Shade Class Part 1

Scalloped shaped hem sample

      In April of 2024 I took an online class through Workroom Tech called Reverse Mount Roman Shade with Matching Shaped Hem and Valance with Laurie Medford.  I was planning on making new Roman shades for my sewing room.  I did make samples of both styles to see what I would like.  

Scallop pattern

     The first sample was a scalloped shape.  The pattern was 23" wide.  I cut a piece of pattern pattern to that width and then folded it in quarters.  I used a 6" circle shape to get the scallop I wanted.

Scalloped sample all cut

     I then layered the face fabric with the flannel lined blackout fabric and cut my shape.  I stitched my binding on to the back of the shade and then hand-stitched it to the front taking care to get the points just right.

Binding detail

     This was quite labor intensive but it did look really nice.  The next sample was a stair step edge, I will show that one next week.

Back of sample

     The back looks as nice as the front with this technique.

Red Coimbra Top

 

Finished Coimbra top

     Another top for myself.  I chose another Itch to Stitch pattern, the Coimbra top.  The red knit fabric was in my stash.  

Neck detail

     It was interesting to have interfacing in a knit shirt.  The band all around was interfaced, this did make for a nice finish.  At first the strap placement was a little confusing until I realized there was an opening in one of the side seams to be able to tie the straps.

Pattern

     Because of the ties, this uses a lot more fabric than a typical t-shirt but it is also mcc dressier looking.

With knit slacks

With jeans

     I'm wondering about lengthening the top between the underarm and the tie/strap placement.  It seems to ride a little high on me.  All in all I do like this pattern and may try it with the collar option next time.

Nine Patch Surrounded Leopard Quilt

 

Leopard print quilt

     When I was up at Patched Works in March of 2022, I saw this leopard print fabric that I really liked.  I bought it plus three other coordinating fabrics.  I had no idea what pattern I was going to make.

Block detail

Borders detail

     I looked through my books and binders and decided on making the Nine Patch Surrounded pattern from Nine Patch club at Barrington Sewing Center from many years ago.  I spent a lot of time at home cutting all the pieces and then spent most of the October 2023 quilting retreat sewing it together.  I put on the borders at home in early 2024 and finally got it quilted in February of 2025.

Quilting detail

Backing

     I had it quilted by Barb Jolley.  We chose the tire tracks e2e design.  We thought it would be a fun statement, tire tracks and a leopard.  The backing was a black marble flannel from my friend Joni.  

Making the label

Stabilizer taped to the frame

Title label

Info label

     For the labels, I used a frame from Embroidery Library and MasterWorks to design the labels.  I think my lettering was a bit too small on the info label so it didn't stitch out as well as usual.  I also thought I would try my new magnetic frames but I think with the thinner fabric it would have been better to be hooped.

     I finished putting on the binding in March of 2025.  I do like how this turned out but man it was a lot of cutting and sewing.

Cutie Pie Pouches - April ASG Challenge

 

Cutie Pie Pouches

     At our March ASG meeting, Colleen demo'd These Cutie Pie Pouches from Lazy Girl Designs.  It was a free pattern online.

Pieces cut

     All you need are 2 10" squares of fabric, some elastic and pony beads.  The instructions are easy to follow and it makes two 3" x 3 1/2" pouches.  

End of casing stitched

    You just stack the two squares right sides together, make a couple of cuts and you are ready to start.

Inside with clean bottom seam

Inside with overcast edges seams

     I tried two different techniques to get a nice, clean finish on the inside.  The second one shown was easier I think and just as useful.  I did overcast the edges with my sewing machine.  I could have also used my serger if I wanted.

     I think these would be nice filled with little treats and given as gifts.