PATCHWORK SHOW
www.patchworkshow.com
2202 1/2 north main street
santa ana, ca 92706
714.836.8727
november 4th * 10-4pm
hello@patchworkshow.com
*get started on holiday shopping with over 30 local vendors featuring handmade goods for you, your family & your home including...
amazing clothing for men, women & kids, letterpress stationary, jewelry, rock'n'roll belt buckles, edgy dolls, artsy purses, green & sustainable goods, aprons, refashioned vintage clothing, art & so much more... from these designers and tons more....
harveys-the original seatbelt bags
collage philosophy
m.o.m.
spragwerks
rebe
random nicole
whodini handmade
question etc...
cinnamon roll gang
the road less traveled store
kudra
made with luv
fourteensisters
england clothing
retimade
paige wery art
*delicious barbecue, cupcakes & drinks
*music
*harvey's - the original seatbelt bag - will be making purses & buttons on site just for you! get your bag FREE with any purchase from one of our vendors and a $5 donation to the keep a breast organization & get your own button FREE with any purchase from one of our vendors.
*a portion of the proceeds from each vendor will be donated to the keep a breast organization that promotes education & awareness about breast cancer and they'll be there with info.
check out the map...
its right off the 5 and it's a sunday so if you're headed down from los angeles (only 30 miles!) or up from san diego there shouldn't be any traffic!!!! if you're coming in from out of town it'll be a fun all day event and there's lot's to do around the area... including bowers museum, the beach, the discovery science center, the best antique stores in downtown orange, art galleries bars & restaurants in downtown santa ana... so you can make a day of it!
Posted by lowercasemoon on 2006-10-07 11:37:07
Post Subject: Patchwork panels in jeans
Hi everyone. I have a pair of jeans that are to small. I had a baby, and yeah...you know the story. Anyways, they are my favorite jeans in the world, and i want to wear them but im to fat for them. I was thinking of sewing some patchwork panels up the side to give my belly and ass a couple of inches to breath. How do I do patchwork, and how do i sew the patching up the side.... I need a good tutorial on how to do this. Please help?
Posted by cassie on 2007-10-11 07:46:54
Post Subject:
Good job! My friend gave me all her boy's baby-grows to make into a patchwork quilt for him, that's a good idea for the clothes that are stained with orange baby food - just use the backs :)
Posted by senojzilfg on 2006-10-09 23:03:49
Post Subject:
I would use fabric the same thickness or at least strength as the denim, cut strips the width you need plus seam allowances (maybe 1/2"?). So, if you want to add 3" all around, you need 2.5" wide strips - 3 divided by 2 plus 1/2 plus 1/2. Sew the strips right sides together into long strips. Insert by pinning right side of back of leg to right side of long strip, then sew. The final seams are done with jeans inside out. I would use a strong denim needle and strong thread. I would also experiment with the thread tension before going all the way. Also, don't forget to pre-shrink your patchwork fabric and press as you go along.
Or, you could hold out for another few months and maybe you won't need to alter!
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-11-06 15:00:16
Post Subject:
Two together might make a decent wallet. Whipstitch with leather lacing.
Cut disks or clamshells or other shapes and glue over a surface so it's like patchwork quilting. You could do this with the rectangles too, of course. Then use it for pillows or handbags.
Posted by di521 on 2005-09-12 14:53:53
Post Subject: my little quilting adventure
i'm fairly new here, but i have to share my first quilt story with people who would hopefully understand.... my husband's best friend was getting married and i wanted to give them something really special, so we settled on a quilt. two weeks before. and i'd never made one before. god was i stupid. i worked on it night after night and got tripped up on a few parts where i just didn't know what to do. one night my neighbors got treated to a string of salty expletives as i embroidered their initials and a couple nights later they must've heard my machine pounding away until frickin 3 a.m. with me alternately sobbing and swearing in frustration. BUT, i finished just in time, it matches their bedroom beautifully and they LOVED it!! a couple spots aren't perfect, but i'm pretty amazed at how well it turned out (just a simple patchwork, no designs or anything). a lot of people think i'm insane for a) trying it at all and b) getting so emotional over it. i guess that's what happens when a procrastinator crafts :)
Posted by paola sangio on 2005-05-02 13:25:39
Post Subject:
I started with A PATCHWORK PLANET. I really liked WHEN WE WERE GROWN UPS, i found the woman character very true. I absolutely loved THE AMATEUR MARRIAGE, and kept thinking and even dreaming about characters of the book for an entire weekend... such an engaging book. now am half way through BREATHING LESSONS, and I am disappointed to see how the main character is as irrational as the woman in The Amateur Marriage. so much that what i found very true sounds a little stereotypical now...
Posted by sarabell on 2005-10-26 17:02:36
Post Subject:
this year i'm decoupaging hand made paper mache balls. last year i made paper mache birds that i painted and glittered. they were definitely my favorite in my 10+ years of my ornament mass production. ok. batches of 25-30.... anyhoo, i am also a fan of the stick pins with sequins and beads. definitely time-consuming. but a nice finished effect. if you're only making a few.... saw some nifty ones similar to what my mom made many years ago - they looked quilted but it was fabric on styro balls. the edges of the fabric were shoved into the ball and created a patchwork pattern.
sjk - i hope to do the same to my children when they get old enough - i plan on saving all their childhood crafting atrocities! still have my yarn and popsicle stick ones....
Posted by researchasaurus on 2006-03-11 16:01:03
Post Subject:
That is a Hard Question Ultimately Involving Math.
I don't have a lot of exp with quilting myself, having only ever finished one lap-sized one, but if it helps, I used four kinds of fabric and bought one yard of each of three of the colors and two yards of the fourth, so I could use it to make a self-binding. I cut my squares 3x3 and then it was just a patchwork thing. And I probably have enough 3x3 squares left to make another quilt the same size too!
Maybe some graph paper would help you--you can sketch out a rough design plan, then assign the finished measurements for your quilt and divide the square sizes from there. Does that make sense?
Posted by dreamkeeper13 on 2006-10-30 17:19:12
Post Subject: GORGEOUS brocade scraps... what to do?
I bought some truly beautiful brocade squares (from a quilting bundle) that I used to make a patchwork tablerunner... and almost half my material is left (although in pieces!) and I want to make something else! The fabric's too beautiful not to! So I was going to make a matching pillow... but our pup would eat it, she's a terror when it comes to anything stuffed. I could make some little matching mats for the end tables, but I'd rather do something more fun. Any suggestions? My brain's worn out from my "real" job, so I can't come up with anything creative right now...
Posted by EllessonBeads on 2006-08-07 09:24:59
Post Subject:
Here are some more Beads I have made the last Days.
http://i1.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/f3/7c/4b_1.JPG
http://i8.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/f6/c2/6f_1.JPG
http://i10.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/f5/7d/52_1.JPG
I think torching can be expensive like patchwork or other crafts. You begin and you need always more.
Posted by cathoholic3 on 2004-07-05 20:29:16
Post Subject: sewing a zipper
Hi all. I was wondering if anyone could help me understand how to put in a zipper. I'm making covers for some old (ugly) 26" floor pillows and I'd like a zipper so I can take them off and wash them. But I don't know how to get the zipper in---the one I have didn't come with instructions. :( I'm a pretty novice seamstress (obviously!), and I'm still pretty much clueless about the basic sewing terms. The top cover is patchwork, denim and other random fabrics that I've been hoarding for years. And the back is just plain chambray. I don't know if that will affect how the zipper goes in or not. Sigh...
Posted by bookish on 2004-10-13 16:51:12
Post Subject: Craft Show Experience
Hi~
I know this question has a lot of variables, but how much inventory would you expect to need for a craft show. The one I am preparing for is a 2 days, 12 hours total show with medium traffic. My craft is patchwork throws, purses, and other little things ranging from $5.00 to $100.00. Is there any sort of standard for how much to make? I know it is desperately optimistic, but I don't want an empty booth and an apologetic smile on day 2.
I'm mostly looking for show success/horror stories....
Posted by VelveteenRabbit on 2006-10-30 11:24:13
Post Subject: Hello from Montreal!
I just signed up to join this community today. :)
A little while ago I started getting into swaps (Swap-Bot.com) and was looking around for other swap sites. I came across getcrafty and was really happy to see that it's not only a craft-related site, but it's so organized and interesting!
Although I'm a freelance writer and editor, I love to craft in my free time (baby quilts, patchwork totes, pillows, and other small projects) and have been enjoying exploring other crafters' blogs. I've started selling some stuff on etsy.com (sold one pincushion!) but what I haven't been able to do until now is become part of a crafters' community. I checked out craftster.org and found some helpful tutorials but somehow this site looks like it will be a better fit for me. :)
So... I look forward to getting involved and getting to know some of you, as time permits.
Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2007-10-15 12:44:06
Post Subject: Hand Tied Quilts Hazardous for Babies?
I just got my hands on a copy of Last-Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts (which is a wonderful book, by the way), and was surprised to read in one of the projects that hand-tied quilts are considered a choking hazard, presumably because babies can somehow untie the ties and eat the thread? I certainly wouldn't risk it now that I've read it, but it seems like an unlikely scenario, particularly if the quilt is tied with embroidery floss (which is impossible for me to untangle when it knots accidentally, let alone when double-knotted on purpose). Have you heard this before? Do you think it is so?
Posted by sarabell on 2005-04-12 13:26:49
Post Subject:
the best book i've come across for crocheting instructions is the Reader's Digest Complete guide to Needlework. i learned to crochet from my gramma and my mom, but the more advanced stiches etc. i got from that book. it also has great instructions for knitting, embroidery, quilting, rug-making, needlepoint, patchwork, lacework, macrame, and applique. not a lot of good project ideas, at least not in the 1979 edition, but i prefer to make my own patterns. i know there's a newer edition, but i bought mine used.
once you're comfortable crocheting, The Crochet Workbook by Cosh & Walters (St. Martin's Press) is a great resource for doing more freestyle work. a lot of imaginative ideas; more of a stepping stone and inspiring thing to do your own thang, rather than having a lot of specific patterns.
Posted by PrettyPettyThieves on 2004-11-23 09:12:55
Post Subject:
Where are they ripped? You can always make capris; I made a pair with all sort of patches all over and another with a thin feather boa along the bottom.
This was a great article about what do with old jeans. I also took two pairs of jeans, one light and one dark and cut the legs into patches. I opened up the crotch of one pair and sewed in the patches to make a long, contrasting patchwork skirt. . . I wonder where that went anyways . . .
Posted by sew-rae-me on 2006-10-28 14:58:46
Post Subject: UK crafter
Hi,
I have just joined up and I am in sunny Widnes, near Liverpool!
It's nice to see other UK crafters on the net, what kind of crafts do you do? I'm a bit of a jack of all trades, including cross stitch, wedding dress creation, quilting, patchwork, and more recently doll house and miniatures! Then of course I also like decoupage anddoing up junk furniture. Add to the mix my two sons (one of which is disabled) and my brilliant husband, two dogs, and until recently 12 rescue cats, and you can see that I lead a busy life!
Now, what can I do next?
Posted by athena on 2006-10-11 11:40:35
Post Subject:
well, as for crafty:
scrapbooking:
kate's paperie comes to mind (http://www.katespaperie.com/store/productView.php)
and the ink pad (http://www.theinkpadnyc.com/welcome.htm) for rubber stamps
for home sewing, purl patchwork for amy butler and denyse schmidt fabrics (among others): http://www.purlsoho.com/purl
i think the home dec fabric shops are in the lower east side (i think, someone correct me. clothing fabric is in the garment district around 7th avenue and the mid-30s and radiating outward).
go to purl soho because it's pretty (although a little expensive), school products for 1lb. cones of real cashmere for an excellent price, downtown yarns for nice selection and cozy shop (and nice people). these are the ones i've been to. lots of other nice ones.
tons of thrift stores, but don't really know any of them.
for flea markets, try the one on avenue a and 11th street. on sunday (saturday, too? i don't know) there are a ton of artisans selling jewelry, hats, scarves, bags, etc. on the streets of soho (west of broadway).
coffeeshops: kudo beans on 1st ave and 3rd street, cafe orlin on st. marks between 1st ave and avenue a
Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2006-12-14 12:47:36
Post Subject: Handmade Holiday Drive Thank You
http://static.flickr.com/123/322325568_008c026d30.jpg
Craftistas, we are staggered by your generosity, creativity and talent. Above you can see just a fraction of the beautiful patchwork, cuddly crochet, snuggly knits and loveable softies that came to us for the Handmade Holiday Drive. And the mailing deadline was only yesterday, so there is even more to come!
As promised on the original post, there will be prizes! For sending in our very first donation, Craftin' Fool will be getting a $10 gift certificate from SuperBuzzy. Once the rest of the donations come in, I'll be drawing names from a hat for a $25 gift certificate from Purl.
If the season was just too busy for you, please keep in mind that Project Night Night does accept individual donations year-round, and understands the special value of handmade.
We are deeply grateful to all of you, the wonderful people who make this community the place that it is, and we wish you happy holidays and a crafty New Year!
Posted by Mango Mochi on 2006-11-13 18:28:53
Post Subject: Hippie Patchwork Dresses
Hi! I love these hippie patchwork dresses by Piece by Piece: http://www.peace-by-piece.com/dresses/index.html and Calico Forest: http://www.calicoforest.com/dresses.htm.htm They're so beautiful!
But how do I make them??
Alas, I can't find any patterns on the web. I've looked for hours and hours. I'm petite: 5' tall and 95 lbs, so I'd rather make a dress than buy one so it fits.
There doesn't seem to be any patterns out there. I'll even modify a similar pattern if I have to. I'm a beginner sewer and I'd done a little bit of patchwork. But where do I find a pattern(s) that is similar and how do I alter it?
If anybody can give me any clues or leads, I would be so grateful! Thanks!
Posted by melita2337 on 2007-01-14 17:36:07
Post Subject:
I hope this isn''t too late to reply:
I have made dozens of these dresses and shirts. The thing to remember is that they''re all rectangles. Especially if you do the basic flat/straight neckline, each piece is a patchwork rectangle. I used to do some sketches on graph paper with colored pencils, then sewed the panels. Just think of the bust as a rectangle, the skirt part as a Huge rectangle, and then the straps as 2 small ones. If you really like the \"shoelace\" look up the back, then just cut the bust section in 1/2, then lace up the back. Note: if you do patchwork on the bust section, especially if you use corduroy, you may want to put in a lining, as there is a tend to chafe...
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Posted by mrs_stroozi on 2006-02-22 14:12:42
Post Subject:
I still like the idea of the runner; it could be for any table, not just the coffee table; even for the top of a shelf or bookcase. You can use up a long, narrow swatch of fabric, give it a band of contrasting fabric on both ends, a strip of braid or fringe to hang off the edges, a pinstripe between the main fabric and the contrasting. Or what about a cool pillow or patchwork wall-hanging?
Posted by stella on 2005-02-09 19:49:22
Post Subject:
i hate quilting, so i don't have much advice. okay, well, i don't like making patchwork things or the action of hand-quilting, but i don't mind making other kinds of quilts.
if you're doing any machine sewing, invest in a walking foot for your machine. you really need one to machine-quilt, but they also make it easier to sew on bindings, etc. my walking foot broke, and i'm very sad about it, because i used that thing all the damned time, even for non-quilting projects.
Posted by bookish on 2004-09-16 09:57:16
Post Subject:
Miss M-
I haven't finished the rug and I haven't given up. It's just one of those projects that takes a LONG time. Mine is still a very little coil, though it is fun to do when watching a movie. I used 1 1/2 inch strips that were cut with a pinking rotary cutter so that the edges wouldn't fray so wildly. Each strip is 45" long- any longer and the strips will get knotted while you braid.
I used regular thread to bind the bottom. I stitched it several times though with small, tight stitches. It may never be a living room rug but a bathroom or front door mat would be a little easier. Maybe after Christmas...
It will be so pretty if (when) it gets done... I sell patchwork/collage wallhangings and quilts too so I toyed with the idea of stitching the small coil as a part of one of those things.
Posted by breewell on 2004-12-14 21:32:00
Post Subject:
I just guessed. I wanted mine to be bigger (their biggest is 18 inches) and I wanted to do a patchwork design in the center. I used kiddie print fleece and ribbons.
I cut the ribbons in 3 inch strips and ironed them in half. I sewed some in the seams of one row patches and then sewed the rest of the ribbons in the outside seam. I will post a diagram of my blanket later.
What questions specifically do you have about making the blanket? I'm not much of a sewer and have never made a pattern before, but I managed to make 3 blankets in a couple of evenings.
Posted by sjkmaurice on 2005-06-23 13:21:50
Post Subject:
I know nothing about patchwork, but I think you can just randomly sew pieces together and then use that like one whole piece of fabric. That would look so great!
Posted by lalamark on 2005-04-22 14:20:23
Post Subject:
At my sister's wedding reception, a quilt-making cousin gave everyone 6in squares of muslin and a permanent fabric pen and had them write something to the couple. Later she pieced and quilted them to make a throw. It's quite "bridal" looking--unbleached muslin, a little lacy and sweet--but you could jazz it up by using bright solids for the signature squares instead. My only suggestion would be to warn the guests beforehand; I had a terribly time thinking up something poignant on the spot.
Another option (though less to do with the actual reception) would be a friendship style quilt in which each person contributes a square and you put them all together. These can be really interesting; I saw one that featured cross-stitching, fabric painting/stenciling, patchwork, and applique. Pretty much anything you can do to fabric.
If you keep them small and tie instead of quilt, these can be put together really quickly, and a throw-sized quilt won't take up too much room in a suitcase.
Posted by Passionfaerie on 2005-06-23 12:06:48
Post Subject: sewing for the sewing challenged
I love to make clothes, I just hate using patterns. So far I've made very simple apron tops, etc. My taste runs to the more "hippie" look anyway, so thats fine, but does anybody have any great stuff they make w/out patterns? And what about patchwork? Is it hard? Thanks!! Valerie
Posted by lomelindi on 2006-10-03 14:27:31
Post Subject: Something interesting to do with old jeans, etc?
This is my first post, and while I am not the craftiest person on earth, I love being creative and, when pointed in the right direction, I do tend to come up with some fun stuff.
Today, I am purging my overburdened closets, and mixed in with the definite throw-aways, and the clothes I can lounge around the house in, are the ever-tricky articles of clothing that I still love, but can't in good conscience wear in public, or just don't look good on me anymore. Most of this stuff has unflattering holes or something along those lines.
Most of these are jeans... and they're not really normal ones either, as for a long time I liked "specialty" things with interesting patterns, or jeans I'd written all over. I also have a couple pairs of patchwork cords that are absolutely beautiful, but worn out and not really my style anymore.
I've seen directions for jean purses which don't really appeal to me. The main problem is that I don't own a sewing machine and have never learned any sort of craft that involves making clothing with anything other than safety pins.. :) I am more than willing to learn, of course. I just don't know where to start!
Just curious to see if anyone has any suggestions. I hope I'm asking in the right place. :)
Posted by stella on 2007-01-27 22:16:36
Post Subject:
those remind me of T-dresses my mom used to make for my sister and i when we were kids. they were so cute. the pattern was similar to the Folkwear Afghan nomad dress, but even simpler. my mom would use a patchwork square or applique for the front, and she made our dolls dresses out of the scraps.
Posted by miranda on 2004-07-22 16:45:19
Post Subject:
I had some sweet polish stamps and I transferred them onto fabric and used them as images on patchwork. It worked quite nicely. You could also sandwich them between vinyl and make a tote bag?
Posted by Jen on 2008-07-10 11:05:32
Post Subject:
These dresses were also popular among college kids in the mid-90's. My friends and I used to make a ton of them. So comfortable! We did them mostly by modifiying sundress patterns. You just follow the pattern, but you make the fabric used for the skirt out of patchwork rectangles or squares. I just dug out some of the old patterns I used and while I'm not sure they are available anymore, here are a couple: McCall's Easy Stitch 'n Save #8201 (I like version A) and Butterick Fast & Easy #4558.
Making your own pattern for this kind of dress is also very simple if you know how to do it. Sundresses are pretty forgiving in terms of fit- so you can usually get a good result making a pattern out of newspaper or brown kraft paper. If you do this, I'd recommend trying it out using some old bedsheets before you start it with the fabric you want to use.
There are lots of places to buy precut squares to make the skirt part of the dress go even faster. My shop sells precut squares and rectangles for quilting- and they would be perfect for a project like this. I also do kits- and this post might be the inspiration for a future kit design. If you are interested, stop on by at www.stitchsimple.com/quilt-fabric-pieces (for squares and rectangles) or www.stitchsimple.com/create-your-own-quilt-kit (for kits, the current design is a table runner- but you can sign up to be notified when new kits are posted).
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2006-04-30 09:43:49
Post Subject:
oh, man, i am 525 bucks out because of damn jo-ann. It does not help that I know the store and know how things are marked down and can tell my fabric from looking at the reverse bolt end.
okay, fabrics I just had to have from clearance: two fleeces, one black with a gold dust overlay (pillows, maybe a dressy jacket) and a reversible blue green fleece that I'll make reversible pillow covers for my brother.
Yards and yards of peachskin, an extremely durable and uncrushable synthetic that travels well, works well, washes well. I have skirts and tops and scrubs and separates in mind for probably about 40 yards of various prints and one embroidered solid. One's a jacquard solid, too.
nascar fabric for scrub tops I can sell. People like the local events. Now if I could just find Harley prints... And I bought some things I plan to make into do-rags and hobo bags and the like for Bike Week.
leopard print sheer in olive and hunter. My room is very dark because I need it that way. I am going to use a lot of ethnic, tribal, organic looking fabrics for cushioning the headboard, making bed skirts, drapes and throw pillows. One of the 'ethnic' prints is evocative of mudcloth only it's a heavier canvas with a bold print that is very feminine in a vulva sort of way. Also has cowries sewn into it. Screams sexuality to me, maybe it will rub off.
oh, I bought about fifteen yards of this violet floral chiffon with glitter just because I knew it was so hideous it would make a marvelous something or other. Someday.
Several home dec things including apron fabric and a beautiful botanical orchid print. that's probably going for my mother's kitchen chairs pads. my sister loves aprons. i only buy or collect the exceptional needlework kind, like Seminole patchwork or Swedish embroidery. but I'll design and sew them for people who whine enough.
Then there's this clear red and black print slubbed synthetic, very asian cherry blossom motif. I bought about ten yards of the red, and found the remaining four yards of the reverse print yesterday. That's great because i was thinking it had to be bias cut for maximum effect and a contrast for blouse or belt line would be divine.
a number of basics in yardage, like summer light cotton in palest lavender, and black twill, red flannel. if i had any excuse to buy quilting cottons, the financial boon for jo-ann would have been more impressive. but one, I already have tons of cottons, and two, I haven't quilted in ages.
in clearance other things, I cleaned out some of the shelving and hardware, also tissue boxes and trays, odd Swarovski bits that didn't seem right on sale, spools of narrow gold tulle and odd ribbons, some funky yarns that I am not up to knitting with but will use for garnishing things, paint pens, dye pens, pearl cotton for embroidery and the nicer Linea kits. Good idea, bad assembly. If you say a kit will have everything for someone it really should. But the needles in their slim packs slipped out, as did bead embellishments. Plus I would embroider a bit differently and the few stitch suggestions were laughable. Probably right at beginner level though. bought lots of packets of their pearl cotton for those kits, though, so between my beads and tassels and frogs and choices of embroidery thread and stitch, I'm sure these will be great. also bought some closeout cross stitch kits, definitely not my thing, but I can see ways to make them more interesting for me.
i don't normally buy scrapbooking things unless they are clearance or at a yard sale. I like making do with the odd bits I can come up with. But I did get a few embellishments and stickers, some plain gift bags, lots of ribbons, some appliques and a variety of paints and stamp pads.
i used the 50% coupons to buy mostly books, but also a versatool, or an old fashioned wood burning pen that does so much more. the books were on advanced beading techniques and two each on altered books or higher end scrap booking techniques. i curled up in bed and fell asleep last night with them all around me. my poor bedsleeping cat had to use the pillow above my head.
this is just so exhausting. I think I'll clear the kitty off and go back to bed.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2004-12-08 11:24:40
Post Subject:
With me being home right now on sick leave, you would think that I would have a ton of stuff done but I'm just not in the mood I guess. I started making some patchwork pillows yesturday and it was disasterous. I almost heeved my sewing maching across the room. I'm going to try again today, and take my time. I rush too much when I start new prodjects.
Also, I wanted to make some sculptures out of salt dough. I got a book about it from the libary and it seems pretty simple. That could be diseving though, I thought making patchwork pillows would be a piece of cake too.
Posted by Dawn on 2005-04-24 10:42:04
Post Subject:
Old crafts and sewing books rock! As you all have mentioned, these books contain clearly written, easy-to-follow instructions. My favorite thing about them is that they usually feature practical projects and are driven by a frugal, self-reliance philosophy. Most current craft books are written from the perspective that making things is a hobby rather than an integral part of daily life. Some of my favorite old-school books:
Anything by Rusty Bensussen - with wonderful illustrations and detailed instructions, she shows you how to make your own patterns from your measurements or from clothes you love, adjust storebought patterns, and create new designs from your patterns.
Recipes for Art and Craft Materials - everything from glue to rubber stamp ink
the Creative Hands Series
Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (of course!)
Sew a Beautiful Gift - I love this book!
Better Homes & Gardens Patchwork Quilts - dozens of fun designs and projects
The Total Tote Bag Book
Posted by Katrin on 2004-09-08 01:15:23
Post Subject:
I've got a couple of pieces of clothing I've been meaning to reconstruct for a while now. One is an old coat - it was originally an oversized, shapeless long winter coat with a built-in scarf. I just loved the fabric - coarsely woven red cotton from India with black elephants block-printed all over. It got compliments wherever I wore it.
But it got washed enough to become kind of shapeless, and I let it sit in the sun in my car too long and part of it faded. The lining shrank at a different rate than the shell, and the whole thing just wasn't cutting it any more. So I decided to revamp it.
So far, here's what I've done: I used a seam ripper to take all the pieces apart carefully, getting rid of the cheap cotton lining. I dyed the whole thing bright red again and went over each individual elephant with a Sharpie (it's been so long, I've blocked out how long that took). I found a pattern for a more tailored-looking coat and bought new lining fabric.
And the coat's been sitting dismantled for about a year. Even using the scarf as part of the new coat's body, I'm still going to have to do some "patchwork", piecing cut remnants of the coat together, to make the sleeves. I'm planning to use some contrasting recycled fabric (an old pair of black velvet pants) for the collar and cuffs. It's getting to be that time of year again - I should make this the winter that I actually get the thing done, because once it's finished, it's sure to be a terrific conversation piece if nothing else.
Also in the works: An out-of-style pair of pleated-waist dress pants that I plan to make into flat-fronts.
Posted by mele on 2007-02-23 20:45:11
Post Subject:
thanks, textile fresh for clarifying the badness of Walmart. I too have been seeking alternate locations for everything walmart sells. I have fould some MOm & Pop stores that appreciated my business.
As far as fabric, goes. I have been using sheets for quilt tops sections & backs. thrift stores are a good supply of used ones. They also have interesting clothing items at consignment shops. Either can be enhanced quite easily with creative embroider or patchwork.
Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2007-08-29 09:20:12
Post Subject:
for craft shopping-- not thrifty but lovely are the Purl and Purl Patchwork shops in Soho-- a beautiful yarn and fabric store combo just a few doors down from each other. Check out http://purlsoho.com for directions.
if you're planning to be around the Empire State Building, the garment district is right by there, and there are lots of stores that sell to the public. Tinsel Trading http://www.tinseltrading.com/ (also not inexpensive) has tons of neat vintage trims. Big Apple Beads is a great bead store with TONS of stuff, and fairly good deals. It is on 6th avenue just south of Bryant Park (can't find a website, sorry!)
If you're planning to go to the Guggenheim or the Met on the Upper East Side, don't miss the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum on 91st and 5th, it is amazing.
Posted by jasmineT on 2004-06-11 15:24:24
Post Subject:
Some things I've made in the past are: stencilled onesies or pjs, a crafty mobile with chandelier crystals (make sure they're well attached) and a "feely" blanket (basically a patchwork of different textures).
You could also make a baby sling. JaneBond on supernaturale's parenting boards has collected a vast amount of knowledge on this subject. Clothes are always good too. You could also make a cool photo album.
As a mom, gifts that I would stay away from are stuffed animals and overtly babyish crossstich wall hangings. Hope this helps.
Posted by udandi on 2004-08-30 14:16:45
Post Subject:
cool stuff cornie!
on decorating cents the lady glue on crumpled print tissue paper and then did a paint technique over it so it looked like leather, which I thought was pretty cool and not tacky looking at all.
I picked up a painted furniture book at the library and intended to do this patchwork design, but when it came down to it, I didn't use that idea at all.
I've posted this on glitter and crafster so sorry for the over exposure, but I'm so freakin' happy to have it finished!
Posted by PrettyPettyThieves on 2004-12-14 17:53:34
Post Subject:
Actually, my sister picked out really pretty bridesmaids dresses--very plain, just a basic spagetti-strap, narrow floor length gown, except they were FOREST GREEN--like what the hell am I going to do with a forest green dress? It's too pretty too toss, but too extravagant to wear. Maybe I'll sell it to a consignment shop.
I dunno, you could make party napkins, or curtains, or use it in a patchwork quilt, or just give up and donate it somewhere. I do like the idea of having an ugly bridesmaids dress party, I'll have to try that sometime except most of my friends are too young to have been bridesmaids.
Posted by researchasaurus on 2004-05-03 18:01:59
Post Subject:
You might like Kaffe Fassett's patchwork too. He is a master of color and I think his work is modern enough for you. If you've got the $$, you might like some of his fabrics too. I do!
http://www.kaffefassett.com/patchwork.htm
I'm glad I saw this because I'm just getting your things together for that flake-swap, and now I know I can throw in some quilt scraps for you! I have a lot.
Do you have a cutting mat for your rotary cutter? You'll need it so you don't wreck your table or counter top. You might like to have a clear ruler to help you cut things out too. The rotary cutter is awesome though.
Posted by Morgan on 2004-05-02 08:44:57
Post Subject: Quilting
I've become obsessed lately with making quilts. I haven't had any time to start, but I have got tons of great ideas. I'm really interested in modern-y ones, not like the grandma ones, although those are really nice, too. Here are a couple inspirations:
http://www.dsquilts.com/drunklove.html
All her quilts are completely awesome- look at the rest, too!!
http://www.quiltart.com/journals/journals.html
I think these are actually really small quilts, like the size of a piece of paper (& I think some of them are terribly ugly!), but I like the idea of making a big quilt with just one big picture instead of repeated patterns.
I've only made one quilt so far, a patchwork one with my old clothes, which I love, but I'm all jazzed about making great works of art!!! I got a sewing machine from my boyfriend for Christmas, but I've been so busy with school I haven't had time to do anything with it! I don't really know that much about quilting, so I hope I can find a class this summer or something.
Anyone else got the quilting bug?
Posted by sarabell on 2005-06-22 22:26:33
Post Subject:
hmmm. haven't seen one of those. looks way old school! i posted the square version i have in my blog. wasn't pleased with the result, definitely needs to be a patchwork thing with many similar pieces, like a scarf or something.... will monkey around with it when i'm willing to touch acrylic yarn (temperature permitting.) i'm wondering if the original post was related to your device or the circular version of mine.
if it's like mine, you should be able to figure it out by looking at a finished daisies. i've seen some on the website of a fellow craftista.....
has anyone seen any of the circular looms in craft stores lately? i want one and i want it NOW!!!! of course, i've yet to look..... craft store is 45 minutes away unless i want to settle with walfart.
Posted by textile_fetish on 2005-08-12 15:36:32
Post Subject:
Oh I know! Who is wearing the bag? Not the baby, right?
What about making a line of clothing (rompers an such) in the team colors? Even patchwork? You could get away with calling it spirit-wear or some name that implies it is for the fans, but without using their logos and you are good to go!
Posted by deafcat on 2006-02-13 02:07:41
Post Subject:
I keep jeans to cut into small squares to add to our patchwork picnic blanket. Whenever we travel we look for embroidered patches for souvenirs (sp?) to decorate the blanket, too, and the kids like to personalize squares with tye-dye, embroidery, fabric paints, or Sharpies.
My daughter steals all of the (patch style) pants pockets to sew two together to make little bags that she embellishes with beads and embroidery.
I also keep small bits of anything fine (velvets, silks, lace, chiffon, organza, anything!) for tutu appliques, and I keep my husband's worn twill tan or khaki Dockers to line tutu bodices.
Denim and other med-heavy stuff is also good for making hats, like beanies or jester hats, especially if you have to use several different small colored or patterned pieces for the panels.
Posted by justme on 2004-12-06 15:35:21
Post Subject:
what a great thread! like everyone else i've got a TON of memories...here's a few:
* every birthday my mom would make little crafts to give to each of my friends as keepsakes - my fifth birthday was a strawberry shortcake themed party with patchwork placemats - as we got older she would set up crafts for us to do - tiedye, 'member that fabric paint that would puff up when ironed?, shrinky dinks....
* my favorite pair of sunglasses in 4th grade were a pair of plastic cat eyes from a thrift store to which i glued rhinestones all around the frame - the pictures are SO funny!
* sitting a card table covered with markers, paper, glue - and my favorite - glitter making christmas cards
* can't leave this thread without mentioning sitting under the quilt frame while my granny and her friends talked, giggled and sewed - i can still smell the fabric and hear their voices
Posted by bessiemae on 2005-06-13 19:26:31
Post Subject:
-homemade cornstarch playdough scented/colored with KoolAid in cool little containers. Add a couple of $1 store kitchen utensils/cookie cutters or a cookie sheet.
- Make a patchwork checker board and use plastic animals as markers. Decorate border with plants/flowers, etc. Make small draw string bag for pieces.
- Kids seem to like kinda abstract animal shape pillows in loud colors or terry cloth.
- applique fav character fabric to T and shorts(Walmart has inexpensive Kid fabric, and if all 3-5yo, can pickup See and Sew short pattern )..same for pillows. Can also trim out a twin set of sheets or towels .
- Inexpensive apron, personalized with Word made Kid cookbook, and a few $1 store implements(measuring spoons, etc.)
- Most kids like anything with their name on it.
- Most girls like Fairy goodies: headband, wand, wings, etc. I say "most girls" because I would have to say "Elven" swords, tunics,etc. for my boys to consider it. Sigh.
- $1 store watches
- HM sidewalk chalk/soap crayons made in cookie cutters for cool shapes.
- like purses/bags, simple drawstring backpacks.
also check out the Dover website for $1 books and uber cool coloring books for kids.....not the usual cartoon/toyotic ones! Very cool maze books, sticker books, etc.
Posted by Katrin on 2006-02-13 15:14:11
Post Subject:
Another hoarder here. Lately I've been on a mission to make myself a new wardrobe out of things I already own. I'm all about saving, deconstructing and recycling old clothes.
My opinion: Unless you absolutely hate the fabric and can't see yourself ever wearing or making anything from it, save it.
Other things to consider, just off the top of my head:If a garment is too tattered and worn out to sew a practical new garment from, use it to make smaller, decorative objects (ornaments, sachets, stuffed animals) and/or combine it in patchwork with another fabric of a similar weight.Start thinking of any "new clothes" you want in terms of what you already have. Is there an old item in the back of your closet that you could repurpose in a more current style, instead of buying something new?Likewise, think of your old clothes in terms of what you could do to make them fashionable and fun to wear again.What do you have that's simply the wrong color? You could dye it. Better yet, dye a whole bunch of things the same color - presto, they match!If you have a garment that you know you want to deconstruct for its fabric, take it apart right away even if you don't have an idea for what to make from it yet. That way, you'll think of it as a raw material, full of potential, rather than "that old dress I'm going to do something with someday". It will also take up less space in your stash.
Posted by lalamark on 2005-07-27 13:29:50
Post Subject:
Which reminds me that I used to have a little boudoir lamp with a very pretty patchwork shade, on which I pinned rhinestone brooches. You could clip earrings all around the top.
lizzymahoney--a friend of mine wore a really simple dress with a draped neckline to a wedding this summer and used a cool brooch to pin the neck asymetrically (or however you'd put that). It looked fantastic.
Posted by Miss Rachel on 2005-02-16 11:08:52
Post Subject:
I was thinking about the idea of teaching home-ec too!
One really good project that I remember from junior high home ec was the final project: making a full, healthy meal for my family, including a main dish, a starch, a vegetable, and dessert. I had to hand in a short report afterwards, which included the recipes I had used, a page about how it went, and reviews from everyone in my family. I thought it would be an impossible task, but I did it! That was a good lesson. Lots of adults seriously have no idea how to make a good, substancial meal.
A simple, unisex sewing project that my sister had to do in home ec was a patchwork pillow. Four squares in different patterns on the front, and one square for the back. But I think it would also be great to teach how to replace a button, hem pants, and patch a hole. For kicks, you could also show how to do creative clothing alterations, which is really fun and also earth-friendly. Maybe kids could bring in clothes they didn't like and try to alter them.
In general, I think it would be great to repeatedly stress the idea of creativity, recycling, and maintenance instead of over-consumption. That would tie everything together into a cohesive theme: learn how to make it or do it yourself, so that you don't have to either a) do without or b) pay someone to make it or do it for you.
Oh, and here's a quick idea about teaching about how to live on a budget: when I was in college, there were huge pieces of paper on the walls outside the financial aid office where you could list what you did to save money. Cut your own hair, go to matinee movies, go to the reduced section at the grocery store, ride a bike instead of a car, etc. That was really helpful and cool.
One more idea: you could do a craft project that would contribute to a cause that the students cared about. Something you could sell or auction off (like little boxes of cookies or something), or maybe a hanging quilt to be installed in a local shelter. Maybe that could be an after school project for whoever was interested. Or you could create an afterschool club based on that idea.
By the way, if you taught home ec in a public school, what kind of teaching licensure would you need? At a private school, would you not need any at all?
Posted by go-fish on 2005-01-11 13:56:38
Post Subject:
'nyway...somebody on Glitter once mentioned that it takes 15%...or was it 30% less yarn to knit an item than if you crochet it..
really? That'll be good to know...
I like both. Crochet lends itself well to spur of the moment designing. Knitting requires more planning. Although I am sure modular knitting, ie, patchwork knitting, or even freeform knitting is totally possible.
Don't forget, knitting is way more elastic than crochet!
I started w/ crochet and couldn't get it, went to knitting no problem, and now crochet is fine for me.
I think technically crochet is easier, cause there is less needle manipulation to learn.
I think fine knitted items are amazing and if I had to choose between knitting and crochet (desert island) I'd take needles, (and make myself a crochet hook out of a stick later!)
Posted by bookish on 2004-10-06 17:55:27
Post Subject:
I hope everyone who can come, will come! I got the ok from my husband (we're a one-car family) to take off with the car at 5 so I'll get there as soon as I am able! I have no idea what I'll be wearing, but my new favorite craft is patchwork purses and I will certainly have one on my arm.
Posted by artlady on 2005-09-18 12:37:55
Post Subject:
I got my swatches today -- thanks! I've been thinking about making a patchwork-y pillow for our bedroom (it has this hand painted trim of roses that was there when we moved in). These swatches will work really well! Thanks so much for the tip!
Posted by Catana on 2004-09-21 15:24:54
Post Subject:
Today is the first time I've been back to GetCrafty in quite a while. It took a minute to figure out if it was the same site. It is, and better than ever. I love the blog idea and plan to start one soon.
But to offer a crafty idea... I use a lot of interfacing in fabric crafts, and was recently looking at the diminishing supply of my boughten ones. Doing things cheaply is a way of life for me, so I wasn't looking forward to spending money on something that doesn't even show. Then I discovered bed skirts! The material that makes up the skirt part may not be worth using, but the part that covers the box spring is usually a textured polyester that's perfect for giving some body to fabrics that need it. That's a lot of interfacing, especially if you get double or queen sized skirts. And of course mine come from the local thrift store. There's a difference in quality, so you might have to do a little hunting. I like the heavier ones that have enough of an embossed surface to give them some real body.
Right now, I'm using it mostly in Christmas stockings and to back patchwork in handmade bags. I'm sure it has a ton of other uses, that I'll figure out eventually.
Posted by homuncula on 2005-09-24 12:05:34
Post Subject:
Update: I've received some of my orders, and by far the best has been from distinctivefabric.com
If you plan carefully while selecting your swatches, you could easily get enough to make a tiny little patchwork. I got a lot of furry swatches and am filling them with catnip and sewing them up as little toys for my kitties : )
Posted by Katrin on 2005-09-09 02:28:35
Post Subject:
http://www.javisdavis.com/3_collections/collections.html
I got a TON of awesome samples from here. You can choose up to 10 collections and each collection has about four or five pieces. The samples are really big too. I ordered from them twice, so I think I got all that I need.
I ordered some samples from them when this was posted but still haven't received any. Has anyone else who ordered some received theirs?
I got my samples from Javis Davis in just a few days. They included a lot more than I thought I'd ordered, and some of them are quite large - I got a great piece of cowboy-print barkcloth that's about 8x10 with a full picture of a horse right in the center, among other goodies.
Great Windows' samples arrived first, in just a day or two. They're very small and have paper glued to the back, but they're all a uniform size so might be good for patchwork. Also, I got only 5 samples, and I thought I'd ordered 10.
Marimekko (or whatever the site was that deals in Marimekko fabrics) was quick to respond also, but the samples are disappointing. Most of them are odd-shaped scraps and selvedge ends, and too small to show the large designs accurately. The one piece that might have been useful has a hole in the middle of it. The quality of the fabric is a little lower than what I expected from such a big-name company, too.
I can't wait to order more samples from other companies! And then to think of what to do with them all!
Posted by Polesmoker69 on 2004-05-18 20:09:43
Post Subject:
knitting - i really want to knit granny squares, but i just dont understand the instructions, and when people show me, its just well insane looking!
patchwork quilts (even though ive sewen blankets together) patch work still is a little scary.
resin - well anything that has to cure is freaky!
anything that has to have drying time - im the worst, ive put so many finger prints into things, but i just wanted to see if it was dry yet!
hemming or fixing, sewing any one elses clothing - i refuse to fix my boyfriends work shirts or hem his pants because im so freaked that i will wreck them in some way. but when it comes to my own clothes i sew away!
oil paints - ive bought tons of little tubes, the brushes, canvas, paint thinner, and its all sitting in a shoe box in the closet of my craft room.
Posted by Nitro*A*gogo! on 2006-04-25 19:28:59
Post Subject: kustomize your life!
hi, heres mine.
www.nitroagogo.com
i do kustom handmade bags and accessories. and they're not your aunties patchwork knitter bags either.
i have a brand new spring 2006 line that is now available on the site.
check it out!
thanks
