Tangled Thread

June 19th, 2008

need help with finding flattering patterns?

Do you find it overwhelming to browse through a pattern catalog?  Not sure what’s going to flatter your body shape - or do you even know what body shape you are?
My Shape is a website I refer to frequently to help me choose the best styles for my body.  You begin by entering your body […]

By Chloe -- 0 comments

June 9th, 2008

crocheted ties

I’m working on sewing a new summer wardrobe for myself at the moment.  I’ve got a busy busy busy summer and probably won’t have a lot of extra time for sewing until September.
I just discovered a pattern from Burda that’s turned into my new favorite shrug pattern.  I was able to cut it out […]

By Chloe -- 2 comments

June 5th, 2008

how-to of the day - stamped scrapbook ribbons

I was browsing through my favorite craft store the other day and made a trip down the scrap booking aisle (you can find some great fiber art supplies there!).  I happened to notice a package of cotton fabric, cut into strips and then stamped - from a trendy new designer.
I then looked at the price […]

By Chloe -- 9 comments

June 2nd, 2008

the finished wasp nest decoys

I’ve finally had a chance to sit down and actually make the wasp nest decoys:

The gray fabrics were all 4 inches wide, by 45 long - so I cut them in half, widthwise (so they were 2″ wide) and then sewed them together.  The nests have been stuffed with plastic bags - hopefully they won’t […]

By Chloe -- 1 comment

May 20th, 2008

sewing wasps nests?

I’m not a big fan of wasps - I once had one climb into one of my gloves and sting the back of my hand multiple times, not fun! Decoy wasp nests (most commonly made from paper or interfacing-like material) are supposed to discourage wasps from hanging around your house, porch or wherever you […]

By Chloe -- 13 comments

May 2nd, 2008

how-to of the day: making silk paper, part two

So how’s the silk paper looking? The last post ended with letting the paper dry overnight - it’s time to check it and see if it’s dry enough to peel off the screen. If it’s dry enough, the edges will feel firm and “crispy”. Unfortunately, my paper is still mushy, so I’m […]

By Chloe -- 1 comment

April 22nd, 2008

De-Stash Your Studio challenge - the final check in

It’s Earth Day my lovely readers, and do you know what that means?  The end of the De-Stash Challenge!
I’ve kept my promise, I haven’t bought any fabric since the challenge began, on March 17th.   Those of you who know me well, know that isn’t the easiest thing for me :-)  I’ve only been seriously tempted […]

By Chloe -- 10 comments

April 17th, 2008

how-to of the day: make a recycled reversible t-shirt totebag, part three

I left you yesterday with the lining cut out - now it’s time to sew it!  Sew the sides of both the t-shirt and the lining (separately) to make two bag, open on one side.  Take the lining and slide it into the t-shirt, wrong sides together.  Make sure to match the seams:

Fold the lining […]

By Chloe -- 1 comment

April 16th, 2008

how-to of the day: recycled reversible T-shirt totebag

Earth Day is coming up right away (April 22nd) and in honor of that, I’m going to show you how to make a reversible totebag using a t-shirt.

Did you know that fabric accounts for big proportion of landfill space these days?  Apparently, some counties in California have as much as 800 tons of fabric thrown […]

By Chloe -- 4 comments

April 15th, 2008

organzing your sewing room

Keeping my fabric and notions organized seems to take constant effort for me - I usually store everything in large, clear plastic tubs or storage towers with drawers. My thread is stored in drawers on top of my sewing table and I keep things like elastic and trims in another tall set of drawers […]

By Chloe -- 3 comments