Tuestorial: Skinny Jeans

Spring is in the air and it's time for an update! Turn those "blah" jeans into something you want to rock into Spring. It's easier than you think. 

Materials Needed:

• Jeans that need fixin'
• Your favorite skinny/straight jeans
• Chalk pencil or pins
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

Blahhhhh pants

Step 1:

I find the most effective way is to use your favorite skinny jeans as a template to alter your not-as-fab jeans. You already know you like the fit! 

Step 2:

Place your fab pants on top of your fixer jeans. I prefer to use a chalk pencil over pins to mark where I need to sew. Trace the backside of the pants from the knee down. You want it to be a gradual tightening from the knee down. 

Hi, Bernina

Step 3:

Once the tracing is done, it's time to sew! I just followed my line with about a quarter inch space. Once both sides are sewn, try on them pants (before cutting of course). If they look and feel great, cut the excess fabric off.

Step 4:

Wear them! Duh.

---

If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, visit Our Team Page about joining SFEtsy!

Tuestorial- Heating Pad

This time of year is all about making or buying for others so today’s Tuestorial will be all about you! While prepping for craft fairs hunched over at your table or at outdoor craft fairs in the cold, this DIY heating pad will come in handy.

You can use fabric scraps laying around (can make it quilt-style) or FabMo finds for this easy sewing project. It’s useful for aches and pains, or just to warm up your toes. Enjoy! 

Materials Needed:

• ½ pound of whole buckwheat (easier to find and less likely to burn in the microwave. It’s also hypoallergenic since it’s actually a fruit, not a grain. Whole Feed Corn is popular too, but harder to find).

• Cotton fabric- dimensions are up to you, but a good standard size is 8.5  inches tall x 12” wide (knitters, you can knit your bag in the dimensions you desire then line with cotton fabric!)
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Funnel or piece of paper to use as funnel
• Essential oil of your choice (optional). I choose to add tea tree oil to my filling since I had this on hand, but lavender or peppermint would be a good choice too!

Chop, chop!

Step 1:

Prep your filling and fabric. If you choose to add an essential oil to the buckwheat, add a few drops in a bowl with the buckwheat and gently mix together. Put to the side to use later. I recommend doing some research if you want to use another filling (like rice or beans). Some can easily explode when microwaved or not retain heat as long.

Cut two pieces of your fabric to your desired dimensions. If you are using 100% cotton, it might be a good idea to double layer or make an insert for the heating pad so it’s thick enough to stay warm and protect you. I used a thicker cotton blend so no insert was needed. 

Left: Sew edges first. Right: Sew lines after turning right side.

Step 2:

Sew your two pieces together (“good” sides facing each other), leaving a few inches on top to add your filling. Turn right side and push corners out.

At this point, you can also sew lines down the bag to help keep the filling in place and distribute the heat more evenly (about 1.5 inches apart). If you do this, be sure to leave an opening at the top of each section to add the filling. I used a bright thread color when doing this since it will show and add an element to the design. 

Filling!

Step 3:

Use your funnell or piece of paper to add your filling. Fill a little more than half-way. You can either use your sewing machine to stitch-up the opening or hand-stitch it. 

Can roll it up too to reach any aches or pains! 

Ready for the heat!

Step 4:

Now it’s ready to use! Heat in microwave for 2-4 minutes (depending on size). It is suggested to put it in the microwave with a glass of water or lightly spray with water before placing it in the microwave. As long as you have your eye on it while it’s warming up, you should be good to go. Always test how hot it is before handling since some areas could get hotter than others (depending on your microwave).

If you search Pinterest, you will see several ideas on how to turn this simple craft into a creative Holiday gift. You can sew it together using fun designs or fabrics, customize the size so it fits around shoulders for a headache solution or knit a fun top design!

You can also put it in the freezer if a cold compression is needed (just put it in a Ziploc freezer bag first!). Enjoy!

---

If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Our Team Captain about joining SFEtsy!

Pacific International Quilt Festival (P.I.Q.F.)

A few weekends ago, I made the great trip up North (S.F. to Santa Clara) to attend the Pacific International Quilt Festival or P.I.Q.F. This event attracts quilt shops from all over and also hosts a collection of over 800 quilts. If you are a quilter looking to advance your skills, the big attraction is the variety of workshops and lectures offered by vendors such as Bernina.   

 

Amazing quilt entries. Showing detail, skill and time dedicated to making quilts a piece of art!

This festival isn’t just for quilters. If you are a sewer or interested in textile arts, walking the large convention center will engage you in new tools, award-winning quilts and talking with fellow show goers who are excited to share their finds or latest projects.

So many tools and trims to make your projects better! FYI, a hemostat is my favorite sewing tool.

I discovered new fabric, tools, beads, buttons, rick rack, patterns, machines and even creative ways to setup your workspace.

Many of the shop vendors are local so it’s easy to discover fabric shops in your backyard. Everyone is friendly and excited to share what their store is all about. Almost every store offers classes too (check out Bay Area quilt shops Cotton Patch, New Pieces and Sew Bee It Quilting).

First time seeing mustache fabric! Now added to my collection.

Since there are hundreds of vendor booths, the creative displays offer endless inspiration to use at your next craft show. 

Creative ways to display fabric, gifts and completed projects.

Hi fabric tree! Hi fancy bowls filled with lovely trims!

Kitty and Elvis approve

If you went this year, we would love to hear your feedback on the show! Next year's P.I.Q.F. will be held in the same location, Santa Clara Convention Center, on October 17-20, 2013. Mark your calendars!

---

If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!