Weekly Quote

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.---C. S. Lewis

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Spring 2012 Color Trends

It is time once again to start thinking about Spring/Summer creations and the Pantone color report is always a good place to start. 

I am not as inspired by these colors as I was the colors from Spring 2011.  I prefer colors that are clearer.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments section below.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

More 101 Uses for Your Old Jeans. Recycle.Reclaim.Upcycle.

Well we are on the count down to Christmas. Here are some ideas for handmade denim Christmas gifts. And it is not too late to make any of these.

24. Christmas Stocking. A very nice pattern for a Christmas stocking that you can embellish to reflect your style.






25. Christmas Tree Ornament. Too cute! I can see a little tree covered in these beauties.







26. Gift Tag

27. Lunch Sack. Great idea, by using the pant leg you have very little sewing to do.

28. IPod Cover. Now is this cool or what and it is made by a guy! However as I was looking through the tutorial I thought the fingers of the person sewing looked like a girls...so I'd say he cheated.  Also he said take the smallest seam possible. In my experience, when working with denim, it is better to take a wide seam. Cut your pattern wider to take into account that you will be taking a wider seam.

29. Coffee Cozy. I worked these up one afternoon using one of the cardboard cozies from the coffee shop as my pattern. In four easy steps your done.
  Step 1. Open the cardboard cozy at the glued point.
  Step 2. Double your material (denim) front sides of fabric together, trace pattern onto wrong side of fabric, cut out.
   Step 3. Embellish front side with stitching, paints, beads, etc.
   Step 4. Put wrong sides together so front sides are out, stitch around edge leaving raw edges, overlap ends 1/2 inch stitch top to bottom.
Voila you have a cute, eco-friendly, coffee cozy. Make several to carry in your purse and car.

30. Draft Stopper/Snake.  Make a tube from the legs of an old pair of jeans and stuff with batting or better yet old t-shirts. And of course you will want to embellish it to coordinate with your decor.