Home Decorating Projects

Most of this blog is garment related sewing, however occasionally I enjoy home decorating projects.  I made the wall wreath using a mixture of different textured items.  The pillows are 100% down filled and I made zippered slip covers for each of them.  The decorative pillow covers were made out of fabrics I found in the remnant section of the fabric store.

100% Pima Cotton Pillow Cases

Halloween Costume - Simplicity 3629

I have made a few costumes in the past. :) This was a fun one to make! 

The pattern was easy to follow too.

Men's Lined Vest Finished

The Professor's Vest:
I used a Simplicity 2870 pattern and modified it slightly in design, lined it, and added inside pockets.  The pattern did not have directions to line nor did it have good directions for making a welted pocket... So if you look at some of the recent older postings (Sept 20-24), you will find my directions for making a welted pocket that should work better for you.

I decided to do some decorative top stitching to match the lining and also the button holes. 
The top stiching was done with a thicker top stitching thread and if you try this on a project, be sure to use a top stitching needle.

The buttons were taken off the Professor's old vest.

The pockets where slip stitched to the inside.
One pocket for his wallet and the other for his glasses and pens.



Random Notes on Welts and Vest Status

If you have a welt pattern that is a narrow one inch strip and the directions are telling you to cut two pieces and fold each in half to make the welt, I would recommend that you toss it.  These were the instructions on my Simplicity pattern and after much struggling the welt looked pretty bad.  The below directions for making a welt will work much better, but you will want to practice making the welt several times before you attempt on your garment.  Having a great iron that steams well is going to make a big difference too.

Second thought for the day is that I had to put my vest project on the back burner for several weeks as I was dealing with some things, but I should be finished up in the next day or two.

The Professor asked that the buttons from his old vest be transferred onto the new one.