Monday, December 17, 2012

gators and bots!

ohmygosh hand crafting christmas presents is so time consuming. seriously. i spent sooo many hours on saturday on this and then more on sunday. didn't help that i had to rip out and re-sew the first one 3 times! perfectionism sucks. butttttt it's a gift. butttttt no one will be as critical as i am. so i need to get over it.


front


Gator pot holders!!! yeahhhhh!  isn't this fabric totes adorable! (okay i've secretly been waiting for "totes" to seep into my vocab, thanks amanda!) i mean really - there are little blue birds chillin on the gators!

how lucky is my cousin? because she's getting these for christmas!


back


and here's what happens when i stick my hand in a swamp full o' gators…


ahhhh, they've got my hand!!!


i modified
this pattern. mine are cuter, right? and i used insul-bright lining. hopefully they are heat-resistant, but i didn't test it! 


some things i learned: 

•  don't get all cocky about your bias tape sewing skills. that's when it will bite you in the rear (kinda like a gator would).

•  baste everything. yes, everything. it's a lot of layers. baste e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

•  walking foot. use it. thinks andrea for the reminder. it made a world of difference.

•  the iron does not work unless you Turn. It. On. that's right, press and press with all your might. but it won't do a darn thing cept make your arm ache unless you Turn. It. On.


whew. so you can see from that how much fun i had. and i'm going to make another set!!! whatttt? hopefully this time it will be smooth sailing. my brother's getting robots.

why robots? because look how stinkin cute they are. who can resist? and i'm using the fabric with gears for the insides!




P.S. would one company just sell bias tape with matching thread all in one package? kay thanks!

and one last thing: my favorite robot has something to say…


29 comments:

  1. The gators and robots are TOO cute and funny! I want them! You have some lucky family members, that's for sure.

    And they look sooo professional. You're so good!

    -Sara, Road to the Heart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!!
      The robots are Robotex by Mint Blossom Robots White
      http://www.fiveeighthseams.com/product-p/northcott-robotex-robots.htm
      Gears are Robotex by Mint Blossom Gears
      http://www.fiveeighthseams.com/product-p/northcott-robotex-gears.htm
      Gators are by Cloud 9
      http://www.fiveeighthseams.com/product-p/c9-alligators.htm

      Delete
  2. These look wonderful, and will make great Xmas presents. Your fabric choices are perfect...J

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    Replies
    1. Thank you!! There are sooo many cute fabric designs, that i keep wanting to make sooo many other things!

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  3. These are adorable! What fun themes and a good idea for gifts - I'll have to try that next year (I don't think I have time now) but this year I'm baking sweet treats for the fam.

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    Replies
    1. Sweets are always good! I made cookies for the neighbors and my coworkers because there is no way i could sew things for everyone!! I would be so overwhelmed that i'd lose the holiday spirit completely! I have one more set of pot holders and 2 purses to go!

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  4. Love the gator pot holders, and that robot print is the bomb! For the past five years I have made every single one of my Christmas presents. I never know if they are liked or if they go straight to Goodwill and because of this and the fact that they take so much work, I decided to only make three handmade presents this years and each one of them was a request from the recipient. I have missed Christmas crafting, but only a little bit because it has also meant more selfish sewing :) Happy holidays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Next Christmas I'll be following your lead! I'm ready to get back to selfish sewing, hehe

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  5. aahh gator potholders! WTF! They are so flipping cute!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I looked up the designer, Ed Emberley, and I Love his illustrations! There are also some elephants that are adorable!!

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  6. Very cute - I am sure they will be popular! And I loved your 'things I learned list' - inspired!!!

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    1. Thanks! Every project I learn a few more things... now if only I can remember what I learned!

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  7. OH those are so, so cute! very nice and happy holidays. g

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  8. Those are lovely!

    Just wanted to let you know I've nominated you for an award - more details at www.tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/die-auszeichnung-ist-mein-liebster.html?m=1

    Hope you have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year! Sabs x

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    Replies
    1. Oh how exciting! Thank you thank you! Hope you have a merry Christmas too!

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  9. What a fun project! Those prints are both adorable. I'm sure the recepients will be suitably grateful (they better be!).

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    1. Thanks! It's a little debatable if making them was "fun". Haha! But at least they look fun!

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  10. Ack! These are so cute! Love 'em!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I finished the bot pot holders and will have to post pics when I get back from vacation!

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  11. Cute and practical; the perfect gift! The robot fabric + gears lining is a great combination.

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  12. oh yes, totes adorable, and beautifully made!

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  13. Wow you are good sewing Christmas gifts. I was terribly terribly lazy and didn't sew a single one this year! Next year though.... better plan ahead I think :o)

    Hope you had a very merry festive season :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really waited til the last minute and was sewing on Christmas eve!! Next year I don't think I'll sew gifts for Christmas, but maybe still for baby showers. Hope you had a very merry festive season too!!

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  14. Ah, I love your alligators! I'm originally from Louisiana and have a soft spot for the little reptiles; those look so cute!

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Thanks for reading! I welcome any advice, insights, witty remarks, snarky comebacks, commiserations or just a quick hello. I'd love to check out your blog as well, so let me know where you're posting. Happy sewing!