Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

From my studio last week: February 7, 2011

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I’m all the time posting links out to tutorials and other people’s projects, but I rarely show a peak at the things that I create.  So here’s my experiment with a new feature: a weekly recap of some of the projects and goings-on in my own studio.

Some will be my own ideas (usually made up as I go, cause that’s how I roll) and sometimes you’ll see projects made with tutorials I’ve linked to in the past.

 

If you love to sew, you know that it’s not Valentine’s Day without a cute Valentine’s shirt.  This is my version, made for my daughter.  I wanted it to be something she could wear year-round so I went with a sprinkling of appliqued scrap hearts in  a palette of reds and browns.  Free motion stitching on gold lame = no fun.  But otherwise I’m pleased with how it turned out.

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I also finally made good on my Christmas present I.O.U. for my mother-in-law.  From Christmas 2009, folks.  Yes, I’m THAT bad.  Anyway, she wanted a organizer for her purse to keep up with all of the loyalty cards, business cards, and appointment cards that were filling up her wallet.  And so the Card Condo was born.  It’s like a fabric book with tons of credit card sized pockets – 24 of them, in fact.  There are also two larger pockets for receipts and such.

And this little birdie was made by my 7-year-old daughter.  We used the bullfinch scrap fabric ornament tutorial that I linked to last week.   Little girl is still learning to control the sewing machine so I simplified it to use felt for the body and beak.  She’s so proud of her little yellow birdie!!

And what’s this?  It’s a Janome Memory Craft 6300p, on loan to me for the next few months.  If you can believe it, I’ve never used an electronic sewing machine before (I’ve always used a mechanical), so I’m having fun trying out all its whizz-bang features.  I’ll be writing up a review in the coming weeks.

So that’s my sewing recap from last week.  In the coming week, my plans are to create another version of the Card Condo and write up a tutorial.  And I’ll be using my new fancy schmancy Janome MC 6300P, continuing to try out its features and taking notes as I go.  I’m also writing up a review of Fiona Bell’s Sewn with Love.  Look for that in the next day or so.

What are you going to be working on this week?

Comments

  2. Yes! More of these recaps! Love it!

    I hope to finish up a whole set of dress up clothes for “drama class” for younger son’s kindergarten. For the fairy tale “Jack the Dullard” – we’re talking 19 pieces. I am glad I am nearly done!

  3. Anxiously awaiting that card condo tutorial! And LOVE seeing what you are up to, in addition to everyone else. =)

Have you read?

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.