Art, Craft and Needlework, August, 2012

[Harmony]

I made one apron with one long strap sewed onto one side. At the other side I sewed a double round metal ring. The loose end of the strap can be fed through the rings and doubled back through one of the rings and adjust the length. I like that method the best!

[Harriet]

Apron neck thoughts
I initially thought of a row of attractive buttons on the strap for every-inch adjustability and showing off cute buttons. (As long as hair wouldn't become entangled) For tradition's sake (European) a collectible antique diaper pin would work decoratively in the way your friend's idea does. Also a row of buttonholes on the strap, but that could affect sturdiness. I don't like velcro around the face, but for someone who always wears hair back or short it could work. Tricky, though. If you want to know what I've actually seen done, a small metal belt-cinch on one side - like what would be used to adjust a purse strap - though it would not look traditional. Oh, I think that is nearly the idea I see Harmony just posted. Hi, Harmony! We must have been here together.

The ultimate answer is the wonderful old-fashioned H-back full apron, but of course that's not always going to be possible/available or what you want. This lovely one is the ideal, of course. There we all are girls, when we grow up.

[Nancy]

Couple more puppets done took what I had to the church and I've sort of lost count so hoping to get enough done this week I"m at the bottom of the yarn sack as well.

[BookSaver]

Quoting myself from Sunday PWYC:

I have been asked to make a bunch of small bags cut from a fallen soldier's camo uniform. The bags will be auction items at an event next weekend, raising funds to put up a memorial to this young man as well as others from his home town.

Check in:
Sewing project completed. Delivered 5 smallish bags with clips to fasten to jeans belt loops (used by motorcycle riders) and 2 small drawstring bags.

The drawstring bags were just the bottoms of the pants, which already had casings and strong ribbon drawstrings in the hems. All I had to do was cut them off, run a French seam across the new "bottom" and tie the ends of the ribbon together to make a "handle." I don't expect these to get a high bid, they were an afterthought and I thought someone might use them to store tools or device chargers.

I went through several designs trying to come up with the best use of fabric before I cut into the uniform. The bags needed to be a rather specific size because they're worn while riding a motorcycle. The original intent was to utilize the multiple pockets with Velcro closures, but that did not work out at all.

I did end up with 2 bags that had small pockets on the outside. Each bag was a little different. They were all unlined bags with a zipper closure. I did French seams instead of lining, for time's sake.

For the next batch when I have more time, I can add a lining with a pocket or 2.

I have requested feedback about the size and whether or not the clips I was given are strong enough to last. She gave me packages that were labeled as "jewelry" fasteners so they were barely large enough to clip around a belt loop. I went to 3 different stores looking for purse hardware (the clips for removable handles), but everyone was out of stock.

Note to self -- search for clips online. Search hardware stores, though they might have ones that are too large and clunky. For example, I think a dog leash clip might be overkill.

[Nancy]

Last puppet is underway yea! SO glad to be at the end of this batch.
Looking forward to getting back to some knitting after this.