Em's Glasses Cases

 

I have wanted to make these glasses cases using metal measuring tape as the closure for a while and once I had finally gathered the supplies they were super simple and effective. I got the idea from Melly Sews, who also has a video tutorial that was handy. I followed the tutorials (using the adult measurements she gave in the video) without the clasp part. I used an iron-on fusible foam as the padding (any kind of batting would work) and a thinner measuring tape (as we had one that broke, which motivated me to finally start). A wider tape would probably be better but it still works fine. I should have measured my sunglasses as I find they are a bit deep in the pouch and slightly annoying to get out of but not enough for me to resew.

I'm keeping one for my handbag, gifting one and want to make another for my glasses in my car glove-box. I've got plenty of tape and fusible foam!

Em's Tub Chair

I bought an old worn out tub chair from an op shop years and years ago. I liked the classic shape and we had an empty spot in the house. It has been covered up all these years and been on the to-do list forever! I had a whole lot of stripey fabric sitting aside for the project taking up space in my sewing room, which was part of the motivation to do it. I wanted to patchwork stripey fabrics together and tried to use more durable fabrics than just cotton, so upholstery fabrics and other tough cottons. Most of the fabrics I used were from meaningful places. For example leftover upholstery fabric from the van all those years ago,  green upholstery fabric used as curtains in our first house together, an old bag, a few repurposed old projects and my old favourite pants..

I used the existing fabric as a pattern and had a go making the cushion first. It turned out great and I really wanted to finish it so put the sewing room aside to do it all. I started by removing the existing fabric, which was attached with a million staples! I got a blister from removing them with a screwdriver and pliers! Then, using the old fabric as a pattern, patchworked what pieces I had together trying to coordinate the colours and stripes as well as use what sizes I had. I had limited pieces for some fabrics but it worked well. I then had to staple it all back together. Luckily I took pictures of me taking it apart and followed that. It was actually easier and quicker than I thought to do. I am so happy with it and glad I've finally done it!

So many staples!

I reused the cardboard from inside

A nod to the old chair- usinhg the old fabric on the bottom

Bubby approves

Em's Sock Monkey

I have always wanted to try making a sock monkey using this pattern. They are so neat and tidy. So when a pair of patterned socks were being thrown out I decided to try it. It was relatively easy, just need to be patient to get it neat. I cut the top of the socks off by accident somehow so his legs and arms, I think, are too short! :( I really want to make another one now I have practiced with this one. I have so many cool old long stripes socks I can use!

So many cool ideas!

Bubby loves playing with the button eyes. I made sure I sewed them on well!

Em's Knitted Blanket #3

As soon as I had cast off my last knitted blanket I cast a new one on still using a lot of the beautiful yarns I had. This one I decided was for my Step-Mum's 60th who complimented my first knitted blanket. I used the same technique with a mix of yarn weights, 2 yarns each row, leaving the ends for tassels and not using any furry yarns.

I tried to base it more on the aqua and green colours with added dark purple (since I had so much purple) and touches of orange. It turned out a bit brighter, more colourful and a bit more block-stripey. It took me 2 years with a little help from a little Bubby. 

The needles are empty for the moment. I think I've made enough knitted blankets for a while and it has become a lot harder to find the time with a little Bubby. Although I do have a Mother-in-law who hasn't got one..?

Related posts:

Em's Knitted Blanket #1	Em's Knitted Blanket #2
Em's Frayed Denim  Patchwork Picnic Rug	Em's Jumper/Sweater Blanket

Em's Coffee Bag Mat/rug

I bought some coffee bags from the local coffee roasters, where I get my coffee, for 2 bucks each. I've seen some pretty cool stuff made with them. But I thought I'd try a mat for our kitchen. I have a mat but it is a little ugly and dated. I really wanted it to be double sided so I can flip it over when needed.

I roughly followed the tutorial from here. I used the original 'blanket-looking' stitching on the edge and then cut the bag to size and used some left over thick stitching thread to stitch the other side with a similar looking stitch, sewing the ends closed with big zigzag stitch on the sewing machine in red and orange/brown threads. Then frayed the short ends up to the stitch (could've also tied the frayed edges into knots instead of stitching). It was a very quick and easy project, although messy! It is a little slippery, although with more use may become less..? I looked at transparent non-slip sprays and paints but I couldn't find anything easily or cheaply. So without putting a backing on it and making it one sided I've left it as it is. I love the look of it and still have a few coffee bags left to make something with!

Other coffee bag ideas:

So many ideas! Heaps of different bag styles, place mats, cushions, beanbags, aprons, pencils cases even curtains!

Tote- (I actually bought one from the coffee shop who gets a local to make and sells them
(more of a reusable shopping bag style)
The lining makes it good
(can also have contrasting fabric on the outside)

Bag with contrasting fabric

Bag- would be super easy!

Cushions- another easy craft!

Em's 2018 Christmas Presents

Reindeer Noses

I made these reindeer noses as effective Christmas gifts. I think it is a really clever way to give the sometimes boring gift of chocolate in a new way, as everyone likes chocolate right? A packet of Malteasers and a packet of Jaffers made two big jars perfectly (Damn! I was hoping for some left overs!). I also like the added touch of a reindeer Foo on the label! 😁

Eggs
Our chooks supplied the three dozen eggs we needed for our family Christmas lunch, so I edited the usual label I use when giving people eggs and put little Santa hats on the chickens!

Em's Knitted Blanket #2

I finished another knitted blanket using scrap wool. I loved my first attempt a knitted blanket and still had lots of beautiful wool to use so decided to make this one for my Mum's 60th. I used the same technique. A circular knitting needle, mix of weights and fibres, leaving the ends for the tassel. I knitted with 2 yarns each row and left out any yarns that were too furry this time. I also kept a darker, denser colour palette using the aqua and purple yarns as a base. I love those yarns and have lots of them. I've already looked at a new colour combination to start a new one!!

New Dress A Day

New Dress A Day is a blog full of refashions from a passionately creative sewer who took the challenge of making a new dress a day for a year using op shop and vintage finds. She even has a book! I love most of her dress styles as they often have a vintage feel. I just wish she posted more before and after's together..

Pink Striped dress

Black Pink Floral dress

Lime green Polyester dress

Black Yellow Spotted dress

Floral

Brown Bib Dress

Blue dress

Blue collar dress 2 Afters

Red and White Striped jumpsuit

Black and White Tattered Dress

Striped Quilted Panel Dress

Rust Black Graphic Robe

Striped dress- I liked the white belt!

White dress with buttons

Love the stripes

What a transformation with just dye

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

remake