Skip to main content

Arabesque Smart Sofa Station



by Linda Theil 

Australian Ali Philips of Arabesque Scissors recently updated her "Smart Sofa Station" pattern, and begins a sew-along event to make this convenient couch pocket for craft accessories tomorrow, February 10, 2025.

I began preparing for the sew-along before Christmas, and prepared so well that I found myself with a completed project yesterday. My efforts are less elaborate than the extensive pattern provides, but I think my version will be a great convenience for stitching while watching BritBox.


My working interior was made using fabrics from the "Peas & Carrots" collection by American Jane Patterns/Sandy Klop for Moda in 2005. The exterior fabric is from "Sewing Mends the Soul" collection by Laura Claire for Henry Glass & Co. The binding is "Scarf Stripe Red" from the "White as Snow" collection by J Wecker Frisch for Riley Blake.


The completed project measures 10 x 22-inches and features multiple options for customization. My project includes a slip pocket on each end and an additional flap-covered pocket.


I included the Hidden Needle Keeper, a magnet for pin collection, the Binding Clip Bench for clip collection, and the Bobbin Rail for thread minding.

My revisions include making simple slip pockets inside, using grosgrain ribbon for some of the binding chores, and using a magnetic snap instead of enclosed magnets for a pin catcher.











Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Scrappy log cabin blocks

by Linda Theil Scrappy Log Cabin quilt block by Linda Theil  Next month the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild will host a virtual quilt-along to make quilts for the SafeHouse Center womens' shelter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. One of the suggested blocks to make at the event is a Scrappy Log Cabin suggested by GAAQG member and artist Mary Bajcz. I love the Log Cabin block design and decided to get a head start on next month's event by organizing my materials and develping a process for making my Scrappy Log Cabin blocks. I began by watching Mary's YouTube video: "Scrap Quilt Strategy: The Log Cabin Technique" , and many others available on the topic. What a variety of approaches!   I'm not much of an improvisor and this is the first time I've tried the scrappy approach to quilt making. So It was quite an adventure for me. I pulled out my scrap bin and began sorting for lights and darks. After looking at many videos, I decided to work with a central square of 2.5-i...
1 comment
Read more

Notes on Purl Soho Cross-back Apron pattern

Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized, front view Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized, back view by Linda Theil This is the Purl Soho Cross-back Apron featured on their website at  https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/11/20/cross-back-apron . Their page includes complete directions for making this one-size-fits-most apron with large, side-pockets and cross-back straps. This retro apron is so nicely made and looks so much like the apron my grandma wore in the Nineteen-fifties that I had to make one for my friend who appreciates the nostalgia and the beauty of this design. Although this apron pattern, as published, can adjust to several sizes from 2-10; I also made a larger option, adjusting the width of the pattern pieces to accommodate up to size 16 and up. Size adjustment may also be made by varying the length of the straps. These notes are a record of my experience with the pattern, and should only be viewed as commentary; your results may vary. ...
15 comments
Read more

Advent star

by Linda Theil Alisa made me a beautiful Advent calendar long ago and every year she fills it with goodies in anticipation of the Christmas holiday. Last Christmas, every pocket contained two rolled-up strips from a "jelly roll" precut package of "Holiday Florish Festive Finery" by Robert Kaufman. I wanted to use the fabric right away and not allow my gift to disappear into my tub of holiday galore. After searching my patterns for a block that could be made with "jelly-roll" strips, I decided to redraw a "Christmas Star" block in a size that would use the 2.5-inch-wide "jelly roll" strips. This redraw resulted in a 10-inch block before finishing, and not including the 2.5-inch sashing I added later. For construction I used the method described by Brigitte Heitland in her "Christmas Star" pattern. This was a free pattern that I no longer find available through her website. The block looks very intricate, but Heitland's con...
2 comments
Read more