Neither my husband nor I are tablecloth people. We like seeing the beautiful wood on our table.

Isn’t it pretty? I like the fact that there is some red in the wood, it goes very well with our cherry cabinets. However, since we are using our table more often now, we are starting to see marks and dents.

Do you see it? Right now it is still like playing where is waldo but we didn’t want it to get worse. So we decided to get it covered. We talked about plexiglas or glass but decided against both of those due to the pain of getting it custom cut, not to mention the price associated with it.

Instead, we drove off to Jo-Ann Fabrics to look for something we’d like. You may ask, why didn’t we buy tablecloths from Target or BB&B. In fact we did look at those stores as well as many others online and didn’t like any of the “tableclothy” looking options available. Besides, sewing a tablecloth wouldn’t be too hard.

The fabric we picked is canvas fabric, used for outdoor furniture. It is 100% cotton which was good, because the vinyl stuff ends up getting nasty and doesn’t feel good. Because it was for outdoor use, it was aterproof, an added bonus. The pattern we picked was a bit of risk we took. Again, we aren’t pattern people and tended to pull to the neutral colors, however after much debate we decided on an almost jungle/tropical pattern.

To sew the edges, I just found the size I wanted it to be and ironed the ends down. I used this tutorial to make mitered corners which was a bit more difficult than I thought. But it just too more pinning down then I was used to.

Isn’t the pattern wild?

Now for the before and after picture.

- ASH

Ever saw something on the internet and said, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” That is what I said when I saw this pouch for your camera lens cap on Pintrest. I got around to make it finally and while I was at it, made a camera strap cover as well.

Side note, do you reconize that fabric? Yup it is the same one I used in the wristlet and bookmare found here and here. I love the pattern and the right shade of yellow. I’m also in to grey/yellow combinations so that may have something to do with it. I should go get some more, since I used the last bit up in this project.

The tutorial for the lens cap pouch was really easy to follow. It even has a downloadable pattern. I did make a modification, though. {I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t modify instructions/recipes that I read. }

I added a pocket to the inside to hold an extra SD card as well. I think it will come in handy.  

The pouch slides right on to the strap. I was a bit afraid that it wouldn’t work with the strap cover I made but it glides right over it. For the strap cover I just measured out the width of my strap and doubled it to get the base fabric down. I added the yellow fabric, ruffled, to give a bit of texture. It ties well with the pouch too. The pouch sits pretty nicely when the camera is on my neck. If it bothers me I can just slide it down a bit. {Do you like my nice long nails in the picture below? It was perfect, and then I had to go and rip one half way off the nail. Ouch! *sigh* Such is life.}

Since I was using my new sewing machine {more on that later} I was able to add a bit of personalization to the strap cover.

Have you said, “Why didn’t I think of that?” lately while perusing the interwebs? If so, what did you find?

- ASH

I have a tutorial for you today, to make a laptop sleeve. The sleeve can be customized to your liking by giving it handles or buttons or zippers. However, I went with a handless sleeve and used Velcro for the closure.

Download PDF file.
Download Flap Pattern.

1. Measure your laptop. Make sure to measure all around from point a to b, see diagram.

a. Divide both height and width in half to get measurement for your fabric pieces.
b. Add 1" to both measurements for seam allowance.

2. Materials you will need:

• 2 pieces of inner fabric (size: measurements form step 1a.)
• 2 pieces of outer fabric (same size as inner fabric)
• 2pieces of batting (same size as inner fabric)
• Velcro–4.5" long
• coordinating thread
• 1 piece of inner fabric for the flap (size: your laptop width x 5")
• 1 piece of outer fabric for the flap (size: your laptop width x 5")

3. Place the right sides together of the outer fabric and sew along three sides.

4. Place the right sides together of the inner fabric and sew along three sides, leaving a 4" opening on the side that will be the bottom. (Don’t forget to leave the opening otherwise you won’t be able to flip the bag inside back in.)

5. Place the right sides together of the batting fabric and sew along three sides.

6. To add width to the inside, sew the corners of each piece layer of the sleeve.

a. To determine the amount to sew, you will need the height of the laptop from top to bottom.

Let’s say the height is ‘h’ and this is one of the three pieces of fabric.

For example: if my laptop is 1" high then my sides will be 0.7"

b. Sew the corners where you determined from (a)
c. Cut off extra fabric, see picture below.

d. Repeat for outer and batting fabrics.

7. Sew the flap.
a. Using the pattern found at the end of this tutorial cut out your fabric. You may need to elongate the pattern to fit the width of your laptop.
b. Place right sides together and sew the curve, leaving the long straight end unstitched.
c. Cut slits along the curve, making sure to not cut the stitching. This will help to get a clean curve.
d. Turn right side out and press.

8. Sandwich all the pieces according to the below diagram.

Note: This is a sliced open view to illustrate directions.

a. Line up top edges of each layer and pin all the way around
b. Sew along the top opening.
c. Cut the excess fabric off with pinking shears, and pull the bag through the opening in the inner lining. Be patient with this step if you used harder fabric like vinyl.

9. Sew the lining closed and top stitch around the top to create a flat and finished edge.

10. Iron on the Velcro to the flap and front of the sleeve, and you are done!

Download PDF file.
Download Flap Pattern.

** This tutorial is copyright of ASH Designs, by Anjori Halder, August 2011

- ASH

Last week I showed you the bookmark I gifted my niece for her birthday. I had some left over fabric and decided to make a wristlet for her. I didn’t really have a pattern. I know, you may cringe at me, but I just made it up as I went along.

I got two pieces of fabric that was shaped in to a pentagonish figure. I used interface on the lining then sewed them together. Then I folded the fabrics and sewed them together. Then I flattened the corners to make it more roomy and did a top stitch all along. {I know..not the best of descriptions. Next time, I will try to be better with my camera. }

I added a loop to hang on her wrist.

I was going to do a magnetic snap on it but I didn’t have any at my house so I decided to add velcro.

- ASH

In grade school, I used to collect bookmarks. I had two large envelopes full of bookmarks. Most of them were the free ones you’d get at your school library; but I had a few that were gifted to me. Reading books was my way of losing myself in fantasy worlds. And my bookmarks were like the icing on the cake. I saw these bookmarks and was reminded of my old bookmarks hidden away somewhere.

I decided to make one for my niece’s birthday last month. I wanted it to be cute and sunny so I got some cheery yellow fabric and made one.

I used three different fabrics along with some trimming, sequences, and locket.

I used a wire to hang and secure the locket. I inserted it in to the bookmark before sewing it up.

Isn’t it pretty?!

- ASH

I’m all about going green. We actually have more recycling than trash in our house. Yes, I also have the shopping bags that the stores sell with their HUGE logos on them. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like them because you have essentially become their marketing tool. So I wanted to make my own.

I collect tutorials of things I want to make. Awhile ago I found this one to make a shopping bag. It was perfect, because it was based on the shape of the regular plastic bags you get at the grocery store.

The best thing about this tutorial is that there is a pocket you sew on to the front of the bag and the bag folds itself in to the pocket. I made it out of muslin and I didn’t make a lining for the inside. It was easy to make so I’ll be making more, this time with the lining.

Bag folded inside the pocket.

One thing I will warn you of {when making anything with muslin} is to not wear anything that will collect little pieces of fabric. I took this picture after shaking some of it off. >__<

- ASH

Have you heard of Pintrest? I’ll use the their words to describe it.

Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things — wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world.

You will have to ask for an invitation to join but would recommend doing so if you like to keep your inspirations all in one place. Well on Pintrest I found an idea for a weighted pincushion, using rice.

I made the inside pocket using fleece I had in my scrap pile then used a black and white damask fabric on the outside. Now I have this pretty looking pincushion that doesn’t fall off my sewing machine table.

- ASH

I’ve had this one sweater for six years. It works as designed but was a few sizes too big. You know how you buy something for function, wear it for some time, then find something that is functional and better fitting and the original piece sits in your closet. That was this sweater. I didn’t like wearing it after awhile and it just sat at the back of my closet. That is until I fixed it up.

Since I didn’t know how this refashion would work out, I didn’t remember to take before pictures. I did take some pictures in between the process.

I took apart the sleeves and pinched them in at least 1.5 inches. {I told you it was big on me.} Then I took in the sides, also another 1.5 inches. It fit much better, but it was missing something. It was missing a belt and some color. The original had a belt too; that is what made it bearable to wear. I found a purple ribbon in my scraps stash and threaded it through the sweater itself.

I like it much more, and I now like to find excuses to wear it.

However, to make it more versatile I was thinking of changing the ribbon to a satin grey color instead. Originally, I was scared to take the sleeves off because I’ve never really worked with sleeves. It was a bit challenging but it is all about lining up the sleeve to the body. I was glad I did this project, it helped build confidence for other projects with sleeves.

- ASH

I bought some sari remnants from Jo-Ann fabric because it was pretty. I tell you .. the remnants section is DANGEROUS!

As usual, it had been sitting in my drawer of fabrics for a while. One day I had a brilliant idea of making it in to a scarf. However, I needed another, more softer fabric for the back side (the side that would go against the neck). Luckily, I had another remnant piece of fleece similar in color so I sewed the two together and called it a day!

Here is a close up of the fabric:

Isn’t it pretty!!!

- ASH

In one weekend I went from this… holding all my coupons in a ziploc bag and check book covers {See my Kohls coupon? Love that store. }

… to this.. a stylish holder for all my coupons.

I even made a pattern from scratch because the interwebs didn’t produce any thing I liked. I’ll be sharing the pattern and tutorial at a later date.

I am actually in the process of making a new holder since I gave the one pictured was to my mom; who has waaaay more coupons than I do. So I’ll take pictures as I go.

Lovely organization right?

- ASH

Happy 100th posts!! Wow, finally made it to 100. I feel old…

naaah, just joking!

Since we are speaking of celebrations, and therefore, birthdays, I will explain the logic in my head when I remember someone’s birthday coming up:

Birthdays = sewing projects.

Sewing projects = slight headaches + minor frustrations + finally success

I made a phone case using a different method than the GPS case I made in December. Which of course means that it took me more than one attempt to finish it the way I wanted. I’m no perfectionist but I am picky. So when I gift something, I make sure that I’d want to use it too. If it doesn’t pass my personal inspections, it goes in the scrap pile.

Anyways, I used the method described by Christie at A Lemon Squeezy Home. I think it turned out pretty nice. I also tried my hand at some free motion sewing on an appliqué because nothing is good until it gets a stamp of Virginia Tech.

Here is what the inside looked like.

And I also added some details on the side. I was trying to have the zigzag go all the way down the side, but couldn’t get the case down in to the sewing machine that far. 

The receiver of the gift likes and uses it! That’s all that matters right?

- ASH

My friend Jenn Walters and I like to have crafts night every now and then. For our last crafts night, she saw some cute slipper socks that were embellished so she said lets make something similar. Now I have not only warm but cute toes in the house. She – is – a – genius!

The first one I made up was lacing a ribbon through the top. I had to cut slits to allow the ribbon to go through.

The second one I made, I just to add a few gems to the front.

Aren’t they cute?

- ASH

I was inspired by Disney over at Ruffles and Stuff to make my own trimmings scarf. I originally had the lace laid out just like my inspiration but something kicked in and I decided to do things a bit different. I liked the way it turned out. And more importantly the person who received this as a gift loved it too!

I had gotten a bunch of lace of different types. The widest one, I ruffled by basting and then gathering the fabric together. The laces were white and cream but I wanted a more vintage look so I gave them all a tea bath overnight. The cream ones turned out perfect but the white ones were a bit to pink so I didn’t use as much.

The base of the scarf is fleece fabric cut to length.
I did a zig-zag stitch along the edges for show.

It can be worn more than one way to give a different look.

Here it is on a hanger so you can see the laces all flat.

The flowers I had bought made, but they were a bit small compared to the larger lace already on the scarf. So I added lace behind the flowers and that helped make them stand out a bit more. It turned out well. What do you think?

- ASH

I made an apron for my sister-in-law for Christmas. I followed a pattern from here. And I received good compliments. This was the first thing I sewed that would become a gift to someone other than myself or my husband. So I was definitely nervous. But I was told it looked professional and that I could sell it. It seems that one day my dream of sewing full time may come true. {I’m all excited just thinking about it. Is that bad?}

Of course the pictures don’t do justice to it, they were taken quickly before being wrapped away, as we were running late {as usual}.

I made a few changes to the pattern and made it reversible. One side is the tan floral pattern and the other side is made of denim.

You can see my Hokie pride shining through!

- ASH

I got the Hubster a GPS for his birthday. What I didn’t get him was a case for it. I didn’t really want to pay a lot of money for it, especially since the GPS was not the standard size. So I decided to make one.

I had some leather type material that I had grabbed from the remnants section of Joann Fabric, I used that for the outer shell. I picked some fabric from old clothes I didn’t where for the lining. For some protection, I added a layer of sew-in interfacing and fleece. Surprisingly it is not too thick.

I made the button with some scrap fabric and the button kit.

This project included the first button hole. All went smoothly.

This is the lining inside, as well as the GPS, hidden from getting scratched.

The Hubster says I should sell these. I think I need to perfect them before (notice the not too straight edges), but it may not be a bad idea. Do you like it?

- ASH

Piping is actually quite easy and hard at the same time. The technique is easy but you can also quickly mess up if you don’t pay attention to the details.

I know there are specific ropes that are used for piping that you can get at a fabric/craft store. But I got some rope from the dollar store and it worked out just as great. No one knows what is inside, right? {Well, now you do but oh well. }

The first thing is to make your piping.

1. Cut a strip of fabric that is as long as the edge of your cushion all the way around (add about 5 inches to that measurement).

2. Sew your fabric around your rope as to cover it all up. (Make sure you burn the ends of the rope before putting in to the fabric, so it doesn’t unravel inside.)

For more details, check out Design*Sponge’s Sewing 101: Piping. They explain step by step with pictures.

Once you have your piping, you need to pin it to the fabric that will be your cushion top. When going around the corners, cut slits the excess fabric on the piping {they will look like gears}.

Also at this point, make sure you know how wide and long the cushion is and where your piping will sit. I pin two sides and then measure the cushion from the first piping to the next one I’m about to lay down. This will help in making sure it all fits and that you have enough piping to go around!

Then sew and check to see if fits. I learned from the first cushion {I had to take that apart because it didn’t fit right} that it is best to do a basting stitch all the way around first, check it and then do the real stitch. {This also helps to not waste your precious upholstery thread.}

Here is the first side all done. {Yes, I have finished more than this but I shall wait to reveal it all. }

Do you have tips on piping? I would love to hear them!

- ASH

Most any girl loves bling and shoes, right? I know I do!

Here’s an easy way to add some bling to your shoes. Get some pretty buttons from your local craft store. I got mine at Joann’s.

Isn’t that pretty?!

Grab a pair of shoes you would like to upgrade.

And sew them on to a pair of shoes, and you are DONE! This takes literally 5 minutes.

I feel like I have new shoes all over again, but without spending the money for one. Now who can say no to that?

- ASH

I’m going to start on my next sewing project. I am going to use fabric from old clothes I have to create a shirt or top. I haven’t decided yet. I’ll have to sit down and design it first. Here’s a peek at the fabric I’m going to use.

But that is not what I wanted to talk about today. I have duvet covers on my mind. Remember my warm cozy duvet cover from West Elm? I want to make my own now. I can’t justify shelling out $100+ on two large pieces of cloth sewn together. I’m in brainstorm phase as to what I want it to look and how I’ll do it.

I’ve thought about buying queen sheets of some fabric and using that to make one. I have to do some research on how much upholstery fabric costs and where I can get it for less. If you know of places, do share.

For the mean time, here’s a few designs I like.

I love this modern leaf design, it is simple but it still can be used as an accent. (source)

This bamboo design is so calming. I want to fill my room with this and bamboo plants. (source)

I’m not a big fan of the black and red on bedding but the way the pattern was put together on this duvet is nice. (source) 

This paisley design calls out to the Indian in me. The look is clean and crisp, perfect for a guest room. (source)

I love the colors of these, both the turquoise and the brown. I would love to see either one of these in my house. (source)

I had to throw in a purple, being my favorite color. It isn’t really purple, but anymore than this would be too feminine for our room. (source)

I kept the best for last. I can really see myself being able to make this one. It is simple but has just enough texture to make it classy. (source)

Which one do you like?

- ASH

I’ve read many tutorials online showing how to make fabric flowers, like House of Three and ~Ruffles and Stuff~ (I can’t find the exact blog). I had wanted to try it, but I usually don’t wear huge fascinators on my head. Being a bridesmaid of a Baroque on the Beach theme was a good enough excuse. Of course, with the turn of events, I made one but wasn’t able to wear it. I guess I’ll have to find an excuse to do so later.

The headband I started with was an elastic ribbon that came on my box of Godiva chocolates (Yummy!!! I want some now!) the Hubster gave me for Christmas. He calls me a pack rat, I call it being creative with what you have.

The other websites say to use felt as the base. I didn’t have any so I just used cotton fabric. For the flower, I have a huge stash of purple satin fabric (along with other colors like orange, red, and green) from my wedding florist. They were used to decorate our gazebo.

Photo: Courtesy of Yann Kherian

Isn’t it so pretty! My florist did a wonderful job with it!

Do you see the purple? Ahem .. I digress… Going back to the headband, you use fabric glue and start from the middle of your base. You twist the fabric along, and glue at different points as you go. Once at the end, you tuck the end between your last row of fabric and the base, glue. Wait until the glue is all dry and embellish with either beads or buttons or something entirely different. When you are done, sew it (or glue it) to the headband. And you are done!

Here’s a close up of the flower.

Do you like it? Have you tried something similar? Are you the fascinator type?

- ASH

This past month, I have had a series of events that have kept me quite busy. Thank goodness for scheduled posts, right? Because of some the events that occurred, I was unable to attend my very good friend, Miss Cheesemonger’s wedding. Which means I was unable to wear my bridesmaid dress or any of the jewelry and accessories that I had bought/made for it either. It was a bummer definitely, but I don’t regret my decisions. Regardless, I have things to share with you all.

The first thing I will share is an accessory to my bridesmaid dress. Remember my Friday Photo of the brooch from the dress? I needed a crinoline slip to take my regular halter top dress and transform it to a 1950s Marilyn Monroe dress. I bought the dress from Unique-Vintage.com and they were selling the slips for $44. I could have just gotten that and been done with it. However, that would have just been too easy. I took on the challenge of making it.

This was one way to get a sewing machine, that I really badly wanted. Shhhh.. don’t tell anyone about that, it’s our little secret. It’s not fancy but it does the job!

I did a bit of research online on how to create this slip. If others had done it before and if they had any tips. I found this excellent tutorial, by missjesswinkwink at Craftser.

Next step, get fabric. After getting a sewing machine, I went to the fabric store. I was looking for tulle like the tutorial said. Be it my luck, they were out of black or purple (my dress is purple). A lady was helping me out and pointed to another type of netting that was much stiffer. She called it cancan, but I can’t find that this is really a type of fabric. She also said that I wouldn’t need as much fabric as the tulle because it is so stiff. So I took 3.5 yards rather than 9, got some ribbon to finish the ends and make it look professional and elastic.

The first tier was simple, cut the fabric in circle according to your waist. Then sew to the elastic. After that, I took the remaining fabric and cut 9" strips as long as possible. I used 4′ of fabric for the second tier and roughly 12′ for the third. The strips were joined to create one long strip.

Each long strip was basted. Basting is a process of running stitches through your fabric on the longest stitch length and least tension. Once this is done, one side’s strings are tied and then you pull on the other side causing ruffles. Then you spread the ruffles along the whole strip and sew it to the existing slip. It really isn’t as complicated as it sounds.

When the skirt was completed, I used the ribbon to line the edges on each tier. I also put a short liner at the top where the waist is, so the fabric doesn’t scratch or itch while wearing it. Here is the final product. Now if I only had an opportunity to wear it. Does anyone want to buy it? Let me know!

And here’s a close up of the ruffles and ribbons on the bottom.

-ASH

I had a salwar that I really liked. The colors on it were great. The fit was okay. But it tore and according to the laws of the universe the tear was big.

Before:

Let me explain to you what it looked like (this would have been easier if I took a before photo). So the salwar looks like this, in shape. Please excuse my poor paint skillz.

(source)

Anyway, I like my salwars to be more straight, rather than triangular; like these. See the difference?

(source)

The rip occurred right above where the slit joins (where the triangle connects with the top part). To fix it, I cut where the rip occurred. Luckily it was the ideal length for a kurti top. But because it lost the weight of the extra fabric it was unflattering (when before it fit just fine). Why do I think projects like these would be easy?

To fix the shape, I tore open the seams on either side. I used a top I had already (that fit well) as a pattern and re-sewed the sides. Then I finished the edges to give it a professional look. I like the results, especially since this was my first (real) sewing project. I don’t count hems as a real project.

 After:

What do you think of it?

- ASH

Back in October was when I stopped writing. In the past four months many things have changed. Here’s a run down of what happened and what to look forward to in posts coming up.

1. A new name! I didn’t think that LPI was working for what I wanted to express and where I wanted this blog to go in the future. So I have given it a new name and new look. ASH Designs, will be what the blog will be called from now on and found here. And incase you are wondering, “ASH” is my initials.

2. I started knitting. Yaay! You read about my first knitting project and how I started the process.

3. I created a budget, space, and slightly eco friendly Christmas tree. Also, my friend and I discovered the joys of pin/sequins decors and wreath making.

4. The Hubster and I finally painted our bedroom. Most of the furniture is back in. It still needs some reorganizing prior to revealing it so hold on for this one.

5. I got my first bridesmaid dress! I need to make crinoline slip, which meant I needed a sewing machine. So I now am a proud owner of a sewing machine!

I can dream about it being one of those antiques right?

6. Before and after our wedding, we had one room dedicated to gifts that were being shipped and those we got on the wedding day. That room became a monster closet for boxes and was more commonly know as the “box room”. Being stuck at home for the weekend, due to the blizzard we had, I cleaned out the room and created a craft room for myself. It now houses all my craft supplies and my new sewing machine.

7. I’ve taken an old salwar suit that was ripped and created it in to a top. This was my first sewing project. I’m very pleased with the results.

And because seven is a lucky number and I would just keep rambling, that’s it for now, but be sure to come back and visit to see full posts on most things listed.

- ASH