2022 - No Craft Spending - I WILL bust my stash and make pretty things!!!!! 27 December 2021 at 10:32AM in Crafting 656 replies 30.7K views

plumduff55

Good morning everyone, well I managed two of my three goals this week and one extra.

I finished the three Christmas bags. They are so lovely I've decided to make another one for myself and a smaller one for dgd who's 9. Her mum's getting one as well. The first bag took ages as I was working out sizes etc to get the most from my fabric. I've now written down all measurements. Also I put the bag altogether and realised I hadn't added the outside zip. Well, that was a real guddle so I've also written down placement instructions for the zip. 

I've also sewn another Christmas block. Thought I'd already sewn 7 but no just 6. I'm going to lay out these blocks today and see how easy it would be to reduce the size. The blocks are all different sizes so it'll be a bit of a puzzle. 

I also shortened the sleeves on a new coat I'd bought. I am a very slow methodical worker and this would have usually taken me nearly an hour. Well, I was going out and the weather had changed and was very cold and wet. So 20 minutes before leaving for the bus I decided to shorten the sleeves. Managed it in 10 minutes and it's a great job. Very pleased with myself.

My goals for next week are;
1) Recover the pouffe - MUST do it this week!!!
2) Sew another 2 bags.
3) Sew another block for Christmas quilt
4) Shorten the sleeves on a tunic top I bought months ago.

Happy crafting xx
Wraithlady  I love your rag doll. My daughter had a rainbow rag doll very similar to yours nearly 40 years ago. Your photo brought back a nice memory.

Katiehound

@plumduff55
have we seen the Christmas bags?
If the answer is 'yes' then will have to trawl back 'thro........
Otherwise perhaps please post another photo! (maybe, anyway!!)

plumduff55

@Katiehound
Here's the photo of the bag. It's an upholstery weight fabric and has a gold thread running through it. The lining is red cotton that I quilted. I'm really pleased with them. Took me ages to work out measurements etc as I did have to practically remake the first one. Senior moment I think 🤔. I'll post my hand written instructions. 

plumduff55

My bag instructions

Katiehound

looks great: congratulations. I'm sure the recipients will love it/them

Many thanks for the instructions ('though don't have the Brilliant Bags book) however I suspect I can puzzle it out for myself.
I have made several bags from upholstery remnants but mine tend to be longer and shallower- rather dictated by the pieces!!

I usually put a zip pocket on the inside- doesn't then need really careful top stitching / insetting: I'm a bit on the slap happy side!!

plumduff55

@Katiehound  Any instructions for a letterbox zip would do and if you do your topstitching in matching thread it won't matter how wonky your stitching is 🤪

craftingmad

Wraithlady said:

Picture of the rag doll I made - sorry it's so big!

love this - she is adorable x 

craftingmad

plumduff55 said:

@Katiehound
Here's the photo of the bag. It's an upholstery weight fabric and has a gold thread running through it. The lining is red cotton that I quilted. I'm really pleased with them. Took me ages to work out measurements etc as I did have to practically remake the first one. Senior moment I think 🤔. I'll post my hand written instructions. 

wow that is fab - I wish I knew you in person as I want a bag now  

craftingmad

What fantastic makes you have all produced this week.
I am in envy of all your sewing talents as it is one craft I just cannot do no matter how hard I try!!!

I've been busy making mainly for orders for my Etsy shop again this week but have managed to squeeze a few cards into the total too so my total now stands at 1560/2022. It's creeping up and I think itis the most I have ever managed so at least I am heading in the right direction. 

I've also not spent any money on craft supplies for the whole of October and also all of November (ok I know its only 6th today but for me it is still a good acheivement) - actually I feel more determined than ever to bust my stash rather than add to it so fingers crossed I can keep it up for the rest of this year and all of next  

Looking forward to hearing all about your creations this coming week.

Keep crafting x  

sammy_kaye18

sammy_kaye18 said:

Things to get done (or at least plan) this week are

• I have a few pen pal letters to reply to, write introductions for and decorate. 
• Need to look through material to see about making dog jumpers
• A paint your own gnome who has been sat longer than he needs to be
• Make a start on Christmas cards
• Plan some Christmas stockings using old material up. 
• Sort printer so I can print the teddy pattern I brought on Etsy.
• 2 small Christmas cross stitches 

so that should keep me busy at least! 

Well I came in to double check my list that I had set myself and I still have not got any of it done yet. 
I really need to pull my finger out and make a start!