Here's my latest project...dog collars!!! I would really like to start selling these, maybe open up an Etsy shop. Here is a sample of one I just made for a friend's pooch. The bow is removable. I just love the little peace charm!
It's much too cold today to go out and about so I thought I'd stay inside and make use of all my Goodwill finds. First up is this groovy shirt.
Despite my hubby telling me I looked good in it didn't sway my decision any. I still took the scissors to it. I pretty much followed this tutorial I found on AllFreeSewing.com.
For the lining I used an old pillowcase. I cut the outer and lining fabric at approx. 18.5 x 13 inches.
I also cut iron on interfacing for both panels. I only had a lightweight interface so I had to make due with that. A heavy weight interface would definitely be better. With right sides facing together I sewed the two long sides and one short side together. I allowed for a 1/2 in. seam allowance. I discovered Polyester is not the easiest fabric to work with. By the time I got done sewing the last side my fabric had puckered and was all lopsided. In came my handy dandy seam ripper whom I've acquired a love hate relationship with.
I didn't want my flap to be straight across so I measured about two inches in on each side and sewed at an angle. Then flipped it right side out and ironed it.
I then top stitched around the three edges, 1/4 inch. I used Sulky thread in a real pretty dark gold color. So by this time I realized how flimsy my clutch was going to be. Luckily I've been hoarding all the old enevelope boxes my office has been throwing out. I knew I'd find good use for them!
Laid out my fabric and traced around. I only cut enough cardboard for the flap and back of the clutch. I didn't line the front of the clutch with cardboard because I didn't want it to be too stiff. I wanted to be able to cram a lot of stuff into it if need be and it be able to expand.
Next step was inserting the magnetic clips. I took some time folding up the clutch in equal thirds to make sure it was the size I wanted it to be. I actually ended up cutting about 1/2 in off the unsewn bottom to make it a little smaller. The clips were super easy to attach. I just marked where I wanted them and inserted them into the fabric. They were the kind with the prongs on the back that you insert it between the two layers. If you've ever worked with them then you know what I'm talking about. Next step is finishing up the final raw edges by folding in, ironing then sewing about 1/4 in from the edge. For some reason this took me the longest. I used the seam ripper three times on this task. First time was because my lovely polyester fabric puckered and I didn't like it. Second time was because halfway in my bobbin ran out. Now I know I could just re thread my bobbin and start from where I left off but it didn't look right to me so I ripped it out and started over. I'm such a perfectionist. Third time I had the same problem as the first. I finally took the time to pin it to death so there was no chance of it moving when I was sewing.
Final step is turning the bottom part inside out and sewing the sides. Fold it right side out and iron.
And there you have it, a groovy clutch!! I just love it!
Now I just need some place to go!!!
So much scrap fabric, so few ideas!! Thanks to Heidi over at sewcraftcreate.com I have the perfect use for all my scrap fabric, rope bracelets!! They are super easy to make and so cute!
I just love the "scrappy" look! Some people are so creative! It just inspires me even more to want to create.
People let me tell you bout my best friend, he's a warm hearted Pug who'll love me till the end.........
On cold or rainy days you can find us at our best, lounging in front of the tv.
His name is Vito. Just look at that sweet lil face! Vito came into my life 3 years ago. I had another Pug before him, Maizy Girl. It was just me and Maizy for 4 years. We did everything together. I got married and so then it was just the three of us. It's hard for me to talk about Maizy. She tragically died 3 years ago. Worst part is it all happened right before my eyes. I was so upset and to tell you the truth I've never gotten over it. I still think of her everyday. My husband felt so bad for me. Under that tough exterior is a gigantic heart. I came home one day to this little fellar greeting me at the door, jumping and licking me in the face. And it's been that way ever since. He such a loyal guy. Always following me around, always by my side. It's almost like Vito knew I was sad the first day he met me and his main goal was here to cheer me up, make me laugh again. Just look at the picture above, I'd say he's succeeded. That is the one and only trick he knows, begging. I don't even know how he learned it. He just did it one day. He now does it on command or just because he feels he's being ignored and wants attention. It's hilarious. I even catch him begging to the cats when they are ignoring him.
On cold or rainy days you can find us at our best, lounging in front of the tv.
My favorite thing about a Pug is the head tilt. Check Vito's out here when I sing to him a crazy song about all his favorite things (make sure your volume is at a decent level, my voice is ear piercing)....
"The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor" ~ Margot Kaufman
Here are the pictures of the apron I made for a friend. It's a little big on me and ignore the fact I look like poop. I rolled straight out of bed and started sewing today. Today was my last day of vacation so I wanted to get all the sewing I could in. Back to reality tomorrow. Booo!
