Travel Purses; Part One

 My daughter is traveling soon to Sweden & Finland. I think Russia too. Instead of looking through the family photos and finding the Swedish relatives and addresses, I chose to make her a purse set.

This first purse is the 2 Zip Hipster sewing pattern by Erin over at Dog Under My Desk Patterns.
I haven't made one since my trip to Japan over a year ago.

At the time, I wanted the bag to be a bit wider and I thought I took good notes but found I could be more specific about writing down which changes I made. A couple of mistakes in cutting were easily fixed because I sewed this in Cork fabric.

If you haven't worked with cork fabric yet, order some. Very easy to cut and sew. The edges don't fray. It's easy to add a short piece on if you made a cutting error.
Cork fabric is also weather resistant & mold resistant. This cork fabric comes from Portugal and is a sustainable natural  product. It's seriously awesome for bag making.
I bought mine here.

I had to pet it for a year before I could bear to cut into it. I have mostly used up my natural color cork and still have some of this sea foam color. I need to order more but it's pricey.

 I found some Paris map fabric last year with dear daughter (the traveler) in mind. Along with it is some world map fabric that coordinates. I hadn't bought the seafoam cork yet so it all added up to serendipitous sewing

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This bag has an outside zippered pocket and behind that a slip pocket - perfect for traveling. It also has a zippered pocket inside - the pattern only calls for a slip pocket but I add a zippered one inside because it's more secure.
The top zips shut easily with a big purse zipper and the strap can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body.

In fact, I didn't have enough natural cork for the strap and I didn't want a seafoam color strap, so I robbed the strap off my Japan bag ( which I had robbed from a garage sale bag). Never say I am not into recycling.

Yesterday, I received some small tassels - God bless Daiso - from Janine in Japan. They are too short for my bag. However, Kyle's turquoise tassel is too big. Need to make one. Then this bag will be done.

Except, I'm making two more bags as a set. The coin purse which attaches to the inside dangly strap (airplane ribbon) and a passport wallet.
I have the coin purse done to blog about another day. Need to cut out the passport wallet tomorrow before work.

Does anyone else hide from their trip photos? I probably took 1600 photos when hubs and I went to Sweden and Finland 4 years ago (Summer posts in 2012). I was supposed to put the family ones in a photo album and send to the 2nd cousins in Mariehamn (Åland Islands between Sweden & Finland).
Did I? ..ahem...shhhh...I'm sewing.

If I can get them printed, I could send them with dd and save on postage.

Don't even talk to me about  my Japan photos.

And here's a gratuitous photo of my work apron. Pencil Girl sewed a front panel for me as a birthday gift. How sweet is that?

Of course, it will be ripped to shreds in a few months (unsafe equipment).
Don't look too close - this is the guys restroom - it looks marginally better than the gals bathroom.

Monster Cookie Nieces

Monster Aprons

My practice grandkids are turning 5 and 3 this year. 




Phea has a birthday  party next week.  She is turning five years old already! Since they have about eight sets of grandparents and I'm smart, I am sending them the aprons this week so they won't compete with all the presents next week.

I picked up this pattern at Quilt Expo this year. I was not sure about how my great-nieces were going to get into these aprons themselves. I thought about re-drafting the back to cover their back with just velcro at the top. In the end, reality imploded said, don't change up the pattern because you are gone from your house 12 hours a day and you are approaching exhaustion. For once, I sewed this project as drafted and as instructed.

The bias tape forms loops so you can adjust the fit.
Afterall, my great-nieces reside over an hour from me
- it's not like I can fit the apron on them. I'm guessing at the sizing as it is.


The mouth forms a pocket for kitchen stuff.






Pink for Phea.    Rooaarr!!!!

Mending & Pattern Making

Apron repair.
Lost the hang of the blog thing and forgot to take the "major holes at midsection" photos otherwise known as embarrassing gapes in my work apron.

I resolved the big darning stitches by sewing a letter down over it all.
That's a ladybug stamp.

I was going to add some random thread addressing to help stabilize the layers but my new machine had a meltdown. It claims there is a big thread knot under the stitch plate which is invisible to me. Gah - probably broke the dang computer.
 
 I have to wait until tomorrow before I can call and ask for help. . . .
(And yes, I did try the ON/OFF button to try and re-set.)

________________________________________________

My junior clerk came back and worked Saturday, giving me an unexpected and very welcome WEEKEND!

Woohoo!
At 70+ degrees, I utilized my time Saturday weeding.
My goal for this weekend was not Easter as we celebrated my  mom's 80th last weekend thus taking care of familial duties.

Instead, I wanted to spend my whole two days with Yard Time, Clean The House Time and some Sewing Time.

I managed all three!. The house had not been cleaned in a month as my laundry days have been taken over by the other commitments that landed on my only free day of the week.
With junior clerk back for an undetermined time, I will be taking some time off from Work trying to downsize to about 35 hrs (50+ since September)

I love these shorts for work. They have a knit waistband that is comfortable on my auto-immune stomach.   Alas, my three pairs have worn out. Dang it.
Could I find anymore?

I decided at Christmas to make a pattern and it only took me three  months to do so.

These shorts have a lot of top-stitching details as well as RTW construction details.  I have never seen a commercial pattern with this many pocket details (3 different pockets). Nor the two panel front piece. Is this to save on material to maximize fabric usage  when bulk sewing?

You can see the flap pocket place on the lower side seam. Then there are cargo/patch pockets at the waist zone. This cargo pocket overlaps the seam on the front pieces. It appears to be just top-stitching but there is a rectangular side piece and a narrower 'crotch' piece.

From what I could see, I will be sewing these two pieces together to create one front piece and then adding the cargo pocket. Then I will switch to the back piece (all one big pattern piece) and add the back pocket, then stitch at the side seams to the front. Then I add the side seam flap pocket.

After this is together, I will repeat for the left side with the addition of a fake fly.
These pieces are then seamed at center thru the crotch and up the backside.

Finish with serging on a knit waistband and hemming.

All cut out on my swedish tracing paper.

I'm pretty rough with my seam allowance markings. I allow a big 1/4 inch for the serger and more for fold overs on this particular pocket.  These are not fitted shorts - so I don't need to be exact.
I add copious notes right on the pattern piece because I imagine it might be another three months before I can sew these. We'll see.

Side seam pocket needs a flap. When I was cutting this one out, I noticed I forgot to add seam allowances as this one will be turned but remembered in time before the scissors had their way.

This cargo pocket got snipped from the shorts. This is a great way to go if you are pattern-making and sewing within sight of each other but my sewing time has become negligent at best with Work intruding and I don't know how junior clerk coming back before her re-assignment and possible new boss will impact my hours.

Because of all the top-stitching, all of the seams were well-defined. I cut off the knit waistband as well as cutting the crotch seam apart leaving me a  left and a right 'leg'. Then I laid these flat pieces out on my tracing paper and rough sketched against those top-stitching lines. I wanted to keep the leg intact because of the extra pieces and when I do get back to the project, I will have the original short  mostly intact so I can remember how I thought I was going to construct these babies.

Then, there is the fake fly.


And all the top-stitching. With top-stitching thread that is thicker.

I hope all of you had a tremendously beautiful Easter and got to play with eggs and chocolate.
Happy Easter!

Tea Cozy

The only thing I sewed in January was a work apron?!?!

Rumblings of "How Pitiful!" came forth from the depths of my spleen yesterday.
I couldn't let that slide.

Rambling around on the internet came forth with this gem that I felt a need to make.
The tea cozy turned out wonderfully.
Very Kerry Berry provided a template for the tea cozy shape and I strip-sewed the teapot together and sewed it on as an applique.

I did make a promise to myself that I would sew more for myself this year instead of giving it all away. I tend to take care of others because it is easier. Yes, easier.

When is the last time you sewed something just for you?
I find it much easier to dive into a project if I have someone in mind. The fabrics in  their colors tend to jump into my design basket so much easier. But if I were to sew something for myself?
Let's just say is it is difficult to take the time, to pick fabrics and notions with myself in mind, but more importantly, "Am I worthy of this selfish time spent on myself?"

In any case, I didn't sew this tea cozy for me. But I did figure out a process. The steps to make this little striped teapot, the process,  that IS sewing time for me.

Even though I don't have much personal sewing around me, I really enjoy the process of figuring out how to get a finished product off my cutting table just by looking at a photo.

Complicated subject: My new years goal is to make those projects more for me. Go beyond the process and sew the item with ME in mind. My colors, my fabrics, something I can use.

And if that is a work apron, so be it.

.



*** And I did sew this with someone in mind. But now I am trapped in my new rule of not giving it all away. Now what?




I found this amazing sight this morning as the dawn came forth with light:

Pencil Girl: This is my Underwater setting scene on my camera. I believe that's how I got the green lights on the Christmas Tree too.

Work Apron

 

A new work apron is the only thing I have sewn this January.
Pitiful, but the sewing room is a disaster after the frenzy of holiday sewing and someone needs to go clean it up.
I always need a new apron for work. Up until now I was using a 'pattern' that had a single strap around the neck. By the time I put my three pens in the pocket as well as my work gloves, the weight starts dragging on my neck.
I decided a few months ago that I would create a new pattern - a smock apron. The weight would rest on my set of shoulders rather than my single neck.
More even distribution, if you will.

I used my swedish tracing paper to create a paper pattern. I measured the hip width of my original apron and tapered it up to my shoulder width. I pinned it to my shoulders  several times until I thought it was the right width, right coverage and correct length.
Then I folded my paper in half length-wise to make sure both sides were the same. This is where I cut out the neck hole. I basically cut out a 'U' neckline and cut a bit more until I was satisfied.

I pinned it to my double-layered fabric and cut it out. I used a thrifted denim fabric.

For the bottom pocket, I cut another piece of fabric - pocket length and matched my rounded corners at the bottom. I then serged the edges together.
I hemmed the top of the pocket length AFTER I serged the edges necessitating me ripping a few stitches out to get it hemmed. After hemming the top edge of the pocket, I used my coverstitch machine (twin rows of stitching) to create the  pocket divider in the middle.

I had about a package and a half of black double-fold bias tape which could be enough(?). The only navy blue I had was a narrow double-fold bias tape and I wanted the 1/2" look on the edge.
I started sewing down the bias tape on the raw edges which was very easy as I was sandwiching just a single layer between the bias tape and it didn't shift at all.
As it was, I was 4" short. A trip to Joann's is in my future this weekend.

I did use the narrow navy blue bias tape for the ties. I sewed the fold shut and then attached them at my waist spot on each side of the front & back of the apron.

However when I got to work, placed my three pens and gloves in the pockets and put my ID badge and name tag on -- the weight in those pockets caused the back to creep up - making the front start dragging. Not good!
When I cut out the neck hole, I made the front and back the same. Next time, I will bring the back up to the neckline so it won't creep.

I thought about it for a few days and I think I have a solution (it's been a week already!). I am going to add a strap across the back just under my neckline which will act as a stop when  it rides up against my polo collar.
Right now, I untie one side and just lift it off and up over my head. I think I will make the strap with a snap just in case my head gets is too big to lift the apron up and off of my big head of hair.

When it rides at my shoulders, it is very comfortable to wear.

I have noticed that the denim is already wearing at the waist so I still have to add a wearable piece of art at the middle.  I will zigzag stitch it on and when it starts looking sad I can easily slide my seam ripper down through the zigzag stitches and sew on another pretty add-on piece. This little add-on takes the brunt of my work and I won't have to sew an entire apron next time.

I have had  the most delightful day with my mom and her kindle, the sun has been shining, and I cleaned the house thoroughly and then the light went, which leaves you with photos taken with a flash and other bad photography problems but hey - it's a work apron.

This new smock-type apron took about two hours to sew and three months of pattern gestation in my head.
And only after I was forced to admit my previous apron looked sad, very sad.


Oh - the upper pocket is for my IPOD so I don't have to listen to anyone who is mean & cranky.

(Another) Work Apron

My work apron front panel is in tatters again. I wanted something springy feeling but  I wasn't feeling a design inspiration  (or is that divine intervention?) in my fabric stash.
I found this scrap of red from my great-nieces skirt and I thought I could do something  simple with a panel on top of the panel - maybe add some rickrack bling.

Simply sew down red panel over new denim panel - with elastic thread = wonky

Of course, I need to drive back to work in 30 minutes so I am totally rockin' the free-sewing -use what threads are in my machine thing. The serger still has a decorative crimson thread - check. The Riccar has a pinky-mauve thread- check. And I am sewing. 
After sewing down the panel onto the denim panel -it's a tad wonky. haha, there is still elastic thread in the bobbin of the Riccar.  Too funny.

This is last fall's panel design.

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't sewn down the panel as - let's face it- it's wonky. Tomorrow - got yoga tonight - I'll mess around with some rickrack to see it this panel will survive the cut.
I wear out these panels pretty fast. But the panel means I don't have to totally re-sew an apron so often. We'll see if rickrack can save this.

Apron

Finally.

A new work apron was desparately needed. That pesky bellybutton hole went through both layers but I have had no inspiration. Zero. Zippo. Nada.
I found some denim material last Thursday at a rummage sale. I went to a few more garage sales with a friend on Friday and found the 6" squares of the frogs and dragonflies.

I simply sewed an outline around the body of the appliqué and trimmed close to the sewing line. I even put a line of fray-check around the edges.
To make construction of numerous aprons possible, I re-use the apron ties and neck strap and sew them onto the new apron body.
The top pocket is for my MP3 player.

I am back in the business of looking half-way neat at work.

This would be the bathroom tile - laid out in the garage. A little lighter than originally planned. Our first place said they didn't have any more of these big tiles but the second had them - only someone got scared of the color when he bought them and went with the slightly lighter version.
It will work.

Where Did May Go?

My thoughts lately have not been lining up with my photos. 

My thoughts have been getting dragged down by the "it's all about Kathy" world.

 Meanwhile, I am still creating things.   Sometimes it goes quite slowly.
 

I needed to take a few weeks off from journaling and reaffirm what I am journaling about.

What are my goals for this journal? You know - deep, profound thoughts.

I made thank you postcards for my fat quarter swappies utilizing some of the fabric I received.
I took the paisley and sandwiched card stock in between this fabric and a second fabric. Then I free-sewed around the paisley pattern to hold things together and zigzagged loosely around the edges. I simply wrote on the back with a sharpie and labeled them on the front. 

While doing eight of these -  four per card stock sheet, I remembered one of my neighbors has been dealing with a newish diagnosis of colon cancer. So- I took more of the fabrics and sewed a patchwork card to let her know - she's a sewer, so she gets it, that I was thinking of her that day.

I thought to wait to post the finished photos - and the process to create these fun projects.
 May has always been a busy month, and for now, here's a sampling of what I have been working on. 

Flower T-Shirts To Match Her Skirt

They only make Onesies for size 12 months. Why is that? Why can't you find a t-shirt for the little ones? I'm guessing the moms who buy baby stuff really go for the neat onesie look and they must really like snapping those crotch snaps.
Seriously, my niece is starting in on the potty training for the 14 month old and onesies would tragically miss the moment.

I was requested to make the matching shirt a T-Shirt.
Fred Meyers, Target, Macy's and finally, Walmart. --I found a long sleeved red t-shirt in the 18 month size!

Plan B: Cut off the onesie flap and hem like a t-shirt. Worked like a charm too.

I really wanted to work on a white t-shirt. Although the red long-sleeved shirt is now sporting one flower near the shoulder.

I needed a new work apron as well. The front panel takes a lot of wear and tear. My idea is to just replace the front panel when it starts looking 'unprofessional'.

On the left - 'unprofessional'.    On the right, totally spiffy. Flat-out Springy.

Yes - this is the same denim on both. These photos were taken within a minute of each other in the same lighting. The left apron is faded, worn through at the mid-section, and stained.

If you look closely, you'll see the neck strap and ties do not match. I took them off a previous apron and just added them to my new one.
This is my last piece of denim. I bought it here and I would not recommend the quality of their denim to anyone. But I did sew three aprons out of the 1 yard piece. This denim only lasts about three months.
By utilizing a front panel - where most of the wear happens, I managed to make the second one last six months. Here's hoping this one will make it to six months as well.

The pocket at the top is for my Ipod.