Friday 3 May 2013

... and Thread Sketching a Notebook Cover

I have been obsessed with the idea of sketching with my sewing machine for AGES. Problem is my teensy machine is pretty basic and everything I had read about called for free motion stitching with a special foot, and the ability to drop the feed dogs. None of which I can do!!

See! Basic!
I thought I would have to wait until I had saved enough pennies to buy a new machine, but I decided to give it a go anyway... And it worked!!! Inspired by this post by Mark Montano I went for a dragonfly design and decided to make a notebook cover for my sister-in-law's birthday.
This is in NO WAY a tutorial; more a ramble about what I did... Please feel free to comment or advise any suggestions!!!

I sketched out a picture of a dragonfly, and then traced this with a water soluble fabric pen onto a piece of fabric (cut from curtains that were hanging in the house when we moved in!!). Then started stitching!


I did the outline first and tried to keep to the lines as much as possible(!). When you lower the feed dogs on your sewing machine, you can stitch in any direction. Without this feature, I found it best to do it in short bursts and stopped to pivot the fabric round when necessary. The wings were tricky but I managed as best I could. To fill the body out I did lots of overlapping zigzag stitches. And then lots more!

To finish it off I “cheated” by hand stitching around the eyes to redefine them. I hadn't seen it at the time but I have since found this post by clutterpunk for a really good tutorial using the same techniques.



I then trimmed it to size to fit a notebook. Through my excitement, I cut it too short(!) so had to reattach strips of the cut off fabric. That will teach me for patting myself on the back too soon for a job well done!! I attached some strips for the lining, turned it inside out and then hand stitched the flaps to hold the book cover.

And I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Now I know I can do this with my machine, there will be no stopping me!

32 comments:

  1. I've nominated you and your lovely blog for an award! You can see the post and details here! http://thepolishedbutton.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/and-the-award-goes-to/
    :-)

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    1. Thanks for the lovely words! We will be sending you a message xxx

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  2. Oh I love this! I have a pretty simplistic sewing machine too and always presume that I can't do 'fancy stuff' that other people can. WIll have to give this a try! (ps found your blog through The Polished Button x)

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    1. Thanks Kate, you should definitely try it! I would love to see how it turns out! xx

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  3. That's really impressive! Shows you can get by without a fancy machine if you use your initiative :)

    Something to try as my sewing skills improve...

    Kate

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    1. Thanks Kate! I am a complete beginner (hence the mistakes!!) so it definitely is worth as try! xx

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  4. What a fabulous idea. I have a sewing machine that can't do free motion either as I have the wrong foot. You have inspired me to try regardless

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  5. Did your machine come with a mending foot? with that you may not even have to drop your feed dogs for free motion embrodery...In the older machines we use to cover the feed dogs up and go for it with a mending foot.... and trust me while the machines where built to last a long long time all they did was a straight stitch .

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    1. Hi Rebecca, my machine is literally the most basic thing. It cost about £20 ($31 ish) and had no other attachments or even the ability to change anything. I bought it to see if I'd like sewing (which I now know I LOVE!) But that's a good tip for others, thanks xx

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  6. Your sister-in-law is going to love it! You did a wonderful job of making the dragonfly.

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    1. Thanks Super Mom! I gave it to her at the weekend and she seemed very happy with it! xx

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  7. This is crazy cool! I am not sure I could pull it off, but I love the way it came out. It really is a wonderful gift! Thanks for sharing it at Too Cute Tuesday! :)

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    1. Thanks Meredith! I really was surprised how well it turned out! You should give it a go! xx

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  8. Very Cool! Looks great - I'll have to try this with my sewing machine!

    Sam
    http://cooksandcreates.blogspot.com/
    **Following you!**
    (Found you on Sugar Bee Crafts!)

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  9. This is beautiful! I'm stunned; this is sooo over my head!
    I'm visiting you today from Sugar Bee. I co-host a Linky Party Tuesdays and would LOVE for you to add this. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog, leave a comment and Link Up, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206
    Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party

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    1. Thanks for the lovely words! Have added to your party, thanks for the invite!! xx

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  10. That's great! that's a level in sewing I don't believe I will ever graduate to!Keep it up!

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    1. Thanks Krystie, but you should give it a go - I'm a complete beginner and can't actually sew anything functional!! xx

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  11. Beautiful! Love it!
    Have a great week!
    Hugs from Portugal,

    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Ana! We love Portugal! Hugs back from England! xx

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  12. amazing! I've seen this done a few times and never tried it. I love your dragon fly... needs to go on the todo list. Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays! Emily @ Nap-Time Creations

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    1. Thanks Emily! Try it, try it, try it!! xx

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  13. Looks great, I've been meaning to try that to and just haven't yet!

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    1. Thanks Jen, everyone should have a go!! xx

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  14. Thanks for linking this up! It turned out great!

    -Fidlers Under One Roof

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    1. Thanks Susan! Thanks for a great party! xx

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  15. Looks great for your first try. :-) Thanks for the inspiration to try this on my own.

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    1. Thanks Kim! I really hope you do try it! xx

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