Wednesday on Wednesday (Or Thursday)

Eating our first roasted corn on the cob of the season. Notice the veggie dog...she eats them bun first then she will walk around munching on the dog. I`m okay with that as long as she is eating!

I know I am late on this one but I was waiting for the camera to make it`s appearance, but alas it is still MIA. Which makes it really hard to post photos of sewing projects I tell you what. Thankfully, I remembered that we had some great photos of Wednesday from this weekend past. Unfortunately our back up camera decided that working shutters were for losers and so now I have no camera at all.  Hopefully that changes by tomorrow because I am done this weeks Sew What challenge!

Denim Pillow : An Inspiration Post!

It is naptime here and I thought I might share with you some ideas I have found whilst perusing searches for "denim pillow" and "recycled denim pillow". While I did find alot of traditional quilted style I still managed to find quite a few fresh ideas. Unfortunately I already have my Sew What challenge mapped out. Not even close to being assembled, let alone finished but I finally have all of the materials. So this search was more for your inspiration and my curiosity. I am determined to show recycled denim in a chic way!




1. This comes from Goodhousekeeping.com. Found in the Valentine crafts section. I really like the idea of using jeans pockets for holding remotes. I think pillow pockets for remotes are genius to begin with, so this is a double wammy.
2. This scrappy/strappy beauty is made by Blink on my Nose of Etsy.com. I love it. and will most likely be recreating one for myself in the near future.
3. Dog cushions by Olive but, they would also work as floor cushions for people. With their boxy construction they would stack so nicely out of the way.
4. How awesome is that Octopus pillow from Burkedecor.com? I have never worked with freezer paper stencils but this pillow puts it on my to-do list!
5. Loving the yellow ruffle detail on this pillow made by Uniform Natural.
6. Sneezerville gives a great tutorial for this lovely recycled denim/fabric covered bolster/lumbar cushion.
7. I really like the colours in this denim/Amy Butler fabric patchwork pillow made by Crafty Kat.
8. And who could resist this sculptural piece of repurposed denim and suede made by Jungle Mama.
9. I think this is an absolutely gorgeous example of both repurposing and quilting/patchwork. Made by Julie Floersch  She also makes beautiful pieces to wear I urge you to view her other recycled denim pieces.
10. I really enjoy this tone on tone "permanent print made with a hand-cut spraypaint stencil on hand sewn & stuffed recycled fabric from a design by Leavitt" from Intuition Kitchen Productions.
11. How cute is this mushroom cushion from Library Street. She (Nicole Wilson) also has an etsy shop, but it is down for technical repairs. I think this would be fairly easy to reproduce with any image, how about exploring an Alice image by Sir John Tenniel?
12. Hoo has fallen out of love with owls? I don't think many have. And this adorable denim cushion made by the artists of The Cozy Loft is super cute!
13. I adore this Peace Out pillow. I am not sure who it is by, but it used to be available through Crate & Barrel but unfortunately it cannot be found there anymore. So, I guess we'll just have to make our own!
14. How hot is this recycled denim ottoman? So hot. It is made by a Japanese company and you can view images of the recycling/production process via GelBlog. So awesome. I totally want one, I think I am going to scout some super dark denim just for this purpose.
15. I found these pillows on Martha Stewart's website. Although I am pretty sure the blue pillow just looks like denim, the technique is still applicable. You just cut a non fraying fabric (They used ultrasuede) into flower shapes and then attach them to the pillow. easy peazy lemon squeezy!
16. Last but not least there is always the bean bag chair. I am really considering this one as a stuffy storage option for the little one. The one pictured is from akupunktura.ro.

Whew! That was a bit of work. But worth it, I am feeling sooooo inspired! I hope you are too! See you tomorrow for Wednesday on Wednesday!

Sew What! Bag with Words Reader Showcase!

Good afternoon folks. Thanks to some early bird entries I can do up a reader showcase post for the bag With Words challenge. And since Wednesday and I have both come down with a mild but super annoying cold I thought I would blog while she watches a movie giving me more time to rest and sew in between bouts of cloudy headed sinus troubles. Okay, enough about snot and more about your bags! We have some great submissions so far. Also, after the photos are some ideas for this weeks challenge. I should have had mine done weeks ago but let us hope I do my best work under pressure.

My ever so talented partner in crime The Sewing Dork made this beautiful satchel with the words " Random Acts of Kindness' on the outside and "senseless beauty" on the inside.

She also sewed up this gorgeous clutch. The pattern on the inside fabric is a journal print, how very pretty and clever! (Much like Cynthia non?)

AND this book bag for a close and dear friend. Although technically not for the Sew Along it still fits in with the challenge. She should get a medal!

Next we have a lovely little crochet hook bag made by Mandi C of Common Threads. Her chosen fabric I believe is repurposed/stash busting fabrics. And the vintage pillowcase she used for the outside is adorable! Love the practicality of this bag as well!

Jessi C of Common Threads as well is joining us for the Sew along, her chosen fabric is men's dress shirts. I love that idea and I think I might have to put it in the vault for a later sew along! Ahem, but Jessi's submission is a lovely purse complete with an inside pocket made from a dress shirt pocket.The word on this bag is a little hard to spot but the button says "I Love You".

Angela Pea of Keeping the Faith submitted this adorable pinny (Short form of clothespin apron). Her chosen fabric is stash busting cottons. I really like both the practicality of the project but also how she bent the meaning 'bag' to suit her needs. Fabulous.

Fir those of you that missed the week three description you can find it at the top of my blog space under the menu buttons. For those of you that know it but are not sure how to put it into action I thought I would share some ideas that I had...

• Pillow
• Doorstop
• Bookends
• Pattern weights
• Lap desk

For those of you that are not sure what reverse applique as a technique is (or have ever done it)here is a tutorial I have for a felt crown that incorporates it.

Hope that helps get yoru creative juices going! Please keep submitting your projects this has been so much fun!

Happy Sewing!

Sew What! Reader Showcase pt2 + Week Three Challenge

Here are three more fabulous skirts from participants in the Sew What! Sew Along. I have not received any bag with word entries save cynthias but you still have lots of time and as you can tell by these entries that the due dates are relative. No pressure just fun here.

This one is a fantastic circle skirt made by Donna of Comin' Home for a super groovy time of square dancing. It even comes with a tutorial on how to make on out of a bed sheet. (Donna's chosen fabric was cotton scraps and although this is a big scrap it qualifies as stash busting which I think was part of the choice.

This hot little number was made by Angela of Keeping the Faith. She used a Threadbanger tutorial to make this skirt out of an old pair of jeans for her daughter. *Sigh* I remember when I could wear skirts like this...Great job though, I think this looks as store bought as a recycled denim skirt can get.

This adorable little number was made by Jaimie of Two Chicks and a Hen. Her chosen fabric was recycled knits I think this skirt is a fabulous example. Two t-shirts were used int he making of this little skirt and I am inspired to make Wednesday a couple super comfy play skirts.

Okay and now what you have been waiting so patiently for. Week Three challenge! So there are a couple things to it so I'll break it down in point form for easier reference.

Challenge 3a) You must use your chosen fabric, the recycled denim skirt was a fun first project but if you don't want to work with denim you need just choose another fabric (If you haven't already for the bag with words challenge.)
3b) This item is a home decor item. It will be a pillow/door stop kind of form. You get to choose how you interpret that and how and with what it will be filled.
3c) You can use one other fabric that is not your chosen fabric.
3d) To use this second fabric you must (if at all possible) use the technique called reverse applique.
3e) For extra credit, try to squeeze in some coasters!
3f) Submissions are due by Sunday the  20th, but I realize Father's Day is upon us so if you need an extension we can do that! To do this you can leave a link to your post in a comment on mine or Cynthia's blog. You can email it to one or both of us. You can upload it to the Sewing Dork Showcase Flickr group. Everyone is welcome to upload their photos regardless how else you share them. We love to look through them.
 
Well ladies, it is getting late here and I really want some ice cream celery. Happy Sewing~!

"Peace Man" said the Hippie to the Fuzz

Here it is, my answer to the second challenge in the Sew What! Sew Along. The challenge was a bag/tote/purse/clutch made out of you chosen fabric that incorporates at least one word. (I'll give you one guess who's idea that was!) So, I made this denim clutch with both the word peace and the symbol for peace.





The denim came from the same pair of jeans that I used to make this skirt (coincidentally enough for a post at The Sewing Dork's blog). The inside of the clutch is from a thrifted pair of pajama pants. The decals are Tulip brand heat set.


This was my first clutch ever (I made this way before the wristlet of last weeks challenge) so I didn't want to complicate it with things like closures and zippers. To remedy that, I made it long enough that when it folded over nothing should fall out. :)

It is adorable, and I am just so happy with how it turned out that you can believe I will be making a few more. Tutorial to come next week some time when I make another for hubby's niece.

OKay so, that is it form me on this one. I thought I might be able to squeeze out one more answer to the challenge but as it turns out I will not be anywhere near my sewing machine this weekend. But, I am hoping that on Tuesday (or so) I will have a tutorial for a Father's day gift (that does go well with this challenge.)

Tune in on Sunday to find out what the challenge will be for week three. Don't forget to submit your bags from this week's challenge to myself or Cynthia via the Flickr group, a link to your post if you have a blog or through email. Happy Sewing!

Fun Bunting Giveaway @ Common Threads!

It is a celebration! Not here (Mind you I could use a drink!) But over at Common Threads they are celebrating. What are they celebrating? And more importantly how are they celebrating? You ask. I shall tell you!



Recently they set up their very first booth (ever) at Birthfest and it was such a success they just had to come home and give stuff away. (That is my kind of party, well that and the drinking kind!)

Because, what is more celebratory than bunting (except margaritas maybe) they are offering a chance at a custom made bunting just for you!

Follow this link to their post about the giveaway to follow directions to have yourself added to the draw.

If you need some inspiration for where to hang a bunting, or why to have one you could go here or here to check out some great ideas.

Now, who is this Common Threads you ask? They are a couple of local (to me) gals named Mandi, Jessi and Cassie who create wonderful things that they sell at [now]local events and through their Etsy shop Common Threads. In their shop is some adorable amigurumi dolls (I hearted a few of those already), and some cute baby clothing and accessories.




*Author's Note* For all the mentioning I did of alcoholic beverages, I rarely am able to partake in their imbibing.

Sew What! Reader Showcase!

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today the sun is shining and the air is cool but alas I am tied to my house with typing (I am hubby's secretary) and laundry (I am hubby's laundress) but I may get out for a stroll with my wee angel so I am going to let the pictures do most of the talking.

My partner in crime Cynthia's answer to the challenge. How clever (and awesome) is that tree applique?

Deci of The Rick rack Shack's lovely number using recycled denim. Isn't the embroidery detail from a pant leg great as the centre piece?

Steph of Mon Petite Poppet made this adorable ruffled number for her Petite Poppet. Sew cute!


Erin of Luck & Bliss used her chosen fabric for the month (Knit cotton) to make this uber twirly skirt for her Flamenco classes. I love the photo and the thought of kickin' up my heels in this number!


Thank you so much for sewing along with us! It has been so much fun! Remember it is never to late to join in the fun, you can even make the skirt from last week if you like. This is about inspiration and fun! And speaking of, here is this weeks challenge in case you missed it at the top of my blog space or over at The Sewing Dork's posts.

SEW WHAT WEEK TWO CHALLENGE:
The next challenge is a bag/clutch/purse with words. Any kind of words. Use your chosen fabric, some words and a healthy dose of imagination. Once you're done, add your photos to the Flickr group  to show the world.

Denim-Stravaganza! : Flickr Favourites

The skirt I made kind of burnt me out for the sewing machine, so I am going to take a break for a couple days. But, that does not mean I cannot share with you some wonderful things other have made from denim. below is a small mosaic of wearables, weavables and wonderfuls made from denim I found on Flickr. I really enjoy them all, particularly the woven chair seat in the bottom row. I'll definitely be putting that idea in the vault. And are those coasters not perfectly clever? If you would like to see more lovely ways that denim has been reused check out Denim Surgery a Flickr group. I'll be visiting that pool a few more times in the next few days you can well imagine. Most of these photos were found just by typing in denim, but the pool offers a more focused selection.

1. DSCN5906, 2. Denim Dress, 3. denim x japanese #2, 4. felt studio: denim, 5. Denim Weaving, 6. denim basket, 7. denim coasters and holder (4), 8. Re-Purposed Denim/leather belt chai, 9. Re-Purposed Jean


For those of you sewing along with us for Sew What?! You can find this weeks challenge posted at the top of my blog under header and navigation buttons. I hope you have fun with it because I sure did!

The Little Skirt That Could!

What can I say about this skirt? Well, let's see. First, it is the longest running project I have worked on to date. From start to finish it took me nine days! I cut out and appliqued almost three fat quarters worth of flowers from a vintage bed sheet. But this skirt is soooo much more than that.



The little Skirt That Could AKA My interpretation of the Sew What Challenge #1 AKA Shabby Chic Meets Booty-liscious!

I could also call this skirt The Skirt of Firsts as it is the first time I:

• Used Heat N' Bond
• Appliqued
• Used metallic thread
• Made a D ring belt

Have I told you yet how much I love it? Because I do. I made it from one of my most comfortable pair of jeans and so it is a very comfy skirt. Normally, I would not hack up a perfectly good pair of jeans but this pair well, if you'll notice the front pockets at thigh height? Yeah, winter weight thighs did not appreciate the attention as a pair of jeans but as a skirt? *Muah* Bellissima!

This skirt was inspired by this one from I Make Stuff.Which was inspired by this technique at The Brassy Apple. But at the time I did not have the mula to order, so I thought; "Hey, I can do that!" and I could, but I don't think I could have complicated it any more than I did!

First thing I did was use a pair of jeans with front pockets. Dude. It is pretty hard to sew a 'tube' bottom to an odd shape top. I ended up having to tuck in almost half an inch under each front pocket right up to the waist seam. The, when I had the skirt base sorted, I cut out way too many flowers and stubborn as I am am, I appliqued (triple stitched)every last one of them. THEN I zig zagged with metallic thread over the edges of the flower, again individually. Thankfully I cut out a few bunches of flowers so that helped a little. It still took me about five days to sew it all on though, not including the metallic zig zagging.




I topped it off with a matching d-ring belt and ran some metallic stitching around the skirt to kind of tie it together. I had a piece leftover from the belt that inspired me to make my first ever zippered wristlet. That kept me up the other night, having never worked with zippers before and being too stubborn to find a tutorial I agonized over how to make it a lined pouch in which the lining could be pulled away from the pouch. In the end I managed, it looked a lot like how I pictured it, except smaller because I didn't realize I need a much bigger zipper. Live and learn though right?




After every stage I tried this skirt on, loving it more and more the further along it was. I love it to death now and am so happy I can finally wear it out and about. (Or oot and aboot as we Canucks say.) I love how it fits both in the comfort and looks department. Seriously, my butt looks awesome in this and who does not love a skirt that makes their butt look awesome? I will make a skirt like this again but I think I will purchase Brassy Apple's pattern because it has to be simpler than my method. Until then, I think I did a great job at making recycled denim look fan-freakin'-tastic!

To see what Cynthia has come up with for the challenge click on the button below!




To find out what the next challenge is come back Monday evening and on Tuesday I will showcase the other skirts!

Thanks for sewing along!




I am entering the skirt in the following contests. :)

Denim-Stravaganza!

So, some of you may have noticed I dropped the word theme here and there over the last couple weeks. Well, I am only three and a half days late getting it started but here it is! The Denim-Stravaganza! For the entire month of June I will be posting projects, links to, photos of wonderful recycled denim projects. Personally, the more I work with this fabric the more I like it so this will be a fun month for me.

Also, it ties in well with Father's Day since it is a rugged fabric that holds up well to manly type things. I have one tutorial maybe two to post in time for Father's Day so I am super hyped for those!

That is also why I chose recycled denim as my fabric for the Sew What! Sew Along. Yay for things mushing together well.

I will hopefully be back this evening with a more visual post to kick things off, I just wanted to take a moment and write this up before it got away from me. And now, back to my Sew What challenge project! (Yes, I am still working on the finishing touches!)

Cheers!