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Pretty Painted Pegboard for Sewing Organization [How-To]

Posted by on March 25, 2013 14 Comments

Vinny is 4 weeks old today. I’ve had a couple of lovely brief sewing sessions this last week when Vinny’s nap schedule has cooperated. Sewing helps me feel like myself again.

Vinny

I realized that I never posted about the pegboard addition to my sewing room. If you follow me on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter, you might have caught glimpses of it. However, because I luuuurv it, I wanted to give it the posting it deserved.

Pretty Up Your Pegboard with Paint! - SewFearless.com

 TA DA!!!! Seriously, can it get any better than a happy-colored pegboard full of the tools and gadgets that make you happy? I’ve wasted many a minute, just looking at this pegboard smiling to myself for the happiness of finally having it on the wall. Maybe I should hang more them around the house… hmmm….

Here’s how it was made: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Making Home, Non-Sewing Crafts | Tagged: Tagged With: , , , ,

Bundles for Babies: Silk Ring Slings

Posted by on February 25, 2013 6 Comments

(I am writing this post on Saturday morning and scheduling it for Monday. I wonder if the baby arrive before then…. nope, no baby yet.)

silk ring sling - sewfearless.com

I’ve gotten more than a few raised eyebrows from friends and family when I said I was sewing a silk ring sling for the new baby. Why use such a fancy fabric? Won’t you worry about it getting spit-up or pooped on? Why not something more practical? Well… I have a couple “more practical” slings (which I love), but I’ve wanted a silk sling since I was pregnant with Matthias. If I have been daydreaming about something for 4 years and through 3 pregnancies, it’s about time to make it happen. right? Plus, the little guy is going to have enough hand-me-downs in his life. It’s nice to have something to give him that is new.

double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

Project Details

Fabric: “Caribbean Lagoon” and “Gray Stone” 200% silk dupioni From NY Fashion Fabrics.
If you follow me on Facebook, you would know that my first online order (from another seller) was a total flop. They shorted me a half yard of silk and the quality between the two cuts were really inconsistent.  I returned that order and ordered from NY Fashion Fabrics. I would order from them again.

Rings: Size Large “Silver” from SlingRings.com
DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT BUY “CRAFT RINGS” from a craft store for making your own baby sling. They are not strong enough. These rings from SlingRings.com are inexpensive and strength-tested.

Thread & Needles: A Shmetz 70/10 Microtex needle* worked well for hemming the silk, but I switched to a size 90/14 Topstitching needle* for sewing across the pleats. Use the best quality thread you have available to you. (I used Gutterman thread).

Tutorial: Reversible, Un-padded, Double Layer Sling tutorial from Jan Andrea at Home on the Web
I love Jan’s tutorials for baby carriers. Not only are they detailed, but she also has thought through all of the safety issues. Her solution for making this sling reversible and avoiding putting the weight of a baby on the joining seam is total genius.

double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

One fun thing about making slings from 58/60″ fabric, is that you can get two sets of slings out of the same yardage. I mailed off a second sling to a relative who just had her first baby. I hope she enjoys it as much as I will enjoy mine!

double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

Another “Heart Prep” project checked off. Each day it feels a little more real. The little guy is coming soon!

reversible double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

* denotes affiliate links

Filed Under: Bundles for Babies | Tagged: Tagged With: , , , , ,

Tips for Working with Ultra Cuddle Fleece – Car Seat Wrap, Boppy Cover

Posted by on February 11, 2013 Leave a Comment

Tips for working with Ultra Cuddle - SewFearless.com

I am finally making headway on some baby projects, and just as I had hoped they are helping my heart prepare for my little boy. To be honest, I was a bit of emotional wreck last week. Andy was away for school, and although I had plenty of help caring for the kids, I felt so raw and vulnerable in my greatly pregnant state. As soon as he arrived back home and I was able to pull out some baby things, I felt my spirit relax and flutters excitement creep in. You guys, I’M HAVING A BABY! SOON!!

Project #1: A Car Seat Wrap

Ultra Cuddle/Flannel Car Seat Wrap - SewFearless.com
I made a car seat blanket out of flannel and “ultra cuddle” fleece following the directions found at The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking. It’s a very simple straight-forward project that I, of course, turned complicated by using a trickier fabric. (The tutorial uses two layers of flannel.) On the plus side, I learned a lot and now I have some tips to share!  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bundles for Babies | Tagged: Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

DIY Pattern Weights – Ribbon Wrapped Washers

Posted by on January 11, 2013 11 Comments

Ribbon Wrapped Washers for Pattern Weights - SewFearless.com

The last time I stopped by the hardware store I made sure to pick up some washers to use as pattern weights. So far, I have have been making do using cans, cups, silverware, wooden play blocks, and anything else that I could easily get my hands on. You can buy pattern weights, but I loved having prettier weights at only the fraction of the cost.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Non-Sewing Crafts, Sewing Supplies, Tips, Tutorials, Patterns | Tagged: Tagged With: , , , , ,

Felt ‘n’ Fabric Coasters

Posted by on October 29, 2012 5 Comments

I like Big, Exciting, and Challenging Projects. However, even I have to admit, quick ‘n’ brainless is nice too. These Felt ‘n’ Fabric Coasters are an excellent last-minute gift, or a beginner’s sewing project.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Making Home | Tagged: Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,