The first draft of Carry All Project Tote pattern is almost completed. A few testers are lined up, so they will help me fine tune the directions. I am teaching a class on this tote at the Whistle Stop Quilt Shop in Cary, NC on September 10.
Carry All Project Tote
Please call or visit the shop if you want to sign up. You should be able to finish the project in class (if you do your homework beforehand!). The shop has the supply list and the homework assignment:
My son wants to be a mad scientist when he grows up (see Exhibit A):
Mad Scientist
Today, he took a big step towards this lofty goal – starting Kindergarten! He wanted to bring an apple to his new teacher (where do kids get these ideas – TV?), so I figured a stuffed one is the way to go.
Basically (for sewing purposes), an apple looks like a tomato expect that it is taller. I made up a template that looked like an oval that came to a point at each end. The size was about 2″ x 5″. I cut out five (5) of these ovals from quilter’s cotton (although you could also use wool), sewed them together, and left one side open for turning.
Stuffed Apple for Teacher
Turn the piece inside out, stuff, and then hand sew opening closed. Get a small button for the bottom of the apple. Next, take an upholstery needle and thread with strong twine (I used linen thread). Poke the needle down into the center of top and come out through one of the button holes on the bottom. Poke the needle back into another button hole, come out through the top, and then pull tight. Do this 2 more time so that you can create a nice dimple in the top and bottom of the apple. Don’t cut the thread.
Next, cut out two leaves from felt and sew to the top of the apple. You can use the same thread you used for making the dimples. Tie off thread and cut off excess. Get a black pipe cleaner and cut it about 3″ long. Near the base of the leaves, poke a very small hole with scissors and insert the stem. You can use a dab of glue to hold into place. Voila – an apple for the teacher that will never spoil.
So far, so good. I have the first part of the pattern written which include the yardage and the directions for cutting the fabric. Honestly, this part is probably the most difficult for me to write because it’s tricky to figure out how much fabric to tell people to get.
If you estimate too low (ie, just barely enough) there is a chance that someone makes a cutting error, doesn’t have enough for the project, and has to go back to store for more. If you estimate too much, someone will spend more then they need on the fabric and have a lot of scraps left over! I personally don’t mind having leftovers, but in this economy, I know I try to save money where I can :).
Carry All Project Tote - Sample
My pattern lists the sizes for each piece, but in addition it will also include cutting instructions so that people can cut out the pieces the most efficient way possible. I always appreciate patterns who have provide specific guidelines on how to actually cut the yardage into pieces. Sometimes I follow them, and sometimes I don’t, but it’s nice to have them.
Labels for the pattern pieces are also included so that there is any easy way to track all the pieces. Each piece is assigned a specific number and you will cut out the labels and pin them to the appropriate pattern piece. The directions will reference the piece number on the labels to (hopefully) eliminate any confusion with the actual pattern.
What do you think about these pattern features? Is there anything else I should also include?
There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that I have found a mentor to help me get my pattern design business off the ground. She has given me a lot of ideas and information about how to do this and I am well on my way to getting my creations designed and ready for prime time.
"Bed" in the Sewing Room
The bad news is that in order to do focus on pattern design, I will be taking a brief vacation from my blog. I won’t be doing a lot of posts for the next 1 -2 months or so, but I will be posting photos here and there of what I am doing so you know that I am working hard.
My son recently built a “bed” for me in my sewing room closet since I spend so much time in there. He got all the blankets out of the linen closet and then added all his stuffed animals (so I have some company) to create this little nest. He likes going in there at the end of the day to take a break and enjoy looking at my fabric (a real chip off the old block 😉 ).
I’m excited about this new direction and looking forward to showing off what I’ve accomplished.
Keep it Thimble 