Finally completed a couple of sewing projects I had wanted to get to. I'll go over a little of my process and thoughts as practice. I've been sewing since my mom taught me when I was about 10, and try to find time for some fun projects when I can. Luckily I have a nice "vacation" to get some projects in right now.
First of all, here is my Cockatiel wall-hanging quilt. It is about 14" x 16". This was my first-ever attempt at an art quilt. It was actually a lot of fun! I felt like a kid again doing somewhat of a color by number project.
I drew the design myself, then figured out where my pieces should be located and where to use what color fabric. I traced my pieces onto
Steam-A-Seam 2 then stuck this to the appropriate fabrics. The Steam-A-Seam then became the stencil to cut the fabric out. This was my first experience using Steam-A-Seam and it was amazing because it has a temporary double-stick nature (hence the "2"). This allowed me to move the pieces around during the layout phase to re-align when necessary. After everything was lined up, all it needed was some quick ironing to fuse everything into place.
I decided to attempt some stitching work to add in detail and nail down the fabric securely. Unfortunately, my sewing machine is not set up for free-motion so I had to work in mostly straight (or straightish) lines. Here is a sampling:
I am pretty happy with the way it all turned out considering it was my first project of this kind and would try another if a good idea strikes.
Ok I found this fabric and fell in LOVE. It is highly adorable and it has birds - what more could I ask for? I found this free mini-purse pattern called the Buttercup Bag at
Made By Rae's Blogger site and thought it was fitting. Would like to give her props for writing such a cute and very easy-to-follow pattern.
I have a small bag of extra buttons from garments, and found the black button there. Easy and fun!
I just completed another bag this morning. This bag is much larger and could probably fit a notebook. I found this pattern on
artsy-crafty babe's blog. She has a couple free patterns, including the
Pleated Tote found in
pdf format. Another wonderfully put together yet easy and quick pattern to make. I decided to replace the suggested loop closure with a magnetic snap inside. I'll probably be using this as a shoulder bag and purse for school.
Well I have a few other ideas cooking up. I will probably make at least one more of the mini-bag with some other cute fabric I have! Hope you enjoyed the sampling of some sewing things I do.
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