25 Crafts Until Christmas: Day 4 Cash/coupon clutch

We have all seen this little envelope/clutch system floating around. It's a great idea to designate money for certain purchases to help eliminate impulse buys. However, there isn't a tutorial anywhere so I decided to give it a go and make a few of them as gifts to my coupon loving sister and in laws.

Please first note, that the thread choice I used was only in order for you to better see the stitching in the areas that I am talking about. Normally I would choose a matching color to the velcor and fabric alike. This one was just a demo for everyone to see with contrast.

Materials:

8x10 cut of main fabric
8x10 cut of lining fabric
8x10 cut of heavy duty fusible web
thread
rotary cutter/scissors
sewing machine
1 inch cut of sewable velcro
optional material (fleece,felt, fabric for embellishment)
Dollar bill just for spacing purposes

First cut out all of the fabric you need.  Then you want to iron the fusible web to the WRONG side of the Main fabric.

Layer both the lining and main fabric with RIGHT sides together. You want to take a cup/bowl or eyeball it if you must, and cut rounded corners on one end. This is going to be your flap to close the clutch. Please Note that I left a small area on top of the main fabric a little longer.

Next with right sides together, pin the fabric, leaving a 2 inch opening on one side to turn.  fold that little extra length of the main fabric over. This just adds a little extra stability to where you will add the velcro later. Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Now you see this small opening? you want to use it to turn your fabric right side out.

This is what it should look like.

Next you want to press the fabric. After pressing, turn in that small opening and pin it.

Now simply top stitch all around the fabric square being mindful of catching that small opening in your stitch to ensure you close it.

Now once again with your iron, Place your dollar at the bottom and fold up and pin the sides together. This is going to be the pocket of sorts where you would house your coupons or bills.

Now fold the top over that dollar bill just to be sure that you have proper spacing. You don't want that flap to quite meet the bottom of the pocket. as depicted below.

Next. simply sew the side seams along that top stitched line and be sure to back stitch adequately to make sure the is enough support.

Now simply pin and stitch the velcro closure where you would like it to lie. I used a red thread to show you how I stitch and secure the velcro in place. Normally I would use a matching color thread to the velcro so that it blends well together and isnt noticable.

 VOILA DONE

 You can add embellishments if you like. Perhaps a flower, some bling, an applique or monogram. Some people will use an iron on label that can be written on or printed words such as farmers market, gas station, etc. to deligate where the money will be going or where the coupon is to be utilized.

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25 Crafts Until Christmas: Day 3 Pleated Clutch

I've seen a couple of tutorials online that have a gathered pouch or clutch. I find that after trying to gather versus pleat that pleating was less time consuming, much more even in lines and for me a better aesthetic appeal. At the end of this post I'll show you what both look like in the exact fabric so you get an idea to better judge which method you prefer.

This tutorial is VERY picture heavy in order to make it easy for you step by step.

Materials:
1/4 yard main fabric
1/4 yard lining
7 inch zipper
1/4 yard medium weight fusible web
Corresponding thread
Rotary cutter/scissors
Sewing machine.

Let's get started!! First cut all of your materials. You will have left over material. These are gifts so the left over will be used for wallets etc which I will show later

These are the cuts you need:

Main fabric:
Cut one 5.5inches x 13 inches (this will be the pleated front)
Cut one 5.5 x 9 inches

Lining fabric: cut 2 pieces 5.5 x 9 inches

Cut 1 piece 4x9 inches
Cut 2 pieces in 1.5x 2.5 inches

Fusible web:
Cut 2 pieces in 5.5 x 9 inches.

That's all the cutting you need to do.


First step, I neglected to take a photograph so I will explain.

Take your two small cuts of lining (1.5x2.5). Fold in half and iron. Next open it and fold each end toward the inside seam created by previous fold and press. The same way you would create a bias tape.

You want to then fold it in half again along that original seam.

Take each of these little "tabs" and pin them to each end of the zipper. You want to slide that end of the zipper into that fold created so it's like a little sleeve of sorts. Simply sew a straight line at the end leaving a narrow seam. Be very careful not to sew over the actual zipper. You want to only sew over that excess fabric at each end of the zipper. Your finished length should be 8.5 inches in length. Set it aside. You will need this later.


Next take your 4x9 lining piece. Fold In half with right sides together. Along the LONG edge sew a 1/4 seam. Being sure to leave each short end open. Turn it right side out now and press. Set this piece aside for a future step. When completed, It will look like in the first picture up top, the one with the word MUM on it (that's for my mom).


 (on with the photographs now)
Now take your 5.5x13 inch main fabric. You can choose to gather it by sewing two basting stitches one inch apart down the entire 13 inch length. Then pull and gather and press.

I chose to simply fold and gather and press in place until I reached the desired length of 5.5x9 inches.

Once pressed take that 4x9 inch lining piece that you sewed in half. Pin it along the middle of the main pleated lining.

top stitch each long side of the contrasting lining fabric closely to the edge

Next flip that pleated piece over iron on a cut of the fusible web to the wrong side of that main fabric.

Repeat ironing the second piece of fusible web to the other main fabric that will serve as the back of the clutch.

Now to put it all together. It's pretty quick and easy once you get the hang of it.

Take your main pleated fabric. Right side UP. Place your zipper with the teeth facing down onto the main fabric. The zipper pull will be on your left side. Now take one of your lining cuts 5.5x9 and place it right side down facing the zipper. Pin the 3 layers in place and sew along the top edge being sure to catch all three layers.

Next flip over that lining fabric so that it's behind the main fabric that is facing you. As you now see that one side of the zipper is now sewn between the main and lining.

Now repeat the other side of the zipper with the other piece of main fabric and lining. However this time the zipper pull should be on the right side of you. Just a tip. I find it easier to Manuver if I pin all of the layers down and out of the way to ensure that you don't accidentally sew them together   As seen in the first two pictures below

Now if you open it up you should have the zipper in the middle with one of each lining and main on each side of the zipper.

Press and top stitch along the zipper.

Now comes the tricky part. But important or you will find yourself in a pickle.  Unzip your zipper at least half way. You absolutely need to do this before you sew or you will not be able to open and turn the bag.

 Fold the pieces so that both right sides of the lining are facing each other on one side of the zipper. Then the right sides of the main fabric are facing each other. In the lining, pin a 1/2 inch seam leaving a 3 inch opening in the bottom to turn right side out later. Pin the main fabrics to have a 1/4 inch seam.

Sew the lining and sew the main once completed, be sure to trim your corners like so in the photo below

Now see that little opening you left in the lining? Push it over the main fabric. You will have to push the main fabric all through that opening and turn the purple lining over it as well. The result will be this. It looks like the bag is inside out. CORRECT!

Now take that little opening in the lining and fold inward, press and top stitch closely to the edge.

Now where your zipper is unzipped simply turn the bag right side out. Press and done!!!

Here are the two versions that I had mentioned early. the top is the pleated version. The bottom is the gathered version. I like things in order or unison as you will so I prefer the pleated.

If you have any questions or tips on how to perfect this bag, please feel free to leave a comment or email me at pinkshoesphotography@gmail.com


Stay tuned for matching wallets, coupon/cash holders.
Peace, Love and Shutter Clicks!!
Mandy

25 Crafts Until Christmas : Day 2 Stroller Blanket/Infant Seat Blanket

This one eh, I made a couple of easy to fix errors.  This is the first time I have ever attempted a baby blanket of sorts and considering I pulled it out of my hat, I am not too displeased with it.


Materials:
1/2 yard of solid color minky or fleece
1/4 yard of flannel in a print
1/4 yard of cotton or flannel in a corresponding solid
a scrap of a solid color  and wonder under heavy duty(for applique, omit if you choose not to use one).
Sewing maching
Scissors or rotary cutter
pins
Iron
matching thread


Step One: OMIT if you are not going to add an applique to your blanket

Use your scrap/scraps of fabric to cut and create your applique. In my case, I freehanded a letter J for the first name of the baby who will be recieving this blanket. Once you have cut out your piece of fabric you want to iron on the rough side of your wonder under to the back of the letter. Leaving the paper backing of the wonder under on for now. Set the applique aside for now, You will need it later.

Step 2:

Cut out 2 squares in your print flannel measuring 13x13 in size

Cut out 2 squares of your other corresponding fabric Measuring 13x13 in size

Cut a 26 x 26 inch square of fleece or minky fabric

Step 3:

 As Pictured below, you want to take one of each of the corresponding squares of fabric.
Place them right sides together and sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Once you have to sections sewn together as seen below, you want to flip the top piece over onto that bottom piece. Again right sides together. Along the top LONG edge, sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Open and press.

Step 4:
Now that you have your squares sewn together as depicted in the photo below, Take your applique and peel off that back paper of the wonder under.  Stick your design in your desired location and Iron on. This helps prevent the design from moving when you sew it in place. (if you are choosing to not use an applique design please skip this step and step 5)

Step 5:

You want to zig zag stitch (you can straight stitch if you choose but zig zag has a better appeal and sturdiness to the applique). This is where I made my mistakes. I guess sewing this blanket at 2am doesn't really help with your hand eye coordination.  Next time I make one of these blankets I will use a closer stitch and slightly longer.  You can see where I messed up on the long side of the J and a hair in the corner. It pays to go slowly......very slowly and not rush to go to bed.

Step 6:
Now take a square of fleece or minky that you have pre-cut to a 26 x 26 inch measurement.
Again place right sides together, leaving a few inches open at the bottom to turn the fabric pieces right sides out later.
Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance

Step 7:

I neglected to take a photograph but prior to turning your blanket right side out, you want to trim your corners.

Step 8:  Turn your blanket right side out. Take that small opening and fold inward, press and top stitch very closely to the edge.

Step 9:

gently iron your blanket for smoothness.

Then choose any decorative stitch or a satin stitch even a tight zig zag and stitch all around all 4 sides with a 1 inch seam allowance.

Again, this is what I would change in the future. I did not mess up the stitch but I am not fond of the stitch I chose. I most likely would use a tight zig zag stitch for a boy and a nice flower stitch for a girl

Step 10: Press and done!!!!!! (however do note that I had not yet pressed this blanket when I took the picture lol sorry it was late.).

Peace love and shutter clicks,
Mandy

25 Crafts Until Christmas: Day 1 Shoulder pads/burp cloths

I had this idea since we are doing a "homemade" christmas this year to have a blog series called "25 Crafts until Christmas".   Nothing fancy, just me an amatuer crafter trying my hand and a bunch of new crafts. Some projects may be a huge success, some fail miserably and some may need a bit of tweeking. However, I am here to figure it all out and I am open to any suggestions or tips yall may have to better my projects in the future. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest and share with your friends and family. Perhaps someone out there in Pinterest Land may have an idea or tip that is helpful for me or even a craft that they would like me to try out for them and make a tutorial. I am open to anything.

I should note: All of my Craft posts will be very picture heavy. This way it's easier for anyone who wants to try and make something or have suggestions of where I went wrong.

Onwards to my first day of crafting.

Shoulder pads/burp cloths

Super quick...Super easy

I was going to make fancy smancy ones using a pre-folded cloth diaper but Seriously? I have so much fabric here to utilize and I didn't want to have to get stuck buying a 12 pack when I only needed a few for the gift basket. I am really trying to just use what I have and not have to go out and purchase anything specific except for notions etc.

Materials to make 4 shoulder pads:

1/4 yard of flannel (I chose a print)
1/4 yard of minky/fleece/terry cloth (I chose a solid to correspond with the print)
matching thread
Sewing machine
scissors (I prefer a rotary cutter for smoother lines and quickness).


Directions are for just one Cloth, obviously just follow the steps again until you have made all 4 cloths or however many you need.

Step 1:
Cut One rectangle measuring 12 x 6 from both your Flannel and your Minky/Fleece/Terry

Step 2:
Face right sides together and pin. (right sides meaning when you have to two piece on top of each other it looks like they are inside out had they been sewn already).

 Leaving a 2 inch opening on one of the short ends so that you can turn it right side out later.

Step 3:
sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way around all 4 sides EXCEPT that 2 inch opening you need to turn your fabric.

Step 4:
Trim your corners as demonstrated in the photo below. This will allow you to have neater corners without the bulk

Step 5:
Now using that little opening turn your fabric right side out
You want to take that little opening and fold the hem in and press.

Step 6:
Now simply top stitch all the way around again, close to the edge of the cloth and remember to catch that folded opening with your top stitch to sew it closed.

DONE!!!!! Quick and easy and done in literally minutes.

Peace, Love and Shutter Click,
Mandy