Fat Quarter Table Runner

We had a Sunday out and I came across a Hobbycraft shop in the shopping arcade.  Well, what's a girl supposed to do??  You can't not go in, that would be silly!  So I dragged him in to 'just take a look-just in case'....  Well they had some fat quarters on sale and again thinking it would be silly to go in and not buy something (Yeah right, like I need sewing supplies!!) I picked up a couple of Christmas-y themed fat quarter packs with a view to making a table runner and some table mats for Christmas day dinner.

• have you ever tried explaining the concept of a fat quarter to a guy who has no idea about fabric and thinks its to do with the shape of a female?  I think the ladies in the shop were glad we were leaving as the conversation got a little too loud.....

As you will know by now if you have been reading my blog, I have not done any piecing other than the hexy piece hand sewing projects I have done, so I didn't really know where to start.

I trawled through my patterns and the internet and finally happened upon a chevron design for a runner which I felt I could handle and so set about cutting out the pieces.

• I had a hissy fit during the making of this project and so didn't get any  starting photos as I have to rely on one of my daughters to take the photographs for me; as they were giving me a wide berth, all I have are start and end pictures nothing in the middle.  Note to self - get photos and then have a hissy fit!!!

So I spent a lot of time cutting out the 4" squares, drawing diagonal lines, sewing either side, cutting through the middle to make the 'triangle-square' pieces to make up the chevron design.  I found this particularly rewarding and quick even though I found tying off the ends of my threads a little tedious as I do not have a 'proper' reverse stitch on my hand-crank Singer (see previous Introduction blog).                         Note to self ; find a 'nickname' for my sewing machine!!

Anyhoo, I completed the patterned top of the runner and was really pleased with the result. However, when I placed it on my table to see how it looked, the table looked so huge it buried the runner.  I went back to the 'drawing board' and realised that I had enough material to double up on the design so I cut out, drew and sewed some more to make another runner.  I went back to the table and placed both pieces on it but it still looked a little lost.  I now had very little material left from my fat quarter packs but I did have some 'odd' triangles of each left over.

Thinking cap on and a little time to spare (I know, don't ask me, I don't know where it came from either!!), I decided to play a little with the triangle/square design and using the few oddments piecing these together to make squares of four triangles, I made a centre piece mismatching them together into a separate design.  (see photo below of middle section and border).

A thought then crossed my mind that I would need something to make the back with.  Now it isn't as if I don't have a glut of material - previous posts and my family will testify that I am a fabric hoarder - but I just couldn't find a piece suited to the cotton top of my runner.  Unfortunately with a few minutes spare at work and idle hands, I managed to find a perfect piece of red (not pink as it seems to have come out in the photo here) cotton with little gingerbread men on it - perfect.  The purchase was made and the following day - yep that quickly! - my material arrived at work. 

As soon as I got in, coffee made and laptop tuned into the radio I set about finishing the back.  I had to cut two pieces of equal length from the material and piece it in the middle so it was long enough to cover the front and have enough left at either end to act as a binding.  I then cut pieces to go around the mini mid-section piece which would also add additional inches to the length of the finished piece.  Both 'ends' of the runner were sewn to the mid section.

I then spray-glued the wadding and top runner and put them together and then glued this to the gingerbread backing making sure to centre (or as near as I could) the top runner onto my backing.  As this was the first of this type of project, I wanted to ensure that I covered all bases so I also pinned the backing at the corners and middle 'just in case'.

The edge of the gingerbread fabric was the folded over the top and ironed down to made a crease which I then used to fold the edge to and refold - making a sort of binding - all the way around.  When I got to the corners I couldn't decide what to do - did I just square them off or fold the corners in like a present to make a 'triangle' end? I left the decision as I discovered when I got to the corner that I could leave them alone whilst I top sewed the runner to the backing around the edge.

I eventually made the decision to fold back the raw edges underneath making like a triangle end (like on a parcel) and then hand stitched them to finish off the runner.


I then placed the runner on the table and placed a couple of my glass-jar ornaments on top 'just to see'. Even though I say so myself, I am really pleased with the result.  However, I am now 5 place mats short of a Christmas dinner table setting and as work has gone from quiet to manically busy, no hope in sight of getting them done.  Do you think napkin rings would make up for this if I make them using the chevron design and my pieces of left over fat quarter?  Neither do I but watch this space - snow is on its way and I may just get a couple of more hours sewing ...................

First Quilt (Proper) part 3

Well, I managed to make up a log cabin square - bottom block - and finally worked out how to finish the last seam on the block I started to make and, all in all, I like my block much better.

I know I didn't cut my pieces specifically for the log cabin which is probably why they don't line up and I don't suppose that making the block with stretch denim, denim and light weight upholstery fabric is a good mix but it seems to work ok with my block.

The stretchiness of the denim, I am hoping, will lessen when the backing is sewn on.

I am also putting four plain squares of each fabric together to make a single block.  I could also add blocks made up of strips of each fabric also................. Ideas, ideas - really need to be at home - not work!!!! Grrrrrrrr! lol

Has anyone tried using a low tog rated quilt to use as batting/wadding and backing?  My hand-crank seems to cope with anything I chuck at it and I have a new Ikea single, low tog quilt taking up much needed space in my hoard of fabric.  Seems like a match made and all that............ Will keep you posted.

First Quilt (Proper) part 2

Well I have spent some time this weekend - not as much as I would have liked however - cutting out squares and strips for the quilt I want to make out of the denim jeans pieces and a couple of cushion covers (for texture purposes and dash of design).

I played with a couple of configurations of the different colours and only then noticed that two of the pairs of jeans were very similar in colour.  I have since decided that the cushion covers will work both right and wrong sides giving different coloured designs to the log cabin squares pattern I (finally) settled on.

I had some spare time this morning before coming to work so I thought I would try and put a couple of the log cabin squares together.  However, although I have seen this pattern many times and in many different colours and applications, I have never used the pattern before and have not seen an instructions anywhere on how to put the pattern together.  So, not wanting to waste anymore time, I jumped in with both feet and tried it.

I couldn't work out how I could sew both the seam square to strip and strip to strip (short end to long side) at the same time so I tried not sewing up to the end so I could then remove the square and sew a separate seam.  This sort of worked out but I knew there must be a simpler way of doing it.

When I got to work (and finished all my paperwork - yeah right!!!), I looked up how to sew a log cabin pattern and (- head in hand moment! I know you're already there and wondering what I am talking about) - You make the first rectangle the same length as the square and sew that first!!

I knew there was a simpler way!  It just hadn't occurred to me that it would be that simple.  I could have done a whole lot more sewing this morning rather than faffing with two squares I did manage to get done.  Anyhoo, now I know what to do, I can do some more sewing tonight and maybe get more than two done!

As I haven't worked out how big I want my quilt yet, I haven't worked out how many squares and rectangles I will need but for now, my pinking shears are hanging up with their tongues hanging out after all their hard work this weekend and my hand-crank is sitting waiting for me.

No, I haven't broken out the electric machine - the sizes I have cut don't fill me with confidence that I could stop the machine before I ran over my fingers - but I working on an idea to help me control the machine which will hopefully help me conquer my fear.

So I am now clock watching (again) waiting for 5.00 so I can go home and start sewing again - I am really enthusiastic now I know what I am doing - well there's a first time for everything, right...?

First Quilt (Proper) part 1

First Quilt (Proper) part 1

Well, having just spent three days (evenings in real time) deconstructing 5 pairs of jeans, I am now preparing to get my pieces cut for the next stage of my quilt.  Saw this blog on Pinterest and thought - what the heck...!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Recycle-DenimJeans-into-Reusable-parts-with-no-wa/?ALLSTEPS

I have made a large piece of sewing using paper piecing - this is the one I still need to find - but didn't finish it.  The smaller projects I have been finishing off when I have decided what to do with them - see related blogs. However as far as a machine sewn quilt is concerned I have wanted to do one of these for ages and have not the confidence to even contemplate it.  However I now feel a little more confident in myself and as the nights are drawing in and weekends are not being spent walking the hills, I have the time to start up sewing again.

Looking at the pile of denim I think I am going to need some other light coloured ones just to add a little more variety but the first thing I need to do is decide how I want my finished quilt to look.  As I am not that busy at work (but don't tell my hubby!!), I can mess with patterns and hopefully come up with one not so difficult or faffy.

Who knows, I may even break out one of the electric machines............ who knows...?!  ;0)

Paper Piercing Quilting

Whilst I was at school, a girlfriend of mine showed me how to make a patchwork quilt using a hexagon template, scraps of material and lots of patience!  A few years later I remembered this and started to make my own.  The worst bit of the whole project is making the templates, however once you have a pile of virgin paper templates you just can't help yourself.  I find this stage the most therapeutic - I can sit and make the individual pieces all night and can do this in front of the telly not sitting on my own in the sewing/library.

Not really knowing how to make formal patterns with the hexagon template I 'shuffled' my stacks of pieces and set to hand-stitching them together.  (My eldest daughter has had to inspect the examples shown in the photographs as she didn't/couldn't believe that I had actually sewn stitches so small by hand).

I have all these projects done and now I have my machine I can finish them with a lining as well as a pillow/cushion pad. 






There are a couple I haven't decided on what to do with mainly the cream and brown piece.  This was made with squares and triangles - can't remember where I saw the design but looks pretty good...

This pastel project I think will be finished to make a throw or blanket - again not sure

 

 

 

 

 

This one I think I will just put a sturdy backing on and use it as a table runner/doily - maybe even put it underneath a plant (it's not that I haven't got a 'million' of those to chose from.  Seems I also collect plants too....)

Now I have the projects in my eye line, I will finish them off and maybe even break out an electric machine.................... Mmmmm  Catch you later and let you know.

Introduction

Well here it is.  You've heard me talk about it now on nearly every posting so I thought it was about time I introduced you to my machine.  It is a 1914 hand crank, Singer sewing machine with bullet shuttle and bobbins.

Anyhoo, it works brilliantly and has probably done more sewing in the last three years than it ever did! 

I have found accessories on Ebay which - although strictly speaking are for the electric version - fit mine, however I am not entirely happy with some of the results.  Most of the mistake are down to 'driver error' but it is very difficult sometimes trying to power it with one hand and steer and hold down fabric with the other.

I am getting there and the end results are getting better too.  Here it is in all its glory!  Isn't it gorgeous?!

 It belonged to my dad's sister, Minnie, and I inherited the machine when my Mum and dad helped them clear their house when they were leaving to move into The Vicarage, at Harworth.

I have the instruction manual somewhere in the loft - I  need to dig this out so I can  learn any tips on maintaining it.

Stash Basket

When I am sewing (or doing anything if I am completely honest) I like to be in control of my environment.  So much so that I can be working in what looks to be a complete disaster zone but whilst I am in 'the zone' I don't see the mess chaos creative milieu around me until the last thread has been knotted.  I then take a breath, have a coronary and when I come round, start to tidy up. 

During one of my quieter, less frenzied projects, I realised that I needed to organise myself better so that scraps were put somewhere together at the cutting off point  - not after I had had to unpick them from the back of the last seam because I had not put them far enough away - and threads needed to be put in the bin (or something) straight away before I was covered in them.

I stopped what I was doing - it can't have been going very well or I wouldn't have been as easily distracted - cleared up, tidied away, folded and placed back fabric and then searched my favourite sites - allfreesewing.com, allpeoplequilt.com and thesewingloftblog.com which finally produced a pattern for a scrap bucket basket (http://thesewingloftblog.com/2014/03/31/scrap-bucket-pattern/).

As I really needed a quick result - have I mentioned that I am not the most patient of sewists? - I decided to 'tweak' the pattern in my favour by cutting a single piece of fabric the size required for my basket with a lining piece and interfacing to butch up the sides.

I had a few 'open-mouthed, tongue sticky out' minutes trying to sew the round bottom but finally it was done. I then realised that I had sewn it on inside out.  By this time I was a little fractious, so after having counted to 10, I finished the basket and filled it with scraps.  

I have (just yesterday) seen a demonstration on making a quilt from triangles so my basket is in danger of losing weight - something I must also get around to doing.  However, that idea has been shelved for now as I have much bigger plans.  My sewing chair needs covering and I have just the pattern and somewhere the perfect material.  All I need now is a really wet weekend, hockey games (to get rid of the rest of the family), Bones Series 7 (third time of watching), coins for my swear tin.  Mmmmm what are my chances?  :0D

Christmas Stars

Allpeoplequilt came up trumps again with this pattern for Christmas decorations.  

I had already made some stockings and so wanted a different Christmas project and whilst I was looking around I cam across this pattern for tree ornaments.  (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/holiday-quilts/christmas/winter-jewels-star-ornament)

This was a little fiddly especially on the points but my hand crank machine came into its own here has  the pattern was so fiddly, I was able to control the needle to almost snail speed to ensure that my seams were straight and equidistant.  Even though the points are asymmetrical this was part of the charm of the pattern and I didn't want to lose any of that in the finish.

I embellished my star with a disc and initial.  The letters were free drawn onto double sided fusible interfacing (I am sure there is a shorter name for this but I can't remember what it is.  I know use freezer paper now but I didn't know about this wonderful product at this time) and then ironed onto my contrast material.  Although the initials were stuck onto the disc, I spent time sewing around the edge to be doubly sure they would stay on. This also made more of a 'feature' of it.

I forgot to add the loop to the star on the right and the star on the desk top is still only half made - they may get done for this year - depends on whether I get a new pattern to try between then and now..........

Quilted Bag

Me and my hand-crank Singer have come a long way and I really wanted to try my hand at quilting.  My only experience in this area has been the long nights where I have sat and made cushion covers using the hexagon paper template, hand-sewing around the edges and removing the templates.  Note to self: must find last project to finish it - would make excellent blanket for rocker (not to mention blog). 

Anyhoo, again trawling through my sources I came upon this pattern and decided to give it a go..... (http://www.allpeoplequilt/bags-pillows-gift/bags-andpurses/quilted-tote-bag)  

I already had the fabric in mind I wanted to use and as you can see from the photo, I was absolutely right.  The bag took a weekend to make - this did not include the cutting out - and my concentration span increased significantly.  The making of the bag itself wasn't much of a challenge, it was the quilting which took the time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I practiced a little on scrap pieces but finally bit the bullet and quilted the pocket. I used a pencil feintly on the lining to draw lines as I wanted to make the finish as professional looking as I could and didn't want wonky quilting lines on the front of the bag.  (I can hear all the sharp intakes of breath as I type but I didn't know how else to do this at the time and it once I had sewn my lines, the pencil line disappeared)   I felt much happier about the effect when the pocket was finished and so followed the same process when I quilted the bag body.   

The finished bag is lovely.  I am so proud of myself.  It may only be straight line quilting but my first attempt looks great and I can't wait 'til I can try out this technique when I have mastered the art of sewing with an electric machine!!  The possibilities are endless......................... (don't hold your breath) :0D 

Chevron Pleat Plain Tote

I chose this pattern (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/bags-and-purses/peekaboo-chevron-tote) to make simply because it was different.  Again the choice of fabrics used contributes to the success of the project and I am quite pleased with the result.  I would now add a pocket to the lining and maybe a metal snap fastener to the top but the bag is functional although the top could be a little wider.

Favourite Pocketful

With the success of my shopping bag project - (totes galore post) - I needed to 'up the anti' and try a pattern with extras.  I can't add buttons, zips etc as my machine doesn't have the facilities to do this and at the time I hadn't done anything like this and confidence was only just beginning to grow.

I remembered seeing a pattern for a bag in the latest edition of allpeoplequilt.com so I trawled through my copies and eventually found it.   (Pattern: http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/bags-and-purses/pick-pocket-purse).  The instructions were clear, easy to follow and the results were great.

I made the full size bag several time and with different types and designs of fabric - like I said, you can't have too many bags! - but my favourite one is the one pictured.  The fabrics just work together and it is just the right size for putting in toiletries etc when you go away.   I believe that choice of fabric is the most important decision to make when making anything - I have made some pretty bad decisions and the bags are collecting dust under my bed! 

The dark green fabric creates 6 outside pockets so there is no need for anymore inside - I think there is a limit to the number of pockets you can add, especially in a small bag.  As the fabric used was thick - almost upholstery quality - I had to be forceful getting my machine to sew the corners.  I have since made box corners by cutting out the square piece first.  This would have made lining up the seams so much easier but I found that lots of pins, plasters and coppers for my swear tin helped!                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The bag has a professional looking finish (even though I do say so myself) and is a lovely, sturdy little addition to my collection.

Cushty!

Once upon a time, my dad inherited the old rocking chair from his mum when she died.  At that time, we were all living at home and it wasn't a problem finding a place for it.  My mum spent hours and hours stripping it down, rubbing it down with wire wool and bringing it back to life.  It was then lovingly varnished and took centre stage in our then 'music room' next to the piano (which also came from Grandma's).                                                                                                                                                                                                                     When they moved from their 5 bedroom semi, to a one bedroom bungalow, I thought that the rocker would be one of the first things to be reallocated to a charity shop or given away, but Mum wouldn't let it go.  'I spent too many hours restoring that chair for someone else to benefit' or words to that effect, so low and behold, the rocker - already well traveled - was taken from Barnby Dun to Tickhill and took pride of place in her bedroom.

Over the years it became less of a chair and more of an extra storage system for the many items of medical equipment required for my dad.  

When we had to clear the bungalow when both my Mum and dad passed, there was no question - whatever we did, the chair had to come home.  I remember sitting in it at my Grandma's and I remembered the work my Mum had put into restoring it so there was no argument.

The chair resides in my sewing room.  The two cushions my Mum made are still with it but I wanted to create something different and add my personality, if you like, to the chair.  I found a pattern for a cushion cover (Pattern: http://so-sew-easy.com/woven-fabric-pillow-cover/) and spent two days creating this.  

Two days of making binding strips, weaving, sewing and attempting my own piping - all with my trusty hand-crank Singer.  I am not satisfied with the piping (yes there is piping around the edge) - I think the cord I used was a little too stiff and when I summon up enough courage, I will try again on the second one.  However it's a 'doo-fa' and looks ok.

If the cover itself wasn't challenging enough, I also decided to try my hand at piping.  Various sites, blogs and articles kept telling me it wasn't difficult to do but you needed the right tools - don't you always?!  I found an accessory pack of Singer sewing machine feet on Ebay (more daylight hours lost!!) and tried out the piping/zipper foot.  The accessories were really for the old electric machine but the fitting was the same so I thought why not?  I really, really must learn how to use the electric machine so I have two hands free - trying to sew, steer and hold down material is hard enough with one hand whilst the other 'drives' the machine never mind the added complication of piping!! A few more coppers in the swear tin I am afraid...

Anyhoo here is the finished article.  Newly found and used, fabulous invention - freezer paper!  Thanks to the lady in the local craft shop for suggesting it.  Next time - if I ever recover - I will use more different colour stripes.

Totes Galore

When the sewing bug really hit me I spent many hours looking for patterns to try and I felt that bags and totes etc would be a good place to start what with straight line cutting and sewing.  As my vintage, hand crank Singer only does straight stitch I wanted to gain experience and practice with various fabrics etc whilst still creating something functional and (hopefully) practical and good to look at.

I had tried my hand at some Christmas Stockings - no pattern or photo - as Kirsty Allsop had made it look soooo easy on her TV programme I thought I could do it too.  They didn't turn out too shabby either and made quite a talking point that year!

I eventually found this pattern (Pattern: http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/bags-and-purses/canvas-tote-bag) and used some of my fabric (hoard) to create the red bag shown.  I adapted (already getting ideas) the handle by rolling up the handle with fleece inside and then top sewing it.  In my many years (steady on) of shopping, I have struggled with the shoulder bags that cut into your skin and carrier bags that cut the circulation off in your fingers so I wanted a little bit of comfort where it mattered.  The bag has a fleece layer between the outer and inner fabrics - (yes it is lined, with the plain red fabric), and once loaded is very comfortable to carry.  As I usually shop with a handbag for the obligatory purse, phone, tape measure, pen, nail file..etc..... etc...... I didn't need a pocket in the bag so it was really just straight stitching.  I was really happy with the end result and it is used quite often.

With a little more confidence now I had one under my belt, I scaled down the measurements and used cotton fabric instead of the heavier one I had used for my shopper.  I also left out the fleece layer in the bag and the handles and the results are also shown.  The smaller one could be used for goody bags and the middle sized bag for gifts, lunch, school shoes, cosmetics etc - they would make ideal halloween trick or treat bags in the right fabric (would also be tempted to leave out the lining if the fabric was heavy enough).

Another project, another bag - you can never have enough bags! ;0)

Scottie Dogs

With this particular project, the material pretty much decided on what pattern I needed.  I found a brown/purple skirt in my favourite exclusive boutique (Cancer Charity shop) and couldn't help myself.  I may have mentioned that I am a fabric hoarder - turns out I am also an impulse fabric buyer too!!  I knew what I wanted to do with it but didn't have a pattern so again, lots of hours were spent looking for the one and who knew just how many dog toy patterns there were!

Anyway once I had the pattern (http://www.redtedart.com/2013/01/18/free-dog-patterns-scottie-door-stop) my first attempt went a little skew-whiff and like with my first elephant softie, the material began to give and fray once I started to stuff it.  Being the impatient sewist, I wanted to see what the finished project looked like so continued stuffing it until he could stand up.  Although there were problems with it, I liked the shape of the dog so removed the stuffing and turned him back inside out to re-sew the seams.

I should then have decided to break out the electric sewing machine and zig-zag or overlock the edges but I felt that as the seams had already been sewn - even though not nearly good enough - this second seam would suffice and as the dog wouldn't be being man-handled or pulled about, he wasn't in danger of coming apart.

When I had finished my Green tartan elephant toy (see other posting), I used the leftover material to make another dog, only this time, making my seam allowance a little larger and sewing twice around the whole pattern.  Being a little less 'ham-fisted' when stuffing this one also helped to keep the seams intact and now I have two Scottie dogs keeping guard over my stash!

The little brown one now also sports a Lindt rabbit collar and bell - couldn't bear to throw it away.



I then saw a pattern for sock puppies (http://createstudio.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/sock-dog-tutorial.htm) and decided that I just couldn't do this with my machine so I made them by hand.  Not a bad little exercise but not as happy with the result.

Finished Nellie

One of the quickest projects I have done so far and by the far the best is my softie elephant.  I found the pattern on AllPeopleQuilt.com (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/gifts/treasure-elephant).  The original pattern had a pocket space in the elephants back for gift tokens/money as it was shown as a 'new baby' present.  As my babies are 18 and 19 years old and I have no desire for a new one, I decided against adding the pocket and cut the pattern leaving out the pocket.

My first attempt I made with a tartan material.  It looks ok but the eye wasn't too clear and if handled too roughly or too often, I think the material might start to fray.  My hand-crank Singer (shown in the last photograph) just has running stitches - no overlock or zig-zag stitch.  Again, I really must just take a deep breath and learn to use one of the electric ones :0/

Anyhoo, I was happy with the result but then came across some blue and white checked material and he looks even better.  I took my time with my machine to create the eyes sewing twice round and twice along the lashes.  The tying off of the thread ends was sooooo tedious but necessary and the result was so much better and neater than my hand sewing.

His ears are a little too flappy - should have had some interfacing between the layers (maybe the next one will be perfect...?) but I have a special corner of my sewing room where he takes pride of place.  Gorgeous!! 





Completed Satchels

These are the last big projects I have made.  It goes without saying that I have used my Singer hand-crank machine but I had to bite the bullet and use one of my electric machines as this pattern called for button holes.  My goodness, that was a baptism of fire!!!  However, the instruction booklet was very clear and I practiced loads on scrap pieces of fabric - this pile seems to be getting bigger also (note to self - book a few days off work, load Pinterest and lose myself looking for 'what-to-do-with- scraps' patterns!!)

Anyhoo, allfreesewing.com came up trumps with this pattern - the Kennedy Bag - and once I had sifted through the yards and yards of fabric I have collected (have I mentioned I am a bit of a hoarder..?), I set about making the bag. (http://www.allfreesewing.com/Bags-and-Purses/The-Kennedy-Bag)

I made notes on the pattern itself for things I would do differently next time and/or difficult bits I need to stop my DVD of Bones for and concentrate (listen/watch these whilst sewing - I am in my own little world).  Once I had posted the photo on Facebook - I really was really chuffed at my black/red creation - a friend of mine asked for a blue and black one.

I was glad I had made the notes and although the blue one took longer - wanted a better quality finish as it was a gift to a friend - I thought it actually had turned out better than mine.  I will revisit the pattern but maybe size it down and I will definitely add a metal snap fastener to the next one.  By then I am hoping to have conquered my fear of using the electric machines.  At least I have moved them off the floor! Yes, it may only be to the new top shelf in my newly named sewing room, but at least I can see them now.  Unfortunately the gap left on the floor means I have space for another storage box which means more fabric........ Sew much material, Sew little time............

Stockings for Guys

Being a big fan of Christmas and having two kids who now just hold their hands out for money, I started spreading Christmas cheer a little early last year and started the HUGE (!!) task of making some little individual stockings for our largest customer.  I am really good at giving myself challenges without really thinking them through and had already 'sort of' promised the guys that there would be something different for them this year instead of the usual tins of chocolates/biscuits etc.

Still oblivious to the work I had set myself, I started looking for a pattern to use and many hours later - gosh Pinterest  many hours lost there without realising! - and no further forward - I remembered that I had a pair of baby socks in my office (now definitely morphed into my sewing room) which I had decided to have a go at and try making a sock puppy.  (That project will also be on here - don't hold your breath!!)


So eventually, once I had found it - suddenly I have realised alarmingly that I am a hoarder of fabric, when did that happen!!? - I took one of the baby's sock and used it to 'create' my own stocking pattern.  I then had to cut 20 pieces from both white and green fleece.  Alternating the colours and linings, I made the linings larger than the outside pieces sufficient enough so that when the final piece was turned inside out, the extra lining appeared as the stocking top.

I then faffed about with some fonts on Microsoft Word to come up with the initials of the guys in the office to be added to the fronts of the stockings.  These were then cut out of both white and green fabric as well as a few different colours (just because I could) so that I could play with the 'design'.  When I was happy with my letters and the colours - found simple to be the way to go (why break the habit of a lifetime!!) - I then set to and attached all the letters to the stockings.

The letters were sown onto the right sides, centrally so that when the seams were sewn the letters did not catch and disappear into the seams.  This was the most frustrating bit as I didn't know it was in the wrong place until the stocking was nearly done.  Many cross words were said until they were all done.

It was just then a simple task of sewing the stocking together making sure that I left a gap so I could turn it right side out.  Again this was faffy.  I really must learn to sew with an electric sewing machine so that I have two hands to manoeuvre material rather than just the one!  My hand-crank Singer is great as I have complete control over the speed but boy, it must be so much quicker and easier with two hands!!! lol

I finished off the stocking by hand sewing a small loop of ribbon into the top (must add this to the side seam if I decide to make any more) so that the stocking could be hung up on the tree or wherever.......

Needless to say five nights later and a few more coppers in the swear-tin, my project was complete.  The stockings were filled with a small toy car, chocolate, candy cane and a party popper.  With hindsight I could have put a party hat and blower in but as a token I thought they were great. 

Very satisfying to know that I had set out to do something I hadn't done before, sorted it, planned it and executed it with not a bad finish.  Even if I do say so myself.