Saturday, 15 April 2017

Creative Projects

 I have been busy with a couple of creative projects over the last few days.  One was this MDF landscape paper storage rack which I wanted to decorate.  I painted it in a duck egg blue emulsion and then found some papers I liked to glue on.

Here it is with the top decorated.  In my head, I was after a turquoise chinoiserie pattern, but ended up with various floral designs.

 This is the pattern I chose for the top...
 ...the side...
 ...the back

...and the other side.  I do like the quirky, not matching effect.  I just need to varnish it now and then find a space on a shelf so that I can fill it up with paper.
 My other project I bought last March and it had been languishing about, waiting for me to get on with it.  It is a tote bag kit, which came with the pattern and all the material.  I ordered it from Create and Craft, but looking at the shop, it seems they only offer the pattern now, not the whole kit.   The outer is a cotton oilcloth fabric and I was interested to see how it would sew.  It was all going fine until it came to the top stitching around the top edge, then my trusty machine just couldn't get a grip on the slippery fabric.  I don't have a walking foot for my machine, so used a tip from the pattern, of placing tissue over the top, sewing through it and then removing it once finished, which worked well.
The lining fabric was a classic olive green spotty cotton.  This bag is going to get a lot of use as it will be my work bag.
I am pleased with the way these projects turned out.  I just need to get on with all the other projects waiting for me!

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6 comments:

  1. Jules15 April 2017 at 13:08

    Great projects. I love the patterns you have chosen for the paper storage rack and the bag is gorgeous. It's good you managed to work around your problems with the top stitching. X

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    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster15 April 2017 at 16:09

      Thanks, Jules (and I don't think I have said welcome, so, welcome - it's lovely to have you here!) Eve though the bag was a kit, I was still pleased with the end result as it does look quite professional (and that's not something I can usually say with my sewing, as I still consider myself a beginner). One day I will get a walking foot for my machine, but until then, the tissue paper was a good tip and it worked.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Elephant's Child15 April 2017 at 21:21

    Love them both.
    And the fact that you are ALWAYS creative.

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    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster16 April 2017 at 10:59

      Thanks, EC. I am so grateful for your support.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Jo17 April 2017 at 20:11

    I have some oil cloth for a swimming bag and haven't got round to making it. You have inspired me to hunt it out and make a tote! Jo x

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    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster18 April 2017 at 14:40

      Thanks, Jo. It's lovely to hear that my tote bag success has inspired you! I am sure your swimming bag will be a huge success.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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