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

Attend. The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo

Next month I'll be traveling down to Kansas City to attend The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.  I have a press pass to cover the expo and I also signed up for a few classes. 

I'm looking forward to this event for a couple of reasons. 

1. I'm going with Kelly from Refibered. 

2. It will be a few days of pure crafting goodness.

3. I could really use some sewing instruction.

I'm taking three classes while I'm there.  The first one is Photoshop Elements for Creative Printmakers.  I'm really excited with this one as it combines computers and crafting!  I've had Photoshop Elements for six months and still don't really know how to use it to its potential.  I'd love to be able to design my own fabric for Spoonflower or my own craft paper at Craft Sassy. 

I'm also taking Core Sewing Skills.  I could really use some instruction on the basics so I can avoid some of the crazy mistakes I make.  Plus, I'm a self-taught sewer so it would be nice to know how I'm "supposed" to be doing things. 

The third class I'll be registering for when we arrive so I won't know what is still available.  We took advantage of the bring a friend deal being offered so we each get an extra class.  I'm hoping to get in on a slipcover class. 

Do you like to attend expos or events like these? 

If you could take a class from any of your crafty "heroes", who would it be?

Stuff I Like. Aprons

It was almost unanimous when I asked the facebook fans what they wanted to see this month. APRONS! Because of my back, I haven't been able to craft as much as I might like. So, while I'd love to be making some aprons and giving you some great tutorials, I've got to heal. Instead I'll show you these great aprons that other crafters have made! These are all gorgeous and available for purchase on etsy.

This etsy mini has been replaced with a screen shot.

Singer Dress Forms On Sale

I don't usually post items of this nature but it is National Sewing Month and this product could be something you would really, really want.  These Singer dress forms are regular price $229.  You can get them online at Joann's today for $99.  If you don't want to take the time to make your own duct tape dress form, this might be a good option for you. 

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

Make. Refashioned Curtains

I spent last week at my mom's house.  She bought a brand new Baby Lock sewing machine and was anxious to use it.  Her first project were curtains. 

She had a bed skirt from her bedroom set that she wasn't using and she loved the colors.  So, she cut it up! 

She cut off the fabric sides and added interfacing to the back to make them a little stiffer.   

In this photo you see how she ironed on the interfacing. 

She folded over the top and sewed it shut to make a casing for the curtain rod.

The biggest part of her project was making her side panels.  These weren't difficult, just a little bulky to work with. 

I think they turned out great!   I'm sure that new sewing machine is going to see a lot of use.

Have you ever used a bed skirt for any other purpose?

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. 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. 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. 

Learn. How to Refashion a T-shirt.

The skirt pattern will have to wait until tomorrow.  We're having a rainy day and I want to get some better photographs for the pattern.  Instead, I give you this t-shirt tutorial a day early!

Here is the finished shirt on my duct tape dress form.  I really like the way it turned out and I can see myself making even more of these!  There are so many variations you can do and it was super quick and easy.

I started out with two t-shirts.  The green one was ripped and the white one was stained. 

I cut up the green shirt so it would fit in my die cut machine.  I used the scallop circle die from Stampin' UP.  You don't need to have a die cut machine for this.  It was just super quick for me to run my t-shirt through there and get some uniform shapes.  You can cut out your own shapes using scissors.  I found this tutorial using cut up heart shapes. 

Here you can see my stained shirt and my stack of scallops.  Get some embroidery floss that matches your embellishments.  You can also use doubled up thread. 

You'll want to do a running stitch through the scallop shapes.  All that means is you want to run your thread and needle up and down across the shape two or three times.  This will gather up the shape and then you'll want to tack it down on the t-shirt. 

Once you have one down, pull the needle and thread through the t-shirt to the front.  You'll want to make sure you pull it up underneath your shape so it is hidden.  Repeat for your next shape. I used six scallop circles for this shirt. 

I have several ripped t-shirts that I have big plans for.  Next time I'm going to use smaller shapes and different colors for a new effect. 

I'd love to see your t-shirt creations!  Share them at my flickr group. 

Wardrobe Makeover

Last night I spent the evening living it up with Deb from Fresh Nest and the Yanni Voices.   You can read about the concert at my personal blog.   I'm second from the right and I'm sporting a refashioned t-shirt and a skirt I made.

Please come back tomorrow for the skirt pattern.  It is made in panels and is easily customizable for any size! 

On Wednesday, I'll be blogging about the shirt and how I took two Goodwill destined t-shirts and made one functional shirt. 

Make. Knee Length Skirt From Old Pants

Last week Julie blogged about making over some denim capris into a skirt.  That very day I was wearing some khaki pants that didn't fit me that well and I was inspired!  Over the weekend, I made them into a cute knee length skirt.

These were low waisted pants.  Not a fan, but they were cheap when I needed some casual khaki pants.  It finally got to the point that I hated the way they felt in the waist and crotch areas.  So, I would rarely wear them.  By turning them into a skirt, I get rid of the whole crotch issue and I can wear them where I want to on my waist! 

This project is pretty straight forward.  You cut up the inside seams of the pant legs and then seam them back together, front to front and back to back.  The tricky part is cutting off the extras from the crotch and the butt. 

Here you can see how the extra fabric for the butt sticks out.  I just cut that part off so I could have a straight seam up the back.  Do the same for the extra fabric in the front. 

After you do that, all that is left is sewing it up and putting a hem along the bottom. 

What a great way to make something new out of something I was ready to give away!  Now I have a khaki skirt that I love.

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. 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!

Learn. How to Turn a Dress Into a Skirt.

Yesterday I was cleaning up some clothes and came across a dress of my daughter's that was a little too small.  It was still in good shape so I thought I might chop it up and make it into a skirt.

Chances are, if you have a little girl, you have a dress like this one lying around.  It is just a knit dress with a tiered bottom.  Perfect for turning into a skirt! 

The first thing I did was measure some elastic against my daughter's waist.  I know this probably isn't the most precise way to figure out the measurement, but it is the quickest!  It's just elastic, right?  No need for precision. 

Once I had the elastic cut to her size, I cut the dress at the armpits.  This left a few inches of fabric above the beginning of the tiers.  This is what will now be my elastic casing.

My most clever moment of the evening came when I realized that I could sew the raw edge to the seam from the beginning tier!  This would mean that you wouldn't be able to see any of my sewing! 

I folded the top inside to the seam and then pinched it together.   Actually, my husband folded it for the picture.  Anyway, you'll take that to your sewing machine and zig zag all the way around being careful to leave a 1-2 inch opening so you can thread your elastic through.

 

Place safety pin on one end of your elastic and thread it through the opening.  Be careful not to twist the elastic and make sure the other end doesn't go through the hole.  When it is all the way around, stitch the elastic to itself, slide it up into the casing, and stitch the opening closed. 

Now all that's left is to take pictures of the finished product!  This was the most difficult part.  You can catch a glimpse of blurry little hands that can't wait to get a hold of their "new" skirt!   

I think she likes it! 

Learn. How to Make a Circular Knitting Needle Holder.

This morning I was doing some finishing touches on my craft closet.  I have this baggie full of knitting odds and ends and I realized that my circular knitting needles are always a mess.  Apparently there was nothing as important to me in that moment than to make a circular knitting needle holder.  So, I did.

I'd seen some store bought holders, as well as some homemade, and had a good idea of how to make one.  However, I hadn't seen any with pockets.  I wanted mine to have a few pockets on front to hold some crochet hooks, double pointed needles, and some other knitting odds and ends. 

Once I had the vision in my mind, I went to my closet and picked out some fabric.  The white fabric with yarn balls was a given.  I also lucked out in the fabric stash giveaway to find a coordinating print with all of the matching colors.  The pom-pom fringe was an afterthought and a leftover from one of the craft challenges.

I made this up as I went along but I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.  If you try out the pattern, I'd love to see your pictures at my flickr group!

Circular Knitting Needle Holder Pattern

Supplies:  one 9" X 21" piece of fabric

two 5" X 6" pieces of coordinating fabric for the pockets

Clothes hanger

Pom pom trim (optional)

thread

sewing machine

1. Iron over each side of the pocket sized pieces of fabric approximately 1/3". 

2. Top stitch the top of the pockets.

3.  Secure to the bottom half of your long piece of fabric using pins.  Stitch into place along the sides and bottom. 

4.  Iron over each raw edge of the long fabric approximately 1/3".  Stitch around all edges as close to the edge as possible.

5.  Secure pom pom trim to the bottom edges of the long fabric.  Stitch across and do this for both of the bottom edges of the fabric.

6. Fold the long fabric through the plastic hanger.  Making sure it is folded over evenly, stitch as closely as possible to the hanger.

7.   Now you'll want to mark out where you want your knitting needle channels to be.  Mine are approximately 1 1/2" apart.  Mark them with pins. 

8.  Stitch across the width.  Take care not to stitch over the pockets.  When you get to a pocket, raise your pressure foot, slide your work to the other side, and continue on. 

9.  Trim all the little bits of thread and it is ready to use!

10.  Divide your circular knitting needles by size and thread them through the channels.  Hang up the holder in your closet or on your wall!

Learn. How to Make a Duct Tape Dress Form.

As you can tell from the dress form, I've got my fair share of bosom.  Finding clothes that fit me on the rack is almost impossible.  What fits on top never fits on bottom.  Just one of those burdens I bear.  But, I realize I'm not alone.  We all have our little body quirks that make it difficult to fit into clothes. 

I'm making a sweater for myself and I thought it would be a good idea to make a dress form so I can "try it on" as I go.  I've had a tutorial bookmarked for a while now but there was also one in the book, Custom Knits.  I showed my husband the pictures, he got some duct tape and scissors, and I was taped up for an afternoon.

You'll want to put on a t-shirt that you don't mind cutting up and never using again.   In hindsight, I wish I would have selected a shirt that had longer sleeves and came down lower over my hips.  It wasn't totally critical because it is really the upper part of my body I have a hard time fitting. 

Get someone to help you.  Someone that you don't mind feeling you up.  It can get a little cosy.  My husband did a great job wrapping me up.  As you can see, he started around the waist and moved up.  Once you get to the curvy bits, you have to build up your duct tape layers to make it work.  All in all, we used a whole giant roll of duct tape and did three layers.

Once you are finished, have your partner cut you out of it by making one straight cut up the center of your back. 

These next few steps were the most difficult, in my opinion.  You'll need to tape the back together and stuff it.  I taped over the arm openings and added a hanger to the top before closing it up.  You'll want to have some stuffing in there already to help you fill it out.  I used A LOT of old newspaper for mine. 

Stuff it as tight as you can.  You'll want to make sure to fill up all the crevices and spaces so it is as much like your body as possible.  Once it is stuffed as much as possible, cut a piece of cardboard to fit into the bottom and tape that into place. 

Your dress form is now ready for a name!  You can also cover it with something more attractive than duct tape, or just dress it up!  Mine is now being used to hold some of my aprons. 

If you make your own dress form, I'd love to see the pictures!  You can share them at our flickr group. 

Learn. How to Make a Shaped Burp Cloth.

Burp cloths come in all shapes and sizes and there is really no telling which kind someone will prefer. For my son, I'd take anything absorbent. My daughter wasn't such a prolific drooler so I preferred something a little more sleek.

I attended a baby shower last night for a friend and I decided to make a couple of fancy burp cloths. These are made from a brightly colored flannel and some pink minky fabric. The minky is so soft that is feels just luxurious. However, it is super easy to care for which is a MUST for any burp cloth.

Supplies to make 1 (you'll want to make multiples so take that into consideration):

Flannel  10" x 20"

Minky  10" X 20"

Thread

Sewing Machine

Cut your fabric into 10" X 20" strips. Place one layer of flannel and one layer of minky on top of each other and fold in half. It should know measure 10" X 10".

You'll want to place the fold towards you and cut out the sections where it will fit over your shoulder. I cut approximately 1 1/2" off of each side starting at the fold and then curving outwards toward each side. You'll be able to see in the next picture the kind of shape I cut out.

Remember, this doesn't have to be precise. It is a baby burp cloth, after all. You'll want each side to match as much as possible but I just eyeballed it.

Next you need to place your fabrics right sides together and pin them in place. Stitch around the edges and be sure to leave a 2 inch opening on one side.

After you stitch, trim the seams with scissors or pinking shears. Then, you'll pull the right side of the fabric through the 2 inch opening.

Poke everything through and make sure your corners are all the way pushed out. Now you'll want to top stitch all the way around being careful to stitch over the opening. You can see an example of my top stitching in the very first picture.

I made two of these and rolled them up in a ribbon. This was a gift for a second child so I included a few of my felt flower ponytail holders for the big sister. Burp cloths make great gifts for any new or experienced mother. It's hard to have too many of these things on hand when you have a little baby.