Puppet Theatre Creation

Recently, I got to escape to play and create with #1 Grandson! DD had torn out a page from a magazine on a 'hang in the door' puppet theater, so that was our project. Here we are having a great time sewing it...which he LOVED being artsy-craftsy as he is. The machine is one I gave my daughter at the end of my shop days - a Brother - which is a GREAT machine. I got it 'out of the closet' and gave it a good run - since it never sees the light of day otherwise...
Maybe SOME day!

Anyway..... he had a great time deciding on the ribbons to create 'stripes' on the theatre. And he was just pretty durned right one when it came to 'if that color matchded the other ones' or not! That's my Boy!!!! He actually wanted to paint on the stripes - but I convinced him that then it would have to dry and we wouldn't be able to finish.

The heavy denim was a great background. On the magazine version, the curtain was gathered along the top - ughhhh - it would have to stay tied back for the 'show'. So I engineered this so the curtains could easily be opened and closed...
It is heavy piping cord knotted and stitched onto the outside stage 'frame', and then plastic cafe rings stitched to the top of the curtain. For that I used that 'button-sewing-on' stitch that is on so many machines. You can also see here how it is hung 'taut' inside the laundry room to the family room/kitchen area so that he has a ready 'audience' . Ahhh - and see those kitchen cabinets in the background...I claim transforming those from mediterranean dark wood to current light colors. After that painting/antiquing, I decided NOT to do my own cabinets! They do look good though...

Sew.... here's the end result. Lamb Chops there on the right - a gift to daughter from my very creative and clever Sister-in-Law retired Kindergarten teacher who does great things with puppets and plays...and on the left - a puppet 'creature' that Grandson created from the goodies his great Aunt had provided - starting with a green sock.

Back to hopefully the last day on re-working and adding to my own book on Creative Sweatshirt Jackets, as current inventory is about depleted. Tuesday next finds me on a plane to Puyallup, WA for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo... and the beginning of a VERY busy month of travels around the country.

Sewing for Russell - My Grand-Dog!

OK - so I was at the fabric store looking through the pattern book to find the Simplicity Apron pattern I'd used for my daughter - as I had been requested to stitch up another one - this time with a 'top' to it - and I came across ALL these pet clothes patterns! ... This is one of 7 views in Simplicity 9520.

You seee - my DD and wonderful hubby decided to add a DOG to their family - no less than about 2 weeks after they moved into their new house no less -- so now I have a Grand Dog.
He's pretty cute though - I gotta say. He and my #1 Grandson play so cute together. So now my baby has a house, a yard, AND a dog. Very 'Lassie' plan I'd say. I just wish the world were like it was during 'Lassie' episode days and he could go out and run the neighborhood and play!

Anyway - back at the store, then... I saw this Indianapolis Colts polar fleece - so I was off and running. Russell being black, I thought that the bands would be best a blue - but could NOT find a blue ribbing or fleece that would work - so you can't see the bands around his back-end, neck, or front legs, but they are black. I also must admit, it was kinda hard to 'get the picture' of sewing for a dog. Things were quite different as far as 'pieces' go - and it tickled my brain a bit - but that's always a good thing.

The back side curves up a bit to under the tummy - but I have to agree - it needs a 'pee pee' alteration - curving that up a tad more. As it is - they'll just have to fold up the back end when he goes out to 'do his business'. I had stitched it up pretty much - to a fitting stage - to give it to them, and then ran down and finished it off all on the 31st - midst putting a big meal on the table - you get the picture. So then, when the additional 'alteration' was requested - my reply was it would just have to wait!


Sew............there you have it: the "HIT" gift of the Christmas 2010 season. Have fun - sew for your animals!!!

By the way - I stitched this up on my serger - which uses EL needles, which I handle at my website at 25% savings...both in a combo pack of 80's and 90's, or all 80's and all 90's.
Check it out - click on this link: http://www.londas-sewing.com/Schmetz-Serger-Needle-EL705-p20838.html

Londa's Video Demo of Flower Frill Template from Clover

Having fun with these new Flower Frill Templates from Clover - watch me make one...

TAG Bag for Grandson Gift

This is a bag I made for keeping the books, cord, Pen and everything for the Leapster TAG reading system that we're giving our grandson (5 years old) for Christmas.
Gee - can you tell they live in the Indianapolis area?

I didn't use a pattern, but figured out what needed storage and size of things in hand, and with 1/5 yards of the Colt fabric(way gobs too much) and 3 fat quarters o the black and white, had enough to create this bag with great body utilizing PELTEX 70 which is really, really thick, stiff 'interfacing' I guess you call it. I do carry it at my site. It was first introduced under the the name of TimTex - not sure if that product is still available - but soon the major manufacturers started carrying their versions. What I have and used is not fusible on either side, but it is available with one or both sides fusible as well. It is very easy to stitch through - which I did, making each section: flap, front, back, bottom and sides (cut bottom and sides 3" wide by the way). I used a 90 Denim needle to hep get through everything. The seams are bulky with it in there, but I trimmed out most of it.

I also lined it, creating a pocket on one of the sides inside for the PEN, and on the other side for the cord that hooks it to the computer. Also, along the back inside I have a pouch with divisions in it to store all the AAA batteries.
Here's an inside view:

The flap closes with Velcro, and I interfaced the strap with purse batting.

I'm hoping he'll like it and it will keep this 'valuable' learn-to-read system all together.

Ahhh - Reupholstered an antique chair - FINALLY!

This is an antique chair - belonged to my Grandma's brother I'm told. I remember it on my Grandma's porch - inside porch. Have had it quite awhile - and in this fabric that went with old decor - and have had fabric to re-do it for 2 years. Party time here - and taking a break from Creative Sweatshirt Jacket creation - YEA - a blister later - got it done in one day! (Must admit I thought it would take 1 morning!)


I found I NEEDED: this claw thing to get out old staples - the BIGGEST job of all! That's what gave me a blister in my palm.

Needed a tack hammer,, and an ELECTRIC Staple Gun - which I rented. Also - a Glue Gun.

Realized the striped fabric would be a bit of a challenge. Took notes and photos as I undid the current chair. And, the double piping would have to be replaced with braid, as I couldn't make that on my conventional machine.
Here is a photo of the hardest part- but with the staple gun, WAS able to pretty much get into the side by the caning.
Here below is my 'Martha Stewart' Badge of Honor for industriousness. It really looks worse and hurts like the devil!

Durned I can NOT get these photos to move where I want them to!
Anyway - here is the completed chair.

OH - and see the Merry Christmas Blocks on my antique cabinet in the background? My Mom worked hard one year to get 3 sets of these from our kids' blocks to give to each of us - a VERY special gift - and perhaps an idea for you.