#8 - Basic Pants

This week theme is pants! :D I’ve made 5 pants so far and 1 is ongoing…

I managed to go to Spotlight on the day I had emergency leave and found that they are selling the denim fabric that I like. In my mind, I had a plan to make my son a pant. It’s a little bit hard to find a pant that fits him yet comfortable and in affordable price. So I bought like 3 meter of it, just in case his sister wants the same pant (and she always does, sibling rivalry I guess… J). At home, I started browsing the pant tutorials. I also borrowed some books from the public library, in case they have something good in it. Too bad they don’t include the pattern inside the book.

I finally found this tutorial about making a basic pant for boys, and it showed how to draw the pattern from the pant that I have. But I was still afraid to start the project because this is the first time I will make a pant. So I decided to give it a shot using the cheap fabrics that I have (thanks to Ikea) and skipped all the additional detail like pockets.

So, this is it… *drum roll

Ta Daaa…

I have to admit the pant is a li’l bit low at hip area (I forgot to calculate the bulky diaper that really adds the volume) but he can still wear it comfortably.  And while I still have some scrap fabrics from prior projects, I choose to make two more for him. The two others are for my hubby and my daughter (of course!).

The ongoing project is my maternity pant. I used the same method to draw the pattern from my fave pant and scale it so it will still fit me till the next two months. I’ll share it when once it finished.

.: Sources :.

How to: http://www.mygrowinghome.com/2011/10/diy-basic-boy-pants.html

Fabrics : IKEA and scraps from http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/  

#7 - Stripy Cushion Covers

Last month I got an opportunity to go to Ikea. What I was so excited about it that I’ve been told by friend that the fabrics price there is the cheapest comparing to other fabric store. So after I dropped my kids and the nanny to the playing area and make sure they no longer needed me, I sneaked to the sewing section.

I bought stripy rainbow color fabric and some solid color fabrics. And from the kids section, I also got 2 rolls of fabrics with vehicles and vegetables pattern.

I decided to make the second cover for my 70X70cm cushion. It’s really hard to find a cover for that size (and in reasonable price, of course). Then I thought about making the same covers for my 40X40cm cushions as well, so it’ll be nice if I pile them up in the living room. 

Too bad my stripy fabric wasn’t enough to make the covers (bad planning I know) even if I only used the stripy in one side and solid in other side. That’s why I decided to put the stripy pattern in the middle of front side of the cover.

The height of the stripy pattern I used was only half of the cushion height. I used the same instructions as my first project. Only I had to gather the front side fabrics first before I sandwiched the front and back side.

And here are the covers. So happy when my hubby said that they are nice and look like the one they sell in the store.  Yay!

.: Sources :.

How to:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhZnHhbcN-Q

Fabrics : IKEA

#6 - Owl Pincushion

I have to admit, my new hobby is typing the words: DIY sewing projects in Google Search Tab. That’s how I found a tutorial about making this cute owl pincushion.

There’s so many pattern there for this owl pincushion, but this one is pretty easy for me. I didn’t print and use the pattern available, since I don’t have a copier to make it bigger. So what I did was scale the pattern to make my own. That way, I could optimize the fabrics too.

I used the scrap fabrics from my 3^rd project.  For the eyes, I used the black and white felt instead of two stacked buttons. I made two owls and they’re all cute. So when my daughter wanted to have one, it really was a hard decision. Both are my fave, I couldn’t pick one to be sacrificed. So I decided to make the bigger one for her. :D

  

.: Sources :.

 How to: http://agataria.blogspot.sg/2011/03/folded-owl.html

Fabrics: http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/  and Daiso (denim)

#5 - Reversible Hat

5th project, Reversible Hat!!

I used Martha Stewart free pattern but wasn't entirely satisfied with it. I had to adjust the pattern since the perimeter was not the in same length. Too bad that I don't have stock of contrast colored fabrics too, I'm pretty sure it will make this reversible hat more outstanding.

I used felt inside the two fabrics to make it stiff instead of fusible interface (couldn't find any at Daiso, and I have no patience to postpone the project.. :P). I never used the interface so, I don't know which one is better.

However, I'm still happy with the result and successfully made my sister want it. Probably will make it again in the future, but desperately need to find some gorgeous fabrics first. Red and orange would be a brilliant combination.

And here it is… my girl and her new hat. Isn't she beautiful as well as her hat? :D

.: Sources :.

 How to: http://www.marthastewart.com/353632/reversible-hats

Fabrics: http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/

#4 - Twirly Skirt for my daughter

Although I promised myself not to sew any dress or cloth before I can do the stitch well using my Bro, but when I saw this tutorial, I forced myself to do it. I picked the favorite fabrics that I kept; so I would be more careful and patient while doing it. So glad the fabric was just enough, since I never thought I will sew any cloth and ordered all the fabrics only in 1 meter length.

I am so happy with the result. My daughter is happy to wear it as well and it boost my morale to do more clothes project. Ganbatte!

.: Sources :.

How to: http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/

Fabrics: http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/

#3 - Reversible Sewing Machine Cover

This is my 3rd project, a reversible sewing machine cover.

After a stop to Daiso and I found this cute denim fabric, I had itchy feeling to make anything of it. At first I decided to make the hanging storage for all my sewing tools, but somehow I knew that it won't work for me. After a quick browse, I found this sewing machine cover project would perfectly suit my fabric.

I decided to add aplique on it, two little birdies and a flower. I used Heat n Bond adhessive; bought at Spotlight (the crafter's heaven I could say); to help me stick the aplique. It was a BIG help. Never thought that I could do the aplique easily. I hand sew its edges because I wasn't sure I will do it neatly with the machine and I was too scared to ruin the fabric.

And here it is, my Bro is no longer naked... Yaaay! *jumping

I am so happy with the result and plan to make other covers for the printer and monitor later.

.: Sources :.

How to: TBA later... Sorry :)

Fabrics: http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/  and Daiso (denim)

#2 - Small Bag with Plastic Bag Pattern

My second project was a small bag. As seen, I got the pattern from a plastic bag. I used the same fabrics as the previous project.

I didn't make the pocket, but the bag still can be neatly folded. Now I always carry it with my umbrella, mobile phone and wallet inside during the lunchtime. :)

.: Sources :.

How to: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=177482.0
Fabrics: http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/

#1 - Cushion Cover

This is my first project since I bought my sewing machine. I ordered the fabrics few days before I bought the machine. I planned to hand-sew the cushion cover at first, but when I saw the ad that Brother LS-2160 was selling in almost half the usual price (and a "YES" sign from hubby), I decided to buy one.

I had to sew it TWICE. I didn’t do proper planning before making it. Simply drawn by impulsive feeling and then suddenly started the work. I didn’t even spend any time to learn more about my machine and tried all the features first. Just after a quick read about what to do with the bobbin, how to set the upper and bottom thread, and tried the straight stitch for a few centimeters, I started sewing. Silly me, LOL! :D

Straight-stitching the cushion wasn't a hard job, but when I tried to serge the fabric edge (using the zigzag stitch) just to make it neat, I became so frustrated. The fabrics edge were gathered every time I tried to stitch it. I've tried all the combinations of thread tension but the results were always the same. I felt that my machine hated me and it was a miserable feeling.

The next day, I did my homework. I browsed all materials about thread tension, tried all the machine features and learned to understand how my machine works. After my courage was back, I reworked the cover. I decided to cut around the fabrics and started the work all over again. It still doesn't have the pro-look, but I am satisfied. I've learnt my lesson and hope I can do better in my future projects (finger-crossed). :D

.: Sources :.

How to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhZnHhbcN-Q
Fabrics:  http://www.needleandthread.com.sg/