Fun, Fast and Fabulous Sewing Projects

BurdaStyle.com

2008-10-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

BurdaStyle.com is my latest discovery. It is a great source for free patterns, sewing how to's, and great sewing inspiration. You do have to join the site before you can download any of the free patterns, but it is free you just need to have an email address. These are my favorite patterns so far:
Oven Mittens
Sophia Girl's Playset

Vintage Home Economics

2008-08-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I ran across an old SaturdayEvening Post that had George Hughes' painting "Cookie Tester" , at the time I wished I could find a print of this for my office at school. I just recently found a website where you can order the prints from old Saturday Evening Post covers. So if anyone is interested here is where you can purchase these prints and many more. http://www.curitspublishing.com/ The first picture is by Constantin Alajalov printed 2/28/1953 titled "Home Ec". The second is titled Setting the table was printed 2/16/1957 , by Stevan Dohanos. The third picture is by George Hughes "Cookie Tester" printed 5/28/1960.

My niece's first sewing projects

2008-07-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

For my 10 year old nieces birthday I gave her some sewing lessons. She was really excited about learning to use the sewing machine! We first made a covered notebook with Moda's Funkey Monkey fabric. This project was great to introduce the machine and how it feels to have the fabric moving through the machine. Then we made a pillowcase from another of Moda's wonderful fabric. I love the instructions for the pillowcase. You don't have to worry about having a student turn down a traditional hem on the opening. This method produces a much easier, successful method. I changed the amount of fabric used to make it fit a standard pillow. 3/4 yard for main body, 1/2 yard for top, 1 1/2 yard cotton large rick-rack.

The sewing lessons were a success and now she is always begging her mother to pull out their sewing machine.

Recycled Levi Apron

2008-05-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a great Project for those Jeans that just don't fit right anymore. Each Apron uses just one pant leg. The wider the pant the more coverage you will have on your apron. Save your little ones pants and make a child size apron!