Thursday, July 21, 2016

bunting

YOU WILL NEED
FOR EACH BEACH HOUSE
Main fabric: 18x28cm (7x11in)
Door fabric: 10x8cm (4x3in)
Small scraps of fabric to decorate
Bondaweb: 10x10cm (4x4in)
2oz wadding: 18x14cm (7x6in)
Wooden button
Cotton tape: white, 2cm wide x 20cm (8in)
Piping cord, see instructions for
details
2 Eyelets: silver
Basic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Coastline

NOTES
Use a 1cm seam allowance
You will find the template needed on the pull-out pattern sheet.

CUTTING OUT
Step one Trace around the outer lines of the beach hut template and cut around it to make a pattern. The solid lines are cutting lines and the dotted lines are stitching lines.
Step two Fold your main fabric in half, pin the pattern on and cut around it to make the front and back of the beach hut.
Step three Cut a piece of 2oz wadding using the pattern.

DECORATING THE HUT
Step one Place the Bondaweb paper-side up over the template and trace around the door shape. It extends below the stitching line so you sew over it later when you assemble the beach hut for a neater finish. Cut it out roughly outside of the traced line.
Step two Place the door shape onto the wrong side (WS) of the door fabric paper-side up and press into place. Cut out the door along the drawn line.
Step three Choose whether you want to put a life belt, window or heart above the door. Trace around this shape in Bondaweb, press to the WS of a fabric scrap and cut it out.
Step four Take one piece of the beach hut fabric and place it right side (RS) up. Remove the paper backing from the door and decoration then place onto the beach hut, referring to the template for positioning. Press into place.
Step five Stitch the fabric shapes into place to secure them using a straight or zigzag stitch. The window frame is worked with a zigzag through the centre of the window both ways.
Step six Sew a button onto the door to represent the handle. 01

MAKING THE HUT
Step one Place the front and back fabric right sides together with the wadding on top.
Step two Stitch the three layers together all the way around, leaving a turning gap in the centre of one side.
Step three Turn the fabric RS out through the turning gap, turn the edges of the gap to the inside and press.
Step four Top stitch all the way around the edge to neaten and hold the gap closed. 02

ADDING A ROOF EDGE
Step one Fold the cotton tape in half lengthways and press. Fold one short end 1cm to the inside and press to hold.
Step two Fold the tape round the top edge of the roof so that the turned under end extends 1cm beyond the edge of the roof. When you reach the top of the roof, fold the tape neatly into a mitred point then fold the rest of the tape down the other side of the roof. Make sure the edge of the roof sits right inside the fold of the tape.
Step three When you reach the other side, fold and trim the tape so that it extends 1cm in the same way as the other side.
Step four Top stitch the tape into place. 03

ASSEMBLING THE BUNTING
Step one Make as many beach huts as you need for your length of bunting in the same way. Use a variety of fabrics and decorations for a fun look.
Step two Punch an eyelet either side of the hut in the positions shown on the template. Repeat for all the huts.
Step three Thread the piping cord in and out of the eyelets so the beach huts are evenly spaced then hang your bunting. 04
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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Duffle Bag

YOU WILL NEED
Main fabric: 50x112cm (20x44in)
Contrast fabric: 50x112cm (20x44in)
Curtain lining: 50x112cm (20x44in)
Cotton rope: white, 12mm
diameter x 150cm (60in)
6 eyelets: silver, 14mm
diameter hole
Basic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Coastline

NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance.

CUTTING OUT
Step one Cut out a 23cm diameter circle from paper to make the base template.
Step two Cut the main fabric as follows:
Outer base: one circle using the template. Outer body: 36x72cm. Strap binding: 7x7cm.
Step three Cut the contrast fabric as follows:
Outer eyelet band: 10x72cm. Lining base: one circle using the template. Lining body: 43x72cm. Strap loop: 9x9cm.
Step four Cut the curtain lining as follows: Base: one circle using the template. Body: 43x72cm.

MAKING THE BAG OUTER
Step one Place the bottom long edge of the outer eyelet band right sides (RS) together with the top long edge of the outer body and stitch together. Press the seam open.
Step two Place the joined outer body wrong sides (WS) together with the curtain lining body and stitch together all the way around the edge just 5mm ('in) from the raw edges so this stitching won’t be seen later.
Step three Fold this joined piece in half width ways then stitch together down the side to make a tube. Press the seam open. 01

ATTACHING THE STRAP LOOP AND BASE
Step one Fold the strap loop in half RS together and stitch down the length. Turn RS out, press and fold in half width ways, pinning the raw edges together.
Step two Place the base outer and curtain lining base WS facing and stitch together all the way around.
Step three Fold to mark the quarter points of the bottom edge of the outer body with pins.
Step four Fold to mark the quarter points of the outer base circle with pins.
Step five Matching the quarter points of the bag outer and bag base, pin the two RS together all the way around.
Step six Place the strap loop between the body and base, centred on the side seam and matching raw edges, then pin into place.
Step seven Stitch the outer body and outer base together, enclosing the strap loop. 02

LINING THE BAG
Step one Make the bag lining in exactly the  as the bag outer but leave a 10cm (4in) turning gap in the centre.
Step two Place the lining inside the outer RS together and match up the side seams. Stitch together all the way around the top edge. 03
Step three Turn the bag outer RS out through the gap in the lining then slip stitch closed.
Step four Push the lining inside the bag and topstitch around the top edge.

ADDING THE EYELETS AND ROPE
Step one The eyelets are inserted into the centre of the eyelet band and through the lining and spaced evenly apart. Make sure the bag’s side seam is placed centrally between two of the eyelets. Measure carefully and insert pins at the positions you want them.
Step two Follow the instructions on the packet of eyelets to cut the fabric and hammer them into place.
Step three Thread the length of rope in and out of the eyelets, starting and finishing on either side of the side seam.
Step four Take one end of the rope down through the strap loop at the base of the bag. Overlap the two rope ends by 4cm and stitch securely together by over sewing.
Step five Turn three edges of the strap binding under by 1cm (%⁄#in) to the WS and press. Fold this around the overlapped rope ends with the turned-under end on top of the raw ends. Slip stitch into place to secure and hold the rope ends neatly together. 04
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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Making Cube Seat Impression

YOU WILL NEED
Main fabric: 135x112cm (53x44in)
Appliqué fabrics: 30x45cm(12x18in) each, four different fabrics
Curtain lining: 135x112cm (53x44in),
see instructions for details
Bondaweb: 120x44cm (48x112in)
High density foam: 40x40x40cm(16x16x16in)
Basic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Coastline

NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance.
You will find the fish template on
the pull-out pattern sheet provided
with this issue.

CUTTING OUT
Step one: Cut the main fabric into six pieces, each measuring 43x43cm (17x17in).
Step two: If you are using a dress-weight fabric as we did, you will need to line it with curtain lining to give it weight and strength. If you use a curtain-weight fabric then you won’t need to do this. If you’re using curtain lining, cut it into six pieces, each measuring 43x43cm (17x17in).
Step three:  Place one piece of main fabric wrong sides (WS) together with one piece of curtain lining then tack together all the way around the edge. Repeat this with the other five pieces of main and curtain lining.

MAKING THE FISH SHAPES
Step one: Trace the fish template from the pull-out pattern sheet.
Step two: Place the Bondaweb paper-side up on top of the fish template and draw around it 16 times, leaving a gap of at least 1cm between each fish.
Step three: Cut roughly around each traced fish about 5mm outside the drawn lines.
Step four: Place four fish paper-side up on the WS of each fabric and press them firmly into place using a medium iron. 01
Step five: Cut each of the fish out carefully along the drawn lines then remove the paper backing. You will now have 16 fish ready to appliqué onto your main fabric.

APPLIQUÉING THE FISH
Step one: Take one fish of each different fabric and place them nose to tail as shown in the photograph. Make sure they are placed centrally and are evenly spaced.
Step two: Once you are happy with the arrangement carefully press them to hold them in place.
Step three: Using a machine zigzag stitch, sew around each of the fish shapes to secure them in place. 02
Step four: Repeat this process to appliqué four fish on three more fabric squares so that all the sides of the cube will be appliquéd. We have the left the top and bottom of the cube plain.

MAKING THE CUBE SIDES
Step one: Take one appliquéd square and place it right sides (RS) together with another appliquéd square. Start stitching 1.5cm from the top edge to make joining the top piece on easier, then stitch down the side.
Step two: Repeat this to join the other two appliquéd squares onto these first two to make a continuous loop.

JOINING THE CUBE TOP AND BASE
Step one: Take one square for the top and place one side RS together with the top edge of one of the appliquéd squares, matching corners. Stitch together all the way around, pivoting your needle at each corner. 03
Step two: Take the last square for the base and stitch it RS together to the bottom of one of the appliquéd squares.
Step three: Turn the other three sides of the base square under by 1.5cm to the WS and tack into place. Repeat to turn under and tack the bottom edge of all four appliquéd side squares.
Step four: Put the foam inside your fabric cube then pin the tacked edges of the base square to the side squares all the way around.
Step five: Slip stitch the edges together, making sure you keep the stitches small and neat so they are strong and can’t be seen. 04
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How To Have a Doorstop Beautiful

YOU WILL NEED
Main fabric: 30x112cm (12x44in)
Roof fabric: 25x35cm (10x14in)
Door fabric: 15x8cm (6x3in)
Lifebelt and bunting fabrics:
small scraps
Bondaweb, 20x20cm (8x8in)
2oz wadding: 15x35cm (6x14in)
Soft toy stuffing
Play sand and thick plastic bag
Wooden button
Rope: white, 30cm (12in)
Twine, scrap
Basic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Coastline

NOTES
Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance.
You will find the template for the
beach hut on the pull out pattern
sheet provided with this issue.


CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Trace the outer line of the template and cut it out to make a pattern. The solid lines are cutting lines and the dotted lines are stitching lines.
Step two Cut the main fabric into the
following pieces:
Roof inner: cut two,10x14cm
Front and back: cut two from pattern.
Sides: cut two 17x14cm
Base: 14x14cm
Step three Cut the roof fabric into the
following pieces:
Roof: cut four, 12x16cm

MAKING THE DECORATIONS
Step one: Place the Bondaweb paper-side up over the template and trace around the door, window and life belt.
Step two: Cut the shapes out roughly outside the drawn line then place the door and window paper side up onto the wrong side (WS) of the door fabric. Cut them out along  the drawn lines. The door shape extends below the stitching line as you sew over it later when you assemble the beach hut. Cut it out roughly outside the traced line.
Step three: Press the lifebelt to the lifebelt scrap of fabric and cut it out.
Step four: Trace the bunting triangles onto the paper side of the Bondaweb. You’ll need to trace all seven for the front of the hut but if you want to add bunting around the sides and back of your beach hut then trace another three sets of seven. Press onto a variety of fabric scraps and cut them out.



DECORATING THE BEACH HUT FRONT
Step one: Remove the paper backing from each of the decorations.
Step two: Referring to the template for placement, place the door and window onto the beach hut front fabric and press.
Step three: Stitch the door and window in place by working contrasting zigzag around
the edge. 01
Step four: Press and topstitch the lifebelt on to the door.
Step five: Stitch the button onto the front of the door for the handle. 02
Step six: Draw the curved line for the bunting rope onto your fabric by copying the pattern. Press and stitch each triangle of bunting in place then zigzag stitch some twine across the top of it, following the curved line. If you want to attach bunting all the way around the beach hut, repeat this around the side and back pieces. You’ll need 20cm (8in) of twine for each side of bunting. 03

ASSEMBLING THE BEACH HUT
Step one: Place the front fabric RS together with one of the sides and stitch together down the side.
Step two: Join the other side piece to the other side of the front piece right sides (RS) together then join the back piece between the two sides in the same way. 04
Step three: Place the two roof inner pieces RS together. Fold the rope in half then slip the raw ends between the two roof pieces in the centre along the longer edge. Stitch together, sandwiching the rope between the roof pieces. Work an extra row of stitching through the rope to hold it securely. Press the
seam open. 05
Step four: Place the joined roof pieces RS together with the top edges of the joined front, sides and back and stitch together all the way around, matching the corners with the side seams. 06
Step five: Place the base piece RS together with the joined front, sides and back and stitch together around the front and two sides, leaving the back unstitched.
Step six: Turn the beach hut RS out and turn under the unstitched edge of the back and base by 1cm to the WS. Tack into place.

FILLING THE BEACH HUT
Step one: Fill the roof section of the beach hut with soft toy stuffing then place the plastic bag inside the beach hut and fill with sand. Tie the bag tightly closed so the sand can’t escape and tuck the knot inside the bag.
Step two: Pin the tacked side and base together and slip stitch to close.

MAKING THE ROOF
Step one: Place two roof pieces RS together with one piece of wadding on top.
Step two: Stitch together all the way around leaving a turning gap in the centre of one of the sides.
Step three: Turn RS out, turn the edges of the turning gap to the inside and slip stitch closed. Stitch three horizontal lines spaced evenly apart through all layers along the length, for decoration.
Step four: Repeat to make the other side of the roof in the same way. 07
Step five: Place the two roof pieces on top of the beach hut so they are placed centrally and the rope handle is in the centre. Hand stitch the roof pieces together in the centre, either side of the handle. titch the roof to the top of the beach hut all the way around using small invisible stitches. 08
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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Dress-Up Bow Tie

YOU WILL NEED
  • Main fabric: 23x20cm (9x8in)
  • Self cover button: 2cm (¾in) diameter
  • Bamboo skewer
  • Matching sewing thread
  • Basic sewing kit
  • Strong clear adhesive

FABRICS USED
Bow ties: Quarter Dot Pearlised, Glitz.
Ref: MC3744-GLIT-D; Quarter Dot
Pearlised, Blush. Ref: MC3744-BLUS-D;
Quarter Dot Pearlised, Mist. Ref:
MC3744-MIST-D.
NOTES
Use a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance.
MAKING THE BOWTIE
Step one: Cut your fabric into two pieces measuring 7x23cm(2¾x9in) each for the bowtie
front and back, and one square 5x5cm (2x2in) to cover the button.
Step two: Place the front and back fabric right sides (RS) together and stitch all the way around leaving a gap in one side for turning.
Step three: Turn the fabric RS out and press, then slip stitch the turning gap closed.
Step four: Measure to find the centre of the length of the fabric, then fold the two short ends into the
centre and overlap them by 5mm (¼in). Slip stitch together. 01
Step five: Pleat the bow tie in the centre then oversew the pleats to hold them together. 02
Step six: Cover your button with the fabric then stitch this on top of the gathers at the front. 03
Step seven: Stick the bamboo skewer to the back of thecentreofthebowtietofinish.Forstability, glue a small strip of cotton fabric around the skewer then stick this to the back of your prop. 04
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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Photo Booth Props

YOU WILL NEED

MOUSTACHE
Felt: charcoal, 14x14cm (5½x5½in)
Bondaweb: 7x14cm (2¾x5½in)

LIPS
Fabric: 7x10cm(2¾x4in)
Felt: 3mm acrylic, white 7x10cm
(2¾x4in)
Bondaweb: 7x10cm (2¾x4in)

HAT OR CROWN
Fabric: 16x22cm(6x9in)
Felt for the hat band: white,
17x5cm(6¾x2in)
Felt: 3mm acrylic, white 16x22cm
(6x9in)
Bondaweb: 16x22cm (6x9in)
GLASSES
Fabric: 10x18cm(4x7in)
Felt: 3mm acrylic, white 10x18cm
(4x7in)
Bondaweb: 10x18cm (4x7in)
FOR ALL PROPS
Bamboo skewer
Strong clear adhesive
Matching sewing thread
Basic sewing kit

NOTES
You will find the templates needed on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue.

MAKING THE MOUSTACHE
Step one: Place the Bondaweb paper side up over the moustache template and trace over it.
Step two: Cut the felt in half then place the traced Bondaweb paper side up in the centre of one
piece and press firmly into place. 01
Step three: Cut out the moustache along the drawn lines.
Step four: Remove the paper backing from the Bondaweb then place it on top of the felt. Press
into place.
Step five: Topstitch around the outer and inner edges close to the edge of the fabric.
Step six: Cut out the felt all the way around the edge of the fabric. 02
Step seven: Stick a bamboo skewer to one side of the back of the moustache to complete.

MAKING THE LIPS
Step one: Place the Bondaweb paper side up over the lips template and trace over it.
Step two: Place the traced Bondaweb paper side up on the wrong side (WS) of your fabric and
press firmly into place. Cut out along the drawn outer and inner lines.
Step three: Remove the paper backing from the Bondaweb then place it fabric side up on top of
the felt. Press into place. 03
Step four: Topstitch around the outer and inner edges, close to the edge of the fabric.
Step five: Cut out the felt all the way around the edge of the fabric, snipping carefully on the
inner lines to create neat curves.
Step six: Stick a bamboo skewer to one side of the back of the lips to complete.

MAKING THE HAT OR CROWN 
Step one: Place the Bondaweb paper side up over the template and trace over it. You need to trace
the hat band separately from the hat.
Step two: Place the traced Bondaweb paper side up on the WS of your fabric and press firmly into
place. Press the hat band piece onto the hat band white felt. Cut out along the lines.
Step three: To decorate the circles on the top of the crown,we pressed a square of Bondaweb to the
back of five gold dots on some spare fabric, then cut these out and pressed them on top. 04
Step four: Remove the paper backing from the Bondaweb then place it fabric side up on top of the
felt. Press into place.
Step five: Topstitch around the edges of the fabric.
Step six: Cut out the felt all the way around the edge of the fabric. If making the hat, press the felt band into position on top and topstitch into place.
Step seven: Stick a bamboo skewer to the back.

MAKING THE GLASSES
Step one: Place the Bondaweb paper side up over the glasses template and trace over it.
Step two: Place the traced Bondaweb paper side up on the WS of your fabric and press firmly into place. Cut out along the drawn lines.
Step three: Remove the paper backing from the Bondaweb then place it fabric side up on top of the
felt. Press into place.
Step four: Topstitch around the the outer and inner edges close to the edge of the fabric.
Step five: Cut out the felt around the edge of the fabric, snipping carefully for neat curves.
Step six: Stick a bamboo skewer to the back.
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Floor Cushions

YOU WILL NEED
Main fabric: 78x78cm(31x31in)
Backing fabric: 78x78cm (31x31in)
Zip: 70cm(28in)
Cushion pad: 76x76cm(30x30in)
Matching sewing thread
Basic sewing kit
Wool for the pom poms
Clover pom pom maker: 85mm (33⁄8in).

MATERIALS USED
Main fabric: Quarter Dot
Pearlised, Glitz. Ref: MC3744-GLIT-D;
Quarter Dot Pearlised,Mist. Ref:
MC3744-MIST-D; Quarter Dot
Pearlised, Blush. Ref: MC3744-BLUS-D.
Backing fabric: Cotton Couture, Mist.
Ref: SC5333-MIST-D; Cotton Couture,
Blush. Ref: SC5333-BLUS-D; Cotton
Couture, Glitz. Ref: SC5333-BWHT-D.

MEASUREMENTS
The finished floor cushion cover
measures 75x75cm (29½x29½in).

NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (5⁄8in) seam allowance.

INSERTING THE ZIP
Step one: To strengthen your floor cushion cover you may wish to line it. To do this, cut two pieces of curtain lining or similar to 78x78cm(31x31in) and pin to the wrong side (WS) of the main and backing fabric before you begin making the cushion cover.
Step two: Insert the zip between the back and front cushion fabric pieces. Place them right sides (RS) together and stitch 3cm(1¼in) from each edge using a 1.5cm(5⁄8in) seam allowance to make your side seams. 01
Step three: Using your longest machine stitch, stitch between these two lines.We have stitched
ours using a pink thread so it is visible, but you could use the same thread as you have used for
the side seams. It will be removed later. 02
Step four: Press the seam open and lay both pieces RS down. Pin the zip RS down on top of this,making sure the teeth run centrally down the central seam. The zip pull should sit 2mm (1⁄16in) below the end of the side seam so that the zip tape above it is on top of the side seam. The other end of the zip should extend beyond the other side seam. Pin into place. 03
Step five: Stitch the zip into place, starting at the closed end. When you reach the zip pull, raise
your machine foot but keep the needle in the fabric. Slide the zip pull down a little, continue
stitching, then pull the zip pull back and continue stitching back to the closed end. In this
way, you will have an eat row of machine stitching without a break in the stitches. 04
Step six: Remove the long machine stitches you worked between the side seams, and you will
have a neatly inserted zip.

MAKING THE CUSHION COVER
Step one: Place the front and back RS together, making sure the zip is undone a little way. Stitch
together along the three sides without the zip.
Step two: Press the seams open, clip the corners, then turn the cushion cover RS out and press.
Step three: Make a few pom poms using coordinating colours of wool. Sew one to each corner using the wool which you have tied your pom pom up with to keep it secure.We used a pom pom maker to make ours, but you could use two circles of cardboard instead.
Step four: Put the floor cushion pad inside the cover, close the zip and you’re done!

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