Extra Prize for August Challenge

4 Fat Quarters of Christmas Fabric

Here is the promised "Extra" prize for August...isn't it lovely.
We have 3 entries so far so the odds are high to win a prize...I hope you are all having a wonderful time sewing away preparing your entry for this month.

Just to clarify...the challenge called for a table decoration/ centrepiece...this means either a table decoration such as we have seen with Rita's entry of napkin rings or a centrepiece that we have seen with Karen's tree.
Sorry if this has caused anyone confusion...I hope this makes it a bit easier for you all.

well keep an eye on the countdown timer for the end of the challenge...make sure you get your entry in by the last day of the month (Aussie time). as long as the timer has 1 hour left on it you can put your entries in. this is over the end time but just to be a bit fairer for those living on the west coast of America it should get you past midnight into the first of the month.

so enough jibber jabber from me...I am going to have another go at the string squares I am trying out...wish me luck.

Stitching Hugs
Amanda

Repurposed Project

Hi folks I was desperste to get some crafting done this weekend after a couple of weeks without any time to actually do some.

What was going to be my inspiration?? well I bought a skirt for my DD. which she had sort of politely said Yuck to.

I knew I didn't want to give it away or let it sit in a cupboard somewhere to eaten by moths.

So I decided to Repurpose it

It started with a skirt, that looked too pretty ignore.

This skirt had a great waist band so I wanted to use that in the design of the bag.

First I decided how long I wanted the bag to be and cut it accordingly…mine was 12”

Notice the bag would have to be lined.

So with the off cut I measured and cut the appropriate amount to be the same as the bag itself but with a little extra on the edge to allow for ¼” seam.

With some more of the off cut I cut out 2 pieces 10” x 4 ¾” for a pocket. Then I over locked around 3 edges and left one open to turn the pocket out. I ironed the pocket and tucked under the edge that was left open for turning.

I over locked the base of the outer part of the bag.

I stitched the pocket to the inner lining.

I stitched up the edge of the inner lining, I turned the outside of the bag inside out. Now I had to line the bag. I slipped the lining over the (inside out) outer bag so I had the two wrong sides together. There was a bit of overlap from the waistband and it was perfect to tuck the lining under. I would follow the stitching line that was already there for the waistband.

This skirt had a zipper up the side, I decided I would leave it there. I unstitched the little bit of edge that was stitched to the zipper and tucked the edge of the lining snugly up against the overlap matching side seams. I pinned all the edge of the lining under the overlap.

I went ahead and stitched along the existing stitching line to stitch down the lining.
On the outside it looked like it had been part of the skirt stitching from the start.

Here you see the lined bag without handles.

I cut out 2 strips 2 ½” x 18 ½” from the off cuts and 2 the same size from a contrast fabric I just happened to have. I sewed a contrast piece and a floral piece right sides together leaving one end open on each handle. I turned them and ironed them.

I placed and pinned the handles into position, notice the top edge of what was the waistband.

I unpicked a bit of the upper edge of what was the waistband and tucked in the handle.
I then top stitched them, and they were now held into place.

This is the finished bag…who would have thought it was once a skirt.
I really like the colours, they are very summery.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing what I got up to yesterday.

Happy Stitching
Amanda

Another Entry for August...

Hi everybody,
We have another entry in the challenge for August...hasn't she done a great job. these are felt napkin rings that you put the napkins in and place in the centre of the table as a centrepiece.


Well Ladies we have about ten days to go I hope you are enjoying the challenge...I hope you have found a pattern and are working away happily.

*Bonus Prize*
This month I have a bonus prize so keep an eye on my blog for what that will be...it will be drawn along with the August draw....

Don't forget you have to be in it to win it...our time zones vary ladies so to get your entry in on time remember closing of the draw is Australian Time...just look at the clock above.

*September Challenge*
next months challenge is a doll...so be keeping an eye out for a pattern of what you want to make ladies...

Till next time, hope you have a wonderful time crafting...
Amanda

August challenge Entries

Well the first entry is in...thanks Karen...actually if there was a prize for first to finish it would be Karen...

I know it is difficult trying to choose what to make but at some stage we have to bite the bullet and make something to get it in on time.

hopefully we will see a good variety of things over the next 3 days...

Hopefully there are more to come...

hugs

Amanda

August Challenge

August is here and we are into a new challenge for this month...hands up those who are struggling to find something to make...I am too...I have changed my mind about 3 times so far.

some suggestions have been...

making a large ball shaped centerpiece made out of fabric flowers.

A stuffed fabric Christmas tree with decorations...see the one I have put on the side of my blog.

A square quilted centrepiece, not much different to the table runner but much shorter.

if you have any suggestions please share with us.

I will post more ideas as they come.

Don't forget that you can use any medium for this challenge, that should make it a bit easier.

Good Luck and happy sewing

Amanda

And the Winner Is...

The Winner is Lois... Congratulations Lois...have a look at Khristina's Fabric cafe to choose your prize.

All you ladies did a terrific job on your Table Runners and Place mats.

thank you so much for joining in on the fun...have you got your thinking caps on for the August Challenge???

It is a centerpiece for your table for Christmas...you can use any type of medium.

hope you all have heaps of fun doing this one...and look out for an extra prize this month.

big Stitching Hugs

Amanda

July Challenge Closed.

Well the challenge for July is closed...

I am about to do the draw so hold on a few minutes...

Amanda