How are you all?

How to make a tree pouch (drawstrings bag) -- Scrap Busters Contest

2009-10-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

My friend Mai - mairuru - let me know about this project!

I am going to show you how to make a drawstrings bag that you see below.
The dimension is approx. 7" tall x 4" wide x 4" depth.

When I think of "Scrap", it means my tree applique for me!

I store circles like this when I got small fabric pieces. As you can imagine..., I have tons of stash which can be turned into the circles!

And here is for trees.

I am a person who cannot throw away even tiny pieces of fabric. YES, so my sewing room is really messy :( I periodically clean my room but those pieces of fabric make piles soon.

OK.
Let's start to make the drawstrings bag!

Here, what you will need is ：

* 1 piece of 16.5"x8" for the body
* 1 piece of 16.5"x2.5" for the top of the body
* 2 pieces of 8"x2.25" for strings
* 1 piece of 16.5"x10" for lining
* 2 strings of 21"
* 1" diameter circle pattern made with cardboard

Pick up some fabrics for tree, and see balances of trees on the front fabric as you like.
Leave empty space approx. 2.5" from the bottom.

Fold the pieces and iron them like this,

Both top and bottom will be folded like this.

Place them on the front fabric seeing balance you would like, and pin them.
Then, pick up some circle fabrics and again place them seeing balances and colors...

OK, You are now going to make circles for applique.
Make small running stitches around the circle, smaller stitches are better to make smooth curve. From the right side push a needle in so that it would make easier for the next procedure.

And put 1" diameter circle pattern on the fabric,

Pull the thread, iron on it paying attention to not loose the thread.

Then, loose the thread a little to remove the cardboard pattern from inside of it, and fix the shape pulling the thread a little, then iron on it again. Cut the tread.

Make other circles in the same technique.

OK, place them as you desire, again seeing balance.

And sew them using blind stitch.

Now, you are going to construct the front part of the drawstrings bag.
Here is the layout.

Put the piece of 16.5"x2.5" for the top of the body on the main body fabric right side together, and sew the blue line, seam allowance is around 1/4".

Open it after sewing and iron it, place the lace on the join line, and sew it together.

Now, you are going to work on the part for a tunnel of strings.
Fold the both shorter edges triple like this,

And sew them, then fold them in half, iron them.

Place them on the body fabric like this.

Here is the layout for reference. (Please click it to see the bigger image.)

It looks like this when you place the tunnels on the body fabric.

Put lining onto it right side together, and pin them, then sew the blue line you see below.

It looks like this after you sew when it is opened up.

Then fold it in half like this paying attention to match each lines of seam. Leave an opening or about 2.5" when you sew the lining. You need to turn inside out from this opening.

Then, open up the seam allowance after sewing, place it at the center of width and iron on it.

OK, now you are going to fold the both opened edges like this that you see below.

It is easier to make this folded shape when you pin the center to hold the layers.
Tuck the both loop sides to the center.

And fold it in half like this.

And sew the layers together with 1/4 seam allowance from the edge.
Then, turn inside out from the opening you left on the lining.
Close the opening using blind stitch.

Here is what you get after all of works!

Inside looks like this.

And the bottom looks like this.

Finally!!
Let 2 of strings through the both tunnels.
From right side, let it through in one of the tunnel and come back through other tunnel from the left side, tie the string together. Do in the same way from the left side, too, and tie them together.

It's done!

Thank you very much for reading through this tutorial! Hope this would make you to feel that you would like to make it. If so..., please enjoy it! :)

Treasury -- Lots of round --

2009-09-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

My polka dot coffee mug cup container is on this treasury!

Chose by DansingInTheRain from Team EPE.

:: This treasury will expire on Saturday 2:37am October 3. ::

Thank you so much! :)

I introduced DansingInTheRain in the earlier post as my favorite etsy seller.
I love her cats, she also has many sets of adorable turtle coasters! :D

Find your favorite :)

Rainy day.

2009-09-26T17:57:00.001-07:00

It is hard to take good pictures of items on a rainy day :(
But I anyway wanted to show off what is ready for my shop!

First of all, this plush is from Mai - mairuru-. She included this morning glory in the package when she sent me some fabrics.
I have been thinking what I can do with this small treasure, and since I bought many of cell phone straps, I put it on this small gift from her.

I have made some Inu-hariko pouch and totes, Chidori pouches since the first 2 of them have been sold.

Small Inu-hariko totes.

Sakura cards set. This sakura design is... maybe 1.5 years old... It made the first sale last night after 1.5 years.

And veins totes! I machine quilted on the front side. I made the closure as well with thin leather string and wooden beads. I thought it would be interesting to see virtical tote and horizontal tote in the same design.

Hope the weather will be improved very soon so that I can take good pictures of them to list them on my shop!

Polka dot paradise!

2009-09-26T16:16:00.001-07:00

Made these upon my friend's request.
All polka dot! Yay!

I love polka dots, I anyway love circles, doesn't matter small or big :D

Rabbit Ornament

2009-09-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

This design is from my original label. I thought I would make a round pouch in this design also, but figured out that it is too simple when this is larger. I might be able to put a face on the bunny and some decoration to make it not too simple, but I think I don't want to add anything :( So the plan for making a pouch turned into for an ornament.

I am not sure if this can be a Christmas ornament, but it could be OK if you are a rabbit lover.

I draw a pattern of this, enjoy making it if you are interested in.
It is very easy to make.

1. Download the pattern (click the picture above and right click, then save the file).
2. Cut 2 of 2.75" diameter circles from light blue (or any color you would like) felt.
3. Cut rabbit shape from white felt along the pattern.
4. Place the white rabbit on one of the light blue circle, and applique with blind stitch.
5. Attach string or lace on the top of the circle on the back side, and put another light blue circle on the back of the circle you appliqued, sew them together with running stitch.

Hope you enjoy it! :D

Have a nice weekend, you guys!

Blog featured - Dance in my garden -

2009-09-24T17:15:00.001-07:00

My pear cushion is featured on a blog - Dance in my garden -.

Thank you for picking up my cushion!!

She is talking about circles in the post, YES, I love circles too!!
Circles and drops are perfect shape to grab girl's heart!!
I am honored that my cushion in circle tree pattern is included her circle collection! :D

She also has a etsy shop, please take a peek :)

Thanks!!

Blog featured - Beyond Koreanfornian Cooking -

2009-09-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

My Korean alphabet quilt is featured on this blog, Beyond Koreanfornian Cooking.

I was just thinking about foreign alphabets as you see in the previous post. My Korean alphabet quilt only shows very basic alphabets of Korean, you still need to learn the combination of the basic alphabets. Apparently Korean letters are made with many of combination of the basic alphabets, and pronunciation is determined with it too.

Speaking of Korea, my mother is very into Korean drama as well as other old Japanese ladies... She says Korean drama doesn't have sexual scenes a lot and it is comfortable to see it for her generation. I have seen some of them, I see what my mom said.

I have met one famous Korean actress in the English conversation club I usually attend every Tuesdays, she said Kiss scene is OK, but not been allowed to have a bed scene in a drama. She seemed to be a very famous as other Korean people who come to the club knew her.

Anyway, I am honored that my quilt is featured on this blog. Thank you very much.

A package from Vietnam.

2009-09-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

I purchased a pouch from this shop the other day!

Dancing In The Rains

And it arrived today~~~! :D

S.U.P.E.R. C.U.T.E.....!!!
This cat's face really makes me happy, I naturally smile! I need to have this always around me so that I would remember how to smile even when I had something bad. It is like a good luck charm for me, not only that, but also useful as a pouch.

The pouch is now still in the cello bag..., I am afraid to break the atmosphere of this adorable wrapping. I think it will be on my desk for a while like a post card, and then start to use it when I have a special happening. This is a treat for myself! To buy this kind of small adorable things is to collect small happiness for me.

I would love her -- Dancing In The Rains -- to make post cards set with her original cat drawings. I have noticed she enclosed her business card, so maybe she is already thinking of it. It will make huge sales, I believe!!

It is also interesting to see a package from other country.
These are stamps of Vietnam.
And packaging tape.

And custom form.

I cannot read any of Vietnam letters, but so interesting to see as symbols.
I do understand foreigners has interests in Japanese alphabets and Kanji characters, they are often used as a decoration either. They must be feeling the same as I do to Vietnam letters.

Mad squirrel...

2009-09-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

There are so many squirrels in my neighbor.
Sometimes they are so noisy fighting and chasing after other squirrel.
He /she was mad at something on the branch today, I couldn't figure out what made him/her mad that bad.

I used to like squirrel until I learned they are violent. I used to enjoy to see birds come around a bird feeder that my husband set outside. Squirrel! They broke and broke and broke the bird feeder every time my husband fix it, and we finally gave up to feed wild birds :(

Their appearance is so pretty though... OH, actually rabbits' nature is also violent. Their appearance is also so cute, but .... :(

Inu-hariko charm.

2009-09-20T16:30:00.001-07:00

I have found bugs ate my pin cushion..... Sad (>_<)!!
I didn't know the yellow felt is made from wool...
Strangely, a large piece of this yellow felt didn't become a food for them. WHY????

Anyway.

I made some Inu-hariko charms!!

Inu-hariko is a dog which has spirit of badgers and cats. It is Japanese traditional thing, used as a toy for children in old time era. It is also considered like a guardian for a child since a dog is considered as a fighter against evils. Nowadays, it is used as a good luck charm, or just a mascot.

Anyway, it's pretty, isn't it? I thought those inu-hariko mascot is good as a Christmas ornament as well.

I ordered little strips with clip hook last night to put on them. I am now waiting for them to be delivered. Once I receive it, I will list them up on my etsy shop!

Have a nice week, you guys! :D

Bird Drawstrings bag

2009-09-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Done!! :D

I think it is pretty!
It was fun to make it either!
Going to make it again with other fabrics! :D :D

Have a wonderful day, you guys!

Bird Coin Bank

2009-09-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

Tried to make a drawstrings bag in bird shape.....
And it didn't go well....
And it became a coin bank...
It is pretty after all, I think.

Still trying to make a drawstrings bag :)

New pics of my idols.

2009-09-17T13:29:00.001-07:00

New pictures of my idols from my sister-in-law!
They are adorable as usual :D

They visited to one of theme park "Ise Spain park" in Mie, Japan on summer vacation. It is very exciting place for kids to visit. I am glad they made it since she was worrying about my brother's job schedule. He owns a company, he must be pretty busy everyday.

I wish I could be there with them, I would love to share my time with them especially when they a little age... it makes me depress when I remember the fact that I am so away from them.

Appreciating my sister-in-law so much for keep updating how they are doing and sharing their pleasure.

Treasury -- A Little Red

2009-09-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

My pear cushion is in this treasury :D

A little red -- chosen by dancingintherains

Thank you so much!!

:: This treasury will expire Friday 9:07am September 18 ::

dancingintherains is my new favorite seller!
I found her since she added my shop in her favorite list.

Her items are so peaceful, I love her cats!!
They are all drawn by her.
And,,, I am now waiting for this cute pouch to be delivered!!
Cat Loves Fish Pouch

It might become a gift for my friend who is a cat lover later, since I first thought of her when I found it. But I am not sure if I can let it go...

Leaf trees gauze blanket - in natural light pink - custom order

2009-09-14T15:51:00.001-07:00

Custom order pink gauze blanket.
She found me on Flickr site. Thank you very much :)

I love this blanket as I would love to use it for myself!

Wondered for a while if I want to do applique with a sewing machine through my previous experience. I think I love the touch of hand applique which I think it matches with gauze fabric. So, I took hand applique this time, it took a while to complete, but I love the result.

Finally used a piece of muslin that I kept for a long time for one of a tree (please refer to the 2nd picture). I just straight stitched on muslin fabric with white thread, to make kind of new fabric. I think this piece of fabric is perfect for a tree. It is much better than solid muslin for it :D

Now, I am going to work on the 2nd blanket! I will continue to enjoy :)

My first kit.

2009-09-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Egg coasters!

I have been really being influenced by Mai - mairuru - since I met her online.
Anything she makes just drug me into crazy.... also her life I see on her blog and from emails we exchange, too.

Since she made this cute kit - Sarubobo helps you pincushion making kit -, I wanted to make a kit too. And here is my first kit...., Sunny side up coasters kit.

This is very easy to make for a sewing beginner. You don't need a sewing machine which maybe being put away in the closet, just enjoy small sewing world by your hand.

It took a few days to make instruction, with long hours labor per day.... as my eyes started to be hurts because of staying in front of my computer for long stretches.

I am thinking to make another kit..., probably - a drawstrings bag with Japanese kimono fabric kit - that also you can sew by your hand. I anyway have tons of fabric.... as I don't think I can use them all in near future, and still love to buy fabric (>_<). Holding myself from buying it for a few months though! But it is hard to find nice strings looks good on the drawstrings bag... I anyway couldn't find it at my local store.

I need time more to play with fabrics...., that's for sure!

Treasury -- ninja baby! --

2009-09-13T17:18:00.001-07:00

My ninja tote is in this treasury! :D

Chosen by SilverSistersStudio.

Thank you so much!!

:: This treasury will expire Sunday 8:58pm September 13 ::

It's almost time to expire! :-0

By the way, SilverSistersStudio offers really scary monster barrette....

Really Scary Monster Barrette - Recycled wool felt and Glow in the dark teeth

This IS really scary as described .... and ... pretty....
I was almost to put it in my cart........

Fabric containers - mug cups -

2009-09-02T20:28:00.001-07:00

I had wanted to make a coffee cup with fabrics for a long time, and here is my first one!
I thought I would make a pin cushion first, and easily gave up after some considering....
Mai - Mairuru - shared with me how to make a handle! Thank you!!

I think I would try a pin cushion... some...day...

To make a coffee cup is a lot of fun! It is very fun for me to see many fabric combination with the outside and inside.

And then, the goldfish one idea came up later.
I cut 6.5"x WOF (with of fabric) of one strip from a big piece of fabric - one for outer and one for lining. 2 pieces total -, it made 3 containers :D
I especially love the thin leather handles...! Cute, isn't it?

Come little leaves... - Treasury -

2009-08-31T16:42:00.001-07:00

Yes, fall is almost here!
Today is so cool, love the weather!
I am sad about fall in Virginia is so short every year and but long winter :(

Come little leaves... created by Xanna's Jewelry Box

:: This treasury will expire Wednesday 5:16pm September 2 ::

Thank you very much :)

Kyoko

Sakura and Chidori

2009-08-31T14:06:00.001-07:00

Sakura is always in my heart.
I love the small most beautiful flower. The color is also perfect, love the pink.
I made a big Sakura coaster set! When I saw the pink fabric at fabric store, couldn't refuse myself to buy it! It is Sakura pink!

Chidori....
Since my friend SiamSquare is hoping to have labels for her shop with Chidori image, I draw Chidori for it. Chidori means a small bird in English, which is one of Japanese traditional pattern. It is often used as Sashiko pattern too.
While I was drawing Chidori, I thought this small simple bird is actually pretty and easy to embroide.... ho ho ho.

So here is the Sakura coasters, and Chidori drawstrings wristlet :D

Things that Go Bump in the Night

2009-08-28T20:20:00.001-07:00

The new 18 x 18 project from my quilting group.
We enjoy to describe ourselves on a 18"x18" quilt along one title.

And this time, I took "Things that Go Bump in the Night" from some of
the projects.
we had to include one red fabric which was provided by the organizer
of this project, in any way and any amount you like.

I didn't understand what its meaning when I first heard of it.

I very easily fall asleep once I get in the bed. One or two minutes is
enough to fall asleep, and don't wake up until next morning! So I
don't have something scares me in midnight, but nightmare.

The due is coming! It is September 11th.
Tried to describe nightmare on the quilt, and I feel like it seemed to
go well..., but it is very ordinal.... I think people's common image
of nightmare is like this.

What do you think???

Anyway :) I don't have to be in rush until the last minute to complete
this project!
I have finished :D

sewing needle

2009-08-17T20:06:00.001-07:00

My first time to break a sewing needle :(

Goldfishes - Kingyo - Totes

2009-08-12T23:53:00.001-07:00

Made with Japanese tenugui.
I love tenugui (Japanese traditional face towel)! It really has all kinds of unique patterns.

This pattern reminds me of "Summer".

.... this summer is going over.... it might be out of season... it was too late to make them?

Treasury -- going neutral --

2009-08-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Treasury "going neutral" selected by QuiltingGranny.

Very happy to know she liked my white quilt as much as she included it in her treasury.
Appreciate it very much :)

:: This treasury will expire Thursday 9:45am August 13 ::

A Pile of blocks for Japanese alphabet quilt.

2009-08-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have been working on 4 of Japanese alphabet quilt.
Usually I make 4 at once to save my time. This pile is for 4 quilts top...! Really takes up my time to make a top, it is like a long trip once I started to make it.
Fortunately, 2 of them has been sold already and has been shipped yesterday and today :). I am always nervous until I hear from my customer thinking how they would like their purchase.

Now, I started to make a Katakana (other Japanese basic alphabet) quilt for a recent order. A customer can choose Hiragana or Katakana, both are basic Japanese alphabet. We have 2 kind of basic alphabet... Both are basically works in the same way, Katakana is generally used for imported things from oversea and also something we cannot (or difficulet to) transrate into Japanese.

I have had one customer who ordered a Katakana quilt for her granddaughter. Her granddaughter is going to have Japanese name, and she would like her to know how her name is written in Japanese, which is because foreigner's name is also written in Katakana in Japan.