Cosmetic Kit

Project of the week: This week the students made a cosmetic kit.

Students selected their fabric and ribbons of their choice to go on the sides of the zipper.

We used a heavy weight fabric as lining to make the bag retain its shape.

Students gained more experience in sewing zippers.

Initially they had a hard time putting the ribbons together on the sides of the zipper.

This project also helped them to handle and sew slippery fabrics.

Dress out of Sari

I used my georgette sari again to make these dresses. This time I used the same material but sewed it in different styles. I made a kid’s style dress for my daughter.
The thing that makes georgette fabric distinctive is its crinkly crepe-light texture, which feels slightly rough and dull, but gives the finished article a bouncy, flowing look.
The most challenging part of sewing silk georgette material might be the cutting part.

Although I have sewn with slippery fabrics such as chiffon, I prefer to sew 100% cotton fabric because of the way cotton handles while being sewn.
There is a challenge in creating matching mother & daughter clothes. While it might seem superficial and easy, there’s more to it than what catches the eye.

Fitting attire for my Man

My husband volunteers in our Temple kitchen where they prepare lunch for about 1500 devotees
every Sunday. When he asked me to make him an apron to wear while cooking, my first thought was ‘Go denim’! I embroidered his Initial at the center. To make it place appropriate, I decided to add a religious touch to it and came up with a design that says OM (the sound of god in Sanskrit language) on both pockets.

The only problem is that several other volunteers are pestering him to make one for them too! Too bad it is a volunteer set up, otherwise I could have turned the apron into my niche product.

Kite Festival

We went to the Kite Festival at Arlington River Legacy Park on Saturday, March 12, 2011
It was indeed a perfect day for flying kites. The skies were clear, absolutely no cloud in sight. Although there was not a lot of wind, no one seemed to be bothered about it. Everyone was busy getting their kites up or trying to keep them flying high. The park was alive with colors - on the ground as well as in the sky. It was like spring had set in a week earlier.

Of course the City of Arlington always takes care of the kids. There were stations for face-painting and hair coloring. They even had counselors guiding children to make their own kites. And as usual the Arlington Fire Department’s truck was huge draw. Kids were swarming all over the fire truck and parents were snapping away pictures.
It was a fun filled day for adults and kids alike! You can see more pictures here

Pencil Pouch

Project of the week: Pencil Pouch

This week the students made a pencil pouch with zipper. At first they were intimidated by the zipper not sure how to sew it on to fabric. I showed them how to do it in a few simple steps. They followed my simplified steps and did it.

Guess what? They now think inserting zipper is not such a big deal anymore!

Computer Bag

I love sewing my own purses and bags!

There's nothing better than having the perfect purse because you customized it for yourself. Plus, there's the undeniable thrill of using a cute fabric to sew a completely unique purse.

This computer bag is more or less like a sleeve. It can hold just the laptop, no accessories. I don’t like to carry all the accessories with it when travelling. I just carry the computer through the security line at airports. It is so much easier to handle, and less weight on your shoulder. I am a huge fan of paisley design. So I used that embroidery design with a monogram of my initial in the middle to add a personal touch. Used a nice black and white clock print fabric for the lining which reminds me that ‘time is precious’. There is a layer of foam in between to protect the laptop.

I also made a matching bag for my external memory card and thumb drives.