Posts Tagged ‘fabric’

Like to make your own advent calendar you can hang on the wall and fill with your own special treats for the kids? How about making your own Christmas stocking to hang by the fireplace, or make your own gift bags for all those Christmas presents? In this article I’ll show you how you can easily sew these at home, and for a fraction of the price you would pay at the shops.

Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is basically a rectangle of material, with 25 pockets sewn on (all numbered of course) that you can hang on the wall and fill with special treats and sweets for the children.

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

For the backing fabric you need something fairly thick to take the weight of the treats that will be placed in the pockets.

I actually recommend felt for the backing, for the pockets and for the numbers 1 to 25 (denoting the countdown to Christmas). The beauty of felt is you don’t need to hem it as it doesn’t fray. Try getting 3 different colours – say green for the backing, red for the pockets, and white for the numbers.

We’ll also need 2 pieces of thin wood for the top and bottom of the hanger, and some string or rope for hanging.

How Much Fabric to Buy

For the backing fabric, you will need one piece, 50″ tall by 22″ wide. This allows for a 3″ hem to fold over your wood and stitch. If your wood is wider than this, then you will need to get a longer piece of fabric.

Each pocket is 4″ square, and we need 25 of these. So you will need 20″ by 28″.

We will allow 3″ square for each letter. So you will need 15″ by 15″. For a template of the numbers, see the author resource box at the end of this article.

Please note, these measurements do not allow for any  hemming as I am using felt, however if you choose to use a different fabric which requires hems, then you will need to add on a seam allowance for both the height and width.

To Make Up

For the preparation work, all you need are pins or tailors chalk, a ruler, the number templates and your scissors. No pattern required!

First of all, cut out your 25 pockets. You can use a ruler and tailors chalk to mark guidelines for cutting. If you don’t have tailors chalk a white coloured pencil will do the trick! The pockets are all 4″ by 4″.

Now cut out and pin your numbers to the number fabric and cut out.

To attach the numbers to the pockets you can either machine stitch, hand stitch, or use craft glue.

Lay your backing fabric on a table and mark out where the pockets are to be placed using pins or tailors chalk. We will have 4 pockets across, then 6 down, and the number 25 pocket will be on it’s own at the bottom (although feel free to change this layout if you wish).

Each pocket has a 2″ gap around it. So the first pocket will be 5″ down from the top of the fabric (remember we have allowed 3″ for the wood hanger to go through) and 2″ in from the left. The next pocket is 2″ from the previous. To see a diagram of this layout, see the author resource box.

Pin in place, and then machine stitch along the left, bottom and right sides.

Cut your wood pieces so that one is slightly shorter than your width (for the bottom hem, so you can enclose it), and one slightly longer (say 1/2″ each side). Drill small holes at each end of this longer piece so you can thread through your hanging string or rope.

When all of your pockets are attached, use your machine to sew the top and bottom hems, and then insert your wood. You may want to close off the edges of the bottom hem if it is likely that the wood could come out. You can do this by hand.

Now attach the rope through the holes in the top piece of wood and hang. And don’t forget to fill with treats!

Gift Bag

It’s simple to make a Christmas gift bag to delight friends and family, and it’s reusable!

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

For the bag you need something fairly thick so that it can stand on it’s own without any gifts in it. Again, I recommend felt. The beauty of felt is you don’t need to hem it as it doesn’t fray.

If you’d like to decorate the bag with fabric cut-outs in Christmas shapes, you can use any fabric you like (again, felt is suitable for this). For a template of Christmas cut-outs, see the author resource box at the end of this article.

How Much Fabric to Buy

The bag measures 8″ across and 12″ high, and you’ll need two pieces of fabric for the sides, and one piece 3″ wide by 24″ long for the side.  Adding on a half inch seam allowance, we’ll need a piece of fabric 13″ by 24″.

The Pattern

To make your pattern, you just need a piece of paper, a ruler, and a compass (or something circular with a diameter of 8″ and another with a diameter of 4″).

Draw a square on the paper 8″ by 8″. Now place an x every 2″ on the top line of your square. Place your compass on the midpoint (at the 4″ mark) and extend it so that it exactly touches one of the outer edges. Now use your compass to draw a semicircle from one side to the other. Then retract the compass so that it exactly touches one of the 2″ marks, and draw a semicircle from one side to the other. Cut out the middle and you now have a bag handle!

Don’t cut it out yet! We still have to add on seam allowance to the left and right sides and bottom so we can attach the side piece which will join the two larger pieces together.

Draw a line ½” out from each of the left and right sides and along the bottom. This is your cutting template. To see a diagram of this, see the author resource box at the end of this article.

Fold the bag fabric in half, right sides together. Pin on your bag template and cut out.

Now fold out the remaining fabric flat, and cut a long rectangle 24″ by 4″ (this allows for a ½” seam either side).

To Make Up

If you are going to decorate your gift bag with Christmas cut-outs, do it now before we assemble the bag. The cut-outs can either be machine sewn, hand sewn, or attached with craft glue.

To make the bag, take the long rectangular piece of fabric and, with right sides together, pin it to the front of the bag. Sew. Now attach the back of the bag along the other edge (right sides together) and sew.

Turn the right way around, and you’re done!

Christmas Stocking

Home made Christmas Stockings can be personalised for each family member – why not involve the kids in making and decorating them!

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

The sky’s the limit for Christmas stockings. Some beautiful fabrics include velvet and velveteen, faux fur, plush, as well as patterned cottons and ginghams. Search through the remnant bins, or just check out all the red fabrics at your local fabric shop.

You may also want to get some white faux fur as a trimming for the top of your stocking, and some fabric for Christmas cut-outs to decorate the stocking.

What does look nice is a contrast trim with each child’s name on it.

How Much Fabric to Buy

The stocking basically consists of one rectangle 6″ by 14″ and a square 6″ by 6″. You’ll need two of these for each stocking, so, including a ½” seam allowance, you’ll need a piece of fabric 14″ by 15″ per stocking.

You’ll also need some matching braid to hang the stocking, or you can make a hanger using the leftover fabric.

The Pattern

To make your pattern, you just need a piece of paper, a ruler, and something circular to round off the corners. (To see a diagram of this pattern, see the author resource box at the end of this article).

Draw a rectangle on your paper 15″ long by 7″ wide. Now draw a square touching the bottom left hand side of your rectangle which goes out for 6½” and up for 7″, then join it back on to your rectangle.

You should now have a shape that looks like a backwards capital L. Now all you need to do is round off the heel and toe of your stocking using something circular (or do it freehand).

Fold your fabric in half with right sides together, and pin the stocking pattern to the fabric. Now cut out.

If you are making a contrasting trim for your stocking, you’ll also need to cut out a rectangle 13″ long and however wide you want your trim (plus ½” seam allowance).

To Make Up

If you are going to decorate your stocking with Christmas cut-outs or appliqués, do it now before we assemble the stocking. The cut-outs can either be machine sewn, hand sewn, or attached with craft glue.

The same goes for your contrast trim. Any thing you ant to attach should be done before we sew it on to the stocking.

To make the stocking, pin the two stocking pieces (right sides together), and sew from the top of one side all the way around to the top of the other side. If you are not attaching a contrasting trim, turn over your top hem and pin, remembering to insert the braid or fabric for the hanger before you sew the hem.

If you are using a contrasting trim, turn your stocking inside out so that the right side is now facing you.

Stitch the trim together at the ends so you now have a circle of fabric. Place your trim inside the top of the stocking with the right side facing towards the inside of the stocking. Match the top of your trim to the top of the stocking, and pin in place.

Take your braid or fabric for the hanger, and insert it where you want it between the trim and stocking with the open ends flush with the top of the trim and the stocking. Now sew around the entire top of the stocking. Turn the trim right way around, and you’re done!

If any fabric can give a woman confidence then that fabric is leather. It does not matter whether you are shy, demure, submissive, or take charge in your relationship a little leather goes a long way.

As Halloween approaches, the celebration is filled with plenty of opportunities to try new things. After the kids are all tucked away in their beds and the trick-or-treating has long since ended, it’s time for you and your mate to take the party to the bedroom.

If you have kids, you can always have your lover tuck them in bed as you prepare yourself for the ultimate night of passion. Of course, the right outfit is the first step to showing off everything you have to offer.

There are many different kinds of leather outfits available. Since not every woman looks the same or likes the same type of outfits, the variety that is offered is diverse enough that any woman should find what she likes. Find something that flatters your figure and offers support in all the right areas. Chances are, when he sees you, he will not be able to resist everything your present for his pleasure alone.

One-Piece Leather vs. Two-Piece Leather
When you go to choose the right leather outfit, you have many options to consider. You may want to ask yourself the following questions when picking out the right leather outfit, because with as form-fitting as leather can be you want to find something that is ultimately going to look good, feel comfortable, and flatter your features in the process.

Does this outfit flatter my features?
Does the outfit reveal too much?
Does this outfit fit my personality?
Will he like the outfit?
Is it easy to get off?

Two-piece outfits have the distinct advantage of being easier to get off than one piece outfits. They also allow your man to take off one piece, focus on that area, and not have to worry about the other piece until after he has devoted enough time to the first area.

However, in some women the one-piece outfit looks better because it accentuates her curves, and the feel of leather completely against his chest is not an issue as he pulls you into his arms. No man can resist the feeling of the cool material pressed to his flesh, even if he is not wearing the leather himself.

Corset style leather outfits are an added bonus as they are laced up. If your outfit is a chore to get on, it is probably going to be a chore to get off. No man wants to fiddle with fancy zippers and straps to get you out of your outfit. With corsets, you can just tug on the ties. If it is a two-piece outfit, it can easily be pushed up, down, or tugged off. If it is a one piece, all you will need to do is shimmy out of it, and you will be ready to go to the next level during your evening of passion.

Accentuating the Perfect Leather Outfit
After you have slipped into your outfit, you can accentuate it with stockings, shoes, makeup, and perfume. Styling your hair to fit the attire is essential. Make yourself up all over and he will not regret it. In fact, he will most likely be shocked, surprised, and flattered that you have gone to so much trouble just for him.

Stockings, A leather outfit and fishnet stockings on any woman is a tempting sight to see. If you use garters to hook the stockings to your outfit, you will be feeding the fantasies of every legman on the planet.

Shoes, You may decide to go with a leather boot. Though thigh highs are nice in some situations, in this environment, if you want to wear a boot, you should go with something that comes up to the mid-thigh. With these kinds of boots, you have a universal theme, especially if you are wearing a corset. This is because these kinds of boots lace up, as well.

You can wear heels if you do not like boots. Since each woman has her own shoe preference, the choice of shoes will vary with this type of outfit. However, for added kink factor, wearing nothing but the stockings and boots can add fuel to the fires burning within your partner. If he seems interested, consider keeping these on while everything else is coming off.

Add a touch of perfume to your cleavage, a little blush to your cheeks, and some lipstick to bring out the color of your lips. You can either pin your hair up so it does not get in the way or wear it down so he can run his fingers through the silken strands or grip it during more intense moments.

With leather, there is so much you can do, so be creative this Halloween. He will not be disappointed by the results!

A good pair of scissors is one tool that every home and office needs. There are tons of different pairs of scissors out there, but some of the best scissors available are made by Dahle. Dahle has an entire lineup of scissors that are good for both personal and professional use. This article will discuss the kinds of scissors Dahle manufactures.

Vantage Scissors. These are Dahle’s most basic scissors. They are available in three lengths (5″, 6″, and 8″) and can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including crafts (sewing, paper crafts, etc.) and school projects. The blades are made of rust-proof stainless steel and the handles are plastic, but they are comfortable enough so your hand won’t get too tired as you cut. These are the least expensive scissors produced by this manufacturer and are available for less than $6.00 per pair.

Vantage Comfort Grip Shears. If you’ve ever wanted a pair of ergonomically friendly scissors, you should take a look at Dahle’s Vantage Comfort Grip Shears. The handles of these shears have a soft plastic coating to ensure that your cutting experience will be as comfortable as possible, so you don’t end up with sore hands after you’re done cutting. The blades of these sheers can cut through thick items such as fabric and card stock, so they are good for a lot of different uses. Like the Vantage scissors, Comfort Grip shears are available in 5″, 6″, and 8 inch lengths and are affordable, with the biggest pair going for $14.95.

Professional Scissors. In addition to their Vantage scissors and shears, Dahle manufactures professional-grade scissors. The blades of these scissors are made of rust-resistant Solingen steel that has been hardened to 56 Rockwell, so they’re guaranteed to stay sharp even after years of use. The handles are sturdy too, because they’re made out of durable ABS plastic, yet they’re still comfortable. There are four sizes of these scissors available: 4″, 6″, 8″, and 10″. These scissors are great for everyday use and are slightly pricey (they coast between $12.95 and $21.95), but if you need high-quality scissors, you should consider them.

Super Shears. Dahle Super Shears have a lot in common with the company’s professional-grade scissors. Like those items, Super Shears are made from Solingen steel and have ABS plastic handles. Super Shears come in eight lengths, ranging from 4″ to 10″, and they can cut through just about anything. There is even an 8-inch pair that has micro-toothed blades that are perfect for any situation that requires a pair of high-quality shears. A pair of Dahle Super Shears can be yours for less than $37.00.

Whether you need a pair of scissors for to keep at home, give to your child to use at school, or you need some cutting implements for your workplace, Dahle has a great selection of scissors and shears to choose from and best of all, they’re all reasonably priced and well-made. If you need a new pair of scissors, consider Dahle scissors and shears.

• 20-30mmHg Firm Compression
• Friendly to your skin-100% cotton next to the skin combined with soft nylon yarns ensure the highest level of comfort.
• Comfortable-The combination fabric of the 230 Series absorbs perspiration and prevents heat build-up. The high-stretch knit construction provides a high degree of elasticity, making the stockings easy to put on and remove.
• Natural-Made from the finest cotton, the 230 Series is ideal for wearing in the warmest weather and for people with sensitive skin.
• Durable-Double-covered yarns ensure durability and a long product life, making the cool cotton suitable for everyday and leisure wear.

Product Description
Sigvaris Cotton 230 Series Calf High Stockings (1) Moderate to severe varicosities (2) Moderate edema (3) Post sclerotherapy (4) Helps prevent recurrence of venous ulcerations… More >>

233C Women Calf High Closed Toe Sigvaris Cotton 30-40mmHg Black233C_M3W99_28

• 20-30mmHg Firm Compression
• Friendly to your skin-100% cotton next to the skin combined with soft nylon yarns ensure the highest level of comfort.
• Comfortable-The combination fabric of the 230 Series absorbs perspiration and prevents heat build-up. The high-stretch knit construction provides a high degree of elasticity, making the stockings easy to put on and remove.
• Natural-Made from the finest cotton, the 230 Series is ideal for wearing in the warmest weather and for people with sensitive skin.
• Durable-Double-covered yarns ensure durability and a long product life, making the cool cotton suitable for everyday and leisure wear.

Product Description
Sigvaris Cotton 230 Series Calf High Stockings (1) Moderate to severe varicosities (2) Moderate edema (3) Post sclerotherapy (4) Helps prevent recurrence of venous ulcerations… More >>

232C Women Calf High Closed Toe Sigvaris Cotton Firm 20-30 Crispa232C_S2W66_6

Feeling and looking sexy is one great way of enhancing the self esteem. Apparently, one great way doing this is wearing something sexy, but what could be sexy to wear? Anything that reveals some skin would be great; a short dress, a bare back top, or a spaghetti or an off shoulder type of style that reveals those enticing shoulder. A stretch type of fabric can also do wonder because it will hug the body nicely and enhance its alluring curves. Silk is something nice to touch; cotton feels comfortable on the body; lace gives an interesting detail on any apparel; mesh could be wonderful because of its properties that make it perfect for a sexy dress. If you are feeling adventurous, you can wear a spaghetti strap short mesh print dress.

Sheer lingerie is becoming more and more popular as time passes by. More and more women fall in love with these wonderful pieces because of the magic they bring. They can make any woman look and feel more alluring, more seductive, and most important of all, more confident about her self. Importantly, sheer lingerie is not just about undergarments. Sexy cover ups and see through dresses are other things that can enhance the female silhouette.

One essential thing about being sexy is the idea of being liberal, of being free and open. No wonder we show some skin. For a cover up, a see through, breathable material would be perfect. In that sense, mesh can do a lot of wonders. Wearing something mesh and sexy can be really delightful even when you are just lounging around the house. There are actually a number of mesh apparels once can choose from.

A mesh solid tank dress with a distinctive design could be a perfect choice. This can come in a bright color that does a great job as a cover up over that sexy bikini you wear for the summer. It can have that slit cut design and a V neck that allows you to expose your cleavage that can definitely make heads turn.

If you feel like relaxing while showing flaunting that sexy body, you can wear a low butt cut mesh print. This has an interesting print and the slight sheerness of the mesh fabric reveals what you are wearing underneath. Get to show off a part of that little g-string because of the long pants’ low butt cut. Draw attention to that sexy belly because the long sleeved top exposes that sexy part of your body.

If you are more daring, you can choose to wear a spaghetti strap short mesh print dress that reveals those alluring shoulders and those enticing legs whether they are long and slender or full and shapely. You can be experimental and accessorize with pretty garter stockings or simply wear a cut little thong and allow him to have a peek on that through the slit in front. If you want to have a perfect fit, you can have the dress with adjustable straps.

If sexy is what you want to be, the spaghetti strap short mesh print dress can do the trick for you.

it’ll be used to repair/prevent a tiny scag on a dress – its 100% polyester – the scag in this dress looks like the type you’d get on sheer tights/stockings after catching them on a door frame or catching them with a split nail or something. its almost unrecognisable but if the dress pulls or stretches i can see a hole coming as a result!