Re: A Piece of Paper

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

>   I was fiddling tonight with a sheet of plain ole' notebook paper,
> cutting out a pattern for a couple of flared dart inserts (gussets in
> another langwedge), when I got to thinkin'. (It's a dangerous thing,
> thinkin' is.)
>   What I was thinkin':
>   How easy it is to make a pattern for some things. Take a pillowcase,
> now: you don't need a paper patten, just measure a pillow case, allow
> for one side seam, and add a nice turn under for a top casing. Same
> thing for a sheet--just copy the one off of your bed--all you have to do
> is cut about a 5 inch square out of each corner, then bring the corners
> together and sew them, add elastic, Walla!
>   Free pattern: Want a shopping sack? Take a brown grocery bag apart and
> copy it, adding handles. 
>   Fabric gift bags are dead easy; just cut to size, making them like an
> oversized manila envelope sans foldover end, or fancy it up with side
> gussets so it will hold a cardboard gift box.
>   If you are going to complicate things a little bit more, though:
>  A purse: take one sheet of 8 & 1/2 X 11 notebook paper, and cut out two
> pieces of fabric for the sides of your purse. Cut two pieces of lining,
> if you want to gussey it up a bit and line it. For the purse ends, slash
> the 8 & 1/2 X 11 notebook paper in half, and use it as the pattern for
> the purse ends (and lining.) Fold or pleat the fabric end pieces if you
> like.
>    Make a strap the length and width you prefer, and sandwich it between
> the purse fabric and the lining, then sew. Or use a length of fancy
> cording as a strap.
>   Strange how freeing an exercise like this can be. If I was into fancy
> handles, I'd say "Free Your Inner Designer! Be ALL That You Can Be!"
>    What piece of paper (no printed patterns,you silly thing!) have you
> used as an impromptu pattern, and what did you create?  
>                             Cea

No paper, no pencils, but I make all my grocery tote 
sacks.  Some from striped canvas remnants, some from plain 
that I stenciled stuff on.  I just lay out the canvas so 
that there is no seam in the bottom of the bag, I cut off 
the selvages widely enough to make handles (I like them a 
 little long in case I want to put a bag on my shoulder) 
and sew side seams, a miter in each corner of the bottom, 
and stitch the handles on very securely.  My store pays me 
five cents a bag each time I use them, so they have 
actually made me money over the past few years.  I've 
picked up some nice canvas and other heavy cottons, and 
it's about time for a new set.   The only problem with 
them is that they don't "stand up" for filling.

Another thing that's easy to make is little cases for cell 
phones, eyeglasses, cigarettes, anything small that you 
would like a little protection for.  The item itself is 
the pattern.  Just be sure to allow enough for seams and 
sides.  Book covers are good.  You can include a book 
marking ribbon, and even handles.
--

Joanne <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
http://members.tripod.com/~bernardschopen/
Life is about the journey, not about the destination.