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Blog tour & review: Sewing with Oilcloth by Kelly McCants

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I’ll admit it.  I’m a sucker for shiny fabric. I’m also a sucker for bright, happy prints.

So when I got a chance to be part of a blog tour for Sewing With Oilcloth by Kelly McCants, (you may know her as Oilcloth Addictor Modern June), I was sooo excited!

The book did not disappoint.

Sewing With Oilcloth begins with a section of tips and tricks for sewing on oilcloth.  Oilcloth’s slick surface requires some special handling when sewing or ironing, so this section is really helpful if you haven’t sewn on oilcloth before.

After she gives the low-down on handling the oilcloth, she shares detailed instructions for 20 different projects that are well suited for oilcloth’s unique characteristics.  Types of projects range from bags to baby items to home decor.  The instructions are clearly written, with plenty of illustrations to guide the way.  The fabrics she uses in her examples are nothing short of delicious – the color, the pattern, the shine!

Favorite projects include:

Messenger Bag – I LOVE the faux bois (woodgrain) oilcloth they used on the example!  A woodgrain messenger bag!  **sigh…**  Rows of pockets on the inside, as well as on the outer side panels, keep your small items organized.  The handle is made from sturdy webbing.

Baby Bib – It’s been a while since I’ve had to snap one of these around a baby’s neck, but the practicality of a wipe-clean baby bib still thrills.  A pocket at the bottom catches food spills.  They look quick and easy to make, and would be awesome baby gifts.

Wallet – How could you NOT love an oilcloth wallet??  The waterproof surface is a good choice for something that holds paper money, and the sturdy fabric is a good pairing for the heavy use it will get.  A couple of pearl snaps serve as the closure.

Party Banners – I’m not sure which I like more, the riot of color and pattern on the printed banners, or the chalkcloth banners that allow you to write a new message each time you hang it.  A banner like this would add colorful, vintage charm to any party set-up.  Festive, colorful, fun!

Nested Storage Bins – I love pretty storage. And I love pretty fabric.  And I love shiny fabric.  So when pretty, shiny fabric gets used to make nested storage baskets , I’m in love.    There are so many practical uses for these, and they’re so pretty, too!

Want to read what others have to say about this book?  Here’s a schedule of the rest of the Sewing With Oilcloth blog tour:

 

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Sewing for Seniors: A Roundup of Practical Patterns for Aged Care and Dementia

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort. 

Adult dignity bib 

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy  

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted 

Tulip Walker Tote Bag 

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com 

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob! 

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt 

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users 

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket 

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt 

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper 

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

 Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.