Sewing an Amy Butler Clutch Part 2

It's such a lovely clutch that I almost don't want to use it and get even a speck of dirt on it! The Amy Butler Clutch has been one of the easiest to sew. This article covers how to sew the exterior panels but if you'd like to see the beginning, please visit this post, or see this video.

After cutting everything, applying the interfacing, and copying markings on each piece (see part 1), it's time to get sewing. I used a plum colored thread that would blend in. If you want to add a pop of color, try a contrasting thread instead. Take one of your exterior main panels and make the lines at the top meet. Pin in place. Now sew down that small line. As you can see in the image below, this forms pleats. The image is of the wrong side of the panel.

Iron the pleats so that they lay flat and baste a seam to keep them in place.

You can see in the image below what the wrong side looks like now. Do this for both of the main clutch panels.

The next stem is to take the trim and fold them in half the long way. Iron them to create the nice fold.

You will then pin them to the main panel (on the end with the pleats) and stitch it in place. Before sewing, I realized I had cut the trim from the wrong fabric. luckily, I had enough fabric leftover to cut out the correct one and then simply folded the trim in half, ironed, pinned it, and finally, sewed it in place. Learn from me and don't get distracted when cutting fabric. Measure twice, cut once!

I then attached the yoke, pinning it in place on top of the trim and main panel. Right sides together, I sewed it all together.

Below, you can see the trim in the correct fabric, sandwiched by the yoke and main panel.

Below, you can see what the clutch panel finally looks like. Do this for your other exterior panel as well.

Now you'll be pinning both exterior panels together, right sides facing each other. Match the dots you transferred over. Sew the panels together from the marking on the yoke, to that dot on both ends.

Take the bottom panel and pin it (right sides together) to one of the side exterior panels. Match the dots. Then you'll sew along that edge. This took me a while because I have a hard time sewing around a curve.

Do this for the other side as well.

This is what it will look like. If you turn it right side out, you might do a little dance of excitement like me. It's starting to come together!

The only thing left to do is to clip around the curve. Make sure you DO NOT CUT INTO THE SEAM! It will just make a hole in your lovely clutch!

Want to see the video? Here's the part 2. Did you miss part 1? Check it out at our youtube channel!

How To Sew A French Seam

A French Seam is the perfect way to hide those unwanted fraying edges, especially when it comes to delicate or see through fabrics in things like lingerie. It's a pretty easy seam to create but please steer away from using it in curves as I've found that it often bunches.

Step 1: With your two pieces of fabric, make sure that the wrong sides (the inside part of the fabric) are facing each other and sew a 1/4" seam. Backstitch as needed.

Step 2: I then cut the seam to only 1/8" and fold the fabric right sides facing each other.

Step 3: Sew a 1/4" seam. You're done!

You've created a pocket that holds the fraying edge in place so that your project looks great, inside and out. Watch out video to see more details on how I sewed the sample piece. I suggest practicing on scraps first.


A lot of folks vary the size of the initial seam but as long as you find what's comfortable for you, you'll be fine!

Want something to help you procrastinate? Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about!
~Yasmine

Scrap Fabric Pillow: Finished!

My pillow made of leftover fabric is finished! I really enjoyed this simple sewing project and can't wait to get started on more.

Here's the video on how I stuffed and closed the pillow. As always, if you have any suggestions on what I can do better, let me know. I'm learning to sew as I go and could use a few tricks that are probably up your sleeve!



 Wondering how I started making the scrap fabric pillow? Check out the first video:


I loved this sewing project because, unlike the quilt, it only took me two sessions, was made with leftovers from a previous project, and can be used anywhere in the house, from the sofa to my daughter's room! The floral design isn't overwhelming and I just adore the baby pink and lime green on the back.

Want something to help you procrastinate? Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about!
~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Quilts, DIYs, and My First Video

The weekend is so close! What have you accomplished this week? Did you make any quilts or sewing projects or finally clean out the junk drawer (that's still on my list)? This week's favorites include lots of tutorials, my first video, and a shophop!



This DIY from Etsy is perfect if you lack time like me! I love skirts and I love short-cuts and this video encompasses both as you're shown how to make a masterpiece in one hour. Here's the link to the actual video.

This quilt has really grown on me! The squares are simple to make and yet the quilt still looks elegant.

Do you want some new patterns to try out? Here's one that I really want to try out. It's by Lazy Girl Designs and perfect for going to the gym. No more ugly duffel bags and the fabrics by Riley Blake would make it really unique!



Here's my first video and quilt! It's not done yet since I have to but the batting and back together but I'm so close! I've been getting ideas on the top-stitching and now just have to choose which to use!

Stay tuned for the update on my quilt, tool essentials, and favorite fabrics! Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

Quilting Essentials List - Part 1

What are the essential tools for quilting? I went on an internet quest to see what I needed to add to my arsenal. There are some things that are obvious to me because I'm not entirely a novice, but others were a complete surprise.

1. A sewing machine: This will possibly be the most expensive tool you'll purchase but obviously the most essential to your workflow. You can always borrow a machine from a friend but the convenience of having it waiting for you whenever you're free is great. I have an old Kenmore machine that is so old that there are certain needles I can't get for it unless ordered directly from sears. It's gotten me out of messes, although it does get me into a few as well. On the other hand, knowing you have to have everything set and ready to go when you get the borrowed machine will likely make your workflow more efficient.

2. Rotary cutter: Having a rotary cutter instead of just using scissors will make your life easier. I don't have one but really want one! The thing is, you'll also need a self healing cutting board. This will lessen any damage from cutting.

3. Ironing board (or at least an iron): Having your fabric nice and flat will make your cuts more accurate. I have a travel iron and small ironing board but for a while, I'd place a towel on the floor and iron on that. I suggest the ironing board but you have to do what you have to do for your favorite hobby. The image above is one that you can make with some batting and fabric stapled down. On the project I'm working on now, I somehow managed to set up the ironing board and then just cut and sewed the pieces without using it! It seemed okay but definitely a no-no! Learn from me!

4. Scissors: I have pinking sheers and sharp paper scissors that are used solely for fabric. A tip that I learned from mistakes - make sure your regular house scissors and your sewing scissors are different colors. You don't want to get them mixed up! You'll also need some small ones that are made to cut thread.

5. Seam ripper: You'll make mistakes. I make a ton of them! This is perfect for getting things to come apart and start over.

Stay tuned for the next five essential tools! Do you have one you think I missed? Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

~Yasmine

My First Quilt: Sewing

I sewed the first few stitches. Then some more and more! I'm really excited to finish this quilt. The decision to alternate a solid and a floral was perfect. The only regret is that I should also have made either the floral strips or the solid fabric thinner to make it less stagnent. Sadly, I can't adjust that with Photoshop.

My sewing machine is an old Kenmore that I got when I was 17. It has it's off days but it gets the job done.

Check out the video of me sewing. You can also hear my daughter in one clip talking to me and checking photos of herself on my phone! I don't know if you consider that a bonus or not. Haha.

It's one of my first videos so please be easy on me. Please leave me any tips on what I can do better next time! You can comment, email me (yasmine@fabriclovers.com), facebook, twitter, or follow us on Pinterest!

My First Quilt: The Cut

At first I was kind of worried. Second-guessing myself as I prepped to cut this beautiful fabric, I finally just took a breath and did it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a complete novice when it comes to sewing, but my specialty is simple bags and throw pillows. Not quilts.

I think I was more stressed about cutting a bunch of fabric then realizing that it was the wrong size but once I drew out my rudimentary map (check out Facebook for the crude map), I just took the plunge.

The flowers were a little larger than I imagined so I decided to cut the vertical strips of fabric a little wider. I first marked where I was going to make each cut, taking care to add for the seem allowance, and breathed a sigh of relief as I double checked everything to be the same size.

The more I look at the floral patterned fabric the more I love it! It's pink (one of my favorite colors) and a modern take on the floral that can sometimes feel old.

I did realize why everyone I had spoken to had suggested a rotary cutter. It would have made life so much easier! maybe even my own craft/design room! But, baby steps for now...

I plan on alternating the pink and floral pattern. originally, I was going to alternate between all three, the floral, pink, and green. But after seeing them side by side, the green, although lovely, would look better on another project (hint, stay tuned!).

Please, if you have any tips, let me know! I'd love to feature any thoughts or even mistakes you've made. We can all learn from each other, as corny as that may sound.

Stay tuned for updates on my sewing. I'll be uploading videos, pics, and status updates each week! Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, Check out Pinterest Boards, or send me a message at yasmine@fabriclovers.com. Have projects you're working on? Send us a brief summary and photos!

~Yasmine

My First Quilt: Fabric Decision

For the past few days we've been waiting onthe results of our polls for which style I should make my first quilt in! Drum Roll Please! The style of quilt will be: Floral! Thanks to everyone who voted on our Facebook page!

I decided to go a bit modern with it and chose three different fabrics. One of the solids is the Kona Baby Pink Solid and the other is the Honeydew Solid, both by Robert Kaufman. The floral is the Pink and Khaki Daisies. These will be sewn in strips rather than squares to make it easier on me. I will also do a wave pattern going down. I'm really excited but kind of nervous too! What if I mess up?!

I guess that's what seam rippers are for. I bet there will be mistakes but I just have to keep telling myself that it's a learning process and that maybe the next one will be easier. Hopefully!

I also recieved a great pattern from Hemma Designs! You should check out the available collections, they are all quite lovely.

Do you have any tips for a novice quilter? What mistakes did you make on your first quilt? Do you still have it? Let me know and if you send photos, I can feature your first quilt alongside mine! You can also share the photos with us on our Facebook page or Twitter.

~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: From Fabric to Cookies and Everything in Between!

Thank goodness it's Friday and although I'd love to start the weekend right now, there's a few favorites I just have to share with you!

You want to see a guy who can sew his own pants from scratch? Take a look at Peter, author of Male Pattern Boldness and sewing extrordinaire! You can see the entire process from hemlines to button holes. I've never tried sewing pants of any kind but have heard from others that it's hard to get the right fit.

I rent a small townhouse and although it's lovely, there's only so much I can do with the walls. So I've been looking into wallpaper that can be removed without leaving gunk. I coincedently found this post by Joy on A Cup Of Jo. These patterns are amazing and even if done on one wall, it will certainly become a statement piece!

I'm on a diet, but seeing this recipe for Lemonhead Cookies is making me rethink that choice! A Beautiful Mess brings this simple and delicious looking recipe to us, and maybe, just maybe, I can come up with an excuse to make some! I can't wait!

Check out these awesome quilting fabrics! It makes me wish I could go see the ocean! Well, maybe someday. Right after I learn how to swim! The nautical theme would be perfect for sewing a small skirt that would go under the bathroom counter (to hid all the detergents and cleaners). Click on the images to find out more!

Pacific Reef by Michael Miller

Under the Ocean by Jason Yenter

Ocean Life by Jason Yenter

As always if you wish to contact me, you can do so through here, our Facebook Page, Twitter, or by emailing me directly at Yasmine@fabriclovers.com. I hope to hear from you soon!

~Yasmine

Sale, New Fabric, Free Pattern

Halloween & Christmas Sale!

I always consider Labor Day the "official" start to holiday season, and we are quickly headed right into the thick of it! Now is the time to pick up some great fabric to help you celebrate in style.  We've got a special "Double Sale" going on--Halloween/Fall fabric is 25% off and Christmas/Winter fabric is 15% off! This sale will be in effect through October 10th, so hurry in for best selection. Here's a small sampling:

 

      

   

New Fabric!

Looking for some new stuff? Here's the latest we've received. First, a beautiful set of African themed fabric including a panel and some matching prints.

Have some boys you're sewing for? The following prints might just be perfect!

And who wouldn't love the bright, cheerful colors of these circus prints? The group has a fun panel and co-ordinates.

And just for fun:

Free Pattern!

On any order between now and October 10th, you are entitled to the pattern for this lovely French Bistro table mat--perfect for holiday decorations and gifts! Use code BISTRO during checkout, and we'll include the pattern in your order.

Happy Sewing!
Sabra

at FabricLovers.com

in our New This Month category!