Valentine's Day :: zakka inspired zippered pouch

I finished my little project today: a zakka inspired zippered pouch. It was fun and easy to make. For the past week or so, I had been thinking of something to use my crocheted hearts for. It was only when I visited Eloleo's blog and saw her latest creation with free-style embroidery, that all pieces fell into place. A zippered pouch with the heart free-style embroidered onto it! So here it is!



The part I like best? The zipper! A vintage zipper found at our local "mercerie". The girls start laughing as soon as I even mention that store. It's ran by three ladies. And all three they have in common they do not always appreciate the presence of kids at their store. And they're very conservative. Like with the zipper today - Ok, maybe in this case I was the one being conservative. I took the little pouch with me and I had a certain idea of the kind of zipper I wanted: a metal one. I spotted a nice red-ish one. "Oh non! Red wouldn't work, beige is what I needed. A beige polyester one, that is.". Well, I didn't agree. And I did not only buy a red zipper but a whole array of zippers, all in faded candy colors. At a bargain price, because these were old zippers nobody else wants anymore. Again according to the ladies at the store. Good thing I'm conservative when it comes to zippers...






And the second best part are the three little hearts in the back.

Valentine's Day :: Crocheted hearts tutorial - part 2

I got really nervous about this particular crocheted heart. After I did the first three-dimensional one, I had to make another one in order to write the tutorial (why didn't I anticipate this?!) and I started panicking I wouldn't be able to replicate. But, as you can see I managed to do so and if you look really carefully, you'll notice this one actually looks better than its fellow over here. That's probably because this time I had to pay attention to what I was doing. Hence, no mistakes in this one. It's perfectly symmetrical and looks much more like a heart than the first one - though anatomically I would say the first one's probably a better match.

Anyway, if you want to make one of these goodies, this is what you'll need:

- a crochet hook
- red yarn
- 2 pieces of thread of different color for marking stitches or stitch markers if you would have any of those
- roving or fiber fill (I was lucky to still have some red roving left from previous needle felting projects)

Stitches used and abbreviations

cs = chain stitch
sc = single crochet
slst = slip stitch
st = stitch

Pattern

round 1: 5cs, close loop with a slst

round 2: 1 cs, 8 sc = 9st

Mark first stitch using one of the colored threads or a stitch marker.

round 3: 1 cs, 1 sc, increase by making 2 sc in every underlying stitch of previous row, finish round with 1 slst = 18 st.

Mark with the other colored thread or a stitch marker after stitch number 9.
Note: make sure to move up the stitch markers as you go - the markers split the work exactly in half which will help you in making the heart perfectly symmetrical.

round 4: 1 cs, 1 sc, 2 sc in every next stitch, 1 slst = 36st

round 5: 1 cs, 1 sc, * 1 sc, increase 2 sc, 1 sc, increase 2 sc *, increase 3 sc, increase 2 sc, increase 3 sc, repeat * * backwards, increase 2 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc = 26 st.
1 cs, * 1 sc 6 times, increase 2 sc, increase 3 sc *, increase 2 sc, repeat * * backwards, 1 sc = 26 st.
Repeat this sequence on the other half of the stitches. You should end this round with 52 st.

round 6: 1cs, * 1 sc 10 times, increase 3 sc in next stitch, 1 sc *, repeat * * backwards. Repeat this sequence on the other half. You should end with 58 st.
1cs, * 1 sc 11 times, increase 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc *, repeat * * backwards = 29 st. Repeat this sequence on the other half. You should end with 58 st.

round 7: 1 sc 5 times, decrease by making 1 sc every other stitch 9 times, 1 sc 5 times. Repeat this sequence for the other half. You should end with 38 st.

round 8: 1 sc 5 times, decrease by making 1 sc every other stitch 5 times, 1 sc 5 times. Repeat for the other half. You should end with 32 st.

round 9: 1 sc 5 times, decrease by making 1 sc every other stitch 2 times, 1 sc 5 times. Repeat for the other half. You should end with 26 st.

round 10: 1 sc 5 times, decrease by making 1 sc every other stitch 2 times, 1 sc 4 times. Repeat for the other half. You should end with 22 st.

round 11: 1 sc 4 times, decrease by making 1 sc every other stitch 2 times, 1 sc 4 times. Repeat for the other half. You should end with 18 st.

You can start stuffing the heart with the roving or fiber fill and shape if needed. Continue to add as you go.

round 12: 1 sc 2 times, decrease by making 1 sc every other stitch 1 time, 1 sc 3 times. Repeat on remaining stitches.

next rounds: continue to decrease like in previous rows until you have 1 st left. Bind off and hide the remaining end inside the heart with a needle.

Just a final note: the first couple of rounds look kind of weird - ruffled - and I'm sure you'll wonder how this ever could become a heart. Don't worry about this. As you soon as you'll start decreasing stitches the heart shape will come.

Good luck!

Valentine's Day :: something to crochet

I seem to be in a crochet mood, lately. I'm still working on the granny squares. I have about 14 ready now - I'm taking it slowly, one at a time. It seems I'm not the only one with granny squares on her mind. For a nice overview and inspiration, check out Mon Ami's blog. Granny squares not only work great for blankets and pillows. The other day, I saw a lady on the metro with the most exquisite granny squares scarf draped around her neck, in soft angora wool, earth tones combined with purples and blues. So beautiful! Too bad winter is too far along otherwise I would have started on one. Maybe something to keep in mind for next year...

Now, in between the granny square oohing and aahing, I did some Valentine's day inspired crocheting as well. I whipped two hearts together: a flat one and last night a three-dimensional one.

In case you fancy to make some of your own, I plan on having a how-to together, hopefully by tomorrow. So, if your in the mood for some Valentine's Day inspired crocheting, stay tuned and get out crochet hooks and red yarns...

Sewing with kids :: PJ's!

We had a nice and almost normal weekend. The girls had busy schedules on Saturday, but on Sunday we just stayed home and relaxed, and M. and I found time for some sewing as well.

With the holidays and all that happened after, we didn't do any sewing since the tote bag. She'd told me a couple of times already the next thing she wanted to sew was something she could wear. That's when I came up with the idea of making some PJ pants. Not too difficult, I thought, and no big deal if it didn't work out. Only problem: I didn't have a pattern - very annoying on a Sunday afternoon. We did have some summer drawstring pants, however, which once belonged to M. but now are more of little H.'s size. I traced those and added a couple of inches here and there, and hoped for the best. I found some really nice cotton fabric in my stash, with a delicate flower print which M. happened to like too. I cut the fabric for her and pinned the pieces together. And, somehow, the pattern worked out perfectly. Don't ask me how I did it, but it was right to the very last millimeter. M. did all the sewing on her little machine - she even zig-zagged the edges to prevent the fabric from fraying. I showed her a little trick for sewing the two legs together. She sort of panicked when she saw how wide the pants were at the waist - that was before inserting the elastic, however. Once the elastic was in, they had the right fit. I added one final little detail for her: a faux drawstring at the front.

Et voilà!... a mere two hours later, I was able to take this shot: a proud M. in her new PJ's...
Perfect! Just perfect! Don't you think?!

Granny squares

Earlier this week I was still complaining about my lack of creativity and energy. It looks like both are coming back, as some of you predicted. K. wasn't the only one who had to recover, apparently. But we're back on track now! Both of us!

I don't know what triggered it, but on Wednesday afternoon I found myself rummaging through my craft supplies, looking for a crochet hook and some yarn. I have quite a stash of left over yarns, and I did remember this gorgeous granny squares blanket on Yvestown (also check out her photostream for more colorful projects). I started on the flowers and made a small stack of them that very same night. Yesterday, I went out to get me some white and a couple more colors. [This is totally besides the story but on my hunt for yarn I got "lost" at some point, but in a fun way. I came across a part of Paris I didn't know yet and which I definitely need to go back to some time soon, to check out the nicest little boutiques. I'll keep you posted!]

Anyway, it took me a while to find the appropriate white cotton but eventually I did. So, last night I finished off some of the granny squares. I don't know yet what I'll use them for, a blanket or some pillows. Though that was the initial idea, I'm afraid a blanket is a little bit of an ambitious and risky project for a restless mind like me who likes to change projects often. And it could cause some problems here too, as the girls are already asking who it will be for. Two pillow cases, however, would make both girls happy and maybe that would make a nice Valentine's Day present as well...
Need to think about it!

Sewing with kids

I mentioned it in one of my last posts of 2009: Santa brought the girls a real sewing machine - the Janome Sew Mini. At first I felt a little nervous about it. I wasn't sure they would like it. And given their young age (9 and 6), would it be easy enough to operate? I was a bit worried too - was I putting pressure on them to like the same thing I like to do: sewing? Turns out that I worried too much. They just love their little sewing machine, the best proof being the little projects they did.

So far, they each made a heat therapy cherry pit pillow. Big girl M. made the most gorgeous tote, big enough to fit a large sized book in it. And they both made a little linen pouch for their cousins, with their cousins' names embroidered on it - too bad I didn't have time to take pictures as these were REALLY cute. For all of these projects, all I did was provide the fabric, cut the fabric and put the pieces together ready to be stitched on the machine.



Since the bag turned out so lovely and is really easy to make, I decided I might as well provide you with some instructions. My first tutorial for 2010! It makes a nice beginner's project, not just for kids but for anyone who's new at sewing.

All you need is two rectangular pieces of fabric of 42 by 80 cm, one for the outside of the bag and one for lining the bag and some matching thread.

This is how it goes:

1. Cut the fabric - both the lining and outer fabric - as shown in the diagram. Next, fold the 10cm wide strip in half, lengthwise, and cut lengthwise at the fold so you obtain two 5 by 80cm strips. These will be used for the handles.



2. Starting with the outer fabric, fold the bigger piece in half, right sides facing and stitch the side seams. Repeat with the lining, but this time you leave a small opening in one of the side seams, for turning.

3. Take one of each fabrics long handle strips, place on top of each other right sides facing. Stitch both side seams. Attach a safety pin at one end, slip it inside and turn the obtained tube inside out - this makes a nice exercise in fine motor skills for kids. Remove the safety pin. Shape the handle and press flat with an iron (this should be done by an adult). Repeat with the other set of strips.

4. Turn the outer bag inside out, if you haven't done so already and pin the handles to the bag, such that the outer fabric of both the handle and bag is facing. Stitch into place, really close to the edge.



5. Pull the lining over the outer bag with the handles already attached, making sure the handles are squeezed inside, and such that the right side of the outer bag is facing the right side of the lining. Stitch the top seam, about 1.5cm from the edge.

6. Now, turn inside out the bag through the opening you left in the lining. Shape and press flat with an iron (adult!). Close the opening in the side seam of the lining and ... done!

I hope this is clear - if not just let me know!
Just a final note: if you plan on doing this project with kids, or any project on the sewing machine, do not leave them unattended while operating a sewing machine and make sure to keep the working area safe!

And now I'm off to dismantle and get rid of our Christmas tree!

Wishing you a fun first week of the new year!


Please note, these tutorials are intended for personal use only. Therefore, do not reproduce, sell or commercialize in any form without permission. Thanks for understanding!

Last minute DIY gifts :: a Moleskine, decorated

Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? Keep on reading then, as I might have something for you! This project is fast and easy. A Moleskine decorated with my "signature" squares.

All you need is a Moleskine note book, a small strip of leather (or felt or any other non-fraying material), a ruler and pencil, repositionable tape, glue and a sewing machine.

1. Cut three (or any number of) squares from the leather.
2. With a ruler and pencil measure and mark on the front cover where the squares should come, distributing them evenly.
3. Use the repositionable tape to secure them into place.
4. Draw a line on the tape through the center of the squares - this will be the line you'll be sewing along.
5. On your sewing machine, sew the squares into place, using a large stitch, starting at the very top, all the way down, to the bottom of the cover. (you might want to test on a piece of card stock of comparable thickness first, to determine the correct tension, if your machine doesn't do so automatically - mine unfortunately doesn't...)
6. Tie a double knot in the loose hanging thread ends. Before cutting the loose ends you can put a tiny droplet of white glue on the knot, to make sure it doesn't come loose (I use one end of a paperclip for this, where I've put a tiny bit of glue onto)
7. Depending on how neat the cover looks on the inside (tension!), you can "hide" the stitches with some masking tape and next glue the first page of the notebook to the cover, making use of a glue stick.
8. Finally, remove the repositionable tape from the front.

And that's all there is to it! A perfect stocking stuffer!
Something for daddy, maybe...?

Sewing too :: kids' embroidery

It's definitely winter here now. This means more indoor activities, like crafts, painting, drawing... and now sewing, too. Both of my girls have shown interest lately in learning how to sew. Little H. actually never held a needle before, but told me several times she wanted to learn how to sew, too.

Last Wednesday we got started. And the result you can see in the pictures. The little dog was made by big sister M.. The cat is from little H.'s hand. The pattern for these little critters we found in the book "Kids' embroidery. Projects for Kids of All Ages." by Kristin Nicholas, a book with lots of fun projects, which I can really recommend, and not just for kids... Both girls got the hang of it - little H. even decided to add more detail, like the little collar (that was after she detected the golden embroidery thread in my sewing box). I hope we'll do some more...

DIY Christmas tree ornaments

Last week I extensively wrote about whether to get a real Christmas tree or not. We did get one, eventually. And this year the girls took care of decorating it all by themselves (which means they're getting big...) - all I had to do was put in the lights and a couple of garlands. They decided to keep it simple. No glittery garlands this year (it took M. a while to convince little sister). They even didn't put in all the balls we have. Not because they grew tired of decorating but just because they thought it looked prettier that way. I've tried to take pictures of the tree - but I can't simply make it work. Though we do have lots of natural light coming in, the light is not good in that particular spot, and I don't like to use flash.
But I took some pictures of - only some of - the homemade ornaments we have.

Cinnamon applesauce ornaments
Our favorite ornaments by far are the cinnamon applesauce ones. Both girls made cinnamon applesauce ornaments in preschool. We still have them. I keep them in a ziplock bag with the other ornaments. And every year they're the first ones to come out of the box. The smell of these is simply divine, even after those many years. The star in the upper left, is one of the cinnamon applesauce ornaments we made at home. You can find a recipe and instructions here. Instead of letting them air dry on a rack, I believe, we put them in the oven for a while.

Cinnamon sticks
Yesterday, while I was rummaging through our herbs and spices, I came across these cinnamon sticks. I tied some of my fake baker's twine around it, made a loop, and done - little logs for the tree...

Cork Christmas trees
Some of you might remember these. For the how-to, check-out last year's post about them here.

Felt ornaments
These are really easy to make - a nice first sewing project for the little ones. Trace a star twice on a piece of felt - we use cookie cutters for that - cut out, and sew the two pieces together using small stitches and leaving a small opening. Stuff some fiber fill inside. Finish up the sewing. Make a loop at the top, and ready.

So now, you have an idea of what we have in our Christmas tree (there's more - if only I could make that picture work). Do you have favorite ornaments?

Baker's twine :: fake it

Don't you just love baker's twine? I do! But it's so hard to find around here. I spent quite some time searching for it online, and I did find it but it get's outrageously expensive if you want to have it shipped to Europe. I also found some stores in Paris carrying it, but they charge a ridiculously high price as well, knowing it's hard to find.

That's when I decided to try to make it, with some embroidery floss. I just twisted two strands of embroidery floss and the result you can see in the picture. Not too bad, I believe. This method works ok if you don't need a lot of it, like for putting on gift tags or Christmas tree ornaments. And since embroidery floss comes in all colors and shades imaginable the color combinations are endless.

However, yesterday I mentioned to my mom I was looking for this. About half an hour later she called me (I was twisting embroidery floss at that very moment). She was at her local supermarket and guess what... she found baker's twine! Not just in red and white but in blue/white and green/white as well. To make sure we were talking about the same thing she even took a picture with her cell phone and sent it to me. And sure enough, it was exactly what I was looking for. I placed my order - a lifetime supply of baker's twine. This year, I believe Santa might bring me some baker's twine... Lucky me!

Now, in case you want to have a go at making your own, just cut two strands of embroidery floss of equal length. Make a loop at one end, big enough to fit around a doorknob or any other kind of knob of a fixed object. At the other end, make a smaller loop that fits around a pencil. Now, start twisting the floss by turning the pencil. From time to time, with your fingers, slide over the floss to make sure the twist is evenly distributed. When done, just wind around a piece of card board or a small spool... Et voilà!

For the baker's twine lovers amongst you, check out this. And Martha Stewart has some too.

Finished

I promised I would show you the finished product of my latest experiment.
So, here it is: another pillow cover. I absolutely love the way it turned out. If I ever end up having an Etsy shop, this one definitely will be in it. That and the shopping bags.

I simply used fabric strips from an old (favorite) T-shirt of K.'s that I cut to pieces already anyway for making the lining of M.'s little bag.

My favorite part is the knot in the back for closing, made from the left over ends of the strips I wove into the linen of the front.

A simple yet effective craft that goes perfectly well with our couch.
I think we need more...

Security envelopes

The things you can do with security envelopes! It's been a true hype in blogosphere, lately. Since I have plenty of security envelopes (I'm one of those people who keeps correspondence in the original envelope for months before filing) and plenty more of all kinds of paper and card stock after last weekend's clean-up activities, I went out yesterday to go buy one of those circular punch cutters - I don't know if that's what they're called, but I guess you know what I mean. One of those "you slam on it" cutters which come in all shapes and sizes. They came in all shapes and sizes at the store I went to, but not in big circles unfortunately. Sold out (no surprise, really - see first sentence)! A little frustrated I left - I'll have to put my ideas on hold for a while, I guess.

But... you can also photograph security envelopes. And that's what I did instead. Security envelopes abstracts - well, one envelope and one plastic plug-in cell phone holder is what I used for these photographs. And my by far favorite macro lens.

How about that! If you can't punch it you just photograph it...

Now, for those of you interested in crafts using security envelopes, here's a short list of things you could do:

- the most gorgeous paper cut art using security envelopes by Kristiina Lahde
- How about orange - cup cake flags
- notepads at Little Paper Dog
- and through Little Paper Dog I also found cupcake toppers and garlands at Creature Comforts
- and again through Little Paper Dog: plenty of other ideas at iDiY
- Craft-Werk: security envelopes made out of... security envelopes, beads and garlands
- Crafting a green world: more envelopes
- tags at the Felt Mouse
- security envelope patterns and buttons at The Sweetie Pie Press



And since, now, I have the list up here, I won't have to go through all my bookmarks again, once I found that circular cutter that is...

Messenger bag :: a tutorial

Last Friday, I mentioned there possibly was a tutorial in the works for little H.'s bag. It's been tested now over the weekend and she loves it - and so do I!
So, here's a tutorial for a fancy ruffled messenger bag!

This bag sort of happened. The only requirements were it had to be a messenger bag and the strap needed to be adjustable. And it definitely needed frills of some sort as little H. is a girly girl. Hence, the ruffles. All I used was my imagination and some scissors. I didn't even bother to take out a ruler or measurement tape (well, I did - afterwards, in order to write the how-to). The rounded flap and matching strap "happened" as I went.

In case you want to give it a try, here's a short description. The measurements given are approximate and include seam allowance.

For this bag you'll need:

two sets of fabric, one for the outside of the bag, one for the lining, cut as follows:

in each fabric:
- a 65x30cm rectangle, for the body,
- another 30x25cm rectangle for the flap, (long end determines the height of the flap, while the short end determines the width of the flap. The latter should be slightly less than the width of your bag pieces)
- a 4x15cm rectangle for the loop,
- a 5x105cm strip for the strap.

lining only:
- a long strip measuring roughly 7x140cm, for the ruffles


Step 1: Body of the bag

Fold the fabric in two, pin the sides, and stitch the sides closed.
Next, in order to make the boxed corners at the bottom, fold open the corner so that the side seam matches up with the bottom fabric fold, pin and mark as shown in the picture, about 4cm from the side. Stitch on the line. Repeat with the other corner. Note: it's really important to have side seam and bottom fold coincide perfectly, in order to get perfect 90° corners.



Now repeat with the lining, but leaving an opening in one of the sideseams, for turning in the last step. You should end up with two bag pieces looking like this:




Step 2: Flap

2a. Take the flap and cut curvature going from the left hand side lower corner to the right hand side upper corner.



2b. Ruffles: Fold the strip in two and iron flat. Next, on your sewing machine sew two parallel seams in a not too small stitch. Knot the four thread ends at one end to secure. At the other end take the two upper threads and start pulling on them, while pushing the fabric down. Your fabric will start ruffling. Keep going until you've reached the desired length, being the length of the curved side of the flap.

2c. Pin the ruffles to the outer fabric, such that the ruffles face inward (see picture). Secure by stitching them together really close to the side.

2d. Put the lining on top of the outer fabric, right sides facing, sandwiching the ruffles inside. Pin and next stitch the seams all the way around except for at the top (for turning). Clip the corner, turn inside out, press flat with an iron. It will look like this:




Step 3: Loop and strap

3a. Put the two strips you cut for the loop on top of each other right sides facing and stitch together. Next, turn inside out and press flat.



3b. Do the same with the strips you cut for the strap. Note: As I wanted the strip to match with the rounded flap I cut a slight curve at one end.



Step 4: Putting the bag together

4a. Pin the flap to the outer bag right sides facing while making sure to have it perfectly in the middle of the back of your bag.



4b. Fold the strip for the loop in two and pin to the left side of the bag, right sides facing and having the loop face downwards (it will face up once the bag is turned in the last step).

4c. Pin the strap to the bag at the opposite side, right sides facing.

4d. Secure everything, by stitching close to the sides.



4e. Pin the lining to the outer bag, right sides facing, and keeping the flap, the loop and the strap sandwiched inside. Stitch closed, about 1cm from the edge.

4f. Turn the bag inside out, through the opening you left in the lining. Press all seams flat. Close the gap in the lining, pull the strap through the loop and tie a knot at the desired length... and done!





I hope I made myself clear, if not just let me know!

Good luck!

Please note, these tutorials are intended for personal use only. Therefore, do not reproduce, sell or commercialize in any form without permission. Thanks for understanding!

New bag

I made plenty of bags over the past year some of which you might remember, and many many more before that. But I never made a bag for this young lady. After we finished M.'s bag earlier this week, I promised her she would be next. I kept my promise and made this one yesterday - there might be a tutorial in the works, who knows...

Little H.'s thrilled with her new bag and has been taking it everywhere, to gym yesterday, to a birthday party today...

Fun with clay

I'm slowly getting back to our usual life. Yesterday morning we took the kids to a concert, which was only partly fun but still nice. And then in the afternoon we played with clay.

I just love it and find it very relaxing. The way it feels, the kneading, the way you can shape it, the way you can smooth it out with just the use of your fingertips... My last experience with clay was the pottery class I took way back in California. I had been wanting to do this for the longest time and then I found a class not too far from where we lived. It's actually at that pottery class I realized I was pregnant: the spinning of the wheel right under my eyes made me feel sick to my stomach, something it didn't before. A couple of days later I took the test (I felt sick to my stomach even without looking at a whirling wheel by then) and - yes! - I was pregnant, of little H. that is... I didn't get much further than making a couple of crooked bowls, which I still have. The "health hazard" signs in our classroom, however, got me all worried so I quit and unfortunately I never returned to pottery. Anyway, that's a long time ago - she turned six last July.

So last week - while I was waiting for my camera to get cleaned - I ended up at the crafts store and bought some clay. The kids had asked for it several times. They like it as much as I do, and now I found some that doesn't need any baking.

Now, before I continue - there's a lot of sidestepping today - a quick word about my camera, so maybe you won't make the same stupid mistake I made. The sensor of my camera had been collecting dust for some time now. It's unavoidable with a DSLR, and changing lenses or taking pictures on a sandy beach certainly doesn't help. The dust only showed up at long exposures, but it started to bother me. So, one night - it was really late, I should have been in bed - I decided to deal with it. I tested the canned dry air spray a couple of times on my hand, to make sure only air would come out. Everything worked fine. I opened the camera, locked up the mirror and sprayed. All that came out were tiny wet droplets which landed right onto the sensor. Result: a sensor with the dust still there and on top of that droplet marks all over the place, which showed up with even "not so long" exposure times! I freaked out, to be honest. I thought I'd ruined the camera. I checked the many online forums - should have done that first. They all said the same: don't use canned air unless you want to ruin the sensor... The thing is, you have to hold the can perfectly straight to make sure you get a stream of dry air coming out. Something I clearly didn't do, focused as I was on the camera in my other hand.

Luckily, the next day I ran into a neighbor who happens to be a professional photographer. When I told him about what had happened he said there was nothing to worry about. I simply had to get one of those sensor swab kits and that would do the trick. He added he did stupid things all the time with his cameras. Does he really, I wondered? Or was he just trying to be nice, seeing the state I was in? Anyway, since I had messed up once already I decided to take the camera to the Nikon repair shop I found a referral for online. They took care of it for just about 30 EUR, which is less than what the kit would have cost me or, worse case scenario, a new sensor. And it took them only about half an hour - just the time to get some clay at the crafts store. So, unless you know you'll be able to hold the can perfectly upright, don't use it. That's my lesson learned. Next time, I'll stick to the soft brush and bulb method - no more canned dry air for me...



But back to our clay business. Little H. had the highest turn over, though she joined in last. I love the little frame she did and the face with spiky hair. Both girls made a peace sign (inspired by Obama's Nobel-prize? I'm not sure.) And M. loves Paris that's clear... And I tried something "organic" (left photo at the top, don't take this too seriously, LOL), inspired by an sculptor-ceramist I saw on TV and whose name I forgot unfortunately.
Clearly, I have more talent for photography, but I don't care! It was a very relaxing moment of fun with my girls. We'll do this again for sure...

Like petals...

This post is dedicated to my little girl M. and her latest creation: a wall hanging made out of petal-like pieces of fabric, strung to some natural colored flax string. This was her Saturday morning surprise for us, at breakfast. I just LOVE it! The choice of colors and fabric - the shape - the drape - the way it casts its shadow on the wall throughout the day... Just everything about it is perfect!

When I asked her where she she got the idea from she said "Well, that book of yours. I wanted to make something else, at first, but then I realized I didn't have enough fabric and I didn't want to bother you. So then, I got the idea to make this." She made it with some bits and pieces of fabric she still had in her little sewing box.

That book of mine - that's exactly why I bought it. That book of mine - is this one: "Paris: Made by hand" - Fifty shops where decorators, designers, and stylists source the chic & unique, by Pia Jane Bijkerk (ed. The Little Bookroom - New York - ISBN 978-1-892145-70-3). Though intended as a shopping guide this book is more than that. With its brilliant photography, to me (and to my oldest daughter it turns out) it's also a source of inspiration. An inspiration to create, and - this only applies to me - to make better photographs (maybe?, hopefully?). If you want to see or read more of Pia Jane Bijkerk, just check out her blog.



In the mean time, I'm off to look for a better spot for my new wall hanging... It needs a more prominent place as I think it's gorgeous!

Have a fun week, everyone!

P.

Water bottle holder :: a tutorial...

Yesterday, it was back to school day for both of my girls. Slightly nervous and way too early we headed to school, their back packs full with their (new) school supplies. The sidewalks were crowded with parents and kids catching up again after not having seen each other for two months. All went well - they both ended up with their best friends in class and great teachers. I was really glad to see their happy faces when I picked them up from school and all the way back home the two of them were talking and talking enthusiastically about their first school day - little H. feeling all grown up now because she's started first grade and M. just grown up, because that's exactly what she is!

Back to school means school supplies and in M.'s case even more school supplies than we already took to school yesterday. She came home with another long list of things needed. It will be a busy year from what I see on that list! One of the things she'll be needing is a water bottle with bag, to hang the bottle from a hook at her desk. M. easy going as always just wanted to take a plastic bag. But I thought, I could do better: "Would you like me to sew you a water bottle holder?". "Are you sure, mommy? 'Cause I don't want to give you more work than you already have..." That's my sweet little girl! Always worried to ask for too much...

I didn't do any sewing for the entire summer (that is if I don't count the folding curtains I made - but that was a necessity rather than a fun project), and felt really happy about this new "assignment". Off I went to my sewing machine...

So, here's the water bottle holder for my little girl - made out of some linen (what else?!) I still had and some left over fabric from the folding curtains. Oh, and I used an old t-shirt of mine for the padding. I didn't intend on writing a tutorial at first so I didn't take any pictures of the in-between steps - something I really regretted this morning when I had another look at the finished product.

This project is rather simple, however. Therefore, I decided to just write down the steps so you can make a bottle holder of your own for school, for work or for the gym. Or you could use it as a comb and brush holder for the bathroom, I just came to realize, or as a kitchen utensils holder, pen holder, paint brushes holder...

This is what you'll need for this project:

- two pieces of fabric (outer fabric and lining)
- some cotton batting, or just a piece of an old t-shirt, the way I did
- thread, scissors, pins, sewing machine, iron...


1. On a piece of paper trace the circumference of your water bottle. Cut out. Next, measure height (H) and circumference (W) of the bottle and draw a rectangle measuring H by W on a piece of paper. Cut out.

2. Cut both pattern pieces out of each fabric, adding a 1cm seam allowance on all sides. From the outer fabric cut an additional strip of fabric measuring 10cm by 22cm, which you'll be needing for the loop. If you're planning on padding the holder, cut out an H by W piece from the t-shirt or batting, as well.

3. Optional: I top stitched the outer fabric with thread of different colors, stitching the outer fabric and padding together. I got the idea for the topstitching here and here (very nice projects - both of them!!). Make sure the two layers are pinned together really well so the bottom layer doesn't start shifting!

4. Sew the side seam of the outer fabric - do the same for the lining but leave a small opening half way (for turning the bottle holder, later). You have two tubes now.

5. Pin the circle to the bottom of the tube. To make this easier, what I usually do is fold the circle in half and mark the fold with my finger by going over it a couple of times and then fold it again, perpendicularly to the first fold. That way you obtain a circle divided in quarters. Do the same thing with the tube. These imaginary lines will help you to distribute the fabric of the circle evenly over the tubing fabric, by matching the folds on the circle with the folds on the tube. Use plenty of pins to keep everything together. Next, sew circle and tube together with your sewing machine. Do the same thing for the lining.

6. Loop: fold the strip lengthwise in half and press with an iron. Next fold each half lengthwise in half again by folding the selvages towards the first fold and press (the selvages are facing each other and the first fold now, sandwiched in the middle of the strip). If you don't get this, let me know! (There must be a better way to formulate this...) Now, sew the strip closed.
Note: you can also make a loop consisting out of two strips held together with a scratch closure, in order to hang the bottle holder from a stroller, shopping cart, ...

7. Pin both tubes together, right sides facing and sandwich the loop in between the two layers while doing so. Sew everything together.

8. Turn inside out through the side opening you left in the lining. Close the opening with a few stitches. Shape the bottle holder and press the top seam and loop flat.

Et voilà! Fini! A bottle holder or whatever-holder!
You know what? I really feel happy I wrote this down. I'm back on track!


Note: As always, let me know if something's not clear! I'm there to help!



The water bottle holder put to a different use... Just an example.
I think I might have to make some more...

Please note, this tutorials is intended for personal use only. Therefore, do not reproduce, sell or commercialize in any form without permission. Thanks for understanding!

And yet another box...

... but in a totally different style then I'm used too - festive and colorful, a bit more flamboyant. This one is a "special order" from K.'s mom for their 50th - Golden - Wedding Anniversary. A "mailbox" for congratulation cards, which will be posted at the entrance of the banquet room.

I was more than happy to take this assignment, but it turned out to be much more difficult than I thought. I had no idea of where to start, the only restriction being that there had to be an opening at the top. It took me more than a few trips to the craft store to get some idea of the materials and colors I could use.

But here it is - I finished it this afternoon! I've used a round cardboard hat box, cut an opening at the top (and I've been really careful while doing so, after reading this). Next, I covered it with different sorts of gold colored paper (the inside as well - there we go again!). And, finally, I decorated it with satin and burlap(?) ribbons in matching colors and a (store bought) paper rose on top.



And though it is totally different from what I usually do, I think it turned out pretty well and it certainly suits the occasion.

So, that makes one thing less on my to-do-list. The photo-album is next...

Message Board: a tutorial - part two

Here's as promised part two of the message board tutorial.

This is what you'll need:

- a cork message board framed with wood - they come in several sizes and can be found in most crafts, office supplies or hardware stores. My message board measured 40cm x 60cm.
- fabric to cover the board with: roughly 60cm x 80cm (this is the size of the board + 10cm on all four sides - it's important to have enough "excess fabric" to make the pulling and stretching easy once covering the board)
- another rectangular piece of fabric for the pockets; in my case this was about 20-25cm x 60cm; roughly you'll need:

(the desired height of the pockets + 5cm) by (the width of your board + ((the overlap of the pockets times two) times the number of pockets) + seam allowance for both sides)

I know this looks a bit like a math equation... If this is not entirely clear to you right now, don't worry and just keep on reading - I'm sure you'll get what I mean later on!
- thread, pins, sewing machine
- metal hooks + screws; I used four of them
- a stapler
- a drill
- painter's tape or any other strong but re-positionable tape
- ruler + pencil




1. Seam the pockets: On the smaller piece of fabric, fold in the seam allowance of what will be the top of your pockets and pin with needles as shown in the picture. Next, sew on your sewing machine. Iron flat.




2. Fold the strip according to the width of the board, taking into account the number of pockets you want and the desired pocket size - the size of the overlap will determine the depth of your pocket. If you don't want "deep" pockets you can skip this step (note: in that case the width of your fabric strip should equal the width of your board + seam allowance on both sides, only). I did this step quite intuitively and just folded as I went, making sure, however, that every fold had the same size. I chose to have two deeper pockets and one flat pocket (see picture of the finished board, if this is not entirely clear). Fold in the seam allowances on the sides as well. Iron everything flat.




3. Place the now folded strip on what will be the cover of your message board - right sides together (!!) and such that the top seam of your pocket strip faces down - and the unfinished side about 3-4cm above what will be the bottom line of your board - keep in mind the hooks will be coming underneath, onto the wooden frame) . Secure with pins, as shown in the picture.



Sew, about 1cm from the side over the entire length. It will look like this:





4. Flip over the pocket strip so the right side faces up and such that the sewing line is about 1cm inside the pocket (this creates depth). Secure with needles. Also, mark where the dividing lines of your pockets should come. I used painter's tape for this purpose (see picture). Sew along the sides and sew the dividing lines with your sewing machine.



Done? Congratulations! You've just finished the sewing part!


5. Drill holes: With a pencil, mark on the bottom part of the frame where you want the hooks to come. Next, drill holes in the frame, but make sure to use a smaller diameter drill than the diameter of the screws you'll use (you don't want the screws to come out).




6. Covering the message board: Place your fabric (with the pockets sewn on already) over the message board. Make sure to position it well, taking into account fabric designs and pockets seams. Flip over and, with some painter's tape, attach to the back. Note: Unfortunately, I have no picture of this step - simply forgot to take one, busy as I was with the pulling and stretching...
Turn over again, to check for the tension of the fabric, and adjust by pulling and stretching the fabric as good as you can. You don't want any ripples. Don't worry too much about the corners yet. Also, check the pocket lines again as you want them to be perfectly straight. When satisfied, start securing with the stapler (just a couple on every side, but stay clear from the corners, for now). Keep on pulling that fabric as you go! And be careful with that stapler for hands and fingers!!
When sufficiently secured for the fabric not to move any more, start "packing" the corners - just the way you would do when wrapping a present. Use tape, and when satisfied staple. Now, you can add some more staples on all four the sides and corners.

7. Adding the hooks: With a pin or needle, start searching for the holes in the frame, which are now hidden under the fabric, and mark them with pencil. This shouldn't be to difficult as you know approximately where they are. Place a hook over the mark and screw it into place (through the fabric). Repeat for all 4 (or any number) of hooks.



And that's it!!

Now, for the perfectionists among you, you can finish off the board by cutting some of the excess fabric - you could even line the back. I did trim the excess in the back but didn't add the lining, not on this one...

I'm not sure all this is clear.
I hope it is. Let me know if not!

Please note, this tutorials is intended for personal use only. Therefore, do not reproduce, sell or commercialize in any form without permission. Thanks for understanding!