Author: guernseyjane

Bag bonanza

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Whoops! I seem to have ordered lots of 12 x 12 paper pads before using up my considerable supplies, so spent a couple of afternoons making gift bags.

Pictured are some I made from a roll of remnant wallpaper which is also demanding to be used.

A simple formula: trim paper to 12” wide by 7” high. Score along the 12” at 1/2”, 2 1/4”, 6 1/4” and 8” then turn the paper and score at 3/4” (for a top reinforcing fold) and 5” (for the bottom) Trim out the score lines and tape as shown. bottom tape not shown.

I used red liner tape for strength and popped in a piece of card to reinforce the bottom before punching holes to thread ribbon or cord for handles.

For the 12” by 12” sheets I used the trimmed spare to make labels and bows on the scan n cut.

Handy pouches

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These lined pouches are made unusually following a crafts channel (Corinne Brad) tutorial. I used a pony tail band rather than the fabric loop suggested so I could stretch them around dog leashes and never forget pooh bags again.

To make sew the two short ends of lining and outer fabric rectangles together (wrong sides facing) then press over the flap to mark a crease. Sew from crease to top end on each side then manipulate fabric to fit the other seam into the crease and sew the remaining sides (leaving a turning gap in one lining side and tucking in the loop or band in one of the outer sides). This makes a weird three flapped object but when turned and pressed it is a tidy, quick clutch.

To finish I top stitched in places and put in a snap. At last, I am using my bargain bag of pony tail bands.

Zipping along

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A labour of love on a gilet I hate

He bought this gilet when beyond my clothing surveillance. It is an old man’s jerkin and I dislike it immensely. However, when the zip broke, I took a deep breath and agreed to fix it.

I will concede it is a well put together piece of clothing (waxed, lined with lots of pockets) so I bought a heavy duty zip, removed the old zip and set about inserting it.

Two broken needles and a lot of swearing later it is done.

Friday challenge: use up … the lavender

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I set myself a task to use up lavender as part of my decluttering project. Trawling pinterest for ideas reminded me that I can stamp on fabric and that I have eyelets and buttons galore, so lots of little trimmings could be added to my fabric de-stashing effort.

But all the above only use small quantities of lavender, fabric and trim so the lavender tin, now replenished with the 2020 harvest, remains well stocked.

Isolation crafting

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Yes, there has been card making but much, much more. A daily dose of crafting keeps the isolation blues at bay. All being forced to use what is to hand.

Over the last 2 weeks I have made: trimmed pillowcases from recycled sheeting, doorstops and gift bags from the stash. I have harvested, dried and frozen herbs and made potions and gifts with them. Each day I have sorted, de cluttered and organised making more crafty mess every day!

And yes, a little Christmas crafting in case post isolation life is too busy to craft ( no chance).

Bloney good blinis

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Another ‘why haven’t I made these before’ moment. Easy, cheap and delicious.

My recipe came from bbc good food. Batter made with egg whites added at last minute. I added some baking powder to increase the bubbles and it was lovely. Rather than chives I added some tarragon leaves but, frankly, any herb or none would do.

Fry dessert spoonfuls of the batter in an oiled pan, flipping when bubbles appear. Makes about 20 – 24. Just don’t snack on too many while cooking. Can be reheated or frozen.

Useless (not pointless)sewing

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A mini apron with bib and tie to decorate a bottle! A project from the rebecca page sewing summit this week.

One for the present drawer… it did teach me how to make a faced round neck hole though so lesson learnt.

I opened up some iron on vinyl to decorate and make it super kitsch.

Stamping and colouring fabrics

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First of the custom size mats

I up-cycled a beloved old shirt into mats this week. The fabric was ironed on to a firm interfacing, then a rummage through old stamps unearthed florals suitable for creating this border image.

Stazon ink and Ikea fabric pens were used before the mat was trimmed to a neater rectangle. A backing fabric adhered with spray fabric glue was then sewn permanently with my machine’s decorative blanket stitch.

To finish I sewed another decorative stitch through the stamping then decorated with some Pebeo Perlen fabric ‘pearl drops’.

Once heat set with an iron this is theoretically washable.

So I made more!

Mask helpers

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My mum has problems ‘fiddling’ her face mask, glasses and hearing aid around her ears so I have made some helpers to keep the mask elastic away from her ears.

Not sure how tight her mask elastic is so two versions made for her to try.

Small is two pieces of 6” by 2” fabric. Large is 7” by 2”.

Just sew both pieces right sides facing, leave a turning gap then turn right sides out. Top stitch around the edge to close gap and tidy up. Fix buttons at each end.

Bonus! I learnt how to use my sewing machine to fix buttons.