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image courtesy of Bernina.com... |
While searching online for something a few months ago, I happened upon another
Bernina blog that I didn't know existed. It dates back to May 2014 and
is accessible in German, Dutch and English versions according to a language
menu. (As an aside, if the English version doesn't seem to be up to date — the blog should post fairly regularly — check out the other two and have your browser translate the content for you.)
Interestingly enough, on that same menu is a selection for "US" (which is not a language, but whatever) that links up with WeAllSew, which has different content altogether.
Wonder why that is?
Anyway, today I'm going to share five fabulous freebies from this "other"
blog. (Yep, we're going to finish off the last week of Make it in May with a bang: five tutes!) Links are available at the end of this post; those of you who live in the US can let me know if you're able to access them.
First up is a tutorial for a stuffed animal of a species close to my heart:
Bernina's version of a plush sheep. Sample shown here is trimmed with
denim.
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| image courtesy of Bernina.com... |
A downloadable pattern for two different sizes is yours for the taking.
(Small is about 10" high x 14" long; large version is about 14" high x 19.5"
long; since this content is meant for non-US folks, the project measurements
are given in metric.)
It's worth mentioning that the tutorial even gives you an idea of how much
fill you'll need. It looks fairly simple and if you have some old plushy
blankets that you no longer need, it would be a great recycling or
repurposing project.
Next up are some slippers; I love slippers. Have made a few myself, like
here
and
here. Living in a cold climate, it's always more comfortable about six months
out of the year to have my feet covered in some way.
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| image courtesy of Bernina.com... |
These ones look super cozy, with the sherpa fleece lining. Again, if you
have an old blanket that's fallen out of favour, consider harvesting the
material for the inside of this slipper or the outside of the plush sheep.
The pattern provided is for a European size 39, which translates roughly
into a North American 8.5. But it's usually not too hard to adjust these
types of patterns slightly up or down to fit.
This next project is definitely different. The title of the post refers to recycling party tent fabric into bags! Not sure exactly what European party tents are made out of, but I assume any sort of rip stop nylon would meet the criteria here.
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In any case, you will find three different patterns here to make simple
bags for all occasions: the purse shown above, a backpack style bag with
a flap, and what they call a "man bag" (LOL), which is a sling bag of
sorts. All in all, quite fun and if you want templates to play with to
make your own version of these using more conventional fabric, it's a
great starting place to be creative.
The next project also meets my strict criteria for being different: it's
a fabric votive holder.
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| image courtesy of Bernina.com... |
Particularly with the advent of LED votives, these would make great mood
lighting for any special occasion without fear of burning down the
house.
Again, templates are provided, but this one looks to be a bit more
challenging in that there is a fabric ring to sew in place around a
small round opening. What I like about it is that it inspires me to
think of other shapes — like a starfish or a flower — that I can convert
into this idea.
The last project that I have to share today is one that falls into my
definition of fabric origami: it's a folded gift box.
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| image courtesy of Bernina.com... |
I've always loved these boxes. Everyone I know has shared the same
lament about our Chinese takeout: they're never in these kind of boxes
like we see on TV! (Although admittedly, some noodle places are using them now.)
This tutorial gives you templates for two different sized boxes, one
with a 3" square base and the other with a 3.5" base. The project uses a
paper product called SnapPap which is probably similar to
Kraft Tex. (I may have to give that stuff a try someday.)
Alternatively, I would try fabric piecing with Peltex like I did
with my
match box.
Here are the links to the Bernina projects that I've discussed
above:
1.
Plush Sheep
If you're finding it more and more difficult to seek out blog content that isn't "same old, same old", this is a worthwhile blog to check in on regularly. For those of you into making your own clothing, they also offer a free pattern every month (which is only available for free downloading during that month). Enjoy!
'Til next...
Oh that sheep is stinkin' cute! Love that it's two sizes.
ReplyDeleteKathleen - kakingsbury at verizon dot net