Cornice Class

 

     Several months ago, I signed up to take a cornice class on-line through Workroom Tech.  The cost of the class included a box of supplies including, cornice padding, lining fabric, gimp, welt cord, tack strip, pattern paper and graph paper.  It was a three week/session class.  Unfortunately my timing didn't work so well.  The first class was the day before I left to go to Mexico, the second class was on the day I flew home and the third class a week later.  The problem was I didn't get a chance to do my homework.  But fortunately I was able to watch the YouTube videos later and finally get my work done.

Basic Cornice Board

     The first cornice was a basic cornice board with a straight bottom and pre-lined pieces.  I used fabric from my stash and actually railroaded the piece I had.  I thought the paisley looked cool this way.  I did have my husband cut the boards.  I lined the pieces and then he put them together.  I then followed the instructions to construct the cornice.  My corners came out pretty good after some practice but I do have a bit of dimpling in the fabric.  I need to work on pulling it correctly.

Pattern

   Next up was the shaped cornice.  The first thing was to draw a pattern.  I used the graph paper to get my initial design and then transferred it to my pattern paper.  I used my circle 'rulers' to get a nice smooth arch.  Then my husband cut the pieces and assembled the box.  Next I put on the padding and had to cover the box.  I really need to work on making the proper relief cuts needed to go around the curves.  I made some mistakes with the cutting but I think I was able to cover everything okay, at least for a sample.

Shaped Cornice Board

     For the covered cord on this one, I used the reverse side of the fabric.  I did do a good job on pattern matching the front and dust cap of the cornice.  This one was definitely more labor intense and a lot more frustrating.  Not sure if I will add this to my offerings of Creations by Celeste.

Top of cornice board

Bottom curve of cornice board

     I would definitely recommend these video classes from Workroom Tech but I do like the in person classes better.  I need that one on one help sometimes.

Easter Bucket

 

Finished Easter Bucket

     I bought these fabric buckets several years ago to embroider for the grandkids.  I have done them as Easter baskets and I have also done them as Halloween buckets.

Before embroidery

     Since this is a finished item, I needed to figure out how to hoop the item to do the embroidery.  With these fabric ones, versus the vinyl ones, I am able to hoop the fabric. 

Taking it apart

     I start by taking apart the basket/bucket form the inside.  I removed the bias tape that was covering the raw edges.  Then I separated the outer fabric from the lining vinyl at the bottom.  I didn't have to remove all of it, just a little over half to be able to hoop.  Then I hooped just the outer fabric and did my design.

Putting to back together

     I then just put everything back together using my wonder clips to hold the bias tape in place while sewing.

Inside

     What is really nice about this method is that there are no stitches showing on the inside.  Next I will have to do his Halloween bucket.  Those are a bit more challenging.

Cowl Winter Top

 

Cowl top

     This is the last of the three tops I made for myself this past winter.  I had three yards of this nubby knit fabric in my stash.  I bought it back in January of 2002 so it was twenty years old, time to be used.

Pattern used

     I had bought this pattern back in 2018 because I liked it.  When I was making up my list of items to sew I paired this four year old pattern with the twenty year old fabric and had a fun, warm top for winter.  The fabric is a bit heavier than the fabric on the pattern picture so the top flares more.  Because the sleeves are fitted, I am not able to wear a long sleeved top under it.  I did wear it with a tank top though that I tucked in so my torso wouldn't get chilled.

Fabric detail

     The pattern and fabric were easy to work with though the fabric did leave little nubs when cutting.  Not as bad to clean up as the fleece top though.  I think I may try this again out of a lighter weight knit next time.

Grey Cheetah Cozy Top

 

Grey cheetah print top

     This is the second of the three tops I recently made for myself.  When I was at JoAnn fabrics for something else, I saw this oh so soft fabric.  I like animal prints and grey is one of my good colors. I bought enough to make the pattern I used for my last top but when I actually did my measurements I realized I needed to go up a size and didn't have enough.

Great Copy Club alteration

     Back to the drawing board for a pattern.  In my binders from Great Copy Club, I found the directions for a relaxed turtleneck.  A couple of my other choices, I didn't have enough fabric.  I found the base pattern on my pattern shelf and went to work.

Base pattern

      I used both my serger and sewing machine for the construction of the top which went together quickly, thought did make a mess of my sewing room.  I do miss all the inspiration from Great Copy Club.

Close up of the neck finish

     This top was so soft and cozy.  I wore it both as an over top and just by itself, alas it is packed away for next fall/winter.