The Fabric Maverick: July 2011 Archives
Kristl as part of the dorm makeover look has created a laundry bag from Valori Wells Wrenly Home Decor Fabric. I advised her that she might want to modify my original instructions to make a smaller laundry bag. The original is quite large and when full might require a line backer to carry it. Kristl used one fabric instead of two. She used one yard of fabric.
Supplies are listed below.
Change fabric requirements to 1 yard of 54'' fabric.
Revised Instructions:
1. The fabric is 54'' wide. Remove selvedge edges.
2. Overcast or serge all edges to finish raw edges.
3. Sew front and back together with right sides together using a 5/8'' seam allowance. Leave one side open about 4 inches from the top. You will need to create a casing later and I inserted a loop to hang my bag on a hook or door knob. You will now have a large tube. Press seams open.
4. Two options for bottom:
a. Sew bottom with right sides together using 5/8'' seam. Press open. Turn bag inside out to right side or
b, Create a squared bottom by taking the corner of each side towards the bottom creating a triangle. Sew across the triangle on each side. This will create a squared bottom. Turn right side out.
5. Create a casing at top of the bag. Make the casing at least twice the size fo the cording you are going to use for a drawstring. In other words if my cord is 1 inch wide, I need at least a 2 inch casing. I folded the edge of the top over 1/4'' to 1/2'' towards the wrong side of fabric and pressed. I then turned the top down 2 1/2'' towards the wrong side and pressed. I sewed 1/2'' from bottom edge to create a casing to pass your cord through. I made a self cord about 2 yards long from a 2'' strip of fabric. I pressed 1/4'' to the wrong side of the long edge. I stitched both long sides. I then folded the fabric in half and stitched near the folded edges to create one long piece of cord. Kristl used ribbon for her cording. Here is Kristl's laundry bag- so cute!
Original from the Fabric Maverick: New Beginnings
This is the time of the year when parents who have children graduating from high school or college or both are wondering where the years have gone. These toddlers who once depended on us for everything are marching on to create their own independent lives. The primary job of a parent is to raise a child to be independent. A person who can make good decisions. Give yourself a pat on the back! You may yet have some money for retirement. Some of the lessons still to be learned are how to manage money, cook healthy meals and learn to do the laundry. Unfortunately "life lessons' are not generally taught in school. I have yet to find a book on finances which focus on young adults. If anyone knows of one, I would be grateful to hear from you.
Of course we all want to celebrate the launching of a new adult into society. Lowes has given us some inspirations with their Creative Ideas Magazine. Their #1 idea is "Laundry 101"- fill a laundry basket with detegent, fabric softener, stain removal pens,an iron and hangers. It is a great idea. To add to this idea, what about a laundry bag?You can create it in school colors or perhaps a special designer bag. For fabric selection you should consider using a durable, washable fabric such as canvas, twill or denim. We did do a laundry bag in fleece. It will not be as durable as a twill bag, but it would be a fun fabric to work with.
For our designer bag I chose a couple of fabrics from Amy Butler's August Field collection. (August Field is no longer available) but feel free to use another Amy Butler fabric.
Supplies:
Sewing Machine
Size 14-16 needle
Thread - all-purpose or outdoor living thread
1/2 yard each 2 different fabrics (twill, denim, canvas)
Self made cord or purchased cording
Iron
Instructions:
1. The fabric is 54'' wide. Remove selvedge edges. Cut fabric into 2 pieces. The pieces will measure approximately 26'' x 18''.
2. Overcast or serge all edges to finish raw edges.
3. You will have 2 cuts of each print. Join one print to a different print. Press seams open. Repeat this with remaining 2 sections; You now have a bag front and back.
4. Sew front and back together with right sides together using a 5/8'' seam allowance. Leave one side open about 4 inches from the top. You will need to create a casing later and I inserted a loop to hang my bag on a hook or door knob. You will now have a large tube. Press seams open.
5. Sew bottom with right sides together using 5/8'' seam. Press open.
6. Two options for bottom:
a. Turn bag inside out to right side or
b, Create a squared bottom by taking the corner of each side towards the bottom creating a triangle. Sew across the triangle on each side. This will create a squared bottom. Turn right side out.
7. Create a casing at top of the bag. Make the casing at least twice the size fo the cording you are going to use for a drawstring. In other words if my cord is 1 inch wide, I need at least a 2 inch casing. I folded the edge of the top over 1/4'' to 1/2'' towards the wrong side of fabric and pressed. I then turned the top dpwn 2 1/2'' towards the wrong side and pressed. I sewed 1/2'' from bottom to create a casing to pass your cord through. I made a self cord about 2 yards long from a 2'' strip of fabric. I pressed 1/4'' to the wrong side of the long edge. I stitched both long sides. I then folded the fabric in half and stitched near the folded edges to create one long piece of cord.
Independence Day- fireworks, grilling out, picnics, parades, patriotic music and more! Down on the bayou there is a breeze blowing. It is summer time and the living is easy at the Red Neck café.
What is more fitting for our Fourth of July barbeque than ribs? C'est si bon, mes amis. Pair your ribs with your favorite potato salad, baked beans and dessert. You might try my fruit cobbler. Forget to count calories for the day.
Fall Off The Bones Ribs:
My secret lies in the dry rub. You can add flavor without fat.
All American Barbeque Rub:
2 TBS mild paprika
2Tbs dark brown sugar
1 Tbs dry mustard
1 Tbs chile powder
1 Tbs onion powder
2 tsps garlic powder
2 tsps salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1- 4 lb. rack of ribs
Figure ½ lb. ribs per serving portion. Of course, my cousin Andre will eat much more. Have extra for unexpected guests or a cousin Andre. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Choose pork sparerib that are pink with white fat. Remove the thin membrane on back of ribs. Cut a
Now, mes amis, it is time to sit back and enjoy the lively conversation with your family and friends. If you are having fireworks at your barbeque, try some of these safety tips:
1. Fireworks should be fired from a concrete or asphalt surface. Select a surface that will not burn.
2. Have a bucket of water handy.
3. Keep fireworks away from grassy or woody areas.
4. Clear all areas of combustible items.
5. Animals are frightened by fireworks. Keep them inside.
6. Wet down the launch area before lighting fireworks.
7. Identify an adult with a water source to douse any sparks or flames
8. Never handle fireworks after consuming alcohol or drugs.
9. Never hold an active firework in your hands.
10. Never try to relight a "dud" firework. Immerse it in water.
11. Light fireworks when the prevailing winds are away from spectators.
12. Only children 12 years and older should use any type of sparklers.
