Custom Wallet

This wallet was custom made for a friend. She picked the fabrics from my fabric stash and I sewed it together. As a surprise I added the 'Lips like Sugar' applique on the inside, it's an inside joke between us and she loves it! For more details and pics check out etsy.com.

Inspiration: Whipstitch blog, check out their vintage pattern give away co-hosted by MOMSPatterns.

New Look Outfit with Heather Ross Fabric

Here's an outfit I made using New Look pattern 6813.

My shirt is made from an earth-friendly blend of 53% Soy, 43% Certified Organic Cotton, and 4% Spandex. Unbelievably soft to the touch. I decorated the neck line with appliques using scrap pieces of Japanese imported fabric layered with free motion sewing and buttons.

My skirt is made from a lightweight canvas fabric designed by Heather Ross. On the inside waist band I embroidered my name with hot pink embroidery floss.

Also made some fabric earring to match.

Inspiration: William Debilzan, construction worker turned artist, I stumbled across his work in Laguna Beach. I was extremely moved by his art work, rich texture and colors which unfortunately the Internet gives no justice.

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.

Recycled Fabric for Curtains

Here's a project I made from recycled fabric. I often shop at thrift stores in search of fabric. Not necessarily fabric by the yard, but clothing items that I can see making something else out of. My mother thinks this is gross and I need to be careful of the energy I take in from others peoples stuff but I don't feel the same way. It's rewarding to transform something that's been discarded into something useful. Not to mention I save money and make a small contribution to saving the environment.
Months ago I found this hideous dress at the salvation army. At the time I was thinking about making a purse or appliquéing the flowers onto something but I wasn't sure. The bright colors in the pattern caught my eye, I liked that it was retro and the dress was huge so it would supply me with a substantial amount of fabric.
Then I moved into my new apartment and saw I needed kitchen windows I pulled this out of my collection. It was a really simple project. The bottom hem of the curtains is the original hem from the dress. I just finished the sides and made the loop at the top. I love my curtains and they go perfect with the funky 70's linoleum on the kitchen floor!

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.