My first tutorial and a giveaway

Good morning Folks hope you are all fine and well.  I am writing this before I go off to work so hopefully it will be a pretty concise post.  I had promised a tutorial for the tea towel bags but it does come with a health warning to all the wonderful sewers out there in Blogland.  As you all know I am new to the world of sewing so I don't always follow the absolute rules.  In the past these rules have held me back as I have been afraid of taking a chance and going with the flow.  Since starting my journey and being inspired by all of you I have changed and will now try new things out and live with the consequences. This is a big sea change for me as I like to have everything perfect but as I get older I realise more and more that imperfection can have it's own beauty.  So here goes, hang on to your hats as this is the first tutorial I have done and hopefully it will make sense to you.

 

I bought two packs of pretty tea towels from IKEA - there were two contrasting towels in each pack - a flowered one and a pink check which you can see below.  I can't remember now how much they were but they were quite cheap.

 

 

Here they are below, I am a gonner when it comes to pink and red as you have probably guessed!

 

 

I then make sure they are both the same size as one is going to be the outer bag and one is the lining.  Some times I have found slight variations in the sizes of tea towels even when they come as pairs in a pack so it is always wise to check first.

 

 

 

I then trim off all the hemmed edges to cut down on the bulk of fabric.  I used to try and leave these on to save time but it is so much easier to take them off at the start.  I keep these as you can use them as handles or for scrap pieces.  I try to use everything I can on the tea towel if possible, especially the more expensive Cath Kidston ones.

 

 

On the pink check tea towel there was a pretty edging across the tea towel so I unpicked this - it wasn't long enough to use on both bags so I used the two edging pieces on one bag only. It will make more sense to you later on in this tutorial so bear with me.

 

 

The next stage involves straightening both of the pieces of tea towel up and making sure they are a complete match size wise.  You can make your bag as long as you wish but remember to keep enough fabric back for the two handles.  I made these 13 inchs long.  Again this is all a matter of preference with regards to size as you may want to have broader handles or narrow ones.

 

Then you need to fold over the fabric to make the bag - some people may wish to cut out four separate pieces of fabric from the tea towels - to speed up things I usually fold each tea towel over which means that I only have one side and the bottom to sew up - it would probably look better if I did cut them all out but this is the way I have gone with this one.  Hope this makes sense.

 

 

 

 

I usually only use of the tea towels for the handles but again you might want to use the both and have one pattern on one side and the other fabric on the other side.  I made my handles 3.5 inches wide and it is the length of the folded tea towel - I use short handles but you make wish to use more of the fabric to make longer ones.

 

 

 

 

 

Once everything is cut out I basically sew up the sides of both pieces of fabric.  I sew along the bottom of the outer fabric but on the inner fabric I leave a gap in the centre of the bottom so that it can be pulled through later - don't forget to leave the gap otherwise it won't work - I speak from bitter experience here Folks!

 

 

 

 

I always use labels for my things - have done this for years when I was knitting as I think it is nice to have a date and who made it.  I get mine from Cash labels and usually have one set with Handmade by Dorothy and the year and then another set with Handmade by Grandma and the year.  I buy these in December for the following year and they usually last.  It is a nice touch I think which people appreciate.

 

I slip the label inside the main outer fabric when I am sewing up the side seam - make sure you put it in the right way so when you turn it out you can see it.  Please don't feel that I am talking down to anyone because believe me I have put these in the wrong way many times and had to unpick them.

 

 

 

Once you have sewn up the seams I like to make a bit of a shape at the bottom so I pull out the bottom to make a triangle - it is not very clear here Folks so sorry but I measure 9 inches across as you can see and then I put a pencil mark across  -  do this on the wrong side of the fabric to that the mark doesn't show.  You need to do this on the both corners of the inner and outer fabrics.

 

 

Below you can see the little gap I have left in the inner fabric to pull out the bag later on.  You can also see the pencil mark ready for sewing across.

 

 

This is the outer bag.

 

 

Then you sew across the four corners like this.

 

I always back stitch these corners to make sure that they are completely secure before cutting across them.  This gives a nice little shape to the bottom of the bag.  You don't have to do this part - if you wish you could keep the shape completely square and just trim off the excess bits of fabric at the corners, it is all down to personal choice.

 

 

The next stage is to sew the handles.  I tend to fold them over and just sew up the side seams, you don't need to so anything with the ends as these will be hidden when the bag is sewn up.  I sew the side seams and then pull the fabric through to the right side and press.

 

 

 

 

Then position the two handles on the outer part of the bag - make sure the seams match on each handle and pin them on ready for sewing up.

 

 

Then slip the inner bag over the main fabric so that the wrong side of the lining fabric is facing out and the right side of the main bag fabric is also facing out.  

 

 

Make absolutely sure that the handles are tucked in and won't be caught up with the stitching in any way. 

Then you can stitch as close to the edge as you can but make sure that the handles are stitched well in - I have made this mistake many times when I have finished a bag only to find that one of the handles hasn't quite caught the stitching.  I back stitch over the handles to give them added security.

 

 

 Now for the magic bit and this never ceases to amaze me.  You open out the whole bag and then start to pull the main fabric through the little gap in the lining.  Believe me I always get a huge buzz out of this bit when it all starts to come together.  You will notice any problems you have with the handles so if any of them have come adrift from the main stitching you must go back and re-stitch them in before sewing up the tiny gap.

 

 

 

 Then amazingly you have a nice little bag already to go out and shop!
 

You can see how the shaping on the bottom - it makes it easier to stand up and I think it looks nicer than the square shape but you will find your own preference. 

 

 

 

 Now if you remember at the start there was a nice little piece of braiding left over from the two packs of tea towels which I bought.  I used the both braids to line the top inside piece of the lining.  This is the finishing part of the bag and ensure that that lining and outer fabric stay put.  If you don't use a ribbon or braid as I have done you can just top-stitch the top edge of the bag to give a more professional finish.

 

 

 

 And here is the finished bag Folks, hope you like it.

 

 

I made up two bags together from the pack and here they are - you can see that I have just top-stitched the other bag as I didn't have enough braid to go around.   I also made a little bow for the bag on the right as it is going to a little girl - it is not very clear in the photo - sorry.

 

 The only waste was the hems which I had cut off and bits of fabric left which I will put in my scrap bag for applique at some time.

Well Folks I have to take my hat off to all the fabulous bloggers who write tutorials - it is hard work!  I hope my first one is not too confusing but already I am seeing things I could do differently to make them clearer.  I am not happy with my camera as I think the photos could be better but hopefully Christmas may be bringing me a little something in that area.............I can now really appreciate the hard work and effort which goes into tutorials and I know that I have a long way to go yet but I hope you found this ok. 

Now to the exciting bit - the giveaways.  The two little bobbin dollies are ready and waiting to go to new homes.  Sophie Tilley has kindly agreed to pick out the two winners which I will be doing tomorrow so this is your last chance to enter.  I have all the details of everyone who has entered so far so thank you all so much for taking part and good luck


 

 

I have put a few extras in including some lovely Liberty fabrics and buttons so I hope you will take part if you haven't already. 

 

I must dash off to work now - am exhausted already after that tutorial.  Have a wonderful day everyone and I will speak with you all soon.  Do leave some comments if you have time as I do love to hear from you all.  Big hugs to you and happy Friday everyone - November 1st who can believe it!

Lots of love, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A busy few days.....

Hi Everyone do come in and make yourself at  home.  How are you?  It is so lovely to see you all again.  I had meant to write a post earlier this week but have had some wonderful guests staying with us for a few days and we have had a fun time but not a minute to spare!  The weather hasn't been too kind unfortunately but we made the best of it doing some crafting, baking and having a Halloween party to finish, even went ghost hunting around the park but fortunately didn't meet any!

 

I am only writing a short post today Folks but am planning to write one tomorrow as well in preparation for the giveaways - just getting the bobbin dolls ready to be photographed for the prize draw tomorrow.

 

Remember this little dress which I made a while ago?  I was worried that a. she wouldn't like it and b. it might not fit.  Well the little lady in question did like it and it fitted, thank goodness. 

She posed in it for you all to see.  Forgive the socks, we were on our way out to the park and she refused to take them off.  She particularly loved her bag.

This is the back, not a good photograph as she was wriggling and wanting to go out for some fun.

I had bought some letters from Hobbycraft and some decopatch papers.  I have not used these before on a particular project, only lined drawers with them.  We didn't manage to finish the letters so they are awaiting some varnish and I will show you the completed project when this is done.  The girls did their own letters C and E, plus they made one for their brother who was away this weekend.  He hasn't seen it yet but I am hoping he will be pleased.

 

Little C busy with hers.

Such hard work!

Miss E very busy doing one for Mr D.  Hope he appreciates her hard work.  She doesn't want me to show you hers yet until it is finished.

A few of you lovely Folk had asked how I made the tea towel bags so I am preparing a short tutorial for you.  The expert sewers out there will have to avert their eyes as I am not a good sewer but they seem to turn out ok, not perfect but hopefully I am improving with each one.  I am going to use two tea towels from a pack I bought ages ago at IKEA, loved them as they were such pretty colours and designs.  I will use one as the lining and the other as the outer and will be putting Christmas gifts in them for my friends instead of using the usual Christmas wrapping paper.  This year my theme is going to be brown paper and red ribbon.   

I loved the combination of the two colours - reminded me of Tilda fabrics, do you like them?

Well lovely Folks I will have to love you and leave you as I have to go to work now.  The few days I have had off have been fabulous and the party went with a swing, sorry I didn't take many photographs as I like to give the children my full attention when I am with them.  I am hoping you have a wonderful day and enjoy Halloween tonight.  I will be back tomorrow with the giveaways and hopefully the tutorial in the next day or two.  Have fun and take care, lots of love to you all as always. Dorothy:-)xxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday at last!

Hello Everyone do come in - I hope you are not getting the rain which is beating down here - it has been torrential this afternoon and thank goodness it went off slightly so I could manage to get out of the car and into the house without being completely soaked to the skin!  Do make yourselves at home and have a cuppa.  Like some cake?

 

Well it has been a week and a half and I am exhausted I must admit. All week I have been popping into the wonderful blogs I follow and trying to keep up with everyone but I have not had any time to write any posts myself so many apologies to you all.  However I have tried to do something throughout the week so I have not completely ignored my craft work.

 

I found a lovely colourful magazine today which just caught my eye.  As you know I am trying hard not to buy so many magazines as they are expensive and I do find that sometimes they contain patterns from the books I already have so a bit of a waste. I was rather tired on the way home so treated myself to the magazine and it is rather lovely.  The projects remind me of the work of the lovely Helen Philipps who I am a big fan of.  It is called Pretty Patches and this is the second edition I think, there is another one due out in early December so do keep a look out for it.

 

 

 

I loved this little bag - so cute!  Do you like it?

 

 

My lovely daughter-in-law is a real fan of Downton Abbey - I must confess I have never watched it myself as I don't bother that much about the television as I would rather be doing something practical.  For ages I thought the series was called Downtown Abbey and didn't really think it was about the gentry, although I didn't think too hard about it.  When I went to one of my classes at Liberty Bell all the ladies and Sue were talking about the latest developments in the series and it was only then that I began to understand it a little more.  Last time I was in Liberty Bell the lovely Sue said that she was expecting some of the Downton Abbey fabrics in late October and I was thinking about trying to do something special for my daughter-in-law.  They are now featured in the magazine but the only problem is I have no idea which character my daughter-in-law likes so will have to ask some creative questions when I see her this weekend!  Do you like the fabrics?  I know that the series is very popular across the pond with our lovely cousins in the US but I am not sure about any other countries.  Perhaps you can let me know?  It would be lovely to find out.

 

 

Last Sunday I set myself the task of finishing the cushions for my daughter-in-law who is visiting with my gorgeous little peeps this coming week.  I knew that it was going to be a very hard week workwise so didn't want to leave myself too much to do on these.  I got up early and set to work, it was really nice to do them altogether.  I hope she likes them - do you like them?

 

 

 

 

 

Now this week I decided that I would try to do one small project if I could and I managed three so am pleased.  I thought about making carrier bags to put gifts in this year and using brown paper plus some red twine or ribbon to dress them, possibly do some handmade tags if I have time.  If you remember when I went to Liverpool a little while ago I bought some Cath Kidston Christmas tea towels and some very cheap Primark tea towels, so I set to work.  I love this little red one, so cheerful and the Primark tea towel sits well inside it.

 

 

A London Christmas, quite a lovely one this - I know my little granddaughter loves going to London, especially Buckingham Palace so she might like this one for her Christmas shopping in Harrods!

 

 

This blue one is rather nice too - not sure which one I like the best, although I am drawn to the red one as usual.  Which one would you prefer and do you think people would like their gifts in these?

 

 

Meanwhile I have also being trying to do a few rows of knitting per night, not got much done but have started the next cowl for my eldest granddaughter.  My friend at work also loves them so am going to do one for her too.  I have loads of this Rowan Big Wool from years ago and it is knitting up like a dream.

 

 

 

I think this is a lovely shade of grey and black.

 

 

Finally lovely Folks a little update on my cupboard.  It has been really slow work as my dear beloved has not been able to work at it that much but it is nearly finished.  Apologies for the poor photograph quality as it is laying down on the floor but I just wanted to show you how far we have got with it.  I am getting excited now and thinking about what I will fill it with!

 

 

 

Well my lovely Friends I must leave you now as I have tons of jobs to do before our little lovelies arrive on Sunday.  I am planning lots of crafts with the girls and then a party on Tuesday night - vampires, witches and ghouls - lots of fun!  I will be sad to see them go on Tuesday night but plan to have a few days crafting before going back to work - I have to get my giveaways ready for you all, my how time has flown!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend and will be speaking to you all very soon.  Thank you for being there and being such a wonderful support to me.  Love you all, Dorothy:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a creative break

Hi Everyone how are you all doing this Sunday?  I hope you are enjoying some rest and maybe some crafting, hope so.  We went to our Son's 40th surprise meal last night and really enjoyed ourselves - it was a welcome break from work. 

 

The cowl for my granddaughter was a success and she loved it so am about to make three more.  I found so much yarn stashed away from when I used to go the Rowan workshops up in Yorkshire in Holmfirth.  I was very much into knitting then and had a passion for it.  Often at the end of the workshops they would offer yarn at reduced prices so I would of course snap these up.  The only snag would be that they would usually be colours I wouldn't have chosen or else they would not be the weight of yarn I would usually knit it - but a bargain is a bargain, or is it?

 

 

 

Anyway this yarns has languished in the cupboard still all wrapped up waiting for a project and, if you wait long enough one is bound to come along and it has!  Do you like the colours - she loved them all so I will make the three as they are so easy to make.

 

I have been working really hard today on all the work I have to do for my day job but decided tonight that enough was enough and I badly needed to do come crafting.  I have some projects to catch up on in readiness for the grandchildren hopefully coming to say the week after next.  These are: the fox cushions to complete for my lovely daughter-in-law, the princess cushion for my granddaughter (have made one already) and I have to turn up the hem on the Liberty print dress I made for her as well.  I have cut out the fox cushions ready so will try to finish these tonight.

 

 

It is a busy week at work so I need to get my skates on, plus clean the house properly, buy lots of food for them and plan all the adventures we are going to have.  They have already asked for a Halloween party and want me to dress up as a vampire!!  This should be good fun.  So as you can see I have tons to do but I don't mind as I love to keep busy as all of you have. 

 

After making the little red bag in sewing class last week I have decided not to bother with the diary covers as I made such a mess of that one.  Instead I will make as many small Christmas bags as I can and put gifts in them.  I think they are quite cute and hopefully people will enjoy using them.  These are the colours I have picked out for the next one.

 

 

 

I shall use the Cath Kidston tea towel on the outside and use the Primark tea towel as the lining as I think it will look quite pretty with the reds.  What do you think?

 

I have also found a few new blogs which I have put on my blog list which look very interesting.  Do have a look and see what you think - Flossie Teacakes, I'm a ginger monkey, A cuppa and a catchup and Cluck Cluck Sew.  Do have a look at them as they are all interesting and very informative (for me anyway). 

 

Well lovely Folks this is really short and sweet for me tonight.  I have to get going on the sewing so will have to love you and leave you all.  Do leave some comments if you are able as I do love to hear from you all.  You are all the reason I keep going so a huge thank you to you all.  I am sorting out the giveaway this week and will be posting some pictures for you all to see.  I am looking forward to seeing who the lucky winners are.  Have a good week and I will speak to you very soon.  Big hugs to you all, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Full Week

Hi Everyone do come in and make yourself at home.  How are you all doing?  I hope you are fit and well and enjoying life.  I was full of good meaning this week to write up another post but unfortunately, work got in the way.  This week has been exceptionally busy with very early mornings and very late nights - not good news for the craft Folks.  My lovely students are all getting ready to put their university applications in and we have been working hard on their statements and forms - it is a very stressful time for them all and I am like an old mother hen with them so try to give as much support as I can.  However, it is quite exhausting but we have a break the week after next so I will hopefully have some catch up time for my lovely husband and myself.  I am hoping to see our gorgeous grandchildren over the holiday, have missed them all so much. 

 

I have been trying to keep up with a little sewing/knitting this week so have not completely forgotten it all.  I don't tend to sleep very long so try to do something each night if I can, even if it is only for 20 minutes.

 

On the way home tonight I spotted this new magazine in the shop and had to buy it of course, although I am trying to cut down on the number of these which I buy.  It looks very colourful and has some nice projects in. 

 

 

I don't know about you but I love Jane Foster and have treated myself to her new book, just waiting for it to arrive any day now!  Do you like her work?  I always feel more cheerful when I look at her designs.

 

 

I loved these pillows, so gorgeous but I am not sure how many more cushions I can make.  However it would be a challenge for me to cut out all these pieces of fabric accurately!

 

 

I did manage to get to my sewing class this week and bought some fabric from Rachel, it is another of John Lewis's fabrics, not sure what they make with it.  Has anyone seen this in the store - probably made up into cushions.  Would love to hear if you have seen it sewn up.  Just liked the colours as it reminded me of autumn. I think I got a bargain here.

 

 

I had a go at making a cover for a diary as part of my hand made gift drive - you can't see the colours properly in the photograph but it is black on the top and I have used some of the fabric I had over from the bag I was making.  I am not that happy with it and was going to put some buttons on to tidy it up but am not sure.  I don't think it is good enough to give to anyone as a Christmas gift.

 

 

As you can see, not very professional inside either!  As usual I was rushing it along as I didn't have much time this week.  I have to slow down and take more time with everything.  I was reading the lovely Jo's blog of Three Stories High tonight and she was talking about making things in steps - she was talking about her crochet.  I really identified with her but I lack patience sometimes and try to cram everything in.  Something you know very well lovely Readers having read my previous posts.

 

 

I also started on the next set of  bags for my friends at work.  I had spotted this piece of fabric at sewing class and bought it off Rachel.  My lovely friend Sarah absolutely adores the colour green so I know that she will love this - have to take my time and get it right though.  I am getting better with the zips but still not that confident so I will waiting for sewing class before putting one in this one.  I am not sure what colour to line it with though - any ideas?  I have some lovely white satin or shall I look for some green or brown?  Any help warmly received lovely Readers.

 

 

Do you like the beading?  I am really going to put a lot of beads on this one to make it look very pretty.  Hope you like them.

 

 

I also made up this little 'Christmas' type bag which I thought I could fill with sweeties or such.  It is made from one tea towel from Primark - I think I got 4 in a set (all different designs but mostly red) for £3 which was a bargain.  I do love the red and white.

 

It was so easy to make so I must be getting more confident in my sewing - hopefully!

 

 

I also finished off the last of the three teapot bags for the lovely ladies in the café at work.  Do you like this one?  Rachel helped me with the zip and it looks ok. 

 

 

I will tell you about the book next to it in a mo.

 

 

I picked this up in a charity shop the other day and just love it.  You know how much I enjoy reading about the war years and how women coped with all the difficulties they had to overcome.  It also reinforces the knowledge that nothing under the sun is new in our craft world as it has all been done before.

 

 

Look at this little scarf below - so pretty.

 

 

The blanket and gloves are so in at the moment - would love to see them in colour.

 

 

This looks difficult - not sure that I could cope with turning up a hem like this?  What about you lovely Folks?

 

 

You would certainly need a steady hand to do this!

 

 

How about recovering that settee - remember they didn't have all the gadgets and fabrics we have now but they were so resourceful.

 

 

I love the kettle on the table and those applique designs are so familiar.

 

 

Finally I am busy finishing off the cowl for my eldest granddaughter but have hit a snag - have run out of yarn.  It says on the label that the one ball should be enough and I have checked my tension and it seems ok but I must be doing something wrong.  I have some yarn from years ago in the cupboard of similar weight so am going to try and find it.  I am meeting her tomorrow for a special meal for my lovely youngest Son who is 40 so I need to finish it tonight - have to get my skates on!

 

 

Well lovely Readers I have to love you and leave you tonight.  It is terribly stormy here and raining very heavily.  I do hope you are enjoying better weather.  I hope to catch up with you tomorrow or Sunday to give you an update on how the cowl went.  I have loads of projects to finish this week as I have deadlines to meet so I will have to be busy, busy, busy.  Have a wonderful evening/day wherever you are in the world, keep safe and be happy.  Big hugs to you, lots of love, Dorothy:-)xxxxxxxxxxxx