Young Designer In Training

Isn't this how all fashion designers got started? I learned to sew by making doll clothes by hand before my mother would let me use the sewing machine. I adore this image by Arthur Rackham, don't you? It's chilly this morning and it rained all night, a perfect day to sit on the sofa and look at pretty pictures in books. Agreed? Happy Friday, Rosemary.




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Fabric Basket, Bin, Bucket Tutorials (Sewing)

Tutorial: Fabric Basket

No-interfacing Storage Basket Tutorial

Square-bottomed canvas bucket with TUTORIAL

Collapsible Storage Baskets

I have often admired some of these crafts on Etsy but have wanted to make my own. Now I can and so can you. Thank me later. The first one would be good for Easter. It's not necessary do do the little pieces sewn together if you have a nice print you want to use instead. I'm excited, aren't you?

Original source for these tutorials found @ How About Orange but some were no longer available or missing pages.




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Easy Chair Covers Made From Dish Towels

Don't you absolutely love this idea? I have two bistro chairs and I think I'll make covers for their backs out of some pretty dish towels that are too nice to use for drying dishes. So beautiful and so easy too. Wouldn't you like to be invited to this picnic?


via Pretty Picnics


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Canning Jar Sewing Kit

This is such a cute idea. I never thought about making a sewing kit out of a canning jar, did you? I found this image over at My Island Wedding. All you would have to do is pad the jar seal and top it with a decorative fabric, apply a bead of hot glue to the inside edge of the outer ring, snap it back together and there you are. These would be great to carry around with you if you are working on one special project. Sewing on buttons? Put them all in the jar along with your smallest sewing scissors, needle and thread, beeswax (I always wax my thread before sewing on buttons) and any other small items you might need. The possibilities are endless. Nice inexpensive idea for gifts too.




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Less is More

Isn't this wonderful?

"Sophisticated simplicity should never die. Less is more."

I grew up sewing on one of those old Singer sewing machines.


via


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Use it up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without

 I grew up hearing these words from my grandparents who were adults during the first depression.

 I was reminded of them while I was busy designing today's quote.

 Webster's coat was ripped on one side and I patched it for him over the weekend. Now he will be wearing it for years to come. Aren't you impressed that I am following my own advice?

Make Do and Mend

Love this.

I grew up sewing and still keep my machine set up all the time for quick mending. I've never owned anything but a Singer. We always had a black one.
Clare Owen Illustration.





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Hedgehog pincushion + Beatrix Potter | Perfect Day + Peter Rabbit BBC Videos

I know, I know, I wrote about this fantastic hedgehog pincushion yesterday. I think this is a better picture so that you can appreciate his real beauty. I found a wonderful video on YouTube that shows him in real life in a few shots. I don't know how I could possibly have missed this television series.

It was produced by the BBC and was called: The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends. One of my readers told me about it in a comment on one of my previous posts about Beatrix Potter. No, this is not a blog about Miss Potter...she just keeps coming up lately for some reason.

Anyway...this video is in two parts. Let me know if you like it.

The show's theme song 'Perfect Day' is also on YouTube. It is hauntingly beautiful and I recommend it highly. Here's hoping today is your perfect day!

You will enjoy the DVD boxed set The Beatrix Potter Collection based on the BBC Series


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Sewing Machine Cover made from a tea towel . . .

I've been saving this idea from a very old Martha Stewart Living Magazine for quite some time. I keep my sewing maching out at all times so I can mend or sew a seam at the drop of a hat. I always have to dust it off too. I think I am going to make one of these covers. I have all the necessary supplies including a roll of white cotton twill tape. I will post a photo when mine is finished. This looks like a fun and easy project!




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Handmade Fabric Gift Bags I whipped up . . .

I just wanted you to see my last minute Christmas wrapping inspiration. I actually made these gift bags on Christmas Day. I had some awkward presents to wrap and deliver and did not have any boxes. I had some fabric still on the bolt and I quickly whipped up some cloth bags. It couldn't have been easier. I did not iron the seams or anything. Just quickly measured around the item, cut the rectangle, folded it over and sewed down the side and bottom, trimmed the corners, turned inside out, and then did a quick hem at the top. I didn't put a drawstring...not enough time and too much trouble. I just bunched the top and tied with a nice ribbon.

Aren't they beautiful? The recipients might be able to use the bags for something else too! I was so pleased with myself. Sometimes it pays to procrastinate; you have to improvise and great ideas come out of thin air.