Sewing

Using Oilcloth for the first time

On a recent visit to my sisters she asked me to bring my sewing machine with me. I always like the little projects she sets for me. In the past they have been turning up curtains, covering ottomans or making cushions. These days they are often little projects for my wonderful new nephew. I was keen to see what this project entailed. My sis had purchased some oilcloth online and was hoping I could use it to make a new cover for a changing mat.

Oilcloth is a fabric treated on one side with oil to make it waterproof. I had purchased some oilcloth recently for a tablecloth but it didn’t require any work, so this would be the first time using oilcloth on my machine.

Before making a start I read this article to give me an idea of what to expect. I was a bit nervous to start with, but I told myself it all went terribly wrong I would just buy my nephew a new mat!

I used a standard foot but changed my needle to a 90. This might have been too thick but the stitches looked OK. I cut the fabric so it folded with the fabric facing inwards. I sewed along the longest part first then turned it the right way before sewing up the top. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as this is the thickest and heaviest material I have ever used, but the oilcloth went through the machine smoothly requiring no extra effort from me.

5a - Baby Mat

This really was a simple project but I wanted to share my experience as the oilcloth was a great surprise and really easy to work with. I am excited to use it again on a more ambitious project. Maybe a nice lunch bag?

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Inspiration, Sewing

What makes a good tutorial?

Emma from @livepeachy is the founder and host of #craftblogclub, a weekly get together on twitter for craft bloggers and craft lovers alike. Each week we have a topic, for example last weeks was ‘What makes a good tutorial?’ As a beginner I often follow online tutorials. They are a great way to see if I am doing it right! I do love books, magazines and patterns but sometimes I just need to see someone else doing it for me to really get it and understand. I had just finished making some lovely cushions following an online tutorial so I was pleased to have the opportunity to share this great video with others during our weekly #craftblogclub.

A few months back I got my hands on this lovely fabric at a local charity shop. I wasn’t sure at first what I was going to make with it but soon decided I was going to attempt cushions.

3a - Fabric

As a beginner I am not ready to battle zips yet, so I found an envelope cushion tutorial online by The Crafty Gemini. I love how clear Vanessa is in this video. Clear instructions with great close up shots. I would recommend the video to any beginner like me. I was really pleased with the finish; I even felt confident enough to add some buttons. It was my first time making a buttonhole on my machine and it was so much easier than I thought. I don’t know why I hadn’t done it before. I think I will be adding buttons to everything from now on! I used another tutorial for sewing on the buttons. I know this is a simple sewing technique but I wanted to be sure they were secure. I used this video to check out the best technique.

I am really pleased with the final result, so much so that I will give them to my Mum as a Christmas present. It’s ok, she isn’t online so she won’t see them!

3b - Cushions

Thanks to #craftblogclub I was able to share this tutorial with others as well as bookmark lots of tutorials that others recommended. For those of you not familiar with #craftblogclub we meet every Tuesday 7-8pm. Make sure you follow @livepeachy to keep up to date with the weekly topic as well as fun crafty challenges. Maybe see you there next week?

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

About me

Hello! I am Katie and thank you for visiting my website.

In September 2009 I picked up knitting needles for the first time. I have since attempted crochet, cross stitch and machine sewing. I consider myself a beginner with a lot to learn. Katie Gets Crafty offers an opportunity for me to share my crafting journey.  Be sure to follow me on twitter @katiegetscrafty and check out my folksy page.

Wish me luck!

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