Zippity do dah!

I had two different requests for zippered pencil cases. While both have 10 zips each, the bottom one is much larger 'cos of the method of sewing.

Top - seams sewn from the inside 'horizontally'. This results in a smaller pencil case because of the puffiness and seams.

Bottom - seams sewn in zigzag stitch from the top. This results in a larger pencil case. I attempted to match the thread colour to the zip so I ended up having to change the thread and bobbin often.

The seams are the easy part. The toughest part of this is binding up the seam where all the zips come together. You can't see it from here but I've not done it yet for these two. I just wanted to get the pic out first, LOL!

Have a blessed day!

In another colour

This reminds me of maple syrup, of pancakes and caramel corn. :-)

I like the simplicity of this bracelet. It wasn't easy at the start but once you get the hang of it, it's rather simple to braid it.

Have a blessed day!

DEAR season

I like this time of the year, it's DEAR season :-)

Drop Everything And Read is on (has been on) till 31 Jan 2013 and you can borrow twice the usual number of books.

I used to lug DS' and DD's books till I told them that if they want to read, they'll have to carry their own books. Grin! Thing is, it's cold and wet weather here so I'll bring a jacket and brolly when I go out and with the extra books, I need a large enough bag to hold everything. Actually, this is my excuse. I've made many bags but I wanted one for myself and when I saw this cotton-linen blend in a retro print, I made one :-)

Have a blessed day!

ps: Library's closed today 'cos it's a public holiday but it'll be open tomorrow :-)

pps: If you have a Passion Card, please go activate your free premium membership. More books!

Fusion

These are twin totes made from Northcott laminate. I like laminates 'cos of it's waterproof feature but they're not easy to handle. I can't pin 'cos there'll be holes and this fabric doesn't feed well into the sewing machine. It's rather stiff as a fabric and turning it inside out is a challenge. I still like laminates though.

Have a blessed day!

Colour combinations

I didn't think these would go together but these 2 colours were what DD requested. Six braided green and brown. After braiding it like that (3 consecutive green, 3 consecutive brown), it seems quite pleasant. I might try another that is green, brown alternates. I might try an 8-braid, or a 10? I think it's the same method as the 6. I'll need to find the corresponding ribbon ends first though.

 

Remember the top-most gift bag? I used it for the tutorial. Made some more out of Christmas colours. 

Would you have guessed that all these came from a single piece of cloth? It's those 'cheater' patchwork types. The sizes are just nice for these 27mm buttons. Dual loops elastic hair ties.

I just remembered that I'm supposed to update the Pre-Christmas Sale 2012 page with these than post here.

Oh well.

Have a blessed day!

More kits

These 3 are available as a kit. I've just posted them up on Facebook. Found 3 double-sided heart charms to go with them too :-)

These are 3-braid single wrap ones. I don't have other colours at the moment nor others long enough for double-wrap.

It seems that

3-braid, single wrap needs 1 yard,

3-braid, double wrap needs 2 yards,

6-braid, single wrap needs 2 yards and

6-braid, double wrap needs 4 yards.

Anyway, have fun with these :-)

Afternote: I forgot to include instructions (no picture tutorial at the moment)

1. Cut the yard of suede into 3 equal strips. At 12" and even with braiding, this should be long enough for most wrists.

2. Clamp 3 ends with the ribbon end with a pair of pliers. It doesn't matter which end you use, lobster hook or heart charm.

3. Braid

4. When it's long enough, cut and clamp.

Three suede cuffs ready for braiding (18cm, 20cm, 20cm). Affixed with antique bronze rose snap. Make your own following the tutorial I learnt from here.

Have a blessed day!

Braids

Three and six braided suede bracelets. I've yet to attach the lobster hooks and jump rings. There are some other colours that I've yet to make, pinks and purples etc. Two yards are needed for the 6-braided else 3-braided but double-wrap ones. I think I only have 5 2-yard suede strips. There's also the issue of the ribbon ends. I suppose I can sew suede ends so that I can fix a snap onto them but, not now. Not yet, at least? A shipment of delicious fabric arrived yesterday. We were almost home from the iLove Singapore Walk (were you there?) when I saw the Speedpost van. My first thought was, why is it here on a Saturday? My second thought was, what if it's my shipment? We ran to catch the delivery man and lo and behold! It was for us.

Talk about just in time :-)

Have a blessed Sunday!