Victoria Bryant: January 2008 Archives

After reading the Fabric Maverick's advice about organization, I realized that I was a Type 2 person.  In other words, I know that something is in my office. I just do not know exactly where it is. It is time to change. I decided to take her advice and start small. Since my daughter has moved out, I seem to have some of her extra "stuff".  I found an old memo board to renovate.  This is the before picture.

As you can see it is a little worse for wear. I stripped it to the bare frame.  I measured the frame width and length and added 6 inches to those dimensions. I went to my stash and found some lovely fabric from the Freshcut collection by Heather Bailey. As you can see, I am working on reducing my stash. 

Tools and Supplies:

• Staple remover
• Staples
• Heavy duty staple gun
• Hot glue and hot gun (you may use Fabri-tac)
• Fabric cut to measure the dimensions of your board + 6 inches
• Low loft foam and batting
• Ribbon (I used 1" width)
• Small yo-yo maker
• Rectangle of stiff interfacing (this will cover the staples in the back of the frame)
• sawtooth hangers

Instructions:

 I stripped it to the bare frame.  I measured the frame width and length and added 6 inches to those dimensions.  I positioned a layer of cotton batting over the existing foam and stapled it the frame. Staple the fabric to the center top back of the frame with a 3-inch overhang. Repeat the preceding step by stapling to the bottom frame back with 3-inch fabric overhang.  Make sure the fabric is stretched tightly. Carefully staple all the fabric to the top and bottom frames working from the center of the frame. Repeat the same steps on the side frames. Create miter at the corner with remaining fabric. Fold to the back. Staple on the back, trimming any excess fabric. Cut ribbon pieces the length of the diagonal of the board plus enough to staple to the back of the frame. Begin by stretching the ribbon across the two diagonals.  Staple the ribbons to back. The ribbons will intersect in the middle. Staple the intersection. Beginning at the center of the top frame to the center side frame, staple ribbon. Repeat step for the opposite side.  Repeats steps from the bottom center frame to the sides.  Staple ribbon to the intersections. This will create a diamond pattern.  Instead of using covered buttons to cover the intersection staples, I created yo-yo's using the small yo-yo maker.  I used Fabric-Tac to attach to the intersections.  The last step is to cover the staples on the back. Glue the rectangle of stiff interfacing to the back to cover your staples. Attach the sawtooth hangers. You are finished!  Appropriate fabrics are any Home Decor fabric such as Nigella twill  or quilting fabric that are closely woven.

 It is hard to believe this is the same board.

   If you are not lucky enough to have "leftover" stuff from you adult children, I have the complete instructions for making a memo board from the HGTV website

 I am also working on a wall organizer which I will post when it is finished.

Go create something beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fabric Maverick asked me to come up with some decorating ideas for a Super Bowl party while she prepared her menu. I did not know that she really meant she was having it catered by Chef Bubba. Being a co-operative person, I have done some research into decorating ideas for Super Bowl parties.  Jeanne Benedict from Celebrations.com knows how to throw a party. She has decorated using her team colors and we helped.  She created a tablecloth using a bright gold and blue fabric with to add lots of glitzz. Think about re-creating this in your own team colors. Fabric suggestions might be tissue lame, metallic knits or dupioni silk.  You might consider creating a tablecloth out of green felt marked off with duct tape to simulate a football field. Create goal posts at each end of the table. Create a football centerpiece.  We have some great football themed fabrics.  Consider using them for napkins, table covers and pillow wraps. I have my eye on BC-749.  I would fold the fabric around my pillows and pin it for temporary use.  After the party, that fabric will go into my stash. This would make a great fabric for a memory quilt for the young or not-so-young athlete in your life. Jeanne also has some great game ideas to keep the party exciting. After all this, I hope the Fabric Maverick is inviting me to her party.

This is a two-for-the-price-of-one day.  If you were wondering how to cut costs and still have a great looking wardrobe this year, Fabric.com can help.  We have just received our first order of Hot Patterns. This pattern line has something for everyone. There are patterns for casual wear, a night on the town or the office.  If you are planning a vacation, there are some great patterns for cruising and casual wear. I am looking forward to making the Denim Diva Flirty Skirt Suit .  Many of the patterns are appropriate for all body types.  Suggested fabrics are denims, twills, sateens, jersey knits and interlock knits. Now is the time to get started to complete that Spring wardrobe. Fabric.com is having a Super Bowl sale to help you cut costs further. Fill up your shopping cart and-- Go create something beautiful!

My husband was never romantic about Valentine's Day. When our daughter, Samantha, was born, he was totally lost to this little girl. When she was around 10 years old, he started singing "I Fall to Pieces" by Patsy Cline to her every Valentine's Day! To a preteen, this sounds like fingernails screeching on a blackboard. One year, he carefully created paper hearts and wrote a message on each of them. He cut them into large pieces and mailed her a valentine card with the pieces of his heart inside. She carefully pieced them together to find her Daddy's message. I have recreated that feeling in fabric.

Supplies:

• Fat quarter or less of valentine-related fabric
• Wonder Under or Misty Fuse (If using Misty Fuse, you will need to use parchment paper)
• Scissors
• Paper heart shapes (several sizes)

Instructions: Create a heart shape in any size on paper. If you are using Wonder Under, draw your heart shape on the paper backing. This is your pattern. Place pattern on wrong side of fabric and press with an iron. This will adhere the Wonder Under to the fabric. Following the shape of the heart, cut your hearts out. Do not remove the paper backing. Cut heart into 3 to 4 pieces. You may make several hearts following the same process. You may create your own valentine card or purchase one. Enclose the pieces of your heart. Mail to your loved one.  When they open it, they may piece the hearts together. This will become an applique which can be ironed to a sweatshirt, a towel, t-shirt, pillowcase or napkins. Finish with a zigzag stitch if you wish.  Let your imagination go wild!

Our next project is great for children. This is a 30-minute or less project. All of my children's projects are kid-tested. My tester is Jade Abercrombie. She is 6 years old and the granddaughter of my heart. As you can see, she has given this a thumbs-up rating!

Supplies:

• Empty containers that held powdered drinks (example: Crystal Light)
• Mod Podge or Spray Adhesive
• Foam brush if using Mod Podge
• Disposable gloves if using Spray Adhesive
• 3-4 - 5" fabric squares - I used a charm pack with a Valentine theme
• Optional - Valentine embellishments

The containers I used measured approximately 6" around and 6" tall.  I spread old newspaper on my work surface. My assistant can be a little free with the glue-children love sticky stuff. Apply Mod Podge with a small foam brush to the back of the 5" fabric square. Position the fabric on the can. Carefully wrap it around the top of the can and smooth out any wrinkles. Apply the next 5" fabric square around the bottom edge of the can. This will create 2 small rectangles at the bottom and top pf the can. You may then cut the 3rd and 4th fabric squares into 2 pieces. Apply Mod Podge to the pieces and then layer the pieces to fill in the open areas. Fabric will overlap slightly. You will have some pieces left over if you used 4 charm squares.  I used 4 charm squares because I felt it gave more pattern interest. My assistant and I cut fabric heart shapes and applied to the can. Let your cans dry for 24 hours.

You may also glue some embellishment to the top of the plastic lid. This is optional. Fill with candy or other treats for children or it makes a nice teacher's present. This is a great way to recycle containers.

For the person who has more time and wants to create something beauftiful, go to our Valentine Shop.  We have two great patterns designed by Sandy Gervais from Moda. The Flirtations Cake Walk pattern would be easy to sew in a weekend using the Flirtations fat quarter set. The Flirtations Truffles Pillow/Table Mat pattern uses yo-yos. Yo-Yo's are hot this year! The Fabric Maverick told me that she is seeing them everywhere. Start now to have these sweet projects ready for Valentine's Day.

Last week in Atlanta when temperatures dipped into the teens, I realized that winter was really here. I actually had to put on a couple of sweaters and a coat. I know our friends in the North are thinking "If I only had it so good." (I also know my sisters in the Midwest would give me a slap on the back of the head.) As my skin felt the effects of the winter wind, I vowed to use the sugar scrub recipe that the Fabric Maverick had in her last blog.

Leslie, in Customer Care, has sewn a lovely faux fur throw-great for cuddling under. I am sure that you will want to make one, too. This is the essence of pampering-when you cuddle under this throw on a cold winter's night. For her fabrics, she selected our yarn-dyed flannel (BE-007) which is currently in our Winter Blowout Sale and a faux fur from last year's selections. Every sewer has her stash. Her throw is approximately 60 inches x 60 inches, but a full 2 yard length will make a truly luxurious size throw. Both fabrics were prewashed  fabrics and then she actually just sewed a very large pillowcase. Place right sides together. Sew, leaving about a 4-inch opening for turning. Turn right side out and finish by slipstitching the opening closed.

Here are some tips recommended by Threads magazine for working with faux fur. These steps will help ensure your success:

1. Cut in a single layer.
2. Use long pins with visible heads.
3. If you need to cut the fur, use a razor or craft knife to cut through backing only. Cut at a slight angle. This will reduce shedding.
4. Use a 1/2 inch seam.
5. Use a walking foot. Fur is very bulky. It will help if you hold the fabric layers up in the front of the machine to reduce the weight of the fabric.
6. Use a size 14 or 16 machine needle and a longer stitch length. If the faux fur has a knitted back, you will want to use a ballpoint needle.
7. Release fur fibers with a small plastic comb if they are caught in the seam.
8. Sew seams in the same direction the fur runs.

 We have several spa patterns for pampering yourself:  FT-054- Favorite Things Spa Gift Set pattern includes a scented neck roll. Or try FT-053- Favorite Things Spa Slip on Slippers. Both can be warmed in the microwave to keep the chill off. Chenille is an excellent choice of fabric.

Now if I can talk Leslie out of her throw and make myself some toasty warm slippers, I will never be cold again.

 

The Fabric Maverick says "Do not be afraid to work with knits"  Once you have mastered the basics, you are on your way to a lovely garment. Let's get started.

A knit is a fabric made from interlocking looped stitches.  The lenghwise ribs are called wales.  The crosswise is called courses. Knits are wrinkle resistant and do not ravel. They stretch.

Notions:

1. Needle type- Ballpoint machine needle
2. Thread: Fine polyester or poly/cotton thread for lightweight knits. Use an all purpose polyester or poly/cotton thread for medium to heavvy weight knits.
3. Elastic- No-Roll elastic is good for waistbamds. Braided elastic is not good for knits.  Check out the specialty elastics for swimwear and lingerie.
4. Interfacing: If your pattern requires interfacing, a good choice is Fusi-Knit.  This is a fusible tricot.

 

Fabric preparation checklist:

• Check to make sure the knit fabric has the proper stretch for the garment you are sewing. The pattern will indicate the amount of stretchibility.
•  Check your knit for memory- the knit should return to original position after it is stretched.
•  If the knit is washable, wash it to remove excess sizing.  If there is too much sizing, you may have skipped stitches when you sew.
• Check to see if the knit is on grain. The wales and courses should be right-angled to each other.  If they are not, the knit will need to be blocked.

You are well on your way to making a great garment! Choose the pattern layout for fabric with nap. When cutting your fabric, do not let it hang off the cutting table. It may distort the grain. If there is a permanent fold line which will not steam out, create another fold line to cut from. You may use a straight stitch or a small zig-zag stitch. when sewing your garment.When you press your fabric, use a pressing cloth. Press the fabric, do not iron it.  When you finish the garment, let it hang for 24 hours, before marking the hem.

Many books and articles have been written about working with knit fabrics.  This is just the basics to get you started.  The Fabric Maverick always keeps a basic sewing book available to which she refers frequently.  Go create something beautiful.

A note about this Sunday's Extreme Home Makeover Edition-  many fabrics from Fabric.com were used in this episode. If you would like to know which fabrics-, the Fabric Maverick will tell you.

UR-932 Maggie Pink and Kelso Brown

UB-732 Black and White Globes

UR-093 European Linen Black

UR-217 European Linen White

AY-631 Oriental Brocade

AY-632 Oriental Brocade Dragonflies

AY-636 Oriental Flowering Vines

I am looking forward to seeing how they used these fabrics. 

Keep sewing!

 

 

 

About this time, you are being bombarded with information on exercising, losing weight and organizing your life. You have probably made New Year's Resolutions about these and more. I know I have plans to do all three.  My biggest challenge will be putting exercise into my life. My former thoughts on exercising were to lie down on the couch until the feeling went away. You will note I do not use that four-letter word "diet".  Diet implies that this is a short term plan. I have faced the bitter reality that this should be a life plan and found a program that works for my life. This is the only way that diets and exercise plans will work for anyone. Find something that works for your lifestyle.

Walking continues to be one of the most beneficial exercises. I continue to be amazed at how many ways you can walk. There is interval walking. Now there is Nordic walking. In the Feb.12th issue of Woman's Day magazine, Nordic walking looks like cross-country skiing with no snow or footgear, but with poles. Interesting. Your exercise choice may be aerobics, Pilates, yoga, etc. 

Now the question is, what kind of clothes do you need to exercise? Most of my reading suggests clothes that stretch with the body for maximum range of movement. We have many suitable fabrics for exercise wear: stretch knits. These include interlock knits, jersey knits, velour, sweatshirt fabrics, etc. Jalie patterns is a Canadian company which specializes in active wear clothing. One of our most popular patterns is JP-2676. This is a jogging suit. We may not be the most graceful or flexible, but we will look good while we are doing it. If yoga is your bag, we have found a free pattern at Amy Butler's web site for a yoga bag: http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/NigellaYogaBag.pdf. It is made from her collection of Nigella fabrics.

Whatever you do, we encourage you to find an activity that works for your lifestyle. There is an activity out there for everyone no matter their age or fitness level. January should be the month of TAKING CARE OF YOU.