Seam 2 Rip

I made a pair of boxer shorts years ago. I wanted to try again. I ran to Thrift town to get a pair for the crazy price of 99 cents, to use as a pattern.  Well,  the pattern idea worked pretty well. Sadly, no instructions to follow. I did get stuck for a bit trying to figure out the front panel. Silly me. It’s not that  difficult! I finally referred to a pant pattern I had, and it all came together.  They look pretty good. I am thinking of giving them to my roomy.

Flannel is very reasonably priced at the store right now. I found some very cute “monster” print that was talking to me. “Make some P.J  bottoms for yourself”, it said.  So, I purchased two and one half yards, and decided to do just that.   They turned out great!   I used some of the left over fabric to make a pillow cover for my roommate, and a scarf for his dog.  Yipee!!  A successful project.

It has been a while since I made something for myself, other than hemming pants for work, or altering a shirt.  Yeah, BORING!  So, I decided to make something new, just for me.  I used to make backpacks all the time for others. I thought it might be nice to make one for myself.  I found a piece of fabric I have been keeping for ages, not knowing what to do with it. Decided, it was the perfect amount, for what I wanted to do.  Used a colorful pillow case for lining. Let’s not forget beads. They are a must on a backpack.  Ha!  I am pleased with how it turned out. Now, I need to put it to the test, and actually use it.

Steve had an idea for putting his prints on product. Something to show them off in a different way. Pillows came to mind, and he asked if I would be interested in helping with the project. Of course I would!   He had some of his prints transferred to fabric through an online site.  He gave me  several blocks to get started. I finished them pretty quickly, and now have my rhythm. The next batch should go even  quicker, and hopefully, look as nice as the first.

Jeff was in need of a gift for his mother for Christmas. I offered my services as a seamstress. He liked the idea, and I agreed to make a tote bag using the fabric I had with birds, flowers, and tree branches. All the things his mother likes.  I used inner facing to give it a little more body, and braided the handles. Pink lining with a pocket, and whallah!!!    I am pleased with this, and so was Jeff. I hope his mother likes it.  (-;

I was asked to do some detailing on a backpack for an avid bird watcher.  He wanted  “D” rings attached inside, on the back, at the top for hanging accessories used in his hobby. He also wanted an additional pouch attached using fasteners that can be undone  easily to remove the pouch, accessing other tools needed for  admiring our feathered friends. Most of the sewing was done by hand.  A tad time consuming, but necessary given the small, tight areas I needed to access.

I was asked recently, if I could put borders on banners that were put together originally with staples.  It sounded like something I could do, but like with every request, I needed to take a look.   I met with Greg a few days later, and agreed to do what I could. The banners were Christmas themed, and were put together with staples, and some with glue.  I used bias tape for borders,contrasting from the banner, but matching best I could with the stars hanging  at the bottom.

Peter told me recently, he is starting a catering business sometime next year. Part of that service is home baked bread.  He is in the process of researching a good way to keep the bread warm, before being served. I was asked to help with some prototypes made from fleece. (bun blankets) Fleece does not ravel, so binding it off isn’t necessary. However, he wanted some sort of decorative border around the edges so  they would look more finished. I purchased a yard of fleece of his choice. Made 4 “blankets”, two different sizes, using 3 different stitches, and two different colors of thread.

Steve was kind enough to take pictures of the cushion, and send them to me.  I have to admit, it looks very nice.  The whole room is finally coming together.   He has been a wonderful client, and I would be more than happy to sew for him again. Thanks Steve!  (-:

Covering such a large piece of  foam was a challenge.  Contrasting piping was one as well.  Now that is done, I am pleased.  I think Steve will be doing a dance of joy when he sees it. I hope so!   🙂