Thursday Sewing: Making a tree skirt from curtain valances

I had something completely different planned for today's post! And as you can maybe tell I'm a bit late in posting today. What I had planned will have to wait until next Thursday's Sewing Session though. So sorry.

Today I bring you: Making a Tree Skirt from Curtain Valances

This would be a lot more relevant if we were closer to Christmas, but I also never got a chance to post it over Christmas. I was sick most of the time and we had family in from Brazil. So here it is today, and maybe it will give you a head start on your Christmas sewing?

To begin with, I had some old valances laying around that I had picked up at a thrift store, intending to make a silky bag with them. The bags never came to fruition. I needed a tree skirt. The one we had was too small and I wanted something a bit more elegant. And handmade. So I "found" the valances on my fabric shelf and started taking measurements.

With two of them, I had enough material to make the skirt. To make the skirt, I needed to sew them together, make a circular cut out in the middle, and then make eyelets or something similar for the ties on one side.

The first thing I did was to sew them together in the middle, so that the borders were on the outside edges. Then I folded them into halves and quarters so I could easily make a pie-shaped wedge to cut out the circular middle. I really just measured the top of my tree stand, subtracted about 1/2" for seam, and measured from the point to the distance on the ruler. I then cut it and seamed it by folding 1/4" under and running a zig zag stitch all the way around.

During all of this, I'd forgotten that I needed an opening to actually put it around the tree stand. So I cut down the middle of one side, seamed up the sides, and stood back to take a look at it. It needed more. It was just really plain. Here was where my two hour project became four.

I remembered that I had made a filet crocheted set of bells meant to be used as a centerpiece about 11 years ago. They had taken me forever, but were now laying unused in a drawer. I decided they would be perfect for my tree skirt. Sure enough, I got the centerpiece out and laid it across my skirt. Perfect! Now how to sew that sucker on there?

Looking around the craft room, my eyes landed on the can of basting spray I use for quilts. With an Aha! moment and recall of Ashley's post about attaching her crocheted appliques, I set about spraying small sections and applying the piece to the skirt. This probably would've held for a while, but I didn't want to risk it. I pinned the bells around, making sure to keep the slippery material as smooth as possible underneath the bells and the bells flat as well. With a zig zag stitch set for a long length and a short stitch, I carefully sewed the bells to the tree skirt.

For the final touch, I used an eyelet setting on my Janome. I made small holes down the sides of the open edges and then let the Janome do its thing. With little effort on my part, the eyelets were made and nearly perfect. I then laced it all up using some ribbon I had.

So it got a little involved, but I was really happy with the fact that I upcycled the valances and found a new purpose for my unused centerpiece. I also had a brand spanking new tree skirt that didn't cost me a dime to make this year. (I'm not considering the initial cost of the valances which was about $3 and the thread used to crochet the bells, or the ribbon that I had on hand. It was all stuff I had on hand and didn't have to go out to buy.)

With a little thought, looking through your stash, or a fun run through a thrift store, I bet you can find some stuff to make you own Christmas tree skirt for next year. If you make something, would you consider posting it to my group Flickr account? I'd love to see your projects!

*The pattern used for the bells centerpiece was from the November, 2003 issue of Crochet! Magazine and is by Ferosa Harold. You can reference the pattern on Ravelry.

Why Buy Homemade?

Art Credit Stacey Sobelman https://www.etsy.com/shop/SMARTdesignsbyStacey

So this holiday season, you're probably going to see a lot more of the "buy handmade" slogans flying around. But why? Isn't homemade more cheaply made? Doesn't it cost more than buying from a big box?

The answers are no and yes. Okay, then what makes it better than a big box and why should I pay more? Here are the answers from my experience both buying and selling:

 What Makes Handmade/Homemade Better? 

When you buy something that an individual makes, you are buying something that they take time to make, usually one piece at a time, just for you. Most artisans that make items for sale make it with the conscious thought that people will buy their items. When people buy the items made by the artisan, that artisan also knows that they will either come back and buy from them again or they will leave positive or negative feedback if they are in a shopfront like Etsy, Artfire, or Zibbet. Negative feedback negates future sales. Shoppers DO read the feedback, just like on Ebay. If the artisan wants recurring sales and positive feedback, they are going to do their best to make your item to the very best of their ability. 

Unique Wooden Bangle Decoupage by UniquelyUJewelry on Etsy

So How is That Better Than Retailers? 

Reluctantly, I'll answer a question with a question. How many times have you bought something from a big box retailer only to find out later that it is falling to pieces or only lasts for a little while? Have you ever stood in line to make returns for an item that doesn't work? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you've answered the above question. When something is made individually, it also means that the item is of more value and better built than something that is made on a mass production assembly line. Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Ferrari...they all understood this. That is why you will pay more to own these vehicles as opposed to a Ford, Chrysler, or Chevrolet. They are individually made, with great care and precision, to give you what you pay for and with fewer problems down the line. 

Good reviews equal repeat buyers and customer confidence

Retailers have no feedback system nor do they care about quality very much. I used to work in the restaurant industry and one of our main rules was that bad word of mouth travels much faster than good word of mouth. This is true! One bad experience can and will be retold thousands of times. One person tells another, then that person tells two or three of their friends, they tell two or three more of their friends and it snowballs. Restaurants have died because of this chain of by mouth feedback. Ask Bennigan's. HOWEVER, retailers don't seem to live by this rule. Walmart sucks. They have terrible service, terrible product, and if we're honest, terrible prices. Yet people continue to go there on a daily basis. If you return a product to Target, you blame whomever made the product, not Target. Why? Because we don't relate that Target is buying their products from the manufacturer - and continue to buy it independent of the negative feedback or returns - so we continue to buy it. There are exceptions, and I've only named two retailers, but many, many more have this same process. There is no responsibility. Eventually, the wholesalers of the item may recall a defective product, but it takes a very long time and a lot of press for this to happen at any level. Restaurants live by the rule because they are seen as a major front running supplier. They cook the food and deliver it. You don't blame the food supplier, the oven manufacturer, or the deep fryer - although these may also be to blame if they're buying cheap food and equipment - you blame the cook and servers. If the servers are rude and untrained, you also have a front runner to blame, not their trainers or managers. So you can hopefully see the correlation? 

Once again the people making your handmade goods are also the front runners. They are making the product. You can't blame it on the wire they use, the beads, the fabrics, or whatever else. 

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Set by Earthly Baubles on Etsy (click image for link)

Although great care is usually taken to provide quality products using quality ingredients, the final product and how it is made are judging criteria. Artisans will fail, repeatedly, if they don't produce a quality product. It's as simple as that. 

Why Should I Pay More? 

After the previous two answers, I hope by now you're getting the idea that to make quality, you must first buy quality. In my quilt process, I use two major ingredients that I must depend on to make good quilts: batting and backing fabric. The batting is all the guts inside between the top and the back. It has to be good, otherwise it won't hold up to quilting, use and washing. The backing fabric must also be of good quality. It has to be thick enough not to let the batting show through, not tear when it is being quilted, and iron out after washing. I want people to USE their quilts. I believe that if you're going to make and buy something, it shouldn't be on a shelf in the closet. That defeats the purpose! But I also want my customers happy. So to buy quality ingredients, I have to pay more than I would for the cheap stuff. I don't get quality cheaply. Even if I buy fabric and batting wholesale, I end up paying more for it than I do the cheap stuff. This is called investment and it must be regained to make a profit. 

Unique custom-made quilt by Freckle Dots

Quality ingredients and attention to detail also mean that I am spending a good deal of time on your quilt. The only employee I have is my dog Freckles. She is the costumer relations manager and business representative. She greets customers that come to the door, represents my business in name and attitude, and provides me with comfort and encouragement on a daily basis. However, she doesn't really help much in the design and manufacture process, nor does she assist greatly on the computer unless she's warming my lap. I only pay her in dog food and chewie sticks, so I can't count her as "helping" much with my quilts. Therefore, I am a one-woman operation and I take care of every aspect of my business like advertising, manufacturing, design, customer service, shipping, and purchasing. I invest countless hours in my business that I really don't get paid for in the final product. 

The hours I spend actually making a quilt add up. I cut the tees, starch them, iron, design, shape, sew, re-cut, sew again, sandwich, quilt, bind, package, and ship each and every one. This process can take up to 8 hours a day, for 10 days. I usually have other things to do like pick up kids, go grocery shopping, buy fabrics, feed the dogs, etc. so the entire process takes about 3-4 weeks. I honestly make less than minimum wage even after raising my prices if I consider the hours I put into each quilt. I enjoy my work, and the income helps with things like those pesky bills and gas, so I keep doing it. I will never become a millionaire though. 

Bugatti Wallpaper (click for link)

Because I am putting individual attention and time into each and every quilt, you can expect to pay more for it than the cookie cutter $25 quilt that comes off the assembly line and ends up at your local retailer. You can also expect better quality and longer enjoyment. My Bugatti verses their Ford, in other words. 

The Final Answer

Again, with the questions. Do you want quality or do you want crap? Do you want an individually made, one-of-a-kind item, or a cookie cutter product? Personally, if someone buys me something from a store I'm like, "Oh, wow, thanks." But if they take their time to make something for me, or buy something handmade, I'm like, "OH, WOW, THANKS!!!! This is awesome! Wherever did you find this? How did you make this?" If you have kids, you know this from your collection of  macaroni necklaces. It touches your heart. 

I'm not saying you should buy Joe's homemade television from recycled parts and rabbit ears, but you should definitely consider buying special items for special people. Have a friend that likes to sew or knit? Buy her a set of handmade wooden or leather buttons or some carved wooden knitting needles. She'll hold those up much more proudly and show all of her friends before she would something you bought from the store! 

BA Knitting Needles Giant by xiane on Etsy 

Boyfriend or husband have a collection of tee shirts taking up closet space? Have a quilt made for him. Check out the artisans on www.Etsy.com, www.Zibbet.com, and www.Artfire.com.

Don't buy cheap, don't make big retailers richer with YOUR hard earned money, and do something unique this year! Buy handmade. Make it personal. Make it unique. Get more for your money. 

Quit Feeling Guilty!

Most of my posts this Christmas season have been about making gifts, giving of ourselves to others, and basically not to make such a big deal out of buying all those expensive gifts for Christmas. But what if you can't give and make a gift for every single person in your extended family or for all of your friends? My friend, you are not alone! This is economically one of the worst years for people in the United States. Unemployment is tragically high, we're still paying for a war, and people are just not making the money they are used to. So why do you feel so guilty about it this year????

I can tell you why - because you have been conditioned to feel badly about it. Big name retailers, media, and everyone else have conditioned people to buy, buy, buy or they are truly not celebrating Christmas! Let's get real here for a minute. Christmas was the celebration of the simplest gift there is - the creation of a family and the birth of a Savior. It took the wise men about 2 years to bring their gifts to the Savior and I don't believe they felt one bit guilty about it. I can honestly say that I don't believe it was on His actual birthday, either.

We've been conditioned to believe that if we're not roasting chestnuts, decorating trees, hanging lights, and shopping our butts off that we're not celebrating correctly! But what did they do before they had electricity? They lit candles. People bought or MADE a single gift to give to others. If they didn't have the resources, they gathered together and enjoyed each other. Why has family become a dirty word? Why do we feel that we can't even take one day away from ball games and our own personal issues to just enjoy the company of others? Why do we think that our families are people to be avoided at all costs every day of the year? I am so thankful for my family. All 5 kids, my husband of 15 years, my crazy mom, brother, and sister and all of their crazy kids and wives or husbands will gather on Christmas day to eat a meal and laugh with each other. I will treasure that moment in my heart this year, next year, and every year I am able to. Last year we lost a beautiful soul just days before Christmas. I missed her (and still do) beyond belief and wish I had just ONE MORE Christmas with her. I found the last gift bag she gave me the other day. It's funny how little things like that become so important. I remember and still have the gift, but I treasure that gift bag now. It was her hand that touched it, that picked it out, that signed it, and that will never again be able to touch or hold mine again.

My request from all of you is that you take this one day to celebrate birth. Birth of connecting with your family, the start of new traditions, the birth of a new year, or simply whatever grows in your heart. Get back into the family part of Christmas. Love who God has given you to love, or love someone that has never known it. You never know where the next Christmas will see you, but enjoy each one for what it is, not for what you can give or get.

Merry Christmas

Handmade Holidays, Part 2

I have 2 tween girls (10). They're at that age where they're no longer little girls, but they're not quite ready for teenager things, either. To make it just a little more difficult, even though they are twins they are two completely different people. The ONLY thing that they like that is the same is Twilight. They're best friends, but polar opposites. So I've been letting my brain stew for a few days on what would be good to make handmade for my little eclectics and also got some good input from @SaraLynnArt on Twitter.

T-shirt tote bags would be a great, fun way to show your tween that you're a hip momma. Well, maybe not, but we can try. Sara suggested turning t-shirts into tote bags. Now I'm all up for this, as I just completed my first t-shirt quilt and I'm hooked. So I got to thinking about how to put something like this together. I like this idea from sewmargaretsew on Instructables, which simply takes the t-shirts as they are and turns them into usable bags.
But I was also thinking of something maybe a little more involved. So with just a little more research on YouTube, I found this really great idea from MorbidMisfits.


Once again, can we praise the wonders of duct tape? I mean, if you wanted to get really creative you could use the fancy tape that costs $8 a roll and probably get a couple of bags out of it! I'll have to check the price on the rings, but I don't think they could be that expensive. So even though they'd both have some completely different totes because of the styles they wear, they'd both get something they love!

I also came up with something that my husband and I are going to work on. Ever seen those hammocks that they sell in the grocery stores that have the independent stands you can set up virtually anywhere - even if you don't have trees? Well, one of my girls has wanted one forever. So as the smoke came rolling from my ears I thought of making the stand out of PVC pipe and sewing together some canvas for the actual hammock. I couldn't find anyone doing this online, so I'm going to price it out and see if it would be economical, then get back to you with a tutorial.

One of my girls also likes to read, so I'm thinking of making her an individual book tote with the duct tape idea and some really great fabric. There are just so many possibilities! Have fun with these ideas and drop me a line if you have more!

Handmade Holidays, Part 1

A lot of us would really like to be able to do a handmade holiday, but we have pressures from our kids, advertisements, and society in general to buy the name brand toys, clothes, and other things that make retailers rich. Well, this year I'm sick of it. Fortunately, I have some artsy kids that love items crafted by hand. Not to say they don't appreciate the $40 - $70 toys on the market, but with 5 kids how in the world does one do that? What makes me the most angry is that same said toys will inevitably break within just a few minutes, or, God willing, days. Your hard earned money is sunk in the trash bin or the junk toy pile with little more than pretty wrapping paper to console you and your child. So why not make something that will last and maybe bring more joy than plastic playthings? We're also going to try to be realistic about this. Kids aren't dumb, and they will know if you used toilet paper rolls to make trucks. So we're going to go a little beyond that, stay within an inexpensive realm, and find some really cool ideas.

First up: Girls. I think girls are easy. Maybe because I am one, but they are delighted by things that are fairly easy to obtain. My 6-yr-old is really into hair bows. She thinks they are the greatest things ever. Bad news is: Mommy doesn't have a lot of ribbon and can't tie a bow very well, so I had to find out how to do these. I love to sew, and I think that gives a lot of room for improvisations. CreativeMind on Cut-Out-And-Keep had these really cute, simple little bows that would be perfect for little embellishments:


See Fabric Bows and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

I also shared with you last week about Duct Tape bows. I mean, you can make enough for your child, your child's friends, all your nieces, and maybe even grandchildren (if you're of that age) from a single roll of tape. And it costs about $8. Nice little gift I think.

Most little girls also love dolls. Trying to find a doll pattern that isn't scary is the real issue here. Mine don't really care for dolls, though. However, same 6 yo loves "Hello Kitty." I found this really cute felt doll on Cut-Out-and-Keep by Danyelle W. that is crazy inexpensive to make. Buy one pack of felt squares and you can make 10 of these for almost nothing!


See Felt "hello" Kitty Doll and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

I should also mention that this kitty's head is not really that complicated. It's round with ears. So you can make pillows, appliques, hair bow accessories - it's really limitless.

Next time, I'll be posting some things for my bigger (10) girls. If you have some suggestions, let me know in the comments! Here's to a Happy (and inexpensive) Christmas!

Duct Tape!

Well, I'm always a little late on the "fashion trends." I honestly own only 3 pairs of shoes, mostly utilitarian, so I'm not big on "what's in." So I was a little surprised when I found out that Duct Tape (Duck Tape) is such a hot fashion trend. I've seen people make dress dummies out of it, and a few other ingenious things, but never really considered it as a fashion medium. So when I was on Listia today I saw a lot of listings for duct tape hair bows. Now my 6-yr-old is really into hair bows, so I found this whole idea intriguing. To my surprise and delight, I can actually buy the duct tape for about $8 a roll on Amazon. So that means that from the 32 feet that come in a designer roll, I can make approximately 21 bows at around $.38 each! Talk about an easy and inexpensive Christmas present!

I also found some great tutorials on YouTube and Instructables on how to make the bows. They're so simple. There are also a ton of other ideas on making things with duct tape. It's not just for cars anymore!

Happy Thanksgiving

Just thought I'd drop in to wish all of my readers a Happy Thanksgiving - no matter where you are or where you're from! It's a great day to just reflect on the year and to be thankful for the things in your life. Trials are a way of strengthening us to walk straighter and prouder, knowing we've fought all that life throws at us with our heads held high. When you give in and give up, fate has won and taken your life. So if you're struggling with things right now (and really, who isn't?) be Thankful because you will come out the victor if you continue to fight hard and choose the right paths.

I also wanted to try and bring some comfort to the lives of those that I know are facing a tough Christmas this year. It's ok if you can't afford to buy everything on your kids' wish lists or get gifts for those that you love. Trust me, most of the time it's not the gift they remember anyway! Be creative, make it a fun and heartwarming time. What you get doesn't have to come from a big retailer. Buy from small businesses, thrift stores, and yard sales. You get more and infuse the economy with more than you do from big business.

Did you know that Saturday is Small Business Saturday anyway? Avoid the headache of Black Friday and go shopping online or hit the little stores. They'll be having sales for Christmas, too! Want more info? Go to the official Facebook page and take the pledge to shop small.

Christmas is a time to really show each other that we love each other. It wasn't until big business got involved in our holiday that it turned into something else. Isn't that the way it usually is? It's the media, advertising, and big retailers that make you feel like you're not doing enough. Your kids will remember making paper chains, popcorn decorations, cookies, and being with you. They will say, "We didn't have much, but we had the best Christmases ever!" Isn't that what you want anyway? Enjoy the holidays, love each other, and keep it crafty!

Holidays and crafting

As the holidays approach I see so many new crafty ideas hit the internet. Christmas and fall seem to inspire people to create in ways that they haven't all year. I think it's the beauty, the mystery, and probably cooler weather that set our minds free to wander over worlds of possibilities and anticipation of another year's end.

In our home, Thanksgiving is a BIG holiday. We're joining up to cook at least 368 dinners for people in the community, delivering 7 uncooked dinners to others, and then we finally settle in with our own family on that big Thursday to share each other's company, enjoy conversation, and eat. This has been a difficult year for our family. Many things have happened that have either saddened us, stirred us to anger, or caused us to fear. However, in the end when it's all over it is just another memory. There have been many blessings as well. So we do give thanks for the things that helped us grow and those that strengthened us to become better and wiser people.

Christmas is also a wonderful time. For the last couple of years we've had some pretty slim-looking gift-giving. With 5 children it's difficult to meet their needs and wants all year and then do a big hurrah at the end. However, I know my kids will never forget Christmas in our home. Not because of what they got, but the trip to Grandma's, dinner, the anticipation of Christmas Eve, stockings, candy, hot chocolate and so many more memories. Those are the things I hold dear. My dad was a scrooge, but my mom made the holidays wonderful and beautiful. I can recall only 3 gifts from that entire time. My radio with a CD player, a unicorn blanket, and a "working-girl Barbie." I rarely get anything at Christmas now, as it all goes to our kids. But each Christmas I remember and will always hold deeply.

I think of simple gifts, the beauty of a star and the miracle of angels singing from the Heavens when I think of Christmas. Most people were actually ticked off that night because they were being counted for a census so they could be taxed properly. But it was a night not soon forgotten or dismissed.

I have created a place mat from a pattern to remember my little boy's 4th Christmas. He turns 4 a few days before Thanksgiving each year. If you would like one, come on over to my studio and have yours done. Turn around is 4 days, so I have time for a few more!

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas everyone!

The Christmas Card

The one thing that I sometimes don't do is Christmas cards. I buy the cards, think about addressing them, possibly do fill them out and address them, then forget to take them to the post office in time for actual pre-event arrival. The cards, in my opinion, are a waste of time and money, not to mention additional environmental sludge. I really put very little emphasis or time into cards because I don't think people really get that much out of them. So my goal this year is to gather some ideas for cards - or greetings - that have a practical use.

Mason jars filled with dry ingredients to make cookies or cupcakes sound like fun, with a little tag that says, "Thinking of you." Practical, reusable, and extremely expensive to ship (in comparison to a card). So if your recipient lives within visiting distance, these are great as drop-off cards. I'm not real creative in this department - so I NEED HELP. (Seriously, not the medical kind, although that may be necessary as well. We'll leave that for another post. ;-))

So if you have any great ideas for practical, reusable, environmentally friendly greeting cards/gifts, let me know. Remember, cheap to ship. You can leave your link to your blog post, tutorial, or just a suggestion. I will tell others where to find you (blog traffic!) or work with you to create a post about your terrific idea on this blog. I've scoured the Internet, and will probably scour some more, to find those ideas. Until then, your input would be much appreciated.

Countdown to Christmas

Hmm...So what do you all think about the new Blogger homepage? I tried opening it in my Google Chrome and all I could see was the title bar. Not a lot of help there, Google! And the fact that it doesn't open in your own browser is not a real confidence booster.

Anywho...I don't have a whole lot to say. My Bead~N~Knot studio is having a sale - 15% off everything - until July 15. It's my mid-summer sale, so enjoy it while it lasts! And did you know that there is now only 167 days left until Christmas? I'm sure you'll find something in my shop to tickle your fancy. If not, let me know what I can make for you! I'm adding a Christmas Countdown to my blog. Yes, it will be here soon. No, I'm not pushing the issue. But with 5 kids and a very extensive family I like to get a head start and little items for all.

I love Christmas. I like the smells, sights, sounds, weather, baking, and most importantly the meaning behind the entire holiday. It's funny to me that the most significant Christian holiday is also the most celebrated by all people, both Christian and non. What does that say about the impact of Christianity? I think that if you're going to celebrate it you should celebrate for the right reasons - and know what you're celebrating. Do people in Britain celebrate the American Fourth of July? How about Hanukkah? How many non-Jewish people celebrate that? Yet, everyone wants to celebrate Christmas - then complain when we use our Christian symbolism and words during the holiday! I don't wish people a Merry Christmas unless I KNOW they are Christians. Why would I? It would be like wishing someone in a foreign country Happy Thanksgiving. It's a Christian holiday, folks, and should remain that way.

I'll be bringing some crafts that I find, sales, and beautiful things your way over the next 167 days. Hope you enjoy them!