And then I saw The Petit Sewists tutorial on how to make up your own, and I was sold! I picked up a package of 3/4" washers (inside diameter, they measure 2 inches across) within my first couple weeks in Yukon, I was that eager to make them. Of course, then they sat on my desk for about 6 weeks...
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| Yes, I'm still using plastic bags as tracing paper. Shush. |
As suggested in the tutorial, I stacked the washer 3 high before gluing and wrapping them up with some scrap quilting cotton I'd kept from an art project. I think it's sufficient for weights, but 4 high would've been even better. Still, I got 8 weights out of it, for $8, much more economical than $13 for 4. And mine are infinitely cuter!
After finding The Petit Sewists tutorial, I discovered that this isn't exactly a new concept, and people more brilliant than me have been doing this for years! And they don't all use this method, either. Here's a few of my favourite links for pretty washer pattern weights:
- SewChic made single layer washer weights, but boy did she get a lot! This would be great for when you need a little bit of weight, or stack them for more if needed. And how pretty are her fabric choices! I just wish I knew how she got her fabric edges so clean.
- Stitchin and Bitchin and A Spoonful of Sugar both created cute yoyo style weights. I love the button detail!
- Sugar Tart Crafts and Sascha Romeo used ribbon instead of fabric, and boy do those look cleaner than mine. Shucks, why didn't I do that?!
- But actually, my all time favourite and current target of my envy is the yarn-wrapped washers made by Walker Whimsy. Oo la la, look at the colours and that soft fuzziness. I know what my next set will look like!
- And just for a bit of fun and organization, Junie Moon has come up with an adorable way to keep all of your pretty little weights together.
Great idea - I love using weights. I purchased mine - didn't think of making them - could have saved myself some money!
ReplyDeleteYou could always make more if needed! :D It's amazing what people come up with. These are definitely prettier than the tuna and soup cans I was using before!
DeleteCute!
ReplyDeleteD'aww, you're too kind. ;)
DeleteThese are on my to-do list! I just need to get to the hardware store. I've been using books and they're not cutting it. Plus they're not as cute!
ReplyDeleteThese are really quick to do. Minutes per weight, and possibly less if using ribbon! I found it a bit tedious by the last one though, so splitting it up with a break or another little project makes it less boring by the end. :) Good luck with yours!
DeleteYay for polka dots! These are much more aesthetically pleasing than the canned beans that I typically use. By the way, I am sold on your plastic bag idea for tracing patterns. Plastic is way easier to "tissue"-fit than paper, and what an awesome way to recycle!
ReplyDeleteI just want to warn you to be careful when tissue fitting with the plastic bags. When you pull too hard on tissue, it just rips a bit, but that's easy to fix and there's generally no distortion. Plastic won't rip so much as stretch, pull, and distort, which can mess up your pattern piece.
DeleteBut other than that, plastic is fantastic tracing material! So long as it's not super thin and flimsy bags, that is. Try to find ones with heft. I actually buy extra bags at a certain grocery store because I like theirs the best!
Your polka dot weights are so cute!
ReplyDeleteI have 8 of those weights that are $13/4 (used a coupon, but still...yeesh) but after seeing all of these wrapped washer weights around the 'net, I think they would actually work better since they have a greater surface area.
My guess is that SewChic cut her fabric strips on the bias so they wouldn't fray. :)
Oh, I never even thought of cutting the fabric on the bias. I was lazy and just ripped the strips along the grainline. I'll keep that in mind for next time. :)
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