From One Girl's Dress

Sweet Treats for a Guest

I shared with you earlier that I had made a couple of pillows from two little girls dresses. My daughter recognized the checked patter in the pocket pillow. I had intended to make another heart pillow out of the bodice, but seeing the scalloped top I got another idea. I saw that this could be made into a sweet little bag. I then thought I could take the same measurements from the other pocket on the skirt of the dress to make another tote/purse.

Then I realized these would make sweet bags to hold goodies for a guest. I took the ribboned band at the waste, included a couple of inches of the skirt to create a bottom ruffle to the pocket bag. I stitched together the bottom and the sides and added one of the tie-backs as a strap. I placed a towel, washcloth, gel soap, body butter, toothpaste and a toothbrush in the purse. In the pocket I put a bar of chocolate and some tea bags.

In the smaller, bodice bag I placed a couple of books, 
stationery and a pen.

All set and all ready for a potential guest.

The heart pillow is filled with lavender and the pocket pillo can hold the guest’s cell phone safely nearby for calls or for an alarm.

From one little girl’s dress I made three things that could make a guest feel comfortable and welcomed.

I am sharing this post with these Delightsome blog parties:

 

Fine Craft Guild

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Save Your Five Dollars

Many of my friends can't sew. No judgement, they just never cared to learn. In fact, many of the people in my area take garments to the dry cleaners for sewing. This is a great resource for hemming, alterations, and garment repair in general.

When I found out that the dry cleaners charges five dollars to sew on ONE button....I had to share this quick refresher with you. Case in point, my husband's blazer

That has one loose shank button. A shank button is raised with that metal loop under it. It is super easy to sew because....you can't see the stitches when you are done!

Here is what you will need

Scissors, a needle and thread (if you want it to go super fast, use upholstery thread). Cut off the button, remove the old threads, and thread the needle

Here is my time-saving tip, I double the thread BEFORE I thread the needle. That way, there are 4 strands of thread....fewer stitches, extra strength. Don't forget to knot the end of the thread

Starting from the top-side of the garment (everything will be covered by the button when you are finished), Push the needle into and then back out of the small perforated holes from before

Pull the thread all the way through until the knot stops you. Then, slip the needle through the shank (make sure the image on the button, if there is one, is facing the correct direction) and repeat the first step going along side of your previous stitches

Pull the thread to secure

Repeat once or twice more.....now THIS is how you get your button to stand proud and not fall over...wind your thread around your stitches several times...like you were winding a yo-yo...and then lock that in by slipping the needle into the winding threads and back through that huge loop to make a knot...one more knot for good luck!

Your shank button should stand at attention! Now go get a pumpkin spice late with the five dollars you saved!

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Sewing Project

Tote

I felt comfortable with the pillow slipcovers I had created.

I shared with you here

I shared this pillow here and here

Now, I wanted to try making a tote. I modeled this after this one I had - 

which I shared with you here.

I like the size and the shape of it.

I used tissue paper I had collected from gifts I had been given. I traced the bottom of the tote and laid it on its side and traced the shape of it. I measured the straps and their placement as well. 

I used this soft blue Laura Ashley fabric I purchased at the fabric sale - I shared this with you here.

I was inspired to use this fabric for the tote

after viewing these images shared a while

back by our friend Cielo.

I lined the tote with a creamy heavier fabric as well

as used this same fabric to create the band trim, the bow and the straps.

I made two pockets inside to hold my cell phone and other things I want at hand.

I am very pleased with the results! It has a wonderful shape and feel and just large enough to carry what I need.

It's a floppy tote - but  that's fine by me!
Would you be interested in seeing me make another 
this time with step by step instructions.
While doing this, I worked it out mentally then 
played with it while pinned...
then dove in and put it together.

Now, I am working up my courage to try the 

slipcovers for the two chairs in my bedroom.

Or, perhaps a few more pillows or totes or

something else....

Thank you for stopping by!

I will do another rose pillow and give you a more

step by step how-to! That was fun - and for 

me being a straight-line challenged person -

going in a spiral was up my alley!


I am sharing this post with these fun parties:


Savvy Southern Style's
Wow Us Wednesday

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Rose Pillow

Another Sewing Project

Pillow Slipcover

When I saw this rose colored fabric at the sale I attended a couple of weeks back, I knew I wanted to attempt to make a Rose Pillow with it.

I searched the internet and found this tutorial.

I followed it as closely as I could. With one exception.

I gathered and tacked the center of the rose before attaching it to the base of the pillow.

I am loving making slipcovers for my pillows. Now, they

don't have to go into storage until the next season. I can also have many, many more pillows out! 

Can there be too many pillows - 

I don't think so! They're beautiful and cozy enough

to invite one to nap!

I didn't do a terrific job on this one-the flower is not

centered for one. But, I am satisfied and will try this again!

And show a step by step for you.

I will be showing more of this pillow in my

Celebrate Spring With Victoria

the post will be up at 6:30 this evening.
I am sharing this post with
Wow Us Wednesday - Savvy Southern Style
Whassup Wednesday -Elements - Interiors

Thank you for visiting!

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Pillow Slipcover

Confidence Booster

I have very little formal sewing training.

But, I do venture out there and try.

This is my first attempt at making a 

slipcover for a decorative pillow.

I first copied the graphic I used

for the headboard of this twin bed

from Graphics Fairy when I updated the 

guest room.

I then surrounded it with this beautiful

trim my daughter bought at an old

dress shop.

I used some of the fabric and trim I

purchased at the recent fabric sale

I attended.

I was inspired by the beautiful pillow

and sachet I purchased from

my dear friend Char

at 

Some Place in Thyme

I am thrilled with the results.

I have two more pillows with 

graphics from Graphics Fairy 

to complete ....

Will share with you soon.

Then, I plan to embellish some 

curtains and make chair slipcovers.

When I dive in - I go deep!

Hope you're having a wonderful day!


There's lots of fun in blogland!

I am sharing this post with 

Karen's

Show Your Stuff Monday

and 

Kim's

Wow Us Wednesday

and 


and 


Show and Tell Friday


Whassup Wednesday

and 

Show and Tell Friday

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