House Beautiful Contest - 01.08.-31.08.2020

[Manuela]

@RJR_38 and @elisep, as long as you started sewing on August 1st, you can include your projects.
The list of contest a sticky thread in this section, it has been there for a long time...

ETA: ooops I put the wrong date in this post and corrected it.

[RJR_38]

  I only started a couple of days ago so will start documenting!

[BrendaP]

BrendaP's Entry
Two sunloungers re-covered, and the frames given a coat of Hammerite paint.  We like the style of these loungers because there are three pairs of legs giving more stability.  A lot of loungers will tip over if you put weight on the bottom end.

Pattern used
One of the old covers.

A short description on how you made it/problems overcome/etc.
These are really just two large cushion covers with piped edges, a couple of ties to hold them to the frame and two zips where the cushion to allow insertion of two separate cushion pads.
I re-used all the zips and the cushion inners but I bought ready made piping which turned out to be a very good colour match.

The hardest part of the job was the fabric, it is very stiff and I had to turn the top tension up to maximum to avoid getting birds's nesting underneath, but it's waterproof and looks bright and cheerful.

Pictures
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[Manuela]

Yay, we have the first entry  :thumbsup:

[SewRuthieSews]

@BrendaP those are GREAT

[annieeg]

@BrendaP which  machine did you use to sew those covers?

[BrendaP]

@BrendaP which  machine did you use to sew those covers?

@annieeg I used a Singer 201K - the one I rescued from the scrap man during lockdown.  1952 model.

[RJR_38]

I've spent the past couple of afternoons working on a Xmas prezzie for my niece and nephew.fle their bedrooms.

These are reading cushions and fairly quick makes. The fabrics are Lewis and Irene and are glow in the dark. As these are for children and was a quick, easy project I used pre-made binding.

I also used my cricut machine to cut their names from glow in the dark vinyl and used my heat press to fuse it on. I used all my fleece scraps for the stuffing and the cushions are small enough (14") that the whole thing can be thrown in the wash when needed.

Nearer Christmas I will 'fill it' with a suitable book and maybe a reading snack haha

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[Lachica]

@BrendaP nice work! I love that fabric. @RJR_38 could you post a bit of detail about the Cricut machine? (Auto correct wanted 'crucifixion' there). I do like a gadget, I wonder whether I need one?

[RJR_38]

@Lachica

The best way I can describe a cricut machine is like a printer but with blades and pens.
You design your pattern or text in the software and then it cuts for you. Its most popular uses are:
to cut vinyl - either the type for clothing etc or for sticking onto mugs/bottles etc.
To cut card and paper for a whole range of card projects, it is good for cutting the card templates for EPP as well.
To cut fabric either the rotary cutter blade. This is why I originally bought it - but to be honest I have found that I am still quicker by hand.
You can put specific pens in it and it can draw your designs

The more advanced, maker machine (which I have) can also cut mountboard, chipboard, can engrave acrylic and whole load more - none of which I have done yet.

If you like varied crafts and are fairly computer literate I think it is a great machine that you will find uses for. I have lots of pics of the types of projects you can make if you are interested and I am only a beginner.

[Renegade Sewist]

@Lachica they are a fun gadget /machine that works much like an embroidery machine in that suddenly you need all this additional stuff to play with. Before you know it you've spent a small fortune.

The big local sewing machine emporium supplements their Bernina and Babylock sales by selling Cricut machines and all the extras. They have classes using them, mostly for sewn projects.

You can do some amazing things with them. Lots of great uses on projects made for children.

[RJR_38]

@Renegade Sewist  I am very jealous of the amount of cheap cricut stuff you can get in the US. We can't even get half of it- let alone for the prices you do

[RJR_38]

OK, so for my second project I have been making an etui sewing box. Originally in Victorian Times these would either be a small portable sewing case or a larger sewing box to sit in their bedroom and look decorative while housing essential tools.

I have decided to make one for my mum for Xmas - and being mainly handsewn (and some gluing) it has been ideal to work on in the heat as I can do it in cooler rooms than my sauna of a sewing room.

The first step was to cut all the pieces from mounting board with my cricut machine and then begin covering the internal lid pieces which were then stitched together EPP style before the outer was covered with wadding and fabric and also stitched on.

Next, I made the inside pieces. Each piece was covered with wadding and fabric was glued on with some extra sticking. On 3 pieces I made 3 elastic holders and on 3 pieces I made elasticated pockets. I also cut and machine stitched some fabric gussets.

Next, I covered the outside pieces (glued) and stitched them together.

I will add photos of the next stages as I get to them. I also hope to hand embroider a pincushion and scissor keeper that I have designed but not sure I will get that finished for this competition! 

[Lilian]

That's really lovely 

[Iminei]

How are doing for entries as the month winds down ???

@RJR_38  I need you to insert the pictures within the text of your post to enter you in the competition.