Marker Monday - So cute

About a month ago I received a card from my MIL and inside there were at least 14 little fabric squares that is about 4" x 4". At first I was wondering why she sent it.  Maybe she thought I would be able to make something out of it.  I truly didn't  have any idea what I can use it so I just put it in my fabric basket for another day.  Since I have been busy sewing masks and then I got a new project to make a toddler sleeping bag (cotton fabric x 2), these tiny little square just got shove on the side.  But this weekend, while cleaning up my sewing room, I saw these squares again.  I seem to recall some type of bookmaker that maybe I could try.  All the squares were used and I made a total of five bookmarkers.  I decided to send a couple back to my MIL and I also send a couple of girlfriends, one each and I am keeping one for myself, in case I get back to reading books.  LOL.  

The zipper is at the bottom.  

Multiples Monday - Many Masks

One of my BFF from Ontario suggested that I sell the masks that I have been sewing. After I had made many masks for family and friends both in Canada and USA, she was convincing me that I should really try and sell them.  I had to really think about this because that means I will have to make more, many more sewing hours but at least I get a little bit of money from the materials and my labor of love. LOL.  For the past couple of weeks, I had a few small orders, sometimes 3, 4 or 6.  This weekend, my massage therapist asked if I was sewing home made reusable masks.  So I say yes but didn't know how many she would need. Yesterday, she told me they need 80 masks.  OMG, I need to hustle.  So if I don't post anything for a week, you will understand.  Since I don't have my MIL, who use to be my assistant for cutting fabrics, which she was so great at it, I have to do everything.  Not complaining, but they need the masks before the end of the month.  In the meantime, these are the latest collection which I thought were cute. 

Trendy Tuesday - More Barbie Collections

Today is the last day for making the Barbie collections.  I am a little burnt out.  Just kidding,

I just wanted to switch to other crafts like painting wine bottles.  I have done a bunch of these Barbie clothes. First it was for my BFF granddaughter, then for my neighbor across the street, after was for my daughter's nieces, and last for my hubby's granddaughter.  Mind you I still have so much fabric remnants and I could still continue. But I am running out of ideas and it's starting to get a little boring. I believe I made a total of 16 to 18 outfits.  Anyway, this post is the second time I am showing the collections.  Hopefully I don't repeat the pictures.

Masks Monday - It's better than nothing

Last week I had a request for some home made fabric masks.  Of course I checked online and to see if they have patterns and exactly what they are using for linings.  Anyway, one evening, I did a prototype, then the next day, I made around 7 of them in an hour.  The next day I made one for my neighbor and her daughter.  Finally, I decided to make some for me specially now that there's way too much dust on the road when we are walking.  In another few weeks there are going to be some pollens, flowers,etc. and I am sure I will be using some

of the masks I have made.  But although I know that they are not going to protect me from

the virus, when I go out to get some groceries, I might end up using one, because it's better than nothing.  I also believe that when you are wearing a mask, people will tend to stay even further from you.  Anyway, check out what I have done while staying indoors.  One of my neighbors suggested that I should wear the OILERS, then people will definitely stay away form me.  I guess that's a joke around our area.

Tiniest Thursday - Barbie outfits

A few weeks ago, I received a request from one of my friends in Ontario.  She was wondering if I could make a cape for her granddaughter's Barbie.  Since I have a lot of time, staying indoors, I thought I would try and do something creative.  The only question I had was that how difficult it was to sew something so tiny.  So last weekend, I gathered all my remnants to see what I can create.  I thought I would start with the cape as it seemed simple.  Of course I checked Pinterest to see if they might have any free pattern.  Although I don't really need a pattern, I wanted to see the shape and of course some guidance on the measurement.  Luckily my neighbor's daughter had a Barbie that I could use as my model.  Within minutes, I was able to make the first cape, then I decided to make some outfits.  And if you know me, you know what happened after.  That's right I just kept going creating several outfits.  Some of the clothes I made were cut but with the excitement, I forgot to take photos.  I wanted to mail it right away in the hopes that it will get to the little girl who lives in Victoria shortly after her birthday.  Anyway, check out my latest Barbie clothes collection.

Stitching Saturday - Buy one get three free

When my friend called to check out if I have the time to help her with some re-upholstery of chairs, I said sure.  We decided to meet at the fabric store and since there was a big sale, it was the perfect time to get the fabric she needed.  After a few minutes we stumble upon the perfect color, patter and type of fabric.  The deal was you buy one meter for $20 and you three meters free.  So she did and we went home.  The next day she brought her chairs and we started working.  My hubby took out the tools needed and we started working away.  Each one had their own job and it worked perfectly.  After a few hours, everything was complete.  The next day she brought a couple of bench pillows that needed new covers.  Of course there was so much fabric to do both.  On the third day, I started my set of placemats. By the way, since the sale was still on, I bought 1.5 meter of another fabric for $3.50 for the reverse part of my placemats.  There was still more fabric so I made a table runner and a hot plate holder (for table protection). It's too bad we forgot to take photos of the before. 

  

Bench in the entry way for lacing up your boots.

Foot stool for the living room.

We covered 4 of her dining room chairs.

Only one of this accent chair.

I was able to make a set of 6 placemats.

Reverse side of the placemat.

Hot plate for hot dishes, except I think I have to use the reverse side.

Reversible table runner.

Magically Monday - Deconstructing a dress

Lately I have been watching a few episodes of The Great British Sewing Bee.  Sometimes even if they are older episode I would still watch it as long as it's one that I have not seen.  The part I like is the second challenge because it is when the contestant really shows their creative side and their speed to put together a piece of clothing from the two materials that is thrown at them.  For example, the last one I saw was when the gave them an umbrella (outdoor) and a lounge chair (outdoor) which is a bit thicker material and both stripes.  Everyone of them created something magical using both fabrics from the two items.  Last week my neighbor came to me for some help with a dress that she wanted to wear to a Christmas party.  They were asked to wear something from the roaring 1920's also known as flapper dress and headband.  The dress she brought has never been worn and I was hesitant to practice on deconstructing it.  Luckily I have an older long black dress that was too big for me and I was just going to donate.  She was happy that I agreed to take on the challenge of deconstructing this dress to give her more room.  I also need to design and make her an head band in the same theme.  I measured her and told her to go home and I'll have her dress and headgear ready in a couple of days.  The first day, I remove the stitches on the sides of the dress, then I cut off 8 inches from the bottom of the dress.  I used that material to place on each side of the dress to make some room for her hips.  Then I added some white ruffled material for the sleeves as she prefers to cover her arms.  She came over to try the dress and it was a perfect fit. Yeah.  Next day I worked on the head band using fabric, sequence, lace, feather and ribbons.  In addition to this, I offered to curl her hair on the day of the party.  Once it's all put together, she will be going back in time and feel like the Great Gatsby.

Fabrics Friday - What inspires me?

It does not take much to excite me or to inspire me to start a new project.  This week I am going to try and make a blouse from scratch without using a pattern.  Lately after each episode of the Great British Sewing Bee show, I get inspired to try something new.  Sometimes it could be just easy projects that can be completed in half an hour.  Like the last three items I finished the other day are the gifts for Jeff's son and grandchildren.  We wanted to mail them early so it will be there in time for Christmas.  Now that is out of the way, I can try to figure out this blouse which I will be making from three different fabric I found in my collection.  Both are made of 100 percent cotton except for the lace.  Since I didn't have enough of the floral fabric, I thought I would add some lace and the plain blue fabric will be used for bias around the neck or the armhole.  Many moons ago, I knew how to make my own pattern for whatever type of clothing I wanted to make.  But since I haven't done that, I am not as comfortable in making a pattern first.  So I will just wing it, just measure the fabric twice and cut once.  I am using one of my blouse that is a good fit just as a guide.  I hope to finish the blouse in a day and hopefully by the time I am ready to post, it will be ready for show and tell. 

These are the fabrics I will be using for my blouse.

The completed product, without a pattern but fits perfectly.

This unicorn pouch is for his granddaughter.

This penguin pouch is for his grandson.

This is for his son.

Stitching Sunday - Patriots collection

About a month ago, I received a package from my MIL.  When I opened it, I got so excited because she sent me four fabric quarters of four different design of my favorite NFL team, the New England Patriots.  I am guessing she must have found them at a fabric store in Colorado since we don't have any NFL team logo fabrics.  You can find some NHL and CFL  fabric team logo both in cotton and fleece.  Anyway, it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to use those fabrics but I knew it would be for me. LOL.  Since golf season ended on October 31, I have been tinkering around my craft room on what I wanted to start.  Shortly after lunch, I start looking at my fabrics and then my mind started creating and my fingers started measuring and cutting.  By the end of the afternoon, I have completed what I wanted for my New England Patriots Collection for my navy blue back pack.  Check out the complete set.  If only Tom Brady's wife can see my collection.  I can bet you that although she might have a few items that are Patriots, like a Jersey, or hat or maybe a key chain, she would not have a collection like mine.  I guess you can say that I am a true Patriots fan.  

My insulin and glucose test machine bag.

The bottom bag is for cosmetics, the two above is for candy/gum and etc. case

Key chain, cellphone holder, fabric wallet, credit card holder and mini card holder.

My special battery and cord bag.

Woven Wednesday - Aztec Design

Two years ago my cousin asked me if I could sew a cover for her Keurig Machine.  Of course I said yes.  The problem we had is that she wanted a paisley design with red and white.  Unfortunately we both couldn't find them at the store or at least the one she liked.  During our last visit, we stopped by a fabric store and she finally found one that she like, no it's not paisley.  She found sort of an Aztec design with bright colors.  I believe that was August and I cannot believe that I have put it off this length of time.  She said she was not in a rush.  Anyway, after sewing a lot of items for my sister, I decided to continue sewing and finished all my outstanding projects.  Like this request from my cousin.  Now I am all done and I am sharing to you the complete set.  There was a lot of extra fabrics so I decided to make her some other items for her kitchen and for her.  Hopefully she will like it and make use of it.

Keurig Coffee Machine Cover

Center piece hot pad to protect her table.

Another hot pad for smaller casseroles.

Kitchen towel.

Pot holders.

Her very own lanyard.

Frame to hang around her kitchen.