Making it Lovely

Category: Projects

  • A Collar “Cozy”

    I made something stupid for Murray this afternoon.

    Murray
    What’s that boy? Yes, it does look silly.

    I sewed a little scrap of fabric into a sort of neckerchief…

    Collar & Fabric

    And then I closed the middle up and inserted the collar.

    Collar Inside Its "Cozy"

    Now it’s a collar cozy.

    I figured it would be better than the plain black collar Murray’s been wearing, which I suppose it is. Also, the ring for the leash is accessible and his ID tags stick out.

    Murray & His New Collar "Cozy"

    I should just order a real collar from Lindsay over at Pattern & Paw. Probably this one.

    Celadon Mid-Size Dog Collar
    Green IS Murray’s color, you know.

    For now though, Murray will have to be content with his cozy.

    *edit*
    Lindsay offered 15% off at Pattern & Paw in the comments, but I thought I’d point it out up here too! Enter ‘nicoleislovely’ at checkout for the discount. Thanks, Lindsay!

  • Ashley & Her New Purse

    My sister and I finally finished her purse!

    Ashley's Purse

    It turned out really well. It’s so cute! We followed the instructions for the “Charming Handbag” from Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing.

    (more…)

  • A Lovely Second Purse

    I’ve finished my second purse! It was much more complex than my first, and there was a lot of hand stitching involved.

    My Handmade Purse
    (I’m lovin’ those Deco Remix shoes.)

    I used Indygo Junction’s “Metropolitan” pattern, from purlsoho.com (scroll down a bit – it’s halfway down the page).

    It may not be perfect, but I’m really pleased with the finished project!

    My Second Purse, Detail

  • Gift Tags

    I spotted some lovely gift tags on flickr today by luziernaga. They were inspired by the ones I made for Christmas!

    Gift Tags
    Regalitos para Celia, by luziernaga

    So pretty! I love that green.

  • Purses, in Progress

    Bags, in Progress

    Both are looking better than my first sorry attempt. The one on the left is for my sister (we worked on it together), and the one one the right is mine.

  • Building My Sewing Library

    In the interest of learning how to make non-floppy purses and other goods, I’ve been doing a bit of reading. I’ve been making my way through the archives of the blogs you’ve all suggested (thank you!), and I bought a few books.

    Sewing Books
    Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing, Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing, Amy Butler’s In Stitches

    And of course, there are flickr groups for each of them.

    I haven’t made anything yet, my favorite of the bunch so far is Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol (of Angry Chicken fame). It seems perfect for someone like me that’s just getting started.

    I also ordered a handful of patterns (maybe six or seven?) for purses and skirts. Yes, I want to eventually make skirts too. I’m most excited about the Bag Pattern from the Curiosity Shoppe.

    The Curiosity Shoppe Bag Pattern

    Cute! Six different styles, and I think I might actually be able to make most of them.

    I may have gone a little overboard, eh? Such is my personality. When I decide I want to do something, I throw myself into it full force. Sewing, you’re on notice. I will master you. And then I will slipcover an ugly old bench.

    Reading Recommendations

    For those of you that are of the bookish persuasion, I set up a little bookshop here on the site. Check it out, will you? The sewing books are there, and I’ve added a few of my other favorites under the different categories.

    I also added a link on the far right sidebar – just look for the little stack of books. I’ll be adding new titles to the bookshop now and then, so feel free to check back every so often.