ipod case experiment 1 & 2

My mom and I recently got the new nanos with pedometers, radio (perfect for morning/evening npr) and the little camera. So she and I both carry them around religiously to keep track of steps and such. So what better thing to sew than a cute little protected ipod case! I used some ikea fabric, teal embroidery thread, amy butler love flannel and a sweet button that I picked up recently. It is not the tight fit I was looking for but alas my machine refuses to sew smaller with the quilting.

Hillary's purse

Another Ikea print that is super strong, outdoor rated and perfect for a large holds ev-er-y-thing bag! I saw the fabric in the store with the flowers, birds and black but bright print and knew it was the fabric for her :) Plus it's super fun to lay out a huge print like this with very different 'scenes' on it. I'm loving on the big pleats too.



The same fabric used for the lining in my bag and Jills. I have a small bit of it left over which I'm sure will make its way into another purse.



Everyone needs a pocket big enough to hold... a pin cusion?


Done!

New bag!

& I'm soo excited about it! Don't get my wrong I love the last one I made out of Anna Marie Horner fabric "volumes" but after a year and a half of constant use and a fatal fall in the wet parking lot of Trader Joes in December it needs a break for a bit.

I did pick up this AMH print for lining for my bag... however it found its way into the lining of some other projects for gifts. I really like how it turned out though!

I had to make a special pocket for the nano :)


sewing with gmail


My favorite part is turning it right side out! I bought the outside fabric at Ikea.
Fun Fact: Ikea Portland sells more by the yard fabric than any other Ikea! This is obviously why the PNW is superior to all other US regions. The fabric there is nice for bags too because it is sturdy. I think this print is outdoor rated as well, maybe it can survive a wet parking lot fall?


Finished with a long adjustable strap and two sturdy handles. It took me forever to find the adjustable strap element. While at Fabric Depot (which you would think have everything considering its size) we were directed to Rose City Textiles in the NW industrial district to find some fabric for a surf board bag my mom was making for my dad and the metal strap adjuster. RCT is a mecca of all things sturdy & awesome. Zippers of all colors, lengths and styles as well as oodles of metal fixings to make backpacks, bags etc. They have a giant room full of outdoor fabric like sweat wicking knits, high quality fleece, wool & wool blends, canvas, rip stop, quilted things. I will most definitely be returning soon.


The metal slider for 50 cents


The button that my mom found a while back at fabric depot :)


More to come soon...

For the love of chairs & Etsy

Fabulous print!

Modern Design Deck

I found this via a cup of joe. I've had a small chair collection for a long time, starting with tiny wicker chairs for dolls and stuffed animals when I was 4 or 5 and a few years ago my mom gave a tiny replica of a Vitra heart cone chair perfect for hanging a pair of earrings. Perhaps this print is next :D or a full size one I can enjoy... like some danish styled arm chairs, or the modern bent plywood ikea chair.

<3

scratches and a bump...

make a slightly sad cat


but his eyes are in great shape & no longer require an eye patch.

pintucks, pleats, french seams & quilting

Here are bits and pieces from the dotted swiss top I recently made. Most of it turned out really good, but it took a long time because i used a knit pattern to get the shape and obviously knit does not translate as well to a woven. I used bias tape to finish the armholes and neckline which worked really well, but after wearing it once i realized i need to redo the arms since they are a bit tight after putting in the french seams.

Here's the overall shape

The pleats at the neckline

and my first attempt at pintucks :)



Part of the button collection


I made this bag last winter and love it! At first I thought I was going to use it as a purse, but it wound up being huge and perfect for taking to the gym or on a short weekend trip. The quilting was pretty fun and made it nice and sturdy. I think I used a McCalls pattern for the shape.

love this kid & photobooth