Working with Cork Fabric

So, I am not an expert in this - based on using it for one project.  However, I did a lot of research before buying it and watched quite a few videos on how to use it. You can really see that it makes a nice accent to this bag.  I also used some of the little scraps to make accent pieces.  This stuff is really easy to topstitch.  There is nothing there to fray. 

I recommend using a longer stitch length to top stitch this.  It just looks nice to have the bigger stitched.  You do not need a teflon foot.  That's ridiculous.  You can stitch with your basic feet.  No special needles either.  You want a sharp needle - I used a size 14 because it gets bulky when you are sewing through the piping and all the other layers. 

The finished bag seems like it's going to be nice and sturdy for the summer.  I actually always line my bags (unless I'm making something really special) with plain old felt and not stabilizer.  Why waste all the money for a simple bag like this?  It's really not worth it. 

I'm actually pretty proud of myself for using the plain sheet first.  My typical thing would be to use the one I really live (the blue fleck), screw it up, and then be really annoyed that I used up the best stuff first.  For an unintentional bag, I'm really happy with how this turned out.  I'm totally into this cork and I will be ordering lots more.  I'm thinking wallets for my dad and brothers for Christmas.  Probably try to apply some vinyl Cricut decals to it to see if that sticks. 

I was actually pleasantly surprised when I got this cork and I'm going to order more.  I bought the smaller sheets for the first try because I wanted to know what it was like.  It feels really flimsy, but it's not.  It's super flexible and easy to work with.  DO NOT IRON it.  Finger press only.  The cork is certainly glued down onto the mesh and when you iron it, you can smell the glue.  It smells terrible when it's hot.  I accidentally got it while pressing down my seams and it stunk.  

It's not hard to work with this cork fabric.  The weight it very light and pliable.

I hope to see all your projects on Instagram @indipatterns.  Follow me on Facebook or Pinterest to see all of the new patterns as I publish them.

Free Sleep Mask Pattern -Turn Old Tees and Scraps into Fun Face Masks

I actually got hooked on masks in Iceland.  If you have never been, I totally recommend a trip there.  However, if you are a neurotic sleeper like me, you are not going to do well with the endless day of summer.  it literally never gets dark in the summer.  So, I brought masks and now I'm addicted to sleeping with these things.  Especially since we live across from a ski area and the lights are on all night during ski season.

I also like these because they are fun for teens and tweens.  It's so hard to find sewing projects once kids hit certain age.  I'm pretty sure my kid never wants another cosmetic bag.  I just made 4 more this week because I'm going crazy with the boredom.

Check out my second ever video tutorial below.  I think I'm getting the hang of these little by little.  I'm really loving not having to appear in the video myself.  I did get my nails "done" for this video in a new salon my 12 year old has opened in our living room called Chez Kamille.  She's not quite there with serving coffee and wine, but maybe in a few more weeks.  So far, I've gotten two facials, two manicures, and used some Biore pour strips for the first time since high school.  It's good for an hour of social isolation boredom busting and some mommy daughter time.

Supplies needed:

Scissors
Pins
Elastic
T-shirt Fabric or Cotton
Fleece
Printable Pattern

I'm putting links to the supplies here.  I really love these scissors.  They were a gift last Christmas.  Two years of cutting and they are still pretty sharp.  I like that they are heavy.  Some people might not like that.  I like it because that makes them hard to lose.  Somewhere in my massive fabric stash is a $75 pair of titanium scissors folded up in a project.  They are so light, I didn't realize and now they are just lost.  These gold scissors are massive.  There is no losing them and there is no "accidentally" using them for something else.


Some hints here.  I'm using fold over elastic.  I love this stuff and order it in bulk.  I have this rainbow assortment and it has really come in handy.  It's good quality too for all sorts of projects.  There are so many uses for it.  If you don't want yards of elastic - I think those elastic headbands from Dollar Tree or Target would work too.  Plus, you can get those today and not have to wait for anything to come in the mail.  I'm pretty impulsive, so if I decide I need to make something - I need to make it NOW!.  I always use sharp pins so that my fabric doesn't get snagged.  Pins wear out and get dull.  Also, this is best to sew with a size 11 needle, maybe a 14. The fabric gets a little thick once it's turned and you are topstitching.  You don't want a ballpoint needle.  It's not going through all the layers.  I use fleece as a padding inside.  I'm sure you could use batting too.  But, I always have fleece scraps and it's cheap.  I don't always have batting lying around.  Fleece gives enough padding for me. 

You could totally repurpose old clothes for these.  I personally like t-shirt material.  Yes, the cotton masks look nice, but this in on your face all night.  I want comfort over the look.

Click here for the free printable face mask sewing pattern.  You need to set your printer to print to actual size.  Some people don't check that when they print patterns and they end up with a tiny version of the thing they are sewing.  That's why there is a little square that says 1".  If that's not 1", your printer shrank the pattern.

Don't forget to tag me in your finished product on instagram @indipatterns and Follow Me on Facebook @Indipatterns.  You will get to see any new items I put up on the blog.  I'm trying to take the over 200 patterns I have designed and make them all available free through my blog.  It will probably take me the next several months to get through the, but I'm working on it slowly but surely.

Turn old shirts into new scrunchies

It took me 4 hours but I managed to make my first video tutorial.  I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with it.  Since I've lost all track of time during the stay home stay safe orders, I've forgotten about my nails.  They were a train wreck in this video.  Thanks to my mom for immediately pointing that out.  ;) 

Since I wait til the last minute for everything, I'm trying to put together some last minute Easter basket stuffers and I thought scrunchies would be a great addition.

I'm using some old t-shirt fabric to make these.

I really prefer t-shirt scrunchies as they are softer.  If you want to use cotton that works too.

For this pattern you need a 3"x14" strip of t-shirt and another piece about that size to make the optional bunny ears tie.

The tie is cute and functional.  It's covering over the seam on the scrunchie.  I am not ladder stitching a freaking scrunchie together.  Not happening!

Supplies:

Scissors 

T-shirt fabric

Elastic threader

Tube turner

1/8" elastic

Pins

If you don't have an elastic threader or a tube turner you can make a safety pin work.  I invested in some additional tools and it really makes sewing more enjoyable.

 Full disclosure I used all my 1/8" elastic for face masks I donated so I used some fold over elastic I had...but I would have really preferred not using good elastic inside of these.  

Please tag me in your finished scrunchies on Instagram @indipatterns.

I hope you enjoy this beginner project. 

For those of you who don't feel comfortable cutting without a pattern, you can download the 1 page printable pdf pattern here.  

Bonnet Sewing Pattern

I've used this bonnet pattern so many times.  It's great for holidays and baby shower gifts.

 It's fully lined and can be reversible.

Always remember when you are printing pdf patterns you need to set your printer to actual size - not fit to page.  If you print this pattern as fit to page you will be making a pattern for a doll, not a real baby.

I've recently used this pattern to make an Easter bonnet for my 4 year old niece.  This pattern is really sized for little babies.  But, I added an extra 1/2" all around when I cut it out and it made the perfect bonnet for a 4 year old.  With the stay in place orders, I've been getting my sewing supplies online from www.CreateForLess.com.

I added ears into the bonnet.  It's pretty easy to do. 

It's clearly getting some use for the entire Easter season.  

I also made a really pretty embroidered version of the bonnet for Easter service.  

These photos are not great.  With all the social distancing, I'm trying to give some of the peeps at home space and take pics in the sewing studio rather than my well lit living room.  It's not working out as well as my normal photo set up.  A while ago I bought a Brother Embroidery Machine.  I love this thing.  I've been embroidering on all my projects since I got it.  It's more than paid for itself just in savings on sportswear.  I'm able to personalize all my kid's cheer, swim, and lacrosse gear.  I use this machine: Brother SE1800 Sewing & Embroidery Machine

Actually I also used the machine to do the Easter Baskets in the photo above.  Like I said, I've gotten more than my money's worth out of the embroidery machine.  I've done hats, wallets, chap stick holders, backpacks, socks, and so much more.  I really love having it.  It comes with lots of built in designs, but it also hooks to the computer so you can buy other patters, make your own, or get them for free and just download them right into the machine.  

Also, if you are looking to step up your sewing game, try taking an online class with blueprint.  That's how I learned so much about zippers.  Get Started With Bluprint  For the next couple of weeks all the classes are free.  There are 2 AMAZING heirloom sewing classes.  I love these techniques - because you can make something plain look fancy.  I used pin tucks on this baptismal bonnet.  I learned how that technique from an online class.  Even an experienced sewist can learn new techniques.  

Click Here for the Free Bonnet Sewing Pattern

Craft Care Package free for 2 weeks

Just when we are all about to go crazy from this social distancing one of my favorite websites is giving away a free 2 week subscription to all their online crafting classes.  I have learned so much from these classes and they sell a selection of my most popular patterns in their online marketplace...plus a couple that a cute freebies.

Craft More Happy Moments with our FREE Creativity Care Package 3/26-4/9/20! Watch over 1,300 creative education classes ranging from sewing, cooking, family crafts, and more!

I really recommend checking it out.  People often ask me how I can stay same having such an incredibly stressful and depressing job.  It's self care people and having hobbies is one of my top self care go tos.  My grandma always used to say "there is no such thing as boredom, just boring people".  I really took that to heart.  I am never bored because I have nurtured a lifetime love and learning and artistic expression.  My parents indulged every single creative whim my sisters and I had - from basket weaving, to ceramics, to jewelry making.

My current obsessions are baking and sewing, but I also made all my own patio furniture, put in a potager garden, and am keeping up with my bullet journal.  I'm staying sane in this crazy time because I have stuff to do at home...also lots of hiking.

My kid is making a diamond picture, friendship bracelets, learning water colors, doing origami, making us work at homers lunch every day, baking treats, sewing (she made an adorable cat bed yesterday).  Because I spend less time working about the messes and more time letting her explore creative outlets.

Free Easy Beginner Spring Chick Sewing Pattern

Looking for a cute and easy little project to sew while you are stuck in the house?  This little chick is a favorite of mine.  It's are really silly little project that you can make with scraps.  I love how easy it is the sew up these little guys.  It's a fun little project to make now for Easter.

I used safety eyes, but you could also use buttons.  If you are looking for a way to keep kids busy, they are sew these up and glue the faces and eyes on or hand sew on faces and eyes if you make the bodies for them.

Download the free pattern here.

Free Pretty Petal Bib Sewing Pattern

 I just love this free pattern.  It makes a really sweet baby shower gift because it rolls up so nicely into a flower.  It's very easy to sew and I make it with scraps or fat quarters.

Click here for the free petal bib sewing pattern.

I love patterns that use of scraps.  I actually keep my scraps in plastic shoe boxes like the ones above.  I used to keep them crammed into a bag and I never ended up using them because it was such a pain to find them.  Taking the time to organize the scraps into small bins has made a huge difference.  When I'm done with a project, I just put the scraps away right away.






This pattern uses bias tape.  If you have not used bias tape before, it's a good pattern to try it out with.  I make my own bias tape most of the time. I put a link below to the bias tape makers I use.  I used to press my tape and make it totally by hand.  What a pain! You can also use a special foot for your machine.  I typically use sewing clips and my regular foot.  Sometimes I'm just too lazy to switch out the feet. But, the bias tape foot it worth using if you plan on making several of these bibs.  You can also use premade bias tape.  I like making my own because it's less expensive and you don't have to use standard colors.  That said, if I'm in a hurry I will use some premade tape. 

Easiest Skirt Pattern Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

I adore this pattern and use it all the time.  It's great for everyday sewing if you have a girl who likes skirts.  It's also perfect for quick holiday outfits.  This is a great pattern for craft shows too.  These little skirts sew up so quickly.

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Supplies:
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Elastic puller
Waistband elastic
Cotton or other fabric
Sewing Scissors




You can thread the elastic through the waistband channel with a big safety pin.  I did that for years.  Then I finally bought a set of the flexible threaders above.  Holy cow are they amazing.  These things are cheap and they save you so much time.  It's a must have in my sewing studio.  In fact, I have 4 or 5 because my daughter kept using them as riding crops for her American Girl Doll ponies so I just kept buying more and more.  Now I have a stockpile of the things.  Totally worth it.  Another pro tip is that I buy my elastic in bulk.  It really ticks me off when I have to spend $5 for enough elastic to make 1 skirt  I just order it online ahead of time and always have a stockpile.

I've been using this pattern for years.  Above you can see that I made skirts from satin in the Stewart Clan Tartan for Christmas  It's great because it fits so many sizes.  The same pattern is used for the little toddler all the way up to my lovely teenage niece.  These skirts sew up in under 20 minutes if you are an experienced sewist - probably a little longer if you are a beginner.

I actually started making this pattern because it's so great when you need something for a holiday party at school or a special skirt for a birthday party.

You can really change up the look by using different fabrics and trims.  Once you have made a couple of skirts with this pattern you will see how easy it is to alter.

 Here is another variation of the skirt I made for a cowgirl birthday.  I replaced the bottom band with lace to make an adorable cotton cowgirl skirt for this birthday party.

Here I used it to make the skirt for my daughter's Poison Ivy Costume for Comic con...FYI she won best costume in the kid's contest.  Lady joker's skirt is a different pattern that I will have up in a couple of weeks that I also love.

These skirts can be made out of basically any material.  I've used cotton, organza, satin, special occasion fabric, and even knits.

Another thing I love out this is that there is an option with the bottom band.  That is great for a beginner because there is no hemming.  It makes it sew up really quickly.

Click here to download the free printable sewing pattern for the skirt.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook  www.facebook.com/Indiepatterns

Tag me in the finished projects on Instagram @indipatterns #indipatternsmade

Boat Clutch Free PDF Sewing Pattern

I love this pattern because it's so versatile and easy to make.  It's a nice sized clutch that is great for day-to-day use.  You can also use more designer fabrics for a fancier purse.  I was actually thinking of trying it out with cork or wool just to see what other results I can get.

This style is made with home dec fabrics.  I like home dec fabrics for purses because they are much sturdier than run of the mill cotton.



I think there are so many possibilities with this little clutch.  I want to make a few with tassel pulls.

One trick I use to keep prices down when I am making purses it to buy my zippers in bulk.  You save so much money if you have a bulk stash of zippers in a variety of colors.  If you have never put a zipper in before, a clutch is great first project for that.   I put a couple of links in the post to where I get my bulk zippers and leather tassel pulls. 




Click here for the free sewing pattern download.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/IndieSewing

Tag me on your completed projects on Instagram. @indipatterns #indipatternsmade

I love seeing all the great ideas people come up with these patterns. 

Bunny Poncho Free Printable Sewing Pattern and Tutoral

This is an older project because this little girl is now a teen, but I was thinking of making a few new ponchos for my little niece in preschool.  I designed this project specifically for younger kids.  In truth, I was totally sick of helping my kids take dress up clothes on and off so I made these poncho dress up costumes.  These are perfect for toddlers and preschool age kids because they can take them on and off over the heads.

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Supplies:
--------------------------------------
Minky or ultra cuddle fleece
Stuffing/batting
Pink fleece or felt
fabric scissors or rotary cutter

I really love how easy this pattern is to put together.  I didn't even hem the fleece edge around the bottom of the poncho.  You can if you want to, but it isn't really needed.   When you download the pattern and tutorial, I have the pieces for the ears and the measurements for the hood and an standard size poncho, but I also show you how to make it in other sizes.

I put some links below to the different types of fleece that work well for this poncho.  I've been trying to buy more fabric online because I can't trust myself at the darn fabric store.  I go in for 1 yard of something and come out with $100 in fabric I can't fit into my stash.  It's so bad I'm keeping some in my bedroom closet now because I've filled my studio.  #fabriccrazy




Click here for the free downloadable pattern.

This poncho made for hours of fun and it was such a hit I actually ended up making several different versions for her preschool classroom as a donation.  I took this patterns and also made a lamb, bear, and dinosaur.  The fleece makes it easy to wash and very sturdy.

Fat Quarter Carrot Treat Bag PDF Sewing Pattern Free

I made this pattern quite a while ago, but I still love it.  It's incredibly easy to put together and you can make 2 bags from 2 fat quarters.  It's one of my favorite patterns to throw together this time of the year.  I typically like to start my Easter Sewing early - though my daughter uses these treat bags in her lunch year round.  

Supply List:

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Orange Fat Quarter

Green Fat Quarter

Green Satin Ribbon

Fabric Scissors

Drawstring Puller

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I placed the links to some great fats quarters and other supplies below.  I've recently started buying more on amazon because I cannot trust myself at the fabric store.  I always come home with a bunch of fabric I didn't intend to buy and I'm running out of storage space.  

I swear by the drawstring puller for threading elastic and ribbon.  I spent years pulling ribbon and elastic through with a big safety pin.  Never again.  The drawstring puller makes threading elastic ridiculously easy.  I also use to to constantly rethread my tweens hooded sweatshirts, but that's another story.

I would say these bags take about 20 minutes to sew 2.  I typically make a dozen or more when I sew them.  I'm thinking about making some this year with food safe nylon so they are easier to wipe out.  I filled them with sweet treats for Easter baskets and now my tween still uses them for snack bags in her lunch box.  Made with cotton they are great for goldfish crackers, cereal, and other dry snacks.  I think if you use nylon you can probably also fill with real carrots, apple slices, and more.

Click here to download the step-by-step photo tutorial and free printable pattern.

Check me out on instagram @indipatterns and be sure to tag me in your projects at #indisewingpatterns. 

St. Patrick's Day Cricut Made Cup for Teacher with free Printable

I decided to whip up a little early teacher appreciation gift this year.  My daughter has been sick constantly and her teacher has just been wonderful helping get her caught up.  I found these little drink cups at the Dollar Tree and added some rainbow sixlets and rolos.  It's much cuter in person.  Getting a good photo of a shiny cup just isn't my bag.

Add caption

 Step 1: Prepare the mug's surface by cleaning off all the oils from everyone who's touched it with rubbing alcohol.  Also bought this stuff at the dollar store.

Step 2: Cut out the design.  I used a design I created and put the teacher's initial in the center.  I use easyweed vinyl and follow the setting instructions that come with it.  It's pressure medium, blade depth 3, speed max for my machine.  

Step 3: Weed your design.  I always use a pin.  It's so easy to get into the little spaces.  Also, I have loads of them and they are cheap.  

Now you can see that the design is totally weeded.  It looks great.  

Step 4: You need to transfer the design.  Yes there is a very expensive product you can use to transfer the design.  Or, you can get clear shelf paper at the dollar store.  I've also heard press and seal wrap works.  Haven't tried it though.

Step 5:

 Peel the clear paper from the backing and place it on the front of the design.  Use an old gift card to rub the transfer paper down onto the design.

Step 6: Peel the design off of the backing.  Now it's stuck to the clear transfer sheet.  

Step 7: Place the design on the cup.  Once you have it where you want it, rub it down with the brandishing tool...i.e. old gift card.

Step 8: Carefully peel off the transfer sheet.  I put it back onto the paper backing and use it again a couple of times.  Waste not want not.  

Finally, I filled it with candy and put this cute little card on it.  I forgot curling ribbon so I used an old gold chenille stem.  

  You can download the free St. Patrick's Day printable here.

Hitting the Wall: How to Unblock Your Creative Self

I originally planned this post to be about inspiration, but when it came down to writing it I just didn't feel it.  I wasn't feeling creative or inspired.  

I'd hit the wall so to speak.

People hit walls for lots of reasons.  Sometimes I'm tired.  Sometimes I've just pushed myself too hard.  Sometimes I'm just coming to the end of a highly creative cycle.  As a naturally creative person, I usually only work on things when I 'feel it'.  However, when your business also involves creativity, that doesn't always cut it.  Sometimes you've got deadlines or goals you are trying to reach and you just have to find a way to push through.

Here are some of the techniques I use to unblock my creative flow.  

Pinterest

My go to inspiration place is Pinterest.  If I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas, the first thing I do it jump over to my happy place and start looking.  

Sometimes I start a new board and get busy filling it with new ideas.  Other times I pull up boards I've already made and take a walk back through past inspiration.  If you want a look into my pinning, you can follow me.  https://www.pinterest.com/smckamille/  I'm on pinterest almost every day looking for some inspiration.  

Unplug

If pinning doesn't get my creative juices flowing, I know it's time to get away.  I'm not talking about a vacation.  I'm just talking about getting out of the studio and decompressing.  One hour outside can really get your mind cleared out and ready to start fresh.  Even in the depths of Michigan winter I get out walking several times a week.  

Go Off Subject

Sometimes, it's not even about not feeling creative.  It's about being burned out on doing the same old thing.  I'm always looking for new craft ideas.  I recently spent a whole weekend and I'm not even going to get into how much money starting a bullet journal.  I'm in love with this new mashup of planning, journaling, and art.  Just taking a couple of days to unleash another creative side to myself go my chi unblocked.  I actually made 2 new outfits this weekend because getting organized with my bullet journal freed up the part of my brain that's endlessly trying to remember what I need to do.  I just bit the bullet, wrote out my whole calendar, and now my mind is free to focus on creative things and not obsess about missing appointments.  

Another great thing about going off subject is that sometimes you need to have a breather.  I've never been one to focus solely on one creative pursuit.  Look back through my random posts and you will see.  One of my favorite projects was this Daddy Daughter Dance Corsage.  I'm not a florist, but I had a blast looking up tutorials, getting the supplies, and making this adorable corsage.    

So there you have it.  Those are my three go to techniques for getting creative.  

Organize Your Sewing Stash Round-up

I don't know about you, but I can always use a little more organization in my crafting.  Things tend to get pretty messy pretty quickly when I'm working on a project.  My favorite organization hacks are here

Scraps:

Check out this fun and easy way to organize scraps.  

http://www.cloverandviolet.com/2012/09/scrap-organization.html

I actually use something very similar in my studio.  I bought 12 $ store plastic shoe boxes and I have all my scraps organized by color.  Actually, it works so well that I have been using up most of my scraps, especially when I applique or make doll clothes.  There is no excuse when you have it organized.  

Bobbins

http://www.thatssewamy.com/organization/bobbin-storage-ice-cube-trays/

Okay this one I haven't done, but I will be.  I just love this.  Right now I have all my bobbins dumped in a kitchen drawer organizer and there is thread everywhere.  I am so doing this.  I'm always digging around trying to find a bobbin in the color I want.  I probably have 10 bobbins wound in black because I don't always want to look.

Feet

 http://sew-whats-new.com/profiles/blogs/sewing-machine-feet-storage

I also love this.  Right now I have my feet in the same place as my bobbins.  PS I saw these at Dollar Tree.  I know where I'm going tonight!

Buttons

https://www.creatingreallyawesomefunthings.com/making-monday-marvelous-42/

I love the idea of organizing your buttons in a spice rack.  I'm going to be on the look out for one of these.  

Thread

http://www.running-w-scissors.com/2014/06/thread-board.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/mcTyy+(Running+With+Scissors)#.U5m6CbGH-So

I also love this idea.  If I only had somewhere to put it.  I'm currently using baskets for my thread.  

Floss

Floss Keepers 

This is a nifty tutorial I put together about floss keepers made from $ store clothes pins.  I actually made a few sets of these and gave some as gifts.  They really keep your floss perfectly organized and untangled. 

Fabric

http://indulgy.com/post/4fTcsvdI71/organizing-your-fabric-stash-on-mini-bolts-ak

Last but not least, how can you organize your fabric?  I used to keep it in bins.  What a pain.  I still keep fleece in bins because it is obnoxiously bulky.  For everything else, I fold it onto tiny white boards called comic book backer boards.  These things are sturdy little boards that are archival quality...so they won't fade fabric.  It's about $5.00 for a hundred.  I have them in 2 sizes.  I have the size they come in and then I cut about 50 in half to make tiny boards for pieces of fabric that are too big for the scrap bin and too small for the regular mini bolts.  I took me about 4 days to get my massive stash rolled onto these things but it was worth it.  I can see all my fabric.  It makes completing projects so easy.  Most people seem to organize by color.  That works well if you sew mostly with cotton.  Since I work with all types of fabric, I've got my stash organized by fabric type, not color.  So, if I need a knit I know were to look.  Same with denim, special occasion, etc.