DOLLY MIXTURE CHALLENGE 9
Here's a quick card using the new Michael Powell toppers and Designstax. The topper has been matted and layered onto Centura Pearl mink paper then onto Michael Powell paper and again onto Centura Pearl mink paper. The backing paper is from the pack included free with issue 33 of Creativity Magazine as is the postcard you can see popping out from behind the topper. The paper border is from the Papermania Burleigh Blue collection.
Ingredients
Quick and Easy Lined Curtains
I've made these curtains more times than I care to remember. As the proud owner of a huge inherited fabric stash it's one of the few ways I can completely change a room just because I feel like it.
These one's are for boyfriend's house, hence the rather masculine brown shade. Not my taste at all but it will look very smart with his deep brown carpet and cream walls.
On to the destructions!
Measuring Fabric
I'm not a fan of messing about with maths.
Measure the window and make sure the you have enough fabric for the height of the window plus plenty for going just below and above for the curtain pole, plus loads of seam allowance. I'd say 50cm minimum.
For the width there's all sorts of equations recommended, nah just make sure the width of the fabric is enough to completely cover the window. Times two curtains / two widths this will give plenty of fullness and less cutting to be bothering with.
The lining fabric needs to be abut 20cm narrower and about 5cm shorter than the main fabric.
Press and Pin Hem
Take the bottom edge of each piece of fabric and fold it up about a half inch. Your actual measurement doesn't really matter as long as it's roughly the same for all pieces of fabric. Press the crease firmly. Fold it up again this time slightly more, say an inch and press again.
Pin the crease in place. Make sure that the pins are pointing downwards towards the edge of the fabric with the heads protruding above the fold. Otherwise they'll be difficult to pull out later and you'll get owies or worse your sewing machine will get an owie!
Blind Hem
Wow, what a fantastic stitch! I used to use a normal seam which looks terrible up close. So I resigned myself to hand sewing hems - boring! So I now have a pair of curtains with a pinned hem hanging in my living room! Grrr, too many more interesting things to do with my life.
But this stitch is the solution. And so easy peasy!
Load your machine with a thread that matches your curtains as close as you can get.
For starters you'll need a foot with a guide built in. Well, in truth you don't NEED but for impatient sewers like me it is a must as it saves a lot of careful, slow sewing to keep the stitches in exactly the right place.
Set your machine to the blind hem stitch.
Place your fabric on your sewing machine so that the folded hem is towards the foot.
Fold the hem back on it'self leaving about a quarter of an inch exposed. Like so:
Line to guide up with the edge of the wrong side of the curtain fabric and stitch.
The stitch makes zig zag stitches along the seam which will be covered on the wrong side of the curtain. Every few stitches it will "jump" out and create a tiny stitch just catching the front of the curtain fabric. As long as you keep the presser foot lined up those tiny stitches will barely show on the right side of your curtain.
How cool is that!?!
Sewing Seams
Place the curtain and lining right sides together and sew the side seams. Your seam allowance doesn't really matter as long as it's the same on all sides and on both curtains.
Both seams must be worked from the top of the curtain down towards the bottom, not the other way round.
Find the middle of the curtain fabric and the lining fabric. Bring them together and pin. Lay the top of your curtain on a flat surface and smooth it out. Your should have some of the curtain fabric showing on the wrong side, more to the point it should be roughly the same width on each side. Pin the top to hold it in place.
Sew along the top seam.
Turn your curtains the right side out and give them a good press on all sides.
Top Stitch
This step makes your curtains look really crisp and professional. It also holds your pressed seams in place when your curtains are washed.
Go back to you guide foot and set your machine to stitch just tot he left of the needle's usual position.
Line the guide up with the edge of the curtain and sew.
A little line of stitches just in form the edge. Even in this photo you can see how much crisper the edge of the curtain is.
Curtain Tape
And now for the final step. Cut a length of curtain tape just a tad longer than the curtain is wide. Fold one end under itself and pin it to the back of the curtain.
Pin the tape along the top of the curtain until you get tit the other end. Fold it under itself again and pin. Stitch around all four edges of the tape stitching right through both layers of fabric. At each end reverse over the stitches about three times to make sure it's super secure.
And you're done!
These one's are for boyfriend's house, hence the rather masculine brown shade. Not my taste at all but it will look very smart with his deep brown carpet and cream walls.
On to the destructions!
Measuring Fabric
I'm not a fan of messing about with maths.
Measure the window and make sure the you have enough fabric for the height of the window plus plenty for going just below and above for the curtain pole, plus loads of seam allowance. I'd say 50cm minimum.
For the width there's all sorts of equations recommended, nah just make sure the width of the fabric is enough to completely cover the window. Times two curtains / two widths this will give plenty of fullness and less cutting to be bothering with.
The lining fabric needs to be abut 20cm narrower and about 5cm shorter than the main fabric.
Press and Pin Hem
Take the bottom edge of each piece of fabric and fold it up about a half inch. Your actual measurement doesn't really matter as long as it's roughly the same for all pieces of fabric. Press the crease firmly. Fold it up again this time slightly more, say an inch and press again.
Pin the crease in place. Make sure that the pins are pointing downwards towards the edge of the fabric with the heads protruding above the fold. Otherwise they'll be difficult to pull out later and you'll get owies or worse your sewing machine will get an owie!
Blind Hem
Wow, what a fantastic stitch! I used to use a normal seam which looks terrible up close. So I resigned myself to hand sewing hems - boring! So I now have a pair of curtains with a pinned hem hanging in my living room! Grrr, too many more interesting things to do with my life.
But this stitch is the solution. And so easy peasy!
Load your machine with a thread that matches your curtains as close as you can get.
For starters you'll need a foot with a guide built in. Well, in truth you don't NEED but for impatient sewers like me it is a must as it saves a lot of careful, slow sewing to keep the stitches in exactly the right place.
Set your machine to the blind hem stitch.
Place your fabric on your sewing machine so that the folded hem is towards the foot.
Fold the hem back on it'self leaving about a quarter of an inch exposed. Like so:
Line to guide up with the edge of the wrong side of the curtain fabric and stitch.
The stitch makes zig zag stitches along the seam which will be covered on the wrong side of the curtain. Every few stitches it will "jump" out and create a tiny stitch just catching the front of the curtain fabric. As long as you keep the presser foot lined up those tiny stitches will barely show on the right side of your curtain.
How cool is that!?!
Sewing Seams
Place the curtain and lining right sides together and sew the side seams. Your seam allowance doesn't really matter as long as it's the same on all sides and on both curtains.
Both seams must be worked from the top of the curtain down towards the bottom, not the other way round.
Find the middle of the curtain fabric and the lining fabric. Bring them together and pin. Lay the top of your curtain on a flat surface and smooth it out. Your should have some of the curtain fabric showing on the wrong side, more to the point it should be roughly the same width on each side. Pin the top to hold it in place.
Sew along the top seam.
Turn your curtains the right side out and give them a good press on all sides.
Top Stitch
This step makes your curtains look really crisp and professional. It also holds your pressed seams in place when your curtains are washed.
Go back to you guide foot and set your machine to stitch just tot he left of the needle's usual position.
Line the guide up with the edge of the curtain and sew.
A little line of stitches just in form the edge. Even in this photo you can see how much crisper the edge of the curtain is.
Curtain Tape
And now for the final step. Cut a length of curtain tape just a tad longer than the curtain is wide. Fold one end under itself and pin it to the back of the curtain.
Pin the tape along the top of the curtain until you get tit the other end. Fold it under itself again and pin. Stitch around all four edges of the tape stitching right through both layers of fabric. At each end reverse over the stitches about three times to make sure it's super secure.
And you're done!
Monday Sketch Challenge ends 22nd April
Materials
- Capsule Collection Liquorice Sherbet Papers
- Capsule Collection Liquorice Sherbet Gems
- Capsule Collection Liquorice Sherbet Ribbon
- Bazzil Blackbird Card Stock
- Vanguard Card
- 6x6 Scalloped Card Blank
Tools
ProMarkers and Caron Vinson Rubber Stamps Coming Soon
I've had a very exciting day and I just had to tell you about it.
I've finally taken the decision to invest in ProMarkers and some really edgy stamps to do them justice. Surprisingly no one's actually asked us to get ProMarkers in stock so it hasn't been a priority. But I WANT them so I'm guessing I wont be the only one.
We're negotiating with Letraset right now and should have ProMarkers in stock very soon. Watch this space!
Years ago we did a range of Caron Vinson die cut decoupage sheets which flew off the shelves and we shelves and we were inundated with requests for me which unfortunately we couldn't get at the time. Whilst hunting for some really unique rubber stamps I came across Sweet Pea Stamps who work with artists to produce a stunning range of rubber stamps. Including a range by Caron Vinson. I ordered the lot straight away. Now for the long wait while they arrive from the States . . . sigh.
We've also got a selection of their Elizabeth Bell designs on order and some of the Terra Bidlespacher stamps too.
Because these stamps are coming from the states we're not going to be able to offer the full range within a sensible time frame and so they won't be available to order through our website until they actually arrive in stock. Depending on interest we may offer them as a pre-order type option, I'm just concern about expecting you to wait a couple of months for a stamp! But if you see anything on the Sweet Pea Stamps website we can now get it for you and will certainly be ordering based on what our customers want so your input will be very much appreciated.
I've finally taken the decision to invest in ProMarkers and some really edgy stamps to do them justice. Surprisingly no one's actually asked us to get ProMarkers in stock so it hasn't been a priority. But I WANT them so I'm guessing I wont be the only one.
We're negotiating with Letraset right now and should have ProMarkers in stock very soon. Watch this space!
We've also got a selection of their Elizabeth Bell designs on order and some of the Terra Bidlespacher stamps too.
Because these stamps are coming from the states we're not going to be able to offer the full range within a sensible time frame and so they won't be available to order through our website until they actually arrive in stock. Depending on interest we may offer them as a pre-order type option, I'm just concern about expecting you to wait a couple of months for a stamp! But if you see anything on the Sweet Pea Stamps website we can now get it for you and will certainly be ordering based on what our customers want so your input will be very much appreciated.
Noah's Ark Challenge 3RD - 16th APRIL
This is my entry for the Noah's Ark Challenge which is being hosted by Kate on the DoCrafts forum.
This one is a recipe challenge giving a list of materials that must be included on the card.
So in that spirit here's the "ingredients" list:
This one is a recipe challenge giving a list of materials that must be included on the card.
So in that spirit here's the "ingredients" list:
- Hot Diggity Dog stamp
- Hot Diggity Dog papers
- Papermania Gems
- Sheer Ribbon
- Hot Diggity Dog Sentiment
- Boofle Button
- Green Thread
- 6x6 Scalloped Card Blank
And the tools:
- Leafy Border Punch
- Swirly Punch
- Leaf Punch
- XCut Nesting Die
Katy's Sketch Challenge 10th to 17th April 2012
Challenges are really great when the dreaded crafter's block takes root in your brain.
I'm not a fan of these little tags that often come with paper packs so I tend to have them leftover. As soon as I saw Katy's sketch I knew it would be perfect for putting them to use. And I'm so pleased with the result.
The card is made using Centura Pearl Paper - Dark Chocolate and papers from the Hot Diggity Dog collection. I laid out the backing papers according to Katy's sketch which I rotated through 90 degrees to accommodate the tags. Each tag has a little eyelet set into it then organza ribbon threaded through.
The tags are stuck down with 3D foam pads to give them some depth.
The little flower sticker is one of the Anita's dimension stickers.
I'm not a fan of these little tags that often come with paper packs so I tend to have them leftover. As soon as I saw Katy's sketch I knew it would be perfect for putting them to use. And I'm so pleased with the result.
The card is made using Centura Pearl Paper - Dark Chocolate and papers from the Hot Diggity Dog collection. I laid out the backing papers according to Katy's sketch which I rotated through 90 degrees to accommodate the tags. Each tag has a little eyelet set into it then organza ribbon threaded through.
The tags are stuck down with 3D foam pads to give them some depth.
The little flower sticker is one of the Anita's dimension stickers.
Stash Busting Tips
I used to keep paper collections together in a folder, it's so full the edges are splitting. I used to keep clear stamps in a folder, it's so full it won't lie flat and my precious stamps are getting bent. I used to keep paper scraps in a display book, it's so full I can't find anything. And worst of all my stash no longer fits neatly into my tote so I'm back to carting around my wheeled tote, shoulder tote and a stack of bags for life crammed with more goodies.
It's time to take stock, re-organise and most of all bust some stash.
The worst thing about stash busting is that you quickly run out of large sheets of papers in your favourite colours and collections. So here's a card I came up with to get round the problem.
Instead of covering the whole card with one single sheet of plain paper or card stock as I usually would, I've used two smaller sheets. The otherwise ugly overlap has been made into a feature with a border punch and a little glitter. This leaves a little strip on one side just begging for a ribbon and tag greeting.
I also came across the problem of my paper not quite being the right shade for the project. Instead of reaching for a new sheet in a better colour match I've attacked it. First with spray inks which looked great but still not quite the right shade of purple. So I let the ink dry and rubbed it with chalks until the colour looked right.
Up-Cycling with Alcohol Inks
Today I'd like to show you some up-cycled pictures frames I got as part of a job lot from a car boot sale.
It's such a shame to leave scrapbook layouts and other bits and bobs hidden away in a drawer or album. So I set about framing them to be enjoyed more regularly.
Finding large square frames has been a bit of a nightmare. I could have them custom made but for the few dozen I'd have liked the cost would have quickly mounted up. So I turned to car boot sales and jackpot, I came across a huge job lot with lots of large and square frames plus loads of other random ones that will come in handy . . one day.
Only thing is, most of them had a rather vile green chequered pattern inlaid into the beautiful wood. With a very good quality metallic paint it is possible to cover this outdated pattern and replace it with something far more to my liking.
Martha Stewart has answered this crafter's prayer with their new paint range. I used two coats of the Metallic Sterling and let it dry while I made dinner. After enjoying my dinner I used Tim Holtz alcohol inks to quickly and easily create a lovely mottled effect. I used Purple Twilight with just a few drops applied to a cotton pad which was then dabbed onto my painted surface.
To be honest I was just mucking around trying to turn something ugly into something I could enjoy having in my home. I was absolutely delighted with the results and figured they warranted sharing.
Creativity Essentials - May 2012 Available To Pre-Order!
The Creativity Essentials promotion for May 2012 is now available to order from BGPayne Crafts. May's promotion contains beautiful new collections from Wellington and Michael Powell and the exciting launch of Papermania’s Lucy Cromwell range. There are also two fabulous new Capsule Collection colour ways.
In addition to these great new collections you may be aware that DoCrafts is currently celebrating its 15th year of trading. As a birthday gift to crafters we will be promoting this Creativity Essentials with an extra 10% off until 30th June 2012 at which point full price will be resumed. Please note this discount does not apply to The Goody Bag or Creativity Magazine.
Charity Card Appeal for Neuromuscular Centre
A huge congratulations to Andrea who has just hosted a Card and Gift sale and raised an impressive £120 for Neuromuscular Centre North West Midlands. Well done Andrea!
Friday 17th September 2010 saw the launch of the appeal to raise funds for the new West Midlands Neuromuscular Centre. It will be the first Neuromuscular Treatment Centre in the West Midlands and only the second such centre in the UK.
The centre will benefit people living with muscle disease across the West Midlands and beyond who often have to travel long distances for specialised physiotherapy and hydrotherapy or even go without them altogether. The project is supported by the West Midlands based Patrick family who are co-founders of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the Joseph Patrick Trust.
Andrea has been asked to do a second sale at a big fundraising event at the end of June 2012. She's got her work cut out making hundreds of cards to raise even more money. So we're asking for your help. We need lots and lots of cards and handmade gifts. Cards can be any size and shape but please include an envelope and package them in a clear poly bag, any theme, any occasion.
Gift bags and boxes, hand decorated candles, mini notebooks, jewellery any thing you can think of that can be sold to raise vital funds. So get out your stash and make some cards and gifts for a very worthy cause.
You can drop your donations off at the BGPayne Crafts shop or pop them in the post and we will pass them onto Andrea ready for sale.
Forever Friends New Arrival Range Now In Stock
The hotly anticipated New Arrival range from Forever Friends has arrived a little earlier than the official release date of the 1st March.
The 12x12 Scrapbooks are both stunning! They'd make a great gift for new parents. There's also a New Baby Card Kit to make 40 new baby announcement cards complete with embellishments - what a great idea!
The Designstax in either 12x12 or 6x6 size are very well designed. They feature small repeated motifs and patterns in traditional and contemporary baby themed colours and designs. With plenty of glittered and double sided papers included for some extra sparkle! I'm pleased to report that there are no pictures of Forever Friends bears on any of the papers, every single paper will co-ordinate with your existing stash.
The card stock stickers are little smaller than they have been in the past, just the right size for the popular 6x6 cards. There's four border stickers and count them . . . 18 focal point sized stickers. So that's 18 different cards from one sheet of card stock stickers - fantastic value!!
There's also three different peel off stickers to choose from, designer decoupage sheets, die cut frames and gorgeous clear stamps that I'm having hard time resisting!
The 12x12 Scrapbooks are both stunning! They'd make a great gift for new parents. There's also a New Baby Card Kit to make 40 new baby announcement cards complete with embellishments - what a great idea!
The Designstax in either 12x12 or 6x6 size are very well designed. They feature small repeated motifs and patterns in traditional and contemporary baby themed colours and designs. With plenty of glittered and double sided papers included for some extra sparkle! I'm pleased to report that there are no pictures of Forever Friends bears on any of the papers, every single paper will co-ordinate with your existing stash.
The card stock stickers are little smaller than they have been in the past, just the right size for the popular 6x6 cards. There's four border stickers and count them . . . 18 focal point sized stickers. So that's 18 different cards from one sheet of card stock stickers - fantastic value!!
There's also three different peel off stickers to choose from, designer decoupage sheets, die cut frames and gorgeous clear stamps that I'm having hard time resisting!
K & Co Smash Collection coming soon!
The amazingly versatile new Smash collection from K&Co is due to arrive in the UK on the 16th April.
The journals, notepads, pockets, stickies, stamps and more are specially picked and packaged to coordinate—giving you everything they need to savour those everyday moments with pages of cheeky designs and fun foreign phrases, all with a certain je ne sais quoi.
But these aren't just your ordinary journal pages, they're covered with original illustrations and hand-lettering to make design a snap.
Take a look at K&Co's fantastic demo video for endless inspiration.
The range is available to pre-order now, shipping just after April 16th. We expect it to sell out very fast so if you don't want to wait for the second shipment from the US make sure you get your pre-order in early and reserve your place at the front of what is sure to be a very long queue!
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