Allyson Hill

Simple Gifts to Stitch - Along - 2

Late again, but done.  Another nice project from the Simple Gifts to Stitch.  I'd like to have tried this in a solid fabric, but I didn't have anything on hand that would work.  Ever since I bought this fabric, I've thought it would work great as a table runner.  Mainly because I love the newsprint!  If only I had some all-newsprint fabric, now that would make a really cool pintucked table runner, yes?  I love typography so maybe it's just me.  Hop over to the flickr pool to see more at Finny and Donk's Sewing Adventure.

In other news, we celebrated a little birthday recently.  I now have a 7 year old.  What a sweetie pie.

And what was his favorite birthday gift?  The Electonic Snap Circuits.  It is well worth the money if you have a child who likes technical-gadgety things.  My son is so that kind of kid.  He can never have too many flashlights, compasses, spy gear, magnifying glasses, etc.  The plastic base has a grid with coordinates which I read off to him from the instruction manual - so it's fun for both of us. 

Oh and a belated Happy Easter to you!

 

Simple Gifts To Stitch - Along

I joined my very first sew-along, Finny and Donk's Sewing Adventure (FDSA).  Project #1 was the button scarf.  I must say, I was so uninspired to do this project.  As you can see, I'm a day late in submitting it.  Lindsay and I were e-mailing eachother last night sharing our woes.  But thankfully, some last minute inspiration came and I must now say that I'm in LOVE with my new scarf.  I altered the positioning of the buttons so it's more of a cowl or a loose turtleneck.  I see more coming in my future and I'm just so happy that I was encouraged to make something I wouldn't have normally made.  I do love this Sewing Adventure, I feel like I'm back in college again - but less stressful!

Here's the details if you want to make one yourself:   

Two pieces of charcoal velveteen measuring 7" x 33.  I added rows of red stitching and simply overlapped the edges 4" and sewed the buttons on.  I didn't bother with button holes since this easily slips over my head.

   

Vintage Fashion Girls : Round 2

So my 10-year-old niece really, really wanted an earring screen for her birthday.  She was, at the time, using a tissue.  Yes you read that right, a tissue as in Kleenex.  Sad huh?  But so resourceful that girl. 

After searching high and low, I couldn't find one that would suit her.  Anything was better than a tissue, but it had to be pretty, ya know?  I found lots of nice jewelry trees, but I didn't think that was really her style.  Next obvious step: blog search for a tutorial.  I found the project inspiration from Anne Marie Beard.  But, the design inspiration goes to Julie from Jane's Apron. 

These vintage patterns are perfect for a young girl, how could I resist?  I found this extra-wide frame at the craft store, though I also considered a shadow box frame because it would stand on its own.  I opted for the extra-wide frame because it would feature the pattern girls more. 

But that left me with the problem of how to make this stand on its own.  The solution was simple, but took me way too long to think up!  (poor Micah, waiting patiently)  I found these corner braces, painted them white, and added some bolts because my wood screws were too long.  I screwed them in about an inch from the bottom of the frame to allow it to tilt back a little bit, but not too much.  I also added some hooks at the top for hanging necklaces.      

I couldn't find a decorative paper wide enough so I painted it, dotted it, hot glued some "pearl" trim, modgepodged the girls on and finished with an entire coat (of modge podge) over the whole frame to give it protection and shine.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a nice full picture before driving it out to my niece in Massachusetts.  I think you get the idea though?

a few of my favorite things (mostly in red, black and white)

this boy relaxing after a hard day at school

finally some suitable prints for a boy by John Golden and if you go quickly you'll catch his BOGO sale.

the morning sun on the most wonderful shower curtain ever.  (thank you Martha Stewart)

the security of having an apron wrapped tightly around your waist

how it all comes together

Mindless collecting...of that I am guilty.  But oh the satisfaction when you finally realize that it all fits like a puzzle.  I just love how it all comes together:

Turqoise teapot from Target and vintage yellow S/P shakers handed down from my Grandma Hill.

 

Jen Oaks art print that I adore.

Vintage fabric thrifted off eBay (which I made into a foot warming floor mat).

And lastly the ikebana has finally found its place.

I suppose I can't leave out the Grocery NotePad from Seamripper and pen holder made from a recycled Danimals Yogurt container.

Floor Mat Tips:

Put shelf liner underneath the mat to prevent slipping and to spray your mat with 303 Fabric Guard (15.99 plus tax) so you don't have to fret over spills.  I bought mine at our local West Marine. 

The Start of Summer for Us

It's funny to hear that some of you have been on summer break for a month already!  Well this is just the beginning for us.  Micah and I have agreed that Mom gets the summer off breakfast duty.  He prefers pancakes and sausage (vegetarian) and has never been a big cereal eater.  But he is willing to fix his own cereal all by himself every morning (well I agreed to make him a warm breakfast once a week).  So this morning from my sewing station I hear clink, clink, clink coming from the kitchen.  I snuck up to get a picture of him!  Now he sits on my lap while I blog this morning, what a nice change.  He is chattering his head off about Star Wars and making noises with his nose because he won't go get a tissue.  Ahhh I love it!  It's gross, but so cute - only a mother could love that : )  I went antiquing this weekend with my other treasure-hunting buddy, my mom.  Here's my only purchase:

Won't it be fun to drink to the next dot?  When I was a kid we had strawberry glasses with a grid design and I loved drinking to the next line, do you do silly things like that too?  Here's a wristlet made with a vintage hankie, this one's for me but there will be more to come (for my Etsy shop):

Micah insists that I must end my blog today with:

Love,

Allyson

Make your own Labels

I recently found myself plum out of labels and desperate for more right away.  I ran out to my local Joann Fabric and was so happy to find this printable fabric on a roll.  I had seen similar types at Dharma Trading but couldn't wait.  What's great about this particular brand is the ease of use and the fabric options which include poplin, twill, canvas, and silk.  I couldn't decide between poplin and silk, but I finally settled on poplin because it's thin yet sturdy.

The roll (8.5"x120") cost me 25.00 and with a 40% off coupon it came to 15.00.  You can also buy them in smaller sheet packs, but this is more economical considering I only had one coupon to spare.

   

I designed the labels using a primitive yet super handy printing program called Label Factory Deluxe.  (you certainly don't need this program to create your own labels)  I cut three pieces off the roll measuring 8.5"x11" and gave it a try (after test printing on regular paper first).  The result is not jet black, but I think the shade is just fine.  I want to stress the importance of ink quality though.  Please read my addendum at the very end of this post for the details.

After letting it dry for 15 minutes you iron it and then peel the paper backing. 

Wash it for 30 seconds, blot on a towel and then iron it dry.

Cut into strips, iron over strips and then snip tags.

Squirt some Fray Check onto a plate (not a paper plate because it will absorb, yeah I learned that the duh way) and dip the edges.  Lay to dry on a paper towel or scrap fabric.

The only tricky part I came across was with inserting the fabric into the printer.  Since it came on a roll the edges would curl up making it hard to tell if I was positioning it correctly.  To help, I took a piece of cardstock and inserted them together.  Then I removed the cardstock before printing.

Price:  I broke down the price and here's how it worked out for me, but the results will vary for you depending on label size (I'm able to get 35 - 1.5"x1.5" labels per sheet), cost of ink (I pay 15.00 per cartridge), amount of ink used in your specific design (all black labels = a lot of ink), whether or not you have the 40% off coupon!

350 labels per roll (1.5"x1.5") @ .10 cents a piece = 35.00 (this estimate includes ink).  Compared to "other" online label companies that's not bad at all (average prices I'm finding are 1,000 labels for 270-400 plus shipping). 

The labels I made are so basic, but just think about the possibilities!

+++++ADDENDUM+++++

Ok, I'm so happy about all the response to this simple tutorial...who would've thought that there were SO many people out there with the same exact dilemma.  I wanted to address two issues:

1.  Can these labels be used for washable goods?

2.  What kind of ink works best?

Answer 1.  The labels are not meant to be washed...they are really for non-washable items.  I have NOT tested these labels in the wash so please do comment on your results if you have tried!  Many are interested in knowing so do share. 

Answer 2.  I recently bought some printer cartridge refills off eBay and have found that the ink works horribly with this printable fabric.  The ink bled like crazy.  I took a picture below to show you the difference.  This picture was taken after rinsing under water for 30 seconds and ironing dry.  You can see how the white sections on the top labels are now grey, but the bottom labels are still a crisp white.  I used HP Vivera ink for the bottom labels and found little to no ink bleeding during the rinsing stage.  So...I'm very sorry if others have learned this the hard way as well...you must use good quality ink for these labels.  If anyone has input regarding different inks please do share (Epson?). 

 

Beach Bag

I saw this idea on Crafty Vegan's blog last week, it's a pillowcase bag from Martha Stewart.  I used a vintage case from my Grandma.  It was very simple and I think it'll be just right for the beach.  It's the kind of bag you can get dirty and toss in the wash.  The pattern was very easy to follow and I made only 2 changes - I sewed down both diagonals (4 diagonals total) so that it wouldn't flop on the inside (hope that makes sense) and I added a snap.  Can't wait to use it!      

Ready Made

I rarely buy magazines, but this one I had to get.  Besides, look at that dress in one of my favorite Amy Butler fabrics.  It's got me thinking about making a skirt outta that fabric real soon...

Also a look at 5 Designers from around the country, below is husband/wife team Lemon Twist:

I also added < 15 NEW Litter Bags > to my shop!     

Orange you Glad?

This lovely necklace which is now in my possession was made by TotusMel.  A pair of matching earrings also came along with it and I love them both equally.  They are soft and pliable and can be ironed if they get out of sorts.  You know, sometimes your outfit calls for a necklace and sometimes it just needs earrings.  So I guess I'm all set in the orange floral department, for this month at least.  Notice my arm warmers below, made by Dyno of Ultra Deluxe.  These are essential for me in the summer months when the cellar (my sewing location) is very cold, brrrr.  Her shop is closed so I am going to have to figure out how to make some for myself (cut up some knee highs?).

And I finished the skirt!  I have made plenty of A-line skirts, but this was my first full skirt.  It's ok.  What top do I wear with it though?  And what shoes?  Something to think about before making my next skirt (which is already pinned and staring at me on the dress form).  Well I had fun this weekend booking through the mall trying to find a shirt and shoes to wear with it.  I found a rusty orange shirt, but it might be too much orange with the skirt.  I love the shirt either way and the new earrings go perfectly with it.  Besides, it was only 4.99!  No luck with shoes, I'll keep looking though.  Ho hum, what a drag (just kidding of course).