I started writing when I was 8. My mom got me a journal where I could rant (prob so I won't be an annoying brat). I stopped writing for 8 years until the pen and then later on the keyboard called on me again. I blog because I like writing and that's just about it. Hope you get inspired though... Bite the apple!
Making a new sewing machine cover has been on my to-do list for 3 years now. We were still in Singapore the last time I made one and I made it by hand. I've learned a few tricks since then and made this one mostly by machine. I embroidered some parts which is why it took longer than I expected.
Anyway, I did the cat first and made the base really simple. Just huge strips of denim-like fabric. I think I went for monochromatic tone since the sky has been pouring rain for at least two weeks now.
I think it turned out cute and it matches the covers I made for my kitchen appliances. Here's how it turned out:
And how I made it:
#BeKind #StaySafe
I finally finished the cat quilt I've been working on. It was inspired from Pinterest and I used scraps to put it together. Making it took longer than I expected because I embroidered some parts of it. I also asked for advice from Miggy to make sure the measurements were correct.
Here's how I made it:
And the end result:
Nonetheless, I enjoyed making it. I'll use it as part of my new sewing machine cover. I haven't made one in more than 5 years. I hope it will turn out cute :)
#BeKind #StaySafe
When I started the project I thought it would be easy. I thought I'd finish it in a day or two. What I forgot to take in consideration was the time needed to add the eyes, nose and attaching the tail, haha. I also have chores and make time to play with our cats, so I work on it when I can.
Working with different fabrics also took time since I had to measure each one properly. Here's how it's going -
Of course, the tail -
I honestly still have a hard time sewing on the curves. I read though you can use hemostat scissors to help hold down and move the fabric while sewing. I'll dig up my Mom's pair to try that trick. I pinned my finger again while sewing the curved areas, haha.
I can't wait to finish the project!
#BeKind #StaySafe
I had a hard time making the Yoda-inspired coasters and to reset I wanted to make something easy. I took a look at a cat coaster I got from Daiso and thought it would be a perfect pattern.
I found some of my Mom's scraps (they're probably older than Miggy!) and I used it for this experiment. It was fairly easy after I got the size of the squares right. Here's how it turned out -
And how I made it :)
Maybe I should make more in other colors?
#BeKind #StaySafe
I'm so sad. The nearest Booksale branch to me is gone. I had asked them several times if they were staying and they said they had no plans of leaving. Hubby went to the mall last Saturday and was surprised to see Booksale gone.
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| A mix of books from Booksale, Big Bad Wolf, Kinokuniya, Amazon and trips |
I've been collecting craft books the past few years and I buy at least one or two monthly from Booksale. It's hard to find craft books at regular bookstores, plus they're expensive, so we go to Booksale monthly.
I enjoy going through the books. I usually do it while waiting for Miggy when he's at the gym. I use the books mainly for inspiration and when I'm stuck figuring out something. I know there are a gazillion sewing videos I can watch. I do that too, but going through books is a different experience. Aside from seeing designs, it also pushes me to be better at what I do.
More than 50% of my collection are probably from Booksale. Some I buy at PhP15 to 30 only! Some are a bit more expensive. Part of my collection came from Kinokuniya, a few from National Bookstore/Fully Booked, Big Bad Wolf (here and Singapore), and a few from trips (especially the magazines). The collection started when the Gaylas gave me a boat-load of craft books for my 40th birthday, I just continued it :)
#BeKind #StaySafe
It took over a month to finish this project, but it's finally done! It's been over five years since I made myself a proper bag. I realized I've come a long way since I made this bag. The last one I made was mostly hand-stitched and back then I didn't know how to use fusible interfacing.
I wanted a bag that would remind me of the sun and lemon flavors. I gathered yellow scraps and cut to make small squares. I decided to use them for huge pockets as additional storage. I matched it with denim fabric to bring out the happy color.
Luckily, my Mom left a lot o zippers and I was able to use one for the bag. I just DIY'd the handles with interfacing. Using interfacing for the handles makes a huge difference. I didn't put any in my previous bag and I had to add a new handle to make it sturdier.
I like the size of this bag (9" x 3" x 12") since it fits my prescription envelope. I thought it was too slim, but it fit my stuff perfectly. Now, I can't wait to bring it to town, LOL.
#BeKind #StaySafe
I'm still working on my yellow bag. It's as big as this quilted tote bag I made back in 2021. I just want something that will bring sunshine when I move around.
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| Read to quilt and assemble! |
I've been amiss with editing my sewing vids. I've just gotten so lazy with editing and taking videos. One day I'll get to it. In the meantime, we'll celebrate my Dad's birthday today. He would have been 93 years old.
Happy birthday Dad! We love and miss you!
#BeKind #StaySafe
Sweetie surprised me with a quilting book he found at Booksale. It was surprisingly only PhP25! The past few times we went to Booksale, the craft books would usually cost Php65 to 130, so this was a treat!
The book features an interesting design which I've never tried. I'd probably skip making it if I just saw it online. I'm not so keen with designs with curves. It's hard. The only quilt I've made with curves are my cat bags.
I think I'll try this out since it includes patterns I can trace. It also details how to put the quilt together. It will probably challenge my sewing skills.
Have you tried this pattern?
#BeKind #StaySafe
I'm still working on my last Christmas project, a new cover for my blender. I always make kitchen covers in threes. One for my KitchenAid stand mixer, food processor, and blender. I cover them since things strangely easily get dusty here.
Anyway, after making the Snowman blender cover, I wanted to make a Christmas tree. I thought it would be simpler, but I ended up still making a pattern to get the sizing right, haha. To make up for time, I made the main cover simpler and I just used one whole fabric for the back (#gotlazy).
So, here's my vision: Christmas tree in front:
Red and green rectangles as the cover:
And a simple Christmas fabric for the back from Mom's stash:
I finished sandwiching it with wadding and backing fabric. I completed quilting it last night, so I just need to assemble it and add binding. I hope my binding would be cleaner this time around. Gotta practice more!
What about you? What are you working on?
#BeKind #StaySafe
Life got in the way last year and I only got to work on creative projects sparingly. There were times I had to really squeeze in time to keep my sanity. I know now that I need to set time to be more productive in my craft.
I made a long to-do list during the pandemic. I have not made a dent on it. For this year, I'd like to learn new skills in quilting, try new patterns and develop my style. My Mom had her own style and I can recognize what she's made. There's still a lot left from her unfinished projects, so I'll try to integrate some into my current projects.
Here's what I want to make this year:
