Quilting: January 2012 Archives
You may be worn out from the holidays: family and friends visiting, a mad rush to finish all your homemade gifts and cooking (not to mention all the eating). Getting back to your sewing machine may not be high on your list (Mine goes: sleep, eat, sleep, try to stay awake, walk the dogs and if I have time knit and sew) but here are some great, easy projects that will get you back in the mood for sewing in January. Both of these projects call for quilting cotton so grab the most fun prints you have and get back to work.
The first project is a free pattern Amy Butler did for Better Homes and Gardens' website. The Clutch purse is one of my all time faves because it is so simple but also so unique at the same time. I had a great time picking out the ultra girly fabric for this clutch (which was gifted to my sister) out of Moda fabric. It only requires 1/2 yd of quilting cotton for the exterior and interior and it is interfaced with canvas. You can make your own pin or change out your favorite from your collection.
Our second project is a super easy laptop bag. It is a simple zip top bag with bottom gussets to give extra room for cords and cards/cds. To size it to your computer, add 2 in. to your width and length. Cut 2 rectangles to those measurements for the exterior and 2 more for the lining. Interface the lining with fusible fleece. Attach your pieces to the zipper using Holly's instructions here and add a 1 1/2 in. gusset at each bottom corners using the same tutorial here. So easy and quick. It is sleek and sizable. You can adjust to fit any electronic device, camera or portable gaming system.
Both projects can be worked from your stash or can be a low cost way to do some stress-free shopping.
