fabric

How to Make a Tartan Scarf

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Tartan scarfs
 On the two long sides of the fabric turn in 1cm (3/8in) to one side, turn in same again and machine stitch.
 Fray the two short edges to form a fringe 10cm (4in) long. Knot the fringe at 1.5cm (1/2in) intervals.

Tartan is every where this Autumn/Winter. The easiest way to wear it is as an accent, an accessory and the easiest accessory to make is a scarf, unisex too. Take a tartan/check fabric of your choice, measure a piece 2m 32cm x 45cm (2 1/2 yards x 18in). On the two long sides of the fabric turn in 1cm (3/8in) to one side, turn in same again and machine stitch. Fray the two short edges to form a fringe 10cm (4in) long. Knot the fringe at 1.5cm (1/2in) intervals. I was pleased to see that Top Shop were selling crochet flower brooches, similar to the flowers I made.

Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Tartan garment
Felt and crocheted flower brooches in Top Shop

A Little Bit Wrist Key!

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Wrist key ring

I had this idea for an easy to make practical and useful key ring, one that you can just slide over your wrist to keep both hands free. A piece of personal safety advice from the police is " Always have your keys out and ready as you approach your house or your car. Fumbling through your handbag for keys after you've reached your car provides criminals an excellent opportunity to sneak up on you." Not wanting to create paranoia but this key ring solves that particular problem!

High visibility vest, elastic and split rings all you need to make the key ring

Lisa Ancarrow-Maltby's Slipper Design

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Slippers

I love these slippers designed by Lisa. The inspiration came from one of her favourite movie stars - Doris Day. Designed to wear on those lazy days of summer sipping chilled ice tea. I also think they would be perfect to pop in your suitcase for holidays, when you have to walk on dubious hotel carpets! You can find the free pattern and instructions on how to make a pair here. Tissuepapers is Lisa's blog it is well worth a visit she has some stylish ideas.

How to cover a notebook with fabric

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Fabric covered notebooks
Plain note book. If your note book has a shiny finnish take a piece of sand paper and gently rub over surface, to take off the shine, this helps the glue to adhere.
Choose your fabric. It should not be too thick (it will be too bulky at the corners) or too thin (the glue will show through)
Measure the amount of fabric you need. Place your book, opened out, on your chosen fabric and allow an extra 25mm (1") all round. Cut out.
Cut out two pieces of paper. They should be about 5mm  (3/16 th") smaller, on all sides, than the books cover. Put aside for later.
With a brush  (not your best) spread PVA glue evenly on to the book cover, not too thick or it will show through fabric.
Fold over fabric onto glued cover. Press fabric onto the book.
Put glue onto the spine and the back of the book.
Press down fabric, paying particular attention to the spine. Make sure the fabric is like a second skin!
Open up your book and make two snips at the spine. repeat this at the other end of the spine.
Make a second cut at an angle taking off a small triangle of material.
Glue and stick down corners
Press down corners
Glue and fold over edge.
Glue and fold over top edge
Three sides glued down.
Spread glue on to the craft paper. Make sure it is completely covered. Although not shown it is easier if you lay the craft paper on a sheet of kitchen towel before you apply the glue. The kitchen towel will absorb any extra glue.
Position the glued paper carefully.  This end paper will cover the three folded edges, it makes it look neat. Press down with a piece of cut up plastic bag, make sure you pay particular attention to the corners, press them hard.
Paper on cover
Place the plastic between the cover and the pages, this stops glue getting onto the pages. Repeat the last three steps for the back of the book.
Neaten the end of the spine. Open and pull back the book covers, this opens up the  spine. Cut a little of the fabric off and glue it.
Now with a pair of scissors, poke the fabric down the spine being very careful not to get glue on the pages of the book. Repeat the last two steps at the other end of the spine.
Let the book dry. After about 30 minutes open the book to let the inside dry, alternate between the front and back covers.

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