Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Chenille.
After reading this tutorial by Dana,
I knew I had to complete that project ASAP. I LOVE chenille and once
had a fantastic chenille blanket that was destroyed by the washing
machine. Then I found this project that was actually kind of created
by the washing machine. How ironic. Anyway, I found that matryoshka
fabric (shout out to my real-life Russian doll, Shira Glabman) at JoAnn,
and I knew instantly that I wanted Russian dolls all over my blanket.
So I purchased 1 1/4 yards each of the matryoshka cotton, and solid
cottons in red, yellow, pink, and white.
Dana gives a great tutorial with fabulous pictures that everyone should see, but I'll give you a run-down. The basic idea is to sew these five layers of cotton (must be cotton so it will fray, flannel works well also) together in lines a 1/2 inch apart diagonally across the whole blanket, and then cut through the four solid layers in between the sewn lines. Because they're cut diagonally/on the bias, the fabric will fray in the washing machine and create soft, wavy layers that feel like chenille.
Fact: if you're going to do this project, you should be warned that it takes for-ev-er. Not as long as the tote bag (haha... just kidding, that's only true if you're me), but definitely awhile. My back isn't the strongest so I had to split it up between several days of sewing. As per Dana's recommendation, I took all the fabric onto my driveway and glued them together with Craft Bond, a spray adhesive. This was a struggle because it was windy, but was definitely helpful in keeping my fabrics from shifting too much while I sewed. After putting some safety pins in random spots around the blanket, I used painter's tape to mark a line down the diagonal center of the blanket. I started sewing with this middle line and then out to the left side, and eventually flipped it upside down to the right. Luckily, I didn't have to use a ruler to measure each 1/2 inch, because that's what the little lines on my sewing machine are for.
A few days later (or probably about 4-5 straight hours of sewing), the lines were done! I knew cutting would be a challenge because a) I am left-handed and lefty scissors don't have the blades reversed so they are crap, and b) I was nervous I would accidentally cut through the matyoshka layer, so I was super careful and had my right hand underneath the blanket during each and every snip. I had ordered a slash rotary cutter just for this purpose, and it was due to arrive Thursday, but still isn't here (whoopsy, Amazon.com).
So I cut about 1/3 of the blanket over the course of two days. I could only get through a few lines at a time before having to break and stretch out. I was getting kind of freaked out that I would never finish. But yesterday I was at JoAnn for my sewing class (details to come!), and they had a smaller version of that cutter there. I had a 50% off coupon, so I caved and got one for $7. And I am so glad I did! I went a little fast with it and cut a few lines too close to the sewn line, so there is slightly noticeable error on the finished blanket, but whatever. I'm totally over it. Next I had to sew on the binding. I chose teal, like Dana did, because teal is awesome. I bought this quilt binding at JoAnn and used about one and a half packages. It was rough to sew on because at this point, it was 6 layers of fabric, and my machine isn't the world's strongest. But it was completed. Around midnight. And ready to go in the laundry!!
I was so excited for the result that I just sat on the couch waiting for the cycle to finish. After the washing machine, it looked pretty cool, but I knew I had to wait for the dryer for the full effect. And here it is!
So, a million days later, I must say, I am so pleased with the results! Although I was whining about it a lot of the time, I kind of want to make another right this moment. I even slept with it in my bed last night. It's not big enough to be a sleeping quilt. I just wanted it near me. So thanks Dana for your great tutorial and my beautiful snuggly blanket!
A bonus:
Dana gives a great tutorial with fabulous pictures that everyone should see, but I'll give you a run-down. The basic idea is to sew these five layers of cotton (must be cotton so it will fray, flannel works well also) together in lines a 1/2 inch apart diagonally across the whole blanket, and then cut through the four solid layers in between the sewn lines. Because they're cut diagonally/on the bias, the fabric will fray in the washing machine and create soft, wavy layers that feel like chenille.
Fact: if you're going to do this project, you should be warned that it takes for-ev-er. Not as long as the tote bag (haha... just kidding, that's only true if you're me), but definitely awhile. My back isn't the strongest so I had to split it up between several days of sewing. As per Dana's recommendation, I took all the fabric onto my driveway and glued them together with Craft Bond, a spray adhesive. This was a struggle because it was windy, but was definitely helpful in keeping my fabrics from shifting too much while I sewed. After putting some safety pins in random spots around the blanket, I used painter's tape to mark a line down the diagonal center of the blanket. I started sewing with this middle line and then out to the left side, and eventually flipped it upside down to the right. Luckily, I didn't have to use a ruler to measure each 1/2 inch, because that's what the little lines on my sewing machine are for.
A few days later (or probably about 4-5 straight hours of sewing), the lines were done! I knew cutting would be a challenge because a) I am left-handed and lefty scissors don't have the blades reversed so they are crap, and b) I was nervous I would accidentally cut through the matyoshka layer, so I was super careful and had my right hand underneath the blanket during each and every snip. I had ordered a slash rotary cutter just for this purpose, and it was due to arrive Thursday, but still isn't here (whoopsy, Amazon.com).
 |
| the cutting begins. |
 |
| blanket cut, pre-wash. |
 |
| chenille! |
 |
| "layers upon layers of chenille!" |
 |
| matryoshkas and chenille: a fantastic combination |
A bonus:
 | |
| fun times: my brother-in-law Doug and me at my mom's golf tournament. i'm dressed like a flapper under there | ! |
Saturday, April 14, 2012
tote bag!
Well friends, I did it! I finally finished the Zakka Style Zigzag Tote.
And let me tell you, it took for-eh-ver. I messed up about a dozen
times, had to remove about a billion stitches, and almost cried a few
times, but overall, I am so pleased with the bag, and I guess the
trouble makes it feel like an even bigger accomplishment. And it's totes
cute, don't you think?
Also, tonight I went to a sewing class! I'm making a mini dress out of this gorgeous nebula-like fabric:
And above, a glimpse of our beautiful Passover table!
That is all. love, ashley
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| tote bag! |
 |
| tote bag inside. pocket! |
That is all. love, ashley
Monday, April 2, 2012
More dresses/Sew-Along
Hello! Not much to say here. I've just been working and making dresses, and I wanted to show you two new ones. They're the same pattern as the Shayna dress but for smaller babies, and I totally love the fabrics I used.
Besides dresses, I am participating in a sew-along!! More info here: http://lrstitched.com/2012/03/16/zakka-style-sew-along/ It is based on the book Zakka Style by Rashida Coleman-Hale, which I coincidentally bought a week ago. I found out about the sew-along on Pinterest, and then I spent about 4 hours at Joann picking out fabrics. I think I bought 18 different ones? Whoopsy. Anyway, I'll be sure to post my finished projects here.
But back to the dresses. Hopefully, in time, I will be selling some things on Etsy, and this dress will definitely be one of them. I am also currently experimenting with an organic version (but I have to order the supplies online, so that will take a bit). But if you want to buy one now... get at me! ashleylois@gmail.com. I can make them in several different sizes, the smallest being for newborns and/or preemies, so e-mail me for a price quote and details. They make great gifts, and I can customize them any way you like! xo.. ashley
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| me and my girl Shaybug. |
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| a tiny dress! |
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| my cool hangtag |
 |
| love this batik fabric. |
But back to the dresses. Hopefully, in time, I will be selling some things on Etsy, and this dress will definitely be one of them. I am also currently experimenting with an organic version (but I have to order the supplies online, so that will take a bit). But if you want to buy one now... get at me! ashleylois@gmail.com. I can make them in several different sizes, the smallest being for newborns and/or preemies, so e-mail me for a price quote and details. They make great gifts, and I can customize them any way you like! xo.. ashley
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