Puget Sound Sewing & Craft

The Perfect Summer Bag for Every Outfit

 Have you ever wished that you could change your handbag as easily as you change clothing?  If so, this idea is for you.

During my recent trip to Japan I learned this trick for utilizing furoshiki.  Furoshiki are  traditional Japanese wrapping cloths.  They are used for everything from an impromptu shopping bag to giftwrap.  The introduction of inexpensive paper and plastic bags nearly brought the use of furoshiki to extinction, but they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to their "green" nature - the perfect recyclable gift wrap!  There are even instructional sites on how to wrap with furoshiki.

Furoshiki can come in any possible size but for this bag I would recommend at least a 20" square.  Small squares look best on dainty handles, and vice versa.  For this 'handbag" you will no doubt want to vary the size depending on the day's activities.  Of course you don't need to have an 'official' furoshiki.  You can use a scarf, or a simple hemmed piece of fabric.  That's why this is the perfect summer bag - made in seconds with any fabric you can tie!

What you will need:
1 set of round purse handles, available at Pacific Fabrics
1 square/rectangle of fabric

The scarf shown in the photo is 34" x 34".  The faux bamboo handles are bulky, so they look best with a larger piece of fabric.  The size and 'look' can be varied by the size of the knot tied. Click on any image to see a larger photo.

Step 1: Fold the rectangle in half

Step 2: Pull the corners through the ring, from the "front" to the "back"

Step 3:  Bring the corners around to the "front"

Step 4:  Tie!  Adjust the knot size to adjust the bag size.  Make sure that the opening is large enough to put your hand into.  Repeat for the other side.

Wasn't that easy?  Now I think I need a variety of round handles for various occasions.  I think a simple polished ring with a lovely silk scarf would make a beautiful and unique evening bag, don't you?

Enjoy!
--Katrina

Egg Cozy Cups Dress Up a Special Brunch

It feels like Spring has finally arrived, and none too soon!  We still have a way to go before it completely warms up here in the Puget Sound, but in the meantime here is a 'cozy' Easter project that is quick, easy and egg-stra special to make.  (Sorry, could not resist.)

Egg Cozy Cups
Materials Needed:

Scraps of fabric, 7"x4"
Fusible Interfacing, medium to heavy weight
1/4" elastic, 2.5" long
Vintage button
Trim, if wanted

1.  Cut scraps of fabric into 7 inch by 4 inch rectangles. 
2. Fuse fusible interfacing onto fabric following manufacturer's instructions.  This project is great for using up old, boardy interfacing, or interfacing scraps, as you want enough structure to support the egg.  The example in the photo utilizes two layers of tailoring weight interfacing.  If you are using home decorator or similar fabrics, you may be able to omit interfacing.
3.  Cut trim to fit one long edge, minus 1/2 inch (6.5"), if using trim.
4.  Pin trim, aligning raw edges, along one long edge, leaving 1/4 space on either end.
5. Fold the 1/4" elastic in half and pin 1/4 of the way down one short edge, aligning raw edges.
6.  Fold the rectangle in half, right sides together.  The trim and the elastic should be inside, pointed away from the raw edges.
7.  Stitch across the short end holding the elastic, and then across the long edge.  This should create a tube with one open end.
8.  Carefully trim the corners and turn the tube right side out. Gently square corners and press.
9.  Turn under the raw edges of the open end, and press.  Edgestitch end closed.
10.  Check for fit around your favorite egg to determine button placement.
11.  Stitch button in place and enjoy!

This is a great way to use up all sorts of scraps of trim, fabrics, buttons and interfacings.  Consider beading, embroidering or other embellishments.

Have fun!
--Katrina

Project Runway Meets State 4-H Fashion Revue

2008 Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue State Champion, Senior Division, Johanna Svensson with her new Brother Limited Edition Project Runway sewing machine, donated by Quality Sewing and Vacuum.

This past Sunday was the Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue Championship, at the Puyallup Fair.  25 young men and women from all over Washington came to compete for the title of State Champion, and a new sewing machine.  These young sewing enthusiasts were chosen from 80 preliminary contestants who competed on the preceding Saturdays and Sundays at the Fair for the opportunity to participate in the Finals.  Prior to coming to Puyallup for the preliminaries, each contestant had to first qualify to participate in their home counties.  Just like Project Runway, each stage of competition involves a new set of judges, and new questions and challenges.

In 4-H Fashion Revue, the contestants must make the garments that they are wearing in the contest.  They are evaluated by a team of judges, who not only critique the quality of their garment construction, as the garment appears when worn by the contestant, but also ask the contestants questions about the construction techniques they used and their knowledge of textile science and general sewing.  The contestant's ability to express themselves clearly and accurately, and their poise in presenting themselves also plays an role during the judges' evaluation.  This interview is the most important stage of the Fashion Revue competition.  At the conclusion of interview judging, the contestants then are asked to exhibit their garments in a fashion show, where they may also be judged further on their presentation skills. 

This year's show was an amazing display of talent from these young people.  Everything from historical costumes to tailored wool suits and evening gowns were on display.  This is truly the future of sewing!  I certainly would not be surprised to see any of these gifted young men and women winning Project Runway in the future!  I have been very honored to be the Superintendent of the State 4-H Fashion Revue competition for the past three years, and look forward to seeing more incredible talent next year.

Our 2008 State Champions:
Senior Division: Johanna Svensson, Kitsap County
Intermediate Division:  Sarah Hoenig, Kitsap County

Reserve Champions:
Senior Division: Lacey Coolbaugh, Kitsap County
Intermediate Division:  Andy Lo, Pierce County

Outstanding Interview Skills:
Senior Division: Roxana Acock, Walla Walla County
Intermediate Division: Elsie Lehman, Benton County

Outstanding Construction Skills:
Senior Division: Elizabeth Lenz, Kittitas County
Intermediate Division: Kayla Yearout, Grant County

Outstanding Modeling Skills:
Senior Division: Rosanna Larson, Lewis County
Intermediate Division: Michaela Nordheim, Walla Walla County

Congratulations to these and all of the 80 contestants in this year's Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue competition.
--Katrina

Sew the Puyallup!

A Sewing and Fiber Enthusiast's Guide to the Puyallup Fair

Yes, indeed - it's that time again.  Time for the tacky Fair Theme Song to invade our TV sets and radios on a regular basis.

What you might not realize is that the Puyallup Fair is a great field trip for a sewing, craft or fiber enthusiast!  In fact, I'm a bit nostalgic because I bought my first Pfaff at the Fair 10 years ago.  No matter what you're interested in, there's a little something for everyone, and here's a guide to help you to make the most of it.

Daily:
The Pavilion Building (Gold Gate) is the host for not only the Washington State 4-H Fair sewing, craft and photography exhibits (and more), but also the Puyallup Fair's Open Class Quilts, Garments, Knitting and Crocheting exhibits.  Downstairs in the southern area of the building is where you can see exhibits created by youth from across the state.  Upstairs (there is an elevator in the southwestern corner, or escalators in the center of the west wall) is an incredible display of quilts, garments and much, much more from local artisans who have entered their work to be evaluated by the Fair judges.  There are often artisans performing demonstrations as well.

Under the Grandstands (Red or Gold Gate):  At the northwest corner of the Grandstands building is the Artists in Action store.  This is a fabulous place to stock up on roving, yarn, handwovens, pottery, jewelry - always an amazing selection of beautiful locally produced items.  I've found many 'gems' here over the years.  You can also get a contact list of the various artists for future mailorder reference, which is very handy.  Various artists are on hand demonstrating their crafts.

Showplex (Blue Gate)and Expo Building/Under the Grandstands (Red or Gold Gate): See the latest sewing, quilting and embroidery machines at the Quality Sewing booth!  If you haven't seen what the latest in sewing technology can do, prepare to be amazed.  I always find myself drooling over the multi-thread embroidery machines - I love just watching them stitch out a design.

Weekends:

4-H Fashion Revue competition: Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm on the Education Stage.   Not to be missed:  Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue Championship, Sunday, September 21 at 5:00 pm on the Education Stage.  The competitors in Fashion Revue must make and model their own garments and be interviewed by a judge regarding their clothing construction and sewing knowledge. My heartfelt thanks as Superintendent to Quality Sewing for continuing to be a major sponsor of the State Championship!

September 5 - 7:  Open Class Sheep Show and Fleece Show.  Ongoing through the weekend.  An outstanding time to see many different breeds of sheep (and Angora goats as well) and their fleeces.  Not to be missed -The Puyallup Cup on Sunday, September 7th at 6:00 pm.  This is the 'circle of champions' for the show - the outstanding exhibits from each breed compete for the overall 'best of the best'.  One of the largest displays of sheep breeds in the U.S. - all in the same arena at the same time.

September 12 - 16: 4-H Sheep Show and Fleece Show.  The actual sheep show will take place on Sunday.  Fleeces and sheep will be on display (not to be handled) throughout this time.  At times 4-H youth will be demonstrating fiber skills and working to prepare their sheep for show.

September 17 - 21: Animals of the World.  An exhibit of exotic animals from around the globe, including some fiber producing animals such as yaks.  My favorite: the Tennessee Fainting Goats.

For much more information, including a terrific Fair Planner with daily calendars, visit www.thefair.com.

If you still haven't found what you're looking for, just remember that the Puyallup branches of Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing are just up the hill!  Conveniently located right next to each other, across from South Hill Mall.

--Katrina

The Impact of Childhood Crafting

So lest you think that sewing and crafting with your children does not impact them, let me reassure you otherwise.

I am visiting my parent’s house and I have always appreciated the fact that my mom still proudly displays all of the hand-crafted items that I made her when I was younger. They are hung up all over the house. From the white hankerchief with lace around the edge and the embroidered "Mom" in my favorite colored thread to the cross-stitched wall-hanging that is more like a small pillow to the small fabric purses that hold treasures—my mom’s insistence for this tradition inspires me and reminds me to more prominently display and comment on my own children’s hard work.

Through my mom’s displays I feel not only her love but a sense of belonging in this home that I’ve never really lived in. The items facilitate memories of many types and there of course is a story behind each one. My kids even think that it’s cool to have my childhood work on the walls.

I hope that they feel as I do when they see their beaded necklaces hanging from my bedside lamp, their tiny, hand-stitched quilt folded carefully in my drawer and their hand-made cards stashed in a very important box on a very important shelf (when they are not on the mantel).

Nothing says "I love you and I am proud of you" more.