I never would consider myself someone who is “good at decorating”. I was barely an adult when we bought our home and I became a stay-at-home-mom. Six years later, I finally feel like I understand our home and family well enough to inject finishing touches into our spaces. With the gloomy grey winter looming ahead, it was time to stop collecting ideas and start making them happen. And the place to make it happen in? The place I spend 85% of my time in – my living room. 

Living Room Pinterest Board

I like to think of it as “Project De-Brown-ification”. Andy and I jump-started the project over Thanksgiving weekend by painting our living room walls a lovely pale cream (Sherwin Williams Antique White and Behr Swiss Coffee for the trim). Soon after, we had new carpeting installed. It was astonishing how those two things made our living room looked 100,000,000 times cleaner.

Unfortunately, it was still too brown…

Then, I scored some fabric sunshine at 50% off red tag pricing… and brought home 13 yards.

And during the break from the Minoru Sew-along this weekend, I cranked out these curtains.

I had dragged my feet getting started with it. It seemed like it would be too boring of a project, but as it came together I got that heart palpitation sort of excitement a good sewing project gives me.  Now that they are done, I can’t stop grinning like a fool at them. 

Want to inject some fabric happiness into your home?

My tips are these:

1. Get yourself some stitch witchery. I don’t know how I’ve missed it for all these years, but it did a way better job than pins would have holding the hems in place for sewing. Did I mention that there were FOUR floor length panels? 660 inches of hem?!?! fun times.

2. Make a handy little iron-safe ruler for your wide hems. I cut a rectangle out of a cereal box and covered it with aluminum foil (to make it steam-proof). Then I marked the hem measurements on it with a thin permanent marker. For smaller hems, you could use the Scientific Seamstress’ handy printable Folding Templates.

3. Experiment with curtain hanging styles. I am amazed by how much the width of the rod pocket affects the look of the curtain. A tighter fit would have changed the gathering and drape.  Take time looking around at curtains that you like and testing things out with pins. I’m sure glad I did.

4. Watch out for obvious patterns. You may need to match it across the curtain pairs. I’m happy I realized this before it was too late to fix. It would have driven me crazy!

More resources for sewing curtains
Curtains are such a great beginners sewing project. In fact, they were some of my first few projects when picked up sewing again in 2005. The biggest one being the gingham curtains I made for my baby’s nursery. I found the idea for them in the book Simple Curtains. Curtains may be rectangles, but fabric type, gathering ratios, and hanging methods make all change the look of the curtain. Simple Curtains explained it all and a remember loving all the beautiful project ideas in it.

Nursery 2005. Apparently, I have a thing for yellow curtains. Who knew?

Curtain Tutorials Around the Web
Of course, the internet has a plethora of tutorials available too. Here are some of the gems I found:

• About.com breaks down how to calculate and cut your fabric lengths.
• Design Sponge shows how to make the most basic “rod pocket” curtain in their sewing 101 series.
• House of Hepworths and Naptime Novels both have detailed posts on how to make a lined rod pocket curtain.
• ThreadBanger Projects shows how to make tied cafe curtains.
• Kitschy Coo made quick tab-topped curtains.
• A Brooklyn Limestone added grommets to her drapes.
• MyCurtainStyles showcases a variety of drapery hanging methods.
• Plus an amazing collection of curtain diys and tutorials at The Inspired Room.

Plus, I’ll add more resources to my “curtain” Pinterest board as I find it.

So find some fabric that makes you happy, and surround yourself with it!

Can you guess what Happy Fabric project I have my eye on next?

As I said in my 2012 Goals post, I’m joining in the Minoru Jacket Sew-along. Today is Day Three. I am really enjoying the pace of this so far. Usually, I squeeze in as much progress as possible in my limited sewing time, but Tasia is breaking the project down into smaller chunks that fit much better into my rather busy existence. 

Before the official beginning of the sew-along, I wanted to make sure that I didn’t have to do any major alterations to the pattern. So I made a super a “muslin” out an old sheet. I was very impressed with the length of the sleeves and I was very happy to not have to change them. I did “grade out” the pattern between the bust (size 14) and the waist/hips (size 16), and raise the elastic waistband two inches to match my high waist. (see image below)

After 3 or 4 trips to the fabric store, I found some yummy purple corduroy for the exterior and a funky purple striped lining. The 16-wale corduroy is a bit outside of the fabric recommendations, but I think it is light-weight enough to make it work. We shall see.

Day #1 of the Sew-along, cutting and marking all pieces, was by far the longest. It took HOURS. Why is that preparing to sew takes almost as much time as sewing? Do any of you actually enjoy this part? blech.  The one thing I like about this step is that it switches me from Stress Over Fabric Indecision mode into full-out Make It Work mode. This is a much happier place for my ESFJ self.

Day #2 was sewing on the sleeves and top-stitching. There are some excellent tips for topstiching included in Tasia’s post, including using a triple-stitch as substitute for proper topstitching thread. I tried it out and I love the look.

Today, all I had to do was put in the basting stitches for gathering the neckline. It took me 10 minutes. Ten minutes of sewing to make me feel totally accomplished for the day? I’ll take it.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t really have time to do the processing and planning that the New Year encourages until Christmas is all the way over. On Sunday, we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany. Yesterday, I put away (most of) our decorations. Today, my new 2012 planner arrived in the mail. Finally, I am ready to look back on 2011 and start planning 2012. 

Last year, I decided to create a pattern a month. In hindsight, it was an insane goal to make in a year that also included pushing out a baby. In all, I made 8 (+1ish, the suitcase pattern is made, the directions are still being edited). I could look at this as a failure, but I won’t. Without pushing myself, I would still be planning on making patterns “someday”, instead of today. Now, I know I can make them and I will definitely make more.

2011 Goals = Success! Yay!

So, 2012… I think I am going to step away from the single monthly goal and give myself three general sewing goals. They are as follows:

Goal #1: In 2012, I will get back into garment sewing.  In 2010, I loved learning to love my body by dressing it well. Now that the baby weight is gone and my body is starting to normalize, the extra effort of achieving good fit now feels worth it. Specifically, I want to sew a coat and some pants. Hopefully, more than one of each.

Goal #2: In 2012, I will put out more Sew Fearless patterns. Yes, yes, the mini suitcase. And maybe, the Mommy Poppins Bag, too?

Goal #3: In 2012, I will continue to educate myself on how to create professional patterns. I’ve fumbled around in Photoshop so far, but I know there is better/more correct/more efficient way of doing this. I’m going to learn how. Then, I will teach it to others. I’ve got a CompSci degree for goodness sakes! I can do this!

Goal #4: In 2012, I will do more to support independent pattern designers. You have been awesome in your support of me. I want to spread that love around.

Goal #5: Most importantly, in 2012, I will sew. I’m worried that all this pattern making shtuff has been eating up my sewing time. I love sewing. It makes me happy. I don’t want to lose sight of that.

I will try to recap monthly how well (or not well) I have worked towards these goals. That way I won’t forget about them.

Also, in the works, I’m joining in the Minoru Jacket Sew-along. The pattern is in hand, my fabric is bought, and we are starting January 16th. This goes towards Goals #1, #4, and #5!

Do you have sewing goals for the New Year? How can Sew Fearless help you achieve them?

Oh My Gosh. I had so much fun browsing through all of your Pajama Eater photos this afternoon! You certainly were an industrious bunch this holiday season! 

I especially love the creativity of those who took the classic version of the Pajama Eater and made it their own.

There were owls…

by Amy W. (posted to Facebook)

monkeys, frogs, and ninjas!

by Craft, Interrupted

Many of you thought that the monsters needed more girl appeal.

So, you added buttons and bows…

by amyliz797.

… and froo-froo eyelashes.

by Chantel

And, oh, the quantity! You really cranked them out!

 Especially, Cindy (above, first), Pam (above, second) and Stacy (below). Stacy, I think I counted NINE in all your pictures! Am I right?  (posted to Facebook) 

There were more than these. So, be sure to check out all the adorable monsters in the new Pajama Eater Flickr group (as well as on the Sew Fearless Fan Page).

Keep it up, you, Fearless Sewists, you!

Filed under: Crafts for Kids, Fearless Feats ]]> http://sewfearless.com/2012/01/05/attack-of-the-pajama-eaters-ii-santas-elves-were-busy/feed/ 7 nerdymommy monster chat by Amy W By Craft, Interupted amyliz797 by Chantel Cindy Pam Stacy badge http://sewfearless.com/2012/01/02/christmas-gifts-2011/ http://sewfearless.com/2012/01/02/christmas-gifts-2011/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:07:42 +0000 Jodi http://sewfearless.com/?p=2841 Continue reading →]]> MERRY (ninth day of) CHRISTMAS!!!

I hope you all have enjoyed time with your family. I sure have, and I enjoyed giving out the few handmade gifts I made this year. The first gift, the two magnetized-for-refrigerator-poetry coffee mugs pictured above, is Not A Sewing Project, and as such, I will forgive myself for doing a particularly crap-tastic job on it. In order to sooth my wounded pride, Andy composed a poem on it and then took a pretty picture. So, just pretend this mug only exists in the soft glowy light of the Christmas tree.

How-To Details in Case You Have More Painting Skillz than I: I painted 2 layers of Magnetic Primer on old coffee mugs, and then covered the primer with acrylic ceramic paint. Neither are “food-safe” so I kept them away from the lip of the mug with painters tape. The speedy way to cure ceramic paint is to bake it in the oven. We are waiting the recommended 21 days to cure it instead, because who knows what the Magnetic Primer will do in a hot oven. For the record, magnetic primer is a HUGE mess. So be careful where you work. I found vegetable oil helped wipe up the bits of metal if they get all over your skin. 

Moving on to more fabri-philiac pursuits…

I made my mom a pillow embroidered with all her grandchildren’s hand prints. Tricky, because neither of my nephews live close by. Fortunately, one came for a visit before Christmas, and for the other, my sister scanned his hand and emailed it to me. Notice, that she included a ruler so that I could print it to scale.

I used the log-cabin blocks I teased you with to make the back.

After she received the pillow, my mom told me that she had been secretly hoping that the sneak-peak was of a  present for her. I’m happy to oblige, Mom.

My two god-daughters welcomed baby siblings this year, so I thought the little ladies would enjoy diapering their own baby-dolls while their moms were busy with new baby care. The free pattern is available on Skip to My Lou.

And of course, Pajama Eaters were required for my nieces and a nephew.

I heard a good number of you were making Pajama Eaters for Christmas presents this year too! I would love to share some of my favorites in a post later this week. So be sure to add them to the Pajama Eater flickr pool, or send me an email (sewfearless at gmail dot com).

Christmas 2011 – The year small pieces invaded our home.

That really is the trouble with open-ended play type toys. They have pieces – lots of them. Small ones, now that my older children have graduated from toddler toys. Have you seen how small Polly Pockets shoes are? And have I mentioned Gladys is a mobile 9 month old who puts everything in her mouth? AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

I’m working to contain the crazy a bit. These bags are based on the tutorial by Susan of Crafterhours (guestposting at On the Laundry Line), and are made with old t-shirts, left-over bias tape, thrift-store zippers, clear vinyl, and about an hour of my time.

I would like to also make more puzzle envelopes as Gladys received some lovely ones for Christmas.

The original puzzle envelopes.
Look how little Duncan is! Has it really been that long?!

I’m not the only sew-happy mom on the web  trying to reign in the chaos with some help from clear plastic vinyl.

“Peek A Boo” Toy Sacks by Make It Perfect

Clear Toy Storage Bags by Make It and Love It

“Peeping Peeps” Zippered Tote by PROJECT: project

Toy Bag by Zaaberry

Much better, right?

Merry Christmas!

A little birdie told me that my sister-in-law was in desperate want of a tree skirt. Of course, a store-bought skirt wouldn’t do.

Especially when I only needed to cut a giant circle out of felt and slap some fringe on it. Or you know, sew it down carefully.

The burgundy color felt and creamy fringe gives it a classier vibe than classic bright red and white would.

I must admit. My plain-jane red, pilling, felt tree skirt is feeling a bit jealous.

Not that it matters. No one’s lookin’ at my tree skirt anyway.

I’m slowly plugging along with the suitcase pattern. The first draft of the directions is laid out and I am working on digitizing the paper pattern. As I was going over the project photos, I decided the detail that really makes the suitcases is the handmade piping. So, I thought we could work through how to make and use piping you’ll be ready to tackle the suitcase pattern when it is finished. 

Piping from Scratch

(from left to right: sweatshirt lacing, lacing covered in bias tape, 5/32″ cotton cording, cotton cording covered in bias tape, clothesline)

The first thing you’ll need to make piping is cording. This is the “stuffing” for the piping and it comes in lots of fun sizes – from small for details on clothing to “mondo” for funky home decorating projects. (Or you can fake it, and skip the cording.) Purchase cotton cording by the yard at your local fabric shop; Mine has it in the home decorating section. I experimented with sweatshirt lacing (found by the ribbon-by-the-yard), but it wasn’t as easy to work with as the cotton cording and not any cheaper. I’ve also heard of using clothesline for home decorating piping, it’s just a tad stiffer than the cotton cording I saw at the fabric store. The mini suitcases used 5/32 inch cording – small enough to be manageable, but substantial enough to give some support to the bags and oomph to the look. Buy a lot of it while you are there, because it doesn’t cost much and you will want to add piping to everything once you find out how simple it is to make.

Secondly, you will need to make “bias tape” – long strips of fabric cut along the diagonal of the fabric grain. Clear as mud? Head on over to MADE and check out Dana’s incredibly thorough Introduction to Bias and making Bias Tape.

I am going to recommend you do NOT use the method to make strips shown in that post. There is a better, more mind bogglingly awesome, way to make bias tape known as the continuous loop method. Using this method, one fat quarter of fabric will give you about 5 yards of tape. ka-RAY-zee!!!!! Jona has a lovely tutorial on how to do it.  It looks a little nutso the first time, but trust us, it works great. (Want to know how wide to make the tape? Keep on reading, there is a handy equation found in the Coletterie post.)

Once you have the tape made, inserting the cording using a zipper or piping foot is laughably simple. Caitlin over at the Coletterie, will show you how.

Get your pipe in!

Your gorgeous handmade piping can be inserted into pretty much any seam you like. The Cottage Home gives us the step-by-step.

I found it easiest to baste the piping into place before sewing the two sides of the seam together, and I stretched the piping gently as I basted to keep it from waving. The bias tape stretched easily around the curved corners of my suitcases, but you may need to clip the seam allowances for sharper corners.

If the ends of the piping aren’t hidden within a seam, you will need to tuck the edges into one another like these Perfectly Portable Cushions at Sew, Mama, Sew or by tucking the ends down into the seam allowance as seen on Craftstylish.

Once the piping is basted, sew the seam as snug to the cording as possible without sewing through it. *Tip: Use a post-it note (as pictured above) or rubber band as a seam allowance guide when using a zipper or piping foot.* It might take a couple tries before your seam is close enough to the cording to make the piping look right. Just sew over the seam again until you are satisfied. Then turn the seam right side out, and admire your pretty piping!

See? That wasn’t so bad.
Any Questions?

It is clear that you all are as addicted as I am. So you will understand that it was only a matter of time before my habit spilled over into my holiday decorating. 

Actually, to tell the truth, I had “borrow” a tree elsewhere because we don’t have one up at home yet. It’s been one of those years, you know? But hey, I made this ornament! So that counts for something!

It made for a semi-pleasant afternoon of Christmas crafting with children hovering at my elbow, and shouting incredibly helpful things at me like “That’s ugly, mom. I don’t like it.” and “Maybe you should put some flowers or something pretty on it, Mom.” Thanks, dear children. You are too sweet.

Fortunately, my husband thinks they are the bomb. Thanks, dear husband. You are too sweet.

Maybe if I find another afternoon to spare, I’ll make a couple more.

Happy Advent!

Except that I can’t stop myself from giving some sneak peaks of the goodies I’m working on. These “Log Cabin” blocks are not destined for a quilt, but they just might convince me to make one in the future. They are crazy easy. Just make sure you set up your sewing space with an ironing board and cutting mat within arms reach of your sewing machine as you will be switching between them with every seam.

How are your Christmas preparations coming?