Accidental Genius

 

I can hardly spell my name (thank God for spell-checker) but I’m a genius! I got a burlap rice bag from a friend who said “maybe you could make something with this?” – ya know, that happens a lot…anyways, I’ve been inspired by Maya Made and wanted to try making a burlap bucket. I wanted to use the entire rice bag for the project so I just unraveled the side seams and the top seam – it was then one long rectangular piece of burlap. Then I lined it with some ugly blue felt (that I found at the dump – in it’s package!) and then orange check fabric. I sewed all of that together. I then wrapped the whole thing around a bowl so I would know what size to make the base, then made the base. I whip-stitched (by hand) everything together and followed with the sewing machine. I didn’t try to sew in straight lines I actually tried not to sew in a straight line – it looks pretty rustic.

OK – here is where the genius comes in – I left the original zipper intact while making the bag. There was no reason for leaving it in besides the fact that it is a pretty red and offers another pop of color. Once the bag was constructed I realized I had a great way to insert some stabilizer!!! I had some rolled cardboard that I’d been hoarding stashing for years and I got it in between the outer and inner layers via the zipper opening! My bucket now stands straight and tall. When it gets dirty just remove the cardboard and wash – put the cardboard back when dry. Stabilizer can be expensive – the zipper opens up lots and lots of opportunities… no pun intended… to use other stabilizers. I can’t wait to experiment! Happy crafting!!!

Little Purse From a Fat Quarter

A while ago I saw this tutorial for the Buttercup Purse at Made by Rae for the cutest little purse made from a fat quarter. (One fat quarter outside and one inside) It has the cutest little pleats and rounded bottom - I thought it was worth a try – here it is!!

Isn’t it cute! Here is a close-up of the special stitching from my sewing machine. The outside fabric is from Moda and the inside is a lime green from my stash.

Next time I might use a little interfacing in the yolk/placket  (?) at the top to make it a little stiffer – fun, fun, fun!!!

I made a new bag over the weekend. It has a suede bottom and is lined in bright green. I struggled with the zipper - it works - that's the best I can say. ha ha. I really like rainy days - good sewing days!

Tutorial triumph!

Well - let's give this a go - this is my first post. With this blog I want to share my triumphs and failures while crafting. I'm always trying new things and this would also be a good place to put it down. This is harder than I thought!

First thing I want to record is this link. I tried to make this bag today (THANK YOU Tiny Happy for the wonderful tutorial - that was so generous to share!) , and I have to say it turned out pretty well. What would I do different to customize it to my lifestyle? Welllllll, next time I would make the shoulder strap a bit thinner and the bag a bit deeper. I would add more pockets to the inside and maybe one on the back of the outside. I would use a bigger button or a snap, or maybe Velcro. I would remember to clip the seams BEFORE I turned the bag right side out!! Ha!

I just looooove tutorials!!! It is so much fun to learn new things and stretch my boundaries! I'll try to include a picture - I'm not sure how all of this works! Happy crafting!!!