tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56315378252938923232024-03-12T16:42:52.451-07:00Southpaw Craftscrafting fun and moreMargaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-61892639332276930342014-05-28T20:19:00.000-07:002014-05-28T20:19:32.926-07:00Candy Wrapper Zipper Pouch - less than successful (not quite a pin fail)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUJ8sU-WDN04gRnmYRYP5t1ytJ1Q3NnR58K_ZL92etHPlzXZyS-_kJeDHTxeNogcLtwIIF_6_Duh8JVolphAJiV01jMaY-_Ka-uKbLxKC0x4-aC1OyaAcsEHhtAXzZNQ9v_amh3Jw7JY/s1600/candy+wrapper+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUJ8sU-WDN04gRnmYRYP5t1ytJ1Q3NnR58K_ZL92etHPlzXZyS-_kJeDHTxeNogcLtwIIF_6_Duh8JVolphAJiV01jMaY-_Ka-uKbLxKC0x4-aC1OyaAcsEHhtAXzZNQ9v_amh3Jw7JY/s1600/candy+wrapper+bag.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cotton (the dog) and the Candy Wrapper Glasses Case</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'll refrain from calling this a Pin(terest) Fail, but it wasn't the roaring success I envisioned. I saw these candy wrappers turned into zipper pouches and thought, "this would be so fun to do with a group of teens." Um, glad I tried it out first. And since then I've had no desire to try it out with a large group.<br />
<br />
The basic idea is to use iron on vinyl (I found mine at a sewing machine store, but I've since seen it at Walmart) to laminate the candy wrapper. Then sew it into a pouch with a zipper across the long side.<br />
<br />
Here's my first attempt:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteqj6I4Bwjb-WqvD5zZeLcqCmauMCeSefeFxBTVD1v47kf6x-xaCAbHBD927eKE9W7H82s3vYYcVoSxP8BhoW9RkNnOE7SYNyiuU3TvJmajhVl8mK4-NH8APjzjdo4WhIgLk0Ax7wjWE/s1600/IMG_8786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteqj6I4Bwjb-WqvD5zZeLcqCmauMCeSefeFxBTVD1v47kf6x-xaCAbHBD927eKE9W7H82s3vYYcVoSxP8BhoW9RkNnOE7SYNyiuU3TvJmajhVl8mK4-NH8APjzjdo4WhIgLk0Ax7wjWE/s1600/IMG_8786.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melted Vinyl and wrapper!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Good thing I was using a piece of fabric between the iron and the vinyl and then under the wrapper too! If a little heat is a good thing, more heat is better, right? Wrong!<br />
<br />
The iron on vinyl makes the candy wrapper "fabric" sewable but like you are sewing vinyl (funny how that happens).<br />
<br />
The hardest part of the project isn't ironing on the vinyl. It's actually turning the pouch right side out. Three of us completed (or attempted to) complete this project together. The Spree wrapper didn't make it past go. The Skittles wrapper attempt tore through the seam when turning right side out (too small), but the M&M wrapper made it to completion. The corners aren't nice and neat, but they are functional and the dog is still looking for the missing M&Ms!!<br />
<br />
<u><i><b>If you try this type of project here are my suggestions</b></i></u> (learn from my mistakes):<br />
1. get the largest wrapper you can (it would make turning the project right side out easier)<br />
2. test out your ironing temp and duration on a scrap before using the real wrapper (more excuses to eat chocolate are always a good thing)<br />
3. don't consider this a beginner sewing project<br />
4. don't mentally consider this a fabric-like pouch, just pretend you are sewing a plastic pouch<br />
5. vinyl sticks to the sewing machine foot. I used tissue paper between my foot and my wrapper to solve this problem, but maybe putting tape on the bottom of the sewing machine foot would work as well? (anyone tried it?) Because I was using tissue paper I used small stitches so the paper would be nicely perforated and easy to tear off, but it also made the vinyl more perforated and easier to tear (bother).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil80w7YgvKPr0l4PDgsBDVtxWL8rbUDm-SoPXqey8P2-gpAAkM9RcLcYI8bYEFqPUN6hfao0fDy_nUvVhzfELvkVPgzpvdpV_Sv0j_z4zM5dlunmswBTsR_umT98VnK4OsIWlitlEMBtQ/s1600/IMG_8785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil80w7YgvKPr0l4PDgsBDVtxWL8rbUDm-SoPXqey8P2-gpAAkM9RcLcYI8bYEFqPUN6hfao0fDy_nUvVhzfELvkVPgzpvdpV_Sv0j_z4zM5dlunmswBTsR_umT98VnK4OsIWlitlEMBtQ/s1600/IMG_8785.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so awesome results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So remember, not every awesome looking project will turn out awesome in real life, but have fun trying and remember that failure is an option and I'm not afraid to admit I failed on this project.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3weOY15T-3vVFLWl60-7XcZwd9UmK4QJQFZX5P6lObxAmEAQZH-z1LzvZBN7dXgJrZMulz8l_0HrWSvTHH7TXKXFBC6JWIInCeeLuE3zQJ9ELRuo2pL_fLlt8Hy22H9AWvKRpFCm25kk/s1600/candy+wrapper+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3weOY15T-3vVFLWl60-7XcZwd9UmK4QJQFZX5P6lObxAmEAQZH-z1LzvZBN7dXgJrZMulz8l_0HrWSvTHH7TXKXFBC6JWIInCeeLuE3zQJ9ELRuo2pL_fLlt8Hy22H9AWvKRpFCm25kk/s1600/candy+wrapper+bag.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome picture though! Thanks Katrina and Cotton for the pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-66016349987195256912014-05-23T06:00:00.002-07:002014-05-23T06:00:55.299-07:00Sew San Antonio - Virtual Fabric Shop Hop - Sew Special Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bwqp_srKy6xgL5Rqv9P22RxHL_3dFDZkJYYtehqNMPUAFJdsqoP6va2_O2VHGvO86y_LkxP4wKEL0t5VoUltFjr8YK8EjdH55XM3M1Dq8Uw_iGxjOOuMrDUA9x8G72Y7NO_STUl1Yow/s1600/2014-05-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bwqp_srKy6xgL5Rqv9P22RxHL_3dFDZkJYYtehqNMPUAFJdsqoP6va2_O2VHGvO86y_LkxP4wKEL0t5VoUltFjr8YK8EjdH55XM3M1Dq8Uw_iGxjOOuMrDUA9x8G72Y7NO_STUl1Yow/s1600/2014-05-09.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Karla of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PetiteChalet?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">Petite Chalet</a> (home of super cute baby bibs and burp cloths - take a look and I know you'll agree) visited our third stop.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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For our third stop on the Virtural
Fabric Shop Hop, I visited Sew Special Quilts, and let me tell you, I
think I’ve found my new favorite fabric store in San Antonio! From
the moment I walked into the store I felt very welcomed. The staff
was friendly, warm, and incredibly helpful. They are located at 5139
N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 110.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sew Special Quilts is the perfect shop
for quilters. They carry large amount of designer cotton fabric
(perfect for quilting). Sew Special Quilts stock Michael Miller,
Moda, and Riley Blake fabrics, just to name a few. Because they stock
high quality fabrics, the prices are a bit higher than Joann’s, but
they have a frequent buyers club program, that I think will help to
make their prices more reasonable. The Frequent Buyers Club cost $20
a year, but you get 10% off your purchase every day, and on the 15<sup>th</sup>
of each month you get 20% off of your purchase. I joined the frequent
buyers club when I visited, and I ended up saving the $20 that I
spent on joining, so it has completely paid for itself already.
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sample of fabric offered at Sew Special
Quilts:</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cotton Fabrics</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Quilters Cotton</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Moda Solids</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Small selection of Flannel</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Batting</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Interfacing</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cotton Apparel Fabric</div>
</li>
</ul>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sample of Sewing and Quilting
Accessories at Sew Special Quilts:</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Quilting Books
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Machine accessories for Bernina
and Baby Lock Machines</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Scissors</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Quilting Gloves</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stabilizers</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rotary cutter</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cutting Mat</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rulers</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zippers</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thread</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Quilt patterns and other various
patterns</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Precut fabric </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40px;">
Fat quarters</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40px;">
Jelly rolls</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40px;">
Charm packs</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40px;">
Mini charm packs</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40px;">
Layer cakes</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40px;">
Honeycomb </div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Machines at Sew Special Quilts</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bernina</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Baby Lock</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sergers</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Embroidery machines
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8aEw0FIhF3cQJE9mpT8vUUvlN3MTtnRyPjtrsN6w9EHpi_oA60PWS47OTfXVui003c3VXyrguOtjZXSPKZbzEghny4WdWlCb3RgM4EKPo-mFLgEr8s4s3FBfG1w8AyhaCa6fXKT8Vj4/s1600/Picture+5-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8aEw0FIhF3cQJE9mpT8vUUvlN3MTtnRyPjtrsN6w9EHpi_oA60PWS47OTfXVui003c3VXyrguOtjZXSPKZbzEghny4WdWlCb3RgM4EKPo-mFLgEr8s4s3FBfG1w8AyhaCa6fXKT8Vj4/s1600/Picture+5-001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Classes at Sew Special Quilts</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Buy a Machine and you can attend
free classes as many times as you wish, to learn your new machine.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
$5 quilt
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Registration is $10 and with an
additional $5.00 charge at your first class.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet once a month to collect your
quilt kit and learn a new technique</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bring your completed quilt block
to class the following month, and receive the next month’s kit
free.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Class Starts in October and runs
for 1 year.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At completion of the class you
will have enough quilt blocks to construct a quilt top.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Various classes
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Embroidery</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Serger Basics</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Silhouette Cameo Cutter</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hand Applique</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bag Lady</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stitch ‘Till Midnight</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Visit their website for a schedule
of classes available http://www.sewspecialsa.com/</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How to get a deal at Sew Special Quilts</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Shop their sale and clearance
items</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Join the Frequent Buyers Club</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remember to shop on the 15<sup>th</sup>
for 20% off your purchase</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheWTazZKNcacK23haJXyXV9ExPUPv907Mx-7bEsAlyZfF6BYkAdDCejWs5N9B1QIVb9h5RoSTYEbZ5YBQgfk1VGE5UqOCvWuQ9NbSN31hyphenhypheneaHhyphenhyphenwtwJhJA85aLUh2_1bON4UnkSArk-M/s1600/Picture+7-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheWTazZKNcacK23haJXyXV9ExPUPv907Mx-7bEsAlyZfF6BYkAdDCejWs5N9B1QIVb9h5RoSTYEbZ5YBQgfk1VGE5UqOCvWuQ9NbSN31hyphenhypheneaHhyphenhyphenwtwJhJA85aLUh2_1bON4UnkSArk-M/s1600/Picture+7-001.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My Favorite Features of Sew Special
Quilts</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Very helpful and experienced
employees</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Current and modern fabric choices</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Designer fabrics</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I usually buy these fabrics
online, but will be buying them from Sew Special Quilts using their
Frequent Buyers Club.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Variety of classes</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Least Favorite Features of Sew Special
Quilts</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Higher prices than Joann’s and
Hobby Lobby</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Doesn’t have a variety of
fabrics other than cotton fabrics</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They are only open until 6:00pm on
Tuesday and Thursday, and 5:00 pm on Monday and Wednesday.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw5CozAE8hhLGptREvK2g7_4hiVFJgwbM5PwbMVzWHmf0ov-TaDRxO9O_AZHAzXmPjvF8f2fj4eQ49rdNN5U73L-SQxaVe7SsO2rLb_pjXFs9xR9nAZxXqTzy5mmRcOSJNLQvRz90Cdg/s1600/Picture+8-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw5CozAE8hhLGptREvK2g7_4hiVFJgwbM5PwbMVzWHmf0ov-TaDRxO9O_AZHAzXmPjvF8f2fj4eQ49rdNN5U73L-SQxaVe7SsO2rLb_pjXFs9xR9nAZxXqTzy5mmRcOSJNLQvRz90Cdg/s1600/Picture+8-002.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Thanks <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/petitechalet" target="_blank">Karla</a> for the amazing review. Be sure to check out Karla's fun and modern baby products. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/182654311/handmade-chevron-baby-quilt-modern-baby?ref=related-1" target="_blank">This one</a> is my favorite at the moment (did I mention Karla's fun modern quilts too?). <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-24092610424941186362014-05-20T12:49:00.000-07:002014-05-23T03:50:48.779-07:00Fleece on Fleece Applique Tutorial<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkPTI7d3teFygxF9HMyPBB_7DnJVg4NOmLZYpr41_paXW_JTRgHTF-EcVWxuEGgaLAf4XwlqKQdsRH2j_BK8cwGfvmEUVNSY0R8rFdcDQUg3hlQrfMD8y5Ph48mO62qM8Udwt-VG2R7M/s1600/2014-05-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkPTI7d3teFygxF9HMyPBB_7DnJVg4NOmLZYpr41_paXW_JTRgHTF-EcVWxuEGgaLAf4XwlqKQdsRH2j_BK8cwGfvmEUVNSY0R8rFdcDQUg3hlQrfMD8y5Ph48mO62qM8Udwt-VG2R7M/s1600/2014-05-14.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
Today I'm showing you how I made my fleeceYoshi pillow. I used the same
technique to make a butterfly pillow too. Just think of the soft fluffy
possibilities!<br />
<br />
Step 1: Determine what image you are going to use. I used a Yoshi headshot found on wiki. <a href="http://southpawcrafts.blogspot.com/2014/05/yoshi-fleece-pillow-diy-gift.html" target="_blank">Find it on my pinterest board.</a> I thought about doing Mario - but I didn't have the colors I needed.<br />
<br />
Step 2: Enlarge and print your picture (I used B&W to save ink) using whatever software you are familiar with. I used Silhouette studio because I'm very familiar with that software. I created a box the size of my finished pillow and then sized the image to look good inside that box.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LPWWLcvA5NDsta5q1dYF-llMgtUuXV6DQ2EmjsvGsFPGDPoefLaW8oTK1_pPJ8V22ChSRhgfUUq5kbzIvIA5sPDndFyW45PEMHUf13RzeSzxM2t3opxoDRpY9EmPOhyphenhyphenspLUIC2VsTEU/s1600/IMG_8839-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LPWWLcvA5NDsta5q1dYF-llMgtUuXV6DQ2EmjsvGsFPGDPoefLaW8oTK1_pPJ8V22ChSRhgfUUq5kbzIvIA5sPDndFyW45PEMHUf13RzeSzxM2t3opxoDRpY9EmPOhyphenhyphenspLUIC2VsTEU/s1600/IMG_8839-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoshi likes the garden!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step 3: Use your handy "light table"/window to trace an outline of your image onto freezer paper. In an effort to think ahead I used a piece of freezer paper the size of my finished pillow (16"x16"). Then I made a second outline on freezer paper for later. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqH59RZCa4xzuuHSUu2uipgTdnCcVMUeDblqaXrWHkPlM8KIh-eDDUH4EkuMIyqH0xiLBvSZv7Vp07ueJjm1vN956l7HMvEm5QDD0-ZnmsD7ewyn61vpaSI8ly3m3yFa1GjMrM9DBO-4/s1600/IMG_8841-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqH59RZCa4xzuuHSUu2uipgTdnCcVMUeDblqaXrWHkPlM8KIh-eDDUH4EkuMIyqH0xiLBvSZv7Vp07ueJjm1vN956l7HMvEm5QDD0-ZnmsD7ewyn61vpaSI8ly3m3yFa1GjMrM9DBO-4/s1600/IMG_8841-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three color design - green, white and black</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step 4: Label the colors you will be working with on your freezer paper. You can see below that I thought of putting a white light reflection spot (new technical term from a crafter with a degree in nursing not art!) on Yoshi's black pupil but later decided that was too small of a detail to include.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba0VtPlFN_V_unzUBN8a5UY79D2wES_K6nr6jX1nb8trSSqm1WdOpMIBhldThgEoNh4y55m0WhMVq47LlewIblFVg-Z6UjBJHXLU76WP2qkqJrZvyUFmdjdkQGvhYargk55VobiTGYbk/s1600/IMG_8842-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba0VtPlFN_V_unzUBN8a5UY79D2wES_K6nr6jX1nb8trSSqm1WdOpMIBhldThgEoNh4y55m0WhMVq47LlewIblFVg-Z6UjBJHXLU76WP2qkqJrZvyUFmdjdkQGvhYargk55VobiTGYbk/s1600/IMG_8842-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 5: Now I have to be specific to Yoshi but apply the same guidelines to whatever design you are using.<br />
<ul>
<li>Decide what color is your background color (green) and what color goes on top next (white). Iron the freezer paper onto the top layer (white). </li>
<li>Keep in mind that fleece melts if the iron is too hot. And the iron will not glide over fleece like plain cotton. </li>
<li>Use the iron in one place at a time just long enough to get the freezer paper to adhere to the white fleece. </li>
<li>Then place the white fleece over the green fleece and pin in place.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQcuYiELCKTVAbi0QjoHe403DMSwvrcLEA7udOlPoRYW1eUeEZ8U5SHqQIRM4vXjVwAA-c4aeXCdkql5kpUSW3NwqHx5AjmaKkiuSXq5OSaC20-cifmAHO2H1CdgEZndMuiBg-0N4xNM/s1600/IMG_8843-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQcuYiELCKTVAbi0QjoHe403DMSwvrcLEA7udOlPoRYW1eUeEZ8U5SHqQIRM4vXjVwAA-c4aeXCdkql5kpUSW3NwqHx5AjmaKkiuSXq5OSaC20-cifmAHO2H1CdgEZndMuiBg-0N4xNM/s1600/IMG_8843-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 6: Sew on the lines of your white jowls and eyeballs using a very short stitch. The stitch will act as perforation for the freezer paper. And the shorter stitch will make it easier to go around curves too. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMLRk46UdWYyx3DBV0ATlYloVEHNUNo4NGgPBiRUiGgyDbB9u9Spg-BkjucNLssLCUCeLkoAGP1mbRHfYmRRjhOEqeCrM480n7Lhx5zkKsdG-_o0POZMB9Pqfr78DBYWj8P39f8b9RPo/s1600/IMG_8847-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMLRk46UdWYyx3DBV0ATlYloVEHNUNo4NGgPBiRUiGgyDbB9u9Spg-BkjucNLssLCUCeLkoAGP1mbRHfYmRRjhOEqeCrM480n7Lhx5zkKsdG-_o0POZMB9Pqfr78DBYWj8P39f8b9RPo/s1600/IMG_8847-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White "jowls" trimmed, white eyeball area untrimmed, black fleece ready to applique on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Step 7: Carefully peel up the freezer paper so that you can use it again on the black layer of applique. Then use scissors to cut the excess white fleece away.<br />
<br />
Step 8: Repeat the process for the black fleece (iron on freezer paper, pin in place, use short stitch to sew on, trim excess fabric).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVKz9eSxMm0XpJdXYFJstsU4DlubQhzMS0any1Vr1leCxQU13EftSVwL_4QtO1yTVLtJtj-17NVTH_CNh6vWWRSCLTTdVHIM-tH09fXiErNdcKOMmwFFeX5PQrLZqJyXNmJ1TR3eK9i0/s1600/IMG_8851-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVKz9eSxMm0XpJdXYFJstsU4DlubQhzMS0any1Vr1leCxQU13EftSVwL_4QtO1yTVLtJtj-17NVTH_CNh6vWWRSCLTTdVHIM-tH09fXiErNdcKOMmwFFeX5PQrLZqJyXNmJ1TR3eK9i0/s1600/IMG_8851-001.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to put on background fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Step 9: Iron your second freezer paper outline onto your green yoshi face.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQB1CWYNaxh09G_c0lMIk7UFhsdeMUOGvUiLIsmoST7s624pkFckpcWCnscdD8cJgrCBZvdwS52ou-S7MLsThbtLe66nxSfBYMBpPRUxun32kD0Kb15KfKB703o8NYJAnNAKStB6ZXlE/s1600/IMG_8853-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQB1CWYNaxh09G_c0lMIk7UFhsdeMUOGvUiLIsmoST7s624pkFckpcWCnscdD8cJgrCBZvdwS52ou-S7MLsThbtLe66nxSfBYMBpPRUxun32kD0Kb15KfKB703o8NYJAnNAKStB6ZXlE/s1600/IMG_8853-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 10: Pin your yoshi face onto your background fabric (blue). I used a 16"x16" pillow form so I cut a blue piece of fleece 17x17 (actually I made a boo boo and cut it 16"x17", but lucky for me fleece stretches and I was still able to use a 16"x16" pillow form).<br />
<br />
Step 11: Sew around the outline of Yoshi. I used a short straight stitch. Remove the freezer paper. Trim the excess green fleece. (I then decided I wanted a little more of a black outline around my design so I used a short zigzag over top of my straight stitch.)<br />
<br />
Step 12: Finish your pillow top by adding the back fabric. I used the envelope method so I put two pieces of fleece 17"x10" overlapping in the middle and sewed all around the square.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8TMYhXQMrP2gfVXV1ZlMVKSSnMMCyuiAlJ-5nbI8gUWarf3BN1hY78bYEHzWvYCGnwjMvqknDf3qTZoVZt8xZnAJbzdh_pcGLZ-3eiNcBXJZ-vhiFrWaw5WxhxdsVL4B_uALZC0dhFc/s1600/IMG_8855-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8TMYhXQMrP2gfVXV1ZlMVKSSnMMCyuiAlJ-5nbI8gUWarf3BN1hY78bYEHzWvYCGnwjMvqknDf3qTZoVZt8xZnAJbzdh_pcGLZ-3eiNcBXJZ-vhiFrWaw5WxhxdsVL4B_uALZC0dhFc/s1600/IMG_8855-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek a boo Yoshi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Step 13: Turn your pillow case right side out and stuff with your pillow form.<br />
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Hug your fleecy friend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL16rqdU-oKEZUMhJ1CE-9LQNR7ycrlEYxqM3kpuuUzDYQPFaUQGzH2swd_nCJVGdHpcZGCUx8bTIRjfHeD6rEz1_tVNzDy9fALW9c4W-JoxHffYgp6mvKfNMo2q5j2cRYwHLR5F_Gqk/s1600/IMG_8861-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL16rqdU-oKEZUMhJ1CE-9LQNR7ycrlEYxqM3kpuuUzDYQPFaUQGzH2swd_nCJVGdHpcZGCUx8bTIRjfHeD6rEz1_tVNzDy9fALW9c4W-JoxHffYgp6mvKfNMo2q5j2cRYwHLR5F_Gqk/s1600/IMG_8861-001.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0T7GM7d97fCF5xTdioRnauZmNxw2q4PMzeiMCIBZLnPPHcXtINS022NvsgjKEmrsvpD0zNKgLqv9En6MmZqVlXjr8ImmZ96OTag1qiHBmdgYtims7Z1mkEyOvSSlzqCUqQCLz8Gs_5k/s1600/IMG_8858-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0T7GM7d97fCF5xTdioRnauZmNxw2q4PMzeiMCIBZLnPPHcXtINS022NvsgjKEmrsvpD0zNKgLqv9En6MmZqVlXjr8ImmZ96OTag1qiHBmdgYtims7Z1mkEyOvSSlzqCUqQCLz8Gs_5k/s1600/IMG_8858-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-49964429647999017232014-05-16T17:00:00.000-07:002014-05-16T17:00:00.401-07:00Sew San Antonio - Virtual Fabric Shop Hop - Walmart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjUFs3OGKDChRMZbxBeb3Fiyk442tvIELRd14bALu9kVn7ktTIGeIGHPVquaGzKTGJdsO6QFuw5r95kk1hoM2MBtSUGPqvAGkEU6Q4AEx70pjXJrI2YC6cb8gpB6TAB2PeVOZ4yBY-A8/s1600/2014-05-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjUFs3OGKDChRMZbxBeb3Fiyk442tvIELRd14bALu9kVn7ktTIGeIGHPVquaGzKTGJdsO6QFuw5r95kk1hoM2MBtSUGPqvAGkEU6Q4AEx70pjXJrI2YC6cb8gpB6TAB2PeVOZ4yBY-A8/s1600/2014-05-09.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Stop number two on our Virtual Fabric Shop Hop wasn't originally on my list, but then I hit a patch of good luck and decided it was worth mentioning Walmart. Yes, Walmart has fabric again (at least all the ones in my local area do). The selection is small, but occasionally the surprises are worth the time it takes to check it out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lVg7JOn7QfAWaR3Fzkww_NBPHlc7_bSpPJ9ubB9XA-pJa6eYGHoEnci6wIhkOi4YTDMpAdilRt8Qk7VsDufqQDqeVWh-DYqZLm6vMrshevw5DzSMq-dBQ7S2rf0iTC3-BnJHs0QbBf4/s1600/IMG_8878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lVg7JOn7QfAWaR3Fzkww_NBPHlc7_bSpPJ9ubB9XA-pJa6eYGHoEnci6wIhkOi4YTDMpAdilRt8Qk7VsDufqQDqeVWh-DYqZLm6vMrshevw5DzSMq-dBQ7S2rf0iTC3-BnJHs0QbBf4/s1600/IMG_8878.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walmart fabric - 2 - $1 bandanas, 1 batik fat quarter, blue bird medallion fabric $1.50/yd, yellow yard $2.50/yd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Things you may or may not find in a Walmart fabric aisle (because it really is more like one or two short aisles than a store):<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>interfacing (iron on vinyl too - surprise, surprise)</li>
<li>polyfil (stuffing)</li>
<li>packaged batting</li>
<li>fleece at rock bottom prices</li>
<li>flannel</li>
<li>precuts (surprisingly sometimes better quality than prepackaged fat quarters at other stores)</li>
<li>twill</li>
<li>a few more formal fabrics, lace, etc</li>
<li>maybe some seasonal fabric (4th of July) or trending fabric (chevrons)</li>
<li>patterns (the $0.97 pattern I bought wasn't worth my money) </li>
<li>2-4 different sewing machines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS0crUcveVh6FM151xFFvH6jrMYEkiKUAekKnzxohdy8zKeney6SNfdB-E4roGV3mEyBS4L1y_Mz3BEIOxE2bmyTNGoUMp4DZkpK8WS5Vcl9Q2L2oz4PIm0OzySKeMM7MZjsBT7kivYw/s1600/IMG_20140515_122037092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS0crUcveVh6FM151xFFvH6jrMYEkiKUAekKnzxohdy8zKeney6SNfdB-E4roGV3mEyBS4L1y_Mz3BEIOxE2bmyTNGoUMp4DZkpK8WS5Vcl9Q2L2oz4PIm0OzySKeMM7MZjsBT7kivYw/s1600/IMG_20140515_122037092.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
The good things about fabric at Walmart:<br />
<ul>
<li>the prices are usually great </li>
<li>no coupon gimmicks</li>
<li>the occasional happy surprise (love my yellow butterfly fabric)</li>
<li>you may frequent Walmart for other items so it's convenient :)</li>
<li>if you're an out of the box thinker, try the accessories section for $1 bandanas - it's like a $1 fat qurter only bigger and it has a border print too</li>
</ul>
The downers:<br />
<ul>
<li>despite being a 24/7 store I was unable to find anyone to cut my fabric at 9:30pm</li>
<li>the staff who cuts your fabric probably doesn't know how to operate a sewing machine (at least in my local area - I'm sure there are exceptions)</li>
<li>prices are not well labeled (again exceptions exist, but fabric isn't a priority for most Walmarts)</li>
<li>no classes</li>
<li>no advertised sales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzePiPX1cCR7ccD2pQ8I7EgRjZYBDmI2p1XM5R-au-fEmQ7w3KOU_jHfYVUvr6zqkPcLmObou-qf9TDX8kQmQ73faVgzxkNMG1Ofp2-iadqvsdTnR5UN0j0SL0IN83PZa69nCuHr_hXs/s1600/IMG_20140515_121756900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzePiPX1cCR7ccD2pQ8I7EgRjZYBDmI2p1XM5R-au-fEmQ7w3KOU_jHfYVUvr6zqkPcLmObou-qf9TDX8kQmQ73faVgzxkNMG1Ofp2-iadqvsdTnR5UN0j0SL0IN83PZa69nCuHr_hXs/s1600/IMG_20140515_121756900.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-21429278922276607932014-05-14T12:06:00.002-07:002014-05-14T12:51:29.474-07:00Yoshi Fleece Pillow - a DIY gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxeX1XQlnHr40X8_CXmZYNybbfEskLfhesXxivkUnSvFJvIYb2wesFlvm39vXFSd0bMfQj0LiLsU9Gekntlv7Is7bYKfG_QwULNuOyt6VyypXOKVXjK87bnG0xxaaRrid3_tgPxs4z0c/s1600/IMG_8858-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Need a birthday gift for a video game fan? That was me just last week. I sewed up this fancy (not) fleece Yoshi (from Mario) pillow in one morning. I love the results and so did my son. The hardest part of making this pillow was giving it away! Pics and tutorial coming 5/20 <a href="http://southpawcrafts.blogspot.com/2014/05/fleece-on-fleece-applique-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Fleece on Fleece Applique Tutorial featuring Yoshi</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mkuPbGIyN3CFaYJMT9OPxVMs6rcZMx8mRfLJBAiDs7nEcADHhJwVVxpa2Uyj3psg7cgpUvvSpJmtCRETWDCzeJN3uzR-xJ2VnZ4Gu0rBzmF8uzXq6dki3lRYYyqtcxdxM-pDvh_i3SM/s1600/IMG_8859-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mkuPbGIyN3CFaYJMT9OPxVMs6rcZMx8mRfLJBAiDs7nEcADHhJwVVxpa2Uyj3psg7cgpUvvSpJmtCRETWDCzeJN3uzR-xJ2VnZ4Gu0rBzmF8uzXq6dki3lRYYyqtcxdxM-pDvh_i3SM/s1600/IMG_8859-001.JPG" height="271" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoshi pillow for a video game fan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWo6c3agrqbt9vErmfIhGjJ8f0OXOxmoRi27KTmQwmiwwy0WbextkTcXFaH3mxZ_ZP_gLsPFKBl-QXGg84igeAcg9MPOj0W-NYa5dfd3XgCcx5LQ6Yrs71eWG1zjJqtayefveLAnOmRA/s1600/IMG_8861-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWo6c3agrqbt9vErmfIhGjJ8f0OXOxmoRi27KTmQwmiwwy0WbextkTcXFaH3mxZ_ZP_gLsPFKBl-QXGg84igeAcg9MPOj0W-NYa5dfd3XgCcx5LQ6Yrs71eWG1zjJqtayefveLAnOmRA/s1600/IMG_8861-001.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved already!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-66484426198839935172014-05-09T11:01:00.000-07:002014-05-23T03:50:22.109-07:00Sew San Antonio - Virtual Fabric Shop Hop - JoAnn Fabric<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeLEjl2YdSJ7JO3rQeT7fm0WCZdAxR-rlC3GSzAFmavwANmn1AtxUgsPD198YyPDcsmstDyWmSVlVAHwftY8nkgMqeHiimtmXFDVM080z958Tvjp0H1qNqYLAjkjH-8IjcizWZ2EM0QA/s1600/2014-05-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeLEjl2YdSJ7JO3rQeT7fm0WCZdAxR-rlC3GSzAFmavwANmn1AtxUgsPD198YyPDcsmstDyWmSVlVAHwftY8nkgMqeHiimtmXFDVM080z958Tvjp0H1qNqYLAjkjH-8IjcizWZ2EM0QA/s1600/2014-05-09.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the Sew San Antonio Virtual Fabric Shop Hop. I've teamed up with some local crafters to bring you a fabric store review every Friday (till we run out of stores).<br />
<br />
If you're new to the area or new to sewing it's hard to know where to go for fabric sometimes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUGla9n_0r0mFrpGT1vFAXSvTzC8OpeaundUy8tdxNLa3D90KMfRJcn_D-WcjQtQZJApfQoPxZWcgI_fOigpYkYcSkcltAFJtZIu9gnZuA4OhA0173EJ8l0GxduhKDiTgdYs_qq46DcE/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
We're starting with JoAnn Fabric. I have the most experience with this fabric store. (Disclaimer - a few years ago taught sewing classes at JoAnn. I am currently not affiliated with JoAnn in any way and I am not receiving any compensation for my time or opinions).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRlMZw9xAfLqc7heSfqldRdZ6pvR1KiuREd-re07aDUaCNEBElDdXRWUhPgZcCCg2K-XCX3L0EB98rnbZUoNVosvhHdJCxapBATjMyXv5-bPNuuzx1JyPDbfe9n2oiQMWnpaCkmsMC20/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRlMZw9xAfLqc7heSfqldRdZ6pvR1KiuREd-re07aDUaCNEBElDdXRWUhPgZcCCg2K-XCX3L0EB98rnbZUoNVosvhHdJCxapBATjMyXv5-bPNuuzx1JyPDbfe9n2oiQMWnpaCkmsMC20/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">exterior shot - JoAnn fabric and crafts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts is a national chain with two stores in the San Antonio area. According to my best guestimate (a quick survey of the large floor tile design) the store appears to be 50% fabric and 50% crafts. I won't even attempt to cover all the crafts!<br />
<br />
JoAnn carries the <u><b>widest variety of fabric in San Antonio</b></u> - quilting fabrics of varying quality (see pic), home decor fabric, vinyl (great for protecting your table from youngsters), upholstery fabric and viny, silky fabrics, flannels, interfacing, burlap, fleece, etc. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi050FM4gCH18ppxQ-qAG_J7o7VLDMI0d5jZB3rhW6fGWnBmaiDGc2hSKQopJz0X0576Sgv4rWhX71y5aWamSiF6cYatWdNLCZUr_MqB-OLVy7GDPx_Y48W-xFEMBAhmfx8_wmcKdN5-Kk/s1600/IMG_8825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi050FM4gCH18ppxQ-qAG_J7o7VLDMI0d5jZB3rhW6fGWnBmaiDGc2hSKQopJz0X0576Sgv4rWhX71y5aWamSiF6cYatWdNLCZUr_MqB-OLVy7GDPx_Y48W-xFEMBAhmfx8_wmcKdN5-Kk/s1600/IMG_8825.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">different quality quilting fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sample of the types of fabrics at JoAnn<br />
<ul>
<li>kona solids (great for quilting)</li>
<li>fleece</li>
<li>vinyl by the yard</li>
<li>burlap</li>
<li>formal wear type fabrics</li>
<li>outdoor fabrics</li>
<li>knit fabrics</li>
<li>lace by the yard</li>
<li>prequilted fabrics</li>
<li>interfacing</li>
<li>denim</li>
<li>drapery fabric</li>
<li>marine vinyl</li>
<li>headliner (for cars - yep, really!)</li>
<li>flannel</li>
<li>licensed designs (Marvel, Disney, etc)</li>
<li>batting</li>
<li>special order interior design fabrics - samples in store</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DnuYDuQ0rzpnS5pGKaAQieFgAb2QgEVV5HDn-oqA9_YUQE-92VRBDYqr0-PokSjriM_QmNsyoPCimQvhyR0PkczoSod5NRl6RxktGHQw-rN8pYRh0-HIFfBGEX6JFEXgTYlcAwAUKsw/s1600/IMG_8824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DnuYDuQ0rzpnS5pGKaAQieFgAb2QgEVV5HDn-oqA9_YUQE-92VRBDYqr0-PokSjriM_QmNsyoPCimQvhyR0PkczoSod5NRl6RxktGHQw-rN8pYRh0-HIFfBGEX6JFEXgTYlcAwAUKsw/s1600/IMG_8824.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sample brand name quilting fabric - use coupon or sale!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</ul>
Sample of Sewing and Quilting Accessories at JoAnn<br />
<ul>
<li>quilting books</li>
<li>quilting rulers</li>
<li>small label quilting patterns</li>
<li>block of the month kit (nationwide and rarely used)</li>
<li>precuts (a few)</li>
<li>fat quarters (precut and packaged - variable quality!)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>buttons</li>
<li>zippers</li>
<li>ribbon</li>
<li>embroidery stabilizer</li>
</ul>
Machines at JoAnn<br />
<ul>
<li>Singer models</li>
<li>no service available</li>
<li>buy in box, no machine orientation or classes</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLS9LpiHssDyMGBSg278CAP0kD_evcnZxfNUvBWj6GeT4vnfKhrx_zHBr3NP9kdV5F_lfrZYfsUn53dWfRqwY9YUkY6DZxyUymambAUk_WNT_f3tB5_8neqQFYyk0i1JLkLr_Qg5Yx4qE/s1600/IMG_8835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLS9LpiHssDyMGBSg278CAP0kD_evcnZxfNUvBWj6GeT4vnfKhrx_zHBr3NP9kdV5F_lfrZYfsUn53dWfRqwY9YUkY6DZxyUymambAUk_WNT_f3tB5_8neqQFYyk0i1JLkLr_Qg5Yx4qE/s1600/IMG_8835.JPG" height="320" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cricut at JoAnn</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Cricut brand machines (currently the Cricut Explorer) (if you're considering this machine you should really check out the Silhouette Cameo before making a decision - I own one and love it!) UPDATE - the silhouette cameo is now available at JoAnn!!</li>
<li>Accu-Quilt - fabric die cutter </li>
</ul>
<br />
Classes At JoAnn<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl0NtL-h0A90pozgTGXTlzdiYVfkEbn1MAHMLZra7yA2EbpwjN5CXfZGeWYQgNWZycTDvt2QNBwkVT9PEJkehPuV8wPIk9IDAFbgOpGN1WX8IpDdVWlxtjdGihQaS-T2naH1qrGfbjA0/s1600/IMG_8829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl0NtL-h0A90pozgTGXTlzdiYVfkEbn1MAHMLZra7yA2EbpwjN5CXfZGeWYQgNWZycTDvt2QNBwkVT9PEJkehPuV8wPIk9IDAFbgOpGN1WX8IpDdVWlxtjdGihQaS-T2naH1qrGfbjA0/s1600/IMG_8829.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classroom at Bandera location</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>taught by independent contractors or JoAnn employees</li>
<li>"trend classes" are determined by local store</li>
<li><a href="http://www.joann.com/classes/" target="_blank">classes</a> in printed catalog are determined on a nationwide basis</li>
<li>hand sewing/crafting classes for ages 5 and up</li>
<li>classes with machines for ages 8 and up</li>
<li>other crafting classes also available</li>
<li>sewing machines available to use in sewing classes - just reserve one when you sign up for the class </li>
<li>sewing and quilting classes are beginner to intermediate level, but I wouldn't consider any of the classes advanced</li>
</ul>
How to Get a Deal at JoAnn<br />
<ul>
<li>use coupons - JoAnn will accept competitor's coupons, and multiple coupons as long as they have different numbers on them (and aren't expired)</li>
<li>sign up for the mailing list to get coupons in the mail and/or email</li>
<li>bring in your <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/weekly-offers/" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby coupon</a> (usually a 40% off one item printable coupon every week)</li>
<li>Hancock coupons are also accepted </li>
<li>visit the sales - I buy my flannel on Black Friday </li>
<li>buy remnants 50% off current sale price (so if something is 50% off from the bolt a remnant of that fabric would be 75% off) </li>
</ul>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4XMMh5KTw6bKpHZvMlOGT8Pq4YwAdORHKrLIixJyIKWDXaMARRGkzfVWCZJJAZQNSrA2cCynLJxKBVBULkQK2AnrYHJ7lUJQ43wVvTDgPhrO8x4V5QJYYo6Iy7k_dX9sYrvek4TWo-Y/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4XMMh5KTw6bKpHZvMlOGT8Pq4YwAdORHKrLIixJyIKWDXaMARRGkzfVWCZJJAZQNSrA2cCynLJxKBVBULkQK2AnrYHJ7lUJQ43wVvTDgPhrO8x4V5QJYYo6Iy7k_dX9sYrvek4TWo-Y/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remnants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My Favorite Features of JoAnn<br />
<ul>
<li>I can get great deals by using sales and coupons.</li>
<li>Variety of fabric</li>
<li>And yes, I get stuck in the craft section frequently too!</li>
</ul>
<br />
My Least Favorite Features of JoAnn<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>cotton quilting fabric and especially the fat quarters are sometimes low quality (especially hard to tell with the fat quarters because of they way they are folded onto a cardboard)</li>
<li>fabric may not be cut straight on the bolt (employees use scissors not rotary cutter)</li>
<li>take a ticket system (but my kids love taking a ticket) </li>
<li>the lines - on sale days this is especially bad </li>
</ul>
So there you have it - my lengthy review of JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. What would you add? What would you respectfully disagree with? Come back next Friday for another fabric store review!Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-33312839869252519472014-05-07T20:07:00.001-07:002014-05-07T20:07:47.197-07:00A Pin Worthy Pin CushionIn the summer I will be teaching an adult begin to sew class at a local fabric store. The first project is a simple pincushion. I wanted to make a sample, but of course I couldn't just make a boring pin cushion. ................<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Presenting the Pin Worthy Pin Cushion (feel free to pin it ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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6x6 black duck canvas with heat transfer vinyl cut on the silhouette cameo (siser metallic red)<br /><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-47420514930611629292014-05-02T15:44:00.000-07:002014-05-02T15:44:03.133-07:00YW theme frame - simple frame option for odd size itemsAt church the girls ages 12 to 18 recite the Young Women's theme every Sunday. I noticed that they are using a simple poster held up by a thumbtack. It would look so much nicer framed. But as I did some research I quickly discovered that 14 x 20 is NOT a common size and would require a pricey custom frame.<br />
<br />
Sounds like the perfect problem for a determined DIYer like me!<br />
<br />
Plan A: My first option was to glue the poster to a black foam board and use a simple geometric or scroll-ish accent to imitate a frame. Problem #1 - not enough gold vinyl.<br />
<br />
Plan B: Having already found/created a design for the gold accent I bought some gold paint and used a contact paper stencil to spray paint on the design. Problem #2 - for whatever reason the foam board and the paint don't like each other enough to stick well. Every time I touched the dry paint it flaked off on my finger. Ick!<br />
<br />
Plan C: Spray paint white vinyl (oracal 631) and then apply the "gold" vinyl to the foam board in a much simplified geometric design. SUCCESS!! Proving that if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.<br />
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-58524822436414449732014-05-02T09:12:00.000-07:002014-05-02T09:12:18.706-07:00Lengthening a Toddler Dress with a Contrast BandI love cut little girl dresses, and I love cute little girl dresses that come at least to the knees even more. I recently found a $5 dress at a big box store, but it was a little on the short side (and even shorter after a wearing and a washing!). I can't even buy the fabric and pattern to make a 3T dress for $5 so I decided to buy the bargain dress and alter it myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 3T super model with her favorite bag and matching dress</td></tr>
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Step 1 - Cut the fabric. I measured around the bottom edge of the dress and added enough for a seam allowance. Then I considered how much length I wanted to add and doubled that plus a seam allowance. So my piece of fabric was approximately 38" long by 8" tall.<br />
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Step 2 - Sew the end of the fabric so it is one long tube.<br />
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Step 3 - Fold the fabric over on itself so the tube is half the original height. Iron!!<br />
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Step 4 - Sew the top end of the tube shut. I used a serger just because I can (thank you craigslist for the ancient but great serger).<br />
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Step 5 - With right sides together sew the top of the tube to the bottom of the dress. (Yes pins would be nice, but sometimes I sew without.)<br />
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Step 6 - Iron the seam down.<br />
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Step 7 - Admire your just washed baby in her just lengthened dress. Although these pictures don't show it the dress is now just below her knees. If I ask her to pose for a picture I get a scrunched up squinty eyed picture (she hates the flash and always thinks it's going to go off).<br />
<br />Note - long dresses are great for babies old enough to walk, but are terribly frustrating to crawling babies. <br />
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-6942817327723900202014-04-24T19:59:00.000-07:002014-04-24T19:59:29.838-07:00Threats and VigilanceEarlier this week a troubled soul made a threat to the local schools by emailing several school officials and claiming that on April 24th (today) there would be some sort of mass violence at a local elementary school. A letter was sent home to parents regarding the threat and although the threat was most likely a hoax sending the letter was the right thing to do. Parents then were faced with the decision of whether or not to send their children to school on April 24th. Law enforcement agencies worked together to trace the source of the threat and deemed it a hoax.<br />
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I opted to send my children to school, but I will admit that my confidence faltered a little as I drove up to the front of the school without any wait (unheard of) and realized that about half of the students would not be at school today. Was I making the right decision? Should I go back and take my children home?<br />
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I drove past the school several times during the day and saw at least one police officer each time. Obviously law enforcement was stepped up and working overtime to protect and defend our children. And for that I am grateful. (And now the school day is over and every child is safely home.)<br />
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The threat of violence at our local school is relatively low even on days like today, April 24th. But different threats face our children every day. Will they succumb to negative peer pressure? Will today be the day they are accidentally exposed to pornography? What kind of language will be used around them? What kind of media will they be exposed to? Will our children know how to stand up for their beliefs and standards? <br />
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Are we as parents, teachers, and leaders as vigilant as we need to be in preparing for and defending against the day to day threats our children face? Are we strengthening our own defenses against evil so that we can have the guidance of the Lord to help us strengthen our children's defenses? Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-44967702137629687712014-04-22T20:27:00.000-07:002014-04-22T20:27:03.664-07:00Handprint Family Tree Quilt<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjDnp6NofCnHd-vFe4n3HbeREroQLcNMhUDHJF8tJMqzSSh3tHCtnor-cepMq9hJs5QdjcKNQFbuHON_r66BYVZGlwIPqD4fDowNmxe_AhzcxvLeq1Gk0ITFyP6aknZG8zXf0xUfCxYo/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjDnp6NofCnHd-vFe4n3HbeREroQLcNMhUDHJF8tJMqzSSh3tHCtnor-cepMq9hJs5QdjcKNQFbuHON_r66BYVZGlwIPqD4fDowNmxe_AhzcxvLeq1Gk0ITFyP6aknZG8zXf0xUfCxYo/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed quilt with autographs</td></tr>
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I wanted to do something special for my parents so when I knew a family reunion was being planned I jumped on the bandwagon and got this quilt done in a six weeks (that's a big deal for someone with 5 kids not to mention 40+ handprints that have to go on the quilt).<br />
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My siblings quickly sent me via USPS or email the outline of their hands and their children and spouses hands. Then I set to work. The funnest part for me is the planning and choosing a color scheme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij41AaMYOv_32YLVEUKhyVwlrd02WpjQMCoCwIoGnJ0XkBXAs61ivv5qtL0Dp2IK1uY7m1XtQ6ICmYvlHeXM_zbAQV65KkJrXvfVpzq_cekVtgMQ74FP7iFN0KanciF260cH7SIL90bng/s1600/IMG_8462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij41AaMYOv_32YLVEUKhyVwlrd02WpjQMCoCwIoGnJ0XkBXAs61ivv5qtL0Dp2IK1uY7m1XtQ6ICmYvlHeXM_zbAQV65KkJrXvfVpzq_cekVtgMQ74FP7iFN0KanciF260cH7SIL90bng/s1600/IMG_8462.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work of art on display on the kitchen table!</td></tr>
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My parents have green trim in their bedroom so I decided to go with green leaves. And yes, each leaf is the size of that person's hand at the time the quilt was made. I gave my mom the leftover fabric so she can add more handprints or leafs or flowers or whatever as more people are added to the family if she wants to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prior to pin basting</td></tr>
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So that I can remember how I created this quilt and you can create one of your own if you like here are the basic steps I followed.<br />
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1. Spend tooooo much time on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/southpawcrafts/family-tree-quilt/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> trying to find the perfect family tree quilt idea to copy.<br />
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2. Decide to create your own pattern. Draw that pattern out and decide you don't really like the chunky geometrical style after all.<br />
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3. Muster all your artistic energy and a roll of white paper and draw what you think should be the perfect tree. Show said tree to your husband and a visitor who both declare it looks like a roach. (They are both right.)<br />
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4. Give up on your freehand artistic skills and instead use your Silhouette Studio software to alter an existing tree to fit your needs. I am one of 10 children so I wanted a tree with 10 branches.<br />
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5. Realize that with the one directional design of the brown fabric piecing the tree together would be a difficult job.<br />
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6. Create your own "whole cloth" applique technique. It goes something like this:<br />
<ul>
<li>place the brown tree fabric on top of the white background fabric</li>
<li>print your tree from Silhouette Studio with a grid on top of it</li>
<li>use lots of rulers and chalk to make a grid on your brown fabric</li>
<li>refer to the grids to enlarge the tree from 8 1/2" x 11" size to queen size quilt size</li>
<li>use a short straight stitch to sew the brown fabric to the white fabric (no wonder under involved)</li>
<li>be sure to backstitch or tie off your threads</li>
<li>carefully cut off the excess fabric to reveal the brown whole cloth tree</li>
<li>(not the cheapest technique and more wasteful than I like, but I have lots of scraps and I'm very happy with the result)</li>
</ul>
7. Use three different techniques to transfer handprints to fabric with wonder under or similar fusible interfacing.<br />
<ul>
<li>iron green fabric onto an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of fusible interfacing then use the copy feature on your printer to copy the handprints onto the paper backing of the interfacing </li>
<li>realize that construction paper handprints are going to use all your printer ink if you copy them so decide to cut them out and then trace them onto the fabric directly</li>
<li>use your sliding glass door as a light box to trace handprints onto fusible interfacing and realize it's faster than using the copier method because you don't spend time troubleshooting the printer which doesn't always like interfacing (sometimes low tech is the best method)</li>
</ul>
8. Watch a long movie while cutting out handprints. Remember to label who is who because 40 handprints later you won't remember.<br />
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9. Decide where to place all the hands and quickly iron them on before you change your mind or lose one of the handprints.<br />
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10. Decide that straight stitch outlining of the handprints will work just fine and will be much faster than zigzags.<br />
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11. Do all that straight stitching around every single finger times 47 hands. Thank goodness I didn't do right and left hands!!<br />
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12. Realize that your calculations are a bit off and you need a border for the quilt top. Find your inner frugal self (which self had to disappear in the early stages of production) and use leftover green fabric to make a border.<br />
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13. Wait a few days for your back to heal from the latest "I lifted the baby the wrong way and now my back hurts" episode before pin basting the quilt.<br />
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14. Use the largest available surface in your home to layer your quilt sandwich. Since that surface happens to be the living room floor, take advantage of the carpeting and just use straight sewing pins to pin the layers directly to your carpet while wondering how in the world you will manage to pin baste this without pinning the carpet.<br />
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15. Employ your creative and frugal resourcefulness and realize that your daughter's trundle mattress slides on a piece of hardboard an eighth of an inch thick and the size of a twin size mattress. Carefully slide said hardboard (like pegboard but without the wholes) under quilt sandwich and pin away!!<br />
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16. Decide how to quilt the quilt. I opted to quilt along the tree line using invisible thread on top so it wouldn't show when I went over leaves. I used dark brown thread on the back so the back of the quilt has the winter version of the tree. In large unquilted areas quilt clouds or birds or hills to complete the scene.<br />
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17. Don't forget the binding!<br />
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18. At the family reunion have everyone sign their name with fabric markers (marvy uchida bold point markers because no heat set is required).<br />
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19. Remind your parents that yes this is a nice quilt but it was intended to be used and it's okay if it gets dirty. It does wash. I didn't make it to be a wall hanging. ;)<br />
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20. And that's how you make Handprint Family Tree quilt in 20 steps or less!<br />
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-19369304964622928852014-04-21T19:51:00.000-07:002014-04-21T19:51:07.597-07:00Mom takes a sample STAAR test - 4th grade mathTomorrow my fourth grader takes the STAAR test in math. Today she had a dentist appointment and missed most of the math review. Lucky her, instead of relaxing and having a homework free night she came home with a 12 question sample STAAR test for homework. She made sure I knew that her friend in another class had no homework and instructions to relax and get lots of rest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STAAR - Apparently the state of TX isn't great at spelling, but at least you know what STAAR stands for now.</td></tr>
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I try hard to support my children's teachers and although I was tempted to just tell her to forget about that sample STAAR test I bit my tongue. Instead I told her I was going to do the sample test and write a note to her teacher explaining that this was the best effort of a college graduate who frequently uses math in crafting and quilting and I don't expect any better from a 4th grader.<br />
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My daughter kept looking over my shoulder and wanting to help me with the test, but I wouldn't let her. I told her it would be cheating. After I finished writing my answers down on a separate piece of paper (her request), she insisted on taking the test too. Then we compared answers. Out of 12 questions we only disagreed on 2 answers. One I was right (mass is not effected by difference in gravity but weight is). One she was right ("read the directions Mom it says to add the number of vertices and edges together").<br />
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Here are my un-professional notes from taking the 12 question sample test:<br />
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#33 "What in the world?" <b>the graph</b> - #of computers and #of classrooms really didn't make sense and <b>would be useless in the real world</b>. What they really wanted students to do was figure out the ratio of column x to column y. <b>It would have been easier without the confusing graph data titles.</b><br />
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#34 Not a multiple choice question and I didn't have an answer blank to bubble in so I wasn't sure what format they wanted the answer in. So I guess you really do<b> have to teach the test for questions like this</b>. This was the "read the directions Mom" question.<br />
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#36 I'll admit <b>I hazarded a guess</b> and when I realized it was one of the multiple choice answers decided I must have used the correct process. Question was something about how many t-shirt combinations can you make with 4 different colors of shirt, 4 different colors of ink and 3 different designs. (multiply 4x4x3 to get the answer).<br />
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#38 Just made me mad - <b>toooooooo picky</b>. What is the width of 4 of these video game controllers rounded to the nearest whole number? It showed a picture and even defined where the width was. Then you had to use their ruler to measure. If you were the least bit sloppy it looked like 1.5 inches which would round up to 2. But in fact it was only 1.45 inches which would round down. Then multiply that times 4. Fortunately the answer 8 was not a choice neither was the answer 6.<br />
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#39 After #38 I was mad at the test and felt that this question was unfair also but for a different reason. You have x number of containers that hold 24 quarts. How many quarts of water do you have in total? <b>Simple multiplication question after an extremely picky question</b>. x times 24 = your answer. Here's my beef with the question: nowhere does it state that the containers are full. It just says they hold 24 quarts. Every time I buy a tupperware from the store it tells me on the label how much it holds, but that doesn't mean it's full! So how much water do you really have? It depends on if any of the containers have water in them!<br />
<br />
#48 My only other questionable question I actually had a clue from helping my 4th grader with homework earlier this school year. It's basically <b>a vocabulary question</b>. The question shows two figures and asks how they have been changed. The answer choices are a) rotation, b) translation, c) reflection, and d) none of the above. The correct answer is reflection but even my design program for my craft cutter refers to this as mirror image. I wouldn't have had a clue what translation is (sliding the figure one direction or another) except for the homework I helped with. And I graduated with honors from high school and college!Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-53201618264906266782014-04-16T08:08:00.002-07:002014-04-16T08:08:51.585-07:00Jobs for Moms - Part I Piano TeacherI've probably read a dozen articles about jobs for stay at home moms.
Most of the time I'm not impressed at all. This series will explore
jobs for moms as researched by a Mom (me). I'll even try to interview
some people I know who successfully work from home while being a mom.
I'll start with jobs that I have done successfully in the past or
currently.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Part I: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Piano Teacher</b></span><br />
<br />
<u><b>Skills Needed</b></u>: you must play the piano well<br />
you must be enthusiastic and work well with children<br />
organizational skills to keep track of payments<br />
<br />
<u><b>Equipment</b></u>: piano!! <br />
<br />
<u><b>Not Necessary But Nice</b></u>: a music related degree (you can charge more and should charge more if you have a music degree)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Potential Income</b></u>:
depends on your particular market. I've heard of piano teachers who
charge as little as $8/lesson (crazy in my opinion) and it goes up from
there. I personally would charge $12 per half hour lesson in my particular market. I started
teaching at $10 per half hour lesson.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cons</b></u>: after school hours (unless you have homeschool piano students)<br />
<br />
<u><b>My choice</b></u>: I
currently choose not to teach piano because I need to be available for
my own children after school. I found that I couldn't take care of an
infant and teach. Then I noticed that my own children weren't learning
to play the piano because I was too busy teaching other people's
children.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Works for Others</b></u>: My sister teaches piano lessons and allows
her kids to watch a video or has someone else babysit for her while she
teaches. Her teaching funds the family food budget. She has a music
related degree and taught choir at the college level prior to having
children of her own. (Did I mention she plays better than I do too?)Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-11288905557595478582014-02-11T18:00:00.000-08:002014-02-11T18:00:01.030-08:00Clean Dirty Dishwasher Magnet Tutorial using Silhouette StudioHi Friends and Fellow Crafters,<br />
<br />
Today I'm sharing how you can create your own dishwasher magnet using silhouette studio. I sell this item in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/southpawcrafts" target="_blank">Southpaw Crafts etsy store</a>. It's so simple and fun to make I thought I'd teach you how to do it yourself. This tutorial is for personal use only. :)<br />
<br />
Even brand new silhouette users can go from zero to dishwasher magnet hero using my comprehensive tutorial. I put the tutorial in PDF format because honestly I'm better at using silhouette studio than using blogger and uploading the pictures was driving me bonkers. Maybe you can relate?<br />
<br />
You'll need your silhouette, a small piece of vinyl (outdoor vinyl is recommended but indoor vinyl would work as well), and magnetic sheeting. Silhouette sells magnet sheets as do craft stores. You might also find magnet sheets at your local hardware store sold as magnetic vent covers. (Now you know my secret source.)<br />
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So without further delay click on over to my google drive PDF document:<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7EMhDTSnj6lRV9iSU1XX3FqUWM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Full Dishwasher Magnet Tutorial PDF.</a><br />
<br />
Happy creating! <br />
<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-8414148271606257542014-02-10T07:16:00.000-08:002014-02-10T07:16:04.617-08:00Minecraft Pillow CoversA few months ago I shared this tutorial on another blog. Now it's available here and you can download the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7EMhDTSnj6lYU1SbWhZd1BaNmc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">minecraft silhouette studio file</a> I created!!<br />
<br />
If you have Minecraft fans in your house (confession I've never played it myself, but I hear lots about it), you'll recognize the pixelated images as the diamond sword and TNT. <br />
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<br />
Here's what you need to make your own 14" x 14" pillows:<br />
<br />
black iron on vinyl (a 7.5"x15" piece and a 12"x15" piece)<br />
brown iron on vinyl (scrap or 7.5"x15" piece)<br />
green apple iron on vinyl (7.5"x15" piece - optional if you use green fabric)<br />
green iron on vinyl (7.5"x15" piece)<br />
<br />
14"x14" pillow form from craft store<br />
1/2 yard red cotton fabric (prewashed and ironed)<br />
1/2 yard green cotton fabric (prewashed and ironed)<br />
1/3 yard white cotton fabric (guess what you need to do to it.... yep, wash and iron)<br />
thread<br />
<br />
Equipment:<br />
iron<br />
vinyl cutter<br />
sewing machine<br />
<br />
1. First things first - prewash your fabric! This is a must using iron on vinyl. You don't want the fabric to shrink and distort and wrinkly your lovely design. So make sure the fabric is done shrinking. <br />
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2. Front of pillow covers:<br />
For the front of the TNT pillow cut two red strips 5" x 14.5" and one white strip 5.5" x 14.5". Sew these together with a 1/4" seam and iron the seam towards the red. Trim to 14.5"x14.5" if necessary.<br />
For the front of the green pillow cut a piece of fabric 14.5" x 14.5". <br />
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3. Back of pillow covers:<br />
Cut two 10" x 14.5" pieces for each pillow. One one long (14.5") side of each piece, make a small hem (fold over twice, iron, and sew).<br />
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4. Now you're ready for the fun stuff - cut your vinyl design (remember it needs to be mirror image) and iron it on! The TNT pillow is one layer vinyl - easy peasy. Experiment with a scrap of iron on vinyl before ironing the design onto your pillow cover front. With my home iron I found that a dry iron (no water, no steam) on the wool setting worked with 25 seconds of firm pressure. Your iron will be different so get to know your iron. The firm pressure really is important though. Then peel plastic off. <br />
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<br />
The diamond sword pillow is a little trickier. Iron the black outline on first using a few seconds less than you did with the TNT pillow. Peel the carrier paper. Then if you are super careful you can cut the brown and green heat transfer so that the carrier paper doesn't overlap and you can iron them on at the same time. Presto - design on. [picture 6]<br />
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5. Now that the design is on the pillow covers it's time to sew the front and back together. This pillow cover has an envelope closure on the back. With right sides together and back finished edges overlapping, pin and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. <br />
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6. Turn your pillow cover right side out and insert pillow form! You now have custom throw pillows for your minecraft lover.<br />
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As always, this tutorial is provided for your own personal use only. Feel free to pin!Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-48490740404096765802014-02-06T06:41:00.000-08:002014-02-06T06:49:53.370-08:00Chess Demo Board DIY Vinyl and Magnetic White Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made this for chess club at school to use as a demonstration board. The squares and lettering are black craft vinyl. Then I used my 2" circle punch to make green cardstock circles.<br />
<br />
I cut the chess pieces out of vinyl and put the designs on the green circles. I laminated it at the office store instead of at the school because I wanted a stiff laminate. Then I glued magnets to the back. I used magnetic sheeting cut into squares (button magnets aren't necessary).<br />
<br />
The imperfections are because I used scrap vinyl for the lettering and didn't worry about 100% perfect placement. I could have aligned the design perfectly in silhouette studio and then used transfer tape but that seemed like a waste of vinyl and tape when I had perfectly good scraps. :)<br />
<br />
Things I would change - after putting the board on the white board I realized that the room we will use for chess club most of the time has a white board in it. So next time I might try making a laminated board/poster (using the school's thin laminate machine) to hang on the existing white board with magnets. It would be easier to carry around. But that being said, the first chess meeting we ended up in the library which doesn't have a white board so I'm glad I had this one.<br />
<br />
Another note - I did use a chess piece design from the silhouette store, but I had to do significant point editing and other alteration to make the design the way I wanted it. It was still easier than starting from scratch though!<br />
<br />
P.S. - Did you know that academic/tournament chess sets come with an extra queen? That's why you see an extra black and white piece on my whiteboard. Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-3239920762829108372014-02-03T20:52:00.000-08:002014-02-03T20:52:10.442-08:00Enter and Exit Signs in Vinyl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love librarians. I love to read and so do my kids. So I made these "enter" and "exit" signs for the school library.<br />
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You will need the white background on both sides of the door. And it it easiest to apply the black lettering to the white before applying the decal to the door.<br />
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The signs have been up an entire school year and are still doing well. I used regular craft vinyl and not outdoor vinyl, but either would work.<br />
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I used Times New Roman font and a frame that was 10" by 4".<br />
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File: enter exit frameMargaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-90065821031309888742014-01-30T21:24:00.000-08:002014-01-30T21:24:00.691-08:00Future Missionary Onesie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Any occasion is a good occasion for crafting so when my sister had a baby boy (the first name carrying male for her in-laws) I just couldn't resist.<br />
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I used silhouette studio to craft my own "Future Missionary" name tags. It is cut out of black heat transfer vinyl and then the letters are weeded out to reveal the white shirt underneath.<br />
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The tie was a little trickier. I used a solid tie shape from the silhouette studio and merged it with a stripe pattern (also from the silhouette store). After the stripes were the way I wanted I added an external offset of the tie to make the tie border. I cut a solid color tie for the background color and a black tie with the stripe parts weeded out as the second layer.<br />
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Things I liked about this project: I think it looks cute. I'm not much of a sewing applique type person so this fit the bill nicely. The name tag is priceless and professional looking.<br />
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Things I would change: two layers of heat transfer vinyl is really stiff for a baby onesie. So in the end next time I think I would go ahead and sew a fabric tie on the onesie with a heat transfer vinyl name tag.<br />
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Another option if I really wanted to stick with heat transfer vinyl would be to make a blue or red or green striped tie with white as the background color. A polka dot tie with white dots would be fairly simple to make also.<br />
<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-54057435963572150432014-01-24T21:22:00.000-08:002014-01-24T21:22:17.449-08:00Personalized Fance Floral Tote - Craft Cutter Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I originally made this design for my etsy shop, but today I'm sharing my tips on how I did it.<br />
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First of all, I didn't waste an entire tote bag with a "Your Name" sample. I actually used craft vinyl to put the design on the bad temporarily. That way I can still remove the vinyl and have a tote bag to decorate with heat transfer vinyl.<br />
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First, find a background design you like. I used "floral lace" by Jamie Koay, design #17681. Since I intended to sell totes made with this design I purchased the commercial rights.<br />
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Second, use the straight knife function in the designer studio edition to cut your design into two pieces. Make sure you use the "Treat unfilled shapes as: solid" function.<br />
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Third, pick your favorite font and insert a name!<br />
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Fourth, size your design to fit your tote bag and remember to mirror image it before cutting in heat transfer vinyl.<br />
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Lastly, apply your design to your bag and enjoy a beautiful creation! (I use a heat press for professional results.)<br />
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File: floral bag nameMargaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-83349456449400258722014-01-20T10:49:00.000-08:002014-01-20T10:49:00.035-08:00Be YOU tiful Young Women - wood and vinyl craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently got to craft with 20 or so young women ages 12-18. Every woman, young and old, needs to know inside herself and independent of any other voices that she is beautiful in the sight of her Creator. His love for her is unfailing and unconditional. The phrase "be-YOU-tiful" reminds me of this and I hope it reminds these girls of their divine worth and potential too.<br />
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Before the activity I cut the vinyl and the wood (1"x4"s cut into 12" pieces). Several ladies helped me sand them and paint them off white. At the activity the girls used sharpie markers to decorate the vinyl. Then they weeded the vinyl (removed the extra vinyl around the letters) and used transfer tape to put they vinyl on the wood. Several girls got creative and used the markers to further embellish their plaques. Some even wrote their favorite quotes on the back of the boards. It was a fun activity for me and for them.Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-70678494628081372292014-01-17T14:39:00.000-08:002014-01-17T14:39:00.648-08:00Mom as Managed by a Two Year OldI had the perfect plan. It involved a trip to the library, dashing by the post office, and then a refreshing bike ride before lunch. My perfect plan was of course subject to the approval of my personal manager. <br />
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My daily personal manager consists of 1 two year old who grows more opinionated by the day as word count of her vocabulary expands. Negotiations started with getting dressed. She wanted to wear shorts and a pj shirt. Since it is winter, the shorts were not mother approved and not subject to negotiation either (at least I hoped so). We compromised on the pj shirt. She could wear it as long as she agreed to wear her sweater over it (one point for mom).<br />
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The second level of negotiations involved collecting library books to return to the library. I managed to scan all the books and ensure that no school library books were returned to the public library (unlike October's library book fiasco). Miss BellBell was doing her own book scan and determined that one particularly small board book MUST be returned to the library despite my insistence that it was in fact ours now (a hand me down book). Not wanting to further delay the perfect trip I allowed the small book into the library book bag thinking I could secretly hide it before it became library property.<br />
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Shoes were acquired and put on without any difficulties in part because I skipped the sock negotiations. (Yes my child went to the library sockless in winter. But we were in a car and not walking so frostbite wasn't a possibility.)<br />
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Once we reached the driveway negotiations began again. Miss BellBell climbed into the car and headed to the far back corner of the minivan to assert her independence and desire to sit in the "big kid" seats. I, not being a professional gymnast and not desiring to become one, tried verbal negotiations unsuccessfully and then resorted to physical relocation techniques. At last the Belle of the Minivan was safely secured in her 5 point harness with a blanket tucked over her feet in the middle row of the van.<br />
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Upon reaching the library we disembarked from the van. Miss BellBell wanted to be carried but I insisted she walk. I told her I had to carry the books. Indeed it would have been difficult to carry her and carry the books, but it was almost equally difficult to hold her hand with one hand and drag along an overstuffed book bag with the other hand. But she walked (another point for mom).<br />
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Once inside the library negotiations began yet again and Miss BellBell won her own points. I had forgotten about the stowaway small board book, but she hadn't. I tried once again to convince her that it was ours and we shouldn't return it to the library. Negotiation ended when the book went sliding down the return chute. (Hopefully it gets donated to the Friends of the Library book sale. And the loss of one book in hundreds is hardly catastrophic.) <br />
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The library was a hit with Miss BellBell because it was toddler story time and we arrived just in time for the interactive part. We laced a laminated ball, colored butterflies, worked blue puzzles, and concluded that the letter of the day was "B." (Maybe next time we'll make it in time for the story part too.)<br />
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We checked out our 3 board books and 1 mommy book and headed to the post office. I pre-empted the seat negotiations by lifting Miss BellBell into her car seat before she could head for the hills.<br />
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At the post office it was a good thing we were second in line. Any time someone spoke to Miss BellBell she hugged my leg thereby immobilizing me.<br />
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Post office errand was accomplished and we headed for home. The warmth of the sun combined with the increasing temperatures and the sweater proved a fatal combination for my planned bike ride. I turned around to see droopy eyes and say those fateful words, "don't fall asleep now." If only those magic words worked at home after lunch on super busy mom days, but alas they don't.<br />
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At home I carried the sleeping beauty in and laid her on the couch thinking she would wake up immediately. Foiled again. She slept. I read scriptures. She continued to sleep. I contemplated admitting defeat, but decided in favor of the old adage, "if you can't beat them, join them" and took a nap.<br />
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Maybe life as managed by a two year old isn't so bad after all. :) <br />
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-27720867681277051152014-01-14T11:00:00.000-08:002014-01-14T11:00:04.668-08:00Future Missionary Scripture ToteZeeboy had a big birthday and made the decision to follow Christ by being baptized. That is a big deal in our family. One of our traditions is to give the kids their own set of scriptures when they are baptized. Of course scriptures need a suitable scripture tote. Zeeboy requested white and I honored that request even though I know white gets dirty.<br />
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I used a full size white canvas tote bag like the ones from my <a href="http://www.southpawcrafts.etsy.com/" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>. I had an oops bag that I cut down and resewed into a smaller scripture tote size. My craigslist serger made the project quick and easy.<br />
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Then I decorated it with heat transfer vinyl. I really like the final product and so does Zeeboy.<br />
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-48144699813041352542014-01-11T05:22:00.000-08:002014-01-11T05:22:00.720-08:00Customized Music Clock Face - less than successfulMy clock stopped working which was absolutely great because then I could take it apart without ruining it! After seeing how it was assembled I decided to buy another cheap (Walmart generic $4) clock and customize it.<br />
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First take apart the clock. This one has screws.<br />
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The hands pop off, but these are the problem children. A better constructed clock would be great (like the one that died - now the hand construction is flimsier making this project less than successful).<br />
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I made my clock face using one from the silhouette store (just so I wouldn't have to do the circle with 60 divisions on it). I decided to go with a musical theme: a quarter note at one o'clock, a half note (two beats) at two o'clock, etc. With the print and cut feature on the silhouette you can even use the silhouette to cut the hole in the center of the clock face.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musical Clock</td></tr>
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The final product looks great and worked great until..... the clock hands needed to cross paths. Then the hands got stuck because they weren't perfectly aligned. The hands were put together with rivet like construction. With a different clock you wouldn't have this problem. But after a few days of using this clock in my kitchen I decided I didn't like the musical face because my kids (some of whom are just learning to tell time on an analog clock) couldn't tell what the hours were. So in the end I just bought another $4 clock and put it on the wall without modification.<br />
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But if you could solve the supply issue (find a decent clock) the options for customizing are endless (scrapbook paper background anyone?). I just wasn't willing to spend more money on a clock.Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-495021352825042902014-01-08T05:59:00.000-08:002014-01-08T05:59:00.403-08:00Just for Fun - Toilet Paper MummyDo you ever have an idea you just want to try but it sounds really silly? Well, for the longest time I've wondered how well toilet paper would work to make a mummy. Fortunately for me, my kids are sillier than I am and are willing guinea pigs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYxrUAzhaYjyX7BC9Ie_nGoQ-uLc2veDynx8LGRS_1UahHDwbwXdmaT7iLpHCuu8JHiVXYl7v1AX1GFwijmvONOyDZXUTvLyopYX15XDMb8mJD8GxZHw04hd_miy9tn3shBeEcTUzY1c/s1600/October+TP+Mummy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYxrUAzhaYjyX7BC9Ie_nGoQ-uLc2veDynx8LGRS_1UahHDwbwXdmaT7iLpHCuu8JHiVXYl7v1AX1GFwijmvONOyDZXUTvLyopYX15XDMb8mJD8GxZHw04hd_miy9tn3shBeEcTUzY1c/s320/October+TP+Mummy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is my best effort at making a toilet paper mummy. You can't wrap it too tight or the TP breaks.<br />
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Mr. Zeeboy thought this was absolutely great. He got to use his muscles and see how fast he could un-mummify himself. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBmfKDykl48pEgEWy5p-BikR1AiFcme-WpwHcoBLdoTsawCsgDcbs_I5s9e3gOT7pzneujvaz7fQuqydNfhMlWlL7yQKV2vytbCbee6znOrLAB4JvKRmS_wDmvoJtA94qwsaQoCocJwo/s1600/October+TP+Mummy+5+min+later.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBmfKDykl48pEgEWy5p-BikR1AiFcme-WpwHcoBLdoTsawCsgDcbs_I5s9e3gOT7pzneujvaz7fQuqydNfhMlWlL7yQKV2vytbCbee6znOrLAB4JvKRmS_wDmvoJtA94qwsaQoCocJwo/s320/October+TP+Mummy+5+min+later.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Five minutes max to undo all my hard, hard work! ;) Not recommended for a Halloween costume, but silly fun totally worth the price of one roll of TP!Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631537825293892323.post-43731865595232924942014-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:002014-01-03T07:30:00.320-08:00Bike Leg Bands / Straps - DIYI like to bike. I like to bike with my friend Mike. (Oops, I guess I've been reading too much Dr. Seuss.)<br />
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Actually it's more like this: I like to bike. I like to bike with my daughter BellBell. Except she doesn't push me up the hills. She sits in her comfy trailer and adds resistance to my work outs.<br />
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So one random day for no reason other than I could (true story) I decided to make bike leg bands for my biking gang. What, you didn't know I <a href="http://southpawcrafts.blogspot.com/2013/10/closing-shop-and-joining-gang.html" target="_blank">joined a gang</a>? Well, I did. And now you're wondering what leg straps are for? It's so your pants don't get caught in your bike chain and put holes in your pants. I speak from experience unfortunately.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4g4QEM9C3r0uZaGYW5RBeTDBJ7pLLBjFLfQJo6xXh04JTlCrJaA12zTeal8609vbsbwKvWJvUsNm5zEPZTMZAZBomulxKg9Eq96MaODfXjX33n5SGYL_GknjywF21gYxceadVjg9e-A/s1600/Bike+Leg+Bands+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4g4QEM9C3r0uZaGYW5RBeTDBJ7pLLBjFLfQJo6xXh04JTlCrJaA12zTeal8609vbsbwKvWJvUsNm5zEPZTMZAZBomulxKg9Eq96MaODfXjX33n5SGYL_GknjywF21gYxceadVjg9e-A/s320/Bike+Leg+Bands+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I already had a pair that belong to my husband (who generously lets me use his bike and his leg straps since I don't have my own). I used it as an example. It's the one with a reflective stripe on it. I didn't happen to have any reflective stripe stuff in my craft supplies (who does?) so I did without. I did happen to have lots of unused webbing. Some was nylon and some was something else, but it was all 1" wide. I bought it to make handles for tote bags, but never got around to that project.<br />
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Here's what you need to make your own bike leg straps:<br />
29" of 1" wide webbing (color of your choice)<br />
11" of 3/4" wide sew on velcro (none of that sticky backed stuff) <br />
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Steps:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Cut two pieces of webbing 14.5" long (I didn't pick a random number that's how long the "professional" straps are).</li>
<li>Using a red hot stove burner (or a match), slightly melt the ends of the webbing so it won't unravel.</li>
<li>Cut two pieces of loopy velcro 5" long.</li>
<li>Sew loopy velcro onto outside of leg band.</li>
<li>Cut two pieces of hook (the rough stuff) velcro 3" long.</li>
<li>Sew the hook velcro on to the inside of the leg band.</li>
<li>Done!!! I made 6 sets in part of one morning. A really quick and satisfying project. </li>
</ol>
My other tip for pants safe biking would be to replace your bike seat before the suddenly exposed staple snags your pants and puts a hole in your seat. Yep, experience is a hard teacher sometimes.<br />
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<br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/02458201580642863505noreply@blogger.com0