Showing posts with label shirring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shirring. Show all posts

Sunday, November 10, 2013

A few new bags....

 A few bags I've made lately!
Always madly snapped over at Instagram, where I'm 'becsibbi'. Come and say hi!

First up was this Noodlehead bag, here's the 1st one I made. It's the 241 Tote pattern. I bought the fluoro green denim for a skirt, and ended up with way too much (the pattern told me too, I swear!). I also had a go at fabric printing, a bit of gold on denim, just a bit of fun. It all went so well together with the pink zebra print, a bag was born! (well, I think it does anyway).


 I got the coloured magnetic snap in a swap I did recently, I've never seen coloured ones, so they are getting used up pretty quick!


 It's a great size for a run to the shops (er, I'm not running, just going to) or just carrying a few things. I have a large purse, so it usually does my purse, phone and keys, maybe my diary if I want it full.I left the strap non adjustable due to the thickness of the denim, and it's perfect.


The next one is another Noodlehead pattern, the Super Tote. I had a bundle of fabric I received from a friend last year (Type by Julia Rothman) and thought it would make a perfect work bag. I had 6 fat quarters to use, and the glittery black denim from the stash. Actually, all the bags in this post have been made from the stash!


I wanted to use medium to heavy interfacing, but couldn't find the one I wanted on THE night I wanted to make it (that urge hit me, and I had to get it started!) So I went with heavy cotton duck and fusible wadding. My only regret is not adding some to the strap, it may wear out quicker than the bag!


Front pocket (and coloured magnetic snap!)


 I added the key fob, and the pattern specified pockets and gusset. I love Anna's patterns, and don't need to change anything which is great!


Inside out for a better look...




I've been using it now for about 2 weeks, and it's perfect! Sturdy and functional, but cute too. 


My last bag is part of a sew a long, hosted over here. The pattern is here, and most of the MMQG joined in. I was very late to the start, having quite a few things to finish, and started and stopped for a bit. But then I just got on with it! The pattern is quite overwhelming, and a lot of cutting out! Some people did all the cutting first, then sewed; I was picking fabrics as I went, and found it easier to break it up but cutting and sewing at the same time. It is REALLY heavy, and I haven't even filled it yet! I put purse feet on the bottom, and template plastic in the base to keep it sturdy. I wish I could photograph it better!

  
I loved making the Quilt As You Go panels- no, I lie, I hated it, as I kept measuring wrong, and using the wrong bits, and it took me f%$&ing forever, but I was NOT going to let it beat me! Once the panels were done, it seemed a piece of cake (the panels are completely optional, but the way!)



  All the pockets are lined, and the denim and cotton duck in the middle make it super sturdy. also cheaper than interfacing the whole thing- but as I said earlier, I've been making things from the stash, this bag included. I think I bought the purse feet only. Those 'healthy' stashes come in handy sometimes!

  
The tops of the pockets have gathered elastic, to hold everything in.


Zippered pockets too. An observant friend noticed my matchy matchy fabric and zips- entirely on purpose of course haha. I was a bit upset I had to use the brown and white spot, as I ran out of the other brown print, but had no idea where I got it! so a fill in was needed.




Here's my kid for size comparison. not easy when the kid is 9 turning 10, but she's of average height. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, other than give the cat somewhere to sleep in (and kick out of).



The last make it one I've wanted to do for a while, and one I nearly didn't wear again and eventually photograph! It's the 2nd dress I've made that 'jinxed' me- wearing it for the first time resulted in a near disaster! The first is a longer story, and still hasn't been worn, and this one is more recent. I popped it on 2 weeks ago for a day out- and kind of wrote my car off! As in, had an accident. We're both fine, but of course I blamed my dress. Why not? So today, after getting my new (old) car on Friday, I tried again- phew, success! and bloody nice pics from Brianna too!

 Its The Washi Dress, by Made By Rae. I have a few of her kids patterns, and borrowed this one to try it out- and I'll definitely be buying it! It's as everyone is raving- comfortable, easy and fun! She's also talking about a 'expansion' pack in different versions, which would be great. Oh, Brooch by Curlypops!


I'm a big fan of shirring anyway, but love it in the back here. It's just makes it 'fit' better, if that makes sense. DON'T be scared of shirring, there are plenty of online tutorials, so have a go!


Oh, and having an adult take your pics has seemed to do wonders for me! So is the massive-head-tilt-backwards to remove the chin pose! The was an vintage flannelette sheet I made into a wearable muslin, it's lovely and soft.


Wow, I didnt realise how long this post would be! Phew! Thanks for making it to the end, you deserve a cuppa and a lie down now!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Pretty easy actually.

It turned out ok, I think. A few tweaks, hem etc. Shall I let you know what she thinks?

Me: Do you like this fabric?

Child: Yes, it's nice.

Me: It used to be a pillowcase

Child: I don't like it now.

Me: Why not? It's just fabric, wherever it comes from.

Child: (stomps off into room)

Solution: Make up some pretty vintage girly dresses for my next market, and make child one in a fabric of her choice for her b'day party on Sunday. Do not ask opinions any time after lunch, as fatique and tears are always together in this house.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

new project

I had been led to believe that making a shirred dress/top is not as hard as it looks, and with this idea in in mind, I set to work.
An afternoon at the pool gave me time to turn this....

into this. (I love that no one dares ask me what I'm doing, I must have a 'f%^& off, I'm crafting' look on my face). With a tutorial from here that I got from my guru Lara I am ready to go!


Also, some photos for you-know-who (ie you know who you are!). This dress was an oppie find- I found out at the till that it had been there for over a year, and no one wanted it. I also scored it for half price.
A moment of fun quickly turned nasty....

realising that it was a bit small....and couldn't get it off! Lifting my arms up over my head increased my chest diameter (for once not what I wanted) and therefore it was stuck! Claustrophobia soon followed, and what followed should be read on an empty bladder.

I ran up the street to my neighbours with scissors in hand. After they picked themselves up off the floor, I was helped out of the dress, which is still in one piece, and calm was restored. I got thanked for the nights entertainment. Hmmph!

It is definitely going to be chopped up and used.

Also: new items on Etsy. Follow button up top or here to see pencil rolls as stocked in Lark.