Showing posts with label Do It yourself. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do It yourself. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sew Shopping Bags
Help save our enviroment
How to Sew a Fabric Shopping Bag
Copyright © 2006 Silver Seams.com
It seems that every time I turn around, I'm being handed another silly plastic shopping bag. I have lots of places to recycle them (reuse them, actually) - the library takes them, etc., I still get tired of dealing with them. Invariable, I collect several bags stuffed with other bags before I remember to take them to the library, and that's just wrong.I know a lot of people carry their own tote bags, and I have a couple of them, but I often end up with five or six bags' worth of groceries, and tote bags aren't that convenient to load. So I looked more closely at one of the ubiquitous plastic bags here at Silver Seams World Headquarters, and realized it would be really, really easy to sew.A serger (overlocker, for non-USAns) helps here, but isn't necessary.Take a piece of fabric, 37 1/2" wide by 21 1/2" long. Fold it in half long-ways, and stitch the side closed. I assume 1/4" seams here, but it's not critical. If you sewed it right sides together (RST), turn it now... but you can just leave the seam inside the fold. These are utilitarian, not beautiful.Now fold in the sides slightly over 3". Now is where you'd tuck that seam in, but it doesn't matter.Now sew across the bottom. This seam goes on the outside, no doubt about it. If you're using a conventional machine, you might want to zigzag stitch the seam allowance to cut down on fraying.Then cut the bag opening out. You'll want to catch the inside fold too, otherwise your handle won't have a hole in it.It's probably best to finish the raw edges of the handle area first, before sewing the "shoulder" seams of the handles. You can use an overlock stitch, zig-zag stitch (multiple times is best) or go all-out and put bias tape on them. Then, keeping the folds in place (you're sewing through four layers), stitch across the handle seams. You may want to open up the handles, press the seam allowance to one side, and sew it down. This seam takes a lot of weight, remember.If you want to get really fancy, you can sew "buttonholes" and thread your bags onto the metal arms just like the plastic bags go, but that's four buttonholes (don't buttonhole-stitch your handles closed!) when you could just hang the bag on the handles instead.All done... now when they ask "Paper or plastic?" you can answer "Fabric!"
For Pics Click Here
How to Sew a Fabric Shopping Bag
Copyright © 2006 Silver Seams.com
It seems that every time I turn around, I'm being handed another silly plastic shopping bag. I have lots of places to recycle them (reuse them, actually) - the library takes them, etc., I still get tired of dealing with them. Invariable, I collect several bags stuffed with other bags before I remember to take them to the library, and that's just wrong.I know a lot of people carry their own tote bags, and I have a couple of them, but I often end up with five or six bags' worth of groceries, and tote bags aren't that convenient to load. So I looked more closely at one of the ubiquitous plastic bags here at Silver Seams World Headquarters, and realized it would be really, really easy to sew.A serger (overlocker, for non-USAns) helps here, but isn't necessary.Take a piece of fabric, 37 1/2" wide by 21 1/2" long. Fold it in half long-ways, and stitch the side closed. I assume 1/4" seams here, but it's not critical. If you sewed it right sides together (RST), turn it now... but you can just leave the seam inside the fold. These are utilitarian, not beautiful.Now fold in the sides slightly over 3". Now is where you'd tuck that seam in, but it doesn't matter.Now sew across the bottom. This seam goes on the outside, no doubt about it. If you're using a conventional machine, you might want to zigzag stitch the seam allowance to cut down on fraying.Then cut the bag opening out. You'll want to catch the inside fold too, otherwise your handle won't have a hole in it.It's probably best to finish the raw edges of the handle area first, before sewing the "shoulder" seams of the handles. You can use an overlock stitch, zig-zag stitch (multiple times is best) or go all-out and put bias tape on them. Then, keeping the folds in place (you're sewing through four layers), stitch across the handle seams. You may want to open up the handles, press the seam allowance to one side, and sew it down. This seam takes a lot of weight, remember.If you want to get really fancy, you can sew "buttonholes" and thread your bags onto the metal arms just like the plastic bags go, but that's four buttonholes (don't buttonhole-stitch your handles closed!) when you could just hang the bag on the handles instead.All done... now when they ask "Paper or plastic?" you can answer "Fabric!"
For Pics Click Here
PVC Pipe greenhouse
I found this link for a pvc pipe greenhouse
It is easy to make and inexpensive.
If you have the space go for it!
It is easy to make and inexpensive.
If you have the space go for it!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cubby Crazy
I am finally finished all the Cubbies for my children just give you an updated pic on them.
Princez Room
I have to laugh because I so believe in recycling items that other people do not want. My husband has argued with me " What are you gonna do with that junk" and I laugh anymore because reality is that I will...WILL find something .
Well needless to say my huaband went on a demolition job and when he came home in the morning He has these peices of broken bench and foam window frames. I had to laugh and looked at him and yelled " It is contagious isnt it"
Well here is what we created out of the demolished bench and foam frame.
Remember One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure.
Well needless to say my huaband went on a demolition job and when he came home in the morning He has these peices of broken bench and foam window frames. I had to laugh and looked at him and yelled " It is contagious isnt it"
Well here is what we created out of the demolished bench and foam frame.
Remember One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure.
Monday, June 4, 2007
A Closet Cubby
Hi just wanted to share the latest build in my daughters closet. I have made a closet cubby to use some of that wasted space in there. I have tried the cloth organizers but, with young children they are not very practical. So we built an organizer that is a lot more sturdier. Let me know what you think.Sunday, May 13, 2007
From Trash to Treasure
I love the Moroccan style of Living. So I decided to make my own theme in my bedroom. I have restored these pieces of furniture that were thrown away. The stools were reupholstered and the furniture oiled. I am hoping to have the room finished soon.
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