Upcycling my purse

A new pattern I'm working on called the BIG BUNNY combines what was my Ichigo bag (carefully picked apart) and leftovers from the MINNIE MINI Charlie is wearing with her POCKET TOP.

You can find out HOW TO make an Ichigo bag right here.  

The BIG BUNNY sewing pattern will be available from my Etsy store  in a couple of weeks.  It stands around 35cm from base to top, 30cm wide when seated and fits snugly up under your arm.

 

For step by step instructions showing HOW TO sew with top stitch thread and HOW TO quilt fabric using batting follow the links.  

The sunny yellow outer is a design from Alexander Henry called Rolling Hills and it's combined with two fabrics from Umbrella Prints, Rock Dots for the inner strap and Stone Flowers on the side panels.  The contrast top stitch  thread is Gutermann #722.

  

A quilted PARTY DRESS is also in the works, super short, sassy and yes I did say quilted.

HOW TO darn in your overlocker (serger) threads

Finishing off sewing projects so there are no weak points or thread ends showing is especially important when making tops in jersey fabrics.  Two new patterns suitable for lightweight single jersey through to french terry or brushed fleece could leave you with lots of pesky threads, or you could just do this...

1. So here it is, the ugly trail of overlocker thread.  If you're a knitter pull out a darning needle and thread the overlocking threads through the eye.  A darning needle has a rounded tip so it won't pierce your fabric, and a nice big eye so threading should be really easy.

 

2. Gently push the needle back up the seam in between the two layers of fabric for a couple of centimeters and then out.  Pull the threads through and trim off the excess.

 

It's simple, fast and importantly it secures the end of the seam so it won't unravel.

This method works especially well when working with jersey fabrics where the hem edges are left raw to roll, THE LONG SKINNY is a perfect example.  

The patterns for the Raglan and the Cowl will be released soon,  Clean basic styles designed to be made up in knit fabrics and available in Australian sizes 10-16. 

The Shed

There are lots of new patterns in the works but the biggest project I'm working on right now is this one.  These photos mark a point of no return, this is me saying out loud "this is happening"

  

What was once used for local dancers will be transformed into a light filled studio (where local craft classes can be held), tool shed and garage.  Step one is to come up with the plan and for that I need an architect.

The story continues...