Sewing Boo-boos and How to Fix Them!

And one grocery bag is complete. Once I got all the figuring done, it went pretty fast. I finished the bag in about a half hour. Plus testing time. Remember what I said about putting the straps into the facing area? It worked out just fine. I marked the center point at the top of the bag. I measured 3 1/2" out from that center point. Then, I matched that 3 1/2" mark with an inch line on my cutting mat, and made sure I'd be able to measure 3" from the top of the bag. This is easier to see than describe. See the next picture after this one. Each strap is centered on a 3 1/2" mark, which I don't have to see, because it's lined up on the mat. I also know each strap is poking out of the facing by 3" by looking at my mat. Pin on the facing.  Sew the seam and press it open. Folding the facing back and having a nice edge is easier if you press the seam open. Now, the most amazing thing! See how well I lined up the pattern? Yeah, no, that wa...

Here in California, if you don't bring your own shopping bags to the store - they charge you a dime for each bag you use. The smart thing to do is bring your own bags! This dime law has been in effect for a year and a half now. We knew it was coming. I even bought fabric to make my own grocery bags before the first year started! I'm finally sewing them. The Plan - Fabric:100% Poly Water Repellent Canvas Purchased from Fabric Mart : 4 yards at $2.70 a yard, 60" wide Saturday (June 23) I decided it was time to sew grocery bags. Pinterest was waiting with a zillion ideas for me, but our internet was out! OMG - create a bag myself? I guess so. To avoid wasting my fabric, I made a paper mockup of 'my bag'. I guessed at some measurements, cut it out of tissue paper and stapled it together. It was too small, so I added inches to the sides and top and then cut fabric. I just want a simple yet strong bag. I'm cutting the handles from black....

I do love that new blog smell that comes with ... a new blog. I'll be sharing my sewing adventures and any other fun thing I decide to play with. On Wednesday (June 20) I took a road trip with two friends - we drove to Grants Pass, OR to visit Jordan Fabrics . They also have a ton of video tutorials . When I told Mr. S that we were going to drive for 3 hours to visit this store he thought it must be the BIGGEST store ever! I said I'd take a picture for him. From the door, looking at Jordan Fabrics. WOW! It's been a long time since I've been to a quilt shop. After a long time sewing and designing quilts, I went back to garment sewing. Even after the inspiration of this shop, I'm not at all sure I want to go back to sewing 327 half square triangles for a quilt. {smile} We'll see!  But it didn't stop me from buying fabric! I saw this red Moda as soon as I walked in the door. And I got the two small print Moda's on the sale table. They were alrea...