Category Archives: Everything Else

Everything Else

Button Hole Trim

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Here is a close-up of the button hole trim around the buttons on my pink jacket:


Here’s how I did it:

  1. Cut 7 inches of ribbon for a 2-inch trim.
  2. Fold over 2 1/4 inches.
  3. Mark the 45 degree line.
  4. I sew this on freezer paper because my ribbon often gets bunched under my presser foot. It will also help if you will lower your presser foot first–then your needle!
  5. Trim the corner.
  6. Press it open.
  7. Fold over 3/4 inches.
  8. Mark the 45 degree line and stitch again.
  9. Fold the remaining length back onto the length of top. Mark the 45 degree line and stitch again.
  10. Mark the intersection of the miters.
  11. Fold the top onto the bottom, matching the intersection.
  12. Mark 45 degree line.
  13. Stitch.
  14. Trim the excess.
  15. Press it open.
  16. Fray check your edges and stabilize if you wish. If you stabilize, you will have to rip the stabilizer between the ribbons.
  17. Secure it to over your button holes, matching openings.

Being Creative, Everything Else

Some more January Sewing

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Well, it’s mid-way through the month and I decided to check the progress in my sewing basket:

1 UFO
PJ pants featuring a certain mouse for John, just because
Bedroom curtains
A belated Christmas shirt (hey Sarah, did I tell you I found the pattern finally?)
Ahoy! A Spring Wardrobe (reds, whites and blues)
Not, too bad. Plus, I’ve finished 2 orders, Will’s quiet book, and 12 of those too-cute penny pockets.
As for that wardrobe: it’s about 12 pieces and I know it will take longer than a month. In fact my first 10-piece SWAP took 2 months and both the 4-piece mini-SWAPS (mine & his) took a month. Look for the actual “Plan” part of my “Sewing With A Plan” in the next few days.
Everything Else

Smores

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I don’t want to learn to quilt. I don’t. I don’t. I don’t. But, I do like a quilt shop.

I ventured into our newest (and, to the best of my knowledge, only) indie quilt shop in town and found these.

I had to have them. Can’t you see them pieced to make an apron, or a child’s skirt?

So–since I like to wash everything before I use it and since the final project will be machine washable, how do I prep these charm squares? Surely I don’t just toss all 37 of them into the washer, right?
Being Creative, Everything Else

Follow-up on Comments

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I don’t have much new to show you, but I wanted to take the time to reply to a few comments and say hi.

First the “Hi’s!”:

  • Hi Aunt Kat! Mom told me you’re watching. Now I’ll have to watch what I say about my kindergarten education.
  • Hi Aunt Jo! Did you get the cutest Christmas card ever glittered? We had a wonderful Christmas.

Now to the Comments:

From Kristine on January 4: That’s so sweet! Love the monogram! What pattern did you use?

Thanks Kristine. I use a pattern that is a Frankenstein of sorts. I started with the pattern in the Martha Pullen Applique book, then lengthened the legs. Then, I found that the size 2 in her book runs WAAAAY small, so I adjusted it to the measurements of a McCalls OOP pattern.

From Marci on January 6: Great little book!

I knew you’d love it my Arkansas friend!

From Michelle on January 6: One of my new year’s resolutions is to sew every day. Yesterday all I managed was washing the fabric I am planning on using. I have yet to sew a single stitch! Hoping today is the day…

Personally, I think washing is part of sewing, so you’ve already had a successful year!

From Sister #3 on January 6: What about that certain belated Christmas gift????

‘Nuff said!

Everything Else

Amazing what you can do with 2 cups of coffee and Saturday morning cartoons

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I confess: Saturday morning, I let the TV be my babysitter. Well, sort of… The kids played with all their new toys while they were watching cartoons. And, with the help of 2 cups of coffee, here’s what I got done:

Will’s Quiet Book
See yesterday for the details.

13 Penny Pockets
Okay, 12 of them need yo-yos and buttons,
but that’s carpool handwork!
These will be filled with candy for Valentine’s Day Treats.
Go here for details.

1 UFO
This top is based very, very loosely on Butterick 5259.
The front and back were together,
but it’d been waiting about 2 months for
sleeve facings, a neck facing and a hem.
Didn’t it turn out cute?

Another Four Corners Apron
Fairly productive, if I say so myself.