In order to clean up the look in my quilt studio I decided to make curtains to cover the closet opening. While I was at it I made a matching valance for the window.

I found this wonderful fabric in the discount room at the fabric store and bought the end of the bolt. As you can see, it has sewing supplies printed all over it thread, buttons, scissors, pin cushions, and thimbles.

Because there were two separate pieces at the end of the bolt it pre-determined the amount of fabric I had for the window (just one yard.) I cut it into two pieces of 18 inches, joined them at the center and created a pocket for the rod. Hemmed all around. If I were to do this again I would make the valance shorter and fuller by making three sections of 12 inches.

The rest of the fabric was cut into three panels, rod pockets sewn and the ends hemmed. I did not join the sides of these as I wanted to be able to go in and out of the closet at more than just the ends. The pre-determined length leaves them a little short at the bottom but it will allow for some air flow so things don't get stale in there.

Both of the curtains are installed on extension rods. The closet curtains were a bit heavy causing some bowing of the rod so I put in some U-brackets at the intervals between the panels.

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PDT

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Well, the OLD bag was bustin' at the seams. So I used it as a pattern and stitched up a replacement. This is what we use for our library materials.

The original was a cheap reuseable shopping bag. It measures 15.5 square with an 8 inch side and bottom. I had the heavy-duty fabric on hand as well as a heavy black fabric that I used to fashion the straps. I reinforced the bottom with a second layer of the floral fabric.

The seams are all zig-zagged before binding with bias tape to seal the raw edges. Narrow bias tape is also used to bind the upper raw edge.

A plastic shoe box (sans lid) is dropped into the bottom as further reinforcement and to keep the base from sagging when being used.

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PDT

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If you like to eat in front of the TV it can be super handy to have some kind of clothing protector against spills. this is especially true of eating things like soup, spachetti and the like.

I made several of these and did not take photos of them. Then I had leftovers of the awesome train fabric and decided to make one more.

These measure 24" high by 15" wide and have a 6 1/2" neck hole. I rounded the corners with th same curve of the neck hole. The pocket is 5 1/2" high.

I used narrow double-fold bias tape to bind all the edges including the upper edge of the pocket. The back of the neck is cut open and there is velcro to facilitate closure.

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PDT

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I was given a challenge to sew up a handbag using a plastic one as a model. It was the right size and shape but a poor choice of materials for the user.

I pulled out the leftover fabric that I had used on the cushion the other day and some complementary floral fabric to use as a liner. I used iron-on interfacing on both pieces before cutting.

I measured the model bag and wrote up a plan of cutting and construction. I had to make plans for a different way of attaching handles as the model had leather ones attached with rivets. The closing zipper and an inside pocket were also eliminated.

As it happened I had a packet of magnetic snaps in my stash that I had picked up on clearance several years ago.

So, here is the finished purse:

Here you can see the magnetic snap closure:

Here is a view of the lining. You can see that the straps are also lined so you get a little view of that blue and golden fabric there as well.

This all went together in a couple of hours - including planning time. Next ones (yes, there will be more) will go faster since I can skip that step altogether.

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Tuesday, 26 February 2013 9:38 AM PST

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I offered to make a cushion to turn a small chest into a seat for an apartment. The chest has a rim along the back and two sides so the cushion was designed to fit in this space.

I constructed it in my head a couple of times and then started whacking away at 2-inch foam and some upholstery fabric. I had two white zippers in my stash and made them work by coloring the tape with Copic markers and stitching them end to end. They meet in the center of the back.

I made the construction like a box so there is a seam at every edge of the foam.

Here you can see the zippers where they meet

The zipper is hidden by a placket. Too many waves in the placket for me but it was difficult getting the sturdy zipper tape and the slippery fabric to play nicely together. It will be on the back of the cushion anyway.

This is a better color rendition than the first photo of the whole cushion. We'll blame that on the shiny fabric.

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PST

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Back in about 1978-9 I got tired of my wardrobe and decided to replace some clothes and use the old ones to recycle into new outfits for my daughter. There were quite a few of them but the only one I found evidence of in the old photo files was this transformation from 'mom jeans' to toddler overalls.

I kept the structural elements wherever I could to create the styling around them (front tucks, waistband, button closure, zipper) and used the parts that I cut away to add new elements as needed (shoulder straps).

I can't believe I had enough foresight to take a 'before' picture:

As well as an 'after' picture:

Fresh out of my degree in Clothing, Textiles and Design and THIS is the project I chose to memorialize! LOL!

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PST

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I left my camera away from me and did not have it to post Halloween costume pictures on time. Then I forgot to do it when I got the camera back so we are really running late on these - 2 1/2 months!

I made my hubby's costume from a disposable construction jumpsuit. I slit the legs to the knee and the sleeves to the elbow and sewed in red satin triangle inserts. Then I blinged up the front with red and clear rhinestones, made him a red satin scarf and a white belt. The belt 'buckle' is spray painted on and we purchased the wig.

For my costume I took a look at the 'actual' dress online and just started cutting and stitching to create mine. I built in some extra 'padding', bought a wig and spray painted some sandals with gold. The rest is makeup.

Ooooh la la!

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 12:01 AM PST

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 I found a fabulous little book called "Pretty Little Cozies" that has patterns and instructions for making cozies for an amazing variety of things. The one that really interested me was the cover piece - a cozy for a french press coffee maker.

But they used a totally patchwork background with folk-art flowerpots, butterflies, etc. I really wanted to do a chicken theme for my D-I-L. Unfortunately, chicken fabric seems to be 'out of fashion' this season so I ended up drawing my own birds, cutting them out of a variety of fabrics and stitching them to an 'egg' printed background. I did applique decorative stitching with embroidery thread.

So, here's the piece in whole:

This is how it will look on the press, Viewing the side with the two hens.

This is the side with the rooster:

Her is a closeup of the hens. You can see the stitching better in this shot. Notice that the hens have blue beads for their eyes and I gave the lower girl a few 'seed beads' to peck at.

Here is the closeup of the rooster. He is much more colorful than the ladies! Notice the green fabric I used for 'grass'. Love this!

Hope you enjoy!

Ddd

Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net at 6:00 AM PDT

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