Fiskateer Sewing Week-Because I Say Sew!
- posted by: Rebecca
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: October 19, 2008
Yep, I have taken it upon myself to declare this week Fiskateer Sewing Week! Why? Because I can, and because I missed a whole week of National Sewing Month due to a family vacation!!! Sunday is the perfect day to kick this off, because you can kick back, grab a yummy beverage, and feast your eyes on the fantastic sewing projects some of your fellow Fiskateers have created!
Jennifer Fiskateer #1634, Beginner Project - I would definitely classify myself as a beginner in the sewing department. As long as I can remember, I’ve watched my grandma sew - she is a sewing expert and my inspiration. I didn’t really become that interested in sewing myself until my first daughter was born. I got my first sewing machine about a year and a half ago, and I’m still trying to learn all the ins and outs - I have managed to learn how to change threads and bobbin, so I count that as a success! My goal is to be able to make some clothes for my two daughters - mainly fun, dress up clothes while they’re still young enough to enjoy them!
My favorite Fiskars sewing tool has to be the rotary cutter - I swear by that thing! It is super sharp, which makes it a snap to cut even thick fabric. I use it for every project that I’ve ever made. I can’t imagine cutting fabric with plain scissors anymore (which is what I used to do until my sewing-goddess grandma gave me the tip about the rotary cutter).
This tote bag was made using the Fiskars downloadable project found here. It was the biggest thing I’ve made to date and I have to say that it was pretty darn easy! The first one took me less than 2 hours, and would have been much less had I not had a bobbin issue mid-way through that I had to fix.
I immediately became inspired to make more, so I made a small one for my daughter (who is holding it captive in her room while she’s napping!) and another one to use as a gym bag (it’s the smaller one in the picture with the striped and owl material). I’m planning on making a few of these, in various sizes and fabrics, to use as Christmas gifts. Who wouldn’t love one filled with a couple of good books, some yummy treats, or pretty stationary????
Oh, I would love one filled with yummy treats, that’s for sure!
Jenny Fiskateer # 4154, Intermediate Project - I “learnt” to sew at school but didn’t really. As a young adult I went to some night classes at a local high school and since then I have sewn regularly. I have made a christening gown, clothes for my baby sons, dressing gowns, and dresses. Recently, I went to a pattern making class and have since sewn numerous pairs of trousers from my pattern. I also made a polar fleece lined rain jacket
I love my large Fiskars scissors which I use for cutting out patterns - it is so easy to use!
Attached is a quilt I made earlier this year - the first one ever. It is a bit of a memory quilt as every piece of fabric is representative of something from my life. The photos of my two boys are from an old T-Shirt that I gave my husband years ago.The only part I didn’t do myself was the actual quilting.
I love the pictures on this!
Amanda Fiskateer # 1485 - Hi My name is Amanda, I’ve been sewing since I was 12 years old. These days I mostly like sewing projects that are done just for the fun of it like baby blankets or some other creative works like Jackets. I make most of my own clothes and enjoy ever minute that I spend behind my sewing machine.
I Love the Fiskars sewing tools. So far I love every one that I have. The soft touch scissors..so easy on the hands..the rotary cutter and mat..makes blanket making so much easier and the microtip scissors..so handy when there’s corners that need that fine tuning cut to get it looking nice.
Currently I’m working on a Fringe baby blanket. It’s a fairly easy project that basically just needs 4inch squares of Flannel to make. I cut the squares with my handy Fiskars Rotary cutter and then sew them together wrong sides together. I know that’s not something that usually happens when sewing… usually your sew right sides together, but with this one it’s got the inside out look at the seams which will be used to make the fringes. It’s in the works so the pictures are what it currently looks like. The final blanket will be much fluffier.
So, that’s what I’ve been working on. Thanks for letting me share with you all.
Wow, that’s a lot of squares! Aren’t these great projects? You know how I love it when people leave comments for fellow Fiskateers, hint , hint!
Tami B. says:
October 19th, 2008 at 4:50 pmBeautiful projects! I love the quilts and the tote bags are so adorable. What handy seamstresses we have here. I’m hoping to get some nightgowns made this week.
Tona says:
October 19th, 2008 at 4:55 pmBeautiful work by everybody. I admire anyone that can sew and you ladies are in that group for sure.
doverdi says:
October 19th, 2008 at 5:17 pmAwesome projects. Seeing these almost makes me want to get out my sewing machine. I love the Owl material & memory quilt. I’ve seen the inside out quilts before too. I’m what I’d call sewing challenged. It’s funny because I did do a lot of sewing during my high school years (4 yrs of Home Ec) and I even made a 3 pc skirt, top & jacket set that I wore (it didn’t even fall apart lol). Who knows, maybe someday I’ll get around to dusting off the old sewing machine and trying again. Thanks for the inspiration.
Robin # 2982 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 5:37 pmbeautiful
debby 2852 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pmthese are fabulous and I must be below a beginner. Goodness!
Patti Smith says:
October 19th, 2008 at 5:55 pmBeautiful work ladies…I love sewing but like scrappin’ its just finding the time. I have been making “corn hole bags” all afternoon for my son who has made a couple of the games for outdoor fun. Thanks for sharing ladies
Mardi says:
October 19th, 2008 at 6:04 pmAll three are great projects. I took a quilting class a “few” years back and I was just searching the web for a pattern to possibly try one again. What inspiration! Make sure you post a picture of the finished blankie!
Dale Anne says:
October 19th, 2008 at 6:21 pmFABULOUS looking projects!!!
GREAT JOB!
Pinky #3405 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 6:23 pmOh I love those! Amazing jobs, I love the simple designs of square block quilts! I have been wanting to do one myself with scraps! WTG ladies Keep on Sewing!
kim3timemom #2117 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 6:52 pmGreat Job Ladies…You all did a wonderful job. Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
Maya says:
October 19th, 2008 at 7:16 pmAwesome projects ladies! I was thinking about this tote myself! Love the fabric!
Jennie #414 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 7:30 pmGreat job, ladies~!
Sewing seems so overwhelming until you actually dig in and give it a try!
Sara R. says:
October 19th, 2008 at 7:44 pmWow!
Ursula #2228 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 8:40 pmI’m very impressed with these projects. I have really been looking for some good inspiration as I’d like to start some sort of sewing project and these are definately some examples of fun inspiration. Love the projects!
Tina #457 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 8:51 pmI want to learn to sew, you ladies did a great job on these projects. Will you teach me how?….lol
Michelle 3624 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:00 pmGreat projects girls thanks so much for sharing then with us Rebecca!
Rebecca #3451 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:05 pmThese are so awesome! I’ve always wanted to maka a quilt. I would love to sew more but, I don’t have a machine. It gets very tedious and frustrating without one.
Christine C #2264 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:20 pmLooks like you had a “hoot” making that bag Jennifer, the quilts look amazing too.
Thanks for sharing with us ladies.
joybear 4434 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:20 pmThose are all soooooo awesome! That tote makes me want to try it!
kimberlee #2494 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:26 pmOh, cool! Exciting! Thanks for more sewing stuff, Rebecca! Now just give us a new sewing machine…
Kristin in OH #2764 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 9:26 pmYou ladies are sure inspiring me. I really have been in the mood to make a tote bag lately myself. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Tara Joy says:
October 19th, 2008 at 10:03 pmI helped my mom make one of those blankets. Its time consuming cutting the fringes but the after effect is just awesome.
Amanda #1485 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 10:30 pmGreat looking projects. The tote reminds me that it’s on my “to do when fall cleaning is over” list. I love all the different patches on the quits. Very fun and very creative.
Kimberley #2626 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 10:52 pmYour projects are all beautiful. I’m envious! Last summer, I bought a 1980’s Singer sewing machine for $5 at a yard sale, but I have yet to use it. I’ve not sewed since I was in high school (about the time that sewing machine was manufactured, actually). Thanks for posting your projects, for you’ve inspired me to ask one of my friends to help me re-learn some things.
Peggy #4129 says:
October 19th, 2008 at 11:05 pmI think that all of you who sew are great….my mom use to make blankets and such….I lost her before I was able to learn her talents……Bless you all and thank the good Lord for all your talents.
Blessings
Jennifer Muller says:
October 19th, 2008 at 11:32 pmThanks for sharing our projects! I love seeing what everyone else is sewing. Thank you all for the sweet comments - they especially mean a lot to this beginning sewer!
Jenny E #4154 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 5:36 amThank you all of you for your lovely comments. I really love my quilt and that it’s a “scrapbook” as well as a piece of handcraft
Laura B says:
October 20th, 2008 at 7:55 amI hate sewing so I am blown away with all the talent shown here. great job girls.
Mardi says:
October 20th, 2008 at 8:17 amHere is a great site for making quilts.
http://kellymccaleb.typepad.com/photos/quilt_kit_instructions/index.html
Christina Solloway says:
October 20th, 2008 at 8:23 amI love making quilts and just seeing Amanda’s pieces makes me want to start a new project! I love the owl fabric, too!! Those bags in Halloween fabric would be so cute instead of the kids using plastic pumpkins - easier to store, too!! Hmmm, I might need to start a new project.
NanaBeth#2906 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 9:57 amWOW! I too am blown away-that’s a lot of talent showing here.
Lorraine says:
October 20th, 2008 at 10:06 amNice work girls. I too have been sewing since I was 15 so I know a few things about it.
Patty 2832 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 10:08 amWow… beautiful projects ladies!
My DD would love for me to make her one of those totes!
Both quilts are just gorgeous!
I admire all of you who sew ,”sew” much !
connie #2909 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 11:05 amgreat projects! Thanks for sharing.
Maxine Hodges says:
October 20th, 2008 at 11:24 amI was very impressed with the totes. The other projects were just awesome. The quilt will be a treasure for many generations of Amanda’s family. All you ladies are truly talented.
melita says:
October 20th, 2008 at 11:40 amtotally awesome projects! this is something i want to learn how to do!
Julie Overby says:
October 20th, 2008 at 11:41 amFantastic projects!! Looks like a lot of work but a lot of fun. Great inspiration!
kateB says:
October 20th, 2008 at 11:59 amI cringe when I see the word sewing-ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had overly sweaty hands and could never sew-I rrrrreaallllly want to learn for an added bonus to my scrapbook layouts so…..
Cherrie #1790 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 3:12 pmall of these gorgeous projects just have me drooling - I “sew” wish I had a sewing machine.Great job ladies - I am in awe!!
Krafty Wahine#395 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 5:39 pmAmanda, Jenny and Jennifer, great work. thanx for sharing! you are all awesome!
aloha, anita
NancyR #4806 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 6:21 pmYou are three very talented ladies. It is so much fun getting ideas from others that sew.
Marla #3291 says:
October 20th, 2008 at 7:47 pmLooks like some beautiful quilts happening.
Lydia says:
October 21st, 2008 at 6:25 pmawesome looking projects girls..I also have been sewing since I was a teenager..Amanda, I’ve been wanting to make a blanket like this for the longest time ..This winter I hope to get one done!!