabric
Laces, Ribbons and buttons
Matching thread

{How to}

1. Wear the sweater and decided how high you want the triangles to go. For example, just below the bust line or a few inches below the bust line. Also, mark the center with a pin.

2. I made a triangle template out of a cereal box and cut 8 triangles out of the fabric. The size of the triangles all depend on how long you cut into the sweater. If you want a more flared look, make sure that the triangle has a wide bottom. If you want a subtle flare, the triangle needs to have a narrow bottom.


3. Start making the cuts to the sweater. I made 8 cuts in all. In the center on the front and back, just to either side to those center cuts, and the sides of the sweater. They are about 4" apart, but you need to adjust that according to the width of the sweater. Just make sure that they are equal and well balanced.


4. Fold the bottom of the triangles and sew.


5. Sew the triangles to the sweater using a Serger or zigzag stitches.


6. Since the sweater was one size bigger than my size, I cut off some fabric from the sides and under the arm.


7. Pin, and sew the side. Make sure to sew in the fabric triangle to the sides at this step.



8. Make sure to mark the center of the neckline. I wanted the neckline to be slightly lower, so I drew the line and made the cut around the neck.



9. Make bias tape for the neckline. I cut mine 1 3/4" wide.


10. Sew the bias tape around the neck with zigzag stitches.


11. Start adding lace & ribbons between the triangles. Cut them to random lengths and seal the ends with fray check. Pin them in the desired places to check the balance and sew.



12. I didn't care for the long sleeves, so I cut them... I made the cut at the ribbed part, and took 6" off.


13. Sew the ribbed part back to the sleeves. I made it into 3/4 sleeves.



14. I thought it was a little bare around the neck, so I decided to decorate a little.

I made some yo-yo's, leaves, and flowers out of lace. Pinned all the embellishments onto the sweater to decide where I wanted everything.



* Sizing for the embellishments

* Yo-yo's: (S) cut 1 1/2"circles, (L) 2 1/2" circles (here is the link to how to make yo-yo's)

* Leaves: use 3/8" wide velvet ribbon. Cut 2" and fold it in half and lay both ends together and sew.

* Lace flowers: (I used 5/8" wide lace.) Cut a piece 5" long and gather the top and make a flower.

15. I wanted a little something at the back of the neck too. So, I added a tag with ribbon.


It is all done. All I needed to do was to try it on...


LOOVE it!





See you at next post!

Tutorial~ Kitchen Towel Bag

I picked up a kitchen towel at Target a while ago. I loved the look, but I also had the intention of making something out of it.

My youngest sister who lives in Japan graduated from high school last year and moved out of my parents’ house. Now she is working at a pretty big construction company in the area and working/studying construction management.

She is about a couple hours away from my parents, every now and then, my mom and my other sister will go check up on her to see if she is ok. Sounds like she is doing well and since she is only 10 min away from where she works, she will go back to her apartment for lunch to save money, and quickly clean her room, then she will do some preparation for dinner. According to my other sister, she will even buy meat in bulk and separate it into one person portion sizes and freeze them. Wow, I didn't know my baby sister is that resourceful at age 19, good for her!

I want to send her a small package soon. So, I decided to make a grocery bag out of the kitchen towel. This is a rather small grocery bag, but it's perfect for someone like her. You can keep a bag like this in the car for unexpected needs; it happens to me sometimes. :)

Here is what I did:

1. Cut the kitchen towel and lining.


From the kitchen towel: 2 - 13 1/2" X 13 3/4" (main part of the bag), 2 - 1 1/2" x 22"(handle).

From lining: 2 - 13 1/2" x 13 3/4" (main part of the bag), 2 - 1 1/2" x 22 (handle), 1 - 8" x 6 1/2" (pocket).
2. Lay the main fabric right sides together. Sew both the sides and the bottom. Pinch the bottom corners and sew to make a boxed bottom. Cut the excess, press seams with the iron.


3. Make a pocket for lining.

a. Sew the three sides of the pocket fabric with zigzag stitches (sides and bottom).


b. Fold bottom corners then fold sides and bottom by 1/4" seam. You will have miter corners.


c. Fold the top twice and sew with straight stitches.


4. Sew the pocket onto one of the lining fabric. I just drew a line randomly on the pocket and sewed to make two separate spaces.


5. Sew lining. Just repeat step 2.

6. Make handles. Combine one main fabric, one lining right sides together and sew. Turn the fabric inside out than press with the iron.


7. Put the main bag and lining together with right sides together. Make sure that both sides of the seams match up and pin them to secure. Before you will pin all around the top, slide in the handles then pin the whole top. Leaving a 4" opening, sew all around it.


8. Turn the bag inside out. Press the top with the iron. Top stitch closed.


Now it is ready to ship to my sister!


Perhaps, she can use both sides too...


I hope she will like it. :)

Coin Purse

Whenever I have spare time (which is mostly while I am waiting for my kiddos in the car) I make fabric folded flowers, yo-yo's and such from scraps. I have a small box I keep in my car with such small projects.

Those embellishments come in handy when I want to decorate a random project. I will show you an example.

I found this coin purse at a thrift store several months ago for a dollar. It was mint condition, and I love Gamaguchi coin purse (Gama-guchi is a Japanese word for mouth of frog) I couldn't pass it up.

While I couldn't really work on a big project, I gave a little makeover to this little missy.


Before...



After...




I love it! Don’t you?