Fundraiser Sewing

Fundraiser Sewing Projects

Whether you sew for hobby, for business, or for necessity, it’s always nice to sew for a cause.  I’m a stay-at-home-mom who has to continually stretch a buck, so I like to help how I can…and that means through sewing.  These past few weeks have provided me a few opportunities to use these skills to help some great local organizations.

My boys go to the same preschool and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) asked me to contribute a few items for a big auction event.  Of course, I said yes. I love this school and am so happy my boys do too.  Although I know I won’t generate a ton of money, I know every little bit helps. I get to help the PTO and get a little local publicity so it’s win-win for me.

Last year I donated gift certificates to my Etsy shop and this year I decided to make a few items to possibly generate more money once the bidders can touch and feel what they are receiving.  With a GC, there is a finite value, but with custom made, hand-sewn products, there is more more perceived worth…at least I hope!

UA Open Wide Pouch

It’s always so hard to choose fabrics for someone, never mind someone you don’t know.  But since this is a school fundraiser, you can’t go wrong with simple patterns in the school colors…so yellow and black it is.  I used Quiet Play’s Geometric letter pattern and Noodlehead’s Wide Open pouch pattern to show some hometown love.

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The Crimson and Clover Train Case by Sew Sweetness is one of my favorite patterns. Its so versatile in it’s usage….whether to hold makeup, toys, or other treasures.  I used Cotton and Steel Black and White fabrics with the typewriters being  a play on the school and added little yellow accents.  The shot of yellow piping is definitely my favorite.

Each of my son’s classes is also responsible for putting a large basket together. There is a theme and the point is to have all the families contribute a little something in order to make a sizable basket worth buying. One class has a “Lego” theme and the other has “Books.”

Lego Open Wide Pouch Outside

Instead of just buying a box of Legos, I knew I wanted to sew something to hold all the toys. I’m constantly stepping over Legos in my own house and I made some see-through vinyl drawstring bags to combat the mess.  I thought I would make one for the basket but then after browsing Quiet Play’s Craftsy shop, I saw the Lego man. Hello!

Lego Open Wide Pouch Inside

The Lego head pattern is free (yay!) and I used Noodlehead’s Open Wide Pouch again.  It’s design is so perfect for little hands to reach in and out easily.   I added a little embroidery to make the Lego Man’s face and (hopefully) this bag will help keep all of these little pieces off the floor.

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For the “Books” theme basket, I knew right away I would make a library bag. My boys have cute canvas ones they love to fill up and I figured one of their schoolmates would too.

Library Bag

The bag is made with Art Gallery Fabrics Denim Studio so I didn’t need any interfacing to give it structure. I used a very simple tutorial from Skip to my Lou and altered it so I could incorporate this super cute book paper-piece pattern from Patchwork Please! by Ayumi Takahashi.

Besides all these PTO donations, I was asked to contribute some items from my Etsy shop for a Pelatonia fundraiser. This is one of the largest bike races in Columbus and generates millions of dollars…all which toward cancer research.  Some large companies have donated money to cover administrative expenses so that 100% of rider fundraising will go to charity.  How awesome is that?

Baby Travel Set

I donated a full set of baby travel items with arrow fabric since the Pelatonia logo is also an arrow. The group I’m assisting is bringing in a whole cross-section of items and I’m crossing my fingers that these pull in lots of money!

Have you donated some sewn items for fundraising?  How did they do?

 

Happy Stitching,

Cristy

 

 

***This post may contain affiliate links which help me on the back end to fund this site.  Compensation is only through your own purchase. 

Chalk and Paint Fabrics Blog Tour {Crimson and Clover Traincase}

 

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Welcome to the kick-off for the Chalk and Paint Fabrics Blog Tour!  I am so happy to share my project with these new Art Gallery fabrics with you.  Sew Caroline has quite an amazing line-up ahead for the next few weeks and I know each blogger will have something amazing with Chalk and Paint.

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I have been a long-time admirer of Sew Caroline‘s garment patterns (umm..hello, Kimono Jacket..here and here…)   It is no exception when it comes to her fabrics.  All of her collections are youthful and so fun.  But this newest line has a more muted pastel palette, which I just adore!

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When I saw Untaped Splatter Frost, I knew it was going to be my next Crimson and Clover Travelcase (pattern by Sew Sweetness.)  I love this case because it holds everything…and it’s not even the larger size.  The interior side pockets are so nice for organization and lord knows I need all the help I can get!

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As I was sewing this bag, I realized why I put the two together….it was my sewn version of a Caboodle!  This exterior fabric has an 80’s vibe and being the child of immigrant parents, I never had one.  “What..a shoebox wasn’t good enough to hold your junk?”  They never understood the need for adolescent acceptance…haha.

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For the interior, I used Writings on Boards as a darker complement to hide any spills or smudges which may occur (yes, I know myself well.)  How cute is this text fabric, right?  I love the inspirational words to welcome me every time I open this bag.

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For the piping, handle and interior pocket accents, I used Dripping Paint Cooling.  You get so much color and texture in such a small amount of yardage, that it was just perfect for that extra “pop.”  Now…I think my “Caboodle” is pretty rad, isn’t it? 😉

Don’t forget to visit all of these amazing blogs for more Chalk and Paint projects!

Cristy // Love You Sew –> Right here!

Katie // The Simple Life

Jenn // Quilts and Conversations

Robin // Pattern Revolution

Alicia // Love Knot Photo

Holly // Holly Gets Quilty

Chris // The Tattooed Quilter

Alexis // My Sweet Sunshine

Adrianna // Hey June Handmade

Taylor // Taylor Made Creates

Casey // Casey Taylor Threads

Hayley // Welcome to the Mouse House

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What would you make with the Chalk and Paint collection?  You have a chance to WIN a Full FQ Bundle on Instagram by (re)posting your favorite image from the blog tour using #chalkandpaintgiveaway and tagging @sewcaroline. (Full Details are on Caroline’s blog.)

 

Good luck!

 

***This post may contain affiliate links which help me on the back end to fund this site.  Compensation is only through your own purchase. 

Coastline Blog Tour {Swim Cover-Up}

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The Coastline Blog Tour has been well underway and I’m so happy to be a part of it!  Coastline by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics is just stunning.  The cooler color way, Northshore, reminds me of my times down in Jersey.  I spent a lot of time as a child and even more in my 20’s.  When I was just out of college, I rented beach houses with friends and live there on the weekends…Oh the memories!  The warmer color way, Southshore, sends me to the other side of the country.  It reminds me of SoCal…along Huntington and Newport Beaches.  The fabrics are warm and very soothing…They are laid-back and relaxed.  Whichever fabrics you select, Coastline is certainly going to transport you somewhere special.

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When I found out I was going to sew for this tour, I was immediately drawn to the Tropical Breeze voile.  The palms with the layers of teal and navy are so chic and beautiful.  I have used Art Gallery’s voiles before and I just love the feel and drape of the fabric.  It’s light, airy and dries quickly…making it the perfect choice for a Swim Cover-up.

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To make the Cover-up, I used fellow Art Gallery designer, Sew Caroline‘s FREE Kimono pattern found here.  It’s a very simple garment to make given that its a one-size fits most pattern.  To make it appropriate to for the beachside and to add some sass, I made a few alterations 🙂

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The most noticeable is the dropped hem-line and fringe.  Five inches was added to the front and back pattern pieces to hide my bum and upper thighs.  (Age and babies have caught up to me so I wanted to keep those areas under wraps!)  I’m only 5’3″, so if you are taller or shorter, you may want to adjust length accordingly.  The hem was then gradually cut up to the front opening to provide a smooth slope upward.

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Along the hem, I added fringe…because who doesn’t love fringe?!?  It adds fun and playful movement to the Cover-up and the weight helps it stay in place when those ocean breezes come along.  I found this 4.5″ fringe at my local JoAnn’s and still can’t believe there was a perfect color match there!  I battled between encasing the fringe in the hem or showing off the top.  As you can see, I decided to sew the fringe right on top of the finished hem.  It adds some nice texture and dimension.

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To keep some modesty, I also added a tie right at the bust line.  I used my 1/4″ Bias tape maker to create two 16″ long ties.  Now “things” can stay put 😉

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Since this Cover-up would be thrown over beach chairs and worn open often, I wanted the seams to have a nice clean look and did not care to see serger stitches.  I opted for french seams  and added an additional 1/8″ all around each pattern piece to accommodate the change.  If you are unfamiliar with french seams, Grainline Studios has a great tutorial found here.

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The sleeves were kept simple to balance out the fringe.  No trim was used and I just folded the hem under by 1/4″.  If you have issues folding the voile, you can sew a 1/4″ seam to help the fabric fold itself over.

This stylish Swim Cover-up is exactly what I need for the warmer months ahead.  I can already here the beach calling for me!

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Now onto some more fun stuff….

:: Want to WIN the Full Fat-Quarter Bundle of Coastline?  Find out all the details on Sharon’s Blog here

:: Looking for more Coastline projects?  Head over to the Look Book here and/or the full line-up of the Blog Tour here.

:: Don’t forget to visit to visit Color Girl Quilts on Monday for another gorgeous Coastline project and if you missed yesterday’s post by the Simple Life Pattern Company, you can find it here.

I hope you are having fun on the Coastline Blog Tour and have found some inspiration!

 

Hugs and Stitches,

Cristy

 

 

Hello Bear Triangle Quilt

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One of my dearest friends is expecting and I knew I wanted to make something very special for her.  The Hello Bear collection by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics came to mind immediately…especially, since I just made the Dwelling Quilt with it.  It’s whimsical and playful with such a soothing palette…and best of all, it’s gender neutral!  My girlfriend wants to be surprised with the baby’s sex, so I chose colors that could go either way.

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On Black Friday, I picked up several Sizzix Quilting dies, including this 4.5″ Isosceles triangle one.  I made one other triangle quilt awhile back and definitely cut off all the tips as I pieced the top together. There is such a striking look with all the triangles and I knew getting a die to help me cut my fabric would help me keep the point intact!

I have a paper-crafter friend who bought a new Big Shot for herself awhile back.  She then sold me this one for less than half the price….score!  I initially just wanted to use it for paper but quickly found out about the fabric dies.  These are a bit pricey, but I’m hoping to add to the collection as I scout out good sales.  Let me know if you ever see one 😉

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Since there is a finite width to the Big Shot, some pre-cutting is needed to fit the fabric on the dies.  But since I could cut up to 4 layers of fabric in one turn, this was still the faster way to go.

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The die gives you the perfect notches to make piecing SO much easier and more accurate.  I’m pretty proud of these beautiful points (above!)  And did you know, you don’t have to trim after piecing?  That’s the winning feature for me because I despise trimming.  That is probably my least favorite thing to do…

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To add more texture and variety to the Hello Bear fabrics, I used Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Indigo.  You can also see some solids from Art Gallery’s Pure Elements and I added a splash of Bound from April Rhodes.

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The finished baby quilt is 40″ x 40″.  I quilted along the triangle edges to not distract from all the fun forest creatures you can see here.  This was such a fun quilt to make as I tried out my new Sizzix “toy”….but it was more special because this is going to such a dear friend.  <3  I can’t wait to see her baby wrapped up in this quilt!!!

 

Happy Stitching,

Cristy

 

 

Bohemian Fringe Cross-Body Bag


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If you haven’t noticed already, I’ve been really getting into bag-making.  I’ve used leather (both faux and real) and now I get to add some suede into the repertoire.  Ever since I got to play with Bound Fabrics for Spring Quilt Market, I’ve had my eye on this Macrame print.  I’ve been meaning  to make a bag with it ever since the line came out, but you know how selfish projects just get pushed to the side for others…  When Art Gallery Fabrics announced a Bound Fabric Bag Challenge, I knew it was my time to finally make my purse!

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I was inspired by a bag I saw in Banana Republic.  It had the fun fringe on the side and was a generous size for a mama-on-the-go.  The only thing it lacked was an interesting print to make it really pop.  April RhodesBound Fabrics were the perfect options for this style of bag.  She creates optimal Bohemian Chic designs.

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Initially, I wanted a lighter camel colored leather for the fringe and strap.  I stopped by Tandy Leather here in Columbus to see if they could help.  It turned out large pieces of suede were on sale that day and how could I beat $20 for the skin?  I could have easily spent way more on the idea I had in my head.  It’s good to be flexible and I am SO happy with the results!

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For the construction of the bag, I use Pellon Thermolam and SF-101 to give some structure, but still allow for that slouchy-relaxed look that comes with Boho style.  For the interior, I used Diamond Cloth Cereus and added a nice big pocket with a brass zipper.  Although they are not as smooth as plastic zippers, I just cannot pass the opportunity of using a beautiful brass one.

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On the other side of the interior, I added a small pocket for my smart phone and an extra pocket for all the other small knick-knacks I bury in my purses.  I’ve learned that I need the phone pocket most of all in bags….especially since I like these over-sized styles.  ‘Having this one tiny feature alleviates a lot of headaches trying to find my “life-line!”

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All of the hardware is from Emmaline Bags and adding the rivets were not as difficult as I thought they would be.  It’s important to have a good leather punch and the right anvils for the job.  The guys at Tandy Leather helped me get set with the right supplies.

Like with my Cargo Duffle, I used Gutterman Top-Stitch thread to make my straps.  I just love that  professional look of the thicker thread.  It takes time to work out the tension, but worth it in the end!

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If you get the chance, can you please help me with the Bound Challenge?  You can head over to Art Gallery’s Pinterest board here.  If you “heart” my post, I will earn a point and then if you “re-pin” it, I will earn an additional point.  Please make sure you do so through Art Gallery’s board so the “hearts” and “re-pins” are recorded.  ***Update: Contest is over*** Thank you so much to all who voted!!!!

The prizes will help me keep a stock of fabric and notions so my projects and posts can keep coming to you 🙂  And you know I like to giveaway too…..

Crossing my fingers (and zippers!)

Cristy

***This post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small compensation upon your completed purchase. These help keep the site up and running.