Ever come across a kit at the store and think, would it be easy or difficult to make?

This is what you can expect to find in the kit:
A basic instructions page

Pre-cut fabric pieces that will need to be assembled.
It’s nice that all the pieces of fabric are pre-serged.

Start off by folding and ironing 1/2 inch off top and bottom of the pockets towards the back.

Top stitch with 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Start working on the side panel of the bag by marking 4 inch on both sides.

Pin when lining up top pockets to marked line on side panel. Both pieces right side of fabric facing up.
Stitch bottom of pockets to side panel with 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Mark center point on bottom on wrong side of fabric, of front, back and side pieces.

This next part should have been straight forward. Unfortunately, not so much…
Attach with pins right sides together of front and side panel.

Stitch around with  1/2  inch seam allowance.

Repeat for back panel of the bag.

The lining of the bag is mostly pre-assembled in this kit.
The zipper is in place and attached to sides of lining as well as two inside pockets.

Turn your attention to bottom of lining.

Fold corners of lining right sides together.

Pin and stitch corners of lining.
Repeat on both lining bottom pieces.

It helps if you put the lining corners one inside the other.

Pin around the outside of the lining.

Notice to pin in place the fabric when some of it is turned (right side of fabric).

Since this diaper bag is square at the top, pay extra attention to lining up the top part.
Don’t pin by the side on the lining.

Stitch with 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Leave 6 inch opening at the bottom center of the lining.

Assuming that all pieces of fabric in the kit are to the exact size they should be… big mistake.
Had to take some seams out, measure, add pieces of fabric and reassemble.

See part 2 to how it all worked out in the end.
You can find: How to: Diaper Bag Kit – Part 2

Happy Thanksgivings everyone!
Brother started ‘Dream 1000 Project’ by requesting folks to make a bag to donate to the kids affected by the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan.

 You can find: How To: Dream 1000 Project Bag – Part 1

To create the straps of bag, take one of the 5″ x 20″ strip pieces.
Fold it in half, right side of fabric facing out and iron.

Open fold.
Fold each side towards just created center fold.
Iron in place.

Take both sides and fold together.
Iron into place.
Repeat for other strip.
Top stitch on both sides of strips.

To attach strap to bag, measure 5″ from side of bag.

Attach to inside of bag, pin and stitch a square for added strength.
Make sure straps are aligned with each other and are not looped.
Cut a piece of paper the size of the square and use it as guide to have uniform square stitches.

To attach the button, find center position and mark 1/2″ from top of bag.

Clover caulk pens are easy to use for all your marking needs.

Center button on marked line and mark on both sides of button.

Use buttonhole foot, marked as A. Buttonhole # 9 was selected for this type of fabric.

Cut open your buttonhole and make sure button goes through.
Attach button on inside of bag.

Attach button on inside of bag.

Bag is now ready for your final touches of decoration should you chose to add some.

Start of by removing any remaining pieces of the water soluble topper .

Add a few Swarovski Crystals or Rhinestones hot fix to bag.

Final touches:
Cut off any loose thread
Remove caulk markings

Bag is now complete.

Be proud! you just made a kid in Japan very happy.
Don’t forget, deadline to ship bags: December 8, 2011

For more details about ‘Dream 1000 Project’: www.artsandcraftsplaza.com/?p=689

 You can find: How To: Dream 1000 Project Bag – Part 1

Let’s create something!

Thanksgivings is fast approaching and with that spreading some goodwill.
Brother started a ‘Dream 1000 Project’ by requesting folks to make a bag to donate to the kids affected by the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan.
Deadline to ship bags: December 8, 2011
For more details about this project: Dream 1000 Project

Are you a beginner sewer? Just want to check out how the bag is constructed before taking it on?
Let’s get started!

Suggested fabric: Denim or Quilting fabrics.
Start of by cutting your fabric to:
One 40″ x 20″
Two 5″ x 20″
Optional pocket, one 6″x 6″

As these bags are not lined, it is important to serge or overcast all raw edges of fabric.
For those without a serger, use a G foot and choose one of the overcast stitches.

Put your fabric against the metal part in the middle of your foot.
Use same color thread as your bobbin.
Suggested thread: Polyester Mettler.

How your raw edges of fabric should look like.

To create the pocket, we start by Embroidering it first.
Hoop a tear away stabilizer, use Spry adhesive to attach your 6″x 6″ piece of fabric.
On top of that put your water soluble topper with spry adhesive.

Embroider something you think the kid that will get this bag will appreciate.
Think about color combination and overall look of the bag.

Change the foot of your machine and select a straight stitch.
This straight stitch uses a J foot.
Experiment with a scrap of fabric first and then adjust width and length of the stitch.

Measure 1/2 an inch from top of pocket.

Fold to the back of pocket.
Iron in place for ease and better result.

Top stitch top of pocket.

Folder back other 3 sides of pocket 1/2″ and iron.
Find center position on front of bag and pin.

Stitch both sides and bottom of pocket to bag.

Should you have any marking on fabric like this fold on fabric on back side of the bag, it’s a chance to decorate.

Make a straight line mark with caulk on unwanted fold line.

Add a ribbon in matching or contrasting color.
You may want to add another piece of fabric instead of ribbon.
Top stitch ribbon on both sides to secure to fabric.

With right sides of fabric facing together, Stitch both sides of bag with 5/8″ seam allowance from edge of fabric.

Trim and access ribbon or any loose thread.

Iron open the side seams.

From top of bag fold towards the inside of bag 1 1/4″ and iron or pin.

Use straight or decorative stitch 1 1/4″ from top of bag.
This picture shows straight stitch.

To create depth to the bag, add a gusset.
At bottom side of bag, measure 1 1/2″ from corner and mark.
Mark other bottom side as well.

Stitch over line on both sides.

Turn bag right side out.
View of how gusset changed appearance of bag.

 You can find: How To: Dream 1000 Project Bag – Part 2

Let’s create something!

Celebration of Craftswomen took place in November 11-13, 2011, San Francisco.
Bask in the view of San Francisco when you come to this festival.

It began in 1976 as a small crafts show.
For the past three decades, The Women’s Building Celebration of Craftswomen has allowed Bay Area residents, along with visitors of San Francisco from throughout the world, to discover the work of the nation’s best female artisans and fine artists.
Celebration of Craftswomen is the largest event celebrating the craft of women in the nation.
www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org

To follow on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/celebration.craftswomen
Among the contemporary and traditional handcrafted items you can fine:
Functional and decorative ceramic and glass vessels.
Sculpted wood and works of metal.
Polymer  clay, beaded, stone and precious metal jewelry.
Women, painted silk, leather clothing and wearable.
Home Furniture and accessories.
Fine art sculpture.
Photography.
Watercolor and oil paintings.

Don’t miss the hidden treasures as you walk by them, such as, Greens Restaurant, Fort Mason in San Francisco for some beautiful bayside vegetarian dining.
www.greensrestaurant.com
The Oatmeal raisin cookie was to die for!

THE WOMENS BUILDING (TWB) is a multi-service community center whose mission is to provide women and girls with the tools and resources they need to achieve full and participation is society.
The Women’s Building is located at 3543 18th Street in San Francisco.
For information call 415-431-1180 or visit www.womensbuilding.org

Always ask the artist permission to take a picture of their booth and/or individual item.

A recap of select booths:

Rene Almon Woodworks, her inspiration comes from organic shapes and the wood itself. Building long lasting quality furniture, pleasing to the eye and inviting to touch.
www.renealmonwoodworks.com

Alexandra Von Burg, creating Fairy Tale imagery with soft sculptured dolls and fiber paintings
Look for her workshops to hone the art-making skills that enhance anyone’s natural talent.
www.alexandravonburg.com

Anne Klocko, produces different types of artwork, Vinyl Clay Artwork, Figurative Sculpture and Ceramic Sculpture are whimsy original works of art.
www.anneklocko.com

Margaret Grisz-Dow, passionate about art, her ceramic work & drawing she is integrating these by making incised drawings on the surface of her clay pieces.
Teaching  in a relaxed aesthetic environment, which is often in her own beautiful home studio.
Contact: mgriszdow@yahoo.com

Tess McGuire, hats are knitted on a knitting loom out of wool yarn and then felted using hot water, soap and friction to turn a loosely knitted fabric into a warm, solid, and virtually waterproof garment.
www.tessmcguire.com

Mountain Exotics, taking the beauty, texture of wood to form our unique products.
We create heirlooms from ‘Tree to Street.
www.mountainexotics.com

Monterey Fiber and Design by Margaret Thompson

Naoko, Creating botanically themed felt and glass Jewelry.
10% of sales are donated to humanitarian non profit organizations.
www.naokonojiri.com

Alchemy, Fine chocolate, pastry, & baked delicacies, Savory catering, Classes.
www.facebook.com/pages/Alchemy/130946720282942

Ruxton Designs, mixed media art, vintage buttons, metal hardware, felt all combined in a unique way by Nicky Ruxton.
www.ruxtondesigns.com
Sharing a booth with Laube photography, a joyful rendition of California by Nancy Laube.
www.nancylaube.com

Large Leather is a beautiful store in Sonoma, California.
Choose from in house designs to custom orders, by Paul Terwilliger and Jessica Zoutendijk.
www.largeleather.biz

JYC Arts, Fine Arts painter, Illustrator, Fiber artist as well as Jeweler and quilter.
Working with non traditional fabrics in traditional ways.
www.janecorich.com

Janice Cormier, functional and non functional ceramic art, sculptural vessels, figurative sculpture, small series of functional pottery, and Jewelry.
www.janicecormier.ca
Sharing a booth with Judy Beebe Designs, Merino wool scarves and gloves.
Creating elegant, comfortable, neck pieces with rich texture & color.
www.etsy.com/shop/judybeebedesigns

Theresa Honeywell, provocative imagery and macho icons are rendered into delicate and beautiful pieces of art.
Her inspiration comes in the contrast between art and craft, macho and feminine.
www.theresahoneywell.com

Booths 421-422 is a collaborative mixture of a group of women, a web site is in the pipe line.

To contact the artists directly:
Wanda Fudge, wfudge@peoplepc.com
Colleen Ehle Patell, mixed media figurative art, www.wildwackywomendesigns.com
Suzanne Duran, artist, miblu3@yahoo.com
Mary Porter Vaughan, fine art dolls, www.mpvdolls.com
Donna Perry, art dolls, mixed media artist, dreamandplay.blogspot.com
Zanaib Nia, artist, zniagreen@yahoo.com
Stephanie Smith, doll maker, smitharts@yahoo.com
Bonnie Hoover, Whimsical cloth doll creations, bondonhoov@sbcglobal.net

Tree Stump, Master wood artisans Christine and Ron Sisco prove Fine Art can be functional.
In addition to custom furniture, their most popular pieces are spoons and bread boards.
www.treestump.biz

Santa Barbara Felted Fibers, wearables fiber Art, soft and billowy, exciting and sometimes just wild and crazy.
www.sbfeltedfibers.com

Enchanted Burl, Burls form as an outgrowth on the trunk of a tree and/or within the root system transformed to tables, chairs, lamps, clocks, vessels and serving platters.
www.enchantedburl.com

A close up look on this gorgeous crafted chair.
The vessels have been used as food servers, three-dimensional wall art, center conversational pieces, and even spiritual baptismal vessels.

Browse the list of the entertainment schedule that was offered at the rear stage
www.womensbuilding.org/craftsfair/Womens_Building_Craft_Fair/ENTERTAINMENT.html

Zola De Firmian, Fine Art Ceramics and tile design, one-of-a-kind porcelain and stoneware pieces are hand-built, or cast, then carved, using simple molds of own design.
Project Greenheart, First, 10% of sales go to support programs that connect youth with art and nature.
www.zinfusionz.com

Dawn Mountain LeatherArt, creating and designing original Leatherart pieces.
Decorative techniques such as trapunto, pleating, weaving, and beading are frequently used on one-of-a-kind pieces
www.dawnmountainleatherart.com

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW CONTACT:
TEEVAN PRODUCTIONS
1557- 15TH AVE.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122
PHONE: (650) 615-6838
FAX: (415) 731-6794
EMAIL: CRAFTSWOMEN@GMAIL.COM

Hope you enjoyed Celebration of Craftswomen!
Didn’t make it this year? Try and make it to next year.

All pictures were taken after approval by the artist.

Let’s create something!

 

Came across this blog post at http://www.manycreativegifts.blogspot.com, enjoy!
It’s a great blog with lots of ideas and information.
With the holiday season coming, you are sure to want to create something for your family and friends.

Free Craft and Crochet eBooks

I’m so glad to be able to pass along two new and free ebooks from the FaveCrafts folks!
The first one has 17 popular crochet items that are easy enough for a beginner to make, like a fun little caplet, a bottoms up hat, and a really neat 8-point ripple afghan.
You can find the free and instant download at:
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Miscellaneous-Crochet/17-Popular-Free-Crochet-Patterns-eBook

The second book will start to get you in the mood for the holidays.

This ebook has 7 fun craft projects for Christmas time.
I think I’m going to give the Christmas Card Saver a try!
Also included are the Felt and Wire Angel (pg. 5), the Christmas Candy Jar Labels (pg. 11), and a Wine Cork Wreath (pg. 19).
You can get this eBook free at:

http://www.allfreechristmascrafts.com/Christmas-Ornament-Crafts/7-Thrifty-Christmas-Craft-Ideas-eBook

Happy Crafting!!

Brother company is sponsoring a wonderful project, ‘The Dream 1000 Project’. As we all heard, Japan had a major disaster this year, Earthquake followed by Tsunami that devastated the area. The folks there are still struggling to put their lives back together. Brother’s goal is to collect school bags for the children made from a pattern that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The bags will be collected and distributed to the children affected by the disaster. Some Brother dealers agreed to collect the bags and ship them, check with your local dealer to see if they are participating. Follow the link below for the Dream 1000 project information and instructions on how to construct the bags and where to send them.  It’s the little things that make a difference. The kids will appreciate any and all efforts. The complete bag must be shipped by December 8, 2011.

See how to make this bag:
You can find: How To: Dream 1000 Project Bag – Part 1
You can find: How To: Dream 1000 Project Bag – Part 2

See information Brother provided and consider joining for a great cause:

The Dream 1000 Project – Tuesday, October 25 at 8:00am – December 8 at 9:00am

Brother Industries Ltd., parent company of Brother International Corporation, created the “Dream 1000 Project” with the goal of collecting 1000 bags for young school age boys and girls in Japan who were affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. We’d like to surpass this goal, but we’ll need your help.

We invite you to use your sewing machine to send hopes, dreams and love to the children of Japan by creating multipurpose school bags.
Send bags to:

Ship by December 8 to:

Dream 1000 Project
Brother International Corporation
Attn: HAD Shirley
100 Somerset Corporate Blvd.
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Please send by a trackable method (such as UPS).

In the link below we have provided the specific instructions on how to create and where to send the bags.
The bags can be constructed in less than an hour and embellished with embroidery, quilting or applique.
You can find the instructions below:
http://ow.ly/d/o3X

For your convenience, see information:

Join the event on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235853446469748

Remember, the goal is 1000 bags, the hope is to far surpass this. Thank you for all your help!

Houston, TX
Visit Brother at the George R. Brown Convention Center!
1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX
Brother “drop-in” classroom #361A
Monday, October 31 – Saturday, November 5
8:00 am – noon. 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 6
8:00 am – noon only
All materials for creating the bags will be available in the classroom!

Central California
Central Valley Vacuum & Sewing Center customers, we are participating and will allow you to come into the store and use one of our Brother embroidery machines so that you can also participate.
We will even ship them to save you the postage. info@cvvsc.com
41453 Avenue, Madera, CA 93636     559-822-3300      www.cvvsc.com

East Bay of SF, CA:
We are hosting a free sewing bee using all of our fabulous modern sewing technology to sew and embroider tote bags for children in Japan who are still greatly impacted by the effects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Joining Brother dealers across America, our joint goal is to donate at least 1000 totes for school age Japanese boys and girls.
sewnow! will provide all the supplies and set-up, as well as refreshments and a take home gift for all participants. Basic sewing skills required – ages 8-100 are welcome for a morning of sewing fun.
Register by clicking the facebook event or email info@sewnow.com to confirm participation.
960 Moraga Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549   925.283.7396     http://www.sewnow.com
Join us at sewnow! to participate in the ‘Dream 1000 Project.

To see some pictures of the area affected and how it’s changing:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2011/09/japan-marks-6-months-since-ear.html

Let’s create something!