Stuff I Like. Sewing Patterns

Today I'm featuring some great sewing patterns found on Etsy. Go and check them out!

I think a couple of those might end up in my shopping cart in the next few days. Which one is your favorite?

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade christynelson.etsy.com

Make. A Reversible Sun Hat

 

I don't wear hats.  However, I have this fascination with this pattern and I don't think I'll be able to resist much longer. 

Maybe I'll make a smaller one for my kids.

Do you ever make things that you know you might never use? 

More importantly, what fabric should I use? 

 

photo from Craft Stylish

Learn. How to Make a Drawstring Bag.

I'm using up all the leftover fabric from the dresses to make drawstring pouches for all the girl cousins.   This is just a simple bag pattern but I use a buttonhole for the drawstring opening.   This is totally customizable.  In fact, I haven't measured for a single one.  I've just been cutting out what I can from the scraps.  This would actually be a great project to use up some fat quarters and it takes all of about 15 minutes to make. 

Here are the step by step instructions.

Supplies:  two coordinating fabrics (approximately two fat quarters)

Ribbon or cord for the drawstring

 

Cut out four pieces of fabric.  The ones shown here are approximately 6" x 9" each.  You'll want two of each type of fabric.  Two of the pieces will be for the outside and the other will be for the lining. 

Place right sides together of matching fabrics.  Sew along three sides of the outside fabric (leaving the side you want to be the top unsewn).  Do the same for the lining but leave an opening about 2 inches wide on the bottom.   On this picture you can see I left he opening and then I used the pinking shears to trim around the seams.  This is optional.  You could also just press the seams open (or not--it is just a little easier to sew it together later if you do a little ironing).

Using the buttonhole feature on your sewing machine, place a buttonhole approximate 1 1/4" from the top of the outer fabric. 

Now you will place your outer piece inside the lining.  Make sure the right sides of the fabric are together.   See image below.

Sew around the top of the bag.  I use a 1/4" seam allowance. 

Once the bag is sewn all the way around, you will want to pull the bag through the hole you left in the bottom of the lining. 

Fold the lining inside the bag and press along the top.  You are now ready to top stitch and make the casing for the ribbon.

As you can see in this picture, I stitched 1/4" above and below the buttonhole.   You will stitch all the way around the bag. 

Now all that is left is the drawstring.  Cut a length of ribbon.  Make sure it is long enough to tie. 

 

Use a safety pin to help guide the ribbon through the casing.  Once it is all the way around and through the other side, trim your ribbon to the size you like and tie a knot at the end. 

Your little girl will love to put all of her treasures in this simple pouch! 

 

Make. Stationery Box

This is a cute little box full of stationery.  I made it for a wedding gift.  You can find the pdf instructions at this site (we'll forgive her calling it a "stationary" box). 

Had I realized how easy this box was to put together, I would have made one a long time ago. 

Here is the box all closed up.  I used a Simply Scrappin' kit from Stampin' UP called Petal Party.  I chose this paper from my stash because the colors matched the wedding invitations.  All the paper I used came directly from this packet except for a few of the cards that go inside.  Not bad.  I also have enough paper to make at least one more complete box.

 

This box has all sorts of little compartments.  In one of them I put a Target gift card and some tags I punched.  In the other I made some 3X3 notecards and included some mini envelopes.  The fold out section of the box features a little address book and a pocket for stamps.  You can also add a little pen holder. 

Here you can see all I have included inside the box.  I'll be adding a few more full size cards to the mix before Saturday but this was all I had completed this morning as I was ready to take pictures. 

I hope the bride and groom appreciate it.  I might be a bit biased but I think it is a practical (and cute) handmade gift.  What do you think?  Would you have wanted to receive something like this when you got married? 

Make. Pleated Purse

This is the pleated purse pattern from My Spare Time.  True to form, I made a few modifications.  However, the main sections of the bag are straight from the pattern.

Modifications:

I changed the pleats.  I wanted the pleats to all be in the middle.  I just like the way that looks.

I used a contrasting color for the top instead of the same outer fabric. 

 

The added a little bit of stitching to the pockets so they would have some compartments.  I stitched right down the middle on one of the them and a little off to one side for the other. 

There is quite a bit of room in this bag considering it doesn't use a lot of fabric. 

 

For next time:  I am planning on making more of these bags.  There isn't a lot I would change, but one thing I would do is add interfacing to the outer top.  The magnet fastener is a little heavy and I think it would help keep the top of the bag from sagging in.

Make. Drunken Argyle Sweater Vest Still in Progress

I thought it was time for a "state of the sweater vest" posts.  A few weeks ago, I gave an update on how things were coming along.  I also set a goal for myself to have it finished for Father's Day. 

I'm making progress.  The front is now off the needles.  I'm done with the charts and intarsia.  It is the same size as the back.  Now for the "fun" part.

I have lots and lots of ends to weave in.  I've been working on it last night and for a couple of hours today.  Yep.  Hours.  Slow going.  Lots of ends. 

Once I'm finished with that task, I'll block it.  This just means that I'll get it wet and pin it out to dry in the dimensions that I want it.  It will make my stitches look nicer and be much easier to seam up.

After seaming, I'll have a little bit more knitting to do.  I still have to do the ribbing around the neckline and the armholes.  That should take me too long and I'm starting to think that I really will have this thing done by Father's Day.  Dare I say it?  With plenty of time to spare.  

Make. Free Skirt Pattern: Pick Your Panels

This pattern was made up out of necessity.  I really wanted to use that green chicken/egg fabric for a skirt but I only had one yard.  It is a directional print so that made it even  more limiting.  I came up with a plan for a panel skirt.  In the end, I found this to be a great way to combine fun fabrics and by choosing a solid dark color for the side panels it made the skirt slimming! 

To make this skirt fit your size and fabric requirements, you'll need to do a little math.  As such, fabric requirements will vary.  I made mine using a total of 1 3/8 yards. 

Measure your waist.  Take that number + 1. 

Divide that number by the number of panels you would like in your skirt.  The brown panels in the photo above are 1/2 panels and count as 1. 

If you have a 35" waist and want 6 panels, you will divide 36 by 6.  This is your waist number. 

The next number you'll need is your flare.  Take your waist number and multiply it by 2.  Our flare number would be 12. 

Now you need to decide how long you want your skirt.  I cut mine out to be 22 inches long but this is personal preference.  I'd rather cut it too long than too short!

You now have your panel measurements.  They will be 6 inches at the top, 12 inches at the bottom, and 22 inches long. 

In this picture you can see the general shape of the panel.

 

 

To cut your panel pieces to these measurements, you'll want to cut your strips using the flare number and the length.  In this case, you'll make 6 strips measuring 12 X 22. 

Fold the strips in half lengthwise.  Use your ruler to make a diagonal cut to the 3 inch mark (or HALF of your waist panel number).  When you unfold the panel, it will be 6 X 12 X 22 (or waist panel number X flare number X length). 

Sew your panels, right sides together, along the long edge.  I used a 5/8" seam.  Continue around all of your panels and join them when you reach the last panel.  I used pinking shears to trim all of my seams. 

For the waistband, fold your skirt in half and measure around the waist.  Multiply that by 2 to get the measurement all the way around.  Cut a 5 inch wide strip to measure the same length as your waist (plus 1 inch).  For the example skirt the measurement would be 5" X 36".  You can also piece this together if you don't have a 36" length of fabric.

Sew the short ends of the waistband, right sides together. 

Iron the fabric in half lengthwise.  Then open it up and fold and iron in 1/4" along each length. 

With the waistband folded in half, pin it to the top of the skirt with right sides together.  Stitch it to the skirt but leave a 1 1/2" opening so you can thread your elastic. 

Cut your elastic 2" less than your waist measurement.  Using a safety pin, thread it through the casing.  Sew the two elastic ends together being careful not to twist it.

Now you can stitch up the opening.  I used 1/2" elastic and wanted it to stay near the top of the waistband so I did a top stitch around the waistband making sure not to catch the elastic. 

All that is left now is the hem!  I did a simple hem on this skirt and just folded up the bottom a couple of times and stitched around.  You could easily add another fabric around the bottom or a ruffle to make the skirt a little more unique.  It's up to you!

I'd love to see your finished product.  Don't forget to share your photos with the flickr group. 

Here is my skirt (and shirt)  "in action" backstage after the Yanni Voices concert in Omaha. 

Make. Spring Ruffled Top / Skirt

I wanted to try out this pattern from Sew, Mama Sew.  It is for a Spring Ruffled Top.  I love the way these tops look but I should realize that these don't look good on me!  No matter how much I am drawn to these patterns, I need to run away! 

This does have a happy ending, though.  I made it into a skirt!  Here is what happened:

This is a picture of the top (without the straps attached) on my duct tape dress form.  As you can see, instead of flattering, it makes a mockery of my big chestedness.  Don't get me started on the pleats in the back!  Those gave me a humback to no end.  Seriously.  Not flattering for me. 

When I was done trying it on, I decided that it looked pretty cute off the dress form and might make a nice skirt.  I wondered if it would fit me.  It did!  It is a little loose in the waist but not enough that I needed to take in in. 

All I needed to do was add some fabric to the bottom to make it a little longer.  I had already cut out the fabric for the straps so I had those ready to go.  I added that around the bottom of the top skirt and it was finished!  This was one happy mistake and the bonus?  It was made from FREE FABRIC!  I can see myself making a lot more skirts now. 

Have you ever had a craft FAIL turn into success? 

Make. Drunken Argyle Sweater Vest in Progress

I've been working on this sweater vest for my husband for a long time.  It is the Drunken Argyle pattern from Knitty.  I finally gave myself a deadline.  I will have this vest finished in time for Father's day.  Here's how my progress has gone over the years.

Finished the back in April 2007 (picture taken today)

I can't find the exact date that I started this project but I'm sure it was late 2006 or early 2007.  It's been a while. 

I'm using Knit Picks Essentials sock yarn on size 3 needles.  Good thing my husband only needs a size small.  Otherwise, it might have taken me 6 years to finish it! 

This pattern isn't for the faint of heart.  You have to use a chart because the pattern is not repeating so every row is different.  That's the only reason it has taken me this long.  I can only work on it when my husband is home to take care of the kids.  It also isn't a very portable project.  I can't just toss it in my bag and take it to knitting group.  It requires a little more focus than that.

May 2007

In this picture you can see my chart.  I use a Knit Picks magnetic chart holder.  This is a lifesaver.  I started out just using post it notes but those weren't reliable as they would shift.  I've been happy with the chart holder.  Here's a little tip if you're working with a chart:  color it!  There are symbols on the chart denoting which color you need to use but I didn't want to waste brain power trying to remember that the + squares= black and the - squares = green.  I just used some colored pencils and colored in the the blocks and that has helped so much.

March 2008

Not much progress, eh?  I put the project away for much of 2007 and dusted it off again in March 2008.  I worked quite a bit on it and took another break.  I got it out again last week and have been working on it a little more.

Today

I'm a few inches past the armholes and a few more inches away from the v-neck.  I'm sure it will go quickly once I reach that point since I will have fewer stitches to knit. 

Do you think I'll be able to finish it by Father's Day?

Make. Mini Patchfolio

I've had the mini patchfolio pattern as a favorite in my bookmarks for some time now.  But, I couldn't justify the $12 price tag for a pattern.  However, just a few days ago I decided that I loved it so much that I needed to have it.  I bought the small books pattern that includes three different projects. 

First off, let me just say that the patterns are well written and beautiful.  I ordered it on a Wednesday morning and by Thursday morning the pattern had arrived in the mail.  Granted, it was just coming a few states away but to have a one day turnaround was amazing to me! 

These patchfolios are meant for the jr. legal pads you can find at office supply stores.  Part of the reason I wanted this pattern is because I have two packs of these (about 24 pads) hanging around my house and I thought they would make cute teacher gifts.

I made this one to match the bag I made back in February.   It just so happens to match the belt I made, too.  The other patchfolio I made using red gingham.  I thought that would be a good choice for a generic gift sometime.  Living in Nebraska, you can never go wrong with something red.

The craft apple patterns are now licensed to allow for sales.  You can make up a batch or two and sell them at craft fairs or in your etsy shops.  They are quick enough to make and take less than 3 fat quarters to make.  In fact, I might place some in my shop once I get the technique down a little better.  All in all, this pattern gets a thumbs up from me!

Make. Knit Sweater Vest Pattern.

The sweater vest that I blogged about a few days ago now has a pattern!  Download the PDF file here.

Ravelry download is here.

Robyn at The Craftivist did a great job on the pattern!  It was a quick and easy knit.