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Cinching: I recently received a request for clarification on how I applied the tabs for the "cinched" effect on my Miranda bag.
Here's the scoop:
You attach the tabs for the swivel clips in the same manner as you attach the tabs for the purchased handles (instructions for that are in the pattern, I believe). Only instead of placing the tabs on the outside (as for the handles) you'll place the tabs on the inside. You'll want to use a matching/coordinating thread so the stitching will be discreet & not very noticeable.
Joan (Joan Hawley, the Miranda Bag pattern designer) shows/describes this a little better on her blog in these two entries:
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=786#more-786
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=776
Hope that helps.
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Pattern, photos, images & text ©Tracy L. Chapman & Sew Thankful Inc. January 2008. All rights reserved.
Permission to copy and distribute this complimentary pattern in printed form at no charge to others, for personal or NON-PROFIT use, for guild and group projects or for making small quantities to sell at craft fairs and such is granted provided all copyright information and references to Sew Thankful are kept in tact one each and every copy printed/distributed. The above permissions do NOT include or permit the re-packaging or sale of this pattern itself in either paper or digital form.
http://sewthankful.com/blog/2008/01/reversible-travel-tissue-holde.html
Click thumbnail to view larger image(s) in a pop up window.
Click here for the PDF file if you want to print the instructions. NOTE, you must have a *recent* version of Adobe Acrobat Reader available for free from www.adobe.com -- sorry, we are unable to provide tech support for adobe software products.
Materials required for each tissue holder:
- 2 pieces of fabric 6" x 6" (pattern may not be suitable for
directional fabrics)
- Coordinating Thread
- 2 pieces of ribbon (grosgrain, satin, etc.) 7 ½" each
- Temporary marking device, i.e.,
chalk
- Yo-Yo and/or Button, if desired
- Miscellaneous trim (yarn,
ribbon, etc.), if desired.
Instructions:
1. Using a chalk, marker or other
suitable marking device, mark 1 ½" in from each edge on one side of one fabric
square--on the RIGHT side of the fabric.
2. Fold each 7 ½" strip of ribbon in half, right
sides together. Center over marks on
fabric & pin on the RIGHT side of the fabric.
3. Baste ribbon to fabric square, using 1/8"
seam allowance on the RIGHT side of the fabric.
4. Pull ribbon loops gently up out of the
way. Bring opposite edge up to match
edge with loops, smooth & press in half (being careful NOT to press the
ribbon) with RIGHT sides of the fabric together (wrong side out).
5. Press 2nd
fabric square in half.
6. Stitch
sides using ¼" seam allowance. Clip
bottom corners. Repeat both seams and corner clips on other piece of fabric.
7. Use your fingers to align one side seam with
pressed bottom center crease, forming a triangle. Pin.![]()
8. Measure from point up ½", mark a perpendicular line, stitch. NOTE: If you have pinned the point & side seam straight with the bottom center crease, you will form a 1" perpendicular line (triangle). See image below.
9. Clip off triangle point.
9a. Repeat on other
side.
9b. Repeat process
for other piece of fabric.
10. You
should now have what looks like 2 square bottom bags (each unlined, one has ribbon
loops on one side, both with raw edges).
Insert one unit inside the other with right side of both fabrics to the
INSIDE. Be careful to smoothly sandwich
the ribbon loops. Match side seams carefully and pin. Match raw edges all around. Place one pin in center of long edge that
does NOT have the loops. Place one pin in
center of each ribbon tail. Place a 2nd
pin approximately ¾" or so toward the center away from the ribbon edge (see
image below).
Use a ¼"
seam allowance, backstitch at beginning and end to secure, stitch around top (raw) edge leaving approx. 2 ½" opening as shown in picture above. Remove pins as you come to them, do NOT sew
over the pins. Remember to leave an
approximately 2 ½" opening (between the two center-most pins on the "ribbon"
side), stitch all the way around the top except for the opening.
11. Press all the way around the top edge to set
the seam. Finger press apart/open the
seam opening area, making it even with the seam allowance. Press this area open gently with your iron.
13. Determine which side you want to use for the
lining and insert inside the other. Remember, this is a REVERSIBLE project, so
you can change your mind later to show the other side. Smooth out nicely making
sure to pay attention to the open seam allowance between the ribbon loops.
14. Choose how you want to finish. You may wish to top stitch (using a straight
stitch or a decorative stitch if your machine has one you like) all the way
around (approx. 1/8' from the edge).
Or,
you may wish to apply a trim of some sort.
After top-stitching or applying trim (if desired), you may wish to embellish your holder with yo-yos and/or buttons. Scroll down to see a gallery of samples for ideas and inspiration.
I couched a fancy yarn using decorative stitch in the picture
below.
Ribbons, beaded trim, feathers, fuzzy trims, etc....all look great! Once your trim is secure, clip threads. Insert tissue packet. Pull ribbon loops around (exposing the right side) to secure tissue packet inside. Want to see the reverse side of this one?
How do use the new packet without removing from the holder?
Gallery of ideas:
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Pattern, photos, images & text ©Tracy L. Chapman & Sew Thankful Inc. January 2008. All rights reserved.
Permission to copy and distribute this complimentary pattern in printed form at no charge to others, for personal or NON-PROFIT use, for guild and group projects or for making small quantities to sell at craft fairs and such is granted provided all copyright information and references to Sew Thankful are kept in tact one each and every copy printed/distributed. The above permissions do NOT include or permit the re-packaging or sale of this pattern itself in either paper or digital form.
http://sewthankful.com/blog/2008/01/reversible-travel-tissue-holde.html
Click here for the PDF file if you want to print the instructions. NOTE, you must have a *recent* version of Adobe Acrobat Reader available for free from www.adobe.com -- sorry, we are unable to provide tech support for adobe software products.
I just finished making him two REALLY NICE ones using First Choice Boxers pattern by Timber Lane Press.
These are Nick's first "handmade" boxers! True, they're not "subtle" or "subdued" and he won't be able to wear them while on duty. But they will be great for after hours and off time, don't you think?! I hope he loves them.
Click thumbnail images to view larger image in a pop up window.
The pattern is not difficult, but intermediate sewing skills are recommended. If you are an advanced beginner and confident you could probably manage this pattern without too much difficulty AS LONG AS you feel comfortable going slowly, step-by-step following the written instructions and illustrations. Attention to detail is a MUST.
For me, securing the 4 channel sport elastic (pinning it on) is probably the most challenging part. Even that part is not difficult if you follow the tips provided in the pattern. Flat-felled seams are used throughout (instructions are provided), giving the finished boxers a professional look and comfortable feel to the wearer.
I LOVE knowing that I'm making a quality product and that the boxers turn out looking like the picture on the pattern front.
I'll be wrapping Nick's boxers in the morning and send them along with a hearty selection of requested Christmas cookies and assorted miscellaneous personal items.
Click here if you'd like to read more about this pattern, available at SewThankful.com
I made a few changes--of course--from the pattern directions. I made "scrappy red yo-yos" instead of all one multi-red print as suggested. I used white flannel for his beard. I used dark blue wooden beads for his eyes. I used a lighter print for the cuffs of sleeves and pants instead of natural muslin. I also tucked some white poly batting under his hat and then pulled it forward to create his hair. I like Santa with a full head of fluffy white hair.
The pattern is NOT difficult at all and Santa is absolutely ADORABLE!! This sweet Santa will be sure to become a family heirloom.
He does take some time to make unless you have a stack of red yo-yos in the right sizes already made up. Now, having done one, I see how I could probably make 3 or more in the same or even less time the next time but that probably won't happen until next summer. Perhaps I should mark the calendar to start making red yo-yos in July.
Interested in this pattern? Check it out at Sew Thankful.

- The 1st uses only 2 yo-yos
- The 2nd uses only 4 yo-yos
- The 3rd uses just 6 yo-yos
I used gold lame and it looks fabulous! Lame and poly satin both work very well in the
Clover Yo-Yo Makers.
I made this ornament with both sides identical, but you could make them different from each other.
I used poly satin for the larger yo-yos and gold lame for the smaller ones. Special poinsettia buttons make the perfect embellishment and focal point.
The two images here show the front and back of the same ornament.
It looks stunning on the tree.
The middle and right pics were taken from a top side looking down view to show the 3D fullness.
Click here for the complimentary PDF file
NOTE: The complimentary PDF requires a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (available for FREE from adobe.com). Sorry, SewThankful is unable to provide technical assistance for Adobe products.
If you would like to be notified when I offer new complimentary PDF projects, please be sure to sign up for the FREE Sew Thankful eNews. Click here to learn more about the free eNews.
I love sewing fleece because it is so snuggly warm, it looks great and it is usually very forgiving when you sew it. Because fleece doesn't fray, there are many wonderful patterns available that are SEW quick and easy. I don't know about you, but QUICK and EASY works when I'm in a hurry (almost always) and I really want to give a hand made gift that is useful.
Have you checked out our selection of patterns that use fleece? There are many great gift giving ideas to choose from...mittens to hats to ponchos to slippers and more! Here are a few of my favorites:
Click here to see the selection of fleece patterns at Sew Thankful.
