July Kraft-tex project

Daddy’s Girl Chatelaine

Kraft-Tex project for July color of the month Marsala

Created by: Normajean Brevik seasew@yahoo.com

I probably don’t need to tell you how sentimental quilters can get over a simple article of clothing. This beautiful and functional chatelaine is made from a men’s necktie and is perfect for the sentimentalist and recyclist in all of us. The use of the amazing leather-like product called Kraft-tex ™ by C and T Publishing (ctpub.com) makes this an easy and quick project that is sure to stir memories of the person who wore the necktie. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy the ease of this project that simply adds pockets and a pin cushion to a ready-made tie.

Material List:

*Men’s necktie, cleaned and spot free

·        Kraft-tex ™, I used prewashed Marsala color but Kraft-tex comes in a variety of colors

·        ¼” satin Ribbon for loops and scissors leash

·        3 - ½” loose leaf ring binder rings or a small spring clips

·        Thread to coordinate with the project for top stitching

·        Fiber fill for pin cushion

·        Clips to hold Kraft-tex ™ in place while sewing (do not pin through Kraft-tex ™)

Let’s begin:

Measuring for the overall correct length of your chatelaine is simple. Drape the necktie around your neck and decide what length is best for you. Mine measures 50“. NOTE: The end that you will shorten is the NARROW end of the tie NOT the wide end! Once you’ve decided on a good length add ½” for turning the raw edge and cut off the remainder. (Save this cut piece to create your pin cushion later.) Tuck the raw edge into the tie to form a finished edge and stitch closed.

Pockets and Tabs Pattern Directions:

      There are only 5 simple pattern pieces to create for your Kraft-tex. Wide end inside pocket (1) and wide end outside pocket (1), scissors pocket (1), tabs for pin cushion and scissors leash (2).

(Please note, I am right handed and wanted the scissors to be on the right. If you are a lefty then adjust the angle of the wide pocket and reverse the placement on the tie.)

·        Wide End outside pocket, pattern: Each necktie will differ in shape and width so you will need to make a photocopy of the lower portion of the wide end of the actual necktie in your copier (reducing the copy size to 95%) to have a pattern to work with.

1.    Once you have made your copy carefully measure up 6" from the tip of the tie copy and draw a line.

2.    Cut out the pattern using your drawn line as the top of the pattern and around the rest of the copy.

3.    Create a pocket angle. Measure 2” up on the left edge bottom (edge NOT tip) and make a small mark.

4.    Use a ruler to draw a line from the mark you just made to the top of the right-side edge and cut. (see photos)

·        - Wide end inside pocket: cut Kraft-tex ™ 2 ½” x 5 ½” Use the pattern that you created for the outside pocket as a guide to cut the bottom point of the pattern for the inside pocket.

·        - Narrow End scissor holster is cut after the length is determined and raw edges turned. Measure the width of the narrow end and subtract 1/8” Cut a piece of Kraft-tex ™ by that measurement X 7”.

·         - Tabs are measured and cut after all the other pieces have been sewn.

  

General directions for cutting and placement of Kraft-tex pieces:

·        DO NOT USE PINS ON KRAFT-TEX. USE A LOW TACK DOUBLE SIDED REMOVABLE TAPE IF YOU NEED TO SECURE THE PATTERN PIECES FOR CUTTING. (I just held them with my hand to trace)

·       Trace the pattern pieces to the right side of the Kraft-tex with pencil and cut out pieces.

Sewing directions:

Inside front pocket - Begin by centering and lining up your inside front pocket to the tie. Use clips to hold in place and top stitch the Kraft-tex to the tie around the sides and bottom ONLY.

·        Top front pocket, pattern – Line up over the inside pocket and use clips to hold in place. Top stitch to tie around the sides and bottom ONLY.

·        Scissors holster, pattern – Fold the stitched end up 2 ½” and crease to form the holster. Line up the folded bottom at the bottom of the narrow end of the tie. Use clips to hold the holster in place. Top stitch to tie all the way around the outside of the holster.

·         
      Top tabs- The tabs are measured and added now. The size is determined by measuring 7” from the top of both the scissor holster and wide end pocket. Cut a piece of Kraft-tex the width of that part of the tie minus 1/8” X 1”. Ribbon loops (below) will be added before sewing to the tie.

 

·         Ribbon Loops - Cut 4” of ribbon for each loop. Position your tabs and place ribbon ends 1” under the tab to create the loop (the ends will be secured when caught in the top stitching). Secure with clips and stitch close to the edge all the way around both tabs.

Pin Cushion directions:

·         Using the left-over tail piece that you cut from the tie: Stitch by hand or machine a little pouch with the tie end and stuff with fiber fill to create a pin cushion. Turn the raw edges in and close. Add a satin ribbon loop. (Note: I opened up the small end piece and placed right sides together to seam it, then stuffed and stitched the top closed and added the ribbon loop.)

                           

Final touches:

·         Ribbon leash for your scissors – Create a looped knot at ends of a piece of ribbon approximately 20” long (adjust as you see fit). Attach your tiny ring binder clips to either end of the loops. Clip one end to your scissors and the other to the ribbon loop above the holster.

·         Pin Cushion – Attach another tiny ring binder clip to both your pin cushion and the loop on other side of the chatelaine.

I hope that you enjoy your new sentimental heirloom. 

Kraft-tex can be purchased at: ctpub.com in loads of yummy colors. 

Teetotaler's Tea Tote Project

Teetotaler's Tea Tote Project 

(featuring Saffron Kraft-Tex for the month of June)

I love to experiment with Kraft-tex. It's paintable, embossable, distressable, glueable, washable and so much more. For me the best part is that it stitches through like butter, not that I've ever stitched through butter mind you ;-). This quick and easy project sews up in no time and allows you to experiment with all those wonderful decorative stitches on your machine plus have a cute and useful little project to show off your skills. No specialty stitches? No worries! You can substitute using zig zag, straight or even free motion stitching. The whole idea is to just have fun.

You will need:

-Kraft-tex main body of tote 6" x 10" Saffron (Yellow)

-Kraft-tex contrast edging pieces 2 3/4" x 6" Emerald (Green)

-2" piece of Velcro

-Decorative thread for stitching (I used a variegated green cotton thread)

-Sewing machine with decorative stitches (or substitute with what ever stitches you have)

Directions: (See photo's for details)

-On your 6" x 10" piece of Saffron Kraft-tex - Mark where the fold lines will be on the tote by folding up from the bottom 3 1/2" and folding down from the top 3" Crease or lightly mark these fold lines. These reference lines will help you to determine where you want your decorative parallel stitching to be placed.

-Lightly mark where your contrast piece will be by folding the contrast piece in half and wrapping around the top edge.

-Create lines of decorative stitches. I selected several different kinds of stitches for mine and judging by the stitch width how where and how many rows I wanted on the tote, taking care to not have stitching under the contrast edge or in the folds of the tote. 

-Center and stitch the Velcro below the folded edge of the right side of the contrast piece.

-Wrap the contrast edge to the top edge making sure the Velcro side is facing inside the tote. Stitch in place being sure to catch both top and bottom pieces in your stitching.

 

-Fold up the bottom section and determine where the Velcro needs to be stitched to the bottom piece. Unfold the tote and hold the Velcro in place with a dab of glue and stitch in place.

-Fold the bottom piece back up to form pocket and stitch the sides making sure to back stitch at the top and the bottom to secure firmly and also at the top of the pocket. (Note: I did not stitch through the contrast piece when sewing the sides.)

-Your tote is wide enough to accommodate both sugar and creamer packets on one side and tea bags on the other. 

This project is in honor of my best friend and tea teetotaler buddy Dee Dee.

Kraft-tex is available from CTpub.com or your local retailer in many colors. 

Once you try this supple, washable vegan leather it's sure to be a staple in your studio.

Kraft-tex Phone Wallet May project of the month

An essentials only wallet/purse for your phone, license, credit cards, coupons and cash. 

All In One Kraft-tex Phone Wallet

Given today’s health crisis situation we all have become much more aware of our surroundings and
personal routines and habits. We must be vigilant and mindful of how we interact in the world today.
One of my biggest concerns are the things that I carry with me into public places and how to keep
them germ free. I’ve always been a purse carrier but don’t want to run the risk of bringing home
germs when I place it in my shopping cart. Only essentials go with me these days and I’m able to
carry them safely in my new Kraft-tex Phone Wallet. Kraft-tex is the perfect choice for this project
because it's sturdy and is easily wiped with a sanitizer towelette and can be laundered. 

What you will need:

Depending on the make, model and size of your phone you may need to make adjustments.
I have noted my brand and the formula that I used to cut the pieces needed. If you are hesitant to
dive right in you might want to make a sample using simple card stock paper to make sure your
calculations are correct. 

I have a Samsung Note 8 that measures 3” wide x  6 ½” long x ⅓” thick. Here is the formula that I
used to cut the pieces I needed. 

Width of phone = 3” plus 5 ½” = 8 ½” cut width

Length of phone = 6 ½”  plus 1 ¼” = 7 ¾” cut length

Based on my phone size here’s my Kraft-tex cutting measurements:

Outside panel Cut 1 (in Emerald Green color) 7 ¾” x 8 ½”

Inside panels Cut 2 (in Greenery color) 3 ⅞” x 7 ¾” (one for phone and credit card panel and other
for cash/coupons)

Credit Card panel Cut 1 (in Emerald Green) 2 ¾’ x 7 ¾” (this will be attached to phone panel) 

Closure tab of Kraft-tex  3”x6” and decorative color to go on top 1 1/2 “x 3”,  both cut in triangles

Other Supplies that I used: 

Coordinating good quality sewing thread, clips to hold Kraft-tex while sewing, fabric to make a strap
and strap tabs (1 ½” strip x 70”) or you can use pre-made bias tape, 2 - 1” book rings, 1 ½” of
coordinating Velcro for closure. Note: I used a corner rounder called a “Chomper” by Memory Keepers
to round the corners of my wallet but it can be carefully done by hand or just  leave corners square. 

Certainly there are many options for making a closure. Feel free to change this pattern to suit your own
style. I made a strap so that I can carry my wallet cross-body so the only thing it comes in contact with
is my clothing. 

Instructions

 Also see step-out photos of the construction process.

Strap and strap tabs:

If you have decided to make a strap for your wallet it’s best to get this process out to the way first.
I used a 1 ½” x 70” (this does NOT need to be cut on the bias) to make mine. To construct: Fold the
fabric wrong sides together and iron in half. This will determine the center. Open it up then fold the
outer edges in so they meet at the center iron line. Fold again to enclose the raw edges inside and
stitch close to the edge to completely enclose. Check out a Youtube video if you are unsure of how
to fold and stitch bias tape. You can also purchase ready made bias tape if you prefer.

Wallet tab closure and embellishment: These must be done before any construction takes place.
Measure carefully then stitch the Velcro (hook side) to the backside of the larger tab closure piece.
Place the smaller piece on the top to cover the first stitching and top stitch it in place. Set aside.
Now for the loop/fuzzy side of the Velcro. Clip the closure to the top of your wallet so you can
determine placement of the opposing side. Measure carefully and decide where you want the
placement of the on the front of your wallet leaving enough rooms for your phone and goodies
inside the wallet. Stitch this in place!

Credit card holder and phone panel: Next you will complete and attach the credit card holder to
the phone panel. Find the center of your credit card holder 7 ¾” piece by bringing the two ends
together and pinching at the center. Make a light pencil mark at the center. Measure 1 ¼” and
mark with a light pencil mark draw a straight line on either side of the center mark. Now clip this
piece to the bottom of the larger phone panel piece and stitch on the 1 1/4” pencil line on either
side of the center so you now have 3 slots to hold credit cards. Be sure to back stitch top and
bottom to secure. Erase pencil marks. Clip this panel to the inside, right (bottom) of your wallet.

Attaching cash/coupon panel: Clip the 3 ⅞” x 7 ¾” phone panel to the inside left (top) of your wallet.
You must coordinate the other pieces, closure tab and strap loops that will be sandwiched in the seam
of this section. I use heavy duty clips so that things don’t shift. Determine both  the center of the wallet
top and the closure tab and clip the closure tab in place (velcro facing up). Cut two, 1 ¾” pieces of your
premade strap to use for your strap loops. Fold in half and clip the raw ends down, into where the
seam will be on both ends. Now CAREFULLY place the cash/coupon panel on top sandwiching pieces
and adjusting each clip as you go, as to not shift pieces. 

Stitching all pieces together: Slowly and carefully top stitch around the entire outside edge of the
wallet. (I used a top stitching foot with a flange that made it easy.) BACK STITCH AT EACH STRESS
POINT AND WHERE PIECES ARE SANDWICHED IN. 

Finish strap ends and add rings: Determine how long you want your strap. Finish off the raw end by either zigzag stitches or turning the raw edge inside and restitching the end. Fold and create a loop and stitch in place. Remeasure the length you desire and cut strap to length being sure to leave enough room to create a loop, finish as before. Link strap and wallets loops with rings and close. You're done!

Kraft-tex is available from CTpub.com or your local retailer. Once you try this supple, 

washable vegan leather it's sure to be a staple in your studio.