Saturday 20 May 2017

My scrappy Cath Kidston inspired quilt


At last! I have managed to finally finish the scrappy quilt I began a few months ago.

I used some Cath Kidston cotton fabric by Ikea and several ditsy florals, cut them into 4 inch square and randomly arranged them.

Thought I'd share a few pictures.


The backing I used a cotton jersey fabric and 100% cotton wadding sandwiched in the middle.

I quilted by using "Stitch in the ditch"
then following that with a decorative wiggly stitch to give a creative design on the reverse.


I binded the edges with satin bias binding. Sewing it to the reverse and the stitching it to the front.

It's so lovely and warm and is big enough to go on my bed or to snuggle up in on the couch. It's the first quilt I have actually made for myself!



Happy sewing xx

Monday 8 May 2017

Emmaline Bags Retreat Bag Free Sewing Pattern


Ever since making the small version of this makeup bag I've been obsessed!! So far I have made two and have lots more fabric combinations in mind!






For those of you who haven't seen this bag pattern, it's a free download avaliable here: Retreat Bag PDF . 

It's really easy to follow and the small bag only requires 2 fat quarters. One for the outer fabric and one for the inner. Fusible fleece or foam stabilizer is recommended as it gives it strength.
There are 2 sizes and it comes with directions for optional wire frames which are amazing and make it really easy to see what's in the bottom of the bag. These can be purchased from emmalinebags.com but if you're in the UK like me I get mine from bobbingirl.co.uk 
Version A is for the small bag and version B is for the larger bag.

I haven't made the large version however that is next on my list!!



Happy Sewing!! xx

Monday 13 March 2017

Lined Drawstring Bag How to Sewing Tutorial Guide.


I love making drawstring bags, they're fairly simple to do and can be used for numerous things from laundry bags, toy tidy's to secret chocolate stashes!

Here's how I make my drawstring bags:

2 x Fat quarters for the outer fabric
2 x fat quarters for the lining
3m (approx) of ribbon or cording for the drawstring ties.
Thread, pins, ruler, fabric scissors or rotary cutter & cutting mat and of course a sewing machine.

First of all decide the size you'd like the bag to be, allow 1/4 of an inch seam allowance right around the fabric.
Next draw out the size onto paper or card to make a template. This helps if you want to make several the same size but also helps get the outer and lining fabrics the same too.



Cut out using a rotary cutter on a cutting mat or alternatively draw around using a erasable pen or chalk or washable pen. pin all four layers together and use fabric scissors to cut.

Place one outer and one inner right sides together and pin. 


Sew a 1/4 inch across the top. Make sure if you are using a directional print that the top is where you are sewing.



Repeat for the other outer and inner fabric.

Iron the seam towards the outer fabric. 



Draw where you would like the drawstring closure to begin and end.



Mark it on the other side too.


Now put right sides together and pin. I find putting crossed pins in between the spaces I don't need to sew helps me to remember!

Mark a gap in the lining at the bottom to leave open for turning later.



Begin sewing, don't forget to leave a gap in the lining at the bottom for turning later on.


When you get to a corner leave your needle down and lift your presser fun turn the fabric 90 degrees and lower presser foot and carry on sewing.






Back stitch when you get to the line where the drawstring will be. Lift needle and foot, then sew and back stitch again to prevent the stitches from coming loose.







Cut the thread between these two points.






Box the corners by pulling either side of the seam and line up the seam, use a square ruler to mark the inches from the point. The 45 degree line should line up with one of the sides to ensure it is straight. 


Draw a line across and sew, remembering to back stitch at the beginning and end. Repeat for all 4 corners.




Cut the corner off leaving about 1/4 inch from the stitch line.


Turn the bag through the gap we left in the lining, sew the gap shut.



Sew the gap closed.



Push the lining inside the outer fabric and iron the top being careful not to iron the pen markings if you are using a fixion pen.


Next take the front from your sewing machine and slip it onto the arm. 


Sew a 1/4 inch or less along the top of the bag. I like to use my piecing foot with the needle to the left. Just helps me sew straight.


Sew along the lines we drew, back-stitch beginning and end. 



Iron to remove the pilot frixion pen marks.


Now for the drawstring ties.


Using a safety pin thread the ribbon in one side and repeat for the other.


To prevent fraying I use a lighter across the edge of the ribbon to seal the ends.




Et voila your beautiful drawstring bag is made!





Sunday 19 February 2017

My first post here on Adele's Sewing Corner!


Ok, so here goes.....




I've been sewing for almost a year now (excluding when I was at school). I have gone from only just being able to sew a straight line, to creating full size quilts, dresses for myself and lots of gifts and home items for people I care about. Teaching myself step by step with the trusty help from You Tube videos, sewing magazines, books and cheering on the contestants in the Great British Sewing Bee.

My first ever quilt. Jelly roll strips went from this....

To this....


I thought I'd begin this blog as a way of giving back and sharing what I've learnt along my sewing journey. Sprinkle some tips and tricks I've picked up and how to make some of the lovely makes I've sewn.

When I first un-boxed my sewing machine, the idea of making something such as a full size quilt, a wash bag or a purse seemed way to complicated but now through my research I've discovered the way best for me.

Sewing for me is not only a hobby, it's more than that it's my haven. I truly enjoy every second. Although ask me that when I've just unpicked a seam only to discover that it was in-fact correct the way it was!! or when I've been sewing for miles with no thread in the bobbin!!

The one tip I would give for first time sewers is you don't need every gadget straight away. As you discover your sewing style you'll find some methods are much more suited.

Pop back soon!

Adele x