Saturday, April 10, 2010
tutorial: custom mug cosy
jacqui shows us how to make up a custom-sized cosy for mugs that are wider at the top than the bottom, especially ones without handles. It’s easy enough to make them for regular sized cups (plus there’s a few patterns out there) but nothing for those of us with odd-sized mugs! Total discrimination ;) So I’ve written up the really easy way to get a pattern for your own mug, handle-less or not, and included a couple of the ones I’ve made for inspiration.
- new custom fabric printer on the block
- etsy: glam fashion: custom style
- tutorials: purses and wallets
- custom crowns
- how to design a custom sweater
Share and Enjoy:
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Friday, April 9, 2010
Smitten
The Easter Dresses. Repurposed from this. The skirt is the same process as the Evening Empire Dress Pattern, which is really the same process as the quilts too. For the bodices I just generally made rectangles to fit each of the girls. Eleni's (top) gathers up with the skirt by way of two elastic channels. Isabela's has a triangular detail in front and only gathers up with elastic in back. And has crisscross straps. A requested feature.
I don't think I have to tell you that I am smitten with spring, sewing, zigzag patchwork or little girls. But I have to tell you (must) that I am blown over by how gorgeous the outside is currently. Not popping bulbs or planted flowers or tended gardens actually- but the amazing landscape that is the green grass right now. It looks like a raucous party of dandelions, clover, violets, and all sorts of other uninvited guests. Parties are always best when crashed. Smitten I tell you!
Which reminds me, I'm not sure the littlest girls know how to make a dandelion necklace. D-a-n-d-e-l-i-o-n-N-e-c-k-l-a-c-e-s. There. On this weekend's list.
xoxo, Anna "
Tri-color Obi Belt
This belt is so weird but so sexy. Much like S and myself.
$14.99 at The Limited "
Lattice Works: Turning Trash to Treasure
Every year, the San Francisco City Dump selects various local Bay Area artists for its coveted Recology Artist in Residence program. If chosen, the artists are granted every dumpster diver's dream: 24-hour access to 44 acres of recycling facilities and public disposal areas -- aka the Transfer Station, aka the dump. Each artist is given a stipend and works on site for 4 months, combing the grounds for workable materials. At the end of the residency the dump holds a reception, and the results are almost always intriguing. One guy even spun records he pulled from the refuse. From trash to treasures!
To date, my favorite work has come from Barbara Holmes, a woodworker, sculptor, and teacher who spent her residency making, among other things, these intricate geometric forms out of reclaimed lattice. There's something magical that happens in the tonal gaps where the wood once crisscrossed. Be sure to check out her blog, re(f)use, where she documented her process and the show. Read about this year's recipients at Art Slant. And if you're in the area, come check it out! The first shows will be held on May 14 and 15, 2010. [via Teagan Tall]
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Free Project: Plastic Canvas Wash ‘n’ Go
Taking my lunch to the office has become second nature to me, and part of that is keeping a place setting around the office. It’s just easier than toting it back and forth. But it’s not easier to keep them clean. That is until now!
Check out my awesome plastic canvas box:
That contains…ta-da!
My very own washing kit. I just took a leftover jar and filled it with 1 T. dish soap and topped it off with water.
I rolled up and tucked in a dishcloth, the perfect knit dishcloth worked in two colors of cotton vs wool and cotton.
Now I’m all set!
The really great thing about this box is that I can run it through the dishwasher on the top rack because it’s plastic canvas and cotton yarn.
Here is how you can make your own
::Materials::
2 – Plastic canvas, 30 x 30
3 – Plastic canvas, 16 x 30
2 – Plastic canvas, 6 x 32
2 – Plastic canvas, 6 x 18
1 – Plastic canvas, 18 x 32
20 yards – Cotton yarn, worsted weight
1 yarn needle
::Directions::
Stitch together the lid – Two 6 x 32, 6 x 18, 18 x 32
Stitch together the bottom – Two 30 x 30, Three 16 x 30
I just take my dishes and my little kit to the wash room and wash them right up as needed.
I also use it when Ames C.art has events so we can wash out all our mugs when we finish up. Hot chocolate and tea have become the standing order at all our events.
Have a great weekend and happy washing!
Kristin Roach
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"Wednesday, April 7, 2010
glueing fabric to my walls (and a book wreath)
That's a lot of white on white - we're not allowed to paint. Sometimes apartment dwelling sucks. When I finally own a house, the walls are going to have color!
I didn't want my pretty wreath to go to waste though, so I tried something a little daring and pasted fabric to my wall! (click on the link for instructions and the cornstarch paste recipe). Ok, so it isn't really daring. It is actually very apartment-friendly, because the fabric will just peel off when it is time to come down (I can even wash the fabric and re-use it!). A little color goes a long way, don't you think?
It was so much fun I have been looking for other places to paste fabric. Like this little peekaboo of color I added to the peephole on our front door:
I still have about a quart of cornstarch paste left over. This could get dangerous.