EpiPen Case

This was a little project for a friend of mine. Her daughter has peanut allergies and she wanted a pretty case for her Epipen.

I made two different styles (actually 3, but didn't get a picture of one of them).  I also made a small label to identify the contents.

I used a computer printer fabric sheet for the label, backed it with interfacing and satin stitched around the edge.  Then just trimmed any excess fabric close to the stitching.  Because the ink isn't washable, I just basted it on to the case with large stitches.  That way she can remove it if she ever does need to clean it. (Update: I just found out that they do make one that's washable.)

Have you ever used the printer fabric?  I'm wondering how I could use the other 3+ sheets in the pack.  :)

Sewing Party Projects

This past weekend I got together with a bunch of friends at the local library for a sewing/craft party.  We had coffee and snacks and all brought projects we wanted to work on and fabric we wanted to trade or give away.  One girl was teaching crochet techniques, another was hand sewing a doll, and several of us had our sewing machines and were finishing up half-started projects.

Here's what I accomplished that night; A little bunny wristlet and a few vintage fabric key chains.

I had cut most of the pieces for this little pouch years ago, but as with many projects, it got stuck in a drawer and forgotten.  I love this vintage children's fabric (its a 1940's Puritan Print called "Mail Time") and have used many of the cute little scenes before.  On this wristlet I used the bunny on the front and a strip with the bluebird on the back.

I also tried out some new key chain hardware.  This was just another way to use up tiny scraps of vintage fabric that I can't throw away.  I only needed about a 1.5 inch strip for these.

It was a fun and fairly productive evening.  I wish I would have remembered to take some pictures while I was there, but apparently I felt the need to defend my title as "World's Worst Blogger".  lol
Have a great week everyone!

Vintage Floral Velvets for Fall

Vintage printed velvets from the 1970's become new zip pouches. They are in pretty fall colors and have fun poppy and daisy floral designs. Available on Etsy and the website... more coming soon. :-)

Let's Sew a Zippered Pouch ~ A Tutorial

After hearing several comments from readers that they had never sewn in a zipper before or were intimidated by the thought of installing a zipper, I decided to put together a little tutorial.
I should preface this 'How-to" by saying that it may not be the only way or even the best way to do it. I'm mostly a self-taught, learn by trial and error, kind of sewist, so precede at your own risk. LOL

Go and gather up your materials (list below) and we'll do a fun project together. Go on...I'll wait...

What you'll need:
*2 pieces of outer fabric fused with interfacing and 2 pieces lining fabric all cut to the same size. (I think mine are 9.5" x 6.5", but this method will work with any size, even a small change purse.)
*A zipper (with nylon? teeth, not metal). (As you can see in the pictures, my zipper is longer than my fabric, which is not a problem. But, ideally you want the full length of the zipper, including the tails, to be at least as wide as your fabric.) Helpful tip: A zipper is sized by the length of the teeth, so figure that a 7"zipper is really 8-8.5"L including the tails. A 9" zipper is 10-10.5"L including the tails, and so on.
*Pins
*A zipper foot and regular foot for your machine

Ok, is everyone ready? Start by layering your first side: a piece of lining face up, zipper face up, and outer fabric face down. Line up top edges and pin.

Using your zipper foot, sew across the top. When you near the end before the zipper pull, stop with your needle down in the fabric. Lift the presser foot and open the zipper so the pull is out of your way. Lower the foot and continue sewing to the end.
Now, fold back the fabrics and press. Next, layer the second side. Lining fabric face up, zipper face up, outer fabric face down.Line up top edges and pin. This time the zipper pull will be in your way right off the bat, so go ahead and open it up a bit before you start sewing.Again, when you get to the pull, stop with the needle down in the fabric, close it back up and continue sewing to the end. Fold back and press. This is what your piece should look like.At this point put the regular foot back on your machine and decide if you want to add a loop tab or label or if you want to top stitch. Usually if I'm using quilt weight fabrics I don't top stitch, but with heavier barkcloth or decorator fabric I will.

Optional top stitching, loop, and label: To top stitch, sew through the top and lining fabrics. With heavier or bulky fabrics this helps to keep them out of the way of the zipper.If you add loop tab or label, be sure to sew them to the outer fabric only.

Now, very important step...open the zipper to an inch or so from the edge of the fabric.

Pin the 2 outer fabrics right sides together and the 2 lining fabrics right sides together. The teeth of the zipper will be pointing toward the lining.
Sew around all 4 edges, leaving a small opening in the bottom of the lining. I also backstitch over the zipper on each side for added strength.Now you can clip the corners and trim off any excess zipper if yours was longer, like mine.
Reach inside the lining opening and turn right side out. Sew up the opening in the lining. Press and TaDa!...you've made a zippered pouch. :-)See, wasn't that easy?

This project is also part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Click the link above to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.

More Vintage Cut Velvet Chenille ~ Clutches

Yes, my obsession with this vintage cut velvet, sculpted chenille type upholstery fabric continues. :-)

After purchasing a piece of fabric earlier this month, the seller graciously included these fabric pieces. I immediately set out with my new purchased fabric and these fun freebies to find coordinating prints to use as linings.Mission accomplished! I found these two Japanese floral prints; the blue is from Joann's Kimono Collection and the orange is from a local quilt shop (didn't get the maker). They both have gold accents which help to tie in with the slight shimmer of the upholstery fabric.
I turned the lovely cerulean blue into a fold over clutch with magnetic snap closure.
And the orange became a small zippered hand clutch with a hidden back strap.

I have a couple of small home projects planned for later this week, so hopefully I'll be able to share them with you soon.

This project is part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Kim has a fun project oriented link event! Pop over to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.

What I've Been Sewing ~ Cosmetic Bags

I needed a cosmetic bag. I have a drawer full of make-up, but use the same 6 or so items everyday, so I wanted a small bag to hold these few daily essentials.
Something pretty that I could grab quickly and throw in my purse if I was going to be gone all day. Oh, and a little loop would be handy if I wanted to hang it conveniently near my magnifying mirror, so I added a small loop of rick rack. After I made one for myself, I was on a roll and the rest just sort of happened. LOL

The first ones I made were out of some of my Sisboom fabrics by Jennifer Paganelli (love, love that pink and aqua toile from one of her earlier lines) and a cheery sunflower print from Heather Bailey.
I also found some pretty Amy Butler Lotus fabric in my stash. I think this was my favorite print of that line and had it in just about every colorway. The extras will be in the Etsy shop. Or if you want to make one of your own, it is a very easy project and I'm sure there are many tutorials just a google search away. Never sewn in a zipper before?...This is the perfect project to practice that skill, as well.
Enjoy the weekend, everyone and Happy sewing!

Vintage Cut Velvet Fabrics and Pouches

As cooler weather approaches, I start thinking about "winter" textiles...Corduroy, wool, velvet, cable knit, even Tartan plaids. One of my favorites is a vintage upholstery type fabric referred to as cut velvet or voided velvet.
It has a fabulous texture. Definition from the Textile Glossary: "Velvet with a cutout pattern or pile effect. Often seen with brilliant designs and patterns. Made on a Jacquard loom from a variety of fibers."
I'm not sure of the fiber content of mine, but they all washed up beautifully.

The vintage stuff is quite elusive, becoming harder and harder to find. And the new cut velvet upholstery fabrics are very expensive.
However, this summer I was thrilled to find several pieces; one at a flea market (the burgundy piece) and two at auction (2-toned blues). The green leaf above is one that I found several years ago.
I love the look of this elegant fabric used in a casual everyday item, so I've decided to use some of it to make zip pouches.
And even though its not one of the velvets, I made this pouch below from a vintage 60's fabric and just love it!!!
These will be listed on etsy or the website.

My computer is giving me fits lately and its taking me forever to load and edit photos. The monitor went out on me last week, so I've replaced that, but I think I may need to get a new computer as well. On the bright side, though, since I haven't been able to do much on the computer, I've gotten a lot of sewing done. :-)

A Couple of New Bags

This first tote and pouch set was made with that gorgeous Anna Maria Horner fabric from her Drawing Room line along with linen. There's enough interest in the art nouveau print, so I kept the bag pretty simple.

This set was recently donated to a local cancer benefit silent auction. Mmmm mmm...I just LOVE that fabric!

The next one is a mix of old and new. Another Drawing Room print is used with a fun vintage fabric from the 1950's. This one is on the website. (or will be soon)

I think the fact that I'm already sick of winter and cold weather prompted me to use the cute patio print. :) The backside is a little more sophisticated, having just the linen and teal print.I'm also trying out some new things with the straps in an attempt to find a handle that I don't hate making.

Really, that is my least favorite part of sewing bags. I think I might even try the rivet thingy so I don't have to sew through all those layers. If anyone has any suggestions, or if you've used the rivets, I'd love to hear how you like them.

Sew Busy!

Well, I don't know that I've been any busier than normal, but I have been trying to get a bit more sewing done.

The first project is another one of my Sash Totes. I've made a number of these since last year, but most of them had been spoken for before they ever made it to Etsy or the website.

This one wears a sash made out of two fabrics by Heather Bailey; A small pink print on one side and a brown and blue "Pop Garden" fabric on the other.

Also made a few linen and vintage fabric pouches...

And finally, a vintage monogrammed towel gets a new lease on life as a fabric gift sack with matching tag. Paired with a denim ticking stripe, it has a rustic charm.

These are fabulous to use as a house-warming or hostess gift when filled with:

* a bottle of wine and a loaf of french bread

*a trio of tall pillar candles

*a pretty mug, flavored coffee, and biscotti

*fresh apples, favorite recipes, and glass jar filled with oatmeal crumble topping

The chances of finding vintage monograms that match our own are slim, so why not just make up a cute saying that fits the initials. This one is either "S H" or "S K". How about...Sweet Home or Suzy Homemaker...Super Kool or Special Kindness. (Hey, its late, I'm sure you could think up something more clever.) :)

Thanks for letting me share my latest projects! Have a great week, everyone!