Buttons and Bobs

Using up the scraps.  Holders for mobile phones. Lined, interfaced and with padding! These holders have a front pocket. I referred to several YouTube tutorials. The quality and speed of sewing has gradually got better now that I have made several. One new owner has suggested that next time I make a holder a sewn-in trap with a clasp at the other end would be useful so that the holder could be attached inside her shopping bag or handbag.

 A simple well explained  purse tutorial by Lizzie Curtis . Ideal for small amounts of money but I have been making them for purse accessories such as medicines, cosmetics etc when travelling. The first ones I made were snapped up by family and friends before I found time to photograph them. I am going to make more in Christmas fabric as wrapping for money Christmas gifts for very young relatives.

 Tote-ally simple. I used Debbie Shore's YouTube tutorial.

 I  sort through all my sewing scraps and put them in bundles according to colour. Following  YouTube searches I make ruffle scrunchies, purses and bunting. So far the ruffle scrunchies have been the best sellers. I don't do the selling. I hand over my makes to others who are manning stalls loaded with contributions from several sewers. The proceeds go to a variety of charities. Prices are purposefully kept low so that most of the stock disappears at each event.

 After two awful nightdress purchases online I asked for advice in a Facebook sewing group. Someone recommended Butterick 6838. I dug in to my stash to find suitable fabric of a length that would enable me to make  View C with the length of View B. Instead of lace I used piping to add some edging detail. No doubt the result will look much better when I have ironed it but for now - here's a nightie that I'm pleased with.  Piping : Tips I wish I had read before I sewed my nightie.

 This is my first attempt at sewing a Leona from the Fibre Mood magazine edition 17. It took a a bit of time to get used to how the patterns are presented, to trace and then to remember to add the seam allowance on each piece. I like to think of new exercises as stimulation for my brain cells - they need it. Leona is a flashback to the '80s with huge batwing sleeves. As usual I'm disappointed in my sewing skills at the neckline. (Sewhouse 7 Toaster Sweater 1 is still my go-to when I need cheering up. I've made eight so far and I have been happy with them all!) This Leona is made with french jersey. I need to press it but at the moment I daren't in case I make the neck worse! For examples of lovely Leonas search the internet - particularly Instagram for #fibremoodleona Update: I followed   advice from a lady called Janie in a sewing group  on Facebook -  " Have you tried a good blast of steam around the back of the neck binding? Works miracles."   and I...

 I am always on the lookout for YouTube vloggers who clearly explain how to make items without telling me personal details about  how tired they are, their daily life and introducing me to their pets. Another thing I appreciate is NO background sounds but so many vloggers add nerve jangling music. Does that sound mean? Sorry - sometimes I'm in a hurry to learn something new. Recently I have been impressed with the sewalong tutorials on Sew Sew Lounge, "Behind the Pink Door" , "Melly Sews","Sweet Red Poppy  and  "Made Every Day". Here are links to some examples: Sew Sew Lounge : Toni explains how to sew. I traced the outline of a RTW blouse only to find that it was not going to be as simple to sew as I first thought. I was able to find the instructions I needed on Toni's YouTube channel. Sweet Red Poppy : Sewing for Children Leggings (Includes a free pattern) Note the links to the free patterns can be accessed by clicking on "Show More...