Doggy vest (sewing)

I'll be honest, when I see pets, especially dogs, dressed walking down the street, it makes me laugh by how silly this looks. As a fellow dog owner, I should have seen a different meaning behind that kind of behavior. It is simple love and care for the pet in cold winter days. To make clear, I don't approve it if a pet wears it at 10 degrees Celsius, its fur should be enough for that, unless it is hairless animal or so. Minus 10 degrees Celsius is big difference and all we owners want is comfort for our pets when we take them for a walk or snowy playground.

For me, I had an idea to make one vest for my furry darling for a while now, ever since I started sewing. I wasn't confident if I can make it and actually had no idea how to even start and make it the right fit. I also doubted if my darling would be ready to cooperate in this project. My doubts were actually meaningless. Some of you saw my video on Facebook and know when I say that he was more than a good boy.

Folder makeover

Some time ago I wrote about wrapping books in foil. This posting is similar but at the same time a bit different and I expect a part two because I have some ideas for the inside. 

Today I will show you only how to change the outside look of the folder. At home I had two that were a bit old already, not in best condition and childish. I wished to remodel them a bit. The procedure below shows how I did it. The final outcome? I like it, much better than before.

Tool for continuous bias binding tape [sewing]

Once I started making more sewn clothes on my own or other smaller things I stumbled upon a small problem. a) either I was out of bias binding tape to make nice closed up edges or b) even the store was out of it. I kept having that thought in my head each time when I was in fabric store or any other similar store.

Then one day I came accross this tool that enables me to make my own continuous bias binding tape from any fabric I am using. Simple, quick and saving my own money. They had different sizes but since I mainly do clothes and other similar things I said 25 mm should do it.

Here is how you use it.

Cloning clothes [sewing]

Some of my friends already know that in 2017 I started to become interested in sewing with a sewing machine. I had no practice or experiance before. One day when browsing Pinterest I saw something I wanted to make and nudged my mother to tell me basics I needed to know about the machine and to be there when I had any problems and how to solve them. That's how it started but later on I got interested in making my own clothes. I saw many patterns around but all seemed like chinese to a beginner like me.

So I looked further and further until finally I found something perfect. I wish to share that with all because cloning your own clothes is what I consider learning. Once you realize how things function how and what to adjust, I believe I can stop relying on cloning but creating my own ideas. Bit by bit is how I learn on my own.

Thank you Lauranta

💗Laura + Santa = Lauranta💗

Yes, yes and yes! I recieved Lauranta's post today. I know you were worrying of being late but late doesn't matter! I like when people come on time to the meeting place but I never pressure people when it comes to gifts. I know all don't have time and ideas or don't feel well. Actually I don't need much, a card or something similar is enough to make me happy. 

Actually Lauranta you made sure I won't stop beng creative. I got so many things!! Pretty and awesome! A template for crocheted table decoration with instructions, I have to make it! Let me find right yarn for it at home or I'll just go and buy it. A magazine with patterns as well, I should learn to knit, left and right is all I was capable of years ago. And hardcover, I can use that for new book. 

Then oh my so many beautiful fabric! I can wrap my handmade books in such pretty fabric now. I have in mind to try writing diary (my friend Esther gave me the idea) and if I make my own books for diaries, how cool is that. I love it. And I might try to learn sewing. Actually I had this thought for a while. I know how to sew more or less straight but that's it... So many possible goal for 2017. ✌

And sweetie it is so cool to get such awesome ink pens. You showed me video how to make the green one and I'm really thankful you worked on it for me. I have to buy ink as soon as possible and try it out. 

Annyanta: I hope you liked my gift as well. When you were here in 2016 you showed me your album book from your stay in Japan and when I thought what to give you for Christmas this was what appeared in my head first. Organizing pictures, making the outlook and ordering. All of it was really fun and it made me remember the few days we spent together. I hope the Slovenia album gives you similar memories. 

Thank you for many things. 💗 

Little tip

For this week I planned to do something different but sadly couldn't do it so I'll do it a bit more simple. This week I give one simple tip to those who like to create, who are looking for ideas. Well some already know it, but for those who don't yet: Pinterest! 

It is a website or phone app, both work really well. It brings a really easy way to look for ideas (which are never ending). You can create folders and save the ideas of others inside of them. Create your own ideas (for example in blog) and share it to Pinterest for others. Of course you can also create your own social life with people of similar interests etc. 

Once I start browsing, it is really tough to stop. My mind fills up with thoughts: I want to do this, I want to try that etc. I know my sister has this same problem and for sure many many others. Why? It isn't only about handmade things you can do. It is also good place to look for cooking ideas, gifts etc. Try it out and you'll see. It pulls you in. 

Lastly, I'm sorry for this week, I'll do better with other two postings and bring you something better next Monday on this section. Promise.

-Anny-

Wrapping books

Today's topic is a bit from my professional field. Or I would say professional defect. If I buy a soft cover book, I wrap them in transparent foil to protect it. I must say the start was tough. My first wrapped books from years ago look weird but eventually I became better at it.

Below I give my instructions if someone wishes to learn.

Christmas tree ornaments

While looking what decorations we could use in library for the Holidays, I stumbled upon this site and said to myself, let's try making the Christmas trees. Below is my instruction how to make them. 

Supplies you need

- The site mentioned above showed wide (probably cotton) string but I used felt. I bought it at Rayher, A4 size.

- Beads

- Needle and yarn. Make sure your needle can go through the beads.

- Scissors