Prepping for Tinkering Sew Camp at ReDiscover

Right now I am basking in the glow of my very own window display, a la Mary Beth.


On Monday, July 22nd it will be my turn to lead one week of tinkering sewing camp. I am very excited about  the week.

I  have been  thinking about my week since February. Of course, I didn't finish the prototype skirt until 2:00 pm today, Tuesday, 6 days before camp start. Six months, six days what's the difference? Yes, I crammed in college and graduate school and for every class I have taken since. enough about me.

My campers will start each morning drawing colorful pictures resulting from a daily design challenge. You want specifics this early? Really?

Day 1 will be about hand sewing, perhaps  a running stitch for those ubiquitous Yo-Yos. Yes, a running stitch, but I am all about sewing buttons, because one can use this skill for as long as one has steady hands, and decent eyesight and willing to admit to knowing how to sew on a button, whether its flat or shank. No, no, enough  sewing jargon, because the real fun is playing with the stash of buttons. I stocked up on awesome buttons from Rimmon Fabrics. Each camper will pick 12 because we are making button clocks. .  Did I mention these will be operational clocks. Do you know how many kids no longer understand the phrase, " half past 10", or " a quarter to 11"?  I am doing my part to keep the non-digital clock alive.

Anyway, the  difficult prep for the button clock was tearing apart the $1.99 Ikea clocks for reuse. We will reuse all of the pieces in various ways, I promise! Moving on, the challenge for me was convincing my husband, lets call him the legal naysayer, that I am competent to use a Dremel  to separate the plastic parts of the clock....he reluctantly obliged. I believe  it took so long to do one, there was no way he was going to create one clock for each enrolled camper!!! So, I am now an expert with a Dremel. The plastic is done, other supplies: embroidery hoops, check;  canvas for clock face, check; clock parts, check;   buttons, check; sewing needles, check; thread, check;  AA batteries, check;  all in a handy self-made tote, check. check out the prototype in the window.This  project is ready for camp! One  down, more to do.

Next we start cutting into very large men's shirts to reuse as summer dresses...NowI am getting the hang of what ReDiscover is all about. See the before and after in the pic??? I went hunting for this shirt one Saturday. I went to Macy's and told myself to purchase the cheapest long sleeved XXL mens shirt that  I find.   The winner was $4.99. It's great because it is huge, it is cotton, it has snaps, one teensy glitch, it is  embroidered, not iron-on patches,  but machine-embroidered  crosses on each shoulder, that were huge...uggggh. But, I bought it, because I knew I wouldn't find anything cheaper, with tax it was a little over 5 bucks. Darned am I proud of my cute summer halter dress. It just needed some Rick-rack and some appliqués and whooooosh...check it out in the window pic!

Okay, so now we need another skill that will be great to know. Sewing a zipper is a good one. kids have no fear..I want them to do zippers without flinching, because most of the adults I know turn purple at the thought of sewing in a zipper, or making a buttonhole ( enough about my generation, it is all about youth)!  Zipper  pouches are always a hit. ! Of course, I stocked up on zippers at my favorite place, Rimmon Fabrics. I grabbed an old Sears upholstery sample binder that had been donated to ReDiscover. I don't know about you, but when did Sears do custom upholstery? Actually, much to my surprise after a healthy machine washing, the fabric pieces are okay, they will make perfect  make-up bags, pencil/ pen bags, whatever the campers decide their purpose to be. Sure beats being in a Sears catalogue, right???

The last major project mixes today's technology ( electroluminescent wire ) with good old fashion electric sewing machinery. Create a garment and attach EL wire for an awesome runway finale..which is exactly where you will find me at 2:30 next Friday. I hope to see you there!!!

Teach Another Generation: A Bumpy Ride

Teen Sewing Camp January 2013

I love to teach kids how to sew; it is more like guiding them on their journey.

Yes, I am older than my students. I am wiser, well, I am more knowledgeable about using a sewing machine and constructing basic sewing projects. For example,  I can insert a bobbin and change a broken machine needle. I can construct a  9-patch pillow, a zipper bag, and a  reversible jean bag.

But it is the knowledge that comes with experience that I relish. I know the end score--A WIN. I know because they are constructing their own unique product. In and of itself, it is a success of which to be proud--an accomplishment that they can feel, touch and share with others.

Yes, I know the outcome, hooray; and I know the ride can be a bumpy one. Remember, I also know the end.

For instance, I feel their elation of selecting fabric for a project. I love this initial high, and I love watching this process vicariously. I am a lucky lady.

But, I know there comes a time in most every project a sewer undertakes for the first time. Typically, the event occurs when the sewer understands the instructions different from what the words and pictures are showing the sewer (need I say more).The frustration ensues, it starts to erupt and comes in many forms and the disconnects can be infuriating like sewing the wrong pieces together  or daunting like cutting your, especially for you, fabric wrong!

This is where the art of teaching sewing gets real, it is the test of my skills as a true believer that everyone can be successful at sewing. Sewing the wrong pieces can be fixed with the right tools (seam ripper), time and patience. The wrong cut takes a little more creativity; it is a greater test of my ability. I explore their reactions to a redesign: (a) introduce new fabric, (b) add an embellishment (c) create a new version of the initial project . There is always a solution, the test is finding the best one , the participant-approved one and quickly. I will use of any fabric, trim or machine sewing skill I know that can be offered as a salvation.  Ususally, I get a thumbs up for one or more of the solutions.  Hey, I am a great salesperson, when I have faith!

So, the construction process continues, and I take a breath and continue along for the ride, but it is over too soon, and, yet, the end is magical.  I see their beaming smiles; they are overcome with joy.There  is nothing better than pride in one's own ability to create.

This post is inspired by many students, most recently, the participants of the Teen Sewing Camp at the Road to California Quilters Conference & Showcase. The campers are shown in the picture  at the top of this post. 




But I am the lucky one; I will get the experience again in March at the 34th Annual Glendale Quilt Show.

Teen Quilt Camp March 2012

These pictures don't begin to recreate the joy of the journey! But, I hope you enjoyed the ride!

Now I think I will go buy some fabric for my sewing studio gotta love that feeling.

Susan

The Stitching Baker

As my moniker shows, the sewing machine is a comfy place for me.  I love to sew, and stitch as well.  I have a few completed projects to share with you.

In the photo above, you will see my Punch Needle Embroidery, it's a great medium.  It is relatively simple, it just requires a little patience.  I have had this kit for a few years, and finally got it framed to display this year.  I love this, it feels so old fashioned.

Then I thought I would make some little holiday pillows.  I love little pillows that hang on door knobs.  I didn't make this one, but I love it!

But these I did make.  A little Ho Ho Ho!

And this one is Naughty one side, Nice on the other.



This pillow was actually a tote bag that my mom was given from her grade school.  She really wanted it in a pillow so I made this little one, I love the white pom pons with the elementary theme!

Finally, I have been looking for a dog bed for Sookie, the one-eyed Bichon.  Dog beds are ugly.  If you don't go for a rustic plaid for a hunting dog, then you get these cheesey pink and black diva dog beds.  I am not a fan.  Plus, they are ridiculously expensive.  So, I knew Sookie likes to cuddle on our pillows, so I emulated that effect.  This is the simplest of all designs, no sew at all!  But it was cheap, like $3 for the fabric, and a few bucks worth of poly fill.  When it is dirty, it goes to the trash.  And, I can make more for other rooms.  She loves this little bed!  Especially when that winter sun comes through that window.  I can always find her chasing the sunshine.

I have more in the pipeline, but for now, what are you waiting for?  Get in there and craft!

Craft Day

Red Neck Wine Glasses

Photo Fabric Pillows

Hey, it's Susie from Sweetie Petitti.  Over Christmas, Christina wanted to make gifts for her friends, and of course I am all in, but she HAS to help.  I don't generally ask for help when the project involves an oven, but a craft project for her friends meant it would be a project for us both!  So a shopping trip to Hobby Lobby and a day in the sewing room.  It was the perfect ending to Christmas vacation!

The first project was redneck wine glasses.  Nic joined the fun on this one.  I came across these at a Dirty Santa party and everyone passed these silly glasses around.  When we discovered how easy and cheap they were to make, I had a group of friends over with glue and jelly jars and we made 4 dozen.  When the kids came home for the holidays, they decided they wanted some too.  You will need glass candle sticks, little short ones.  We found them at the dollar store and at Hobby Lobby.  You also need a jar for the top.  I saw them all over the internet with Mason jars, but the ones we had were the faceted jelly jars.  You will also need glass glue that dries waterproof, a little sandpaper and some fingernail polish remover with acetone.

You need to gently sand the top of the candle holder, and wipe with the acetone and wipe the bottom of the jar as well.  Lay a ring of glue on the bottom of the glass and place on table upside down.  Top with the candle holder (also upside down) and be sure it is level.  Keep it where it won't get bumped and dry overnight.  We found that setting the jars on the lids was more stable than the candle stick, they are top heavy, and can slip making it a little crooked.  We found some cool stickers that are all the letters, and Christina put her friends initials on the label section of the jars.  Pretty cute.  Then she put her glasses in some home made fabric bags and tied them with ribbon.  Of course Christina's aren't wine glasses, they would be soda glasses.

Then to the sewing machine for photo pillows.  We started with a photo of her and her friends that we printed on photo fabric.  The brand I use is no longer available, but we printed the pictures on various types of silk.  You should be able to find a similar product at the fabric store.  I should have paid closer attention to the types, because the thinner silk wasn't great.  We bought a black and white print for the back of the pillow, and she chose different solids for the fronts.  Everything was cut 15"X15" for a finished pillow of 14"X14", and we just appliquéd the photo to the solid fabric.  We also bought some white pom pom trim.

Basically you appliqué the trimmed photo to the solid fabric first, anchoring and stabilizing it with some fusible interfacing.  Then you need to baste the pom pom trim to one side of the pillow (on the right side) and then sew the two side together, right sides facing, leaving a small opening.  Stuff the pillow and then hand stitch it closed.  They turned out great, an easy and fun project for college kids!  So now, back to the kitchen, I have baking to do!

Applique the Grad!

So graduation has come and gone, and most years I am spending May behind my embroidery machine for the many friends who need gifts made, and for my own gifts. Monogramming is hotter than ever with everything on the store shelves bearing an initial, even toilet paper!

There is no doubt that a teenager heading off to college will use a nice set of towels. However, this is another of those generational things. I hate to tell you all, but kids are not all about the matchy-matchy things. My kids would never pay attention to the hand towel, bath towel and washcloth all out at once. As a matter of fact, one of my kids prefers shower poufs over washcloths. So I made a trip to Costco and bought these HUGE bath sheets, okay, beach towels, in vibrant colors. They will serve a college kid well. All summer around the pool or lake, and in the dorm, a big wrap up after a shower. They are also cost effective, so I can afford to give them to a big group (about $12) although the labor can be intense.

My daughter goes to an all girls school, so I picked the bright blue and a couple of purple towels. I have a stash of large wooden letters that I use as a template for applique, but you can freehand your letters or search online and blow it up. I finally figured out a use for that button on my printer that allows me to enlarge or shrink my copies. When I made the applique aprons here, I shrunk the letters.

You will want to copy your pattern onto the double sided fusible, on the rough side. Trim around (but not up to the letter) and iron on the wrong side of the fabric. Then trim around the letter. And iron it to your towel, or apron or whatever. Then stitch with the applique stitch around with a contrasting color. Cute as ever!
Other ideas for this applique is writing the name in bubbles, and cutting them out and overlapping on a pillow. (I'm doing this for the new dorm room and will post). You could use a complimenting decorator fabric and make the initial for a throw pillow for the couch. Or in a great outdoor fabric and toss it on the outdoor furniture. So many ideas, so little time. But the gifts are almost done ( I really need a rainy day!), my daughters graduation was truly memorable, and I have to get back to SweetiePetitti and get some baking done! Come visit sometime!

Gifts for Girlfriends

As my daughter finishes her Senior year of high school, the girls were all about "this is our last Homecoming, this is our last rafting trip" and other final events that mark the end of high school. We will have dozens of graduation gifts we'll have to make (always home made!) and certainly 4 amazing years to remember. She wanted to begin with a little gift for a few of her friends so photo pillows was our project.

In the digital age, girls photograph everything! Me, I take 10-12 photos at a time for one blog or another, and download them, delete them and start over. So when I told her she needed to find photos of her and her girlfriends, it was a scavenger hunt of digital pics. Once the photos had been chosen, she cropped, photo-shopped and enhanced to her heart's content and then we printed them on...wait for it...FABRIC! Love this stuff! Fabric, sold in sheets (at our Etsy store) that runs through the printer like a sheet of paper. As with paper, the clearer the photo, the better the quality of the fabric print.

Next we went fabric shopping, because, well, the 200 yards of various fabrics stashed in the sewing room just wouldn't work. A solid or tone on tone is best for the side of the pillow that the photo will be on, and then of course a fun contrasting fabric for the other. We also picked up ball fringe, a bag of batting and we were set.

We did our pillows 14" X 14", a pretty basic size. Using a rotary cutter and mat I cut my squares at 14½". Really, there are no rules. The picture was about 7X10 so we trimmed the excess and used double sided fusible to press it into place on the solid fabric. You could even embroider names, date or the event if you wanted. After the photo is secure, sew around the photo using an applique stitch in a great color, think of it as your frame! Then baste the fringe to this side of the pillow, to the right side of the fabric, fringe hanging to the inside. Trim any excess. Now put the front and back together, right sides together, and stitch around, leaving an opening of about 6" at the bottom of the pillow. Turn your creation inside out, which is now, right side (of fabric) out. And stuff it to your satisfaction. Ideally you will meticulously hand sew the bottom closed, but if you are a 17 year old senior who just finished your last year of high school, you will run it closed with your machine. What the heck. And seriously, it is a great keepsake for girlfriends. Or Grandmas, sisters, Aunts, dads anyone, right?
by Susie

Happy Mothers Day!

I am fortunate that on this Mothers Day my mother is only a phone call away. I just came back from a visit with her and it was lovely. Who could ask for anything more.

My mom is glamorous, right out of the pages of Vogue. When I was growing up she would look at the fancy magazines and say "I can make that" and sure enough she would go to her sewing room and churn out the most beautiful outfit. She made me great clothes - so cool that in High School girls wanted to borrow them. And my mother had constructed them with her passion! She was an inspiration then and she continues to be.


The picture at the right is my High School graduation and she made both our outfits. I remember my dress like it was yesterday. She let me pick out the fabric and she took her time fitting it and making it the right length. I wish I still had that dress. I still have a few jackets in my closet that she made - as good as Valentino, they are!!

Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you and thank you for inspiring me to be the best I can be and Make it Myself!
xxo

A is for Apron Book Review

I recently cracked open a new, inspiring book on making, of all thing, Aprons!! A is for Apron is a fun book and if you want a quick project for a hostess gift, have some adorable left over fabric but not enough for a skirt, or if you're feeling like you need a short project to get your head back in the game - this is it!!

Who doesn't need an apron? The projects—from ultra-feminine and vintage chic to whimsical color-play—include waist and bib aprons, pinafores, smocks, cobblers, and even something for the pint-sized cook. All of the projects are photographed in a playful style. And templates, sewing basics, and quick and easy projects for sprucing up store-bought aprons and whipping up aprons from recycled materials are also included!

So, I grabbed a vintage dishcloth that I love - an old California map - and created this masterpiece.

And then I bought some groovy Christmas fabric (yes, it's in the stores already) and made this adorable gem!!








I'm hooked - guess I'll have to start cook and baking more often so I can wear my aprons!

Love isn't only for Valentines Day

by Susie Tilton

Does any holiday illicit panic like Valentine's Day? When I was a teenager I was afraid I wouldn't be noticed. As an adult, I have mixed feelings. I would love a velvet box....but we need to recarpet the TV room. I'd love a romantic getaway, but we need to buy a plane ticket for our college age son to get home. Oh well, the good thing about being creative and crafty is that you can invent your own fun. When the big V Day falls on a weekend, a dinner party is they way to go. Whether it is for 2 or 12, a set of beautiful napkins will make your Valentine's dinner special.


My dinner party began with the table setting. I have a pretty fair collection of tablecloths and placemats, so I chose a solid color to begin with. I have these great black bamboo placemats, and I love the sophistication of black with everything. At my local fabric store I bought this cute, but basic red heart fabric. My plan was 9 napkins. 8 for dinner, 1 for the bread. Even if you never serve bread, it's a great formula whether you are buying or sewing. This way, if you have a napkin that is badly stained or lost, there is an extra. Three yards will give you plenty of room to cut out the napkins. A perfect size dinner napkin is 20"X20" with a double hem and mitred corners.
I use my cutting board, long sturdy ruler and rotary cutter for 22"X22" napkins. Plan a 1/2" hem around the napkin, press, and then fold over for another 1/2" hem. The mitred corners are illustrated in the Home Decor DVD, and once you learn to do it, you'll never accept the cheap turnover corners again. The finish is clean and professional.
Once the napkins are finished, you will realize there are many occasions to sew this simple project. Halloween, Christmas, Fourth of July, Birthdays and Easter. If you plan on the fun in the napkins, you can keep your eye out for great solid colored placemats and tablecloths to complete your table.
Wondering what to serve for this special day? Check out the blog by my alter ego, Sweetie Petitti, who spends her days in the kitchen. There will be a great romantic dinner posting coming up. And make sure you look at the cute heart shaped tuile cookies. Happy Sewing!

Handmade IS Better!

Yes, we all know I LOVE to bake for people. It is a creative, cathartic process. And I enjoy the whole concept of gifting. Sometimes a little sugar brings pure joy to someone, I like that I can be responsible for that. So of course I gave away plenty of sweets this past holiday, but I had a few gifts looming in the sewing room. And finally, I have finished! Since I am a pretty talented sewer I decided to put this here as well as for my faithful baking readers on SweetiePetitti blog.

First up is the Chicken Apron. My frind Mel gets an apron a year from me. I am always looking for an idea to embellish a great canvas apron (wonder where I buy those?) I have monogrammed, embellished, left blank and even embroidered some clever saying. She loves an apron and especially likes the full ones that go over the head. I am a butcher apron girl, but more on that later. I gave her an appliqued apron like the ones that follow, for her birthday in October. But when I was at her house gifting her, she showed me the apron a family friend made for her about 30 years ago when she was married. The photo follows. It is green ticking with a calico chicken whip stitched on the front. It is stained and well worn, and obviously her favorite. So I asked to borrow it. Yes, I know it is January and I have held her favorite apron for almost 3 months, but I think she may feel it was worth it. How cute is this? I found green ticking with no problem. Then I spent hours (honest) trying to find coordinating calico-type fabric for the chicken. I think I got some updated colors, instead of whip stitching I appliqued, and well, the result is pretty darn cute. She's off playing in Vegas this week, but she will be gifted this weekend. My other apron gifts were for friends and family. I admit I get into a groove and stick with it. The groove now is applique. Big loopy letters in great fabric, way more fun than a boring old monogram. Take a peek.


Back in the fall I did an article for Family Corner appliquéing beach towels, I just can't stop! I have been hitting the clearance shelves with the fleece throws in lots of colors to applique for the hundreds (okay maybe just 30) graduation gifts.

Finally, I just couldn't resist an apron for me. But my needs are quite different. I wear the classic apron at work, so I am not interested in wearing it at home. I love a long apron with long straps and a straight cut. A butcher's apron if you will. I can whip one up pretty quick in a fun cotton for whatever mood or holiday stirs me. They don't really hang well, so you'll have to trust me on the finished product. Better yet, come on over when the ovens are fired up, I am certain to have one on. So, get in there and bake!

Make it Yourself this Holiday Season

Times are tight this Holiday Season but nothing says "thinking of you" more than a gift you made yourself or bought from an independent crafter. Better yet, recycle something old into something new!

If you're in the Los Angeles area, there are a few events worth checking out.



The Unique LA independent design and gift show and Renegade Craft Fair are always winners. Here's their list of things going on:

+ Shepard Fairey's Studio No.1 has partnered with this event so that every attendee will get a free cotton tote bag featuring exclusive artwork

+ Over 300 designers/artists selling their goods

+ Free DIY Workshops all weekend

+ Eat from the amazing Tiara Cafe, Gram & Papa's, and Platine Cookies, who will all be serving up meals and treats at their pop-up locations within the show

+ Get snapped by the amazing Oh Snap Studios

Enjoy!

The Sew/Fit Method with Ruth Oblander and Nancy Zieman

Years ago, a very talented Chicago seamstress went on a talk show and spoke about how professionals alter clothes to fit their clients. The talk show was flooded with calls from viewers wanting to know more. The seamstress, Ruth Oblander, decided to write a book about fitting for the home sewer and the Sew/Fit Manual was created. She hired a young woman who was a talented seamstress and as beautiful as a model - Nancy Zieman - to help her.

Thirty years later, the method is still widely practiced and the Manual continues to be a top seller at our website and with some top fashion and apparel schools. Nancy Zieman went on to run her own very successful business, Nancy's Notions and wrote Fitting Finesse based on the Sew/Fit Method.

The Sew/Fit Manual addresses some key points:

1. How to take proper measurements of your body
2. How to understand how patterns are made and how to properly measure a pattern
3. How to use this information to buy the correct size pattern
4. How to alter that pattern to fit your body with a pivot and slide method

With a little time and a little patience you too can make your clothes fit! This method works with any commercial pattern. Try it today with our books and DVDs at Hip Line Media!

Throw in A Little Color!

So I am constantly switching furniture, changing pillows out, rearranging my world. I noticed one day as I stood at my counter how utterly BORING my eating area is. It has a small seating area with 2 chairs I love, but desperately need to be recovered. Also a piece of furniture I bought 25 years ago and painted black and my hubby accused me of going to PB and buying something new! And a skirted table. I love a skirted table, there is stash room under them for hiding whatever, and they are so easy to recover and what an impact they make. So following the great instructions on the Basic Home Decor DVD from Hip Line Media, I made a new tablecloth for about $70. I opted not to add fringe, went simple because the fabric is so dang cute. Here is the before and after. What a difference a little color can make! Crank up the air and sew!
Hmm, maybe I need to redo those pillows.....

Duct Tape Skirt Sloper

Recently at one of our ASG meeting I brought in an article on how to create a basic skirt pattern from duct tape by Jean Haas. Jean has been designing sloper techniques from duct tape for quite some time. If you need a good laugh, check out her website and envision yourself swaddled in duct tape. But seriously, her techniques and simple and efficient.


Starting with a 1/2 yard or so of a cotton tube knit (I used a cheap ribbed tube knit) you slip on the knit over something form fitting. Next, taking small - 6 inch or so - pieces of duct tape, begin to cover the entire tube knit "skirt". Once the tube knit "skirt" is covered, carefully cut it off your victim at center back.


After getting your shape in duct tape, you can open darts to flatten the pattern and you've got the perfect fitting tool!

Selling Handmade Goods on the Internet

I am the West Los Angeles Neighborhood Group leader for the American Sewing Guild. We meet once a month and tackle some crafting related subject. Our choices have ranged from how to sew in zippers to making a duct tape skirt sloper. It's fun and informative. I'm lucky to have a diverse group - men, women, old, young, experienced and beginners. But they all have one thing in common - a love of making things!

Our last meeting was all about selling handmade goods on the internet and it created a lively discussion. Unless you've been living in a cave, you already know that Etsy is the place to sell. What you may not know, is that the top 10 sellers on Etsy don't actually sell handmade items but rather supplies to make your own handmade items. That surprised everyone, myself included. But honestly, we crafters have known all along that making things is only getting bigger and better!

I left the meeting with a goal to post some of my own handmade items to my Etsy Hipline site. First off will be a case for the Kindle. I have a Kindle e-reader and I'm in love with it. But the options for carrying cases were limited and unappealing to me so, I created my own.

Turns out people really like it. The exterior fabric is fleece and I quilted it to cotton batting for the inside. This protects the Kindle face and gives added protection. I used snaps to close mine but I think in the future I'll do velcro. A few buttons for ebellishment and a cute photo of a girl reading and there you have it. The photo was copied onto photo fabric paper and sewn in. So, what are you making?