Craftside

Cutting-Out Tips from "Making Trousers for Men and Women" by David Coffin

In addition to all the great content in the book Making Trousers for Men and Women: A Multimedia Sewing Workshop by David Coffin, there is a DVD that comes with the book and I thought I'd share with you one of the clips today. It is filled with some great tips on altering a pants pattern that are so easy and great for restyling!

Making Trousers for Men and Women: A Multimedia Sewing Workshop

By David Coffin

Comfortable, flattering pants can be challenging to make—but they’re wonderful to wear. In this book, David Coffin provides his inventive, sure-fire methods for getting it right.

With his characteristic precision and straight talk—and with the help of photographs, drawings, and a series of video sequences on the accompanying CD-ROM—Coffin teaches the reader how to get great results—whether making a showcase garment or just whipping out an everyday pair.

For more information and book-related extras, visit David Coffin's blog makingtrouserswithdpc.blogspot.com, all about making trousers and specifically designed for the readers of this book.

A former editor of Threads magazine, David Coffin (Brookings, OR) is the author of Shirtmaking: Developing Skills for Fine Sewing. He has appeared on several online sewing forums, hosted live chats, and appeared on Sandra Betzin’s HGTV sewing program. He has conducted sewing workshops throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, at guild meetings of the American Sewing Guild and the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers, tradeshows, fabric stores, and conferences.

And if you want some more insight into the videos pop on over to this video.

How to sew gathers in fabric from the book Singer Simple Sewing and how to recycle 2 Boy Scout shirts into a fun little dress with ruffles

Ruffles and gathers are really hot in fashion right now, not to mention very useful to know how to do for lots of Halloween costumes. Click on the image to enlarge and read these really great instructions on how to sew gathers.

This page is from the book:

Singer Simple Sewing
The Complete Illustrated Machine-side Reference of Tips and Techniques

By

Beth Baumgartel

This comprehensive “at your fingertips” reference is an essential for any sewer's library. With more than 1,000 detailed illustrations and an instructional DVD from SINGER®, this book covers all the basic sewing techniques for garment construction and home décor. An entire section on mending and repair helps sewers recycle and reuse their favorite items with quick and reliable fixes. This useful volume will help sewers of all levels find reliable shortcuts and better solutions to ensure success with all their sewing projects.

Beth Baumgartel (Madison, CT) has written for Vogue, Butterick, the Home Sewing Association, Family Craft Circle, and others. She is also the author of SINGER® Simple Decorative Machine Stitching.

I LOVE ruffles and I gather fabric a bunch (yup that was a pun!), so I use this technique all the time. Here is my latest recycled/upcycled little dress made from 2 Boy Scout shirts:

I used wider bias strips along the bottom and trimmed the front top edge with a tiny ruffle.

Here is how to sew a little dress from 2 men's shirts; in this case I used 2 Boy Scout shirts.

 

I cut one shirt into the dress shape and sewed two ties. They get placed into the dress when the side seams are stitched.

The final step after the dress is all sewn together is to stitch a bit of elastic along the back top edge.

The other shirt gets cut open so that the bias strips can be cut as long as possible -- as you can see I had to use 2 grid rulers for the first cut.

 

Then I could fold the shirt in half along the true bias and cut the bias strips out with one long grid ruler for the ruffles. I should point out that you really do need to cut the ruffles on the bias because they will shred apart if you are using a woven shirt.

I followed the directions for sewing a gather in Singer Simple Sewing. The only thing that I did differently was I sewed a single row of stitching down the center of each strip.

Then I top stitched 2 rows of ruffles along the bottom edge of the dress and one tiny one along the top front edge.

I removed the patches from the shirt and restitched them on in new places.

 

Here is the dress from the back. My dress form is a bit wider than me so when I wear the dress the elastic on the top back edge looks cute gathered not all stretched out like it is here on the dress form.

If you aren't up for making a whole dress, why not jazz up one you already have with some ruffles or lengthen one with a gathered section?

What is..."a Quoin" and a Halloween decoration inspired by it, brought to you by the book 1001 Ideas for Stonework

File this under you never know where an idea is going to come from.

Today's post contains a NTM (New to me) word and what it inspired me to do.

The word is:

QUOIN

• Main Entry: ¹quoin
• Pronunciation: \ˈkȯin, ˈkwȯin\
• Function: noun
• Etymology: alteration of ¹coin
• Date: 1532

1 a : a solid exterior angle (as of a building) b : one of the members (as a block) forming a quoin and usually differentiated from the adjoining walls by material, texture, color, size, or projection
2 : the keystone or a voussoir of an arch
3 : a wooden or expandable metal block used by printers to lock up a form within a chase

Click on the image to enlarge and read more about different types of entrances.

The upper most right one on the top page was what inspired this really simple and fun Halloween decoration:

I gathered up all my Halloween rubber stamps and placed them along the top of my doorway. It is the perfect size to hold them. And yes that is another "natural Halloween decoration", the cobweb in the right corner. The spiders around here are crafty and in the spirit!

Wondering how you too can get some of this cool inspiration too, it's from the book:

1001 Ideas for Stonework
The Ultimate Sourcebook
By
Richard Wiles

The natural look and feel of stone is unmatched by any other building or decorating medium. It provides a professional and elegant appearance that is also practical and durable for home interiors and exteriors. More than 1000 inspirational photographs in this book show you how to integrate this prized material into your home. Packed with expert advice on design, materials, budgets, maintenance, and installation, 1001 Ideas for Stonework is your professional guide to working with stone.

Richard Wiles has written about do-it-yourself home projects and house remodeling for more than 30 years, and he is an authority on period home renovation. He has contributed to major magazines, including Ideal Home, House Beautiful, Traditional Homes, Period Living, Practical Householder, and Do It Yourself.

Have a great weekend!

How to draw a pattern for a witch hat and how to make a tiny witch hat head band

Do you like your witch hat BIG or small?
Either way today's post will hook you up.

Here is the tiny witch hat, it is on a headband base.

What you need to make a tiny witch hat:

Recycled black wool felted sweater

purple and green tulle (or whatever color you like)

Headband

decorative pin

small scrap of pretty yarn or ribbon

scissors, needle and thread, hot glue, dressmakers chalk

About a 3 1/4 inch round object, like a mug

paper and pencil

Pattern:

How to make a tiny witch hat:

Cut out the top cone shape, the round flat part of the witch hat and another circle about 2 inches in diameter, this last one won't show so it can be not perfect, all from the recycled wool sweater.

Form the cone and hot glue it in place.

Then glue the cone to the flat big circle.

Glue the bottom small circle to the top big circle sandwiching the head band in between.

Wrap the decorative yarn around the base of the cone.

Cut a few strips of tulle and gather them using a large running stitch.

Attach them to the witch hat with a fun pin.

OK so you want a BIG witch hat:

Click on the image to enlarge and read how to draw a pattern for a full size witch hat.

These great directions are from the book:

Creative Costumes & Halloween Décor:
50 Projects to Craft & Sew

The Lifestyle Editors of Creative Publishing international

The all-in-one Halloween book!

Creative Costumes & Halloween Décor combines costume and decorating projects into one convenient book. The costumes are designed around three basic styles: tabards, gowns, and full suits (made from pajama patterns). Accessories like wings, capes, skirts and lots of headwear are also included. Details like collars, gloves, spats, and face painting instructions offer lots of ideas for personalizing costumes.

The décor section includes 30 unique projects for decorating your house inside and out, along with special projects for throwing a Halloween party. The projects use common household products plus lots of craft-store items like wood pieces, paints, paper mâché, felt, craft foam, floral materials, and polymer clay. Elaborately propped beauty photos and step-by-step instructions with photos of every step make the projects--both costume and décor--easy to understand.

If you need the full scoop on how to sew the witch hat grab yourself a copy of Creative Costumes & Halloween Décor and you are good to go (on your broom????)

And to get the how to and pattern for another cute head band project- devil horns made from a recycled wool sweater pop on over to this post.

And I haven't asked a question in a while, but I have one for you today:

What costume are you making this year for yourself or for someone else?

Leave your answer in the comments and you are entered to win a free book!

You already know what I'm wearing, actually I have been wearing it since I made it, I will probably make more things and change my mind between now and Halloween!

How to gather a serged edge without a differential feed from the book Successful Serging

This is so cool!
And especially useful being that ruffles are everywhere! And let's not forget Halloween costumes!

Click on the image to enlarge and read how to gather a serged edge.

This technique is from the way-cool jam packed book:

Successful Serging
From Setup to Simple and Specialty Stitches

By

Beth Ann Baumgartel

This "at your fingertips" reference contains hundreds of techniques and tips for making the most of the serger, or overlock, machine--a versatile and speedy tool for stitching garments and home decor.

Readers will learn how the serger works, the many styles available, and the variety of functional and decorative stitches possible.

There are also easy-to-find-and-follow charts--of thread choices, must-have accessories, and best stitches for a range of fabric types.

Successful Serging is an easy-reference collection of basic techniques, tips, and helpful information for anyone who is learning about or already owns a serger.

Beth Baumgartel (Madison, CT) has written for Vogue, Butterick, the Home Sewing Association, Family Craft Circle, and others. She is the author of SINGER® Simple Sewing and SINGER® Simple Decorative Machine Stitching.

How to make Painted Fusible Web Postcards from the book Fabric Art Projects

After putting together my Traveling Mail Art Kit I am all jazzed about making mail art and I remembered there was this cool project in:

Fabric Art Projects
Fashion and Home Decor Items Made From Artfully Altered Fabric
By
Susan Stein

Fabric Art Projects shows crafters how to alter and embellish plain fabric, then use it to create useful and decorative items for fashion and home décor.
It is a technique and project book all rolled in one. The project steps teach the technique as part of the process. Readers can use different fabric art techniques to make various projects.

Susan Stein  (White Bear Township, MN) owns a successful quilt and fiber arts shop in St. Paul, Minnesota, called  Colorful Quilts and Textiles. She stocks all the cutting-edge products for quilters and fabric artists who love to go beyond basics into fabric painting, dyeing, fabric manipulation, and other fiber arts. In 2003, Susan was voted Minnesota Quilter of the Year. She has written two other quilting books and has researched and contributed to numerous books. Check out her store and some of her work at www.colorfulquiltsandtextiles.com.

Click on the images to enlarge and read how to make a painted fusible web postcard.

If you want to see more and read some fun answers to the day's question pop on over to this post. A few people asked if I had a pattern for the peeps, I don't. They were a purchased item found in stores around Easter. But I just might have to whip up a version!

Today's question:

Hand or machine stitching? It's kind of an open question, answer with what ever pops in your head!

As a thanks for answering you are entered to win a free book.

How to line flaps from David Coffin's new book Making Trousers for Men and Women

Making Trousers for Men and Women: A Multimedia Sewing Workshop
By David Coffin

Comfortable, flattering pants can be challenging to make—but they’re wonderful to wear. In this book, David Coffin provides his inventive, sure-fire methods for getting it right.

With his characteristic precision and straight talk—and with the help of photographs, drawings, and a series of video sequences on the accompanying CD-ROM—Coffin teaches the reader how to get great results—whether making a showcase garment or just whipping out an everyday pair.

For more information and book-related extras, visit David Coffin's blog makingtrouserswithdpc.blogspot.com, all about making trousers and specifically designed for the readers of this book.

A former editor of Threads magazine, David Coffin (Brookings, OR) is the author of Shirtmaking: Developing Skills for Fine Sewing. He has appeared on several online sewing forums, hosted live chats, and appeared on Sandra Betzin’s HGTV sewing program. He has conducted sewing workshops throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, at guild meetings of the American Sewing Guild and the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers, tradeshows, fabric stores, and conferences.

Click on the image to enlarge and read how to sew a lining that is just a bit smaller than the outer fabric. I thought this technique was brilliant and with such great directions totally doable. 

And if you want to make a movable waist pop on over to http://makingtrouserswithdpc.blogspot.com/ because there are tons of great info posted on the subject.

Today's question:

What is the alteration technique you use most?

I tend to crop pants. If I find a cool pair of pants that is just a tad short I will either crop them to just under the knee or totally take the scissors to them and make them into shorts. This is a great technique especially if their is a small problem (like a rip or spot on the leg part). One more way to get a bit more mileage from a garment.

As a thanks for answering you will be entered to win a free book.

Christi Friesen at The Pasadena Bead & Design Show and Awesome August Crafty Blogger Links

 

Christi Friesen author of

Polymer Clay and Mixed Media—Together at Last is about making polymer clay figures—jewelry pieces, focal beads, décor items, knick-knacks—and incorporating beads, fibers, fabrics, glass, stones, etc. to create special effects. Embellishing polymer clay with mixed media adds a sophistication and richness without making the projects complicated or inaccessible to the average crafter.

Christi Friesen works in mixed media and combines polymer clay, glass, acrylic, found objects, gems, and semi-precious stones, glass beads, pearls, precious metals, and pigments to make her sculptural pieces and art jewelry. She is an award-winning artist and her work has been featured in magazine articles, books, galleries, exhibits, and juried shows as well as on her Web sites: www.CFOriginals.com and www.CFJewelryArt.com.

Is such a ham! We shot a cool how-to video with her this past weekend at the Pasadena Bead & Design Show. I have to get it all edited up and I will share it with you as soon as it's ready!

But for today I have Crafty Blogger Links to keep you in the creative groove:

Blisstree Arts
Cyndi has a copy of Susan Wasinger's new book "Fabricate" to give away. Learn how to make fabric the star of your projects!

Cathie Filian
Channel your inner diva as you create a dollar store altered tiara!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy finally got a copy of the book Doublestitch. Is this too over the top for the more mature crochet crowd?

Cross Stitch at About.com
What are your favorite shows and movies to "watch" when you are stitching? Connie lists hers - read other stitchers selections in the comments and add your own.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
The cutting goes high-tech by using a Cricut Die Cutting machine to make cool Locked & Loaded fabric patches that go great with a scissor image to make a rockin' jacket.

The Artful Crafter
Don't toss useful items just because they don't match. Look at what Eileen did with some freebie ceramic canisters and an old wooden cheese tray.

The Crochet Dude
Drew announces the winner of his Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine giveaway and shares some cool vacation photos from New Mexico & Colorado!

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
See pics and get the scoop on the Summer Crafts & Hobbies show, live from Orlando!

About Family Crafts
If you are trying to find a unique gift to make and give, why not check out my free printable calendar pages? You can choose from a variety of styles for not only the current year, but also 2010, 2011, and 2012. There is so much you can do with these free calendar pages. Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking creatively...

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has some new art posted for your view pleasure, along with some freebie silhouettes for you to download and use in your art!

How to needle felt a bird from the super cute book: Wool Pets by Laurie Sharp

Are you craving a bit of spring cuteness? I bring you some today from the adorable:

Wool Pets
Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle
By
Laurie Sharp, Kevin Sharp

Anyone can make cute and cuddly creatures from a handful of fluff and a barbed needle!

Needle felting is a new craft and is gaining in popularity. There are only a few books written on the subject and most of those focus on 'flat' needle felting on a surface. This book is about sculptural needle felting--creating 3-D animals and figures using the felting needle to sculpt wool.

This book shows the techniques and describes how the felting needle works with wool fiber to create felt, while explaining the differences between this art form and other forms of felting. You will learn how to hold the needle, what sort of materials to use, and why.

There are 20 complete projects including various birds, bugs, four-legged animals, and people--each one unique and irresistible! Laurie also shows the reader ways to display their felted creations as mobiles, ornaments, or arranged in shadow boxes.

Laurie Sharp is a full time artist and has been needle felting for over 5 years. She raises her own sheep, shears and processes the wool for most of her projects. She has been featured on HGTV’s 'That’s Clever'. View her web site: www.woolpets.com. Her work has been shown in a number of galleries in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and business partner, Kevin Sharp. Kevin is a professional photographer, and provides both beauty and how-to photography for this book. His work can be viewed on www.sharpphotography.com.

The birds are chirping away, not these, but they are so cute!

Click on the images to enlarge and read how to needle felt a bird with roving.

 

Here are some variations you can make simply by changing the color of the roving.

OK, so you got some birds, you want some needle felted eggs. Pop on over to Laurie's Blog for another complete tutorial on how to needle and wet felt an egg. The photos are so cute, she shoots them with this little guy demoing for you!

 

Today's question:

What tool or "thing" do you wish you had in your crafting arsenal?

I am afraid my answer to that question is, space. I do just about every craft there is. I wish I had a space to devote to each one so that I didn't have to clean up after each project. Although I must admit often times the random stuff that is pushed aside from the previous project often get incorporated into the next. There is a happy kind of collaborating and "cross breading" in my crafting that I really like. So I am rolling with it.

Leave your answer and you'll be entered to win a free book!

How to cut and clean Acrylic from the Outstanding New Book: The Complete Photo Guide to Framing & Displaying Artwork

I've got a sneak peek into the soon to be released (May 2009):

The Complete Photo Guide to Framing and Displaying Artwork
By
Vivian Carli Kistler

Step-by-step color photos for all areas of matting and framing; the information is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. The Complete Photo Guide to Framing and Displaying Artwork includes top-notch instructions for archival framing—the correct methods and materials for preserving photos and artwork for posterity. The author also provides inspiration and helpful examples to show people how to display their artwork using basic design principles in a manner that is easily grasped. There are important techniques to follow for success—even the basic mechanics of hanging a picture.

Vivian Carli Kistler (Akron, OH) is a leading picture framing expert and in worldwide demand. She owned and operated a large retail gallery and frame shop for over twenty years. Vivian is the author of numerous books and videos, including the seven volume Library of Professional Picture Framing. Her monthly articles appear in Art World News, Picture Framing Magazine and Profile magazine.

 

Click on the image to enlarge and read all the details on how to clean Acrylic and how to Repair scratches in Acrylic.

Click on the image to enlarge and read how to cut Acrylic.

This is a bit similar to cutting glass but the tool is very different. I have done a lot of glass cutting but any time I needed to cut Acrylic I always just roughed it and use one of my power saws, so I am just tickled to learn the right way and it looks so simple and easy to cut Acrylic this way.

On to today's question,

How do you protect your art?

Do you frame it yourself with off the rack stuff or make your own?

and bonus question,

Do you know how to cut Acrylic?

And as we continue with our free book a week, leave an answer and you'll be entered to win one!