Sewing Smackdown #3

To VOTE....go HERE.

I saw this nifty notebook...but the pattern cost money. So I figured it out myself.  It was pretty easy. And I inserted a green piece of fabric into the pen shaft. It is green to match the green lining...which you can't see in this pix.  I think next time, I'll sew in some ribbon to decorate and tie this shut!  Now..whose birthday is next??

To VOTE for your favorite #3 Smackdown Project, go to Jocelyn's Blog.  We are doing a giveaway today too!!  Check it out!

Sneak peek to the Sewing Smackdown...

Yesterday, I sewed this pillowcase for the third and final day of the sewing smackdown. I used an old sheet...and covered a body pillow that I got for Christmas. I haven't been able to use it because it didn't have a cover.  Well, that seemed sort of dull and boring.  Last night I went to a little party and made a hostess gift fro my friend. (It will be the project instead of this pillow case!)  Along with it, I gave this card...

It's a sneak peek to the Sewing Smackdown. See you tomorrow!

Sewing Smackdown Project #1...

THE ADELLE BAG

Edited: TO VOTE for me...click here to go to Jocelyn's blog.  But, please take a minute to scroll down to the next two entires where two of my kids sewed their own projects. They would be thrilled to get some feedback as they weren't invited to join in the challenge.

My DD has been wanting a hipster tote and so I decided to design my own pattern for her as part as the first sewing project.  I also recycled some of her jeans, which makes this a green project that you can easily do with items found around your craft room.

The Adelle Bag 

Basic Supplies:  A waist band from jeans, the leg of jeans, a jeans pocket, the seam of jeans, thread, ribbon or other embellishments. The length of the Adelle Tote (aka the jeans leg) is determined by the size of the user.  My finished Adelle Tote is 10 inches long. (Remember to figure in seam allowances.)

First, if you want to embellish your waist band, pin and then sew ribbon onto your jeans. 

 Next, iron a seam around the top edge of the jeans.  Sew.  I used a yellow thread which is similar to the thread already used on the jeans.

Then, place your pocket.  Be sure to embellish first.  (I added that red gingham ribbon.)  Sew around the pocket on the same seams.  Then sew the bottom seam on the hem line.

 Figure out where you want the belt loops. Use the seams of the jeans.  Be sure to see what it looks like with the width of the belt.

 Pin the new loops as shown here.  Then sew carefully so that the space for the belt is the same on each loop.  I used a triple stitch in order to make this very secure.

Also, I added 2 loops on the back of the bag.  When worn, only the front loops are used. Now, my DD can turn this into an over the shoulder bag or a drawstring bag, by threading the belt through all of the loops.

 Use fray check for the edges of the new belt loops. I think that as these fray a little, it will look super cool.

 The Adelle Tote...modeled!

 Now, I guess the voting for the projects are on my sister's blog. I'll post a link as soon as I find out. So come back and vote for the best Adelle Tote you ever seen.  She's so pleased with it that she wore it to the Blue and Gold Banquet last night. I'm pretty sure it'll be on her hip Monday while at school as well!

Oh yeah...and my DS and DD also sewed something for the Smackdown...keep reading....

M*'s Midnight Mask

Yep...DD has wanted to have a night mask.  For her beauty sleep.  A Green Project for those out there who have piles of jeans!  Actually...Jocelyn is going to be sorry she started this. I don't think I can send any more hand-me-downs to her son...I need these jeans for our projects!!

Make a template. Be sure to think of your seam allowances. (Tip, fold paper in half and draw 1/2 the mask.  Symmetry Simplified!)  Find some old jeans to use. Fold the jeans so that right sides are together. Pin on your template. 

 Cut out the template!! 

 Reuse the template.  Pin on light batting and cut it out.  Then trim it down so it is slightly smaller in size.

 

On the right side, pin in your ribbons.  DD's mask uses two 16 inch ribbons. (Boy is she lucky to have a mom who shares her good ribbon!!)

Baste. Then pin in all the ends so when you sew the entire project, you down sew in the ribbon.  The "sandwich" should be:  denim with right sides together (ribbons in the middle) and batting on top. Sew around, leaving space at the top to turn your mask.  Grade layers and then clip curves.

Turn your mask right side out.  Use a slip stitch to sew the top edge.  This is DD's first time hand sewing!!

The finished Midnight Mask as worn by the one who sewed it!

 Side view.

Again, This is the first day of the Sewing Smackdown. Scroll down to see DS's Dragon Pillow!  Scroll up to see my Adelle Tote!

C* starts smacking

My son, C* has a well loved, but pretty gross, t-shirt. I told him he could no longer wear it to school, as the arms are sort of short and very grundgey white.  Since we have this interfamily challenge going on, I suggested that he make it into a tshirt pillow.  He readily accepted the challenge.

First, start off with an old, but very well loved, t-shirt.

Carefully, cut around to make a square, with the design in the middle.

Cut through both the front the the back layers of the shirt.  Pinning first helps keep them together.

Then unpin, flip...right sides together...pin.  Sew around the square.  Be sure to pivot at the corners and leave a space to stuff your pillow.

Carefully, clip corners.

Turn your pillow rightside out.  Use the eraser end of a pencil to push out the corners.

Stuff carefully.  Fluff as you go.  Little brothers can be helpful!  Then, hand sew the opening closed with a slip stitch, which he did himself.

Success!  A finished Dragon Pillow!

C* says:  "I love it!!  If you put just the right amount of stuffing in, when you throw it up in the air, it won't come down too soft or too hard. Perfect for a pillow fight!"

When asked if he is up for the next Smackdown Project, he response was, "Yes!!