Bette's Tomorrows Treasures

2009-11-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

I am having a pre-Black Friday sale on my website starting today and ending November 26, 2009. Get 20% off on everything on my website. It is a great time to stock up on next year's crafting patterns or find a gift for the special person in your life.
Click on the link below to take you there.

Bette's Tomorrows Treasures Website

Pantry Fabric Basket Tutorial

2009-10-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pantry Fabric Baskets Tutorial

You will love the way your pantry looks with this unique way to organize and store your foodstuff. As and example of what they will hold, 2 five pound bags of flour or 3 bags of rice will fit in the basket.

Feedsack images, courtesy of Deena Davis, are available at http://www.ewenmeprintables.com

Supplies To Make 3 Baskets

Finished size: approx. 9 inches x 6 inches x 6 inches

Main Fabric----------30 inches x 45 inches wide
Lining Fabric---------30 inches x 45 inches wide
Heavy Duty Sew-In Interfacing----60 inches x 20 inches wide
3--8 ½ x 11 pieces of freezer paper
6--8 ½ x 11 pieces of tea-dye muslin
Matching thread

For each basket:

Cut 3 piece A from main fabric
Cut 2 Piece B from main fabric
Cut 3 piece A from lining fabric
Cut 2 Piece B from lining fabric
Cut 3 piece A from heavy duty interfacing
Cut 2 Piece B from heavy duty interfacing

These five pieces will be cut from fabric, lining and interfacing.

Printing the image.
You can buy fabric sheets that are ready made for printing on or print the reversed images that are included on to iron-on transfer paper which you then iron on to muslin.
You can also iron your muslin to the same size freezer paper and print directly on to the fabric. I recommend an Epson printer and Epson durabrite ink which is permanent if you are going to do this as most other inks will wash out.

This is juat a sampling of images available.

Print the feedsack image onto fabric:
Cut the printed image out, leaving ¼” seam allowance all around it. With right sides together, lay the image on a same size piece of muslin. Stitch around, leaving a 2” opening for turning. Turn right side out and press. Place the image on the front of the main fabric, centering it. Stitch it to the fabric all around the outside edge.

You can also print the reversed images on to fabric transfer paper and then iron the image on to the front panel.

Directions:

MAIN BASKET:
Pin the interfacing to the wrong side of the main fabric pieces. Stitch the interfacing to the fabric around all the edges, ¼ inch from the edge.
Do this for all 5 outer pieces. You will be using these stitching lines to sew your basket together so make sure they are accurate seams.

With right sides together, pin a side piece to the bottom piece starting ¼ inch in from the edge and ending ¼ inch from the end. Stitch this seam in a ¼ inch seam allowance, backstitching at the start and finish of the seam, leaving ¼ inch on each end of the seam unsewn. The red line is the stitching line. It is important to leave the ¼ inch unsewn on each side in order to have sharp points on your finished seams.

Sew the other side to the bottom the same way.

Sew the front side and back side pieces to the bottom the same way.

You should now have four sides sewn to to the bottom of the basket.

With right sides together, pin a front panel to the side panel. Stitch from the top edge down the seam until you are ¼ inch from the bottom and backstitch. Red line is stitching line. Before you stitch this seam, make sure the bottom panel fabric is pulled down out of the way of your stitching.
Red arrow shows how this should look as you sew.

Sew the other three sides the same way.

Your outer basket is now finished. Turn right side out.

LINING:

The lining is made the same way as the main basket only you do not use interfacing.
Basket is shown inside out as you will insert the main basket inside it.

ASSEMBLING THE BASKET:

Insert the main basket into the lining, right sides will be together.
Pin together all around the top, leaving a 5 inch opening on one side.
Red line indicates opening.

Stitch around the top edge in a ¼ inch seam.

Pull the main basket through the opening. Push the lining down into the basket pushing the corners out.
Pin the basket and lining together evenly across the top. Fold the open edges in ¼ inch and pin. This opening will be sewn closed as you stitch around the top.
Topstitch along the outside edge and your basket is finished.

© 2009 Bette Shaw - All rights reserved

Click on these patterns and print them out.

Free Patterns Are Now Up On My Website

2009-10-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

The free patterns on my website have been updated today. Enjoy!

Gingerella

Rag Quilted Stockings

Fall Round Fabric Basket Tutorial

2009-10-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is a good table size basket, you can fill it with apples or other fruit. Make one especially for Halloween candy. It would make a nice basket for dinner rolls on the holidays, too. The finished basket is 9 inches diameter and 9 inches tall.

Feedsack images, courtesy of Deena Davis, are available at http://www.ewenmeprintables.com

(Be sure and join my blog followers to be notified of my next basket tutorial. You won't want to miss the great basket idea I have in store for you to make.)

Supplies To Make one 9 inch Basket

Main Fabric----------1/2 yard
Lining Fabric---------1/2 yard
Heavy Duty Sew-In Interfacing----28 inches x 22 inches
1--8 ½ x 11 pieces of freezer paper
2--8 ½ x 11 pieces of tea-dye muslin
Matching thread

Circle patterns are at the end of this post. Click on them and print them out.
Either cut two larger circles and tape them together or cut the circles on the fold.

For each basket:

Cut 1 --9 inch circle from main fabric
Cut 1 --27 ½ inch x 9 inch side panel from main fabric
Cut 1 --9 inch circle from lining fabric
Cut 1 --27 ½ inch x 9 inch side panel from lining fabric
Cut 1 --9 inch circle from heavy duty interfacing
Cut 1 --27 ½ inch x 9 inch side panel from heavy duty interfacing

Printing the image.
You can buy fabric sheets that are ready made for printing on or print the reversed images that are included on to iron-on transfer paper which you then iron on to the basket.
You can also iron your muslin to the same size freezer paper and print directly on to the fabric. I recommend an Epson printer and Epson durabrite ink which is permanent if you are going to do this as most other inks will wash out.

Print the feedsack image onto fabric:
Cut the printed image out, leaving ¼” seam allowance all around it. With right sides together, lay the image on a same size piece of muslin. Stitch around, leaving a 2” opening for turning. Turn right side out and press.

DIRECTIONS:

Layer the main fabric and interfacing circles together with the fabric facing right side up. Pin together and then zig zag them together around the outside edge.

With the right sides together, pin the main side panel to the interfacing. Stitch together all around the outside edge.

Pin the image in the middle of the main fabric side 3/4 inch up from the bottom. Stitch it to the main fabric.

Now fold the panel over with right sides together so that the side seams meet and the seam is aligned together. Pin and then stitch in a ¼ inch seam.

With the right sides together, pin the circle to the side panel at the bottom.

With the circle against the feeddogs and using a ¼ inch seam allowance, stitch around the seam.

Turn the basket right side out.

Make the lining basket the same as the main basket but eliminating the interfacing. Leave the lining wrong side out.

Set the main basket inside the lining basket. The right sides will be together.
Pin main basket to lining

Stitch in a ¼ inch seam, leaving a 5 inch opening for turning.

Turn the basket right side out through the opening.

Pin the basket and lining together evenly across the top. Fold the open edges in ¼ inch and pin. This opening will be sewn closed as you stitch around the top.
Topstitch along the outside edge and your basket is finished. Turn the top down to form a cuff if desired.

Here is a smaller basket I made for Thanksgiving.

SIX INCH BASKET:
Supplies To Make 1 Basket

Main Fabric----------1/3 yard
Lining Fabric---------1/3 yard
Heavy Duty Sew-In Interfacing----22 inches x 22 inches
1--8 ½ x 11 pieces of freezer paper
2--8 ½ x 11 pieces of tea-dye muslin
Matching thread

For each basket:

Cut 1 –6 ¾ inch circle from main fabric
Cut 1 –20 3/4 inch x 7 inch side panel from main fabric
Cut 1 --6 ¾ inch circle from lining fabric
Cut 1 --20 3/4 inch x 7 inch side panel from lining fabric
Cut 1 --6 ¾ inch circle from heavy duty interfacing
Cut 1 --20 3/4 inch x 7 inch side panel from heavy duty interfacing

Assemble the same as the bigger basket.

© 2009 Bette Shaw - All rights reserved

New Feedsack Pillows Added

2009-10-06T06:29:00.001-07:00

Deena of Http://www.ewenmeprintables.com has created some new feedsack images. Perfect for the holiday season and you can use them for so many different things.
I love making pillows from them. These are available on my website.

New Pattern Released - Embellished Rag Quilted Recycled Jeans Purse Epattern

2009-09-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is a large, rag quilted, eco-friendly shoulder bag purse e-pattern. What a neat way to upcycle your old jeans.

You embellish the blocks from your stash of buttons, yoyos, embroideries, fabric printed pictures, stitch sayings, the ideas are endless to make this purse uniquely your own.

Purse has two dividers sewn in, has a button closure and holds everything you could possibly need for the day.
As usual lots of photos so you can see the steps.

Finished size is 12 in. H x 15 1/2 in. W x 4 1/2 in. D.

Update on Recycled Jeans Veggie Bags

2009-08-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post an update on how the recycle jeans veggie bags are working out.
The most important tip I have found is to feed them with Miracle Grow fertilizer every week or two. What a difference in the plants since I started doing that.
Their potting soil is real nice, too, as it holds the water better than the cheaper kind but the cheaper stuff will work as long as you fertilize the soil.

I am so excited about my first cucumber. This was taken a few days ago. It is even bigger now. They surely do grow fast!

Another thing I did was to put pots under the bags so I am not wasting the water that drips from the bottom of the bags. Next year I will put bush type vegetables in them.

Here is a picture of Deena's tomato bag. Http://www.ewenmeprintables.com

Now I am trying to figure out how I can use these bags for fall vegetables. Please leave a comment if you have any ideas on what type winter vegetable would grow in them.

New Pattern Released Retro Annie Bag Doll

2009-07-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

I really love the retro fabrics available now and had to do a bag doll pattern so I could use them. Hope you like it.

Free Patterns Are Now Up On My Website

2009-07-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

The free patterns on my website have been changed today.

They are ready for instant download. Enjoy!

Prudence Pumpkin Doll

Sunflower Make-do

Recycled Jeans Hanging Veggie Bag Tutorial

2009-06-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

I am always looking for a new way to recycle old jeans. Here is my tutorial for making hanging veggie bags from the leg and waistband from jeans.

Finished bag size = 20 inches long

Supply List

Pair of old jeans
Thread
Shoe Lace
4” round plastic lid
Potting soil
Plant

Cut off one lower leg from the jeans, 20 ½ inches long up from the bottom hem. The bottom hem will be the top of the bag and the cut part will be the bottom.

Turn the leg inside out. Taper the side seams by measuring in 1 ½ inches at the bottom and tapering up. Red line is the sewing line.

Make a ½ inch buttonhole 1 ¼ inch up from the bottom.

Fold the hem over ¾ inch. Zig zag stitch the hem, making sure your seam allowances both fold over to the same side so it will be easier to thread the shoelace through the casing.

Attach a large safety pin to one end of the shoe lace and pull it through the casing.

Strap:

Cut off 28 inches of the waistband for the strap, carefully cutting off the belt loops.
Optionally: Cut a 5 inch wide x 28 inch long piece of denim for a strap. Fold over lengthwise and zig zag the sides closed. Stitch to the pant leg in the same way as the waistband.

Stitch both sides of the strap to the top of the bag evenly. Zig zag along the bottom the of strap and then stitch around the stap and crossways.

Cut a slit in the plastic lid and a quarter size hole in the middle

Place the lid around the plant stem.

Very carefully gather the leaves together with your hand and place the plant inside the bag from the top and out the bottom.

The plastic lid will help to hold the soil in when you water.

Gather the bottom up as tightly as you can and tie off.

The easiest way to fill the bag is to hang it over a door knob. Fill the bag a little at a time with potting soil making sure you pack the soil tightly so there are no air holes in the soil.

You can plant flowers in the top of the bag if desired.

I used a couple of long nails to hang my plants from the house eaves. You can use large hooks if desired. They can be hung from a tree limb, a tall fence post. Wherever they will get maximum sun exposure.

I used regular potting soil in the first ones I made and I add plant food every two weeks to the top of the bag.
The last one I made I used Miracle Grow potting soil that has plant food in it so I will see which one works better.
You will have to water every day if it is very hot out.

This is a picture of my first tomato in the first bag I planted. I started the tomatoes from larger plants and it took about three weeks for the first tomato to appear. Notice how the plants grow up toward the sun.

My cucumber plants were very small and they are just now starting to flower. The plants are still very small so we will see how they do.

© 2009 Bette Shaw--------All Rights Reserved

Kate Handbag Epattern

2009-05-03T07:08:00.001-07:00

Here is my newest purse pattern. Similar to the Marie tote but in a smaller size.
Finishes at 10" tall by 13" wide.

Free Patterns Are Now Up On My Website

2009-03-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

I have added two new free patterns to my website. A rag quilted tote and a mammy sitter doll. They are ready for instant download. Enjoy!

New Pattern Released for Diaper Bag

2009-03-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this pattern for a diaper bag and changing pad that has been put on hold for quite some time.

Free Dress Sachet Pattern

2009-03-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy this little pattern. It is a perfect little gift or craftshow filler.

Dress Sachet

Finished size 5 1/2"

Supply List

9” square of fabric
scrap of 1/8” wide ribbon
6” of ½” wide lace
9” of ¾” wide ruffle lace
Matching thread
4 ¼” Wood hanger
Handful of Potpourri - optional

Click on the pattern picture below and print it out.
Cut out one skirt, one waistband and two straps from fabric.
Yellow lines indicate stitching lines.

Straps:
With wrong sides together, fold the straps in half and press. With right sides together, lay a piece of lace along the open edges of the strap and stitch. (left picture) Fold the top of the lace over to the inside and topstitch the strap. (right picture)

Skirt:
With right sides together, stitch lace along the bottom of the skirt.

Fold the lace over to the inside and topstitch along the bottom of the skirt. Sew a gathering stitch along the top edge of the skirt.

With wrong sides together, fold the waistband in half. Gather the top of the skirt to fit the waistband and pin together.
Stitch across in a ¼” seam.

Fold the waistband up and topstitch on the outside.

Place the straps on the inside of the waistband following the placement on the pattern. The lace edges will be against each other.
Stitch across along the edge of the waistband.

Fold the dress in half and stitch the side in a ¼” seam.

Sew a ribbon bow to the lower waistband in the middle.

You can either fill the dress with potpourri or make a small pillow and fill it with lavender or sweet annie buds and tuck inside.

Paint the hanger to match the dress and you are done.

Click on the patterns below to print the pattern out.

Pattern Dimentions:
Skirt -- 4" x 8 1/4"
Waistband --- 1 3/4" x 5"
Straps --- 1 3/8" x 3"

BUNNY SHOP HOP ON ETSY

2009-02-13T19:09:00.000-08:00

Trinkets 2 Treasures Team is having a special promotion on Etsy Feb. 15 to Mar. 28.

Look for our special promotional graphic in the participating T2T Etsy Team shops.

Each shop that contains the Bunny graphic is offering a special deal just for you.

All USA buyers are eligible to win this great basket full of goodies valued at over $200. The winner will be picked on Mar. 24 from customers from all the participating shops.

The basket contains these gifts from the participating shops.

Ewe N Me Printables---CD collection of printable tags, bookmarks and printed tags.

Willmas Wimzees--Shabby N Chic Bowl Fillers

Ragdollz---Bunny and Chenille Egg

Snugglebug Blessins---Primitive mouse

The End Peace---Charm Bracelet

Folk Art From The Heart---$20 gift certificate

Tomorrows Treasures---Easter Basket and Eggs

Bead and Knit---Fingerless Gloves

Silicone Bulb Shoppe----Easter Silicone Bulbs

Sassy Soaps N Such----Bunny Bowl Fillers

AuntieB56---Framed Punchneedle Picture

Mamaws Creations---Bunny In A Carrot

Print and Sew---Americana Feedsack Bag

To see a listing of all participating shops and their special promotions go here.

http://bettestomorrowstreasures.com/store/WsAncillary.asp?ID=28

The CPSIA Law and How It Can Affect YOU!

2009-01-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.htmlTo the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.htmlDid you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Exciting News For Me Today

2009-01-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

I've been featured on Etsy's blog.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/my-top-10-lovely-primitives-3304/

Etsy is my favorite place to shop and sell. There is just so much wonderful handmades to see and a great place to find crafting supplies.

2008-12-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have added two new patterns to my free pattern page on my website.

Shabby Sachet and Shabby Pillow

They are ready for immediate download on my website.

http://www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com/store/WsAncillary.asp?ID=11

2008-12-08T16:34:00.000-08:00

I was surprised with a feature of some of my free patterns on The Craftgossip Blog Network today.

CraftGossip is your place to hear about the latest gossip in crafts and DIY ideas put together with the help of a dedicated team of editors.

Be sure and check them out. http://craftgossip.com/

Special Customer Appreciation Sale on my Website

2008-12-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am having a first time ever, buy one get one free e-pattern sale. This is available only on my website,

http://www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com , and only applies to emailed pdf patterns.

It is a great opportunity to stock up on your patterns for next year's crafting.

Next year will be the start of my fifth year that my website has been open and I will be adding some new doll bodies and shapes and lots more patterns.

As always, I am open to suggestions for patterns. If you need a pattern for something you can't find, leave a comment and suggestion here.

SANTA'S SECRET SHOP HOP ON ETSY

2008-11-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

Trinkets 2 Treasures Team is having a special promotion on Etsy Nov. 20 to Dec. 10.

Look for our special promotional graphic in the participating T2T Etsy Team shops.

Each shop that contains the Santa graphic is offering a special deal just for you.

It's time to get hopping and start shopping for some great specials from the T2T Etsy Team.

Click here to see our participating shops.

Thanksgiving Recipe

2008-11-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

The holidays seem to be approaching so quickly. Here is a delicious side dish recipe for Thanksgiving day. (If you want to cut some of the calories, leave off the topping. It is still yummy.)

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
1 (40 ounce) can cut sweet potatoes or even better use fresh baked sweet potato
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c. butter
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping:
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. chopped pecans
1/3 c. flour
1/3 c. butter, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degreees. Butter a 2 quart baking dish.
Mash the sweet potatoes and add all the ingredients. Spread evenly into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients. Sprinkle over the top of the sweet potatoes.
Bake for 35 min.

Two New Free Pattern Added To My Website

2008-10-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have added two new patterns to my free pattern page on my website.

Uncle Sam Stocking

and

Americana Annie Christmas Doll.

They are ready for immediate download on my website.

http://www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com/store/WsAncillary.asp?ID=11

2008-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. I finally decided to join the blogging world. My name is Bette Shaw and I am the owner of the website, Bette's Tomorrows Treasures.
I have been sewing for many years and I am always up for trying something new. I think it has something to do with being born under the sign of Aquarius. lol

I will be keeping you up to date with what is being added to my website and my etsy shop, Tomorrows Treasures. And I will be adding some free patterns as time permits.