WIP Wednesday – Mostly Linen

January 23, 2013 by mamaraby 3 Comments

Most of the surfaces in my kitchen seem to have a fine layer of flour sitting on them, even though I’ve tried my best to wipe everything down.  It’s probably not a surprise then that I’ve been doing quite a bit of this:

(from Ken Forkish’s “Flour Water Salt Yeast“)

And not so much of this:

That’s not to say that I haven’t accomplished anything, it’s just been quite a bit slower than usual.  Most of my “to do list” remains in tact, but I did get a few choice (and very exciting) projects finished.

First up is my very own Pleated Beauty Bag from “Bend the Rules Sewing” by Amy Karol.  I started it last week and finished it up this last weekend.  I realize that I’m probably a less than unbiased judge of the bag, but in my most humble opinion, if it’s not squee-worthy then I don’t know what is.  No, seriously, with all due respect to last week’s composition book cover, this is hands down my most favorite project ever.

EVER.

close up of the stitching and pleat

lining and pocket on the inside of the bag

Did I mention it was an economical project to boot?  Here’s the cost breakdown:

2/3 yard of 100% linen from JoAnn Fabrics – $7.10
1 yard quilting cotton from JoAnn Fabrics Saturday after Thanksgiving sale – $2.10
Incidentals from my stash (thread, fusible interfacing, fabric for purse bottom pocket, purse bottom) – $5

Grand total?  $14.20

The only change I made to the pattern was swapping out the flannel used in the lining for a light weight fusible interfacing that I already had on hand. I have no idea which one it was as I suspect I bought the interfacing in 2009-ish.  I was a bit short on the fabric needed to make the pillow for the rigid interfacing in the bottom so I just used some Kona Coal from my stash.  The rigid interfacing was the same one I bought for the crowns I made the kids this past Halloween.  I’m also planning on picking up a magnetic closure to put on the inside because it feels to me like it needs it.

I love the box bottom on this bag and was a bit uneasy about making it since I’ve found the process a bit frustrating in the past.  A quick search online to see if there was another way to do it netted this tutorial from Lazy Girl Designs that fit the bill perfectly (also pinned on my Sewing and Quilting Tutorials board).

If I made another one (which I’m definitely open to), I would either swap out the inside pocket for a zipper one or I would have stitched a few lines in it to make it a bit more useful and a lot less floppy.

My only other finish this week was a linen bread bag of my very own.  This one’s a bit on the small side since I didn’t have very much linen left.  I predict another trip to the fabric store is in order as we’re definitely going to need another much bigger one!

Quick Finishes (or the “finish it already!!” group):

• Sunbonnet Sue wall hanging – needs binding
• Bailey Island Hobo from Aunties Two Patterns – needs handles – drapery grommets?

Waiting:

• Shattered – needs quilting and binding
• fleece quilt (pictured here) – need to finish sewing nine patch blocks, need to finish sewing together rows and then needs some sort of binding to help keep it square-ish – but mostly waiting on inspiration.

In Progress:

• A zipper pouch to match my new purse

Time Sensitive/Need to Get Started ASAP:

• red/gold bunting for Imbloc/Chinese New year (need to purchase fabric)

The Great Big Wish/To Do List:

From “Sewing in No Time” by Emma Hardy:

• fireplace screen
• drawstring toy bags
• fabric covered storage box
• floor pillows
• floral pillow with ties

From “Quilt Revival” by Nancy Mahoney:

• 30′s Shadow Star

From “Oliver+S Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson:

• tutu (x2)
• reversible bucket hat (x3)
• travel quilt (?)

From “Handmade Home” by Amanda Blake Soule:

• beach blanket

From Oliver+S:

• Lazy Days Skirts (x3 or more) – with my girls you can never have enough skirts
• Popover Sundress (x2) plus doll dress (x2)
• A Day in the Park Backpack Tote (?)
• Have it All Wallet
• Tea Party Dress (x2)?
• Blouse + Pleated Skirt (x2)?

From “Little Stitches” by Aneela Hoey:

• Empire State Building Needle Case
• Rain, Rain Go Away Hanging Hoop

From “Liberty Book of Home Sewing” by Liberty of London:

• Sugar Bag Doorstop
• Toiletry Bag
• Bean Bag
• Keepsake Board
• Lampshade

Seeing Squares (small) from Empty Bobbin

Batik Squares quilt (my own design)