Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Denim Corset Simplicity #8129

Denim Corset Simplicity 8129 View D
Simplicity 8129 View D

The lining was not part of the pattern, but I had a small piece of African Print fabric so I added a lining to my corset.

Hand made bias binding made on my 
Simplicity Bias Tape Maker

Ride side binding added to corset.
Last few steps is to add binding to the entire corset.


Fabric: Denim from my stash
Lining: African print fabric from my stash
Threads: Denim and Gutermann Top Stitch (Heavy Duty)
Machines: I used my Bernina 1008 for the top-stitching and my Bernina Artista 200E to sew the corset and lining.
Pattern Alterations/Changes: I did not use boning as called for in the pattern. The denim is a nice weight with no stretch (Approx. 5-7 Oz).  I used a heavy interfacing instead which worked well. The back will be laced but I added leather band/trim with grommets and 1/8" leather lacing. I purchased the notions from Joann a while ago and had them in my stash for some time-see links below:


Saturday, August 27, 2016

African Print Ankara Dutch Wax Fabric-Peplum Top-McCalls 7356


Fabric: Ankara Dutch Wax (2 different prints)
Pattern: McCalls 7356 View B
Sewing Machine: Bernina Artista 200E
Sewing Skill: Easy to Intermediate 
Sew Again: Maybe, I have quite a few peplum patterns
Recommended: Yes.  Instructions were very easy to follow.  After the first few steps I tossed them aside.
Pattern Alterations: Instead of just doing the usual ol' hem, I created my own bias tape and created my hem with it. I used my Simplicity bias tape maker, I just love that machine.



Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Biscuit "Puffy" Quilt Completed!!!!

I finally finished the puffy quilt. I had just enough fabric left to make a matching pillow and throw blanket. This was made on my Bernina Artista 200E.

   Quilt Front 

                                              Quilt Back
                                   
Pillow & Blanket
                           Off to Texas this goes!!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Puffy "Biscuit" Quilt Top

Polka Dots & Whoot Owls
 Puffy "Biscuit" Quilt Top

2 more rows to go and then the backing & binding
These quilts were popular in the 1970s.

Fabric(s): 100% Cotton Quilting (SM/LG Polka Dots & Owls).  You can use pre-cut charm packs but I cut my own blocks 9" and 6".  Next, you will need to determine what size finished quilt top do you want to make.

Other Supplies: Bag(s) of polyfill, how much you need to buy depends on how big your quilt will be. Make sure that you spend a little $$ on the filling don't be to cheap cheap....32 Oz. Polyfil at Joanns and of course matching/coordinating threads, I used Gutermann Natural Cotton Thread-Plum Berry (Pink): Gutermann Natural Cotton Variegated Thread

My Size Squares: 9 inch Squares for top of each biscuit and 6 inch squares for the bottom (back) biscuit. NOTE: I used the large polka dot cotton fabric for the 6 inch backs.

Sewing Machine Used: Bernina Artista 200E, Foot #1-Reverse Pattern Foot

The How To Do:
There are quite a few tutorials on making the quilt top, but I chose this video here: Shabby Fabrics: How to Make A Bubble Quilt
Size: I made each row 4 blocks across and the completed quilt will be a total of 6 rows down.  2 tips for a successful puff: 
1.) Tuck and pin top square  
2.) Do NOT overfill your puffs!!!  
Make It Again?: Any quilting project can be time consuming, but these quilts are so cute, I may make myself one for the 2016 Autumn Season.  I will use bigger blocks (20 inch) for mine since I have a queen-size bed. I purchased my 20X20 Omnigrip  ruler from Joanns: 20-1/2 X 20-1/2 Inch Square Ruler 

On average, these quilts are selling on Etsy for $150.00 up to $250.00 for the larger quilts.



Yes I'm Making Shoes!!!


Summer Espadrilles
Wedge Heels


I was actually sewing these while at work....

Fabric: African Dutch Wax Fabric (From My Stash)
Pattern: Dritz   Espadrilles Wedge Heel Kit
Recommended: Yes (Highly)
Skill Level: Beginner through Advanced Sewers/Crafters
Review:  The Dritz espadrille kit is easy to follow.  This is fun for children and adults. Dritz carries children's sizes and adults up to size 10.  They also supply everything you need to make a cool custom pair of espadrilles.  Also comes in the flat style.
Make It Again: Yes, Yes and Yes.  I will try the flat style next using up-cycled denim (my sons old jeans).
Video Tutorial: There are a few great tutorials that are easy to follow listed below: