A fabric giveaway!

Today seemed like a good day for some cleaning, which ultimately led me to rearrange and organize my fabric stash. I’ve come to the conclusion that I really have more than I will ever be able to use, including a bunch of fabric that I really never see myself using. It may not be my taste, but maybe it’s yours?

So what to do but have a giveaway!

There are some larger pieces here – a few fat quarters and one or two that may even be larger than that, as well as a mix of smaller scraps and a few pre-cut squares. Most is quilting weight cotton but there are a couple pieces of home dec weight fabrics as well.

Just leave me a comment – about anything, really! – and I’ll pick a winner on Monday night.

Edit: Comments are now closed. I’ll pick a winner and will announce it tomorrow morning!


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Last minute sewing (and a quick tutorial)

because this wine bottle really needed a bow… and a cute little tag.

Since I didn’t have time to sew a wine bag, I opted to make this quick little ribbon to give it a bit of a holiday look.

I finished it off with this cute little gift tag, available at inchmark journal. I didn’t have the necessary circle punch, and my rotary-cut circle left a bit to be desired, so I used a zig zag stitch to secure the fabric. Now you don’t notice quite how messy the cutting is…

If you want to make your own quick fabric ribbon, you’ll need a piece of fabric that’s at least 30″ long. I cut my fabric about 35″ long by 3″ for this project, but of course you could make it longer.

Fold this in half lengthwise, right sides together. At each end, cut the fabric on a diagonal. Starting at one end, sew along the edge, using a 1/2″ seam allowance. When you reach the middle, stop and backstitch. Leave an opening of about 3″ (to allow you to flip the fabric right side out) and then start sewing again until you reach the other end. Turn right side out (this is probably the longest part of this whole project!). A turning tool or a chopstick is probably helpful. Iron flat and then topstitch along that same edge. This will give it a nice finished look and will close that opening at the same time.

Ta da! This ribbon could be used as I’ve shown, topping a wine bottle, or it could be a nice touch on a present.

Happy holidays!

Posted in Household Sewing - bags, napkins, pillows | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

I should stick to quilting

Sometimes I think that I should sew something other than just quilts. After this little sewing project though, I think I should stick with quilting!

I decided to make this makeup/toiletries bag because I had some vinyl coated marimekko fabric just perfect for the interior. I didn’t have a pattern, nor did I bother to look for one, figuring it would be quick and easy to whip up a little zippered bag. It all seemed ok until I decided to use french seams. Add that to the already thick canvas fabric, and I was left trying to sew through fabric that barely fit under the sewing machine foot.

I should have stopped then and just called it a loss.

Instead I felt I had to finish it.

I’m going to force myself to use it, though I’m definitely not in love.

You’ll see that the zipper can’t even close all the way, and for some reason, the shape of the whole thing seems to have gotten a bit distorted. Don’t ask. It was a good idea in theory, just lacked a bit in the execution.

I’m going back to quilting.

And with that being said, here’s a little peek at yet another quilt that I’ve started. What’s that, three quilts now that I’ve started and then abandoned? Although I shouldn’t say abandoned, as I fully intend to finish them all. I seem to reach a certain point and then I find myself already thinking about the next quilt design.

I think we’re due for snow here this weekend, so perhaps that will give me the time to get these quilts finished!

Posted in Household Sewing - bags, napkins, pillows, Posts about Quilts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments