giveaway update

I have had a few people contact me via email to inform me that they were not able to leave comments for the giveaway. If that is happening to you, let me know via email and I will add you to the entry from there.

deidre@realifephotos.com

Romantic Picnic Tote Tutorial

My final project was a VERY last minute thing! Instead of utilizing the entire two weeks that I had, I put this thing together in two nights. I do, however, think it will be a whole lot faster for you as you won't have to do the math on this! Being that this was a first run, I have some tips that might help as there are a few changes that would make this a better picnic tote. So, bare with me here.

Items needed:
1.5 yards each of two contrasting fabrics (you could use less, but I would rather have extra)
snap kit (I got it at walmart. It was a cheap set with little tools included)
Hammer
thread
1 spool grosgrain ribbon or fabric for straps
Dishes
1 yard contrasting fabric
1 yard vinyl
2 insulated grocery bags or Insul-Brite (insulation material)
2 yards extra firm stabilizer


1. Cutting.


The above diagram shows you exactly what you need to cut and the sewing lines that we will deal with later. You're going to cut a T shape that measures 34" by 30". Then cut 2 or 3 pockets, measuring 5"x18". You need one of each piece of fabric as the pockets are lined. So, if you're doing 2 pockets, you should have 4 pieces. I only did 2 pockets for the inside, but originally planned to put one on the outside. Your choice. I cut one "T" out of each fabric. The mums fabric is on the outside and the vines on the inside. 2 pockets were mums. If you decide to put a pocket on the outside, it would be the vines fabric.

DON'T FORGET TO ADD YOUR SEAM ALLOWANCES! These measurements are for your final project.

now cut the stabilizer. You will need to cut it in two pieces. One will be 30x12 and the other will be 22x18. These pieces will make up the measurements of the T shape.

Cut two more pieces of stabilizer 5x18 (for the pockets - three if youre making a pocket for the outside).

2. cut the insulated bags.

I basically cut the insulation out of these bags that i NEVER use! Just rip it all apart.

3. Sew extra firm stabilizer.

I sewed the insulation together so that it would measure the same as the T shape. Zig zag stitch your stabilizer together to make the T shape. Then, sew the insulation right to the stabilizer. make sure you pin them together because the insulated fabric slips.

4. Sew your pockets.

Sew the stabilizer to the wrong side of your pocket piece.


Take your contrasting pocket piece and sew it, right sides together. The stabilizer will be on the outside.


Clip the two corners.


Turn right sides out and shape your corners.


Your pocket should now look like this.

Repeat for the remaining pocket(s).

5. sewing the pockets on.


At this point you may need to refer back to the diagram for measurements and such.

Sew the pockets on to the T. with the front side of your pocket touching the right side of your inside T. Sew the bottom part of the pocket down.


flip the pocket right side up and iron the seam flat.


Sew your pocket down on the sides and make your pocket stitches. I made mine 4 inches from the edge. Here is where I make a suggestion. Make smaller pockets... individual pockets for silverware.

6. Sew on the insulation.

Lay your insulation/stabilizer layer on top of the T you were just working with, so that the insulation is touching the wrong side of the fabric. Simply straight stitch the insulation to the fabric.

7. Sew on the contrasting T.

Sew the two T pieces together, wrong sides together.


Once you have the pieces attached, you are going to sew the "sew lines" that are marked on the above diagram. This will help your tote bend properly and help it stand up.

8. Trim your edges.

Make sure to trim your edges close to the seams.

9. Make and sew your binding.


Iron your ribbon in half or make bias tape out of your fabric.


Sew your ribbon onto the edges of your T shape.

10. making your corners.


Stop sewing your ribbon when your needle touches the seam you made to attach your two t shapes together (the line you see by my fingers). Lift your presser foot and bend the ribbon as in the photo below.

You will have half of the fabric bent under the next side.


Now bend the other side over. You should now have a nice edge.

11. sew on the straps.



Cut the rest of your ribbon in half. Pin the ends to the outside of your bag. Sew a square shape on the bottom part of the strap. Make it big. I sewed it from the bottom of the ribbon to the pin in the above picture. about 2 - 2.5 inches. Then sew an X from corner to corner of the square you just sewed.

12. Attach your snaps.

Unfortunately, I didn't take photos of this. I evenly spaced them on the top flap of the tote and the sides. Just follow the directions on your package of snaps. It's pretty self explanatory, but if you need help, just let me know.

13. Blanket.

Simply follow the directions for the outdoor play mat. The only thing I did differently with this, is skipping the strap and fastener. it's just a flat blanket.

car seat cover

I have been working on the tutorial for the car seat cover and I should have it up by the end of the week. So stay tuned... it is coming.

Carseat cover

Tonight I am about to start my third car seat recovering project. I'm debating whether or not I should create a tutorial as I go, or not. Not sure if it's worth my time... anyone interested in that???

When I was pregnant last year, I contacted Dana from MADE to make on for me, but didn't have the ability to do it at that point. When it came time to have it done, I contacted her again, but she had just stopped making them for customers. So, I figured, why not do it myself. I searched high and low for a tutorial but couldn't find anything. I decided to just tackle it myself. I mean, what was the hurt? My carseat was practically new and the cover was falling apart. It was either buy one from the manufacturer or make one. I figured if it didn't work, I could just buy it from combi. Well, I loved it. And, I learned a lot along the way. I made one for a friend of mine recently and that same friend is paying me to make one for a friend of hers. Anyway, if it is something someone is interested in, I take the photos along the way and post a tutorial next week.

Draw String studio

I have to take a minute to thank someone special. Danielle, from drawstringstudio. The fabric on the picnic tote was from her. Isn't it beautiful? And, it's organic. You HAVE to check out her shop for her very well priced, beautiful fabrics. And if you live near Milwaukee, like I do, she is opening a brick and mortar store very soon. I couldn't be more excited about that! Keep up with her on her facebook page to find more details about the coming store. Also, an interview with Danielle is coming later this week. She's soooo sweet! I think you'll adore her as much as I do!

THANK YOU, as well, to all of you who voted! It was a long process with some AMAZINGLY talented women. I made some new friends (competitors and fans alike), learned a lot, and stretched myself! What a great opportunity. So, here's the picnic tote (tutorial soon).

If you are tired of the same dinner and a movie date with your spouse, here is a great idea for a special night together. A picnic... without that big, boxy picnic basket. Find a babysitter, pack up a nice dinner and put it in your beautiful picnic tote!

When you unsnap the top, you can see how nicely organized all of your picnic items are.

This is not just any tote, however. The sides of the tote snap in the back to easily access the items for your picnic.

There are elastic straps to hold your wine glasses (cute plastic ones from Walmart), pockets for your plates and silverware, and a pocket for your picnic blanket.

The picnic blanket has a waterproof bottom, which is easy to clean (a simple modification of the outdoor play mat). It is a great way to enjoy your spouse. And if you really want to keep it cheap, put the kids to bed and have a picnic in the backyard. Just the two of you!

The cute fabric is curtousy of Danielle from Draw String Studio.

sewing for myself

I've been debating whether or not I should start making my own clothes. See, today I had the most important meeting for my photography business that I have ever had. I went to the store to buy a new outfit as I am lacking business clothing since having my fourth child 8 months ago. I don't know how to buy clothes for myself anymore because of it. baby number 4 put my body through the wringer. So, today, I was frusterated beyond belief! Nothing fits! It isn't that I am looking at the wrong sizes either. It's because everything is made for a totally different figure. My figure is an hourglass figure. I'm not small but I'm not in a womens size either (too close for comfort, but not there). So, It's time I start making my own clothes. No shirts with crazy ruffles (love them, can't wear them). No shapless dresses. No shirts that just hang there. And no pants that are too long or too skinny! Lets face it, you need to be skinny to wear skinny jeans. Who came up with these new styles? GIVE ME A BREAK! So, after SYTYC is over, it's possible you may see less little girl clothing and more womens clothing. It's time to be proactive about my clothing (aside from killing myself in the gym - which I am doing). Maybe I'll even do a sew a long. hmmm. Anyone interested?

Big things to come!

I know, you are all sad that I haven't made posts about anything other than SYTYC, right? Ok, maybe not as sad as this face from my little boy, Abram. but you're still a little sad, right? :)

With summer weddings in full swing, new business ventures, and my husband pushing my business full time, life has been a bit consumed. HOWEVER, big things are to come! I have a few exciting things in the works with a few people I have met through SYTYC! So, stay tuned. One last craft and some exciting stuff!