Friday May 4, 2012
I couldn't wait to share my adventure making a pocketbook from a place mat so I shared the place mat pocketbook earlier. Now I just have to share what is probably one of the most durable tote bags I have ever made... and at a very economical price if you compare the price of durable placemats to durable home decorating fabric... and with a lot less work than using raw fabric.
I made this tote bag with two rectangle fabric placemats and webbing for straps that also reinforce the bag... a very strong durable bag when I was finished that is perfect for all kinds of uses!
Thursday May 3, 2012
I went shopping this week, looking for ways to spruce up the house without breaking the bank... you know... just a little something to add some color and change the everyday ordinary. I didn't end up buying anything for the house... but I did buy placemats for new projects. As I stood there looking at them, none of the placemats tickled my fancy for my kitchen but I started seeing new bags out of the incredible placemat assortment that was available. I found one placemat that I could immediately envision with jeans... so with just a little bit of sewing, it became a pocketbook! This handbag worked out so nicely that I went back to the store... I may not be able to find the fabric I want locally but I think these placemats are going to make exactly what I have in mind.... more later!
Tuesday May 1, 2012
Did you know that May is National Pet Month? I didn't until I received a flyer that told me so. The flyer had a load of great deals but I seriously doubt any of the fabric items would last more than a month due to the quality of the fabric and the construction. I also have no idea what has been used as stuffing. Sometimes a bargain is not a bargain!
The best solution is to make all the fabric pet items myself. That way I can use a quality fabric that won't fall apart in the wash or under every day use... and I know I'm not going to waste my time by not sewing the item with quality thread and appropriate stitch length.
The free patterns are a bonus reason to sew pet items myself!
Monday April 30, 2012
When friends come to my house, they think I could open a fabric store with my stash... like I would part with any of my precious sewing stash. Seriously though... the only reason they think I could open a store is because all of my sewing stash is in one location... that sewing room we built.
I remember many years ago, walking through my home and realizing that every single room has fabric and sewing of one form or another... so I know we will never run out of things to sew... the question is will we have the fabric and notions to sew any and everything we want to sew. My conclusion is YES and we don't have to go to the fabric store every time we want to sew something if we know how to save what we need rather than toss it. How many free zippers have you thrown away? Have you ever gone through your linen closet to create a new look in your bathroom the way I did? Do you save old towels and blankets to use as padding in pot holders or ironing board covers? I bet if you look around, your home has as much fabric and sewing notions available as mine does....
