Twice

I did say in my last post I would make another Clamshell Pillow. I didn't waste any time on this, I jumped right in and made half of it last night while watching the tennis and then quickly finished it off this morning.

This is the same weight linen in a different colour, I didn't have enough of any one colour to make them the same but I decided this would not matter.  I clamshells are the same fabric range in both pillows.

Both this zip and the last one were in the stash too.  I probably should have held off making this until I bought a better colour match but I get impatient to finish when I get close to the end so I decided that this would be ok...

They do look good together, not too matchy-matchy but a good pair.

I think this will conclude my run of sewing for a week.  I have an assignment due, two exams and a quiz for uni and I need to start thinking about those.  Nothing like sewing as a form of procrastination but at some point the work must get done.

Clamshell Pillow

More Curves Class project goodness today, this time in the form of the clamshell pillow project.

I love this pillow so much I think I will make another one over the weekend using the same feature fabrics on a different shade of linen.

Sewing the curves was not too bad, I was annoyed that my last row of clamshells sat a little low and the stitching didn't catch the ones above.  I didn't notice this until after the pillow puffed it all out so I ended up topstitching the bottoms of the offending section to stabilise it.  I will know better on the next one.

I was pretty happy with the zipper too. 

There are plenty of other Curves and Handstitched projects popping up in the group photo pool, it is well worth a look.

iPad Cover

Yesterday I was reading blogs (as usual) and I saw that Jen had made an iPad cover.  I could not see the photos in Jen's post so I jumped over to the tutorial link and then decided to make myself one.  

Inspiration found! Thanks Jen.

I used some Alexander Henry 'Its a Hoot' fabric I had stashed.  This is one of my favourite fabrics so I am glad I got to use it for something that I get to use.

You may notice the use of both velcro and elastic.  I went with the velcro option but I was not happy with it when I was done.  I unpicked a few stitches, slipped in the elastic and topstitched after the fact which is not as neat but I am much happier with it as a fastener.  Sewing on the button after it was assembled was not that fun either.

Dotty fabric from my stash for the lining. 

Snug as a bug.  Even with the apple case on the iPad is a good fit using the dimensions given in the tutorial.  I like the fact that the earphone jack is accessible even when the iPad is secure in the case. 

I quilted more densely than was really needed but I like it.  This case has a good weight about it and I feel a lot more happy having my iPad bounce around in my handbag now that is has some extra protection.  I think if I didn't have a walking foot on my machine I would have had too much trouble sewing the layers together but that is my only caution for this project, I recommend it.

Bunting

After having so much fun with the Stitched in Color Handstitched class last year I decided to sign up for the Curves class this year.  No, I have not actually finished my Handstitched quilt, but that is beside the point!

I am on a self imposed budget this year so am trying to use as much stash fabric as I can; so far so good.

I made a set in red and green for Possum's room.  Her favourite colour is red.  I didn't have any bias tape so I made some out of some light blue poplin I had here.  She is pretty impressed with my efforts, so am I.

 

Blue got a set in green and blue.  I made enough light blue bias tape to do both sets.  

I do like the fact that they both have green as a feature, and that they both use Denyse Schmidt fabric from the stash.  I also like that I finally used the bias tape maker I bought long ago for the first time on this project; so much more fun to use your gadgets! 

Given we only just painted their rooms over the Christmas holiday period this has been a nice way  to decorate given the neutral paint palette we chose. 

Cute Capelet

I saw a cute capelet last year and thought it would be handy to wear over my summer dresses last October while I was at work for a month. I finished sewing it today so obviously I did not wear it at work, I had to make do with my button cardigans instead.  Oh well!

This is a Retro Butterick pattern B5032.  It was really quick and easy to sew which helps as I am not the most patient person when it comes to sewing clothes.

This is for me, and it does fit but I thought it would be easier to ask for a stand in model to let me take the photos.  I chose to top stitch right around the edges which was not in the pattern but does help it sit more neatly.  I lined it in some Denyse Schmidt fabric which I already had in my stash, but did not think to take a photo of that part. 

I think I will get to wear this a bit this year as I have six months casual work starting this term.  We are enjoying the last of our holidays before Possum and I start school; her fist year in Kindergarten and myself for work, both together!

Infinitude Scarf

I have been trying to clear the WIP pile.  Last year I got busy and craft went on the back burner. This year I am clearing the decks so that I can start afresh.

This is an Infinitude Scarf, it is more a giant cowl and I do like that you can wear it wrapped around three times as above, or twice as shown below.

I knit this in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in colour 300020 Mauve.  I bought this wool back in 2011 so it feels good to be using stash wool.  It is so soft, I love the feel of it.

The pattern is quick*, simple and free, follow the link above to Ravelry and check it out.
*I started it back in July of last year but actual time spent knitting was negligible.

  

A Borrowed Idea

When I went to Sew It Together in Canberra we went to the markets and looked at all manner of wonderful stuff.  I saw some cardigans with buttons sewn on; I resisted the urge to buy it as it was one of those crafts where you think to yourself 'I could do that'.  Most of the time I never get around to actually doing it so I was very impressed with my efforts this time round!

These two cardigans cost me $50 for the pair from Cotton On.  They are a great fit and between the black and the grey I can always find a match for whatever dress or skirt I happen to be wearing.

I did these last year while the Olympics was on, it is a great example that sometimes simple is best and that you don't have to be an expert create something nice.  For some reason I never got around to blogging them but given my lack of finished projects of late I thought I would pop these up now.  Better late than never!