Something New in the shop :: And a little Giveaway

Hello again friends. I am so sorry for the long wait but it has been one of those weeks when you get this great idea in your head and you just have to run with it. I finally finished some sketching from a request for a dear friend. He is 86 years old and adores his kindle. He was keeping it in a bubble wrap mailer to protect it.

After promising to make him one manly enough for him to use, I also thought up a second design for the shop. Introducing the Kindle Clutch

I just love those days when Ideas just come together the way it seems to in your head. So many ideas are hard to put on paper, let alone SEW them.

So when this idea came out just the way I wanted, well I was just thrilled.

They are now available in the SHOP!

ADDITION:: The clutch up for the giveaway is done in the grey print by amy butler for everyone who is curious. I also just thought what a great Diaper clutch this could be?

Do you have a kindle or nook? Or maybe even a great use for this cute little clutch? Well Great I have an extra. The sample I made came out so good it would have been shop worthy. However I attached my shop tag to the front, then later decided I didn't want to do that.

So if you don't mind the tag that says Sew-Fantastic on the front flap. leave me a comment about what you think of the new shop item. I will draw a lucky winner On Monday afternoon.

Good luck Everyone, and Happy Sewing!

Tutorial:: Valentine Padded Zipper Pouches

It's here! Ready just in time to make for Valentines Day. Valentine Padded flat bottom zipper pouches. Perfect for that special someone, great for party favors, or just to make for you!

I have put together this tutorial directed to be easy enough for people who are just starting out into sewing.

There are 24 color photos that can be clicked on at any time to get a bigger more detailed view.

I hope everyone has as much fun making these as I did.

*This tutorial is for personal use only please*

::Supplies needed ::

2 small 4x4 squares of felt in 2 different colors

A Zipper foot for your machine

Thread, scissors, ruler, ect

water soluble pen

9" zipper

Fat eighth of 2 coordinating fabrics (main and lining)

Mid weight fusible fleece

::First steps::

Cut 2 rectangles measuring 8.5 x 7 inches from each of the fabrics. 2 From the main fabric, 2 from the lining fabric, and 2 from the fusible fleece. Following the directions of your fusible fleece, iron the wrong side of the lining fabric to the fusible fleece. (wrong side meaning the side without the print on it).

Now set that aside and pull out your pieces of crafters felt. In the desired size of your choice, cut 2 hearts. One large, and one just a little smaller.

Grab the main piece of fabric that you iron the fusible fleece to, and center the large heart right into the center of that piece.

Begin attaching the heart to your main fabric with a simple straight stitch. After your finished stack the smaller heart on top and sew around it like you did the larger heart. (see photo)

Now take the front side of the zipper (the side with the pulley to zip it up) and turn it face down onto the right side of the piece you just sewed the felt heart to. Make sure to center it onto your main piece. This is the front of your zipper pouch. Try to keep in unzipped a few inches at first, this will make it easier to get your stitch started.

Now sew 1/4 inch all the way down along the edge of the zipper. Please keep in mind that sometimes the clasp of the zipper may get in your way. Just put your needle in the down position to hold the fabric, and reach your hand underneath the fabric to slide the zipper from the part you are not working on. This takes a little getting used to at first.

Now see the photo above. If you pull the fabric and the zipper in opposite directions it looks like the photo. The side with the pins in it will be attached to your backing piece.

Meet the fabrics rights sides together making sure to match the edges carefully. Then attach the zipper to the backing piece in the same manor as the first.

When you are finished the pouch should look like the photo below when opened up.

Now meet the two rights sides back together to find the back side of your zipper. This is the side we will be attaching the lining piece of fabric to.

Make sure you pin in place to keep edges matching the main pieces as well.

Now sew a 1/4 inch seam along the zipper, remembering to keep your needle in a downward position to move the zipper out of your way when needed.

Now the back should look just like the front. (see photo below)

Open the pouch up so that you have a lining fabric and a main fabric on each side of the zipper. I like to sew a 1/4 inch seam down the line of the zipper on the outside going through all the layers. This give it a more appealing and finished look I think. This step is optional.

THIS STEP IS SUPER IMPORTANT!!

OPEN YOUR ZIPPER 3/4 ths of the way down

If you  forget this step it will get very frusterating trying to turn your pouch right side out in the end.

With the zipper open. Meet the two main fabrics with right sides together, and the 2 lining fabrics right sides together. Make sure to match up the zipper seams on each side before pinning in place.

Now sew along the edges of the pouch all the way around leaving a open seam in the lining fabric big enough to fit your hand through. This will be needed to flip the pouch at the end.

I usually hand wheel the machine over the zipper part just in case I hit something, but usually I do not. This is a preference of course. It will be an important step if your zipper is not completely centered.

Now with a ruler mark out 1 x 1 inch squares with a marker in each corner of the pouch. Lining side included. Flip it over and repeat this step on the back of the pouch as well.

(see photo below)

DO NOT CUT THESE OUT!!!

Now by putting our hand into the inside of the pouch you can open the fabric up and split the two layers from each other. Match the corners of the squares that you just drew to form a triangle at the end of the pouch (see photo)

Pin that into place then head to the machine again and sew down that line that is already drawn there for you from the previous step.

Repeat this step for the main fabric side as well as the lining side.

After you have sewn them down you can cut off the ends of the squares.

This step is what makes the flat bottom part of the pouch. The drawing of the squares is to guarantee accuracy of the lines and size when the pouch is complete.

I tried to eyeball it one time, and it came out rather wonky.

To show both sides I have folded the pouch in half so you can see the way each side should look.

(see below)

Now here is the fun part..... Reach your hand through the opening left in the lining and grab the bottom of the other side. This will fold the pouch right side out.

Make sure to open up all the corners with your fingers or it helps to use a corner pushing tool as well.

Now the pouch should look like the photo below.

Grab the side with the lining. See that opening we left? Now we need to close it up.

Fold the fabric in along the opening then iron in place. The ironing helps to keep it from unraveling when your trying to sew the opening up.

Now you can stitch the opening as close to the edge as you can while catching both sides of the lining.

Now push the lining into the main piece and Violla!!

You have the perfect Valentines Day Pouch!

I hope everyone has fun making these cute little pouches, maybe put some valentines goodies, or sweettarts in them. The possiblities are only limited by you imagination.

Have fun with it.

As always please do not be afraid to ask questions.

If your not a sewer, but you love these I listed a few in the shop here!

Sunday Stash :: 3

Good morning! Well I had thought that I got a great picture of this fabric last night before bed, to be able to show you it's beauty. However it seems that was not the case. Check out this fairly new line of georgeous fabrics. The collection is called Dill Blossem by Robert Kaufman. The designer is SEI.

This is 2 colorways of the print mini blossom garden, red, and summer. I have been a big fan of aqua and red since joining the swappy poo, so I only bought these two prints....for now.  You can view the rest of this super cute little line here. I see a very beautiful throw quilt in this fabrics future.

You can visit other Sunday Stashers by clicking here.

Thank you for a great year!!

Thank you again from the bottom of my crafty little heart! I had lots of fun putting this together for all of you. All the winners can thank my hubby, he was my helper today. Even though I have many more favorite things, I will have to say goodbye for now. I promise to bring you lots of cool stuff this year. I already feel like a new person, turning 30 in about 2 weeks and although I was scared, I am now very happy to embrace it.

So let's toast to a new year of Sew-Fantastic Goodness.

May you all enjoy every minute you spend here in my nonsense.

Please take some time to leave comments congratulating not only the winners, but the wonderful shops as well. They do visit us trust me. I hope you found a love for some new fantastic goodies as well.

I will see you all again.... very soon.

Goodnight!

My Favorite Things Giveaway #12

I remember many late nights running to the craft store in a hurry. Trying to get there before it closed which of course always seemed to be a Sunday when everyone closed early. I use Gutermann like it's water. Buying it by the Giant spools and going through the whole spool in a day.

My Viking loves this thread. She purrs for me when I feed it to her. That's how I know it will be a good day for business. Definitely My Favorite!

Although I do not usually use colors, I thought you all might like the rainbow theme I picked in these. This Beautiful set of Gutermann Thread will go to lucky reader..... Joanne

Congratulations Joanne, please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Ha! Thats odd the winner is Joanne, and I bought the thread at Joann's, It was meant to be.

My Favorite Things #11

Ack Pouches! Yes my new found love for zipper pouches. Can you believe that they are SEW easy peasy to make if you have some time. They are a little time consuming at first, but once you get the feel of it... your good to go. I have made up these cute little numbers in various fabric to give to you, well a few of you at least. Great for Cosmetics, gadgets and more. Perfect for that short trip to the supermarket. Oh brother did I just say supermarket? Yeah 30 is creeping quick I tell ya, I can feel it.

Ok I will send some of my new favorite zipper pouches to Lucky Readers...

Peaknits

Cass

Nicki C K

Tu Tu Monkey

Congrats Ladies. Please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com with your blog name and your address for shipping.

Dont fret if your name wasn't picked, I plan on showing you all how to make these very soon.

My Favorite things Giveaway #10

Ok, now that you have seen the picture, please calm down! The much sought after Urban chicks line Summer in the City is definitely on my favorites list as you know. Where can you buy it? Nowhere sorry, it's out of print unless you find that small town shop that was luck enough to get this and has not sold it yet. As you can see I have been hoarding a little stash for myself. I felt since this is a birthday celebration, and it is a favorite thing of mine, well it's only fair ...right?

I am parting with 2 brand new summer in the city collectors tins. Each tin includes 40 5x5 print swatches from the Summer in the city Collection by Urban Chicks. Plus and additional 13 5x5 solid brown swatches.

Step by step instructions to make the mini quilt featured on the front of this tin, and a CD which includes a color swatch library of the entire collection as well as directions with measurements for a larger quilts, recipes and more!

(Whew that was a lot of wording)

One tin will go to each of the Lucky readers.

Barb & MGM

Congrats Ladies! Please email your info to sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com

My Favorite Things Giveaway #9

Welcome back to Bliss Forest. If you have not had the chance to visit the fun atmosphere over at Aly's Etsy Shop now is the perfect time to visit. Between the meadow and the stars lies creatures like Giesha Neen-Jah buhn-nee, and Chocolate Kiss, or even the bad gnome. With Easter being not to far away it's time to snatch up your favorite lovey in time for that eater basket before someone else adopts them. (OH NO!!!)

(Sophia adores her pink bunny, it's one of her favorite toys)

Aly is Giving away her most popular creature of bliss forest, the Black Neen-Jah buhn-nee.
This cute little critter will now be causing mischief over at Amanda's House now.

Take a minute to visit all the super cute creatures of bliss forest, and read there fun stories to. Pick one up now for Easter or that much needed gift for any occasion. Heart her shop for a later date. You will be floored by the creativity that pours from Aly's Bliss Forest.

My Favorite Things #8

So in love I am, with this beauty. Rita over at Red Pepper quilts has the most beautiful, and creative quilts ever. Check out this fantastic Hope Valley Quilt. The color just pops, and tells me to CREATE! I had no idea what to make my stash of Hope valley into until I saw this lovely quilt. Rita sells a very well put together pattern for this beauty for only 8.50. Stop by her Etsy shop to get your own pattern.

The Lucky reader who wins this one is..... SewCalGal

Congratulation Please email me with your blog name and your address to sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com to claim your win.

My Favorite things Giveaway #7

I am sure that it's no secret that we all have a deep love for Amy Butlers Full Moon dots. After the devastating news that they would no longer be reprinted. They became very scarce around the community.
Then something wonderful happened! Although they did not choose to reprint the linen colorways, they did reprint the Lime, Cherry, and Tangerine. Oh just saying that makes my mouth water. YUMMY!!

I have put together little fat quarter bundles for a couple of you to experience the full moon dot effect. Save them to sell for a million dollars LOL or use them up in your favorite craft project. They go with everything I promise.

The two lucky readers are.....

Linda B. & Tricia

Congrats ladies please email me your blog name and contact info to sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com.

My Favorite Things giveaway #6

Ok remember when I told you all about Olivia? The 17 year old who was felting her way to collage. She has since then created much more yummy goodness that has been sprinkled throughout her etsy shop Furritales.

My favorite by far is her little felted chicken. This little guy bring so much personality to my fabric stash. As well as protects all my yummy fabric from the poachers who oogle it. I want a reader to have on of these cuties for their very own as well, to experience the smiles this has brought to me.

This adorable little felted chicken goes to.... Leslie

Congrats Leslie this chicken will definitely make you smile. Please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com with your blog name and address to claim your prize

If that's not you, then don't worry you can still adopt one by hopping on over to visit Furritales

Favorite Things Giveaway #5

I always wanted one of these. The lighting is wonderful, practically crystal clear to me. I keep this great light right above my sewing machine for a nice clear view of my stitching. Most of the time these lights are way out of the price range I wanted to spend on one. Until I found a sale of course. I bought 2 of them so I am passing on the love of a good light to one lucky reader.

Of course after my purchase, I do realize that the cost is justified. This truly is a great light, especially for sewing. This was a purchase at Joann's fabrics. I am sure there are many other places to get this very cool item. This is by far my favorite item on my desk, after my sewing machine of course.

The Lucky reader who wins this light is....DEE.

Congrats Dee please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com with your adress.

Favorite Things Giveaway #4

Ok so everyone already knows I have a deep love for Charlie and Lindsay over at Hawthorne threads. I think my favorite part about them is their customer service. I can count on everything from details to when new lines are coming out to delivery dates on my orders. In my book they have truly got it together. This shop not only brings us great fabric at great prices, but they also get involved in the online community as well. Making donations to causes like Project 320, and the Partners in Health campaign for Haiti relief.

Hawthorne Threads is giving away a 20.00 gift certificate for our birthday here at Sew Fantastic. That means the lucky winner gets to choose what they want. Ok ok so can I be the winner? J/K

the lucky Reader is...Jenny
Congratulations Jenny please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Everyone else take a look at the color and pizazz Hawthorne Threads has. It really is a place to inspire you to make stuff. You can view projects that have been made from their fabrics right there on the site. You will love it. While your there sign up for the newletter to get the scoop on whats coming out before everyone else knows.. Oohhhh exclusives I love it!!

My favorite things Giveaway #3

Ack!! This definitely has the cuteness factor all over it! Ashli over at factorygirlashli has the best headband ever! I ordered 2 from her in violet and the off white. The minute they arrived I just about died of excitement. They are more beautiful in person and I thought the pictures looked pretty great.

Ashli invites us all to take a look at her shop today and tell her I sent ya over if you have the time heart her shop for that next great gift. She will be adding more headbands all day as well as other cute card and jewelry items. If you need one as bad as I did you can convo her as well to have her list one is your desired color. She has

ivory, silver, pink, violet, dark green
light green, turquoise, dark blue, pale yellow

To view pictures of hair band that are not yet listed please visit her sold items to view pictures.

The lucky reader who get one in her choice of color is

Marta from Haus of girls

Please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com with your choice of color and address.

My Favorite Things Giveaway #2

Raindrops on roses, and pictures of vintage spools. This is by far the best picture in my sewing studio. (besides my daughters of course). Sarah has way with the camera. She books weddings, does still photos, and more. Her eye for a great shot is truly inspiring.

Take a minute and check out her flicker set up here, or her blog here. She also sells photos on etsy for great prices I might add. The paper she prints on, is perfection!! Sarah Donated her set of vintage spools to Lucky Reader :: Blue Ridge Boomer.

Stop By Sarah shop to decorate your sewing studio, or space that needs that certain *POP* of color. She is a very talented photographer, blogger, multi tasker, sewer, ect. I also forgot to mention that she is the perfect mom. Her girls are a joy for sure.

Blue Ridge Bloomer, please email me your blog name and address to sewfantasticblo@yahoo.com to claim your win.

My Favorite Things Giveaway:: # 1

One of my very first etsy transactions was this fabulous shop. A Scrappy Design has some of the cutest embellies on etsy. What I love about this shop is the way it evolves every season into something more unique then the last season. The choice of color is amazing as well.

Take a look at this shop A Scrappy Design, I think there are some cute things you might want to get your hands on for those valentine cards. *wink**wink* Need something for a later date? Heart this shop for future reference.

A set of 2 that I purchased from this shop a few seasons ago, and is no longer in the shop. Will go to my lucky reader :: Kritta22 Congratulations to you please email me at sewfantasticblog@yahoo.com with your blog name and address to receive these cute little owls and trees, from A Scrappy Design.

Happy Birthday Sew-Fantastic

Good Morning Readers. Today is going to be SEW much fun.

I almost feel like Oprah! Having the opportunity to giveaway some of my favorite things ever. This will not only give you the chance to win some great stuff, but to have the chance to see the wonderful shops I came across to find them.

I cannot even begin to say how lucky I am to know all of you. Even talk on the phone with a few of you as well. Not only have I been truly inspired by you all, but I believe I am successful because of all the support I get from you all as well.

Grab your coffee, and relax. Cross your fingers in hopes that I choose your smiling face.

After today's blogoversery Extravaganza, I have some fun sewing projects that I will teach you all to make, tips to help your business, and fun shops to visit.

My Favorite Things of 2009

Tomorrow marks one year of Sew-Fantastic handmade goodness.

I never would have though that starting a blog would be SEW much fun. I have learned some new crafts from great friends here. Its nice to know there are SEW many crazy over fabric, wild for handmade, loving a good deal group of people like me.
One year of all this fantastic stuff. I cannot even begin to sum it all up. I have shared with you some of my favorite things with you this last year. Starting Thursday the 21st, just like I promised I will give away some of my favorite things of 2009.

To be eligible to win you MUST be a public blogger follower. the pretty faces on the right side of this page will be where we pick our winners from. The reason for this is to give to the people that read instead of just pass through. This will be my way of saying thanks for being a part of this wonderful adventure with me.

I will see you all Thursday morning with an introduction.

The change in your pocket.

All over blogland people have come together. After donating craft items as well as money proceeds from the shop, I feel I still need to do more. I was given this space to reach people so I feel I should use it to do so.

I had$6.75 in the bottom of my purse today. Pocket change! I thought to myself can this really make a difference? Of course it can! How much change is in your pocket? Would you be willing to put your change into a HUGE pickle jar for the people over in Haiti?

Please take a minute, count your change, donate to those who need it much more then our pockets do. Let's come together with a small goal that will make a BIG difference.

Our prayers our with the people of Haiti tonight

Thank you

Coupons have arrived and a sale!

Yay! My fancy Smancy coupon that I designed arrived the other day. Just in time for my Martin Luther King weekend sale. As we all take a much deserved 3 day weekend to ponder the past and honor a great American who changed the world. I am offering a little relief as well.

From now until Monday night 1/18/2010 There is a free shipping promotion going on for all Canada and US purchases of orders that total $25.00 or more before shipping. On top of that every purchase made from now until Monday will receive a coupon with their package for 20% off their entire next purchase (international orders will also receive this coupon) . Coupon code is printed on the coupon that you will recieve, It has been removed as to not show in this post. This will not include pattern purchases.
I am also donating 5.00 of every transaction to the Haiti relief to help with Partners In Health.

Please make a donation if you can every dollar counts. Thank you.

New in the shop

The Mini Shopper

Zippered Pouches

Have fun shopping this weekend * Valentines Day is around the corner)

Helping the People of Haiti with Crafts

The world comes together, in the effort to help the suffering victims of Haiti. A massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake has taken many lives from many families, destroyed homes, and crumbled hope. We have come together as a nation without hesitation, we never thought for a second, should we help... we just did!

Now you can help to. Crafthope.com has set up a blog dedicated to helping people who truly need it. There effort to help the people in Haiti right now has reached everyone on blog land within hours. This is the power we all have. The power to unite as crafters, readers, mothers, and fathers. The power to unite us all as people!

How can you help to? Visit Crafthope.com for details on how you can donate an item of crafty worthiness to this great cause. This item will be sold in their special etsy shop specifically for this fundraiser. If you are not a crafter, stop by the etsy store set up by crafthope.com where they will be selling off the donations and giving 100% of the proceeds to Doctors Without Boarders.
I will be donating this cute little mushroomy clutch. Take a stand with me, make a difference for the greater good. We are all gods people, lets spread the word.

Projects:: Getting Organized - Again

MIA for a few days, sorry about that. I am finishing up a few orders and working on some projects. Remember my fabric organization project from awhile back? Well I forgot to mention that I tried to cut a little cost and went with the cheaper version of the sweater hangers.

Needless to say they broke, and fabric came tumbling down all over my closet. I have since then purchased cloth hangers so we will see what they can withstand. That fabric gets pretty heavy so we will see. I am re-organizing the "space" now and of course there will be pictures when I am done. :). I am color coordinating this time as well.

I have also been spending quite a bit of time with little Sophie. She has starting talking pretty much every word it seems. She copies commercials that have music on them. We keep the TV on alot for some background noise while we play. It was the funniest thing to hear her say Papa Papa for the paparazzi song by lady gaga. (a kids bop commercial).

Today I have been told by the hubby to go pick up my birthday gift. I already know what it is and it's SEW exciting. I will share the details later. *Hint* I can use it on my Sewing weekend with the girls.

** BIRTHDAY UPDATE**

See what I got from hubby for my birthday. Luggage for my sewing trip . Ack I always wanted a reason to buy these. Now I am so in love. Check out my flicker for pictures of my set.

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend.