My web designer, Alice Wack, is working fast and furious on
getting our web page up and running. You
will be able to shop for patterns, order custom made bags, read blog posts, and
learn great sewing techniques there. Get
ready for beaserbags.com coming soon!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Customize a Key Fob or Wrist Strap for Any Size Hardware!
There are so many options when it comes to selecting swivel
clips. Swivel clips are known by many
names: lobster claps, spring hooks, bolt
snaps, etc. These clips are typically
used for wristlet straps or key fobs and can be purchased in a wide variety of
sizes, styles and metal finishings/colors.
Whatever you call them, there is a great way to customize your project
for a perfect fit EVERY TIME! You can
also spray paint your hardware for
adding more interest to your projects.
Here’s a great website with various types of hardware (they
also have great prices for ordering in bulk):
First of all, grab your free pattern in my Craftsy shop for
the wrist strap and key fob here:
Once you have these in hand, review the pattern
instructions. And now you are ready to
customize your project!
Instructions
Measure the width of your hardware at the widest
point. If you’d like your fabric to fit
more snuggly in the hardware, take into account this measurement.
Multiply this width by 4.
Using a rotary cutter, mat and grid ruler (and
using all proper safety precautions), cut this width by the length you’d like
your finished strap (CUT ON THE FOLD FOR THE LENGTH).
Follow the FREE pattern instructions for pressing fabric to prepare your fob/strap. Before sewing, test your measurements by slipping the fabric onto the hardware BEFORE sewing. Trim and repress is needed.
THE FREE Key Fob and Wrist Strap pattern and instructions can be found in my Craftsy Shop or at beaserbags.com.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
ORGANIZATION TOOLS FOR YOUR SEWING ROOM
The most frustrating thing in my sewing room is looking for stuff. Sometimes, it is necessary to have an afternoon to spend re-organizing my sewing room (drawers, binders, etc.) so that I can have several serene sewing weeks ahead. Since I am a messy seamstress, it it common to do this often—time consuming but well-worth the effort.
I have outlined some of my favorite sewing room organizing tactics and how to use them for maximum efficiency. Hope these help you, also.
There are so many things can be used in the sewing room that are made for the garage, kitchen, and bathroom.
Three-ring binder with clear plastic pockets, plastic zippered pockets, tabbed sections, sticky notes, and writing paper:
*My number one tool for good reason! I keep all of my patterns organized in my binders. I have several of these binders. I keep some with patterns that I have used in the past and plan to use in the future. I have one for projects that I am working on now, or will work on soon. I used the divider tabs to organize types of patterns, such as bags, baby items, gifts, apparel, etc. I keep commercial envelope patterns in the zippered plastic pockets, as well as cut pattern pieces from pdf patterns (paperclip the pieces together). You can either 3-hole punch your pdf patterns or slip each into its own clear plastic pocket (along with the cut pattern pieces). I keep sticky notes handy to write notes on patterns (changes I would make next time I sew that item, a list of people to sew the item for, etc.). Keep some writing paper in place of or in addition to sticky notes.
Three-ring hole punch
*To punch holes in your pdf patterns and tutorials
Small plastic containers with lids
*These are great for storing small items you want to keep separate: your presser feet, D-rings/hardware, etc. Wal-Mart sells the condiment cups and small Gladware, both of which have snap on lids which are perfect for these items. You can also purchase the small cups with lids at stores such as Dollar Tree, Dollar General, etc. They are super inexpensive and very handy.
Day Planner (with a small legal pad, calendar, pockets, etc.)
*I plan and calendar projects for gifts, and when I know I will have more time than usual (bad weather, holidays, etc.). I have a small legal pad in my planner for a sewing shopping list, along with coupons for store trips to save gas and running around (more time for sewing!) I have a zipper pocket to keep my store receipts handy.
Large Plastic Too Box
*These are cheap and you can find these at garage sales. I keep a lot of sewing tools in mine, and within reach of my sewing machine. They usually have a carrying tray that can be moved to the sewing machine when needed. I also use this box to pack my sewing supplies and tools for classes and retreats.
Gladware plastic bowls with lids (the larger ones)
*Store your larger notions in these—there are great for purse hardware, small tools, etc.
Zippered bags (old cosmetic bags)
*Great for keeping your scissors/shears in one place, pens, markers, highlighters, etc.
Ziplock bags
*When putting together a “kit” for a project, these come in handy for storing all of what you need with your fabrics and interfacings together as a kit. When I get home from a shopping trip, I organize my purchases into kits and pin my baggie to my fabric so I don’t have to hunt for all of the small items I will need to complete my project.
Elastic hair bands
*These are great for binding those “wild things” like your tape measure, cording, piping, etc.
Binder clips
*See No. 9.
The most frustrating thing in my sewing room is looking for stuff. Sometimes, it is necessary to have an afternoon to spend re-organizing my sewing room (drawers, binders, etc.) so that I can have several serene sewing weeks ahead. Since I am a messy seamstress, it it common to do this often—time consuming but well-worth the effort.
I have outlined some of my favorite sewing room organizing tactics and how to use them for maximum efficiency. Hope these help you, also.
There are so many things can be used in the sewing room that are made for the garage, kitchen, and bathroom.
Three-ring binder with clear plastic pockets, plastic zippered pockets, tabbed sections, sticky notes, and writing paper:
*My number one tool for good reason! I keep all of my patterns organized in my binders. I have several of these binders. I keep some with patterns that I have used in the past and plan to use in the future. I have one for projects that I am working on now, or will work on soon. I used the divider tabs to organize types of patterns, such as bags, baby items, gifts, apparel, etc. I keep commercial envelope patterns in the zippered plastic pockets, as well as cut pattern pieces from pdf patterns (paperclip the pieces together). You can either 3-hole punch your pdf patterns or slip each into its own clear plastic pocket (along with the cut pattern pieces). I keep sticky notes handy to write notes on patterns (changes I would make next time I sew that item, a list of people to sew the item for, etc.). Keep some writing paper in place of or in addition to sticky notes.
Three-ring hole punch
*To punch holes in your pdf patterns and tutorials
Small plastic containers with lids
*These are great for storing small items you want to keep separate: your presser feet, D-rings/hardware, etc. Wal-Mart sells the condiment cups and small Gladware, both of which have snap on lids which are perfect for these items. You can also purchase the small cups with lids at stores such as Dollar Tree, Dollar General, etc. They are super inexpensive and very handy.
Day Planner (with a small legal pad, calendar, pockets, etc.)
*I plan and calendar projects for gifts, and when I know I will have more time than usual (bad weather, holidays, etc.). I have a small legal pad in my planner for a sewing shopping list, along with coupons for store trips to save gas and running around (more time for sewing!) I have a zipper pocket to keep my store receipts handy.
*These are cheap and you can find these at garage sales. I keep a lot of sewing tools in mine, and within reach of my sewing machine. They usually have a carrying tray that can be moved to the sewing machine when needed. I also use this box to pack my sewing supplies and tools for classes and retreats.
Gladware plastic bowls with lids (the larger ones)
*Store your larger notions in these—there are great for purse hardware, small tools, etc.
Zippered bags (old cosmetic bags)
*Great for keeping your scissors/shears in one place, pens, markers, highlighters, etc.
Ziplock bags
*When putting together a “kit” for a project, these come in handy for storing all of what you need with your fabrics and interfacings together as a kit. When I get home from a shopping trip, I organize my purchases into kits and pin my baggie to my fabric so I don’t have to hunt for all of the small items I will need to complete my project.Elastic hair bands
*These are great for binding those “wild things” like your tape measure, cording, piping, etc.
Binder clips
See what kind of creative organizational tools you have around the house!
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