Variations for the A+ Art Portfolio

The A+ Art Portfolio can be created with a variety of different features, making each unique. Today I'm going to share a few. 

The pattern recommends using laminate cotton on the inside of the portfolio to make a more durable, wipe clean surface. You could also use clear vinyl either by sewing it on top of the cotton fabric you want to use,

 or there is an iron on version. This will allow you to use any fabric you want.

 You can also use many different closure options. Snaps or velcro work great or buttons with an elastic loop, ribbon or cording that can be wound around a decorative button as shown in the picture.

You can also change the size and location of the pockets to accommodate different supplies.

For example, a large pocket on the side is good for holding a coloring book or large item.

Smaller pockets for smaller items. Taller pockets for taller items

And you can of course add your own special embellishments.

I would love to see your own versions and variations, so please feel free to share here, on our facebook page or flickr group! If you blog about sewing the A+ Art Portfolio, be sure to send me the link and I'll be happy to share that too! :)

Find your A+ Art Portfolio pattern in the Create H.O.P.E. Designs shop here.
ONLY $5 and proceeds support China Little Flower!!!
 

Sewing With Laminates

Sewing with laminated fabric can sometimes be a challenge, so I wanted to offer a few tips I've learned that might help you as well. 

Laminate fabric is different from PUL (Polyester Urethane Laminate). For starters, it's cotton. This means it won't have the stretch that a polyester knit has, which will alone make it easier to sew for most. It is also laminated on the print side of the fabric. This allows you to enjoy the print without concern of soiling the fabric. Laminates are growing in popularity and availability in the past couple of years, and there are so many uses for it! I personally love sewing with laminate.

I often use it for kid's items like bibs, aprons or A+ Art Portfolios ;) to make them easy to wipe clean.

If you have trouble sewing laminate, here are a few tips that might help.

• Sew with the cotton side down. If the feed dogs of your machine have the woven fabric to grip to rather than the slick laminate side, they will often do better.
• Use a Walking Foot. If your machine has a Walking Foot, laminates are the perfect kind of fabric to use it with. 
• Adjust the tension on your machine. For some machines this will help a lot, for others you won't be able to tell a difference. My older model Singer absolutely refused to sew laminates, but my Janome will chew through them like regular cottons. ???
• Put a piece of masking tape on the bottom of the presser foot to create a better grip. I've never used this method, but I have heard it suggested several times.
• Use a sturdy needle. Laminates are thicker, and will sew better with a heavy weight or denim needle. 
• Using a trim like fold over elastic is very helpful with laminates and will help reduce the bulk of your seams.
• NOTE: All laminates are NOT the same! The material and process of lamination differs, so you will want to know the specifics of the kind you are working with. For example, some MODA laminates, like the sock monkey, are a much thicker, more durable laminate, but they are not machine washable. These are best for items that will get lots of use and can just be wiped cleaned and air dried. Others like the Michael Miller Dot are thinner, more flexible and machine washable. These are best for items like raincoats, bags and multi layered sewing. You'll want to choose the kind of laminate based on the kind of item you are making.

If you have questions about sewing laminate fabric, I'd be happy to help as I can, just email me!

As always, if you have further suggestions, please share them in the comments.

*Special Spotlight*

A little "proud mama" moment here....I'm allowed that every once in a while right? :)

My oldest daughter took on a project earlier this year that has grown into something greater than we could have ever expected. In looking for a way to give back, she started making beaded bookmarks to sell in her Grammie's local gift shop. She's been selling the bookmarks for $2.50 each, reserving $1 from every bookmark sold for a charity that supports children in need.

 It started with a simple idea, she liked the idea of "beautiful beaded bookmarks" so b3 bookmarks was born! Each bookmark receives an individual name such as...

"b" girly

"b" green

"b" clever

And her most recent additions for the holidays, 

"b" festive

"b" jolly

  Each month she has checked the gift shop to see what has sold and replaced what had with new bookmarks as needed. It was a slow process at first, but gradually she began to see her efforts pay off. She has sold 17 bookmarks thus far = $17 for charity.

But that's not where it ends.
I helped her start a blog, and she has taken off with it!
She decided to ask her daddy if he would match the $ she raised and then presented the opportunity to a few friends and family by emailing them and sharing her blog and what she's been doing. And get this....her $17 has grown to $79!!!!

She has researched a few different charities and has settled on one that has been special to her for years through filling shoe boxes, Samaritan's Purse.

She's been scouring the gift catalog overwhelmed and excited by the possibilities! I must admit, this thrills her mama's heart! It has been such a blessing and encouragement to me to witness her faithfulness and dedication to this project, and then to see her efforts multiplied in a way that has taught her how one person's seemingly simple effort can turn into far more than we could have imagined! A lesson learned in a way that she will never forget!

So, if you have interest, you can visit her b3 bookmarks blog and give her a virtual "high five" via a comment or following. I'm sure it would make her day!

Sewing Essential: Button Shank Remover

One of the best things about sewing and creating is all of the great tools that help you! This is one I particularly love....the Button Shank Remover. 

I originally found it by accident, but it was one of those things I always needed and didn't know it even existed! It's ideal for so many projects, and I use it all the time. It's perfect when you want the embellishment of a decorative button and a button hole isn't necessary. And, with a half off coupon from JoAnn's it's less than $4, so you really can't beat it.

Here are some of the types of projects I regularly use the Button Shank Remover for...

Dress up accessories like the Comfy Pirate Eye-Patch (template & tutorial free here!)

 Hair Accessories

It's also the GREATEST thing for being able to add button covered snaps to kid's clothing.

Then they can still easily dress themselves (and make it to the potty!) without loosing the fun of the buttons they had picked specially themselves! ;)

You will of course just want to make sure they are securely attached.

The possibilities are endless. Anywhere you want a decorative button without stitching or using a buttonhole. It's super simple to use too.

 You just snip the shank off and voila! Smooth back button ready to use.

Apply a bit of hot glue wherever you want to place the button and your project is complete with your attractive and decorative buttons!

For more of the Sewing Essentials I keep in my creative space, click the sewing essentials link under "More Fun Stuff" in the sidebar or simply search this blog for "sewing essentials".

Create H.O.P.E. Designs GIVEAWAY!!!!

It's Hopeful Threads turn to show our support of Create H.O.P.E. Designs with a HUGE GIVEAWAY!!!

I know you all know that it's not about free items and giveaways, but we are thankful for your help getting the word out and for showing ongoing support for the precious children who benefit from the sale of the $5 patterns. So, make sure to stop by Create H.O.P.E. Designs, show your support and get entered!

November - Monthly Project Announcement!

This is going to be a very fun sewing month! My hope is that it can serve at least 2 purposes, that of supporting the outreach of Create H.O.P.E. Designs AND helping you finish some handmade Christmas gifts for your list. What do you think? Are you up for it?

 Here's how it will work...
I will introduce a different Create H.O.P.E. Designs pattern each week this month, and share my sewing experience and results using that pattern throughout the week. I invite you to sew along as often as you'd like!  
THE BONUS!!!
Each time you do, you can be entered in our Monthly Project Giveaway! That's right, I'm going to include prizes to make it even more fun! And you don't even have to sew the exact pattern I am, ANY Create H.O.P.E. Designs pattern that you use qualifies you to enter. Here's all you need to do...

•  Check out the Create H.O.P.E. Designs pattern shop
• Purchase & Sew your favorite $5 patterns
• Write a public blog post sharing pictures of your completed project (if you don't have a blog, it's free & easy to start one, and what better first post than this!?!)
• Add your link(s) here for everyone to check out.

Use your name & the name of the pattern you have sewn in your link. 

ex. Kristy - 30 Minute Shorts  

This way I will be able to easily announce the winners at the end of the month, plus, I will link to each entry on the Hopeful Threads facebook page, so I'll be able to give you a personal "shout out" and a little extra exposure for your blogs!

 MULTIPLE ENTRIES POSSIBLE!!!
**Every CHD pattern you sew and write a separate post about can be linked here as another entry!** There are currently 12 patterns available! :)

What do you have the chance of winning???
Two of you will win these lovely bundles of 5 Izzy & Ivy Patterns AND 5 Fat Quarters of designer fabrics!

The patterns include:

Addie Joe Skirts

Little Vicki

Messenger Bag

Princess Bella

AND

Sweet Polly's Play Clothes!

PLUS, a bundle of 5 Fat Quarters of the playful Bon Voyage fabric collection!

So come on! Help spread the word of the outreach of Create H.O.P.E. Designs, mark a few gifts off your list AND have a chance at some lovely prize bundles!

Giveaway open to US & Canadian residents, however, the $5 patterns are a steal of a deal no matter where you are, so really a prize in themselves! (**NOTE** Thanks to the idea of one of our international readers, if you are outside of the countries listed above and want to enter with the understanding that you would be responsible for postage, you are most welcome!!!) Winners will be selected from entries linked up as described above and announced here Wednesday, November 30th.
SUBMISSIONS CLOSED! THANKS FOR SEWING ALONG!

The first pattern I will be sewing is my own contribution to Create H.O.P.E. Designs, which was specially created for my daughter, the A+ Art Portfolio.

 I will actually be giving the one I make away over on the Create H.O.P.E. Designs website if you're interested! ;) If you're not following them yet, you've been missing out!

SEEEEWWWW....Let's have some fun sewing together this month! :)

 SUBMISSIONS FOR GIVEAWAY CLOSED! THANKS FOR SEWING ALONG!

The MAN behind the MACHINE

Today is My Beloved's birthday. 

I couldn't let this day go by without telling you all about how he regularly contributes to the outreach of Hopeful Threads.

There is NO WAY I could sew all I sew and share it here with you each week if it weren't for him.

He carves out time in his week, each and every week, for me to sew. This is in addition to the regular life duties of providing for our family, helping care for our nest of 5, being our "Head Chef", teaching AND taking weekly classes, oh yea, and his full-time job. He makes sure that 2 nights a week and Saturdays are respectfully set aside for me to sew. When we decided that providing handmade items for those in need was a way our family could best use our gifts to serve others, it meant we had to find a way to make it fit into our lives. He has graciously and willingly helped me to do that and I am so very grateful for his support!

Not to mention....he's not bad behind a machine in a pinch either! ;)

Yes, I am totally blessed and spoiled! And yes, I think he ROCKS!

Happy Birthday Babe! Hope you have a great day! 

And, I'll even do the dishes tonight! ;)