sewing | Sewchet

March 26, 2015
by sewchet 15 Comments

Refashion: Onesie To Tracksuit Bottoms

Have your kids (or you!) got one too many of those novelty Onesies that continue to be so popular?

We were given a couple of hand-me-downs from my nephew which would take my boys four or five years to grow into, so I had the idea to re-make one of them into something more wearable – Tracksuit Bottoms, Hoodie and the added bonus of a pair of Slipper Boots!

It’s not a complicated refashion, but I seemed to take quite a lot of photos so I’ll split this upcycle into three posts, this being the first.

TRACKSUIT BOTTOMS

First up, I took an existing pair of well-fitting tracksuit bottoms and roughly cut the bottom half of the onesie to size.

I left plenty of space to turn up a hem and put the feet to one side for later.

A couple of inches was left at the top to add a little growing room and the top was also put to one side for later.

I started by unpicking and removing the remainder of the zip, then sewed the centre front seam closed.

There was just enough knit fabric leftover from a previous project to make a new waistband. I cut 4″ wide strips and pieced them together to measure the same as the onesie and added a seam allowance. The short ends were sewn right sides together to make a circle.

The new waistband was sewn right sides together with the onesie and the raw edge was overlocked.

The seam was pressed up towards the waistband.

The waistband was folded to the inside where the raw edge was pinned over the seam, enclosing the raw edges and extending over by about 1cm.

I stitched in the ‘ditch’ from the right side, leaving a gap at the centre back to thread the elastic.

I stitched again in the middle, leaving another gap for the elastic.

A final row of top stitching finishes off the top edge neatly.

Two pieces of 1/2″ wide elastic were cut to my son’s waist measurement and threaded through the channels using a safety pin.

The ends of the elastic were sewn together by hand and the gaps in the top stitching were sewn closed by machine.

For the bottom hems, I just overlocked the raw edges and sewed a small hem leaving a gap to thread through some 1/4″ wide elastic.

Et Voilá!

A perfectly good pair of tracksuit bottoms.

Ok, so the T-shirt doesn’t go with them very well, but No.3 son doesn’t care!

So there you go – how to refashion/upcycle an old onesie into a pair of tracksuit (jogging) bottoms:)

Next Post: HOODIE

March 25, 2015
by sewchet 40 Comments

Weekend/Overnight Bag In Chinese Brocade

I’m really excited about my Minerva Bloggers project this month especially so because of the totally fabulous Chinese Brocade that I have used. The colour is a vibrant Pillar Box Red and the motif is a repeating butterfly pattern which shimmers in the light due to the metallic thread running through the medium-heavy weight satin.

It can never be said that I’m afraid of colour!

As soon as I saw this fabric I was desperate to use it – I had considered a kimono style dressing gown as kimonos are very ‘in’ at the moment and it would make a very decadent one, but I don’t need another.

I do, however, need a new weekend bag as my old faithful is falling apart at the seams and looking extremely tatty. I wanted a pattern that wasn’t too fussy or detracted from the beautiful fabric which needs a starring rôle, so I was delighted when I stumbled upon Burda Style 7119.

I chose view ‘A’ which reminds me of the old Doctors’ bags or carpet bags.

The pattern has been classed as “Easy” by Burda and I have to agree, although the handles may prove fiddly for the absolute beginner.

It has been commented that I like a more roomy bag (see my “Sew Retro” bag) and this one is no exception. My fabric choice makes it a softly structured option but I can see it working even better in a leatherette or vinyl.

In fact, although I ordered a metre of bright red leatherette, I only used a tiny amount to make the handles so there is plenty left to make up a smaller version. Maybe a wash bag with waterproof lining?

These are the supplies, including matching red cotton lining, zip and thread. What a happy photo – red makes me want to shout out loud!

The downside to using brocade is that it frays extremely easily. The pattern is not printed onto the fabric, it is woven with shimmery, metallic threads which are so beautiful (the photographs do not do it justice!) but which slide out at the slightest touch.

To prevent the fraying and to make sewing a much easier experience, I overlocked every single raw edge which I wouldn’t normally do when the edges are encased within a lining.

That’s better!

The zip went in easily enough and the placement makes a pleasant change from the norm.

The zip extends past the end of the bag by a few inches and I liked the leatherette detail as a stop tab.

When it came to making the handles, I altered the pattern slightly.

The design called for a tube to be sewn right sides together, turned inside out and tubes of handle wadding to be threaded through. I couldn’t source this anywhere so I improvised. I sewed the handles wrong sides together with two rows of stitching for strength and decoration, then poked some polyester toy wadding all the way through with a knitting needle.

Three rows of stitching adds strength to where the handles join the bag.

The padded handles are really soft and comfortable too, an important consideration which is often overlooked.

The amount of interior space is quite impressive and I love that the lining is just as cheery a colour as the outside!

As I said, it’s a little floppy unless it’s stuffed full of clothes but the benefit is that it folds away neatly when stored. I’m not averse to the less structured look anyway.

Tadah!

I love it!

All in all it was a great pattern with easy to understand instructions and the fabric was a dream to work with after the fraying issue had been dealt with.

I can’t wait to use it – luckily we’ve got several overnight trips planned over the Easter break so it will get plenty of use. My husband has also planned our second wedding anniversary trip somewhere secret so it’s sure to get lots of second glances at the airport – it’s definitely a bag that stands out from the crowd.

It makes a lovely change from the generic overnight bags that you get in the shops and just proves the theory that hand made is best!

If you haven’t checked out Minerva Crafts yet, do hop over and have a look – the fabric selection alone is enormous and worth browsing over a cup of tea:)

March 12, 2015
by sewchet 55 Comments

Crafternoon Success!

And……relax!

Wow, what an afternoon, or should I say “Crafternoon”?

A houseful of lovely people busily crafting away to the tune of “Café Olé” on the stereo, fuelled by home-grown egg sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and Red Nose fairy cakes.

Oh, and gallons of Bucks Fizz:)

The dining table was laden with masses of fabric and supplies, together with printouts of the projects on offer.

The coffee table in the lounge housed yet more felt and yarn for what turned out to be a good variety of crafts for everyone to choose from.

Mr. H-L played Butler in his lunch break as he was working from home.

The felt chicks were very popular makes.

Two ladies made good headway with their Cloud mobiles and took them home to finish off.

A classic Red Nose at the start of its crochet journey…..

More cakes….

My daughter’s very first attempt at sewing….

….a cushion for her boyfriend to take on his fishing trips.

Didn’t she do well?!

Mollie Makes’ own rag doll, Mollie, was lovingly crafted as a joint effort between a mother-daughter combo.

Just the eyelashes and mouth to add at close of play.

A Hen doorstop (as seen in an earlier blog post) reached the stuffing stage before the school run ended play.

I am assured photos of all finished off items will be winging their way to me in due course.

All in all, a very jolly and productive three hours was had by everyone…..

….and £265 raised so far with further pledges yet to be collected!

I would like to express HUGE thanks to Ali of Thimberlina, Kerri of Bristol Crochet and Sarah Holmes for their very generous donation of supplies for this event, without which such a great choice of materials would not have been available.

T H A N K Y O U !

March 6, 2015
by sewchet 19 Comments

More Projects For Comic Relief’s Crafternoon

It’s just seven days until the Big Comic Relief Crafternoon on Friday 13th March – well, six days until I host mine because it’s my birthday on Friday and I will be otherwise engaged:)

If you saw my earlier post about the samples I have been making from the official Red Nose Day magazine, you will remember that I’ve been giving a number of the free patterns a test run, so to speak, to see which projects can be made in the three hours of my Crafternoon event. I will then set up individual areas with all the materials needed for each project, together with the instruction sheets, for everyone attending to help themselves to.

If you haven’t got your magazine yet, they are only available to buy in Sainsburys, nowhere else, and they are being snapped up extremely quickly so get a move on!

£5.00 out of the cover price of £7.99 goes straight to Comic Relief which is fantastic. Comic Relief get your donation and you get something for your money – a fab “Mollie Makes” Red Nose Day Special magazine with a load of fab projects for you to make.

So, onto the latest additions to the party!

Well, I had to crochet the red nose, didn’t I?

I loved making this Cloud Mobile – all hand stitched in less than three hours!

I think this is my favourite make though…..

….a Pear Pin Cushion!

And when Ali (AKA Thimberlina) revealed her makeshift excuse for a pin cushion (sorry Ali!), I had the perfect reason to make the matching Apple shaped one. I snapped a couple of quick photos and sent it off that same afternoon.

I love the attention to detail that has gone into this particular design, especially the two pieces of contrasting felt rolled together to make the stem. Although this part was completely omitted from the instructions, it was easy enough to work out how it was done.

Ali has very generously sent me a bundle of supplies for my Crafternoon so it was lovely to be able to make her a little something off her wish list as a thank you. Just look at everything she donated!

I still have room for a few more, so if you’re free next Thursday 12th March between 12pm and 3pm, please, PLEASE try to come along. I’d love to get a full house so that I can send off the maximum amount of money to Comic Relief.

I’m also thinking of either auctioning off all the bits I’ve made, or raffle them on the day so bring an extra couple of pounds – it’s for such a good cause!!

Here’s a reminder of all the details: –

February 25, 2015
by sewchet 44 Comments

One-Hour Poncho!

This is my first post as part of the Minerva Crafts Bloggers Network, and this is what I chose for my first make – a bold print Poncho with a cosy cowl neck, perfect for this time of year.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got your fingers in several pies and have lots of projects on the go at any one time, many of which are time-heavy and are completed over the course of weeks or even months.

Occasionally, just occasionally, I get impatient and don’t want to add yet another row to a seemingly unending WIP.

Once in a while I feel the need to make something quickly, to achieve something within a couple of hours, to finish something.

Well this is just such a project. In fact it is such a satisfyingly speedy make that it can be whipped up in just one hour!

No, really – look!

Other than speed, the inspiration for the poncho came from browsing the huge range of fabrics available at Minerva, and happening upon this bold “Chic” print which I thought had a touch of the Parisienne about it – isn’t it fantastic?

The fabric is described as “….sweatshirt jersey fabric, a lovely heavy weight with a soft fuzzy-textured backing. The print is a fantastic bold design with the word ‘Chic’ printed randomly across the surface….great for making hoodies and comfy jackets”

Please don’t be put off by the word ‘sweatshirt’ – it’s such good quality that it looks deceptively like wool from a distance, the benefits being that it is cheaper and easier to wash.

If you like it, you’d better be quick as it’s on clearance and there are only limited stocks:)

I’m not a hoodie kind of gal, so I searched for a poncho pattern and found McCall’s 6209 which is half price at the moment, and decided to make view ‘E’ with a cowl neck to keep those chilly winds out.

I’ve actually got a knit poncho that looks exactly like the one illustrated and I wear it all the time in place of a jumper. It’s not substantial enough to replace a coat though, so I wanted to choose a warmer fabric which drapes loosely for comfort and the jersey does just that.

I made the cowl up as per the instructions. The fabric has a lovely weight to it that stops it flopping too much.

The top stitching around the neck edge looked so nice that I decided to stray from the directions a little and top stitch from the shoulder to the arm too, on either side of the seams.

I overlocked the raw edges before hemming them as a double-turned hem would have been too bulky in this fabric.

I meandered a little further from the instructions when I also decided to add some satin bias binding all around the lower hem.

This addition creates a more professional finish and the sheen of the satin adds a luxury edge to the poncho.

I’m so pleased with the bias binding, I wish I’d ordered more and done the armhole edges too, instead of hemming them.

So, one and a half hours later (due to the extra embellishments) all it needed was a cold, windy day to test it out and, being in good old Blighty we are not short of those!

I had no idea the poncho would cause such a stir though and I’ve already had loads of compliments. I suppose it is pretty unique and that in itself will draw comments.

Do you ever get the urge for a quick make?

What have you created in just a couple of hours?

January 27, 2015
by sewchet 20 Comments

Another Bag – Perfect For Knitting Or Crochet

Whoop whoop!

I’m madly excited to tell you that, after two long days of revision after revision, the draft PDF pattern for my “Sew Retro Bag” has finally winged its way to the very obliging Lucie of Love, Lucie.

Lucie has kindly agreed to test the pattern for me before it goes on sale in my Folksy shop for the fantastic value price of just £3-99!!! (Update: Pattern available NOW in my shop – CLICK HERE)

Do you want a cheeky preview of the cover?

Of course you do!

Here it is, proudly displaying the large version which was designed specifically for holding those bigger projects such as quilts or crocheted blankets;

I designed a smaller version as well, for those who don’t need such a vast bag.

Perfect for yarn lovers carrying smaller crochet and knitting projects, the great “Knitty Sheep” fabric adds a whimsical touch.

The fabric was quilted by machine again before construction.

Here are both bags together showing the size variations;

I hope Lucie finds the pattern logical and easy to follow – it’s incredibly difficult, after forty years of sewing, to think like a beginner and document even the simplest of steps!

Watch this space for details about how to purchase the finished pattern and don’t forget to pop over to see how Lucie’s getting on with making the sewing bag!

January 20, 2015
by sewchet 105 Comments

Pattern Tester Required! (All Materials Supplied)

Just look at these gorgeous craft related fabric designs – they all arrived on my doorstep this last week!

Having long lusted after this design after seeing it as a banner on Teresa’s blog Navy Blue Threads, I discovered it was called “Sew Retro Montage” by Makower and tracked some down online. What initially began as a search for this amazing fabric …

…ended with multiple purchases of fabric loveliness!

“Cotton Reels” also by Makower;

“Knitty Sheep” by Kanvas;

“Sew Be It” by Henry Glass & Co;

“Sew Retro Tonal Pattern” also by Makower;

This fabulous Simplicity Pattern design by Fabric Traditions;

I couldn’t resist this “Postcards” design either;

They’re all quite pricey at around £12.00 per metre for a narrower-than-normal width of 110cm but, as I intend to use them for smaller projects, I should be able to make them stretch a fair way.

I had in mind a WIP bag using my favourite two fabrics, this one for the main body of the bag…..

…and this one for the lining;

As this bag will be for myself, I could afford to be a little extravagant with my fabric and lining choices.

I also decided to make a real statement by quilting the fabric onto wadding prior to construction. This takes quite a long time to do but adds an air of “couture” to the bag and is totally worth it having invested in expensive fabric.

Free machine quilting is not difficult to do, just time consuming – take plenty of breaks to relax those shoulders!

Drop the feed dogs (or cover them, depending on your machine), remove the sewing foot and you’re ready to go. I did the free machine embroidery in a random swirly design, filling in the space as I went.

TIP: Use a new needle and good quality thread like Gutermann’s 100% polyester – cheap thread is often made from only two twists and will snap easily and frequently.

This is what the quilting looks like on the reverse;

The textured finish on the front is really lovely;

It’s not the easiest thing to show in a photograph, but here’s a direct comparison of an un-quilted and a quilted piece of fabric side-by-side to show you the difference;

Do you want to see the finished bag?

TADAH!

It’s HUGE, large enough for the biggest projects which is just as well as I have a penchant for making bedspreads and throws, whether they’re patchwork, crocheted or quilted. This bag can cope with the lot.

Here it is, holding my latest blanket; a crocheted super-chunky number that measures (at the moment) 1.5m x 1.5m. There’s still plenty of room to carry all the yarn and bag of crochet hooks!

Don’t you just love the lining?

It makes the inside a pleasure to gaze upon:)

When empty, you can see how cavernous it actually is.

Did you notice the sizeable pocket on the front?

No?

Well that’s good then, because I was very careful to match the pattern so it just appears to be a continuation of the fabric.

Look again – you can just make out the handles of a pair of scissors peeping out of the top….

Inside the pocket I made provision for some sewing essentials; a pair of scissors, a seam ripper and a tape measure.

Even the pocket is quilted and lined for consistent quality.

I already know this is going to be the most used bag in my collection and I love, love, LOVE it!

Now, here’s the thing – I need someone’s help.

I have drafted a PDF pattern which I hope to sell in my Folksy shop, and I am looking for a volunteer to test it first to make sure it is easy to follow.

All materials will be included in a parcel that will be sent to the tester; fabric, lining, wadding, thread, wooden handles and pattern drafting paper.

The pattern will be sized for a smaller bag, but the construction is identical as that for the larger bag.

The quilting is optional but the wadding will be included if you wish to attempt it.

The pattern will be emailed in PDF format which can be printed off if preferred.

You will need to be able to follow instructions carefully and make a note of anything that could be worded more clearly/in more depth and any possible errors.

When completed, the bag is yours to keep – I would just ask that you blog about it (hopefully favourably!) on your own page.

So, is there anyone out there willing to give it a try?

Maybe Teresa, Karen, Beth, Lucie, Caren, or Lisa?

Please………:)

Update: Pattern is available NOW in my shop – CLICK HERE

December 9, 2014
by sewchet 32 Comments

How To Make An Upcycled Bookbound Journal and #sewingsanta update!

I am quietly fuming after being (very kindly) informed that someone is selling my Greengate Style Baby Poncho pattern on eBay, even using the original photograph from my blog!

It’s not just the fact that they are making money from my design, but that people are paying for it when it is available for free. Maddening.

Anyway, being the sharing, caring folk that we Crafters are, I have another tutorial for you – a Bookbound Journal.

I made mine using part of a hide of turquoise leather that I had leftover from a previous project, but you could use boiled wool, felt, cardboard – anything really. This was constructed entirely from stuff I had already so was completely free to make, which was essential as it went into my #sewingsanta parcel and I had already reached my spending limit.

So, here we go.

How To Make A Bookbound Journal

You will need: –

16-20 sheets paper (I used a mix of plain, squared, lined, coloured and notelet)

Cover Material which doesn’t fray (Leather, Cardboard, Felt, Boiled wool etc)

Waxed Cotton/Strong Thread

Magnetic Closure

Bradawl/Craft Knife

1. Stack your paper in piles of 4 or 5 and fold in half to make a ‘signature’. I made 4 signatures to go in my book.

2. Using a bradawl or other sharp pointed tool, pierce four holes through the fold at regular intervals making sure you go through all the layers of paper.

I use an old magazine underneath to protect my table.

3. Fold and stack all your signatures neatly together and lay on your chosen cover material. Cut around leaving about half a centimetre all round.

If you want to make a flap to close the journal, you can extend the fabric as shown below.

4. Mark a line about half a centimetre onto the fabric, directly in line with the holes in the signatures.

5. Cut through the fabric at these markings using a craft knife.

6. Thread a needle with a length of waxed cotton (or strong thread) twice the measurement of the spine of your journal.

7. Starting at the bottom, pass the needle through the hole in the first signature and the slit in the cover from the inside to the outside as shown below. Leave a tail of thread about 5cm long.

8. Pass the needle back through the second slit and signature.

10. Continue in this way until you reach the top, then weave your way back down to the bottom in the same way.

11. Tie the ends together and trim for a neat finish.

12. Add all the other signatures in the same way.

13. If you’ve added a flap, now is the time to add a closure of your choice. It can be a simple length of leather knotted at one end, slipped through a slit and wrapped around or a magnetic snap fastening as I have used.

14. Attach following the manufacturers instructions and cover the snap with a decorative feature button or piece of fabric. I made a bespoke needle felted button using three colours.

You could use handmade paper with deckled edges to make it really special, or just stick to printer paper to keep it simple, but I rather like using several different types of paper to make it more interesting.

I can’t show you what it looks like from the top because it is personalized with the recipient’s initial, but you get the idea.

I wrapped it up, popped it in the parcel along with lots of other goodies (blogged about here) and posted it First Class today, so somebody should be getting a big box from #sewingsanta in the post tomorrow! How exciting!

December 3, 2014
by sewchet 20 Comments

#sewingsanta

Just a quick post today to show you a few of the things I’ve made for my #sewingsanta recipient (who remains anonymous!).

I spent the maximum limit of ten pounds ages ago so I thought I’d take some time to sew some little gifts with fabric and bits from my stash. This way it’s not cheating because they haven’t cost a penny other than my time spent creating them.

These are the added extras – and boy have I had fun!

This needlecase is made from remnants of silk – red on the outside and gold on the inside.

A cute little mandala key ring using scraps of felt and ribbon.

My very first attempt at needle felting – a tiny Robin brooch.

Shown briefly the other day, this pocket tissue cover was created from leftover fabric from a book bag project.

I had planned on including these pure lambswool fingerless gloves too, but they just sold on Folksy so I will have to make some more:)

There are more items to come because I’ve never had so much pleasure making random things just for the fun of it!

How’s your #sewingsanta parcel coming along?

October 3, 2014
by sewchet 9 Comments

How To Turn A Cardigan Into A Coat (and More Charity Shop Finds)

Now the excitement of Yarndale is over I can’t wait to start ‘making’ again.

I’ve got several crochet projects on the go but there’s nothing like a bit of sewing for an instant fix and, as Autumn is trying to oust our Indian Summer, I turned my attention to my Winter wardrobe.

That makes me sound like I rotate my clothes according to the seasons in an incredibly organized fashion. I don’t – they’re all hanging in the same place (except the ball gowns which have their own space). There are a few items that I like but don’t wear simply because they’re not easy to actually wear.

Confused? I’ll show you what I mean.

Take this John Rocha cardigan that a friend passed on to me, I suspect because she had the same problem. It sports an enormous shawl collar that makes the cardigan shift backwards so I find myself constantly hauling it back forward over my shoulders. It also has a kind of waterfall effect at the front which gapes so you need to wear another cardigan underneath to actually keep warm!!!

I had decided to donate it to the charity shop but then asked myself “What would Shawn do?”

Although this is a very modest refashion compared to her standards, it works and now I have a new garment at no cost!

Here’s what I did: –

1. Wrap the cardigan around until it fell the way I wanted it to and pin in place.

2. Sew two buttons to the left side of the cardigan (remember these from my Yarndale Booty?)

3. Cut a piece of scrap leather to use as a backing for your buttonholes. This stops the yarn from stretching out of shape and gives it strength.

4. Pin to the reverse of the cardigan and (right side facing) make two buttonholes on the right hand side of the front to correspond with your button placement.

The buttonholes are virtually invisible from the front and this is what they look like on the inside;

The finished coat is a real winner that will get lots of use which isn’t bad considering it’s been sat in my wardrobe for about a year now!

I love the cosy cowl neck and this proves my theory that eye-catching buttons really can make an outfit:)

I had a couple of other things to take to the charity shop anyway and, as is often the case, came home with more than I took in!

First were these ice-cream sundae glasses at £1.25 each which the boys will love;

Then I spotted this framed print of Harlech Castle for £2.99;

It’s already hanging in one of the spare bedrooms;

Most excitingly are these four pillowcases for 50p each – pure white and the finest crisp Egyptian cotton;

Initial thoughts are to make some napkins out of them – I should be able to get at least twelve which I could embroider or crochet to turn them into something quite special.

Any other ideas?

Sewchet

Sewing, crochet, crafts, accessories, baking, tutorials,

Tag Archives: sewing

Refashion: Onesie To Tracksuit Bottoms

Weekend/Overnight Bag In Chinese Brocade

Crafternoon Success!

More Projects For Comic Relief’s Crafternoon

One-Hour Poncho!

Another Bag – Perfect For Knitting Or Crochet

Pattern Tester Required! (All Materials Supplied)

How To Make An Upcycled Bookbound Journal and #sewingsanta update!

#sewingsanta

How To Turn A Cardigan Into A Coat (and More Charity Shop Finds)

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