Made a mistake with fabric

[harbingerofdoom]

I meant to but fat quarters but ended up with about 30cm sq. My fault,but what can I do with them? No I'm not starting patchwork.

flossieteacakes.blogspot.com/2009/05/lined-zippered-pouch-make-up-bag.html

Made this a few times, think i have converted inches to cm correctly!

handmadejane.blogspot.com/2011/03/lavender-bag-tutorial.html

great present for someone who likes lavender, well my mum does!

Ooh, I like the make up bag! Might have a crack at that myself, as I have some pieces from when I made a similar error :)

How about a handbag tissue holder which is quick and easy to make :)

I'm very much a beginner but I think I will try the make up bag. DTeapot glad to know I'm not the only one :o.
I think I'm up for the challenge! First zip--here goes ......

Or if you're not keen to try out a zip (although it is quite easy - even I can do them!) then you could try this make-up roll which uses material lengths of about 28cm x 21cm including seams.

I've cut everything out for the make-up bag but I think I will try the roll first. Just to get used to sewing after about thirty plus years.
I like the other ideas but I would have no use for them (nor would close relatives).
It got me thinking of what relatives might like (once I can make something respectable) and thought of a V easy glasses case.

Let me know how you get on ~ I'd be interested to know how easy you find the instructions :)

Flubba I'll have a go tomorrow :) . I've got some silly questions about cutting-what is the best,ironing board or table and how do you make sure you've got right angles?
Last time I cut stuff out,the pattern was pinned on (think Simplicity patterns C80s).

I've always just used the floor - especially the rug (as it leaves some give underneath and stops the fabric slipping when cutting with scissors) but have recently invested in a rotary cutter and magic mat (don't think it's called that, but it IS magic :) )

I usually use the edge of a piece of fabric (so a straight line) to start my measuring, then use a wide metal ruler to mark the perpendicular lines (and then check these are still straight by making sure the distance between them is the same again.
You could always draw out a template on a piece of A4 which will give you the first two right angled lines.

Didn't think of the floor but is the obvious place if your doing something big.

Just wondered, really, if I had to mess around with set squares and all that (saw them in the cupboard sorting DCs crap out). Would instinctively do the same as what you describe. Much quicker.

I'll have a go tomorrow.......

Well,feeling rather pleased with myself,I have managed to make both the make-up roll and the bag. My bag's covered ends looked a little odd (my fault entirely) but otherwise am thrilled with the results.

I preferred the style of instructions for the bag. I think that for a beginner the instructions for the roll could do with a little more 'padding' in real basics. However,no problems making it,sewing 'common sense' eventually kicked in :o

Well done! Good to know about the instructions - will take a look and see what should be changed. :)

Flubba........Nooooooooooooooo! Please do not use the rug again, you really need to use a table to get a good accurate cut, the one thing you do not need is give... trust me, I have an O level in Needlecraft and Dress. ;)

There are a number of reasons that you should use a table, one is control another is back pain! Also you will not get the warp of your fabric to lie properly as the lower piece will drift.

If you are making smaller items, use a self healing cutting mat, it will make your life a whole lot easier, I promise.

The make-up roll is fantastic. I had a very old plastic freebe ages ago and found it so useful. With this I have been able to tailor it to my needs,as you say.

I have two DDs and they are suddenly impressed! (More to make?)

Flubba just trying to say that new (or rusty) sewers may panic/need a little hand holding. Show me that in one month's time and I wouldn't think twice and breeze through it.
HTH

Thank you harbinger ~ and you're right, I've used some terms that would have scared me shitless three months ago, but are now second nature to me (saddo that I am! :o) - I think I might add a key/glossary type page to cover myself and help out sewing virgins or born again sewing virgins :)

Don't worry about me LatteLady ~ I use a flat surface to draw the pattern and something softer for cutting (but mainly because I enjoy cutting and preparing my fabric while watching crap on telly :o), but as I said earlier, I've just invested in a 'magic mat' which I've used a couple of times already. I'm also not terribly worried about accuracy - check out my quilt for evidence of this! :) Thank you for your concern though, it is appreciated :)

I won't be using the floor - I'd not get up again. Knees too bad.
I find the ironing board the right height but it's not big enough.
I'm quite tall - any ideas?

Harbinger it's useful to know the instructions are good. I desperately need a new home for all my crochet hooks so think I'll have a go at that make-up bag soon.

Am hoping to make the make-up bag tonight, but I only have iron-on interfacing - think it'll be ok? I know it says it's optional but I think it would be better with it. I also need to dig out a zip!

Would be easier? No expert though....