Inspired by Five Green Acres' Rumpelstiltskin Challenge (which started about two weeks ago but I am just crashing the party now), I too am digging into my ample fabric stash to make some of those things I have been meaning to make for months, or in some cases, even years. Plus, this challenge fits so nicely with the statement on my New Year's Manifest--you know, the one where you use what you already have?
So, here I am, reporting for duty, project number one completed. And not only did I use fabrics that came from my languishing stack of japanese print canvas fabrics and the rainbow array of Kona solids I have amassed (which I rarely use, but never can seem to resist buying more when I visit Crafty Planet--it may be a sickness for which I have not yet been diagnosed), but I also get bonus points for using the nesting fabric boxes tutorial I purchased some time ago from The Cookie Jar. Because, you see, I also have this thing about hoarding patterns and projects and crafting books that contain more of the aforementioned--which is why my own personal Rumpelstiltskin challenge this year will be to use my existing store of fabric, as well as some of those lonely unrealized patterns and projects gathering dust on my craft room shelves.
But about the nesting boxes tutorial--I love the finished project. Colorful, classic and versatile. I made it for my 2 year-old great nephew (yes, I have one of those--no, I am not that old, my niece was just that young when she decided she needed to start having babies in high school--but enough of my family's dirty laundry...). I figure he will stack and play with it now, and use it to stow stuff in later. For me, this project was simple to make for the most part--with two exceptions:
1) I have my own issues with working with fusible interfacing--namely, I have a heck of a time getting it to fuse and much cussing ensures. I am not sure why the fusible interfacing and I cannot play nice together, but I did finally iron it into relative submission, and by the time it was working its way loose from the fabric again it was supposed to be fused to it was already sewn around the edges so it had no choice but to stay put (all tips and suggestions for working with fusible interfacing are welcome, by the way--I used Pellon's Craft Fuse)
2)My other personal challenge came when I had to make the origami fold in order to form the corners of the box--I actually sewed it incorrectly before I worked out what I was doing wrong...but after that, piece of cake, and all subsequent boxes came together much more quickly, with no need for further cussing. And yes, I would make this again--and probably will make it again now that I have this one under my belt and know how nice the final product looks.
Plus, this project fulfills another one of my New Year's manifesto statements--to make more things rainbow? Check.
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12 comments:
My #1 tip for using fusible interfacing is to use NO fabric softener and NO dryer sheets when you prewash your fabric. And do prewash your fabric, because the stuff doesnt like to stick to some of the sizings the manufacturer's use either. Fussy stuff, that fusible interfacing. . .
Love the rainbow boxes!
Супер !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a thing about nesting boxes and have quite a few scattered about the house, but I always want to make more! I love the rainbow idea on the insides. They look fab. Thanks for reminding me about my backlog of projects I promised to do this year! x
I get you, Helen. I too have this love of stacking boxes--which is why I was attracted to the pattern and will probably make my own set for me, me, me.
Wendi--thanks for the suggestions...I do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets, however--and ALWAYS pre-wash my fabrics...I am thinking maybe it is my crappy iron that is to blame and I have misdirecting my anger at the fusible interfacing all this time...
Oh, these are great! I could use a few sets of these myself.
I love your nesting boxes! I had great fun making a set for my nephew's first birthday. I've heard that you need a warmer iron than recommended with some interfacing.
I love them ! I too made this commitment to myself: no more new fabric or yarn until I use what I already have. I cannot help with the interfacing, I have the same problem. But I'm going to read your comments.
These are great. Colorful, cheerful, and who couldn't use more storage?
Do you use a wet cloth when you iron? My mother taught me this-- wet and wring out an old, clean dishcloth and place over whatever you're fusing, then press until it is dry. Works for me with Pellon.
Love your colors!
Kitty--I use an old flour sack dish towel that I wet and wring out--but I am not sure I am always ironing on it until it is completely dry...good tip. Will try to his next time.
nice one, I think I should take a leaf out of your new years manifesto. Love the rainbow too, now that my husband has taught me ROY G BIV I love all things rainbow.
these turned out fantastic! what a great way to display beautiful fabric..
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