Jul 16, 2012

Duck Tape Wallet

O.k.,o.k.! I know what your thinking. "Didn't she just write a post about Duck tape?" The answer is yes. I'm on this duck tape kick right now, so just bear with me.(You can see my duck tape hairbows here.)

The best way to show how to make the wallets is with a video, and this is the one that I used for my wallets. I think that she explains it very well.


These are the colors that I used for my wallet. Zebra print is so cool!

And here are my finished pictures.


This one was taken to show the I.D. holder.



God bless!
Rachel : )

Jul 13, 2012

Simplicity 4236

Let me start out by saying this is one of my favorite sewing patterns, ever. I have made this skirt many, many times. I use view B. By the way, I don't follow the instructions exactly, which is really no surprise for those who know me.

Supplies:
Simplicity pattern 4236
Material
A Hook and Eye closure
Matching thread, zipper, and bias tape.
Sewing machine(This is probably one of those "duh" things unless you plan on conquering this project by hand.)






Start out by purchasing, washing, drying, and ironing your material. Fold your material with the right sides facing each other.


Position and pin your pattern like I did. The fold of my material is on the right side.

I like to add about 4 inches to this skirt. You can do this by lining up your ruler/tape measure and pinning the length all the way around the skirt bottom.

Cut out the skirt. Don't forget your darts! : )

This is what my skirt looked like after cutting.

Remove the pattern, and pin the sides together. (The material is already right sides together so you don't have to move it around. All you have to do is pin it!) Starting at the top of one side, stitch about 1/2 in., backstitch, and continue stitching down the length of the skirt, removing pins as you go. Backstitching will keep you from having to tie your threads. Backstitch at the other end.

Iron the seam flat.

Repeat with the other side, except start at the bottom of the skirt and make your way to the dart. Backstitch at the dart and iron seams flat.

Baste your zipper into place and then machine stitch it. Remove your basting thread.

Take your extra wide double fold bias tape(1/2 in.)...
Unfold it once ...
Flip out one side...
And gently press.

Take the open side and pin the edge to the waist edge all the way around the skirt.

Position your needle so that your stitches are in the crease. Backstitch and then stitch along the waistline, ending with backstitching.

Take your bias tape and...

Fold over the top edge of the skirt and pin. You want your pins to be right under the bias tape in the front.

But catch the bias tape in the back, which is where you want your stitches to be.


Backstitch at both ends and keep your stitches under the bias tape, creating a finished look.

Attach a hook and eye closure.

Allow to hang overnight. After that, all you have to do is put in a hem and your skirt is done!

For the hem, fold the bottom edge up about a half inch and press.


Fold it up one more time, press and pin it to create a finished hem.

Stitch along the hem removing pins as you go. I like to line my hem up with my presser foot to get a straight line.

Backstitch and trim your threads after you go all the way around.

And you're done! Now you are ready to show the world your awesome sewing skills. (Don't forget to remember me when you become a rich and famous seamstress/fashion designer up in New York!)




God bless!
Rachel : )

Jul 11, 2012

Garden Pics!

Here are some pictures of our garden.

El's Carrots
Jet Star Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes
My poor little eggplant plants look worse than the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. But we have eggplant!
Eggplant
Eggplant
Bell Pepper
We have picked over 17 gallons of green beans this year! God is so good! : ) We have recently had some rain here. I'm hoping that it will be enough to keep the plants alive.
Green beans
Bean plants
Squash and Zucchini
Blueberries

Pear
Let me tell you a little story about this plant. A few months ago, when we started to see life in the garden, we noticed these plants popping up in our compost pile. We had no idea what they were until we saw little pumpkins! We figured they were from last Halloween.





Smokie

Smokie in action.
Our lima beans are also coming in! We picked about four gallons so far. They taste SO good!
Lima Bean blooms
Lima Bean blooms
Lima Beans





God bless!
Rachel : )