Thursday, April 29, 2021

How to Make a Cricut Maker Cover

 


From Too Much Love she gives you directions on how to make a cover for your Cricut Maker.

You can get the link here

The site gives great detail and directions. The only complaint is all the ads. Anyway, I'm about to get one of these and I wanted to have a cover-just like my sewing machines and Sergers. You want to keep dust away from the machine.

I know Etsy has some sellers making and selling these here . They range in prices from 10.00 dollars and up. They also make covers for other Cricuts and other items like mug machines, embroidery machines, etc.

 


Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Hooded PJs

 

My family asked me to make these for them. These are going to be Xmas presents of course.

I bought my pattern of Etsy from Caitie's crafting Shop


Sunday, April 18, 2021

Crochet Donuts

 

https://www.simplicity.com

Step: 1

GETTING STARTED
Download the PDF for a set of portable project instructions. Read through all of the instructions before beginning.

Step: 2

CROCHET DOUGHNUTS
ABBREVIATIONS:

beg—begin(ning); ch—chain; rep—repeat(ing); rnd—round; sc—single crochet; sc2tog—single crochet two together (1 decrease); sk—skip; sl—slip; st(s)—stitch(es)

SIZE:
About 4" (10 cm) diameter

MATERIALS:

  • #4 medium weight yarn: Bernat® Satin® (3.5 oz/100 g; 200 yds/183 m). Note: Choose colors based on your desired doughnuts. Each doughnut requires approximately 40 yds (37 m) of Color A (doughnut) and 20 yds (18.3 m) Color B (frosting). Small amount of other colors for "sprinkles".
  • Boye® US size G (4.25 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Polyfill for stuffing
  • Stitch marker
  • Yarn needle
See the Supply List for items you can purchase here.

GAUGE
12 sts and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet

Step: 3

CROCHET DOUGHNUTS DIRECTIONS:
Note: Work in continuous rnds; do not join or turn unless indicated.

DOUGHNUT:
With A, ch 12 leaving a long tail for sewing.
Rnd 1: Join with slip st to make ring. Work 2 sc in each ch around—24 sts. Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around—36 sts.
Rnds 3-12: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 13: *Sc2tog, sc in next sc, rep from * around—24 sts.
Rnd 14: *Sc2tog around—12 sts. Fasten off.

FROSTING:With B, ch 18 leaving a long tail for sewing.
Rnd 1: Join with slip st to make ring. Work 2 sc in each ch around—36 sts. Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around—36 sts.
Rnd 3: *Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; rep from * around—54 sts.
Rnd 4: * Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sk 1 sc, sc in next sc; rep from * around.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

FINISHING:
Doughnut:
 Begin stuffing doughnut with polyfill as you sew the beginning and ending edges together. Continue around until doughnut is stuffed and edges are completely sewn together. Fasten off. Weave in tails.

Frosting: Sew center of frosting to doughnut top then tack down outer edges. With contrast color yarn, randomly stitch on top of frosting to create "sprinkles".

Step: 4

KNIT DOUGHNUTS
ABBREVIATIONS:

alt—alternate; approx—approximately; k—knit; K2tog—Knit next 2 stitches together; p—purl; rep—repeat; RS—right side; st(s)—stitch(es)

SIZE:
Approx 4" (10 cm) in diameter

MATERIALS:

  • #4 medium weight yarn: Bernat® Satin® (3.5 oz/100 g; 200 yds/183 m). Note: Choose colors based on your desired doughnuts. Each doughnut requires approximately 25 yds (23 m) of Color A (bottom of doughnut) and 25 yds (23 m) Color B (top of doughnut). Small amount of other colors used for "sprinkles".
  • Boye® US size 6 (4.25 mm) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Polyfill for stuffing
  • Yarn needle
See the Supply List for items you can purchase here.

GAUGE
18 sts and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

SPECIAL STITCHES
M1 (make 1):
 Increase one stitch by picking up the horizontal loop lying between the current st on right needle and the next st on left needle and knitting through the back loop.

Step: 5

KNIT DOUGHNUTS DIRECTIONS:
With Color A, cast on 18 sts leaving a long tail for sewing.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 and all even rows: Purl.
Row 3: K2, *M1, k2, rep from * to end of row—26 sts.
Row 5: K2, *M1, k3, rep from * to end of row—34 sts.
Row 7: K2, *M1, k4, rep from * to end of row—42 sts.
Row 9: K2, *M1, k5. rep from * to end of row—50 sts.
Row 11: K2, *M1, k6, rep from * to end of row—58 sts.
Row 13: K2, *M1, k7, rep from * to end of row—66 sts.
Row 14: Purl. Cut color A.

With Color B and leaving a long tail for sewing, continue as follows:
Row 1: Knit.
Row 5: K2, *k2tog, k6, rep from * to end of row—58 sts.
Row 7: K2, *k2tog, k5, rep from * to end of row—50 sts.
Row 9: K2, *k2tog, k4, rep from * to end of row—42 sts.
Row 11: K2, *k2tog, k3, rep from * to end of row—34 sts.
Row 13:K2, *k2tog, k2, rep from * to end of row—26 sts.
Row 15: K2, *k2tog, k1, rep from * to end of row—18 sts.
Row 17: Knit.
Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn leaving a long tail.

FINISHING
Sew cast on and bind off edges together to form tube. Stuff tube with polyfill. Sew ends of tube together to form doughnut. Thread contrast color yarn onto yarn needle and randomly stitch on top of doughnut to form "sprinkles".

Crochet/Knit Sprinkle Doughnuts

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Lolita Bonnet

 

https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity

Step: 1

GETTING STARTED: Download the PDF for a set of portable project instructions. Read through all of the instructions before beginning.

MATERIALS:

  • Simplicity pattern 8127
  • 3/4 yard of 45" to 60" wide fabric for bonnet. We used a blue floral cotton print for photo sample.
  • 1 yard of 45" to 60" wide coordinating fabric for bonnet facing, ruffle and side bows. We used a lavender blending print for photo sample.
  • 1/2 yard of 20" to 25" wide cotton buckram for bonnet interfacing
  • 2-1/4 yards of 32 gauge millinery wire
  • 1 yard of 5" wide eyelet or lace trim
  • 1-1/2 yards of 1-1/2" wide ribbon
  • Bonnet pattern: Pattern will print on ten (10) sheets of 8-1/2" x 11" paper. Note: Pieces 1, 2, 3 and 6 will each print on two (2) sheets of paper. Matching the red guide lines and pattern shapes, tape these pieces together before placing on fabric for cutting.
  • Straight pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Matching thread
  • Hand sewing needle

See the Supply List for items you can purchase here.

Step: 2

DIRECTIONS:

Cut bonnet brim and band from bonnet fabric, as directed on pattern pieces 1 and 4.

Step: 3

Cut bonnet ruffle, brim facing and band facing from coordinating fabric, as directed on pattern pieces 2, 3 and 4. Set aside remaining fabric for making bows at the end of the project.

Step: 4

Cut bonnet band interfacing and brim interfacing from buckram, as directed on pattern pieces 5 and 6.

Step: 5

Using a hand sewing needle and thread, hand stitch millinery wire around all four edges of the band interfacing. Use a blanket or whip stitch for best results. The wire will help in maintaining the shape of the bonnet. Hand shape band to fit the curve of the head, using a head form or model if available and using steam as needed to help achieve the desired shape.

Step: 6

Using a hand sewing needle and thread, hand stitch millinery wire to the OUTER edge of the brim interfacing. Use a blanket or whip stitch for best results. The wire will help the bonnet maintain its shape and prevent the brim from drooping. Gently shape the brim to a slight curve, steaming as needed to help achieve the desired shape.

Step: 7

Using a long straight machine stitch, place 2 rows of gathering stitches along the INSIDE edge of the brim facing, stitching from one outer notch to the other. Note: the inner notches on this edge will be used later when matching this facing to the brim and the band.

Step: 8

With RIGHT sides together, pin the OUTER edges of the brim and brim facing together. Stitch in a 5/8" seam. Press seam to blend stitches and clip curves. Turn sewn brim and facing RIGHT side out and press edge smooth.

Step: 9

Matching cut edges and notches, pull up gathering stitches so that the length of the INNER edge of the brim facing matches the INNER edge of the brim.

Step: 10

Slide the brim interfacing inside the brim and brim facing, matching edges so that the buckram is completely covered. Using a straight machine stitch, stitch the opening closed 5/8" from the cut edge, enclosing the interfacing.

Step: 11

Hem edges of eyelet or lace trim by turning back 1/4", and then 1/4" again. Using a straight machine stitch, stitch hem in place, stitching close to the inner folded edge.

Step: 12

Using a long machine stitch, stitch 2 rows of gathering stitches along non-scalloped edge of eyelet or lace, starting and finishing 1/2" from each end. Pull up gathering stitches to 13-1/4".

Step: 13

Place the WRONG side of the eyelet ruffle on the RIGHT side of the brim, matching cut edges and starting and ending ruffle approximately 1" from each end of the brim. Hand baste in place.

Step: 14

With RIGHT sides together, fold the ruffle in half lengthwise, matching notches and cut edges. Pin ends closed.

Step: 15

With a straight machine stitch, stitch ends closed in a 5/8" seam. Press seams to blend stitches and clip corners. Turn ruffle RIGHT side out, pressing ends flat. Press folded edge to create a crisp fold.

Step: 16

Using a long machine stitch, stitch 2 rows of gathering stitches along the raw edge of the ruffle, stitching between notches and through both layers of fabric. Pull up gathering stitches to 13-1/4".

Step: 17

Place the WRONG side of the fabric ruffle on the RIGHT side of the eyelet ruffle, matching cut edges and ruffle ends. Hand baste in place.

Step: 18

Using the stitching at the INNER edge of the brim facing as a guide, place the brim along the INNER wired edge of the band, with the brim and ruffle seam allowances overlapping the band UNDERNEATH, until the brim interfacing and wired band interfacing edges meet and the brim is perpendicular to the band. Pin in place.

Step: 19

Using a hand sewing needle and thread, hand stitch the edges of the brim to the wired edge of the band interfacing, stitching through all fabric and buckram layers. Use a small whip stitch for best results, stitching close together for added security.

Step: 20

With WRONG sides together, pin the bonnet band to the bonnet band facing, matching cut edges and notches. Using a regular machine stitch, stitch short edges and long unnotched edge each in a 5/8" seam. Press seams to blend stitching. Clip corners.

Step: 21

Turn band RIGHT side out and press flat. Turn open edges under 5/8" and press. Slide the band over the buckram band interfacing, until the pressed edges meet the brim stitching and the buckram is completely covered. Be sure to match the band fabric with the brim fabric, and the band facing fabric with the brim facing fabric. Pin in place.

Step: 22

With a hand sewing needle and thread, slip stitch the band in place, stitching through all layers and using small stitches placed close together for security and invisibility.

Step: 23

Center the ribbon on the bonnet band, so that the hanging ends are even. With a hand sewing needle and thread, hand tack the ribbon to the bonnet band, adding extra hand tacking at the ends of the band for added security.

Step: 24

From remaining coordinating fabric, cut two small bow and knot pieces from pattern #8127. Sew bows as directed on the pattern instruction sheet. Hand tack bows to the ends of the band, over the ribbon. Tip: if you do not have the pattern pieces for the bow and knot, you can substitute with ribbon bows or silk flowers.

Step: 25

Cut ribbon ends at a 45-degree angle to prevent fraying. Wear bonnet as shown in photograph.

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Choosing Serger Needles

 I have used sewing machine needles on my sergers but found that schmetz and singer has serger needles. It depends on you if you want to. I listed some sites to help you with your decision. You can always use your coupons from Joann fabrics to use it to buy needles.

 

 Singer suggested this

Serger/Overlock Machine Needles

  • Universal (Style 2054-42) serger needles are used for all woven fabrics. This needle will penetrate the fabric threads of woven fabrics. For use on SINGER® model 14U serger/overlock machines.

  • Ball Point (Style 2054-06) serger needles are used for sewing on knits; the rounded tip allows the needle to pass between the fabric threads by dividing the hem. (Using a regular point needle on knit fabric will result in skipped stitches and fabric damage, causing it to curl.) For use SINGER® model 14U serger/overlock machines.

    https://www.singer.com/sewing 

     

    Schmetz

    SCHMETZ Sewing Machine Needle Color Code Chart

    Did you know that SCHMETZ is color coding their home sewing needles (needle system 130/705 H)? Most, but not all, household needles now have two bands of color. The top color band indicates needle type and the lower color band indicates needle size. Due to special features, SCHMETZ Universal, Hemstitch, Double Eye, and Quick Threading needles only have one color band to identify needle size. Click HERE to download the chart in PDF format.

    Color-Code-Chart-011921https://schmetzneedles.com

     

    WHAT NEEDLES CAN BE USED WITH A SERGER?

    Sergers can be pretty intimidating and difficult to understand. One of the questions commonly asked centers around needles. Let’s dive in.

    Question: Can I Use Home Sewing Machine Needles on My home Serger?

    From my research, not all sewing experts agree on this and it really depends on your machine. Most people say, “Use whatever your machine recommends.” Is this true? Eh, not always. For example, my Singer ProFinish recommends only using Singer Serger Needles, but I’m a Schmetz lover and they work wonderfully with my serger. I’ve used Schmetz Universal, Ballpoint, Stretch, Topstitching, and Jean needles in my serger and all worked perfectly. I switch the needles to fit my fabric, which I have found to be beneficial and produce a better end product. Overlock machines less than 10 years old can, for the most part, be use with home sewing machine needles.

    Think about it like this; have you ever gotten a new medical prescription? There’s the brand and the generic. The generic has the EXACT same active ingredient as the brand, it just had to wait so many years for the brand patent to run out. Or you buy a new frizz-control shampoo and it says only to use their frizz-control conditioner. Nothing bad will happen if you use a different brand of frizz-control conditioner. It’s all the same.

    So, go ahead and install your favorite brand of sewing machine needles. When you insert the sewing needle, it should fit the same as if you were installing it in a home sewing machine. The round end of the shaft faces you and the flat side of the shaft should slide in easily.

    https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/blog/what-needles-can-be-used-with-a-serger/ 



Thursday, April 1, 2021

Sea Nymph Crown

 

https://www.simplicity.com

Step: 1

GETTING STARTED: Download the PDF for a set of portable project instructions. Read through all of the instructions before beginning.

MATERIALS:

  • 1 yard Simplicity 3-1/2" Venice Lace trim
  • 1 yard Simplicity 6mm Fused Pearl trim
  • Package of decorative starfish*
  • 12 oz package white seashells*
  • 22" pearl bead spray trim*
  • 1 bunch greenery sprays*
  • Can of silver spray paint
  • Container of corn starch
  • Large bowl, covered with plastic wrap
  • Hot glue gun
  • Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle and matching thread
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape

See the Supply List for items you can purchase here. We found items with * in the floral department of a craft store.

Step: 2

DIRECTIONS:

Spray paint all crown supplies and allow to dry following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step: 3

Measure the circumference of your head and add 1/2". Cut lace trim to this length and stitch together, overlapping short edges by 1/2" to form crown.

Step: 4

To stiffen crown, boil 1 cup of water. Mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup cold water and add this mixture slowly to boiling water, stirring constantly. Allow mixture to simmer until thickened. Allow to cool. Saturate lace crown with mixture, squeeze out excess fluid, and place on plastic wrap covered-bowl, forming desired crown shape. Allow to dry overnight.

Step: 5

Weave pearl sprays through center of crown as desired and secure with hot glue. Reserve at least 5 sprays for step 7.

Step: 6

Attach seashells and starfish in desired configuration and secure with hot glue.

Step: 7

Place remaining pearl sprays and approximately 5-7 greenery sprays in desired locations vertically inside the crown, securing with hot glue.

Step: 8

Cut two lengths of pearl trim approximately 10" long. Drape behind and in front of the crown as desired. Secure with hot glue.