SewAlong piping hot hobo - Week2 + Week3 progress 20 Jun 2016 12:32 AM (8 years ago)

Tasks for Week2 were pretty easy and straight forward..

except for the preparing the piping part..

Luckily I found a ready made cording piping at my local fabric store (it would have actually cost more to make them from scratch)

So..

Cut all the pieces__________checked
Prep the piping______________checked
Iron the interface and fleece___________checked

Here's a clear and easy tutorial on how to make and attach piping to the body

Week3 started with adding central gusset seam, both exterior and interior. Since I have never done this before, I was quite curious to learn the effect of the central seam.

For the exterior, fold the gusset in half - right side together
For the interior, fold the gusset in half - wrong side together
Sew straight line all the way (3mm seam)

Before attaching the piping to the body, go ahead and make the handle loops, attach D-ring on each of the handle loops and stitch the handle loops to the exterior back piece (follow the placement on the pattern piece)

Attaching the piping to the exterior back and front pieces.

Mark the piping beginning and end on the right side of each piece (follow the placement on the pattern pieces)

Secure with clips before sewing,

I used zipper foot as I don't have a piping foot, and it worked fine.

Start sewing slowly and remember to follow the curves and never to pull and stretch the piping while sewing.

Once completed, you'll have attached piping to:

Exterior back around the bottom
Exterior front around the bottom
Exterior front on the top

The remainder piping will be used for the flap

Next, is attaching the gusset to the exterior body

The book suggests sewing on the gusset side, but I am more comfortable sewing on the exterior body side (I can follow the curve of the exterior body when sewing)

Please note that the gusset is not of the exact length, you will have excess at the end

Once the gusset is attached to both the front and back body, I notice how easily and neatly it collapse.

A good technique to apply especially when working with wide gusset and you want it to naturally collapse.

Previous posts:

SewAlong piping hot hobo 1

SewAlong piping hot hobo 2

My teaching anecdotes 7 Jun 2016 10:10 PM (8 years ago)

I enjoy teaching

I thought my passion was teaching English (background: I am a trained language teacher)

But over the years, I realized it doesn't matter what I teach.. I love seeing a person's eyes brightens when they get it, or when they are able to apply the knowledge, or when they share a story with me about something that they learnt from me.

So, I decided to pursue that passion, which comes effortlessly and brings me so much joy.

This post is about few anecdotes I shared on IG and my facebook page of my experience teaching sewing at a center that hires and trains people with special needs.

I teach there on a voluntary basis once a week-in-Japanese (I had very basic formal training in the language, only introduction to the Japanese letters and basic grammar, I picked up the language mostly from my years of teaching English at schools and kindergarten and my time conversing with the older ladies at my gym; at one point my Japanese vocabulary was like that of a child or of a grandma's..LOL). It is a new center but it has grown from about 5 staffs when I first started (about 10 months ago) to triple the number. The turnover rate is very high (due to illness requiring medical care to other problems), I feel like I am constantly training new recruits, only to find them gone in few weeks time..

OCT 29th 2015

First day, it is just me and the supervisor today, one to one coaching. We are making masks for children. As I have not made one in a long time (the last time I made a mask was for Sofea when she was 7, I think), I made one to refresh my memory before guiding her through the process. By the end of the day, she completed about 8 masks.

I recommended the center invest in a rotary cutter, self healing mat and a good pair of scissors.

The supervisor is my age and has one young boy, we talked about work and life while we were working.

NOV 17th 2015

Sewing class today...

These past 2 sessions, I have been assigned to teach the basics of sewing to the male staffs - 4 of them (background story: I have started teaching on a part time volunteer basis at an organization that train and employ special needs people)

3 of them have never touched a sewing machine before this but they have such positive attitudes and interest to learn that I find very inspiring..

At the end of today's session, they were able to sew straight and curves stitches on the high speed machine (which I secretly wished could be mine)...

(Note: I have come up with my own curriculum for beginners, sewing 101; 1. introduction to sewing machines and parts 2. how to operate and industrial high speed machine 3. straight stitch 4. curves 5. fold and stitch 6. attaching elastic bands)

There is also a lady staff there and we sew baby booties together..

Jan 25th 2016

Today's class was mainly one to one coaching. The staff (in the green jumper) was taught how to fold the seam on the sides of a new born lace baby dress (about 1cm), stitch and add label.
The interesting part is she has hearing impairment in both ears and communicate via sign language, lip reading, body gestures and writing on a tablet (pen and paper? What's that..hihihi)

Well.. so there I was, trying my best to gesture and enunciate the words with hope she understood me.. and struggling with few sign language (in Japanese) phrases I picked up and I'm pretty sure I might have signed some bad words...lol

At the end of the session, despite some hiccups and raised eyebrows moments... she graciously bowed and thanked me profusely for the lesson... (^v^)v
(Note: she has improved a lot and is now one of permanent staff on the sewing machine. The center gets quite a lot of simple sewing projects outsourced by factories)

FEB 22nd 2016

Monday is work at the center day (I teach sewing at a center that hires and trains special need people). Today, I was requested to guide a staff to sew girls' underpants suitable for kids with skin problem/sensitive skin/eczema/irritation/etc.
I was given a store bought sample and pattern pieces (the moment I arrived), and I have to figure out the stitching steps and sewing techniques and impart the information to the student, guide her and complete at least 1 piece all within a couple of hours... yikes!!! ^^ The interesting part about sewing this underpants is the inside seams will all be on the outside - so as to have minimum frictions with the skin, and they'll be using organic cotton.

All was well in the end.. mission accomplished! We completed 2 underpants (show off..hehehe)

I guess since I work for myself at my own pace, some pressure is good to keep me motivated and alert... and I love that about this job..

May 23rd 2016

Work today, like any other day was amusing and fun (for me) and surely stressful and awful (for my poor students, I assume).

From the station I walk about 10-15 minutes, depending on how many flowers or insects (and shop windows) I stop to observe (and photograph) along the way. The moment I walk in, the supervisor would pounce and start discussing that day's plan. Today they wanted me to suggest ways the staff could increase production..
OK so apparently I do not only teach, but I consult on matters under the sun (I was just asked if I could get my hands on some sea cucumber cream (jelly gamat) and if it was indeed good for the skin, I told them I'd look into the matter) *grin
Back to the story, increase production - I set the time to 30 minutes and I stood there observing the 2 staffs (imagine being them...*cringe). The lady staff excelled in the first 30 minutes, she was on a roll.. it was not good for the male staff, anything that could go wrong went wrong, he ran out of bobbin thread, needle wouldn't thread, needle need changing, unpicking.. when the alarm went off, I told them to continue sewing but secretly I was still observing them ;P
after the hour was up, I prepared an oral report and presented them to the supervisor and bosses (husband and wife who runs the center); the problem and ways to overcome the problem and suggestions on steps they can take to increase production.

Sew Along - The Piping Hot hobo 1 Jun 2016 2:12 AM (8 years ago)

Week 1 tasks for the piping hot hobo sew along was to gather the materials needed to make the bag.
Here's a list of items needed to make this bag:
Materials
1. Exterior fabric: 50x112cm (medium weight)
2. Lining fabric: 50x112cm
3. Woven fusible interface 50cm
4. Fleece 50cm
5. Piping cord 2.5m - matches the exterior
6. Bias fabric 45x3cm - for the flap trim band
Hardware
7. Bag strap 125x1.5cm
8. Magnetic snap button 18mm
9. 2 D-rings
10. 2 Popper snaps 1.5cm
11. Tassel 2.5cm wide

I have narrowed it down to 3 choices but haven't really decided from these fabrics for my exterior, I also got a ready made piping cord (yeay!!)

Main task of Week 2 is to cut the fabrics (exterior and lining), interface and fleece. The good news is there are only 4 pattern pieces and the best news is you repeat to cut each pattern 4 times (ones for each material type; exterior and lining fabrics, interface and fleece).

Preparation List

Pattern 1/4 - Body front

Pattern 2/4 - Body back

Pattern 3/4 - Gusset

Pattern 4/4 - Flap

Also cut

From lining fabric - 25x16cm (inner slip pocket)

From exterior fabric - 14x5cm (handle loops)

Next sew along project 18 May 2016 5:33 PM (8 years ago)

It has been way too long since our last sew along.

So, I decided we should have one..

http://mybotang.blogspot.jp/search/label/sew%20along

I am thinking of the piping-hot hobo pattern from Lisa Lam's The Bag Making Bible.

The last bag I made from this book (which was also a sew along I put together) was a Reversible Bucket Bag (FREE pdf). We had so much fun and learn a lot along the way.

What do you think? Any of you interested to join in the fun?

You can follow us here and on IG

Here's the tentative plan:

The piping-hot Hobo (by Lisa Lam)

Level: Advance

Special features: Round shape, piping, collapsible gusset

Time length: 23rd MAY - 30th JUNE 2016

Time Plan:

Week 1 (23/5 - 31/5)

1. Study Pattern and instructions

(pages 148 - 154)

2. Copy and cut out pattern pieces

(4 pattern pieces only. yippee!!!)

3. Collect Materials/Fabrics

(Edited: What you need list)

4. Decide on fabric combo

5. Showcase fabric combo

Week 2 (1/6 - 8/6)

1. Cut fabrics, interfacing and fleece

(Edited: Preparation list)

2. Make the piping

(how to on pages 144-145)

3. Iron interfacing and fleece

4. Showcase progress

Week 3 (8/6 - 15/6)

Central gusset seam
Attaching piping to bag exterior
Attaching gusset to bag exterior

Week 4 (15/6 - 22/6)

Bag lining
Bag flap

Week 5 (22/6 - 29/6)

Assembling the bag

Showcase Final Product : 30/6

stay tuned for more updates soon!!

Alter the length of your jeans but keep the original hem - a tutorial 13 Apr 2016 6:56 PM (9 years ago)

I have had this pair of boot cut jeans that never fitted me right, it's too long and because of the cut, it will go under my shoes when I walk but I have kept it nonetheless. I have worn it on and off, at times folding/tucking/stepping on the hem.
After like 'forever' of doing that, today I decided to do something about it *roll eyes*

Here's a few simple steps on how to shorten your jeans length while keeping the original hem (and not breaking any needles in the process)

step 1: Wear your jeans and measure the length you want, it is best to measure with your shoes on (I didn't bother as I am always wearing flats)

step 2: Divide the measurement you took in half and pin all around (3"/2= 1.5")

step 3: I used walking foot and size 14 needle and sew as close to the original hem. It makes sewing easy if you use the free arm on your sewing machine to insert the jeans leg

step 4: Try it on, if it seems fine move to step 5, if you are not happy with the length (repeat step 1-3)

*note: I would rather throw the jeans away than repeat step1-3, so better do it right the first time around..

but hey.. that's just me..

step 5: Cut excess, zigzag or serge to avoid fraying

step 6: Press original seam down, you can topstitch all around above the new seam or leave it be as I done

And you are done..

The best part of this is, you can do it in a very short time, on your portable machine and the end result does not make it obvious like you have shortened it

Further reading on shortening jeans while keeping the original hem: here, here and a video tutorial here
Add lengths to children jeans

Begin again 11 Apr 2016 6:45 PM (9 years ago)

It has been way too long since I last posted anything here..

the best way I suppose is to begin again, fresh start..

So here I go..

This is me.. Sohana Sabir a.k.a MyBotanG

and this here is my family..

a hubby, a daughter and myself

this is Iman Sofea, she'll be 14 in May. She is in her 2nd year of Junior High school

people say she looks a lot like me, but I feel she resembles hubby both in looks and personality (which drives me crazy at times, to have 2 of them and non on my team..)

and this is us trying to murder a cardboard storm trooper with our churos..

Hubby is the main reason we are here in Japan.. he originally came to Japan as an undergraduate student, he then brought me here, and we brought Sofea.. long story short, we never left.. we tried to once.. but Allah has better plan for us..

So 15 years ++, 5 cities and 9 apartments later.. we are now residing in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

I am still sewing, been doing it full time for the last 6 years ++

Sofea and myself in my handmade dresses

I have added clothes making to my resume (in addition to making bags and quilts)

I also teach sewing at a centre that hires and trains people with special needs

So, stick around..

Doodling our way into 2013 12 Jan 2013 4:29 AM (12 years ago)

New Year is a big thing in Japan.. well for the Japanese at least, for me, it is rather nerve wrecking.. Having Sofea (my 10yo) home for 2 weeks and Imran (my 36yo errr..hubby) for a week whining I'm bored and rummaging the pantry, fridge and under the sofa for food every 30 minutes is no fun.. so while the Japanese are cleaning and writing their nengajo (New Year cards) and preparing their Osechi-ryouri (Japanese traditional new year foods), I was planning how we'll spend the holidays with minimum hair pulling and hopefully no increase to (my) waistline..

We did enjoy mochi tsuki and eating mochi on the final days of 2012 and some other outings, but the thing that kept Sofea and myself occupied most of the time was DOODLING..

We got this book (ball pen doodling) from our local book store.

It is 127 pages and instructs how to illustrate using colour ball pens.

It is RM57 (inclusive shipping from Japan to Malaysia)

The book is divided to 4 main categories (with many sub categories):

1. Lines and shapes, emoticons

2. Human and animals

3. Plants and everyday items

4. Greeting cards for various occasions

We enjoyed drawing and combining different shapes and designs and playing around with different colour pens (Sofea's personal stash).

The book contains step by step instructions on illustrating an image, for an example - drawing different facial expressions using the same basic design, or how by adding a line you'll be able to change a young human face to that of an older face.

I also loved how the author used different coloured pens to illustrate - a rose was illustrated with red pen and the stem and leaves were drawn using green pen.

My 10yo girl had great fun trying out the illustrations and it kept her occupied for hours.. I would say the book is suitable for school going kids and adults who enjoy doodling and are looking to improve and learn new illustrating techniques.

Our doodling and Sofea's colour pens

MyBotanG's one of a kind hand drawn Thank You cards by Sofea

MyBotanG thank you mini tags

Happy New Year!!!

Email sueemran@gmail.com if you are interested to get a copy of the book.

No cut, no hassle Pool Towel 23 Nov 2012 2:37 PM (12 years ago)

My 10yo girl prefers to use her pool towel than the usual wrap ones after bath. Especially now that it is colder, it is easier to just get into one of these than the hassle of wrapping yourself..

*It is surprising that when I Google pool towel, none of the links were anywhere close to resembling the pic above.. apparently it's only in Japan (most likely) kids pool towel looks like the one I'm talking about. More pics on Amazon.co.jp

It is a quick and easy project, something that you can get done in under half an hour.

Things you'll need:

Towel - I got mine from the AS IS bin in IKEA many years back. It is SOMMAR (75cm x 150cm)

Wide elastic band - Mine was about 75cm

Of course the usual notions of thread, scissors and sewing machine

1. Remove the tag

2. Fold the towel in half

3. Sew straight down

4. Press the seam open and sew straight or zig zag stitches so that it will lay flat and not irritate your child's skin

5. Wrap your elastic band (sew the ends to create a loop) around the top opening and slowly sew

*It will start to gather half way through, with the presser foot and needle down, pull and adjust the towel and sew till the end.

And you are done.

These towels are sold in shops here in Japan, you can find a lot of them in summer, and not so much in the other seasons. Price ranges from RM40 - RM120 depending on size and brand

It has been way too long.... 17 Nov 2012 4:55 PM (12 years ago)

and I don't know how to start again... *sob*

I apologize for my lack of posting here.. I am still around and sewing and updating over at my page on FB..

I promise to write soon..

*Wild Cosmos snapped in Oct*

ABC Quilt II with LOVE 3 Jul 2012 5:12 PM (12 years ago)

The Alphabet Quilt II (posted here) is already on its way to the owner when this post is written. I'm missing it terribly and can't stop thinking about it.. My only consolation is that it is going to a good home, to people who will appreciate and love it *sob*

Few pictures snapped indoor of the quilt.

The view of the back - You can clearly see the outline of hand quilted alphabets *heart*

For more pictures and details, do visit my FB page.

Read about my first ABC Quilt:
1. Alphabet Quilt
2. Sayonara Alphabet Quilt

Teardrop Bag - sewing stage and pattern review 26 Jun 2012 6:28 PM (12 years ago)

I assure you I'm still alive and kicking...

Continuing with the main agenda...

(You can read about Week 1 and Week 2 and see the whole time plan if you've missed them)

I found the sewing stage to be smooth mainly because I got a lot of help and guidance from the other members. We shared tips and tried to help each other out along the way. Thus making deciphering the long essay-like instructions in the book bearable.

I mainly enjoy making the hip - I have never made a bag with a hip before and I thought it clever and gave the bag a smart look. It was a bit tricky to attach the hip to the side of the bag the first time (luckily no unpicking of the seam), you have to measure the centre point and pin the hip to the bag and slowly edge stitch around the hip - the trick was the keep the balance from the edge and manage around the bag opening.

I didn't like the partition pocket style suggested by the original pattern, so for the second bag I added zip to the partition and wallah!! - a partition with a function *grin*

The bag is surprisingly spacious, it can fit in all my usual stuff that I take along when I go out:

1. Long wallet given by my dear friend Nadia

2. Make up pouch - almost the same size (only fatter) as the long wallet

3. Note book and pen

4. Coin case

5. Pocket tissue and handkerchief (too embarrassing to have it in the pic, but it is always there in my purse)

*Can you see the non-functional partition pocket?*

The handle strap is perfect in length and width - it is comfortable and stays put on the shoulder all day long (if it has to)

*my second teardrop bag*

A fun bag to make, will definitely make more in the future.

Do drop by my FB page for more pictures and details

Week 2 - Teardrop Bag progress 13 May 2012 8:00 PM (12 years ago)

JOM AMY BUTLER SEW ALONG!!

Week 2 (8/5 - 14/5)

1. Cut fabric and interfacing

2. Iron interfacing

3. Showcase progress

Managed to get all the fabric pieces cut out. The pattern inlet contains 3 full size pattern pieces except for the band. For the band, you either measure and cut the fabric (4pcs) or draw a template (size: 12" x 2 3/4").

For best result, I'm using woven fusible interfacing. I like the smooth feel of the material after it has been ironed on.

1. Read the full details and plan of the sew along

2. Read week 1 progress

Week 1 Teardrop bag progress 8 May 2012 4:20 PM (12 years ago)

JOM AMY BUTLER SEW ALONG!!
Week 1 (1/5 - 7/5)

1. Study Pattern and instructions

2. Collect Materials/Fabrics

3. Showcase fabric combo

I am planning to use the fabrics already in my stash. There are 3 pattern pieces all together that you can cut out from the pattern inlet, but I decided to copy the pattern and leave the original pattern intact. I haven't read the tutorial thoroughly though, managed to only skim through it very quickly.

If you are interested to join the sew along check out the details in my earlier post here.

Things she makes... 6 May 2012 4:16 PM (12 years ago)

1. Pop up card - inspired by Oh Happy Day.

I love how she did not try to imitate what she saw, but rather create something totally original *heart*

2. Embroidery projects - she has this thing with hand stitching - she LOVES it!!! I've tried to persuade her to try the machine, but I guess she can sense my evil plot to manipulate and use her as child labour on my production line.. uhuhuhu and she is steering clear (for now).. hehehhe

3. Felt - These were earlier projects she made, she would browse through my craft books looking for ideas and work by herself with minimum help or suggestions from me..

I wished I have more time to sit and craft with her.. but for now, we enjoy crafting alongside each other.

What type of activities do you enjoy with your little ones..?

my almost 10yo baby - they do grow up too fast *CRY*

Gift Idea: Personalised hand towels 30 Apr 2012 3:01 PM (13 years ago)

A simple and quick project to transform a plain hand towel to a personalised gift for my friends or for your own use.. I spent more time lamenting and fussing over the right and perfect combo then the actual sewing *bliss*

Here's a simple how to -

What you'll need:

1. Plain towel of any size, mine is 34cm x 80cm

2. Scrap fabrics

1. Mix and match your fabric scraps and once you are happy, join them together OR you can have a long strip of the same print

2. Place your fabric strip - about 10cm above the towel edge (right side facing the towel) and sew along the lower edge

3. Fold, press and fold the raw edge inside (so no raw seam is showing) and sew

*add rick rack or other trimmings at this point if you like*

4. Repeat the whole process on the other side and with other towels

*believe me it is not possible to stop after only one*

I made 7 altogether - as a token for friends returning to Malaysia upon completion of their studies here in Japan

More ideas here:
1. Trimmed kitchen towel with rick-rack
2. Tea towels with ruffles and ribbon accent

Another sew along... 26 Apr 2012 5:58 PM (13 years ago)

I got Amy Butler's Style Stitches a while back after successfully completing my first Cosmo Bag (a sew along we had in our sewing group on FB).

It was definitely motivating to sew together (virtually of course), exchanging ideas and concerns we had - believe me we had quite a number of concerns about piecing the pattern together.

And since then the book has been sitting on the shelf looking all pretty.. *sigh*

So, I have decided to organise another sew along -

JOM AMY BUTLER SEW ALONG.

The sew along will be conducted simultaneously here at the blog and in 1H1P group on FB. It is open to anyone and everyone with Amy Butler's style stitches book. The plan is to try and produce a pattern a month, and for our first project, we are going to make TEARDROP BAG (project 06 in the book).

Here's the plan:

Project 1: TEARDROP BAG

Level: Beginner

Time length: 1st MAY - 31st MAY 2012

Plan:

Week 1 (1/5 - 7/5)

1. Study Pattern and instructions

2. Collect Materials/Fabrics

3. Showcase fabric combo

Week 2 (8/5 - 14/5)

1. Cut fabric and interfacing

2. Iron interfacing

3. Showcase progress

Week 3 (15/5 - 21/5)

1. Sewing

Week 4 (22/5 - 28/5)

1. Sewing

Showcase Final Product : 29/5 - 31/5

The plan is pretty relaxed and flexible and the project is quite straightforward.

Hope to see many of you join in.. the more the merrier!!

ABC Quilt... the 2nd 11 Feb 2012 6:43 AM (13 years ago)

Do you remember the first ABC quilt I made more than 2 years back? You can read about it here and here.

My friend who commissioned it the first time is commissioning it again for the second time for her baby girl. It has to be said, Mabel (my old college friend) has been one of my most avid supporter from the beginning of my crafting career.

I am truly honoured that my handmade quilt will be part of Annabel's childhood as the first quilt is with Matt's *tears*

To date I have completed the top (minus the border), and let me tell you that second time around is a charm..

I was a mess during every step for the first quilt, but with the size, template and pattern all ready and figured out, I managed to get the top completed rather swiftly.

I still did lament about the fabric combination and arrangement. This time around I have enough space to lay everything out to arrange and rearrange, I even left everything out for days and came back to view it with a fresh perspective.

Once the placement of the square base fabrics were confirmed, I started working on the alphabets, with the first quilt, I still hadn't discovered the wonder of a rotary cutter, so everything was drawn on the fabrics and cut out with a pair of scissors.

This time around I added a light weight interfacing behind every alphabet before sewing them onto the square base fabric. I am more confident with the applique and managed quite well around corners remembering to pivot very slowly.

Will start working on the border and the back in a week's (or two) time.. Will keep you posted on the progress..

*Further reading:

1. Sew Mama Sew - Simple Machine Applique

2. Allpeoplequilt.com - Tips for machine applique

Current Favourite 9 Feb 2012 5:48 AM (13 years ago)

I started this year with shopping for (more) fabrics *roll eyes*

I noticed my selections consisted of more lines and stripes. I also went for more earthen and mellow colours.

But this pattern seriously caught my eyes. It is by Anna Griffin and was printed in the US. It is a quilting weight fabric. I love the colours and dream of future projects and possible fabric combinations.

What do you think?

Do you go for similar prints..?

What type of fabrics have you bought so far..?

.

..

...

....

.....

......

.......

........

.........

..........

...........

pppsssst.. I am still a sucker for anything and everything LECIEN..

*Floral Collection - Flower Sugar*

^__^

Recycle project - Comfy indoor slippers 22 Jan 2012 5:39 AM (13 years ago)

Over the long winter break last year, I managed to complete a pair of indoor slippers totally out of recycled materials in my stash. Since then I aim to slowly reduce the pile by making something for the home every now and then.

Half of the items waiting to be recycled

If you have made indoor slippers or baby booties before, you'd know that it is quite a straight forward process but let me share how I did it.

I use pattern taken from a book in my collection.

1.Trace and cut out pattern.

2. Prepare the pieces - I use knit fabric taken from my girl's baby jammies (puppy print) for the exterior, fleece taken from an old baby jumper (light green) for the back and another fleece (black colour) to add cushion in the slipper.

*You can use felt, denim or anti slip fabric for the back*

3. Sew the flap right side together - turn, press and topstitch

4. Align the centre point, pin the flap to the body (I pin the black fleece together)

5. Sew

View from top

View from the side

6. To attach the base (light green fleece) to the flap and body piece, sandwich the base on top of the body piece (right side facing). Align and secure with pins.

7. Sew all around and leave small space for turning.

8. Turn, press and stitch the opening close

You are done and the best part is no seam showing and it is machine washable.

However the next time I make another pair, I might insert a shoe insole in-between to have it retain it's shape better.

Any recycle ideas up your sleeves..?

2011 Recap... 16 Jan 2012 2:12 AM (13 years ago)

Does it still count if the recap or talking about the new year are done when the first month is almost over? or maybe I can claim I was waiting for the Chinese new year... *roll eyes*

Anyway...

I enjoyed (envious actually) looking at all the pretty mosaic recap table on so many blogs, that I was determined to have one too this year. I played with Big Huge Lab Mosaic Maker and finally managed to come up with the above..

Highlight 2011 for MyBotanG:

1. My first sew along - Reversible Bucket Bag

2. My second sew along - applique project

3. Designed Diaper Keeper for mommies

4. Introduced baby quilt set

5. Carrie-me-tote in style

6. A single sized quilt for boy

7. Designed bento wrap - reusable sandwich wrap.. yeay!!

8. Designed Odekake BOX - inspired by Odekake bag - will blog about it

9. GA to celebrate 1K-LIKE on FB page

10. Obsession with flower brooch - pic here, here and here

11. Kinoko Sling using laminated fabric

12. Made some quilted cozy cases

Hope you've had a great start into the year of Dragon..

Fabric Find Monday and a secret giveaway... ssshhhhh!!! (CLOSED) 4 Dec 2011 3:50 PM (13 years ago)

Can you imagine that it's already DECEMBER..?? It feels like only recently I was penning down my 2011 plans and aims.. and now I have to assess achievements and progress made throughout the year and start planning for 2012.

In the meantime, what do you think of this print..? your cup of tea..?

The fabric is by KOKKA and it's 100% cotton

A quick giveaway to MyBotanG exclusive readers only..

Tell me what you think of the fabric and two of you might end up with an FE cut of this piece.

Tell me about the print/colour/feel/possible project/etc - you do not need to write an essay, few sentences would suffice - I'll choose 2 comments I like best on 15th December 2011. You can write in either English or Malay.

I've held something similar before - see what people wrote, see the winners comments.

Edited:

Thank you for participating ladies. Enjoyed reading all your comments.

For me the bold and vibrant colours against the black really brings out the FUN and CHICK in this print. The no direction of the patterns allows for easy (lazy *grin*) cut where you do not really have to worry about having cut the pattern in the wrong direction.. eerrr believe me it has happened before *sigh*

However, the print is rather big, thus limiting the items you can make out of this fabric to medium - big bags only. I am very sure the fabric would look great as a skirt, but since I do not make any wearable, I can't say for sure..

There were 17 comments and I've decided to let random.org to choose the winners:

(Tried attaching the random box here to no avail.. *give up*)

Winner 1 is commentor 8 - Cik Tyra (you are really lucky dear, you were one of my 1K-LIKE GA winner few weeks back, right?) *I hardly ever win anything.. sob*
Winner 2 is commentor 17 - Aynz

Each winner will receive an FE of the above print in the mail soon.
I've listed the fabric in the shoppe if you wish to get hold of some.
Thank you for participating.

Scrap Busting - Fabric Tape 27 Nov 2011 3:33 PM (13 years ago)

Remnant fabrics from projects can really mount up very quickly and surprise you.. Without realising you might end up with bags full of pesky odd size fabrics..

One particular type of fabric scraps that I have collected over the years of crafting (and don't know what to do with them other than make tape to use for binding) are long fabric strips - too narrow for scrap bags or binding but too cute to be chucked out..

A really neat project done by a talented lady (Azzah of Sewfabby) got me all excited and immediately I went to work on producing something similar

A fabric tape works like a sellotape but with a cuter personality. They are very easy to make and cost very little. A wonderful project that would be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Here's a simple how to:

All you need are fabric strips and double sided tape in the width of your choice (for best result, it should match the width of your fabric strips).

For wider scrap fabrics, paste the double sided tape on the wrong side of the fabric to your desired length and use a rotary cutter to cut the strip out

After rolls of double sided tapes and various fabric strips later, you will need to figure out how best to store them. I find folding them over some old cardboard works best..

And.. why stop at fabric strips..

I have a tin full of lace scraps to kawaii to dispose..

Use the same method and produce cute lace-tapes

Silicone Stamp - How to.. 12 Nov 2011 12:52 AM (13 years ago)

Have you used silicone stamp before?

They function like any other stamps you might have tried, the only thing you need to remember is, unlike rubber stamps where you stamp with all your might to get the design perfectly stamped onto paper, with silicone stamp you need to be gentle and not put too much pressure when stamping as it might cause the ink to spread and distort the pattern..

*click the picture to animate*

Here's a simple how to:

1. You will need silicone stamp and a clear stamper

2. Peel a desired design from the sheet - For first time use, the design might be unyielding and may require some pressure to remove from the sheet

3. Mount the design on the clear stamp - Unlike rubber stamp, you do not need to fix it permanently onto the mount, and no glue is required

4+5 Stamp away - Try it out on a test area before you stamp onto the desired place, remember that not much pressure is needed

*To change design, wipe the design with tissue for excess ink, remove it from the clear stamper and place it back onto the sheet and repeat step 2 to 5

I have listed the silicone stamp in the shoppe if anybody's interested.

'1K-LIKE' Giveaway 10 Nov 2011 2:09 PM (13 years ago)

My page on Facebook as passed 1000 LIKE about a week ago..

It feels surreal...

I am grateful to everyone who has LIKE the page.. It always managed to lift my spirit to see the number increasing..

To mark the achievement, I'm having a giveaway on my page..

Here are the details..

10 Goodies to be given away to 10 lucky people..
To stand a chance to win all you have to do are...

1. LIKE MyBotanG page
2. TAG yourself on one of the same pictures (max tag is 50 names per picture)
3. COMMENT on this picture
4. WAIT patiently... :)

A. Do 1-3 within the time frame which is from 11/11/11 - 30/11/11
B. On 1/12/11 I'll randomly choose 10 names from the TAG box.

The 10 goodies are:
1. D'Lavender bag
2. Curvy Clutch
3. Hello Kitty tin box filled with Tokyo Disney Resort memo pad, coin pouch and drawstring pouch
4. Hello Kitty tin box filled with Tokyo Disney Resort memo pad, 2 FQ cut fabrics (1/2 yard), laces
5. 2 matching Japanese motif cushion covers
6. Mushroom card holder
7. Matryoshka doll card holder
8. Drawstring pouch with goodies inside
9. Drawstring pouch with goodies inside
10. Drawstring pouch with goodies inside

Note:
+The first randomly selected person will get gift number 1 and so on...
+If the winner do not respond within 48 hours of being contacted, another winner will be selected without prior notice
+The giveaway is open to anyone living anywhere with a postal code..
+You can TAG 2x or more if you have more than one page, just LIKE us and TAG away..

So remember, the giveaway is happening over at MyBotanG FB page and NOT here..

TAG yourself from 11/11/11 - 30/11/11 to stand a chance to win one of the 10 goodies that I'm giving away..

Moving and never ending unpacking.. 4 Nov 2011 3:39 AM (13 years ago)

We moved to another state in Japan last weekend (on 29th October to be exact)

The move went smoothly, it was a perfect day and the movers did a good job packing, loading and later unloading our stuff in the new home...

Pictured above - the moving truck with quilted covers used to cover the oversize stuff i.e fridge, telly, table, washing machine, etc to protect them from bump and bruises *grin*

My studio was all packed within an hour by 1 lady mover. It went from this..

...to this lonely and cold room full with panda boxes... It took me more than 1 week to get everything into the boxes the last time we moved.. my theory - we are attached to our items, we tend to ponder and daydream of yummy projects, thus taking longer to get the job done *grin*

Major headache started when I have to unpack and put everything in some working order..

Pictured - the view of my studio a day after the move..

The best thing was all the boxes were labeled and the movers sorted them into its designated areas..

It took several days and lots of pushing and pulling, but after almost a week, I'm happy to report that basically everything is in its place and I have even started sewing again, working on some small projects..

Pictured - my sewing and cutting area

Pictured - Fabrics, books, notion

I am happy to report that I have a secret nook for my stash.. It is small and hidden and I am totally loving the headache it is causing me to organise the space..

Pictured above - sturdy moving boxes stacked on top of each other and arranged vertically (6 boxes all together) to form a cabinet to store fabrics, old clothes waiting to be recycled, batting, packing plastics and etc. The top shelf is used to store smaller cut fabrics (mostly FQ and FE) and some other remnants..

MyBotang View RSS

SewAlong piping hot hobo - Week2 + Week3 progress 20 Jun 2016 12:32 AM (8 years ago)

My teaching anecdotes 7 Jun 2016 10:10 PM (8 years ago)

Sew Along - The Piping Hot hobo 1 Jun 2016 2:12 AM (8 years ago)

Next sew along project 18 May 2016 5:33 PM (8 years ago)

Alter the length of your jeans but keep the original hem - a tutorial 13 Apr 2016 6:56 PM (9 years ago)

Begin again 11 Apr 2016 6:45 PM (9 years ago)

Doodling our way into 2013 12 Jan 2013 4:29 AM (12 years ago)

No cut, no hassle Pool Towel 23 Nov 2012 2:37 PM (12 years ago)

It has been way too long.... 17 Nov 2012 4:55 PM (12 years ago)

ABC Quilt II with LOVE 3 Jul 2012 5:12 PM (12 years ago)

Teardrop Bag - sewing stage and pattern review 26 Jun 2012 6:28 PM (12 years ago)

Week 2 - Teardrop Bag progress 13 May 2012 8:00 PM (12 years ago)

Week 1 Teardrop bag progress 8 May 2012 4:20 PM (12 years ago)

Things she makes... 6 May 2012 4:16 PM (12 years ago)

Gift Idea: Personalised hand towels 30 Apr 2012 3:01 PM (13 years ago)

Another sew along... 26 Apr 2012 5:58 PM (13 years ago)

ABC Quilt... the 2nd 11 Feb 2012 6:43 AM (13 years ago)

Current Favourite 9 Feb 2012 5:48 AM (13 years ago)

Recycle project - Comfy indoor slippers 22 Jan 2012 5:39 AM (13 years ago)

2011 Recap... 16 Jan 2012 2:12 AM (13 years ago)

Fabric Find Monday and a secret giveaway... ssshhhhh!!! (CLOSED) 4 Dec 2011 3:50 PM (13 years ago)

Scrap Busting - Fabric Tape 27 Nov 2011 3:33 PM (13 years ago)

Silicone Stamp - How to.. 12 Nov 2011 12:52 AM (13 years ago)

'1K-LIKE' Giveaway 10 Nov 2011 2:09 PM (13 years ago)

Moving and never ending unpacking.. 4 Nov 2011 3:39 AM (13 years ago)