Sewing

Simple Fabric Basket

Last week my fab sewing teacher introduced us to a Great British Sewing Bee ‘Sew Your Own Sewing Basket’ kit. The kit included 2 fat quarters, interfacing, fusible wadding and instructions. The whole class loved the look of the completed basket and we could see its potential for so many different uses – craft tidy, fat quarter tidy, bedside table tidy, cutlery holder, perfect for christmas and birthday gifts, especially toiletries. I had been looking for ideas for fat quarter projects and so I decided to give it a go. The instructions are really simple and the project is made in no time – seriously 45 mins max. Needless to say this really is my kind of project, quick and simple!

I didn’t have any fusible wadding so for one of the baskets I used fleece and for the other I used an adhesive spray and this worked perfectly with the wadding that I had. I had never used a glue spray before but it worked just fine and although it was £7 I can see myself using this a lot in future projects.

Everything you need - plus a sewing machine!

Everything you need – plus a sewing machine!

Cutting out - 2 fat quarters, interfacing and wadding all at the same time

Cutting out – 2 fat quarters, interfacing and wadding all at the same time

All cut out and ready

All cut out and ready

Ironing the interfacing to the outer fabric

Ironing the interfacing to the outer fabric

Adhesive spray - wadding to fabric

Adhesive spray – wadding to fabric

Pinning short sides together

Pinning short sides together

With shorter sides sewn together I placed them inside one another with the right sides of the fabric touching

With shorter sides sewn together I placed them inside one another with the right sides of the fabric touching. Then I sewed around the top – leaving an 8cm gap.

Ta-dah!

Pull the fabric through the gap, sew it up and Ta-dah!

I really enjoyed how quick this project is and the result is brilliant! I can see myself making lots of these. I am even planning on altering the size of the basket to make it longer and slightly deeper to fit perfectly on my sewing shelf. You really could pimp up these baskets with small pockets on the outside and maybe even handles? I have searched and searched the internet to find a link to the Great British Sewing Bee Kit and I can’t find it anywhere – so I assume it has been discontinued. This kit was picked up from a charity shop for just £1 – so keep your eyes open for them. Should you come across this kit (or another, as there are several in the series according to the booklet) please do let me know.

Happy Sewing!

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Inspiration

My Craft Space

It wasn’t until our most recent move that I realised how important a craft space was to me. For the first two weeks in our new place I was feeling frustrated and it wasn’t until I sorted all my craft materials that I became settled. Like many of you, I would love a dedicated craft room. This month’s issue of Sew Home & Style has a lovely article on creating your dream craft room and it is my dream one day to have something like this… 13a - Sew Good things come to those who wait. Until then I am more than content with the space I have created. I have divided our lounge into two, with a snug area for the sofa and TV and the other half is my craft space! With the help of my fiancé we built two bookcases to store everything. I also have a beautiful Lloyd Loom ottoman to store larger pieces of materials, wadding etc. Our dining table (now craft table – dinner on our laps is fine!) is positioned next to the double doors letting in lots of natural light. 13. Ottoman I have added a few personal touches with a framed cross stitch by my nan, a beautiful drawing from the lovely @layoutlines and our engagement present from our very dear friend @twoducksdisco. These really do inspire me when I am working.

13. Fox and Bird

I even spent an afternoon going through all my fabric and ironing it all. This means all my fat quarters are now neatly folded and displayed on a shelf. I know I am a saddo but I don’t care, this has made me very happy! I also got A LOT of enjoyment sorting all my buttons into jars. They add so much colour to my book case.

13. Fat Quarters

I love to finally have all my books on display rather than in boxes. I was very excited this week to welcome two new additions to the collection. Both books from the amazing The Great British Sewing Bee series are now brightening up my bookcase. Although I don’t intend for them to stay on the shelf as I am itching to start making my new wardrobe of handmade clothes. 13. Sewing Bee

 13. Books

All my bits and pieces are stored across three lovely sewing boxes. The cream one was a charity shop find and the red with white spots box was a leaving gift from my lovely friends. I also have an overspill of things in two very old tins from both my Nans. 13. Sewing boxes I am really pleased to share my new space with you. Now it’s time to start making :)

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