Memory quilt is finished

The improvisational quilt I have began some days ago is finished.
It is the fast finished quilt - about 15 hours work in two days.
I had to finished because it was a memory quilt for the 30-th wedding anniversary of my beloved brother.

Happy I can took some pictures in home, where we lived and played as kids.

Here is the top view from above if someone is interested in.

Recycled lap quilt

Today I began a new lap quilt - some jeans and shirts have been waiting to be recycled.

It is absolutely improvisational top.

Removed the waistband, inner seam allowances added some triangles to build a rectangles shape and gathered them at the end.

Fast and furious :)

Instead of batting I will add a polar blanket.

It will be a picnic quilt/ lap quilt size and I am wandering about backing.

I will digging in my stash tomorrow.

Another QAYG project

I am back!!!
Almost 5 months away.
I am so happy to be here again. The shoulder pain which caused many problems has almost gone. The movement of my hand is getting better and better.

This project was last I have made, but I could not share with you.

I had to made a single bed quilt for my nephew.
I recycled his jeans, his father's shirt and some blue fabrics.

Having a cushion prepared before I decided to use similar design.

And the back is almost boring :)

A cushion from recycled shirt

This idea is not new, I have made such cushion years ago.
Now I developed the idea much more - I used the pocket of the shirt.
From the front sides of the shirt cut 15 inches square.

As in the old tutorial you can use the back of the shirt.
This time I used another fabric.

Different ways of use :)

Another upcycled shopping bag

Do you remember the shopping bag some posts ago?
It was the second one I have made using recycled fabrics.
The first one was with a special pocket.

I always lost my "have to buy" list and was angry finding I forget to buy something I need.
Of course I go the shop again.
This idea inspired me suddenly by night. What will be happen if I have by hand my list.
On the shopping bag.
Yes, this would be great. A special pocket for the list.
Think a little bit what is the perfect size of a bag.

Sew the pocket first and then follow the tutorial from before.
The finished "windows"pocket is 4"x 8". 
Sew together some scraps to have 4,5" x 8,5" rectangle.
Cut a small rectangle 2" x 6" inside (I made a curved shape for one side.)
You could make oval schape, too. It is up to you.

Cut the same rectangle from lining.
Right side together sew ONLY along inner edge.

Clip the corners and curved seam allowance  half inch apart to stay flat after turning over.
Fold the edges and stitch only the upper one.

Place a piece of elastic cord  for fastening and pin.
Place on the front part of the bag and stitch.

Now you can put your Have to buy list and go shopping.

Playing with recycled shirts

I LOVE recycling.
Sometimes when have no time to create a whole quilt and need to keep me sane and doing something by hands I recycling.
Open an old suitcase full with shirts, denim and scraps.
Pick up the smallest pieces and began sewing.
This time it was strips inspired by Nova from acuppaandacatchup.

 

And some mixed variants.  

Sewn, cut, changed, sewn again!

What will be next?

Recycled denim shopping bag

Everybody has a pair of old jeans. Or more, probably.
A friend of mine asked me to sew a shopping bag from her son's old jeans.
The only desire is to keep the back pocket. It is nice with the red stitch lines.

Oh, you want to see the bag, do you? Here it is.

I have took some pictures during the sewing so now I am writing a tutorial.

First of all cut the seam of the inner side of the jeans.

Fold in half and cut the back part for the bag.

Note that the side seam is not in the middle. The front and back parts of the trouser's leg are not equal.

The front part is collected from different pieces including back pocket.
You can cut them where decide from. Or follow my way. These jeans were not so big and I have to be careful with cutting .
From other trouser's leg cut the pieces.

Sew right side together half inch seam allowances. First sew upper row.

Press seam allowances open and stitch zig-zag with a thread different color.

I have seen this method on Victoria Gertenbach's site. 

I love it and used different threads for the different seams.

Cut from the rests 2 pieces for the handles and add this way.

Press well.

To be completely green I recycled an used shirt for the lining.

Put a piece of the shirt under the bag's part and cut.

Sew the handles along - first the side seam then the middle.

Make some back stitches at the end of the handle and leave open for turning over.

I used a gray threat so it is not visible - I have pointing with the pencil.
Turn over and iron well.

Repeat the same with the other part. Then order them right side together and stitch only along the side.

Open the seam allowances and zig-zag only the denim fabric.

Turn the side seam 2" towards the middle and stitch the bottom. I recommend to stitch twice for more  strength and security.

Now it is time to connect the handles.
Place two parts of the handles and stitch the denim only.

Insert one part of the lining under another, pin and stitch. It is possible to sew by hand.

Repeat the same with the other handle.
The bag is finished.
I have added a button and piece of elastic for fastening when fold the bag.

 Sew inside the pocket.
Add a button under the bottom of the pocket.

How to fold? It is easy. Place on a flat surface, fold, roll up and fasten with the button.

It is time for shopping :)