Frugal Christmas Gift

[Bilby]

I have seen those canvases in the shops and thought that you could do some pretty simple picture sets for the wall with those. You could use stencils multi tonal colours etc. I need a place to put notes in so maybe I can use that idea.

[ellenmelon]

I made one denim purse and it turned out nice, lined too, so another is a good option.

[Raggd3]

Sweetnell, you explained that well, and I know just what you're talking about. I saw some made on HGTV. They are very pretty and useful.

Ellen, you must be a great seamstress. I've heard it's difficult to work with denim.

By all means, if you have pics of your handiwork, please share. I love to see all the crafty items people have made. And I'm sure others do too.

[ellenmelon]

It's the machine and the needle, not the person that determines success when working with denim. Here are the tips I got when I got my one free lesson with the machine purchase.

Always match the needle to the fabric. For denim I use a 90/14 or at most go through 4 layers with a 100/16. I think there is a needle for jeans called a 130/705H-J the J meaning for jeans. At least this is what my notes say.

I hardly ever go fast with denim. Sometimes I go stitch by stitch by hand if the layers are too many or the corner tight.

When hemming a pair of jeans, use a step down bridge, some kind of support for the back and front sides of under the presser foot when the needle is on the layers of the seam. Then you won't get that long stitch on either side of the hem when you go from all those layers in the seam to the single layer in the pants leg.

If the motor is straining maybe it is too much for the motor, don't push it you'll ruin your motor.

And it is obvious but I didn't know this until I went to special order some jeans for my dh from a department store one day, denim comes in different weights! Hah! Of course.

Why do I always have so much advice? Because I make so many mistakes!!!

[Raggd3]

Ellen, however you came by it, please don't stop sharing your advice.

I only have 2 questions left:

1. do you buy the denim or use jeans

2. where did you get your purse pattern?

Sweetnell, where do you get the canvas for the memory boards, and is it expensive?

I like this thread.

[sweetnell3]

Its a artist painter canvas,I buy my at wal-mart .The price depends on the size,the ones I made were about 6to8 dollar but the ones I made were pretty big size. But you can it the canvas at any art supply store. I use dollar martriel that I got at wal-mart.

[Raggd3]

Could any other kind of material be use?

[sweetnell3]

I don't know why you couldn't use other kinds of material. Just try different ones to you have the one you like.

[Raggd3]

ok, probably any kind would work.

[gcombs41701]

Just found this site and love it! Just thought I would share what I made for my siblings for christmas last year. I scanned photographs of my late father that I borrowed from my mother. I then burned them to a CD and added music. My family loved these and the only expense was the blank CD's. Very inexpensive but a lifetime memories.