Ms Marvel

Inspired by this pin I decided to try a new way of color blocking my Ms Marvel costume.  So far I've been using Pellon's Fuse and Tear.  It was super expensive at Joanns ($16) so I'm glad I downloaded Joann's iphone app and used a 50% off coupon.  I did notice that Walmart carries Sulky's version for $11.88 if you want to use what is in the pin.  It is a pain to pick out the paper from the stitches but WOW does it look amazing.

Some tips:

• Test iron a piece first
• Use your "straight stretch stitch" instead of a zigzag!   Here is what it looks like on my $90 Walmart Singer.  It's the blue lines and it looks like three stitches next to eachother.  LIFE CHANGING discovery!  I will never use a zigzag ever again for top stitching spandex
• Use fuse and tear in strips to help put in zippers!  I ironed a strip 1.5 inches wide on the front and back side and I have never had an invisible zipper go in so smoothly on spandex before.
• Watch your seam allowance.  I got too close to the edge and when I put the suit on, the fabric pulled away from the yellow.  I had to pick out all of the stitching and re-iron and re-sew.  It was a time sink!  Make sure you draw your seam allowance onto the paper to avoid this issue.

Happy Sewing!

Pinspiration: Holiday Window Decor

One of the cutest holiday pins was this little gem.  Simple, elegant and EASY!  I mixed it up with jingle bells I had in my craft room and for $3.00 I had window decor.  I used my gun on the ribbon and the bells are jute twine.  I will re use this next year and maybe extend it to other windows in the house it was so cute.

Pinspiration: Christmas Card Holder

 Here is a short, glue gun project that will help get all of those Christmas Cards off the nicely decorated mantel and on a blank space.  Based on this pin I created a Card Tree.  I used a sheet of foam core, existing fabric from my stash, red and white ribbon, sewing pins and sequins.

Cut the foam core to the shape you desire and using some sewing pins, pin the fabric to the foam core on the edges.  Wrap the fabric around to the back and glue down.  Next you will have to decide where to place your ribbons.  I used 4" between my ribbons.  If I have time after the holiday I will remake this using 5 inches between ribbons.  Some of the cards are larger and don't fit very well.  Use a decorative sewing pin where the ribbons cross.  I used a sequin to make it extra sparkly.  Total cost was around $5.00.  $3.99 for the ribbon and 1.59 for the foam core at Hobby Lobby.  Everything else was from my stash.

This would be a great beginning project for any crafter- sans the slight burning of my fingers with the hot glue.