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Showing posts from February, 2012

How to make bias tape

Have you ever thought about making your own bias tape? It's not that hard and it means you can have bias tape (or piping) in any color or pattern! (Before we start, I recommend reading the instructions all the way through once before you start. And in case you didn't know, you can click on a picture to see it larger—and zoom in!—in Flickr.) To check if your fabric will look good as bias tape, fold the fabric on the bias (from corner to corner and, using a piece of paper or other neutral object, cover all but the very edge of your fabric. I've found that stripes and small polka dots almost always work. Larger dots and really large prints can be iffy and, as you see in this photo, medium-size prints make for very abstract bias tape, which sometimes works and sometimes not. After you've decided on fabric, make a perfect square by cutting or ripping on the grain. (Perfect? Well, as close as you can. The more accurate you are throughout the whole process the closer y

The new old Vespa

I love my new scooter! Nia

Drawstring fabric gift bag

As long as I'm on the subject of making gifts look nice , why not sew up some quick and easy gift bags? For this striped bag, I used: Two pieces of fabric 7" x 14". (2.5" of this will be folded over for the cuff.) Two pieces (each about 24") of seam binding, ribbon, or sewn-together bias tape Small scraps of cloth or fabric flowers To start, sew on small pieces of scrap fabric for decoration. Use a zig zag stitch or even leave some of the raw edges to create a "fringe." (See the orange bag below.) On the wrong side of the fabric, on one side edge, place a mark 4.5"" from the top of the bag. Place another mark 3.75" from the top of the bag. Mark the other side edge in the same places. Using 1/4" seam allowance, sew the two pieces of fabric together along the sides and bottom edges, leaving the spaces between the marks open. Press the seams open at least as far down as the holes. Fold the top edge down 1/4' and

Present-ation!

I've finished making a whole pile of frayed ruffle hearts . They're cute the way they are, but to make them extra special, I'm putting them in pretty cellophane bags, with curly ribbons and hand-made tags. Sometimes I get lazy and don't spend the extra effort on great gift wrap, but it's so worth it, isn't it? The other exciting part of this is I'm not just sending these hearts to family and friends. I've got 3 set aside for Aunt Peaches Valentine Swap ! Yea!!!