2011 September | Skip To My Lou

Archive for September, 2011

Market Bag Tutorial

posted by cindylouh on September 30th, 2011 | Holiday Craft Along |

I LOVE all the fabulous projects at the

Watch out friends - everyone is getting a homemade goodie for the holidays!

Anyway, I am Holly, and 504 Main
is my home away from home where I entertain, cook, create. I love
making a mess and sometimes that turns into a brilliant craft...and
sometimes not. That about sums it up!

Today, I am sharing an idea that I came up with as a solution to one of my own "little" problems, but after a people saw it and loved it, I thought this just might be a great gift!

I LOVE going to the Farmers Market...(and I also bring my own bags when I shop anywhere). But you know what I cannot stand - the fresh produce (especially the strawberries) getting smushed in a bag as I walk around the market. I wanted a sturdy flat-bottomed bag to keep my strawberries firm, my lettuce crisp, and whatever else I come up with safe and fresh. And I added a pocket - you can always use an extra pocket!

Supplies for Farmer's Market Tote Bag

About 1 1/2 yards (this gives you extra) Canvas, Denim, Duck Cloth (6-" wide) - I
used a Drop Cloth. If you cut/place carefully, this pattern can probably be cut in one yard of fabric.
104" (approx. 3 yards) of 1" Webbing in coordinating color (OR you can make strapping with the fabric)
Luan or 1/4" plywood (you cold easily use foam board or a heavy plastic but I really wanted a hard-bottomed bag, so I chose a lightweight (inexpensive) wood.
Optional: T-Shirt Transfer Paper and vintage graphic from The Graphics Fairy. Strawberry Label.

Scissors
Sewing Machine
Heavyweight needle (denim)
Matching or contrasting thread (and bobbin with thread)
Pencil/Fabric Marker
Large sheet of paper for making pattern
Iron/Ironing Board
Yardstick/Ruler/L-Square
Pins

How to make a Farmer's Market Tote

***All seam allowance is 1/2" unless otherwise noted***

***I prefer to WASH fabric prior to cutting sewing for these bags."

1. Make pattern on paper (I did it right on the fabric). Use the measurements in #2.

2. Cut pieces according to measurements:

Bag piece: CUT 1 on the FOLD. Make a rectangle 25 inches wide and 15" long. At the bottom of each corner, measure in (from side) 3 1/2" and measure up (from fold) 3". Make a "notch"/cutout on each side using these measurements.
Facing: CUT 2. Each is 25" long and 4" wide
Pocket: CUT 1. I used the edge of my drop cloth as the hem. (If you are adding a hem) Use a 1.5" hem. Cut pocket 9 1/2" x 8 1/2" (this measurement is with a top hem). Cut 8" x 8 1/2" if using (already sewn) drop cloth hem
Bottom Pocket: CUT 2. 19" long x 8" wide. Use a 1/2" seam allowance on the bottom of the pocket and a 1 1/2" hem at the opening.

3. Cut webbing to be about 104" long - so there will be an overlap of the webbing of about 1" at the meeting point. Once cut carefully use a flame to seal the ends of the webbing so it will not fray.

4. Pin webbing to unsewn bag piece. The straps are placed 7 1/2" inches apart. I found it easiest to fold bag piece in half lengthwise (to determine center) and then measure over 3 3/4" from center, placing "guide pins" (regular straight pins) all the way through the bag at this point. I placed pins about every 6".

5.On the bottom of the bag is a great place to start the strap/have the raw edges meet. Then pin the strapping onto the bag, making sure to only go through one layer, but using the straight pins (from #4) as a guide. Continue placing/pinning straps until you reach the original starting spot, overlap 1". NOTE: I stopped my straps (i.e. they are not sewn all the way to the facing) at 2" from the raw edge of the fabric (what will be 1 1/2" from the top of the) sewn top of the bag.

6. Remove the guide pins and open the bag. The straps should be pinned and equally distributed on both sides of the bag.

7. Place the pocket; press pocket over 1 1/2" and top stitch a hem (if you are not using the finished drop cloth hem), then fold up 1/2" on the bottom and top stitch that too. With bag laying flat, measure down (from raw edge) 3" place pocket straight across at that 3" point (pin if you need to to secure) - YOU NEED TO TUCK RAW SIDE EDGES under the strapping and pin to secure while sewing. The pocket gets sewn to the bag as you sew the strap.

8. Sew strap on, beginning at the pin/starting point (the bottom of the bag). Stitch close the the outside edge; at the 2" mark, stop, turn and sew across; stop. turn, go across again to be able to continue down the length of the strap; continue sewing until you go all around and come back to the original start point. You will secure the pocket into place as you sew here.

9. Fold bag with right sides together and stitch sides together. Now you can serge them (if you have a serger) or press and top stitch the seam, facing toward the back.

10. Lay bag flat, right sides together and then at the corner "notches" fold to match up to sew them together.

11. Sewing facing side seams (short, 4" sides) together. Either overlock/serger the bottom edge of the facing of flip it up 1/2" and top stitch a hem. With right sides together, match up facing to bag and stitch at 1/2" (typically 1/4" is fine for a seam like this, but I like 1/2" for these bags).

12. Flip bags, press and top stitch at the top of the bag. I actually used a zig zag for the top stitch - just for a "style-thing." Contrasting stitching would look great too.

13. I decided to define my corners, so I folded the (imaginary) side line and tacked for about 1" at the top of the bag.

14. Trim thread/strings and press bag to prepare for decoration. Print out graphic from the computer onto Transfer paper - be sure to use mirror image if there is writing/text. Apply the graphic to the pocket using instruction from the transfer paper.

Ta-Da! All done...

Now let's shop!

NOTES/OPTIONS:

This bag has a stiff bottom, but the rest of the bag is "slouchy" or "relaxed." It suits my needs just fine. You can add Craft Weight Pellon (Fusible) to make the bag stiffer or line it with pockets, similar to the picnic basket. You can also add velcro to the center and sides to give it better closure if that is something you desire.

************************

I made up a fold-away picnic basket a couple of months ago, that I think is also a great gift. In fact, this bag looks very similar (but simpler to sew)

and is inspired by the picnic basket.

************************

Thanks for letting me share my Market Bag!

Come on by and say "Hi!" at Main Street - 504 Main that is...

Updating...

4 Comments

Pretty Little Hankies

posted by cindylouh on September 28th, 2011 | Holiday Craft Along |

We are baking, sewing & crafting up a storm, preparing handmade gifts for this holiday season. I am sharing 30 wonderful sewn gifts from 30 amazing bloggers! Head on over to According to Kelly for 30 fabulous crafty gifts. A Southern Fairytale is spotlighting 30 edible yummies & holiday-inspired recipes.You definitely don’t want to miss a day!

Hi, I’m Sabra from Sew a Straight Line.

I’m super excited to be here on Skip To My Lou today playing along with the Holiday Bake Craft & Sew Along. Such a fun idea and so many amazing gift-giving ideas shares already. I hope you enjoy my contribution.

I think one of the most challenging aspects of handmade gift-giving is coming up with something that is unique, but useful, and if possible, pretty. So today I’m sharing with you how to make vintage-style hankies. Though common place even thirty years ago, you don’t really see handkerchiefs much these days. Such a shame. But that definitely makes these gift items unique. With all the movement towards more reusable items, they’re absolutely useful. And by just playing around with some of the standard satin and decorative stitches on your machine, and maybe throwing in some hand stitching if you’re feeling ambitious, I promise your gifts will be pretty.

All you’re going to need is

- some cheap, thin cotton cut into two 13” squares,

-a traceable image you like. I used clip art images I found online and transfer prints from some vintage patterns I have

-a sewing machine and fun-colored thread
-embroidery floss (optional)

Layer your two squares on top of each other, wrong sides facing.

Along the outer edge, about 1/2 inch in, sew a thick stitch all around the entire square. I recommend a satin stitch, which is just a zig zag set to it’s tightest stitch setting. I have a few decorative satin stitch options on my machine, so went with those

.
Now, as close to those thick stitches as you can, without clipping the actual stitch/threads, trim the outside edges
All the way around

Now trace your image onto the fabric using a pencil

I used my light box, but you could also tape the image, then the hankie, to a well-lit window and trace that way.

After your image is traced, you have two options.

Use your machine to stitch the image	Embroider the image by hand
Choose a straight stitch. If your machine has one, make it a thick straight. Key “3C” on mine makes a triple thick stitch, so that’s what I went with. Slowly, start following the trace lines with your machine. Lift and turn frequently, to keep things as smooth as possible. Switch out colors, and keep on going Until all of your image is stitched in place	Place your hankie in an embroidery hoop and use a backstitch to fill in the image by hand with embroidery floss. I recommend a backstitch because whatever you sew will also be seen on the other side. A back stitch will make the image most complete on both sides. This is the back of the image: And the front

- Show quoted text -
I like the end results of the hand embroidered better. It looks more authentic and handmade.

But the machine “embroidered” goes much, much faster and still looks nice. It also has the added benefit of looking nearly identical on both sides of the hankie.

Just some other options, you can also do a rolled hem on your serger for the edges of the hankie

Not as fancy, but it works and is SUPER fast. And if you use variegated thread, it makes it more fun.

So there you go; three simple and easy options to make a unique and practical gift.

Embroider some initials, a favorite flower or two on a set and you have a wonderfully personal gift your recipient is sure to not be getting from anyone else.
And if you need a few more ideas, I’d love to have you check out my blog where I share tutorials and patterns for everything from reusable kitchen towels for your mother-in-law to fun wristlets for your girlfriends to fabric pots and pans for the kids on your list

No Comments

How do you get your kids to eat healthy?

posted by cindylouh on September 28th, 2011 | Giveaways, healthy recipes |

Do you have some great ways to get your children to eat healthy?

One thing I like to make sure I do is to always have plenty of fruits and veggies on hand. Usually while I am preparing dinner I will lay out veggies and dip. Simply having it available is a full proof way to get my kids to eat healthy snacks. They walk by and snack and chat about their day while I am preparing the meal. How do you get your kids to eat healthy?

Win a $500 Mom’s Getaway Spa Day

All you need to do is leave a comment below on how you get your kids to eat healthy for a chance to win a $500 Mom’s Getaway Spa Day from BlogFrog! That is right ---- a $500 Spa Day. Wouldn't that be heavenly?

Want to exchange more healthy snacks ideas, money saving tips and back to school shopping advice with other moms? Visit the Horizon® Healthy Families Back to School Community!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon. The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Horizon Organic brand.

No Comments

Handmade Pillow

posted by cindylouh on September 27th, 2011 | Holiday Craft Along |

Hey Skip to My Lou readers! I’m Tam from Sew Dang Cute Crafts.

One of the most popular things on my blog is the “Crafting with the Stars” competition {Currently in Round 1 BTW). However, my site is also full of tutorials and projects that are mostly DIY and sewing, and I do venture out of my comfort zone every now and then in other areas - even paper crafting.

I’m thrilled to be here today participating in the Handmade Holiday Craft, Bake, & Sew Along. It’s been a great series so far, with lots of great gift ideas!

Do you all have someone that is extremely difficult to shop for? You know, the one who buys everything for themselves? Or the one who you think you’ve picked out the perfect thing, only to discover it in their basement months later collecting dust? So you try to play it safe with gift cards, and they don’t ever use them?

So what do you get this person? I have found the best approach is some sort of “spoof” or white elephant gift.

Give them the gift of laughter.

And that’s just what the NOT TONIGHT pillow is.

Let’s face it. Sometimes at the end of the day, we are too exhausted to even speak.

That’s why it’s very considerate to just set out your throw pillow with your “mood”. No discussion necessary.

Some nights maybe you send this message:

Other nights this:

See this gift is gender neutral and practical? Who couldn’t use another throw pillow on their bed, right?

Plus it’s a fast and easy gift to sew.

Here’s how:

I used my Silhouette to cut my heat transfer, but you could easily cut the heat transfer with an Exacto knife if you don’t have a cutting machine! Just make sure you cut it mirror-imaged, so when you peel away the negative space of the heat transfer and stick it on to your fabric, it’s correct.

Place a cloth over the heat transfer and apply pressure with a hot iron for about 45-60 seconds. Peel the clear film away. If the heat transfer is still sticking to the clear film, iron again.

Once you have the heat transfer applied, it’s a standard pillow.

1. Place the two pieces of fabric for the pillow RST (right sides together). Using 1/2” seam allowance, sew around the perimeter, leaving about a 10” hole to turn the fabric out and stuff the pillow form in.

2. Clip corners and turn inside out.

3. Stuff pillow form in.

4. Handstitch opening closed using a blind stitch.

Voila!

A fun white elephant gift for anyone!

Thanks for having me! I hope you will all come visit me over at Sew Dang Cute Crafts.

You can find more Christmas gift ideas like the “Family” Motto sign or the Charlotte Russe Inpsired Skirt.

Merry Christmas and Happy Sewing!

3 Comments

Sewing Apron Tutorial

posted by cindylouh on September 26th, 2011 | Holiday Craft Along |

Hi! I'm liZ from over at Simple Simon and Company and am excited to be here at Skip to My Lou today. When I heard about the Holiday Bake, Craft, and Sew along I knew exactly what I was going to make. It's a project that has been on my mind for some time. Not only because I wanted to make some for holiday gifts but because I wanted to make one for myself.
Awhile back I was reading a homemaking book from the 50's and there the author mentioned using a sewing apron and it got me thinking how useful a sewing apron would actually be. So finally this past week I whipped one up...and it's AWESOME.

Here's what you'll need to make a sewing apron:

1. A utility apron. (I bought mine at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 but you can buy one anywhere and any style would work or you can be ambitious and can make your own from a favorite pattern.)
2. A measuring tape.
3. A pin cushion.
4. A large safety pin or a piece of velcro.
5. Other fabrics or trims you would like to embellish your apron with.

How to make a Sewing Apron

The apron I bought had one giant pocket across the bottom so the first thing I did was to make that one giant pocket into several smaller pockets to hold items like my scissors, pencil, seam ripper etc..
This was easy to do. I just decided where and how wide I wanted my pocket and then sewed a straight line from the top of the existing pocket to the bottom. (Doing that sectioned off the giant pocket into sizes I could use to stash my sewing gear in.)
Next I added two pieces (of some Alexander Henry fabric that I love) to different areas of the apron. The fabric has no point. It's just there to look cute and to give me an excuse to buy it.
Then I added the measuring tape. You can see from the picture above that the measuring tape has been sewn on upside down. I did this on purpose. That way when I'm sitting down at my sewing machine and I need to see a quick measurement the tape is right there on my lap and facing the right way.
(I also added another stretch of the measuring tape across the top just for decoration.)
And finally I pinned a small pin cushion onto the top left side. (My pin cushion is a tiny one I made out of batting and a handkerchief but you can use what ever you'd like. Also, if you don't want to pin it on you can use velcro which would work nicely as well.)

So that's that. My sewing apron. I love it. Everything is where I need it. (The scissors on the right hand side so I can just reach down and grab them...my seam ripper in the bottom pocket so I don't have to search through piles of junk on my sewing table looking for it....the pin cushion on my shoulder so I don't have to jam all the pins in my shirt...it's awesome.) And like I said earlier even though I've been dying to make one for myself I think they would be a great gift for anyone who likes to sew.

I'm glad we got to be part of the Holiday Bake Craft and Sew along! It was lots of fun and gave me a chance to make my sewing apron! If you have a minute stop on by our site where my sister in law and I are always sewing, crafting, repurposing and seeing what we can make every Friday for $5 or less.

Thanks!

liZ

2 Comments

Your Name:	name
Your Email:	email address
Friend's Email:	friend's email address
Your Message: (optional)	message

Your Name:	name
Your Email:	email address
Friend's Email:	friend's email address
Your Message: (optional)	message

Your Name:	name
Your Email:	email address
Friend's Email:	friend's email address
Your Message: (optional)	message

Your Name:	name
Your Email:	email address
Friend's Email:	friend's email address
Your Message: (optional)	message

Your Name:	name
Your Email:	email address
Friend's Email:	friend's email address
Your Message: (optional)	message

Skip to my Shoppe

Grab a Handmade Gift Guide Button here