Monday, October 10, 2011

Sew cozy

I pinned a sewing machine cover tutorial long ago, then finally felt inspired when I picked up a couple colourful fat quarters with cute bird and owl patterns. Oddly, it turns out, it's the same fabric as used in the tutorial. You'd think I purposely got fabric that matched the crazy wall colour, but that was accidental too.

I made all the measurements and cut out the fabric, which required a fair bit of tedious piecing since I was working with fat quarters and then I figured while I was piecing I might as well make it interesting. But then I left it part way done, I think because I was afraid I made a math mistake that would only become apparent when I put it all together.

Today I summoned my courage to finish the cover and against all odds it fits perfectly. So another happy accident! (I know I measured, but really it is amazing it worked out.)


I'd definitely recommend this tutorial. It's well written with lots of pictures and the trick for the corners sure is nifty.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Crafting superstar

My mom is a crafting superstar. I was looking for a messenger type bag I could take with me to Italy that would hold a lot and be rugged, while also looking nice. I found a bag I liked online and asked my mom if she could make me something similar. Silly me. Of course she could. I gave her the fabric - Echino cotton/linen blend with bicycles that I've been saving for just the right project, and Laura Gunn poppies in complimentary colours - and let her do her thing. I would have taken weeks and weeks for me to get this together, but my mom whipped it up in a day. I'm sure with lots of time leftover for other crafting, followed by a martini with her feet up.

How awesome is this bag?! I can't wait to tote it around the Tuscan countryside.