Friday, November 19, 2010

Big Bottom Bonnie Bag in.....Wool Felt!


As I talked about in an earlier post, I am having fun using the stitches on my machine to make felt squares. Previously, I had designed this type of stitching using digitizing software and then sewing them out on my embroidery machine. I challenged myself to use just the stitches in my sewing machine and am finding out that this is tons of fun! Using different threads is fun, too, and I have been using a lot of King Tut variegated thread from Superior Threads. The above pocket is sewn out using shades of green. The stitches do not have to line up perfectly in the corners...I give you permission just to play with designs and threads and have fun. I also like the zipper that I used. I ordered the Brastique YKK zipper from Ghees. I love the zipper pull and also the "steampunk" finish of the zipper. I am going to be on the lookout for more colors and a bit longer length. I used a charcoal grey wool felt on the outside, and lined it with a red. It is very soft and fits perfectly in the bag that I made (can't tell you too much about that right now...secret stuff!) Go buy some wool felt somewhere - Sew Complete in Eau Claire, WI, carries a bunch of colors, and you can order it on line at Wool Felt Central. Cut the squares into 5" and draw a diagonal chalk line from corner to corner to help keep your stitched squares square. I usually stitch the first one out about 5/8" from the edge and keep making smaller squares. Once you are all done, give it a good steam press and trim to 4.5". Stitch on to another square for a cute coaster or a fun pocket on a Bonnie Bag. What??? You don't have a Bonnie Bag pattern? Where have you been? Let me know and I will gladly sell you one! Jerilynn

5 comments:

  1. Cool, Jeri. Guess I'll have to start using my new machine more. Would this work for coaster also??

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, indeed! A great way to make coasters. And, believe me, it is serious fun using all those stitches!

    ReplyDelete
  3. By the way, this is Jeri talking - I am in Madison at Ellen's!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Have you ever made wool felt pins? I'm thinking of funky flowers, hearts or other mixed notion, beads, zippers, etc. Sounds like a whimsical evening project we should plan, maybe after the holidays?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I know you're having fun with Ellen. Please say hi to her for me. I bet you're teaching her something fun with her new machine. Have you been to the Century house? If not, go- it's on university ave, before whole foods. One of my favorite old haunts...

    ReplyDelete