comtemplation

I spend a lot of time making combinations.... thinking about color...

thinking about pattern...

thinking about texture...

What will all of these combinations become?

Quick and Easy Project

In our New Year's quest to finished unfinished projects and use already purchased supplies (# 13, #17, & #19), we have found the fastest sewing project yet! Kerry found this easy kid's tote bag on Martha Stewart's wonderful website. I decided to give it a try.

Because I can never follow directions completely, I made a few changes to her well-put directions. First, I felt that the bag might be a bit small for my kids, the model shown was about 4 or 5 years old. I added 1/2 inch to the width and 3 inches to the length. If you do this, don't forget to add several inches to the cording as well.

Her directions call for a water proof nylon to line the bag, not having any nylon in my sewing stash, I decided to use an inexpensive cotton for the lining as well as the out side of the bag. This is where you can use the fun and funky prints found on the discount racks of your local craft and fabric stores. I enjoyed mixing the prints and colors.

The cording I used was a very inepensive cotton cording found in the ribbon section of my Hobby Lobby. I found 2 of the fabrics I used on their clearance racks for $2 per yard. (Nevermind that I vowed not to buy more until I used what I have. I couldn't resist-- you won't tell, will you?) On the third bag, I used ribbon loops at the bottom of the bag to anchor the straps. This is another way to encorporate more detail and color in the design. On an adult bag of a similar style it would be easy to encorporate more mature fabric patterns and a colored cording for the straps.

From start to finish, I think that each bag took about 30 minutes or less. The time and money invested is not bad for a quick and easy project. And the kids love their new totes!

Fabric swap

Today Kerry and I swapped fabric. We each have sewing machines at our own homes. We don't keep sewing machines in the studio, I don't think there would be any room. So, we divide the fabric we own together and periodically trade. It is quite a sight! We each have our fabric in big crates. One of us hauls our crate to the other person's house.

Today, Kerry brought her fabric over to my house. Then, in the living room, we had a fabric explosion! After all, you can't trade fabric without knowing what you have to share. We spent a fair amount of time sorting and combining fabrics and discussing what we could make out of the respective pieces and combinations. Then, we claim the pieces we want to work with and re-pack our boxes.

Today we even created challenges for each other. Actually Kerry gave us both a challenge. To assemble all the items which are already cut out. I don't know about you, but I have a number of items cut and not put together. Nothing huge, just a few pouches, tissue holders, and tote bags, well, quite a few. So, we will see if I can rise to the occasion and finish all the work I have started. Stay tuned for updates, and give me some encouragement to get it all done!

I've got a secret!

Actually it is more like a confession. I confessed to Rachel the other day and she was supportive as a good friend should be. She promised to help me and guide me. Now it is time I tell all of you.... I don't know if I can....well here it goes...............

I can't read sewing patterns!
I know, who would expect this from such a crafty person like me? I am willing and able to attempt any crafting medium and I love to sew. But the patterns?
When I try to read one, my mind wanders and I can't seem to grasp what they are talking about. I can't figure out which way the fabric is supposed to go and they are always pinning things. I am anti-pinning! How can I sew without pinning? Carefully and if it absolutely requires pinning - then I won't make it. How does Rachel put up with me? I don't know because these are surely the least of my annoying habits.
So here is how I do sew, I need to see the fabric laid out or I need to look at a pre-made item. I can then turn the pieces visually in my head and figure out how to sew them together. Rachel is also a huge help. She is usually the one to figure out the construction of our fabric creations. I'll tell her what I am thinking of and she will show me how to make it. It's all about the visual directions, with actual pieces of fabric not drawings.

I feel better. The next time I go fabric shopping, I can hear the exchange now:

Grandma behind the counter: "So deary, what are you making and how many yards will you need?"

Kerry: "I can't read a pattern! I am making tissue holders, 10 yards should cover it."

Grandma: "Good for you honey!"

Sewing Illiterate and proud!