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Thursday 7 August 2014

DIY- How to make your own ottoman. Step by step instructions below.

What to do:

  1. Take off the bucket handle and measure the top of the bucket (38") — the bucket tapers at the bottom, so you need to measure the top and bottom — measure the bottom (33") and measure the height (17 1/2").You can also wrap the foam around the bucket and cut accordingly.

2. Mark out the foam with your ruler. Draw out 38", mark the middle of it and split from the center 33". Measure 17 1/2" for the vertical foam with the height of the top layer of foam. Cut foam. Spray glue on the bucket and foam, and wait a few seconds for the glue to set.

3. Take the lid and trace the top of it onto 3" high-density foam. Spray glue the lid to the foam. Take your turkey carver and cut around the edges of the lid. Snap the lid back onto the bucket. Bring the 1" foam around the lip of the 3" foam.

4. Trim any extra pieces. Take Dacron and spray it with glue to the top of the bucket. Cut off the remaining pieces. Continue to wrap and spray glue the bucket with Dacron. Trim the top but leave extra Dacron on the bottom for finishing.

5. Measure and draw out the longest side of your pattern and mark the center. Take your square and line it up with the edge of your fabric and the center mark. Draw out the height of your pattern on your square. (Note: It is always smart to add 1–2" of extra fabric to your height for fitting; it can always be trimmed down later.) Once the height has been drawn, use your square again to mark the length of the opposite side (remember your height line is at the center, so measure half the length on each side of your center mark). When the two lengths have been drawn out, use your ruler to connect the ends, giving you a nice straight taper.

6. Cut the piping fabric 1 1/2" wide and the same length as the top 46". Cut the top piece in a 16" circle (allows seam allowance) either by tracing the top or using a string and pencil.

7. Fold the fabric in half and clip the middle top corner. Do the same with the circle piece.

8. Sew in the piping with welt foot. Extend the fabric a small amount past the piping. Sew a 1/2" from the needle. When you start to sew piping on the circular piece, start just in from the cut edge. Cut relief cuts around the perimeter so that the fabric doesn’t pucker when sewn into the side panel. Note: Sew fabric on the piping first, then line up the edge of the piping and the edge of the circle fabric and begin sewing. Make small relief cuts in your piping so it is easier to sew.

9. With side panel folded, sew from the top down with at least 2" at the bottom open, so that it fits over the top of the ottoman. With the seam of the side panel laid flat and the seam of the top panel, start to sew the two pieces together.

10. Test-fit the fabric to make sure it fits smoothly over the ottoman. This requires a little finessing of the fabric to get a snug fit.

11. If fit is smooth, remove the fabric and cut the extra fabric around the edges so the end product has a flush, smooth surface.

12. Pull the fabric over the ottoman again. Rotate it, pulling downward on each side. After the fabric is smooth and in place, staple the fabric to the bottom of the bucket. Start stapling in sections around the circle and then go back and staple in between. If you just went fully around the first time, you would end up with extra fabric at the end and the pattern could be crooked.

13. Take a razor blade and cut off the extra fabric.

14. The last step is a dust cover for the bottom.


What you need:
- yardage for fabric
- chalk
- scissors
- spray Glue
- stapler
- 5-gallon utility bucket
- ruler
- carver
- sewing machine
- tape measurer
- piping foot (The cord we used is 5/32 and is sold by the yard.)
- foam (20' square of 3” high-density foam and 60” x 1” of foam)
- Dacron
- square ruler


ref: mostlovely.net

DIY- How to make your own planter covers. Step by step instructions below.

What to do:

1. Lay your two fabrics on top of each other and cut out a rectangle of fabric that is 18" tall and 30" wide. Place the fabrics so that the right side of each fabric is facing each other. Pin the fabric in place across the top width of the fabric.

2. Use a sewing machine to sew across the top width of your fabric with a 1/2" seam allowance.

3. Once sewn, flip your fabric over so the patterns face right side out, and iron your top seam flat.

4. On the right edge of your fabric, use your iron to press a 1/2" hem on the front and back fabric panels.

5. Fold your right edge with the pressed hem towards the middle of your fabric, and fold the left side of the fabric towards the middle as well until the sides meet. Tuck the first 1/2" of the unpressed left side of the fabric in between the ironed hem on your right side. Pin in place.

6. Sew down your fabric to attach the sides together. You should now have an open cylinder shape with your inside fabric facing outward at this point.

7. Layer your plastic liner with your bottom fabric, and cut a circle that is 10 1/4" wide (your circle diameter is really 9 1/4" with an additional 1/2" seam allowance all the way around).

8. Line up the two circles layers (with the liner side facing out) and pin the circle all the way around the bottom of your cylinder.

9. Use your sewing machine to sew all the way around the bottom circle with a 1/2" seam allowance. Once done, turn your fabric bag right side out.

10. Fold the top part of your fabric over to make the planter as tall as you like for your plant. Use the eyelets and a pen to trace where you want to install your eyelets (I placed mine in the middle of the fold about 3" apart). Use scissors to cut an "X" on that spot, and use a hammer to install each eyelet following the eyelet kit directions. Repeat the process on the other side.

11. Thread rope through the eyelets, and make a knot on the inside of the planter (before cutting the rope, wrap the spot with masking or electrical tape so the rope doesn't unravel). Spray the outside and inside of your planter with waterproofing spray for extra protection (if you want to), and you're done!

12. For more protection from water, you can place one of those plastic trays or cork circles at the bottom of the planter before adding the plant (either way, keep the plant in the plastic container you buy it in). If you do this step, make sure you measure the tray or cork before making your planter so it will fit inside your measurements.

You can change the dimensions of this planter as needed to fit your plant. You can also make it taller or shorter so you have a bigger or smaller fold.

What you need: 
- fabric scissors
- 2 twill fabrics patterns
- plastic liner (6 mm thick)
- rope
- extra large eyelet kit
- hammer
- waterproofing spray (optional)


ref: abeautifulmess.com