Victoria Bryant: December 2007 Archives

Christmas is over! Good food and fun was had by all. As we wrap up our year, we have a "no pattern required" wrap for you. As I was just putting up my sewing machine for a deserved rest, here comes Nancy.  "I need help!" she exclaims. "I need a present for my girl's gift exchange and my sewing machine is broken"  she says.  "What can I do"  I said somewhat reluctantly. I know Nancy, and this could be trouble. Suddenly she whips out the velvet burnout: "Don't you think this would make an exquisite wrap?"  My worst nightmare- sheer fabric and velvet together. I am a cotton person.  I do not do fancy fabric. Suddenly, there is a voice whispering in my ear " You can do this! "  It is the Fabric Maverick.  I thought she was a fairy tale. I say to myself- the fabric will slip, I have no pattern or instructions.  The Fabric Maverick says "Just think it through".  I agree to try.  I might ruin it, but again it is Nancy's fabric.

As you can see, I did not ruin it. Natonda, our newest merchandising employee, is modeling our wrap. I used the BC-226  You can make this wrap with 2 yards of fabric within 30-45 minutes.   I folded the fabric in half lengthwise wrong sides together. I pinned it about every 2 inches, then sewed a straight stitch about 1/2 inch.  Trim the seam. Turn inside out, right sides will be together.  Pin and stitch another seam 1/4 to 1/2 inch.  Lightly press with a pressing cloth to protect velvet. Turn fabric. You have just done a French seam. It covers any raw edges. All you need to do now is finish the ends. I found this to be the hardest part.  Turn in about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Pin thoroughly. It helps if you hold the edges tautly. You have just completed an elegant wrap for very little time and money.

This wrap was a huge hit at the gift exchange. We think this should be a present to yourself!  A great way to start off the New Year and leave the old year behind. Dress up your New Years outfit and pamper yourself.

Have a Happy New Year!