Birds on a Wire

Birds on a wire is an applique I applied to the back of a gray thermal long sleeve tee. First, I applied steam a seam to one side of black cotton fabric. Then, I drew out a stencil of the birds on a wire to a piece paper and traced it onto the black fabric. I cut the shape out and ironed the fabric onto my thermal shirt. Lastly, I used the free motion sewing technique to make the decorative swirly stitches. I used several different colors of thread for the different birds which took a lot patience and time but I really love the outcome and I've received lots of compliments.

Inspiration: Modern Steamster's second issue, FREE online.

Japanese Fabric Wallet :)

I finished a wallet I sewed, using the Imported Japanese fabric from Designer Etsuko Furuya. I'm very pleased with the way it came out. I created the pattern as I went along. I plan on making this wallet a first of many and possibly printing a pattern for a make-it-yourself kit. This could be difficult for me since making the same thing over and over again eventually starts to feel like daunting work rather than a creative challenge.

Overall, this is a hearty wallet. I seriously doubt that it will ever fall apart. I used a heavy fusible interfacing for the back piece. The interior contains layers of hidden fabric, fused with stitch witchery. The majority of the seams are stitched twice. I have a change purse with a zipper on the outside. There are several card slots on the inside, including a clear plastic one for displaying an ID and two pouches for bills or checks. The owl on the front is an applique that I attached with stitch witchery and free motion sewing.

Heather Ross Duvet Cover

Today, I want to share a project I completed months ago after Designer Heather Ross released her Mendocino collection. I absolutely love this collection for many reasons. The main reason I love it is the ocean theme, with mermaids and sea creatures. I've lived my entire life by the ocean, so I have a soft spot for ocean fabric. Unfortunately, most of the prints I see coming through the fabric shop give me the feeling of a tacky tourist shop. Her collection has a more modern feel. I love the colors she chose and the soft fine touch of the material. With that said it comes as no surprise that I chose to make a duvet cover for myself. I thought this project would be easier than it turned out to be. I didn't realize until I started making it that I would need to match up the tiny pattern and that the top would consist of three pieces instead of just two. I also was not aware of the space I would need to lay it out. My tiny bedroom at the time was not set up for that, but it all worked out and I love it. I used a solid kona cotton for the bottom piece and a zipper for entry at the bottom. To make it even more grand, I added tie downs in each corner of the interior so my comforter wouldn't shift or bunch up.

Found some great fabric to make a wallet

Today was beautiful and I am so thankful for many things. And no better a time for me to start my blog. Here I'll be able to articulate my lust for new and old fabrics which inspire me to sew and make new things. Today I picked this Imported Japanese fabric from Echino by Etsuko Furuya. The picture I've posted gives it no justice. The colors are so bright and vibrant unlike anything else out there. And the texture is also amazing, made of 85% cotton and 15% linen this blend is similar to a lightweight canvas. I plan on making a wallet out of it but be assured I will use every last scrap as it is so precious.