Projects – Page 3

April 29, 2021

National Zipper Day: Zipper Pansy Pin

Make this sweet pansy pin using designer zippers from Ghee’s! It’s easy to construct and is a perfect embellishment for any season. Feature one or several on a lapel, handbag or headband or decorate a hat, belt, or shoes. You can even make other unique jewelry like a necklace or bracelet.

Materials

2 decorative zippers from Ghee’s. Zippers should be at least 14″ long and in contrasting colors (2 zippers will yield 2 pansy pins)
2 circles, each 1½”-wide, of backing such as buckram, felt, or heavy interfacing
2 pin backs
Bugle beads, small crystals or seed beads for flower centers
Needle and matching thread or sewing machine
Fabri-Tac™ glue

ASG members receive a 15% discount on their entire purchase at Ghee’s. You can find the code on the Special Offers page in the Members Only area of ASG.org.

Directions

Cut bottom stop from both zippers, then separate the zippers and set the zipper pull aside for another use.
Using one side of each zipper, make a gathering stitch along the length of the zipper tape ¼” from tape edge with needle and thread or by sewing machine. Repeat with all the zipper
tapes.
To make larger petals, pull gathering stitches up loosely on one tape. Coil into 3 large petals. Arrange large petals on outer edge of backing circle. Glue in place. For center petals, pull
gathering stitches tightly and arrange coils to fit into center of large petals, hiding tape end. Trim off zipper tape if you have too many center petal coils. Glue onto center of larger petals. Repeat for second pansy pin.
Remove any gathering stitches that show. Glue or sew bugle beads and small crystals or seed beads to the center of the pansy.
Sew or glue pin back to pansy backing.

Download these instructions as a pdf file from Ghee’s

~Linda McGehee, Ghee’s

March 5, 2021

DIY Table Runner

Run, Run… Table Runners

A table runner can be used to add color and interest to any part of your home décor, showcase a display of collectibles, or it can be used simply to protect the dining table surface. You get multiple functions in one! A runner can even be used over a tablecloth to double the decorating punch.

Runners can be as simple as a length of fabric with both edges fringed—a perfect project for kids to make, or they can be more elaborate as a canvas for stenciling, stitching, piecing and quilting.

Don’t limit the use of a runner to an eating table—they can also be used on dressers, coffee tables, buffets, breakfast bars, atop shelving units and other flat surfaces.

Fabric

Fabric for runners runs the gamut from burlap for a casual look to velvet, brocade, organza or sequins for a more elaborate occasion. Runners can be single layer, or combined with batting and backing to offer more protection to the table surface. If the runner goes on a patio table, consider a laminate, oilcloth or other outdoor fabric.

Edge Finishes

Edge finishes can be simple fringe, applied trim, binding, lace, piping or narrow hems. Or, for a reversible look, make each side different with encased edges. It’s easy to combine Thanksgiving and Christmas in one double-sided runner.

Runner Ends

Runner ends can be pointed, round or square. Because runners can be shorter than the table length, the same length or longer with a generous drop, there are creative opportunities for end finishes. Tassels, beads or decorative fringes are often added for weight if the runner extends beyond the table length.

Table runners can be used to dress any table shape, from rectangular to circular. On rectangular tables, they can be placed lengthwise down the center, at one end or crosswise. Multiple crosswise runners can double as placemats. Runners can also be combined both lengthwise and crosswise on a table, visually connecting diners.

Use coordinating fabric to make napkins to accent your runner.

Size Wise

So how wide should a runner be? While there are no absolutes and it’s purely a matter of preference, the general rule is that a runner should be about 1/3 the width of table if it will be displayed lengthwise. This allows for place settings on both sides without having plates teetering half on and half off the runner. So, for a 48” table, the width should be about 13”-16”.

And how long? Again, a matter of preference. If the runner is longer than the table, there should be a 6” fabric overhang on each end. If it’s going over a tablecloth, the runner should not hang below the tablecloth edge. It should also not hit the seat of any guests. On a buffet table accent, the runner could go all the way to the floor as it won’t interfere with diners.

When figuring length, it’s important to consider any leaves that might be added to the table, as you might need longer runners if you’re adding leaves to increase the table length.

Another consideration for length is family pets (and small kiddos) who might be intrigued with dangling tassels, beads, etc. and opt for pulling the runner off the table surface sending any breakables crashing to the floor.

Runners roll up for easy storage, so plan to make several for different occasions.

~Linda Griepentrog
Linda is the owner of G Wiz Creative Services and she does writing, editing and designing for companies in the sewing, crafting and quilting industries. In addition, she escorts fabric shopping tours to Hong Kong. She lives at the Oregon Coast with her husband Keith, and two dogs, Yohnuh and Abby. Contact her at .

November 13, 2020

What I’m Sewing: Pink Sand Beach Designs Fiji Tote

Charlotte Trayer from the Seattle Chapter of ASG created this roomy, fat quarter friendly tote bag.

Q. Item Created
A. Tote bag

Q. Independent Pattern Designer
A. Pink Sand Beach Designs

Q. Name and Number of Pattern
A. #124 Fiji Tote

Q. Fabric Used:
A. Cotton/linen for exterior, Japanese cotton print for lining, other cotton fabric for trim

Q. Special Embellishments/Notions Used
A. A Czech glass bead on the inside, to fasten a strap for my water bottle tote

Q. Skill level required?
A. Medium

Q. Are the instructions easy to follow?
A. The instructions were very easy to follow. It did use some Pellon products with which I wasn’t familiar. In the second rendition (in the first tote, I used all cotton fabrics from my stash), I did make one substitution and changed a couple of things about it.

Q. Are you pleased with the finished result? Did it meet your expectations?
A. Very much so to both questions. I receive compliments whenever I carry either tote.

Q. Did it look like the picture?
A. The first one did as I made it exactly according to directions to test the pattern. The second one is similar, but with changes listed below.

Q. Did you make any modifications in the pattern?
A. I made modifications on my second tote. First, I used a solid fabric for the exterior instead of piecing it as the pattern directs. Then I made the handle a little longer so I could put it over my shoulder. I also added a strap with button/buttonhole to the interior–the strap goes thru the handle of my water bottle tote (which I also made), to hold it upright. Finally, I made a slight change to the spacing of the stitching on the pocket panels so that the center pockets would be a little wider.

Q. Are there any changes you would have made?
A. None, other than the handle length, etc. mentioned above. Although, next time I may add an exterior pocket to the center panel.

Q. Did the pattern teach you any unique or special techniques?
A. Just working with the Peltex, which is very stiff! Sewing the corners was a bit of a challenge for that reason.

Q. Would you make this again?
A. Probably.

Q. Would you recommend this pattern to others?
A. Yes!

Pattern Link: http://www.pinksandbeachdesigns.com

~ Rosemary Fajgier

November 6, 2020

Shower Power: Sew a Fabric Shower Curtain

Nothing’s more fun than sprucing up your home and as sewers, a little refresh is easy to do. So, why not start in the bathroom with a fun fabric shower curtain!

Choose a bold print, fabulous stripe or even a luscious solid cotton or polyester fabric.
Decorator weights work well and often come with coordinates for window treatments.
A standard size shower curtain will take 5 yards of either 45” or 54” fabric; if you opt for a wider fabric (like 108” or 110”) then you’ll need only 2 ½ yards.
Remember that you may need extra fabric if you have a print that requires matching.

A standard shower curtain is 72” square, so be sure to measure your tub/shower before you buy fabric and adjust as needed.

Preparation

From 45” or 54” wide fabric, cut two panels 88” long, trim the selvages and seam the lengths together. Press the seam open. Trim the seamed piece to 80” wide. Use the extra fabric to trim towels or make a fabric basket for the bathroom.

Making the Curtain

Press a double 2” hem on each side of the curtain and stitch in place close to inner fold.

Press up a double 4” hem along the bottom of the curtain and stitch in place close to the upper fold. To make the shower curtain hang smoothly, include a plastic covered weight in each corner of the hem, or if your tub is metal, a plastic covered magnet for a sure hold.

To make the top hem, fuse a 4” strip of medium-weight interfacing to the wrong side of the upper edge, abutting the seams as needed for the entire width. This provides support for the buttonholes or grommet openings. Press a double 4” hem at the top and stitch close to the lower fold.

Top Treatment

Shower curtains can have one of many options at the top, but a 72” curtain should have 12 openings for attachments of some sort, either metal or plastic hooks or rings. The openings can be stitched buttonholes, or metal or plastic grommets—either large or small–so choose your desired feature. You can even choose spring clips and avoid creating holes altogether.

If you opt for buttonholes, you can hang the vinyl liner on the same rod using the hook/loop set. If you opt for large grommets, then you’ll need a separate rod for the vinyl liner.

For buttonholes, evenly mark 12 hole placements 1” from the finished upper edge. Stitch a 1” long buttonhole at each mark. For quick and easy marking, lay your vinyl shower curtain liner on the wrong side of the fabric curtain and mark through the liner openings so they’ll align. Carefully cut open the buttonholes after stitching.

If you’re using either small or large grommets, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for insertion.

Decorating idea

As easy as it is to make a shower curtain, stitch some for different seasons and holidays to change up your décor. Or if company is coming, try a different theme they can relate to. Personally, we have friends who love everything Disney, and a Mickey print shower curtain brings a smile to their faces when they visit.

December 6, 2019

Creative Fixes

OOOPS!

Much as we love sewing, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes an accident happens in the process from cutting to finishing, or even at the first wearing. Rather than using any of ‘those’ words, it’s a lot more fun to try to figure out a creative solution to the problem that looks like it was intentional. Let’s look at three of those possible occurrences:

Not enough fabric

We’ve all done it, thinking we can outsmart the pattern company requirements. Maybe we’re trying to use up fabric in our stashes, but somehow there’s not quite enough. Two creative solutions are pattern mixing and color blocking. Instead of cutting all the garment pieces from the same fabric, mix them up for fun.

Make it seem like there was a plan for your artsy touch. Look for prints in similar colors and/or motifs. Fabric manufacturers often make coordinated groupings that are made to go together. Choose fabrics with similar motifs—for example, garden or flower prints. Select prints of similar scale and contrasts. Solids are always a good go-to tie-together—pick a color found in the print(s) or go with one directly across the color wheel for a bolder look. Just remember when cutting, you’ll need a left and right half to the garment and it’s easy to forget to flip the pattern piece over.

Errant scissor cuts

Let’s just say you accidentally cut a hole in your garment while trimming a seam allowance. Who hasn’t done that at some point in their sewing life? The creative solution: Add something to cover it—like a tab. But before you do, stabilize the erroneously cut edges by ironing a piece of fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the snip to hold the edges together and keep them from fraying. No one will be the wiser to your solution.

Stain game

It never fails, the first time your grandchild wears a garment you’ve painstakingly made, they spill something on the front of it and voilà—permanent stains, despite your best efforts. A fun solution: Use embroidered patches to cover the stains and add some fun. Embroider them yourself or purchase them from the notions wall at your favorite fabric store. Use invisible thread and sew around the edges and listen as people say, “Isn’t that a cute shirt? I love the patches.” We’ll never tell.

So, when something doesn’t quite go as planned, take a deep breath, don’t panic and find a sewing friend to help you come up with a creative resolution. Sometimes the solution is more fun than the original plan.