Beginner Sewing at Center 64- March 26, 27th & April 2,3/12

Come join me for Beginner Sewing Series at Center 64, Kimberly, BC

Day 1- Sewing Machine Basics, Basic Stitching and Finishing, Fabric Layout & cutting, Project Planning
Day 2- Project 1- Fabric bucket
Day 3- Project 2- Patchwork potholders or Hanging Hoop Pocket for sewing supplies
Day 4- Handbag or simple bias A-line skirt

Supplies: 

Required

• Sewing Machine in good working order
• Fabric Scissors
• Straight pins
• measuring tape
• neutral colored thread such as light grey, or white.
• Fabric marking pen or dressmaker's chalk
• seam ripper

Optional

•  rotary cutter and mat

Day 1- The Fabric Bucket

This project is an easy, yet will test the beginner's skill at sewing around a curve, adding lining and top stitching for a nice finish. The fabric buckets below were featured in the Spring edition of Stitch Magazine and are lined with oilcloth so they can be used for plants or other potentially messy items. I didn't have oilcloth at the time when I tried the pattern but I would love to give it a try for the class. Below is my version without the oilcloth. 
Day 2 - There will be two options day 2. Option 1 is a patchwork potholder, which gives participants experience with stitching straight lines, patchwork piecing, and sewing through thicker layers. Option 2 is a bit more involved but would be very useful to decorate your sewing space. It involves making a simple patchwork pouch that is secured by a large embroidery hoop. Option 2 would enhance the same skills mentioned above for option 1. Below is a collage of some of my favorite Flickr finds for both options.

1. {SUTK} received - hotpads!, 2. _MG_3553, 3. Pot Holders, 4. happy scrappy pot-holder, 5. Hanging Hoop Wall Pocket Swap, 6. Hanging hoop swap, hope you like it, 7. Hanging Hoop Wall Pocket Swap, 8. Apple Hot Pad, 9. Hot pads

Mom's Crafty Space: Homemade Microwave Puffy Paint

Mom's Crafty Space: Homemade Microwave Puffy Paint

Fabric Containers from Spring Issue of Stitch

I received my Spring edition of Stitch Magazine and loved the oilcloth lined fabric containers (1rst photo shown below) immediately!

I quickly set to work to try the project out despite not having any yummy Echino fabric or oilcloth for that matter. I also didn't have any heavy fusible interfacing either! So I just paired contrasting cotton quilting weight fabric and used cotton batting as my interfacing. I am happy with the result in a "ok. Not as flashy and eye catching as the original" but I am happy with the pattern. The pattern comes in two sizes and I made the larger one. It would definitely fit a nice. Medium sized plant if that is your intention. I think the smaller one would be great for pencils and craft items. The larger one I could definitely see myself using it for sorting small toys with the kids. This was the first time sewing a circle bottom bucket and thank goodness I am taking Stitched in Color's Curves class. My circle needs a bit of work. I will definitely do this project again using oilcloth and heavier fabric for the outer. I have already scoured Etsy for those hard to find Echino prints of last season.

Project 5 Rainbow Road.

I was so pleased with this project designed by Rachel of Stitched in Color. This runner was the reason I signed up for her class. It took a bit of trial and error to get the curves just right but in the end I love the way it flows. It looks wonderful on our junk shop round table that has a 1/2 inch gap down the middle. Now on to the next project!

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Project 4 Stitched in Color Curves Class

Project 4 Stitched in Color Curves Class, a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

Project 3 Stitched in Color Curves Class

Project 3., a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

Clamshell Pillow Preview

Clamshell pillow, a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

Late last night I started my clamshell pillow for the Curves Class from Stiched in Color.  I hope I don't get into trouble....I am not following the instructions exactly. I decided to reinforce my clamshells with Seam to Seam double sided fusible web. Then I will iron them on and sew them right on to the pillow. I am sooo greatful to a really sweet friend in Fernie who sent me a bag of scraps. I love how nothing really matches but it somehow goes together. Stay tuned for the final project!