sewing

I see Log Cabin a lot and I’m still charmed by it.

This little bag is the product of a bunch of scraps from a larger project. The scraps were too small to be re-used in the project, but just too good to toss out or use as filler.

The lining is made of Joann-brand fabric. (It looks so clean right now! Soon it will be “christened” by leaking pens and other bag foibles.)

To make the bag, I used the technique for a lined zippered pouch, but I gave the bottom a bit of depth. I used the technique seen in various patterns (if you’ve followed an Amy Butler or Lotta Jansdotter pattern this will be familiar to you).

Cut out squares from the bottom(s). Sew the side seams. Sew the bottom seam.

Then flatten one side seam and the bottom seam and sew across both (you’ll do this on each side). My apologies: I don’t have a photo. If there is interest/confusion, I will figure out a photo or drawing. It really is easier to see than to read.

I found some blue linen and thought: Short-sleeved tunic! I made one (with French seams and everything), but couldn’t love it (even before it got this rumpled).

I still loved the linen, though, so I cut up the tunic.

Using the technique from the Really Big Tote in Lotta Jansdotter’s Handmade Project book, I made a bag (my dimensions are different).

I was going to use this rather clever tutorial for embroidery on covered buttons. I opted for fabric instead. (The fabric is from Superbuzzy, but I don’t see it there now.)

As you can see, I didn’t get the fabric exactly centered on the button. I am happy to live with it as is.

A few things
1) The bag is unlined.
2) The bag in Lotta’s book doesn’t have a closure. I liked this idea I saw on her site, so I tried to do something similar.
3) If you look closely in the top photo, you can see stitching behind the button. I made a “patch” and sewed it on the inside. I wanted the button to be secure, and one layer of linen struck me as tempting fate.

I made two blocks last fall, but couldn’t think of what to do with them. Yesterday I made them into a bag.

I have had that square button for at least 10 years. It was the only one of its kind (found in my mom’s button bin…she didn’t remember buying it, but there it was all the same).

I was going to do a loop over the top, around the button like this, but I changed my mind. Snaps for the minute, and maybe velcro later?

Here is the other side

Lining is simple, soft muslin. (Strap is wide grosgrain.)

the solution: This is a chair pocket.

the problem: B needed a place to unload his wallet, glasses, pens, etc. when he comes in/takes off his shoes.

the initial solution: Get rid of the chair and buy a small bench at a thrift store. Put a big bowl on one side of the bench (for stuff) and use the other half for a taking-off-shoes perch.

the area in question

the problem with the initial solution: Do we really need/want any more (even small) furniture?

the insight: It was all B.

the remaining concern: Will muslin be strong enough to hold everything?

the front, unfolded

the back, unfolded

Using the technique for neat corners from the Purl Bee

I have the dress.

All I need is a shepherd’s crook and I’ll be set.

I’m not sure why I can’t seem to sew anything seasonally appropriate at the moment. But there it is. Take-the-photo-quick-and-get-back-into-warm-clothes, that’s the order of the day.

The pattern I used was Vogue 2940, with the requisite Small Life deviations.

lining

back

front

Just a new cover for a humble ottoman. No pattern, just some rough measurements and simple sewing.

I love the way linen looks rumpled most of the time. It feels rather relaxed.

And, just in case you were wondering, we have had some snow here but it is not record-breaking. It might feel that way as you shovel the sidewalk yet again, but it isn’t.