Dana Made It + Oilcloth

You all know Dana from the popular Made blog, right? Of course you do! She's the talented blogger that brought us orange lace oilcloth slip covered bar stools and many more great oilcloth creations of the years. 

 

Dana is also the author of the book called Fabrics A to Z and The Fabric Selector. Dana believes that no fabric should be feared so she and Kate from See Kate Sew have teamed up  for a new series called Don't Fear the Fabric!

Dana has been focusing on Oilcloth and Kate has been sharing tips, tricks and tutorials about leather. I love this combo, in fact I think it's perfect. When I was a costumer for film and theatre (B.M. - Before Motherhood) I specialized in tailoring. In the 90's it was very popular for classical productions to have a modern look and leather was the fabric of choice for many costume designers. For example, I was on a team that made a dozen leather pants for an opera St. Louis Opera. I believe it was this set of sewing skills that have made me fearless enough to become Modern June, Oilcloth Addict!

Dana covered the the how to's for working with oilcloth,  

 

Cute and easy oilcloth coasters.

 

A simple geo banner.

 

A fun no-sew project - Oilcloth Planters. 

She's also giving away a great gift from Modern June for two of her readers. Head over to Danamadeit.com to enter to win a copy of my Sewing with Oilcloth book and a four pack of fat quarters of oilcloth!

Happy sewing!!

Tour: The Crafty Camper!

 

Yesterday I showed you have to make the Scrappy and Simple Buntings that I made for a very cool camper. Well!! Today, we are going to tour that Crafty Camper! Please note that the photos below where shamelessly swiped from Kelly Elko's wondrous blog, Eclectically Vintage. All photo credit's go out to Kelly, the other Kelly! Here's her tour post!

These photos were take at the Philadelphia Home Show, where Denise from The Painted Home, debuted her Crafty Camper. As you can see below I had a fun decking out the 1972 Shasta with Modern June goodies!
 
 Aren't my oilcloth and chalk cloth banners fabulous swinging off this camper?

I made a few specialty pillows out of oilcloth for the camper too. More about them soon! Our regular  oilcloth pillows are available on our new website, ModernJune.com!

I also made the camper some oilcloth seat cushions using my pattern in Sewing with Oilcloth! The laminated cotton throw pillows are made using the pillow cover pattern in my latest book At Home with Modern June. My pillow cover pattern uses an invisible zipper--it's so easy that even I can do it! Those that have worked for me know that I don't DO zippers! (ie, I did them poorly until now!!)

Check out the Scrappy and Simple Bunting hanging on the window, what a fun way to create some interest, both inside and out. I can almost see them swaying in the breeze now!  

There is so much more to be seen! Again, check out Kelly's entire tour here! Then head over to the Crafty Camper website to see when camper is in your area doing DIY classes! Eek!! You can rent this as well!! Also, for the part I like best!! If you go way back to Denise's December and January photos on Facebook you can see some great before and during photos of the Shasta!

XOXOX,
Kelly

Non-Traditional Ways to Iron Oilcloth

Oilcloth is a PVC product so you never want to take an iron to it. Instead we have to get tricky when sewing seams that we would normally press. I have 3 simple methods for you to try; finger pressing, book pressing and crease pressing.

Book Pressing is very easy, but it can cost you time. It's best for projects that need a really crisp edge or for really thick seams. Simply lay a stack of books on top of your seam(s) for a few hours or overnight. Gravity and the weight of the books flatten out your oilcloth so you can stitch with ease.

This next one is just a good old finger press. All you do is rub your finger, thumb or the palm across the seam that you need to be flatten and tamed. Tip: I always press both my seams off to one side when working with oilcloth, it's just gives you a nicer finish. Trust me trying to keep open seams flat on oilcloth is a losing battle.


The last method I have for you is the crease press. I do this when I work with the 1" oilcloth trim that I used on the floor mat in At Home with Modern June. All you have to do is fold your trim in half and rub the oilcloth trim along the edge of your table. This just creates enough of a crease down the center so you can sew fast and free!

I hope this helps you in your addiction to oilcloth!

XOXOX,
Kelly

Spring Oiclloth Settee

It's time to get the front porch fancied up! My book, Sewing with Oilcloth, has a great seat cushion pattern that you can make to the exact size of your outdoor furniture! My oilcloth covered settee is now 4 years old and it's still looking great. Which is pretty impressive since this is our cats favorite sleeping spot year round.

My reversible seat cushion sports Yellow Hibiscus and Lime Zoya with Lime Dot oilcloth accents. 

Sewing with Oilcloth Tip: Sticking Together

You've probably noticed that oilcloth and laminated cotton are pretty sticky but that's not always a bad thing. Use the stick to your advantage.  When you cut two pieces from the same pattern piece place the right sides of the fabric together and the two pieces of oilcloth will naturally stick together.

This is really handy when your using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler to cut out a project. You'll need to do a lot less pinning!

Here are some tips to get you through that sticky business while sewing.

Sewing with Oilcloth Tips: Tracing Patterns

Ever wonder how to mark your pattern pieces onto oilcloth? The regular methods such as pinning and spiky tracing wheels just won't do, they would leave your project full of holes before you even started your project. Never fear, here are two methods that work well.

For this first method, just raid your sewing supplies and pull out a point turner and tracing paper. The sharp edge of the point turner is great for making small details. See how I made an X to mark the snap placement on my Sewing with Oilcloth Garden Apron pattern?

The second method is great for stitch lines and darts, just use a flat or smooth edged tracing wheel and your tracing paper. This handy tool can be found in the notions section at any large fabric shop. I think it's better to use this method if your using tissue paper patterns, I worry that the point turner would rip your pattern.

When it comes to buying tracing paper, might I suggest that you don't buy the double-sided paper. Oops! Luckily the markings came off of my oilcloth with a little rubbing.

Oilcloth: Orange Mums!!

Sewing with Oilcloth: Garden Apron

It's almost that time of year again!! That time when all you want to do is to get out in the yard and make things bloom. So while it's still too cold and rainy outside wipe up a Sewing with Oilcloth garden apron.

Here's a garden apron combo pack with just the right number of 1/2 yard cuts for the pattern. Buy it up and save 2 bucks! 

Materials needed:
3 cuts of oilcloth that are 1/2 yard each
Thread
1 package of 1/2'' double-fold bias tape
Clear ruler
Craft paper
Pencil
Tracing paper and smooth edge tracing wheel
Press-on snaps

Vine: How to cover a pressure foot

Top stitching on oilcloth can be pretty sticky business but don't fret is an easy fix. If you don't have a fancy roller foot or Teflon foot you can just cover your favorite pressure foot in painters tape. Here's my Vine video clip to show you just how easy it is.

Don't let all the naughty news about Vine scare you away from all the fun, there's a lot of good stuff to enjoy. Find me on Vine under the name ModernJune or follow my on Twitter feed.  

Once your all connected with me on Vina and Twitter, come back and check out more tips that use painters tape.

Last minute project time!?!

Order by noon tomorrow of get all the oilcloth, laminated cotton and chalk cloth you need for those last minute projects!! Your order will be there by Friday, plenty of weekend craft time!! There are tons of great ideas and OCA tutorials to inspire you here on the blog!!

Don't forget about the free Sewing with Oilcloth projects over at Amazon!! Click on the show more button right about the book trailer to see the free patterns. 

The farmers market tote makes a great gift for an woman on your gift list. We also have a handy kit of fabric and webbing to go along with the free pattern.

Our chalk cloth runner is so much fun at the holidays. The possibilities are endless... buffets, bars, or "Dear Santa" lists, you name it you can scribble it. Two yards of chalk cloth equals 3 chalk cloth runners. That's one for you and two to gift!!

We also have a big stack of books that I'll gleefully sign for you!

Happy Holidays!!

Traveling with Modern June Part 1

We are honored today with a guest blogger post, meet Kathie (on the right) and her sweet daughter Kimberly. Kathie is my trusty Production Manager and Distribution Director (PMDD) and my person!! If you watch Grey's Anatomy you'll get the my person reference it roughly translates into BFF. 

Last week Kathie and her family went to Nigara Falls to visit family and to enjoy the sights. I had no idea that Kathie took a copy of Sewing with Oilcloth with her, so imagine my surprise when I found these photos in my inbox this morning. She is hysterical!!

Kathie...

Here they are, the first in a series....

"Traveling with Modern June!"
Your book "Sewing with Oilcloth" and the fabulous black lace oilcloth bag came
EVERYWHERE with us!  The 3 photos attached highlight the Erie Canal and first
5 original locks built into Lake Erie.
We're a part of History <3 br="br">
Next up...Modern June travels across the US border in Canada.
Wheeeeeeee!

P.S.
I totally love this woman!!! Every business woman should have a Kathie!!!

xoxo,
Kelly

Uppercase Magazine and Oilcloth!!

Several months ago I was contacted by journalist Linzee Kull McCray that was excited about oilcloth. She was so excited about it that she wrote a really lovely article for Uppercase Magazine and I am honored to share it with you all!! 

Pretty pretty oilcloth!!

Sewing with Oilcloth garden apron pattern!

What a bright and pretty layout!

 

What's the difference? They published my laminate cotton, oilcloth and chalk cloth comparison. 

I'm so excited that our Modern June party banners made the magazine as well.

If your creative and curious then this is your magazine!! 

Back issues and subscriptions are available in the U shop. 

Uppercase's beautiful blog!!

Sneak peak of issue 14

Nice nod from Do It Yourself Magazine!

I am so excited to be source for oilcloth in my most favorite magazine!! I love this magazine so much that I have every single one I've ever bought. Some of you might call it hording but I call it inspiration.

The editors of Do It Yourself took some of our oilcloth and made a fun bucket apron.

If you have a copy of Sewing with Oilcloth you can use the garden apron pattern to make something very similar, just make two and tie them on.

DIY Kit of the Month: Farmers Market Tote Bundle

Photo's by Meghan McSweeney

This months kit is fabric and webbing for our Sewing with Oilcloth, Farmers Market Tote. Spring is springing so must be prepared for the first day at the market!! We've made it easy for you, just pick four prints from our wide selection of oilcloth.

Combo Pack Includes:
One yard of 47/48” oilcloth for main tote
One yard of 47/48” oilcloth for lining and trim
One half yard of 47/48” oilcloth for side pockets
One fat quarter 47/48” oilcloth for center pocket and trim (free with combo pack
52" of 1' Webbing choose from Red or Black


Happy Sewing!

Let's Celebrate!

About two years ago, I received an email from my beloved editor, Roxanne Cerda. She had the idea for a book filled with oilcloth projects, and she wanted me to bring it to life. You know I almost died of happiness that day! 

A year later, I found myself with my new friend and photographer Megan McSweeney photos for the book. It was crazy fun as we went from location to location setting-up and then taking fabulous pictures. By this time I was also doing author reviews--the process of fine tuning text and patterns in my book with Charlotte Kughen, my Project Editor. The review process was really fast paced--there was a constant stream of emails going back and forth between the two of use for months. I actually have over 500 emails from her during that time.

Fast forward one more year, and I've just I received my first Royalty Statement--not a check, but a count of my book sales from the publisher. Our book did very well in pre-sale and during the first 2 months and I am thrilled beyond belief!

What an amazing two years it has been! What I learned about writing books and publishing patterns could fill an entire book by itself. I learned most projects require four pattern revisions and subsequent mock ups before a pattern is ready for someone else to look at. And more revisions may be needed after that. Phew! Who knew it would take all that time and energy?!?!

Since publication, I've had the chance to travel and share my book with people from all over the country. Thanks to Country Living Fairs, local shops, my websites, and Quilt Market, I've met a lot of great people, introducing them to the joys of working with oilcloth and laminated cotton. Honestly, its hard for me to convey what an honor that has been for me.

So, I say its time we celebrate and give away a two signed copies of The Book along with 3 yards of oilcloth. You've got to have fabric to go along with a book of projects after all.

To enter please head over to our Modern June Facebook page "LIKE" us before Wednesday 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, and then leave a message on our Wall. Do the same with our Oilcloth Addict Facebook page. By entering a message on both, you'll get two chances to win. Only one (1) entry per Facebook post, per person, for the duration of the contest, for a total of two (2) entries if you post on each page for the duration of the contest.  If you "LIKE" us already don't worry, just leave us a love note mentioning the contest on our Facebook page to enter. But remember, do this by 5 PM EST, Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  I'll pick two random winners that evening, one from each page. The winners will receive a signed copy of my book, and 3 yards of their choice of oilcloth fabric.

Good luck!

Our Winter 56" Laminated Cotton Swatch Card

We now have 35 Laminated cottons that come in 56" widths for you to create with! Don't forget, Sewing with Oilcloth has 8 projects that use laminated cotton and is filled with all my tips and tricks!! 

1. Scattered Roses by Tanya Whelan
2. Falling Roses by Tanya Whelan
3. Lanterns on White by Tanya Whelan
4. Charisma Midnight by Amy Butler
5. Gypsy Cobalt by Amy Butler 
6. Tart by Anna Maria Horner
7. Fun Blue Bloom by Anna Maria Horner
8. Twist by Anna Maria Horner
9. Royal Apple Chevron by Erin McMorris
10. Citron Apple Chevron by Erin McMorris
11. Tulip by Amy Butler
12. Amber Rose Bouquet by Joel Dewberry
13. Amber Block Print Floral by Joel Dewberry
14. Sky Rose Bouquet by Joel Dewberry
15. Amethyst Block Print Floral by Joel Dewberry
16. Green Hop Dot by Heather Bailey
17. Green Dandy Strip by Heather Bailey
18. Gold Picnic Bouquet by Heather Bailey
19. Moss Picnic Bouquet by Heather Bailey
20. Kimono by Ty Pennington
21. Angel Wings Spice by Ty Pennington
22. Chartreuse Moorish Tiles by Ty Pennington
23. Indigo Lattice by Sis Boom
24. Blue Paisley by Sis Boom
25. Green Lattice by Sis Boom
26. Navy Tile by Dena Designs
27. Navy Floral by Dena Designs
28. Berry Hop Dot by Heather Bailey
29. Black and White Hounds Tooth by Anne Tatem
30. Intermission in green and yellow by Jenean Morrison
31. Forrest Hills by Anna Maria Horner
32.  Pink Paisley by Sis Boom
33. Floral on Light Blue by Sis Boom
34.  Pink Letters by Annette Tatum
35. Blue Letters by Annette Tatum

I just can't help but share this love note that I received along with an order... 

"I was a fan of oilcloth before, but after your book--an Addict! I made a half dozen bins for gifts and now need to make some for myself--you are a marvel and I thank you for sharing and supplying the goods! And chalk cloth--who knew?? Can't wait." K. L.

Photo Credit: Meghan McSweeney

Check out the oilcloth storage bins from Sewing with Oilcloth. I love that Kelly made a bunch of these for her family and friends love and that she's now making more for herself! What an honor and a compliment!

Have you made something from the book? Please send us some photos and we'll share them with the class. I am hoping Kelly sends me some pictures soon!!!

XOXOXOX!!

Sewing with Oilcloth Project: Baby Bibs!

I am finishing up a round of Sewing with Oilcloth (now holiday priced) baby bibs for a local craft show this weekend. How darn cute are they in the new laminated cottons from Riley Blake? When the boy mama's see the blue and cream bibs, they are going to lllooovvveee me!

Got babies on your holiday gift list? Theses bibs are so easy and fun to make. All you need is one fat quarter of laminated cotton for each baby bib, two if you want a coordinating print for the crumb catcher.

Want to share a Sewing with Oilcloth project? Email me at Kelly@modernjune.com!

Great Giveaway!

Modern June and Oilcloth Addict are very proud sponsors of this years National Tie One On Day! We are giving away a copy of Sewing with Oilcloth and a bundle of fabric. Below you'll find just a little bit about this great project! Please click over to Apron Memories to learn more!!

...Participation in NTOODay™ is simple. On the day before Thanksgiving, pause in the preparation of your own meal, wrap a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on…an apron, of course! and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone without your bounty… a neighbor, friend or family member in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, a bit of recognition or just a kind word...

....To enter the NTOOD™ 2011 Goodie Giveaway, please leave your email address and a comment on this blog entry - and share how you will be participating in National Tie One On Day™, what you'll be making, baking or sewing, the beneficiary of your act of kindness, how you're putting the “give” back into Thanksgiving!

The two Goodie Giveaway Winners will be selected early Thanksgiving morning using a helpful random number selector. I’ll be contacting the two winners via email – without an email, however, alternate winners with emails will be selected...

 I really wish I could enter!! This is an amazing about or loot to enjoy!! Good luck my lovelies!

Sewing with Oilcloth Book Tour: Quilt Market

Let me just start this by telling you that I am the happiest book author in the world! The next stop on my book tour is in Houston, Texas. In just a few days time I get to share my new book, Sewing with Oilcloth, with all the lovely people attending Quilt Market!! If you are coming please come to the following booths and visit me. I'd love to meet you!!!

Friday, October 28th: 

3:10 to 3:40 Schoolhouse

Saturday, October 29th:

10:00-10:30 Book Signing at Oilcloth International 

3:00-3:30 Demo and Book Signing at United Notions 

4:45-5:30 Demo and Book Signing at Checker

Sunday, October 30th:

9:15 Brewer