Crafty's Lair

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

30 Minute Pillowcase Apron

Here is my first project in the instant gratification challenge I have set for myself. I decided that I wanted to make an apron, but normally they take me a little over an hour to complete so I had to trim the construction down a bit and I came up with this easy project.

Obviously I am obsessed with juvenile bedding this week because I decided to use an old standard size Powerpuff Girl pillowcase I had laying around the house, but I think this would be a really cool revamp of the vintage pillowcase patterns that lots of people use.

Instructions

1. Start with pillowcase. Cut off side border (optional) and cut 3 inches from bottom.

2. Cut the bottom seam of the 3" piece that you cut off and and open it up. This will be the sash.

3. Finger press or iron a 1/2" seam on each side of the sash. Sew each side.

4. Turn pillow case wrong side out and sew both cut sides leaving space to turn. Turn and sew close opening. Set sewing machine to longest stitch, sew across top. Pull top thread to create slight gather.

5. Fold sash in half and attach to apron. Sew along bottom edge to attach. Sew remainder of sash along bottom edge to close (optional).

6. All done in about 25 minutes.... now to make a 30 min meal :) !

sorry about the somewhat fuzzy pics I was rushing to make the deadline!

Instant Gratification

Lately I have been so busy making items for everyone and for the shop, and I haven't had time to make anything for myself. Since there is no law that is going to increase the amount of hours in a day, I have decided that I will dedicate an hour every week to craft for myself . I have been looking at ways to streamline lengthy projects and still get comparable results. Every Tuesday I will post a new project with somewhat of a tutorial and the actual time that it took to complete. Wish me luck everyone!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

I love recycled fabrics!!!

Yesterday while scouring the local thrift store I found a super sweet twin bed sheet in one of my all time favorite cartoons....THE SMURFS!!! As soon as I saw it I looked around for dramatic effect and secured my treasure with a death grip.... thrift stores shoppers can be so aggressive and yes I have the battle scars to prove it, but perhaps that is a story for another day. Anyways... I took my treasure home, washed it up and pondered for a while what I would do with it. The selfish part of me screamed " Keep it make something for yourself" while the side of me that wants to fill up my etsy shop said " Make a purse, post it on etsy and hopefully make a sale". Well in the end my shop owner side won and without further ado here goes.....

I am so loving this purse right now.... I have a little more fabric left, I might make a smaller one for myself, at least then both of my sides will be happy.