The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Sewalongs and Competitions => Topic started by: Manuela on December 09, 2018, 01:34:08 AM

Title: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 09, 2018, 01:34:08 AM
This contest stretches over two months, anything suitable that has been created in the stash busting contest can also be sumitted here as an entry. Below are the rules:

1. Sew something beautiful or useful (or both) for a home (yours or someone else's).

2. Home Decor is defined as anything used to decorate a home, indoor or out (e.g., curtains, cushions, quilts, tablecloths, bed linens, slipcovers, rag/patchwork/pom pom rugs, blinds, upholstery.....).

3. The items entered must include a significant sewn component. Remember this is a sewing competition, not a craft contest. (Eg: a sewn slipcover would qualify, but reupholstering a chair using only a staple gun would not qualify.)

4. You can enter multiple coordinating items as part of a single entry in the contest. (eg: a tablecloth and napkins, a duvet and pillow covers, etc).

5. You may enter multiple entries in the contest (but keep in mind you will be competing against yourself.)

6. Sewing starts on January 1st and finishes on February 28th - please submit pictures and a quick write up of your entries in this thread by March 7th.

7. Any Pattern can be used (commercial, self-drafted, combinations, downloaded , magazine patterns) or no pattern. If you are using a self drafted pattern, or no pattern at all.


(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ae/7e/22/ae7e22502d8af18fa38450971154d60b.gif)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 16, 2018, 00:23:54 AM
I hope someone will join me here. My project is fairly small, a wooden swivel armchair that we use in Thailand on our patio - in desperate need of some new fabric. I want it to go with the living room furniture, hence I’ll use a patchwork denim. The back bit is easy, just a rectangular cushion cover, the seating bit requires cutting off the old (velvet, in the tropics *shudders in horror*) cover and using it as a pattern/template for the new one. Both covers are fitted and have zippers.
I might do a throw cushion, covered with perforated denim as well.
We’re off to Thailand on Friday, December 21st and come back in early January. If I can get the preparation out of the way before Christmas, I’ll be able to finish on January 2nd....
I might have another smallish project for Thailand when we’re there in February over Chinese New Year.

Here the patchwork denim

(https://images.fabric.com/images/693/693/0530781.jpg)

... and the perforated denim....

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Existing furniture the swivel chair needs to go with

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ETA: Images of the existing living room furniture. I did that upholstery job last year
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Esme866 on December 16, 2018, 07:06:26 AM
Manuela: I REALLY need to join you on this one. My choices are many, but with Christmas and other things at the moment, not sure what I will do first. Bedspread and shams, drapes, shades, upholster two side chairs (sewing involved), throw pillows, table treatments and the entire list needs to be completed by the end of February! (Obviously I will need to prioritize.) -<

I tend to fly thru home dec projects within a day or two, but the bedspread would be a major undertaking. Not even sure the harp of my machine would allow me to do what I want to do.

I'll be joining in after the first.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Renegade Sewist on December 16, 2018, 07:36:56 AM
 I should be joining in as well. The main idea I'm considering for Stash Busting fits here as well and there are a couple of other things under consideration.

I know I couldn't do much for a bedspread on my machine. The Brother SE-400 is a lovely machine to work with BUT it's more of a 3/4 size machine so not much throat space. It was a challenge doing simple quilting on a throw not quite twin sized. I've got two larger quilts basted but I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to clean up an older Singer I've got and use it.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: justpottering on December 16, 2018, 07:53:50 AM
You never know I might join in this one moving into a new house this week in need of 7 pairs of curtains and 2 blinds (one in three sections) then there the accessories  :)
What I don't know get is what will be done within the timescale as everywhere needs decorating first and a couple of walls knocked down which will keep me busy!

Can't wait to see the entries  :loveit:
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Renegade Sewist on December 16, 2018, 23:24:48 PM
@Francesca I do find they hang better with a wider hem, or a little weight in the hem. Not from my own sewing experience mind you. Last curtains I made were from a twin sheet and might not have even gotten hemmed. Thirty years ago. They got no sun and light use. I found the fabric in a box a couple of years ago and turned them into pillow slips, which turned into my favorite pair. Go figure.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: mudcat on December 17, 2018, 03:43:57 AM
I assume a quilted wall hanging will qualify.  I bought some black laser cut killer whales (the fabric is black) when I was in Alaska and want to make a sea theme wall hanging with them for Mr MC.  The package comes with suggested fabrics so I'll probably just go with it.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 17, 2018, 07:05:57 AM
I assume a quilted wall hanging will qualify.  I bought some black laser cut killer whales (the fabric is black) when I was in Alaska and want to make a sea theme wall hanging with them for Mr MC.  The package comes with suggested fabrics so I'll probably just go with it.
Yes @mudcat that definitely qualifies  :)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on December 17, 2018, 08:25:48 AM
I'm due to make a window seat cushion for my friend's house, however it is currently undergoing renovation and the time frame may not fit.

However that may be an encouragement for me do do something for my own place instead.
I have been thinking about covers for the folding mattresses so they look more like footstools in their folded form.
(I don't have a guest room so I have a sofa bed and 2 folding mattresses should guests wish to stay).
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Acorn on December 17, 2018, 10:06:08 AM
I'd like to think that the quilt I'm going to make for my Goddaughter will be made during this time period... no promises though! 

This also gives me an excuse not to start it just yet - and I'm hoping Father Christmas will bring me a cutting machine thingy, so I might get the cutting out started before January 1st... actually the timing of this could have been designed for me!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 22, 2018, 15:34:45 PM
Here is the chair in its current incarnation - it has an odd shape, the seat is about as wide as 1 1/2 chairs, which means it’s really comfy and one can curl up in it. So, it could do with another cushion methinks.

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Here the offending old cover (only the seat part, I threw the cushion cover away last time we were here) 100% polyester velvet - in the tropics!!!  I cut the seat cover apart to use it as a pattern for the new one.
We didn’t buy the chair, the place was half furnished by the developer when we bought it. While the wood quality is excellent, the fabrics they used leave a lot to be desired. The sofa was also covered in polyester, I changed all that last year - then I ran out of steam.....

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Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: mudcat on December 22, 2018, 21:05:48 PM
This is the wall hanging I want to do.  I'll have to go through the cotton stash to find some appropriate sea colors.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 23, 2018, 02:27:01 AM
Well this competition has spurred me in and I've ended up starting my curtain early, it's nearly done! I just need to get some curtain hooks tomorrow so I can do a test hanging and pin the hem length. Oops, maybe there's something else around the house that needs doing.

I’ll probably finish the chair cover before January too. Just don’t want to wait any longer. Atleast the contest sparked my interest in making it again. After doing the upholstery last year, wrestling something like 12 yards of heavy weigth denim I just didn’t get my head around doing the last little bit.
My next project would be my version of that fishy appliqué quilt I fell in love with (pictures at The Darkside), but that’ll take a year or more....
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Renegade Sewist on December 23, 2018, 03:51:06 AM
@Francesca  and @Manuela , early, late, on time....whatevah. We still want to see pictures when you're done.  ;)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 23, 2018, 15:06:02 PM
Having ditched the shopping planned for today and changed late lunch plans into an early dinner..... I’m almost done.
Good thing too, as son #1 rather likes the chair and covered the cushions with towels to sit, swivel and relax in it....
Hmm, maybe I should use the contests as motivation and inspiration to get things done.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Sewingsue on December 23, 2018, 15:46:11 PM
Hmm, maybe I should use the contests as motivation and inspiration to getting things done.
Thinking about how many years I have thought 'next year I will...' I wonder if doing that would work.

Or maybe I would stick at wishful thinking again.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: elisep on December 24, 2018, 12:16:40 PM
Ooh, hopefully I can join in this one (seeing as how I didn't manage to finish my SWAKOP :( )

I've decided to give silk painting a try, and was thinking of a cushion cover for my first project. Guess this makes it official! Just need to wait for my supplies to arrive!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 25, 2018, 02:27:12 AM
They look lovely @Francesca
I’ll finish the new covers for the chair tomorrow....
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Sizun on December 25, 2018, 09:19:57 AM
Our living room is currently furnished with a red armchair and a teal sofa. Both are quite worn out so I have grand plans about making taupe or cream slipcovers and colorful seasonal cushions. However, as we're moving soon, buying a huge amount of fabric is not the wisest thing to do. I think I'm just going to make cushion covers and the slipcovers will have to wait until next summer. In the meantime, decluttering can be fun and lead to happy discoveries of treasures long forgotten in the depth of the fabric stash.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 27, 2018, 02:28:54 AM
It’s done, and I am very happy with it. I also added another cushion for more flexibility. That was a fun project, I hope to find more small ones like this.... Picture time - that blue thingy at the background is the sea  ;)

Here the zippers:
Top - almost perfectly matched invisible zipper
Centre - invisible zipper (I underlined the perforated denim with black cotton)
Bottom - ‘artistically frayed’ exposed zipper (as this is real patchwork I used the existing seams and stiched them onto the zipper band to prevent bulk)

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Chair with its original small cushion redone

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Chair wih the new big cushion in perforated denim

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Complete overkill: chair with both cushions  0_0

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Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: renita on December 30, 2018, 21:46:11 PM
Great work @Francesca and @Manuela!  Very inspiring.  Some great plans shaping up here, loving the sound of the floor cushion and quilt and can't wait to see the silk painting @elisep - I'd like to have a go at that sometime too.

I don't have any immediate home decorating plans, just a few ideas that are still percolating.  It takes me a while to kick into action.  Possibilities:

* Old recliner chair that could do with an update, but I haven't got the fabric yet, so unlikely to make it in the time frame.
* A couple of fold-up director-style chairs with very dead canvas.  I've already repainted the frames and even have the fabric, so this is a possibility, though the sewing is limited and it DOES involve a staple gun, so may be disqualified.
* A meditation cushion - but don't yet have fabric and want it to be quilted, possibly hand-pieced, so that's potentially going to take the rest of my lifetime, probably won't make the deadline!

I agree Manuela - these contests are great for inspiration and motivation.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 31, 2018, 00:16:30 AM
Happy that you go back to making that giant floor cushion @Francesca . You got great advice in the thread you linked. Frabric and foam don’t really want to go together, hence making a slip cover in a thin material (on my seat cushion here it is very thin non-woven interfacing) helps a lot. And yes, do make a pattern as suggested and mark corners/seam allowances/zipper positions.
The seat cushions I made for our sofa here in Thailand last year are 90x90x25cm, do you want me to take pictures on how a dealt with the zipper?
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 31, 2018, 00:22:25 AM
@renita, how much stapeling vs sewing is there going to be on those chairs? Could you post a picture of the existing state, so that I can get a clearer picture?
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on December 31, 2018, 11:49:36 AM
@Francesca, good thinking - you need to pull the zipper around both corners (by at least 10cm, a bit more would be even better), otherwise you’ll have one heck of a challenge putting the cover onto the foam cushion. Therse things are ridiculously rigid...
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: renita on January 03, 2019, 07:39:02 AM
@Manuela, I'll see if I can work out how to take a photo - I've already pulled my chairs aparts, but my parents have some similar ones that I might be able to use to show you.  No biggie if it doesn't qualify for judging - this is more about getting the inspiration to get on with jobs that I've been putting off.

Speaking of that, I'm going for it on the meditation cushion - the life-time project.  I went through my stash and found a heap of quilting fabrics from 10 or more years ago!  I'm sure that part of the issue with the cushion would be my inability to choose when faced with all the treasures in the local quilting shop, so I'm just going to use what I have on hand - decision made, stash busted (or slightly dented...).

I'll head over to the Dark Side to post progress reports I think, so I don't clutter up this thread.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 03, 2019, 10:11:13 AM
@renita feel free to clutter up this thread  :)
A picture of the chairs pulled apart would be perfectly fine.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Acorn on January 03, 2019, 12:56:21 PM
I have cut out the triangles for my child's quilt.

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They are in themes, one for each strip.  From bottom left, sky/weather (clouds, stars, frost, raindrops, rainbows), sea (puffins, seashells, otters, fish, mermaids),  sky/flying things (butterflies, birds, umbrellas), background (dark blue), land animals and tools (sheep/pigs, gardening, insects, ladybirds, woodland animals),  flowers (sunflowers, buttercups, daisies, raspberries).

This is the pattern:

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The strips are going to go in this order from the bottom upwards:  sea, flowers, land, sky/flying things, sky/weather.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Lachica on January 03, 2019, 15:03:58 PM
Looking forward to seeing this, if I were to make a quilt I think I'd have to theme it. This appeals to my tidy brain.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on January 10, 2019, 14:10:20 PM
I have an entry (or possibly two) coming along - I was just musing on the economics of paying lots for an embroidery machine to make machine embroidered hanging pockets to store the machine's hoops in...  :S
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Efemera on January 11, 2019, 20:36:16 PM
Would a tea cosy count...the one I’m using is a disgrace :S
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 12, 2019, 00:20:05 AM
Would a tea cosy count...the one I’m using is a disgrace :S

Yes, it would   :)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on January 12, 2019, 18:39:40 PM
Right, I'm not sure if this counts, if there's enough sewing in it, if not, then please ignore it, I shan't be offended  :)

I made a clock, a machine embroidered clock.  The design is on some sort of cotton/polycotton?? out of my stash, which I knew would pucker a bit with the embroidery, but I kinda like the effect.  I added the numbers to the design, and an "o" in the middle for the clock hands - I didn't quite get the middle in the middle perhaps?  The square outline should have been better positioned too, but I thought the machine had finished and removed it from the hoop, then didn't quite get it back in  in the right place.  A whole series of bodges, but hey, it tells the time  0_0

The embroidery was glued on to a piece of mdf using copydex, which worked ok-ish as the heavy stabiliser stopped the glue coming through the fabric.

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Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: fajita on January 12, 2019, 18:43:59 PM
Aren't you the clever girl!  :toast:
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on January 12, 2019, 18:54:31 PM
And my second entry is a hanging thingy for the machine embroidery hoops.
More of the cotton/polycotton from stash, I carefully measured, and cut pockets of suitable sizes, then embroidered each before adding to the back.  I then checked the first hoop in the bottom pocket - lovely, then the second hoop and pocket - oh b^^^^^^s, it doesn't fit!!  That will be because I measured for the pockets using the 7" x 12" hoop instead of the 8"x 12"...
So, gussets!  You can't beat a couple of well place gussets.  Unfortunately my first attempt still wasn't wide enough, but a quick reduction of the seam allowance (note to self - unpick the old stitch line, not the one you've just restitched!) gave enough space for the hoops.  I then made a pocket at the top for a length of dowel, but made button holes to thread hanging cords through and round the dowel.  It hangs on the side of a stash-filled Billy bookcase/cupboard.
It does it's job  0_0

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Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 13, 2019, 08:34:10 AM
@Bodgeitandscarper love the clock and the hanging pockets, both inspired!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Greybird on January 18, 2019, 12:19:18 PM
Here is my entry. When I finished working I decided to try and make use of the many pieces of vintage and antique textiles I had collected over years (note, a collection not a stash!), and I started making cushions like these. I did start selling them but after a bad experience with a place that took them on sale or return they got pushed into the loft where they remain to this day. Last week I came across my remaining collection and decided to make some more, so these are not out of the loft!
Two of them are using vintage crochet work and linen with a remnant of Ralph Lauren linen and the other is made from part of an antique Italian pillowslip that I bought in Florence and an oddment of French quilted linen. For the envelope backs I used a damask tablecloth. The "design" is led entirely by the limitations of the scraps of fabric. They are actually square although they don't look it in the photos.

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Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 19, 2019, 00:26:20 AM
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/13/5e/ff/135effd00958277557952639938a478f.gif)

our first three entries
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 19, 2019, 08:08:30 AM
@Greybird, your cushions are absolutely beautiful!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 22, 2019, 10:33:29 AM
I've decided to make the Closet Case Pouf (free download) as a great way to use up scraps and somewhere comfortable to put my feet.
https://closetcasepatterns.com/fabric-floor-pouf-free-sewing-pattern/
(password for download is sewjo)

I'm hoping to do mine in blues/denim and will share once complete.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Acorn on January 22, 2019, 11:59:07 AM
Oh I like that!  I have quite a few furnishing remnants.    :D
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 22, 2019, 12:47:19 PM
I've printed off the pattern, but need to stick it together. Then I can have a journey into the loft to look at the bags of mysterious scraps.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 22, 2019, 13:23:50 PM
That is a brilliant project @SewRuthieSews, thank you for the link as well. That would be a great way to use up all the denim leftovers from upholstering the furniture in Thailand  :)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 22, 2019, 20:40:15 PM
I now have my pattern taped together and cut out. I decided I would make mine taller so have cut the side panel 4 inches (10 cm) longer than drafted.

I found a few examples which people have made up, and its interesting to see that some are very even with the fabric panel colour and have exactly meeting centre points, others are more random. I suspect I might have trouble making all my triangles neatly match in the centre!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Acorn on January 22, 2019, 21:08:15 PM
Yes - I thought it was a bit low as designed.

If/when I get around to making it I shall consider appliqueing a shape over the centre if the points aren't as good as I'd like.  Either a circle or a dodecagon (12 sides - I looked it up!)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 22, 2019, 22:10:35 PM
I thought maybe just a large central button covering that bit, or if I use recycled jeans a cheeky pocket.
I don't know yet I'll see what it looks like once I've finished the top, given I've not even got the bags of scraps out of the loft yet, I'm just imaging lots of denim up there.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Acorn on January 23, 2019, 09:11:10 AM
I think your ideas are much better!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 23, 2019, 10:30:44 AM
Depending on how big my scraps are I did think maybe the top could be a single piece, with just the side panels being different fabric. It wouldn't have the same look but would be easier.
I have a large quantity of dark blue upholstery fabric so could make the whole thing entirely from that but it rather defeats the purpose.

Also I note on the pattern itself it indicates that it can be closed with velcro instead of a long zip. I think I've got zip that are long enough though in the stash.

They use curtain net to make the inner bag, but I think I donated mine on the basis that I had nicer lace curtains instead and didn't need it. However its worth checking! They don't give a size for the inner bag but I can guesstimate something I am sure.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 23, 2019, 20:14:38 PM
I've spent a bit of time sorting scraps and have now cut out various shades of blue denim.
A lot of my scraps were too small so may get pieced for a tote bag or just used for the stuffing.

I have cut classic blue denim from some old jeans, and some floral denim from some jeans I made for myself (but hardly wore as the floral was a bit much) and then used some light coloured denim yardage for the base, using both the blue and natural sides for the panels. I will make it with the colours going round nicely in pairs as best I can.

I have scraps ready to stuff the pouf once its ready and I am already imagining other versions!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Renegade Sewist on January 23, 2019, 21:38:02 PM
I might need to copy be inspired by Ruthie, but with a bit of a twist. Mine will have 8 fabrics pieced for the top, not the 12 wedges on the pattern. This way I can use squares to do half square triangles, making it much easier to match most of the center points without sinking into madness or sewing as many bias edges. You assemble them into a big square then cut the circle out. The trimmings can get added to the stuffing.  ;)

@SewRuthieSews  I just noticed in the comments at the pattern site that someone was concerned about the weight of it for moving it about, so they added strap handles to it. Might be a brilliant idea on your denim version. I've seen tuffets like this with a single strap handle and you could do that or a pair. Could get all fancy and use an old leather belt cut up and attach them with rivets.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 23, 2019, 21:46:51 PM
@Renegade Sewist I was planning to add handles made from yet more denim scraps, I have some bits put to one side to try it.
Quarters does sound easier now you mention it, but I've already cut all my pieces out and serged the edges ready for joining. I've also made an inner bag out of an old sheet and threaded a drawstring ready to stuff it.

If I don't get through to the next round of the PR Sewing Bee I'll carry on and finish the pouf as my next project.
If I do get through then depending on the challenge the pouf might need to get paused for a bit.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Renegade Sewist on January 23, 2019, 21:59:02 PM
Good luck with the PR Bee Ruthie.

I think the old sheet will be great for the inner bag. Just something light and flexible, bigger then the poof, that you can cram full of scraps.

Mine will wind up with Velcro. Glad you mentioned it. Came across a 2 yard length of sew in a couple of days ago so might as well use some of it.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: wrenkins on January 24, 2019, 07:49:17 AM
If anyone fancied making it with chopped up jeans, the pockets would be handy around the sides. Specs, pens, remotes, phones.... 8)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 24, 2019, 08:54:47 AM
The side panels are quite narrow, so I only managed to fit one front pocket from the old jeans. It has got rivets and things in it though which might cause sewing havoc. The other side seemed too curved for some reason and the back pockets were too wide for the panel so I've not included them, they might work on the 8 panel version.

I got through the the next round of the PR bee but the challenge doesn't get posted until 2pm UK time so I don't know what it will be (yet) so a bit more time to work on my pouf.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 24, 2019, 12:56:37 PM
Congratulations for making it to the next round @SewRuthieSews

I intend to make the pouf using a combination of old jeans and denim leftovers from the upholstery project in Thailand. If figure I patch the side panel together from what I have until I’ve reached the desired width, or make it something like 4 ‘blocks’.... that way I can include pockets and things...
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Fiona M on January 24, 2019, 15:20:25 PM
My Entry:
 I made two Swedish peg bags as belated Xmas gifts for friends I don’t see very often. 
They’ve been handed over now, so I can share the photo.
One has a novelty cat print, and the other is two toning Kaffe Fassett fabrics.
I adapted the pattern after making a prototype.  The original pattern has a quilted fabric base, but these have a Perspex disc inserted to make them a little more ‘hardy’.
This is the original pattern https://lapp-elisa.com/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi?cart_id=9100171.IP81.154.17.247IP.6532.s0&product=131101new&productid=ptqlpegb&sales=0&lastmenu=

Sorry the photo isn’t the right way up, posted from my phone.

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Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Lachica on January 24, 2019, 16:00:20 PM
Sorting hats!! Lovely fabrics, I'm sure your friends are delighted
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Fiona M on January 24, 2019, 16:48:12 PM
Yes!  They do look like sorting hats don’t they  :D
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: toileandtrouble on January 24, 2019, 17:16:03 PM
They make me think of Moomintroll and Terry Pratchett!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 24, 2019, 18:38:37 PM
@Fiona M what fun peg bags, they are much more interesting than the usual sort.

@Manuela sounds a sensible approach for the pouf.

Today I learned how to cut bias strips and make chunky piping. Can't quite believe I've been sewing all this time without having done that before. So I've got the piping ready now for the pouf pieces.

(the Sewing Bee theme is zippers and that's caused complete inspirational overload for me so I think I'll work on the pouf a bit more whilst processing things and deciding what to sew)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 24, 2019, 23:37:53 PM
@Fiona M as long as you made them in January, they count. Just put an entry/submission post up here with pictures and description.

@toileandtrouble, after finishing the university assignment, I can finally read for pleasure again. I decided on Terry Pratchett and am chuckling away....
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: wrenkins on January 25, 2019, 07:27:06 AM
I had to Google 'sorting hat'. I thought it was something to do with laundry.  0_0  0_0  0_0
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Fiona M on January 25, 2019, 07:54:16 AM
@Fiona M as long as you made them in January, they count. Just put an entry/submission post up here with pictures and description.

Thanks @Manuela, I did make them in January, but not sure what you mean by an 'entry' post?  Do you want me to post again?  If so, what do i need to do differently?
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Fiona M on January 25, 2019, 07:57:18 AM
I had to Google 'sorting hat'. I thought it was something to do with laundry.  0_0  0_0  0_0

I always like to wear one when I'm sorting my laundry, doesn't everyone?   ;)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 25, 2019, 08:20:28 AM
Thanks @Manuela, I did make them in January, but not sure what you mean by an 'entry' post?  Do you want me to post again?  If so, what do i need to do differently?

@Fiona M, no need to do another post, just clearly mark your post as an entry, maybe add more pictures and tell uswhat pattern you used (if any). It helps if youadd the picture(s) into the text - then I don’t need to do it, and members can clearly see the picture(s) without having to clck on them).
Basically, anything that helps me to identify that this is actually your entry. Then I copy it into the voting thread.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Lachica on January 25, 2019, 13:37:38 PM

I always like to wear one when I'm sorting my laundry, doesn't everyone?   ;)

 0_0 0_0 0_0 0_0
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 25, 2019, 13:47:40 PM
@Fiona M, great, another entry - I sorted out the pictures for you  :)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Fiona M on January 25, 2019, 14:13:06 PM
Thanks @Manuela  :flower:
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 26, 2019, 07:35:52 AM
My next project uses new outer fabric and only stash lining and it'll take me to the end of January to complete it so I'm bowing out of the stash contest now, I'm pleased with my entries so far and it's really helped motivate me to sew.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on January 26, 2019, 16:24:42 PM
My next project uses new outer fabric and only stash lining and it'll take me to the end of January to complete it so I'm bowing out of the stash contest now, I'm pleased with my entries so far and it's really helped motivate me to sew.
@SewRuthieSews, your last sentence makes me really happy  :)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 26, 2019, 18:33:32 PM
Sorry I wrote on the wrong topic there.
I will be sharing my pouf once it's done, here on House Beautiful.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on February 02, 2019, 08:22:11 AM
Before I started on the PR Zipper challenge I was working on the Closet Case Ultimate Scrap Busting DIY Fabric Floor Pouf.
I returned to that yesterday and have made good progress.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEikwxDz8rw/XEwUYb0j6bI/AAAAAAAAMAo/pHVb8fR1kiIW2kl9eEoutcQQJl6cI4jzwCLcBGAs/s320/Free-sewing-pattern_Free-Pouf-pattern_Blog-header.jpg)
https://closetcasepatterns.com/fabric-floor-pouf-free-sewing-pattern/

The directions say to sew using a 3/8" seam allowance but the pattern piece has 5/8" marked. I went with 3/8"  but my top section came out larger than the bottom. So I would suggest making the top first and then cutting the bottom to fit (then if the seam allowances are a bit off it'll still fit).
Also do make sure you sew pieces together to make 2 halves, I ended up with 3 thirds and it was tricky to do that last seam!

Mine is almost finished. Its 4 inches taller then the original (and somewhat wider due to the seam allowance thing). I added two handles, which are great for moving it about.

I plan to add a covered button to the centre to hide the mess where they don't meet neatly. And I will be adding lots more scraps (don't worry I have them!) to fill it out and make it nice and firm.

However this is what it looks like so far.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9woMklPAScA/XFTS8Z711NI/AAAAAAAAMC0/ftPMXqR3-e8PGLywTlKehVygeuSqvmG4QCLcBGAs/s320/RuthPouf.jpg)

The plain dark blue denim was taken from actual jeans. These were thicker and had no stretch. all the other denim turned out to have some stretch which made the sewing quite interesting.
The floral denim was some jeans I sewed for myself but did not wear much because the floral was a bit much.
The light denim and grey looking denim are the right and worng sides of some 'reverse' denim that is pale on the right side with dark on the wrong side. The threads are indigo and off white but read as shades of grey here. The handles are in the floral denim. The base is in the dark side of the light denim. The zip on the base came from an old coat and is very chunky.
The inner lining is made from an old sheet and some cord from an old blind. Lots of recycling going on in this project.

I will share again once I've done the central covered button and fattened it up by feeding it even more scraps!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: elisep on February 02, 2019, 12:09:19 PM
Well, I've finally made a start on my painted silk cushion.

I'm going with a peacock design. Trust me to chose such an intricate design for my first project!! (I have had a play around with the paints... making a sampler).
I've stretched the silk onto the frame, copied my design onto it and drawn the design out in gutta. It's now drying for a day before I can start painting. I have a sneaking suspicion that I might get some bleed through when I start painting... I think I may have thinned the gutta down too much (the black gutta... the white stuff will be fine and come out clear). I suppose I'll find out tomorrow!!

(https://i.imgur.com/nxNgiTzl.jpg)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: elisep on February 03, 2019, 08:19:39 AM
And the first side of my cushion is painted! I did get some bleed through in places, but with the right care (and a very dry brush) I managed to avoid the worst. Sadly I got bleed through in the most obvious place - his head feathers. Oh well, trying not to sweat the small stuff and be happy for my first attempt at silk painting!!
I used Dye Na Flow silk paints for this project - while they only need to be set with an iron, being a paint rather than a dye, they do leave a little bit of a hand on the fabric. Not an issue for something like a cushion, but before I start making wearable pieces (my ultimate aim) I will have to source some proper dyes (and research how to steam set them  :\ ).

Mr Peacock is still stretched in my frame, he needs to dry for 24 hours before I can iron set him. The salt you can see in the photo will hopefully create an interesting effect by drawing some of the paint out of the fabric. I'm not sure how well it works with the dye na flow, we'll find out.

(https://i.imgur.com/WUvxOx0l.jpg)

Now, just the reverse side of my cushion to go (oh, and actually putting it together  :P). I think I'm going to do peacock feathers on a white background, and change my colour scheme to pinks and purples. This way I can use the "front" side with one of my quilt covers and the "back" side with another.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: fajita on February 03, 2019, 08:25:47 AM
That's lovely. And a first attempt!  Talent!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Fiona M on February 03, 2019, 08:33:47 AM
@elisep Beautiful, Bravo!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Acorn on February 03, 2019, 10:17:46 AM
That is beautiful!!   :loveit:
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Sewingsue on February 03, 2019, 12:08:24 PM
Looks beautiful (and there is always a tiny gap in the gutta).

Steam fix dyes produce the most amazing effect, but AFAIK steamers are very expensive.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: mudcat on February 03, 2019, 20:21:29 PM
elisep, I've used Dye-Na-Flow on silk and made garments from it.  The hand tends to soften up over time.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: elisep on February 04, 2019, 10:23:15 AM
Thank you everyone! Full disclosure I copied the peacock  0_0 my drawing skills are not that good!!!

Mudcat that's good to know, thanks. I've seen a few options for a home made steamer so I think it's worth a try. I also did see advertised a company that will steam silks for you so that's an option I can look at too. Just need to work out the pros and cons for paints vs dyes!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: SewRuthieSews on February 04, 2019, 13:08:47 PM
SewRuthieSews Entry #1 Closet Case Ultimate Scrap Busting DIY Fabric Floor Pouf made from various denim scraps.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrHMAR7l_Lk/XFg3vjNU0kI/AAAAAAAAMDY/k1wdPR4qsCkmWYYx17YbuJoazVhI6ItvwCLcBGAs/s320/SewRuthiePouf-1.jpg)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqEQBd3HQlA/XFg32BSnyaI/AAAAAAAAMDc/na2dQsYqF74S-taiuLABr_7GgE8tN35wQCEwYBhgL/s320/SewRuthiePouf-2.jpg)
Free pattern available from
https://closetcasepatterns.com/fabric-floor-pouf-free-sewing-pattern/
(sewjo)


Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Iminei on February 06, 2019, 15:42:50 PM
Oh! Im sooooo loving the pocket ... ideal for the remote!
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on February 28, 2019, 05:37:40 AM
A quick reminder - any more entry sumissions should be up until February 7th.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: elisep on March 02, 2019, 11:08:03 AM
Well I finished my cushion several weeks ago now but totally forgot I needed to post it here!
I did paint a back side to the cushion but when I set the paints with my iron, I missed a section! And it washed out  :| I wasn't that enamoured with it anyway, so instead I just used plain white cotton drill for the back. I also underlined the silk front with the same cotton drill. I also purchased some white corded piping to use around the edges, but once I got it home and put it against the silk, it was much too "white" (my silk is "natural white" or just a shade lighter than ivory). So, that got left out too, and the result is a much simpler cushion than I originally planned. It also needs a smaller cushion insert so that you don't lose so much of the border.

Anyway, here's my entry into the House Beautiful Contest;

(https://i.imgur.com/fakY2ocl.jpg)
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: fajita on March 02, 2019, 11:16:23 AM
A quick reminder - any more entry sumissions should be up until February 7th.

@Manuela February 7th?
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Greybird on March 02, 2019, 11:46:24 AM
@elisep that's lovely. Doesn't need any more embellishment.
Title: Re: House Beautiful Contest - January 1st to February 28th
Post by: Manuela on March 02, 2019, 12:39:09 PM
@Manuela February 7th?

Opps, too much work and not enough sleep... March 7th of course. Thank you @fajita