Sewing Under the Influence: Finishings

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Finishings

Happy Day-After-Fat-Tuesday aka the start of Lent aka 40 days til Easter! Whoa, time flies.

Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had Presidents Day off from work. So, I took full advantage of that 3 day weekend opportunity to sew, and finish my projects I had been lagging on finishing lately. Are any of you like me? Here's how I go... 1. Get excited for a new piece of fabric or a new project started. 2. After putting in significant time on said project, lose interest and/or get stuck on a difficult step in the process. 3. Find another exciting new piece of fabric and/or project to start. 4. Oops, now I have multiple almost-done projects that I just can't get motivated to finish. Just me or can you relate?

Well here are some updates and final products that I kicked in gear this past holiday weekend.

The thread board that my honey designed and made for me. OK, actually, HE finished the project. I really had no hand in it and can take NO credit. Great job babe!!!. He painted it a vibrant turquoise color. Now I just need to buy more thread to fill all the available places for the spools!

The Christmas (yes, that's right CHRISTMAS) dish towels that I hadn't finished yet for my Grandmother. I had finished one for her by Christmas, and wrote an IOU note for the rest. I bought the dishtowels at Target, and sewed in 2 strips of matching Christmas fabric on each. My beverage of choice that easy-going afternoon was a delish brown ale, Newcastle. Yum.

Here's the progression of the birthday tote bag that I started on a Sew-Day with my girlfriend, Catherine a while back. It is a good Spring time bag - big & sturdy, definitely able to hold the kids' towels and toys for a beach adventure day. I found the blog with the tutorial via my friend via TipNut (Tote Bag Tutorial). Here's the free tutorial and PDF pattern, should you want to make this cute and useful bag. Be forewarned - if you're not a quilter (which I'm not), be aware that the bag calls for a significant amount of binding, which can be difficult and time consuming. Overall, the bag turned out really well, and I'm glad I made it.

There are a bunch of steps in the process that I forgot to capture on my camera - oops!

These two are of Catherine's bag in progress. She and I made the same bag. I love her color and pattern choices!

Happy days to all!

Cheers ~ Nina

2 comments:

Melody HolzFebruary 23, 2012 at 1:21 PM
I am the recipient of your fabulous bag! Now I want to go to the beach! But not until Marshall is walking. crawler + sand = no good.
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MirandaFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:22 AM
What a fun bag- love the fabrics on both of them! And don't worry, you'll fill up that thread board quickly
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Mondays with Melody

I'm new to this business of sewing, if you don't count a brief stint in junior high making scrunchies for my friends for Christmas. I started about a year ago making a quilt, and I just can't stop making blankets of all sizes. I do an occasional bag or household crafty item, but most of my sewing is straight lines, quarter inch seams, and quiltcentric. And that's the way I like it! When I'm not sewing, I'm chasing my two little boys around....and when I'm not doing that, I'm probably catching my breath and trying to take care of a new little one that's on its way (due in September)! Check back every Monday, and you'll catch bits and pieces of my life (sewing and non-sewing) as I continue to blog here.

Fat Tuesdays with Miranda

The name Fat Tuesday was chosen for me by the girls because of my love for fat quarters and the fact I blog on Tuesdays- why? What were you thinking? It’s true, I like fat quarters- they give me the ability to indulge my love for fabric without breaking the bank. My other loves include quick projects, not pinning anything, rotary cutters, never using a pattern (actually, I’m happy to use a simple pattern made from my own clothes or an easy one printed out from the internet- but the filmy bits of McCall’s floating around with their hoity toity old fashioned sewing words? No thanks), my three darling babes and one wonderful husband who you may see here under the name of Mr. Handsome. Come join me every Tuesday for a quick fun project or something of the like.

Wine on Wednesdays with Nina

When it comes to my humble sewing roots, I'm pretty much still a sewing newbie by most regards. I first set my hands on a sewing machine back in April of 2011, barely with the skill to sew a button back onto a shirt by hand. I learned quickly, because I realized very quickly how much I enjoy it! My original inspiration was to be able to design and wear fabulous costumes to themed parties and Burning Man events, and that continues to be my favorite types of sewing and crafting projects. Though, I find great joy in any project (albeit a cute blanket, household accessory, décor, purse, or random gift) when I can sit down to my sewing table in the evening with a glass of red wine, listen to some good tunes playing in the background, and let myself embrace the relaxation and fun I find out of sewing. I don’t think I could ever try to sell my creations or have a business out of sewing – that would make it work to me. And sewing is one of my favorite things to do when I’m not in work-mode. If the sun is shining and the weather’s right, I’ll probably choose a good beach bike ride or trail run/hike over staying indoors at my machine, but in the evenings, I love to sew! Check back on (most) Wednesdays for a taste of what fun projects I’m working on and what tasty libation I’m enjoying in the process. Cheers!

Sew Thursdays with Holly

I am a stay at home mom and I love my job. Even on the most challenging days I wouldn't change a thing. In my spare time, ha ha, I love to sew. I prefer quilts and bags/purses but I have dabbled in clothing. Although I have learned it is better to stick to the kiddie clothes for me. I love the creation process of quilting and for someone who always follows the rules I have learned a great deal about making things up as I go. I guess I have found sewing as a place of liberation from always having to do something the "right" way. Join me on Thursdays as I follow some patterns, make things up and learn a whole lot from my mistakes.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Finishings

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