Library “Books” Basket

This summer my family has been going to the library a lot.  Sometimes 3 times a week.  It’s amazing what they have there.  But with a family of four borrowing library books, videos and games.  It is hard to keep track of them all.  The basket is placed next to the door so it is easy to grab on our way out.

I found a basket laying around the house unused.  It was the perfect size.  Only the color was red and reminded me of Valentine’s Day or Christmas.  I wanted to make a new cover for the basket.  I used the old lining that came with the basket for the pattern.  I decided I wanted to make the lining reversible for when I no longer want to use it for books or to put it in another room.  I also made an extra pattern because I wanted to make more than one liner for the holidays.  Just change the linings.

With right sides together, sew the sides.

Next, sew the bottom.

My girls picked out the lettering that they wanted on the liner.  I did it the old school way.  Printed up the word then used transfer paper and traced the letters onto the fabric.  I used embroidery thread and stitched  over the letters. I was originally going to use a 3 mm satin ribbon for the words but was worried it would be to thick.

Make sure to sew the letters upside down so that when you fold the liner over the basket the letters will be facing the right direction.

I used ribbon for the strings, you can pin or pre-sew the stings to the fabric. Match the 2 fabrics right sides together and sew together expect for an opening so that you can turn the fabric inside out when done.

I used a Blind Stitch to close up the hole.

Also, with a white board and some extra fabric I hanged the board over the basket.  This is used to write down the books that they have checked out and the date that they are due.  This was actually my daughters idea.  So smart of her.

Fab Shop Hop

I joined the FabShop Hop a virtual shopping adventure today.  I’m a little late in the game but still going to hop around.  I am excited to find some new fabric stores with great material.  Come and join the hop with me.

This has been going on for eleven years! Why did it take so long to stumble upon it?  Quilters, sewers, crafters, and fabric lovers have been shopping and hopping for the chance to win fabulous prizes.

What you do, search of the “youfoundit” bunny not to mention all the fabrics, patterns, tools, plus more in their soon-to-be-favorite quilt and fabric shops!

 

Rose Ruffle Bag Tutorial

Upcycle T-shirt into a handbag Fun fact I used every single piece of fabric there was from this T-shirt.  The collar was used to make a bandanna for my dog.   I learned how to make the roses from Tea Rose Home.

Upcycled Picture Frames

I wanted to update some of my pictures/frames that I had around the house.  When I got the box of them, I found that water somehow got into the box and the pictures and backing were now ruined.  I had to throw the everything away except the the glass and the frame was still good.  Well, the picture was stuck to the glass so I had to clean it really good to get it all off.

So some reason I forgot to take pictures of the painting process of the frames but it was simple.  I used Black spray paint that I got for .99¢ at Lowe’s.

Make sure to spray it in a well ventilated area and put newspaper or something down to protect the flooring and sides.  I put up a wood piece against the fence and paper down on the floor.  It made it easier to get the sides and corners.  Spray as directed on can.

I had this already laying around the house but you can get them at the Dollar store.

Note* This is a ½” on each side of the picture.

This character was done in Santa Cruz Boardwalk in 2010.  It took this long for me to frame it.

I was at the thrift store and it was half off on red tags.  I went to the picture section and found a few pictures.  So I got some for a good deal.

I sprayed this just like the first picture frame.

As you can tell, this was an anniversary photo last year in Santa Cruz Boardwalk too.  These Photos make me laugh every time I look at them.  My other daughter’s character came in the frame already but I might change it out so it is a little bigger to go with the other two.

Which way do you like? InteriorsPL has great gallery ideas.

Short to long skirt

My daughter and I were shopping at our local fabric store when she came across this fabric and loved it.  She asked if I could make her a skirt out of it.  It was priced at $11 a yard but …