Iron Craft challege 14 and the wristlets I made.



The challenge this week was a difficult one for me - had to step outside my comfort zone. It was suppose to be sort of an Artist Trading Card - the idea was postcards. I DO NOT scrap! So I decided to sew one up. That was where it got difficult, I wanted to use all vintage things, but didn't want to ruin anything. That doesn't work does it?? So I chose a vintage quilt square, a hand embroidered dresser scarf, vintage pictures, old pins and quotes out of a vintage book. Whoa. So this is what I came up with

This is the first time we have exchanged any of our challenges and today I mailed this to Canada!

My next item is a wristlet I had made for the show back in March.  I made 12 I think and had only 3 left, not too bad really.  Plus, I made three others special order that I have already delivered and been paid for!  For these I add a vintage earring or brooch.  Make it special, let's face it, unless you have the other earring (which you don't I do:)) NO ONE else will have a bag like this regardless . . .  but isn't it so adorable!

The zipper on this one is vintage also. I also have to say, I don't think I have taken a better picture of anything either! But you know what the kick in the pants is? Only $20. Yep, cheap.

Wouldn't this black one be perfect for Prom? Cell phone, cash, lip stick, ID. Maybe one more thing no mother wants to admit too . . . would all fit perfect!



March 30th was National Doctor Appreciation day.  Our unit observed it and I offered to make them gift bags.  Somehow came up with idea for bow ties (bow ties or no ties is a movement the hospital is trying to initiate)   Anyway, I made 14 bow ties for our docs and they were super cute too.  I didn't do the regular bow tie that they would have to tie themselves, I bought the pattern off http://www.etsy.com wish I could remember her name. . . oh well - I will post that later, anyway the docs all got scarlet and grey (duh) but what you are about to see is a smaller version I made this evening.  I have this vintage tux I had picked up a couple Halloween's ago that I think will make awesome bow ties!!  Perfect for Grooms men's gifts perhaps?????  anyway, when I get there, I will post those put something to chew on for now is the little gentlemen ties.

Come on!!  So cute!

Til next time. I'll be sewing. :)

Some new bags.

So, or should it be sew?  Anyway, since the show, I have actually been sewing even more and totally enjoying it.  I think it is because I feel I got such a positive response. There could not have been that many people just feeling sorry for me right?  trust me - I am right.

I am now overwhelmed with everything I want to create.  I had sewn vintage clip on earrings onto some of these small wristlets I had made.  They were a big hit!  Now,I want to sew them onto everything - they really were that cute.  I won't but I would like too!


Damn, just tried to put a photo up, but only have it on my phone. So now I am going to put up some of the vinyl one's I have been working on. Those were a big hit too, not sure why - it is clear vinyl over fabric. Super easy to keep clean i guess is the attraction. Here they are.





This last one leaves a little something to be desired I think, just can't get it right yet, the curve is throwing me for a loop.

So the next one is a great big bag that I adore!!! I made it in white/blue also.  I think I have some yellow cut out also.

Isn't that awesome?  Think of how cute you would be in pictures hiding behind this behemoth!  Love it!  One of the girls I did the show with is making me a big flower out of red/oranges polka dot fabric to go over the flap.  There will be riots over owning this!

So here is just a couple more for your viewing pleasure!



Okay, any suggestions?  I have to figure out a way for you to see the wristlets!  Really will love them!





The Crafty B's of Bexley Trunk show was a huge success!

So the Trunk show that the Crafty B's hosted this weekend went great!!  We had so many friends, family, neighbors and strangers show up and I honestly think they were wowed by our collective work!  It was fun to work with a group of ladies to plan this who have had similar concerns and thoughts all along the way also! 
My dad made these awesome "trees" for us to showcase our work in the windows of the space we used, hopefully soon I will have photos of those to share!
I met multiple other inspiring sewers during this event!  I wish I had written down their names, but am hoping to run into them again soon, they all live in Bexley too so I think there is a good chance I will.
As always when preparing for a show, I got overwhelmed with all my fabric and pattern choices, but have a ton of new ideas I can't wait to get started on! Hopefully I will be posting photos soon, I have a couple on my facebook page so check those out for now!

Real Quick

Hi all,
Just wanted to real quick bring you up to date on some bags I have recently made and let you know that Me and the Crafty B's are hostessing a Trunk Show this weekend.  See my facebook page for detailed details!  I have been cutting up a storm on bags and vintage pillow case dresses!  Now I need to sew up a storm.  Sewing seems to take so much less time - in my mind anyway. 
I made the following for my girlfriend's daughters to give to their "big sis/little sis" dancing friends before their competitions last weekend.  The Glam Bag was for a 10 year old who's favorite color is turquoise.  the yellow bag was for a 17 year old who's fave is yellow.  I think they ended up hitting the mark - if I knew what the mark was:).

So enjoy the photos!  Let me know what you think!

The Iron Craft Challenge 5

So this week we were asked to "Create a Valentine."  I know everyone thinks for sure my romantic side was just bursting with ideas right?  Yeah right.  Luckily I had purchased yet another cake plate a few weeks ago at the thrift store that I had yet to put away and was smacked with a great idea.. . . . . A CAKE.  I have to be honest, not sure the cake and frosting are all that great.  The cake was Devil's Food (which I thought appropriate b/c of Valentines) but the butter frosting is lacking something.  Like sweetness.  Fortunately, this little challenge is over the Internet and I don't have to tote the cake down to Church basement to be judged. Whew.

I did use the Heart Cutout's from Target dollar AGAIN for this challenge.  Hard to tell now, but those are paper hearts forming the first impression of this Valentine.

Next I found a "snowflake heart" on-line. Printed, enlarged and cut it all out.  It went a bit astray from there as you can tell.  The snowflake got stuck multiple times and so some of the hearts look like, well, you can see. Nothing, something? Art is in the eye of the beholder right?

So once I got the snowflake cut out, I sprinkled the whole top with hot pink sugar crystals.  FYI, you just, "rub off" those crystals from the top of the cake.  They do stick.  Oh well.

Anyway, posting this tomorrow first thing on Flicker under the iron craft.  Seriously people, check this out!  You will want to do at least one thing on it even if you don't post it.  It's freezing outside, what else are you going to do?

HUGS!

My bunting is on someone else's website!

So the bunting I made is on theironcraft.blogspot.com!  Of course, everyone that submitted a photo made her page, but still.  I could've been the first she refused!  Anyway, there are many awesome buntings on the site, I really think you ought to check it out!
Take care all.

Iron Craft

Hello all! It sure has been awhile hasn't it?  Happy New Year!

This post is going to be a little different from the others.  I had mentioned in my heading that this blog is "about sewing and other things I create", but I have never posted those "other things I create".  Well now I am!  Take a gander at my Valentine's Day Bunting.

Somewhere in the blogging world I found a site called Iron Craft.  Iron Craft is a site dedicated to challenging crafty people to create a different craft once a week. I didn't partake the first 2 weeks, but joined in the fun this week.  The first week's challenge was to create "Winter Light".  If you visit the site, you will see some super amazing candle holders, white lights etc. The second week the challenge was to create a draft dodger.  One of those snakes that goes in front of your door or window to stop the draft. . . anyway there are some really cute (I know, who thought those could be cute?) items that were made. And while looking at all those photos I got jealous of all the creativity these other crafters were using!  So I made the bunting.  It was fairly simple, and I think, it is unique.  Here's how it went down. 

I had already purchased 2 packs of heart shaped doilies from the Target Dollar Bin.  Each pack had 20 hearts in it, I have only used one so far. Well, I sewed the hearts together using my sewing machine.  Now that wasn't terribly hard, but a few suggestions. 1) use a top stitch needle, a leather one was too much. 2) feed the hearts in slowly but separately 3) it isn't going to be perfect, even if Martha did it her personal self.  That's fine isn't it?  I think so.

After sewing them together I picked out about 25 buttons. Some red, some pink keeping with the Valentine's theme.  I then hand sewed the buttons on, alternating around the doilies where the button's were placed in order to keep the doilies from sagging in just one direction.  After actually sewing the first couple buttons on as if they keeping a set of DD's in place on a hooker, I realized, oh I only need to sew thru each hole on the button once or twice.  The paper was actually left more stable by only inserting the needle thru the same area those few times rather then securing it more.  Once all the buttons were on, all I had to do was find a cute spot for the super cute result!

If you want to join Iron Craft it's easy!  I might also mention out right, it isn't a requirement that you do all the crafts. You can just pick and choose.  Of course the "challenge" is to actually attempt all the crafts, thereby stepping outside your crafting comfort zone.  I definitely enjoyed my time creating this bunting and am looking very forward to the rest of the crafts this year.  Also, checking out other crafter's creations so openly is very cool.

Enjoy!

Peat and Repeat Sews: Sounds like fun to me!

Peat and Repeat Sews: Sounds like fun to me!

theironcraft.blogspot.com

Sounds like fun to me!

This is a year long challenge to craft something new and probably out of your comfort zone!  I am really going to try and do this weekly.  Hope to see some familiar friends doing it too!

I love explaining myself

I love explaining myself.  I must.  Why else would I wait so long to post? Why else would I sew a few purses together in a mad rush?  I don't know. Does inspiration hit me all of sudden?  I day dream about what to sew together.  Sometimes Vera Bradley is in my daydreams.  She looks a lot like Jacob Marley.  But she always critiques my stitches.  Which makes me critique hers when I am out and about. Lo and behold, her stitches aren't perfect - nor are mine.  Then I want to reach out and say to the lady with that bag.  " I could've hooked you up much cheaper." Which, see, then I can explain myself again!  Circle of life baby.

Had a brush with infamy this week.  Two people were in line at the local Chipoltle - each had an edition of my purse.  No one told me if they compared stitches, but I am thinking they didn't.  Neither one of them like explaining themselves and they like me - so they extolled my sewing virtures.  I was just glad to hear they were both carrying one of my bags 3 months later!

Have put together a bag you will see that I totally copied from *mixieblue*.  Had to add those star things so I don't have to pay her infringement penalties.  She doesn't make and sell the bags anymore, but I continually hear there is a need for them so today, I created one and it looks decent.  I need a label.  I just can't committ.  Anyway . . .this may be my fortune. Or at least Christmas money.

Take care, let  me know if you need a new fall bag. I am all in on that one!

Bridal Party Purses

Oh my friends, the summer is drawing to close. Aren't we all a little sad? Not me really. I love the fall! Dark colors look best on me and hide dirt. I don't have to water the plants as much, although many of them get moved inside for the winter. I don't have to wear 4 layers of clothing in the basement while sewing because the air conditioner is on. Oh yeah, this is a sewing blog! So let me fill you in.

I made 6 purses for a friend to give as gifts to her bridal party. Her bridesmaid/matron dresses are eggplant. I found a lovely print - from I believe Anna Maria Horner - and was also able to find many "co-ordinating" fabrics not even from her line! So each one is truly unique! I made two different styles. One a long strapped carry all and one a small wristlet. Let's face it, some ladies will never - ever - ever use a wristlet. They just don't know when would be a good time, or will forget about it because, when would they use it? Anyway, the over the shoulder strap one is for the "functional gift only" friend. It might be a tiny bit fancy and fun, but, still usable. We all know that girl. Darnit.

Back to the wristlet.

It is a pattern from Amy Butler. It is the third pattern from her that I have endeavored to complete, and the third time I have felt unfulfilled. I always feel like it is just shy enough away from the picture to look tacky. I think this time though, the wristlet still looked really nice, but the functional purse looks better. That was the let down, I only did the functional one out of guilt, then it looked better. Oh well, live and learn.

I also recently purchased an Anna Maria Horner pattern I am nervous to undertake. I REALLY like the  possible finished product.   So I bought some cheapie fabric from a large chain that I liked, but wasn't married too, so if I mess up the pattern I won't be overly disappointed and only out a few dollars. I have seen this purse created at a couple different stores Sew To Speak and Quilt Beginnings and it is LOVELY. Point here, if insecure about your capabilities, start cheap, practice and pawn off on family if it doesn't work out. What family member is going to tell you the item looks like he77? Not one you were speaking to anyway. There are reasons you speak to favorite family members!

Can not recall if I told everyone I made myself a wrap around skirt. The work itself was fine. I was actually impressed with my self to tell the truth.  I don't do many pieces of clothing.  But a girl without a definitive waist ought not be sporting a wrap around skirt. Why they make the pattern sizes that high is beyond me. To me, that implies it will look appropriate on a person of the larger sizes. Then again, they make bikinis in my size too. I wouldn't buy one and I wouldn't wear one. Enough said?

So, hopefully with the onset of the fall, I will be sewing more. Sharing more, selling more. Oh I dream.

Til the next time, enjoy the change in seasons!

Presentation

So, I haven't been stagnent since my last post. I have accomplished much and that is part of the reason I haven't been able to post anything. I have pictures of samples of what I have been doing that I am posting after the blogging. But I cannot for the life of me figure out how to take these damn pictures. My stuff doesn't look near as fab as it does in person. Because let me TELL YOU this stuff looks good. Any suggestions on how to photograph things? someone said a white background. I tried that. I don't think it's the wrinkles that make it look . . . well like I pulled it out from under the bed. I don't know what kind of light to use, if I should use the flash etc. When I study other blogs like annamariehorner.blogspot.com Her photos are amazing. Are her kids taking these? There is another blog called angrychicken (not sure if it's wordpress or blogspot without actually going to the site) that has fab pictures. I am thinking I am the only semi creative person I know of that doesn't have an iota of photographic capability.

I have made lots of cupcake skirts recently. At least we know the world of little misses are lookin good out there! I also made a cupcake skirt for my girlfriends sister's bacholarette party out of Cleveland Browns fabric. I am going to try and post some of the photos of her siter IN the skirt b/c it came out way better than anticipated. On my friends behalf what a great idea!

You will also see a tote bag I made for my favorite 17 year old for her birthday. Found this fabric at sewtospeak.blogspot.com in clintonville, oh. My fave 17 yr.old is a life guard, teaches swim lessons and coaches swimming. I used the pattern that I made the bright pink peacock purse (SOLD IT!!:))out of. But didn't pleat it as suggested. See what you can do with one simple pattern?? All the things you can make? The lining fabric is actually "lamenated" so will wick the moisture from her goggles etc. For her teeny tiny bikini I made a seperate bag. I think I could have made it smaller even, as she is 17 and lovely. But, perhaps she will be able to use the tote for a long time!

I was fortunate enough to work with some Japanese Linen that I could/would never have bought for myself. ($$$) I love this purse. I am so thankful that the planned project did not work out for my mom. She didn't even make me pay for it!! AND I have enough to make myself a purse and her too! Not matching, for heaven's sake, but similar with AWESOME fabric.

I did make myself a wraparound skirt two weeks ago. (Really in nonvacation time was a week ago.) I am hesitant to wear it though as wearing homemade and carrying homemade are two different things. And I don't think if I do receive a compliment I will be able to pass it off as Anthropologie. Know what I mean?

Next time, I am going to show you my pergola with the new seat cushions I made from painters drop cloth. Saved me hundreds!!!

In parting, I need to leave this quote I found. I think it speaks volumes and am truly suprised that Erma Bombeck said it only b/c it is more emo than I feel she did regularly.

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

Don't you agree!? LET FREEDOM RING.

Productivity

So, I promised some additional things on the blog this week. Oh, I didn't forget, I am just nervous about showing what else I do. Why??? Because it isn't perfect. I mean come on, with the blog even the goverment can laugh at me!! It came out okay, I do sorta like it, it will be fine where it sits under the pergola. It won't be all I pictured it being. You know, I thought a magizine would for sure hear about it and be at my house for a photo shoot before I had time to get it done. Well, it's fine and don't rush to the magazine isle to see it.

The word fine. Who else hates it? It defines nothing. Totally noncommital. That's why I am not in love with this project. It is fine, it will do. But no guest will notice it, they will just sit on it and at some point even I will forget it is at my disposal. I'll probably buy a duplicate.

But the next thing I have to show you is a purse I am crazy in love with!! (It is way better than FINE!). Serious. I can picture this purse in a dozen fabrics, with all kinds of handles and all kinds of cities! Sisters, I love this purse. I think this is the feeling Vera Bradley had right before she went B.I.G.

Was fortunate to sell some really cute skirts this week and am tickled pink about that!! It was the "cupcake" skirt. Figured out how to finish the waist band so it looks way more professional and the feeling of accomplishment that goes with that is incredible. Love this skirt. Would almost be willing to "donate" one to every girl child born at Riverside on a Friday. I also received a book from my dearest auntie this week that is going to change the way I promote myself and make you actually enjoy my blog. I can't out her, but everyone of you are going to be thankful she hooked me up!

So please leave a comment on this site for me so I know if anyone is reading this. Also, it will also let me know if the purse is horrid. I don't want to misrepresent myself.

Cheers.
Ivena

That Amy Butler I promised. And a comment or two.

Hello Friends.

I spoke in the last post about an Amy Butler purse pattern I had picked up; what I didn't tell about was this incredible fabric I picked up at Sew To Speak. I didn't ruin the surprise after all did I??


Isn't it awesome? I had to buy the pattern because I didn't have one that was large enough to encompass the awesome motif! Now, a couple comments about the pattern.

A. Little hard to follow, lots of parts to piece together with very similar names. I think it could be dumbed down so it went quicker and less frustrating. This is just me. Others might think this pattern was a walk in the park. But I have a penchant for the PDF patterns I buy off etsy.com that comes with lots of pictures and super easy instructions.

B. Does anyone know why she likes sew-in batting. Lord, that was hell.

Okay done. Hope you enjoy the final product. Feel free to make a comment or two. This blog is supposed to be interactive.

By the way, hopefully soon, I will be showing a couple other tricks I have up my sleeve. That's right kiddo, I am not a one trick pony!

Desire to be perfect.

Hello all. It occurred to me this evening as I was putting together an apron, and taking it apart, that we all want everything we do to be perfect. I had a small slope in my hem on this apron, so took out 44 inches of hem and redid it. It was about 2 inches long of slope increased from the baseline MAYBE 1/4 inch. Was this overkill?? HELL YES. So now, there are holes where the old hem was and I spent 40 minutes picking out loose threads. That was when it occurred to me, who in the world would have noticed that slope? Well, I would have. But that is because I look for imperfections in what I do. You know what that leads me to do? Under price what I do and devalue my time. (Devalue MIGHT not be a word, but I like it!)

Anyway, I think most people who "craft" do this. Yesterday I was looking through a BHG mag and an advertisment had a sewn coushin and I could see how the fabric was angled wrong on one corner. WHO CARES?? Did the overall room still look incredible? YES it did. Did the aforementioned apron still look adorable with the slope?? I am going with yes. But I spent 40 minutes fixing a little imperfection.

I think Van Gough started with all mistakes. Certainly upon first seeing his art people did not think "wow, that's incredible". But I beat myself up over tiny mis-stiches.

So the point to all of this? For the people who say " I could never do that". I REALLY think you are wrong. I think the fear of not being perfect in our creations truly holds us all back. Sloppy is one thing, but a small imperfection only you can see or some OCD freak like myself would see is another.

So now, if you see my stuff in person, and it looks sloppy, let me know. But if you see it and you tell me that looks great, FOR NOW ON I am just going to say thank you with a smile and not point out to you where the mistake is!

I am posting a few things I completed this week and hope you enjoy them. Next week look for a couple more cupcake skirts and I picked up a new to me Amy Butler purse pattern and a SUPER KICKA$$ fabric from Sew To Speak this week. It is killing to do the other stuff I have to complete first.

Take Care. And really, why not try something new?

Wow, first blog.

Okay, so I am starting a blog so everyone (who wants to, I know EVERYONE won't want to) can view the things I spend my time in the basement creating, copying and forcing on a vast majority of people I know.

I guess I should start with some information about myself for those that don't know me but are interested in starting.

I am a sorta full time mom (I mean, yeah my boys live with me, yeah I take care of them, yeah I love them to bits, but lets face it, they aren't reading this so what do they care ;) anyway. I do the wife thing too when I can fit it in. Ask him, that's about the truth of it. I also clock in as a critical care nurse 36 hours a week. So, when I am not caught up in the aforementioned, I go to my basement and I sew. And this is what this blog is about. My sewing. I do get easily sidetracked so I won't guarantee anything . . .

I have been able to sew curtains, pillows and a little mending for a few years now. About two years ago I decided to try a purse. You know, something the rest of the world that I DIDN'T KNOW could judge. Come on, if it's in my house, what ARE people going to say?? Anyway, I have gotten much better and much braver. I can do aprons, little girl skirts, large purses, even sectional slipcovers. I can sew leatherish handles onto purses by hand (no easy feat trust me) and last week I "created" my own pattern.

I love sewing. I love people ohhing and ahhing over my things - although most of it is stuff from patterns. I sewed it!! The sense of accomplishment is abundant. The whole 9 yards is rewarding. That is unless I have sat there taking one purse apart 3 times and still can not figure out what those instructions intend for me do. I love seeing and touching what other people have created! I mean, holding something hand crafted and thinking to yourself "where did that idea come from?" can mesmerize me. Doesn't it you? Then, don't you think to yourself, "how would I do that?"

So, even if you don't enjoy the writing, I hope you enjoy the photos!! I am up for sharing ideas, constructive criticism and your funny stories! I am so looking forward to this journey!

Enjoy!
Ivena (long i long v long e - na)