A Scrap Map and An Idea

Last year, I came across this tutorial from See Kate Sew. It was a scrap map and I wanted to make it immediately. What seamstress doesn't have scraps? Who wouldn't want a map made out of fabric? It took awhile, but I finally finished it.

 

 

The project requires a printed map, scraps, heat and bond, an iron, a piece of muslin for the background, and sewing machine. You cut fabric scraps and heat and bond pieces big enough to cut the state out. You cut each state out, fuse them onto the muslin and then topstitch around each piece.

 

The topstitching was definitely the most difficult, especially around the smaller states. I used mostly cotton scraps. However, I used a piece of flannel for Minnesota because it's cold here. I used a piece of fleece for Alaska because it's really cold there.

 

All in all, it was a very fun project! Maybe I'll make another one someday. I have more than enough scraps!

 

 

 

Tonight I had the most wonderful idea after talking to my friend! She wants to start a knitting club at her college and that got me thinking...I could start a sewing club at my college!! People tell me all the time that the wish they knew how to sew. Sewing is my passion and I would love to share it with others! We could have "learn to sew" meetings.

I thought it would be great to incorporate community service projects. Hospitals always need blankets! I have made some dresses for "Little Dresses for Africa," so that could be an option. I'm excited just thinking about it!

Do you have any ideas for me? I think it would be a wonderful opportunity, but I would love to hear any suggestions!


~Elizabeth

New Baby Sister, County Fair and School

Where did this month go? August just flew by. I have projects to share with you, but I have been very busy!

A couple weeks ago, we had our county fair. That was a lot of fun and bittersweet because this is my last county fair as a 4-H member. However, I am excited because I am bring my dress to the state fair! I have not been there for a few years and I think it's a great way to end my last 4-H year!

One week ago, my baby sister was born! She is so adorable and I love her a lot! She is number nine in my family. Now there are six boys and three girls. She has a head full of black hair too.

Aww, so sweet!

haha!

 

This week has been busy too. I moved back to college for my sophomore year. It is nice to be back, but I miss home, especially my baby sister!!! I will be going home a lot this year. I'm excited for my classes though. So far they haven't been too much work. My fun class is Ballroom Dance. It will be interesting since I have never danced, but I think it will be fun too! My hardest class will be Chemistry, but it's required for my major, so I'll make it through!

So that's what I've been up to lately. I have been sewing in between everything too, so I'll show you what I've been working on soon!

Have a wonderful night!


~Elizabeth

19 things before 20

Last week, I turned 19 years old. Where does time go? I had a wonderful day spent with my family. We walked around our town's czech festival and I enjoyed some frozen yogurt with my mom.

My mom made an amazing Triple Chocolate Cake. Doesn't it look delicious? I blew all 19 candles out in one try. We had mint ice cream to go with it.

My little sister is learning to sew. She made me a pillowcase with horses on it for my birthday. She is such a sweet sister! My 11 year old brother made me a card with 19 pennies on it in the shape of the number 19. It was so cool! I also got 19 pennies from my 7 year old brother.

My parents gave me a necklace and earring set, a pattern for a dress and some fabric.

Here's a picture of my birthday outfit:

The top is the Diane Kimono Dress pattern, from Serendipity Studio cut in tunic length. It is so comfortable to wear and it was easy to make! There is no zipper, it just slips right over your head. It is a perfect project for seamstresses of all sewing levels.

Once on a blog I saw a list of things to do before their next birthday. I was inspired, so here's my "19 things before 20" list:

19 things before 20

1.      Apply and be accepted to the Nursing Program at my school.

2.      Keep blogging consistently and write a tutorial.

3.      Run a half marathon.

4.      Take my siblings on a camping trip.

5.      Hike up the bluffs by my college.

6.      Sew another dress.

7.      Make an entire meal for my family.  

8.      Have a sewing party with friends from college.

9.      Wake up early and run before sunrise.

10.  Don’t complain about anything for a week.

11.  Learn how to Ballroom Dance.

12.  Go without junk food for a whole week.

13.  Learn a new song on my violin.

14.  See “The Hobbit” in 3D.

15.  Go kayaking.

16.  Have a roommate dinner night.

17.  Sew something for each of my roommates.

18.  Spend a whole day with my little sister.  

19.  Vote in a presidential election.

~Elizabeth

Wallets and Cute Little Brothers!

A few weeks ago, I went to visit my aunt and uncle. It has been a tradition every summer for the past five years now. Every year we do something a little different, but we always have a lot of fun!! My uncle cooks the best food when I'm there too. This year, we sewed some cute little wallets.

Here's mine:

I have been using my wallet a lot! It is just the right size for your phone, keys, money, credit cards, a pen and small notepad, and whatever else you want to bring for quick trips to the grocery store.

The above picture shows the best part of the wallet! The back pocket snaps shut. Do you know how? A metal tape measure! I think it is such a neat idea!

The pattern is called "Keep the Change," by the Stitchin' Sisters. It is a quick project too. It took my aunt and I about 4 hours. I have made more now, and each time I make one it is faster.

I came home from my visit, and my almost 4 year old brother saw my wallet. "I want one!" he said. His cuteness was too hard to resist and he kept asking for one. I had the perfect fabric in mind - Thomas the Train. He got his wallet and he is one happy little boy!

Although the wallet is small, it is very durable. Each piece, except the handle has interfacing in it.

The wallet is made using two fabrics - outside and lining. The lining is also used for the back pocket.

Isn't he adorable? Look how happy and cute he is! I even got a hug for making a wallet for him.

~Elizabeth