Category Archives: Being Creative

Fostering creativity through sewing and other hobbies

Being Creative, Everything Else

Sewing with Fleece

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Well, it’s time to get my Christmas sewing underway. This year, that means lots and lots of fleece!

Since I really don’t want to waste fabric (and $$$) on bum projects, I have been researching fleece tips. Here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Spend money on good fleece. Splurge on anti-pill. (Note: the pilling doesn’t damage the fabric, but it certainly isn’t attractive.)

2. Most fleece can be used on either side. If you really want to know, you can determine the right side by pulling along the selvage. The fabric curls toward the right side. (According to one website, you can also find the right side by sprinkling water on 2 different areas on either side of the fabric. The side that wicks the water the fastest is the right side. )

3. Once you know the right side, MARK IT!!!

4. Fleece has a nap! Follow the layout on that pattern guideline.

5. Use a zig-zag stitch or a serger.

6. Use a size 14 needle.

7. If pressing is necessary, use a cool iron and a pressing cloth.

Being Creative, Everything Else

Christmas Sewing

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It’s about that time–only 43 days until Christmas. Here’s a peek at my Christmas sewing list:
I know I be making several of these–the shirt, not the hubby;) ,
And a couple of sets of these in other fabrics,And a few little boys I know need cool super hero PJs,And at least one person requested one of these,

And then, of course, there are the pears…

Being Creative, Everything Else, Family

A Halloween Party–7 Years of Costumes and a Giveaway

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Happy Halloween!

I spent the past week telling you about some of my Halloween creations: Halloween boots and balls, Boo treats, and T-shirts.

Today, in honor of the Halloween Party, I’m taking a look back at 7 years of Halloween costumes. (Please forgive the quality of these pictures. I had to hunt to find a few.)

2001- The Pumpkin: The Big Girl was only 6 days old. The costume: a babygown made in orange knit and a cap accented with a green ribbon “stem”.

2002-The Ladybug: The costume: A big-4 pattern, probably made as instructed and finished with a black jogging suit (must have been a cooler than usual Halloween).
2003-The Bumblebee: The costume: I reused the pattern from the year past to make the shell of the suit. The stripes are appliqued. I made the wings from tulle and re-purposed clothes hangers.

2004-The Butterfly: Anyone seen a theme yet? I used the same pattern (again) but left off the bottom elastic. I winged the wings and used a little heat-and-bond to apply the polka dots. The headband is a leftover from her 3rd birthday party the week before. We had a butterfly party. (Would it be too much to mention that in 2002 we had a ladybug party and in 2003-a bumblebee party?) Also, I’m noticing it must have been a warm Halloween.

2005-The Clowns: This is the year I learned my lesson. I almost vowed to never make a costume again. Oh, the pattern was a breeze, it was the cost of the fabric that set me off. I didn’t realize how much this costume cost until I was done! Anyway, the BG’s pattern is a classic by one of the big-4 and it turned out beautiful! The Little Man’s costume is from a baby’s layette pattern.

2006-The Cowboy and The Ballerina: Okay, so I cheated this year. The LM has the world’s easiest costume: jeans, a bandanna, and a cowboy hat. The BG had such a beautiful ballet recital costume that we had to reuse it. And we love the pumpkin patch!

2007-The Cowpokes: Yes, the stick horse rides again. But, this year, Mom put a little more effort into it. For the details on these costumes (that the BG designed), click out this post and this post from last year.

2008-Dorothy and the Corwardly Lion: Uhm, not started, uhm, I have 10 or so days…

The Giveaway ended October 20, 2008. Thanks for playing.

Being Creative, Everything Else

A little sewing…

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It’s amazing what one can accomplish while the internet is down. It really is funny how much more time I had…

A special (last minute) request from a friend…

Birthday present #1 for the same little boy.

Birthday present # 2.

A Twirly, Whirly Skirt and Initial T for EGM’s silent auction.

And a little something for me. (Review to come.)
Being Creative, Everything Else

Book Review: Sandra Betzina Sews for your Home

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Sandra Betzina Sews for your Home
by Sandra Betzina and Debbie Valentine
Published in 2002
ISBN: 1-56158-446-0

Some Chapter Headings:
Kids and Pets
Seating
Sleeping Comfort
Outdoors

I liked:

  • The “Tricks of the Trade” sections spread through out the book that include topics like making bias tape and preparing fabric.
  • Lots of great measuring worksheets for bed covers, table covers, and window coverings.
  • Interesting projects like a Faux-Leather Hassock, a Floor Pillow, Futon Covers, Buffet Silverware Holders, and Jumbo Bolsters.
  • The fun kids projects like a puppet theater, a child’s tee pee, a child’s playhouse, and a fort in a bunk bed.

My dislikes:

  • None really.

Conclusion:
This book is an excellent resources for home sewing. It includes really good worksheets and tips for buying enough fabric. It also has lots of pictures to show you the techniques used in slip covering, mitering corners, and other techniques. Definitely one to turn to when you are ready to change a room.

Would I buy this book for myself?
Nope. I wouldn’t have even looked at this one. But… my mom found this one on the cheap table at a local bookstore and picked it up for me and I love it!! I have ideas for Christmas gifts and for my living room.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?
If she was into home dec. Like the book points out in the intro: “…home-dec items are a great place to begin because the fabrics are easy to work with and you don’t have to fuss with the fit.” (page 3)