Jewellery organizer DIY

My dressing table had been a mess for long now. Even though I had made 3 of these jewellery organizers as gifts, didn't get down to making one for self. Finally here it is 

Here are the ones that I made earlier 

Let's do a quick picture tutorial for the same 

I made use of felt 2 layers and pvc book wrapping sheet on top and some bias tape

So what you'll need

1. Felt or fabric , if choosing fabric choose think ones like canvas or interface fashion fabric

2. Plastic pvc wrapping sheet

3. Bias tape , though easier not compulsory you can even use normal fabric strips to bind the edges as they will straight edges

Cut felt into rectangle or square of dimensions you like I had made ones ranging from 12*12 to 16*24

So the grey one I made for self  is 16 * 24 (width * length)

Cut 2 felt pieces . I cut grey in 16 * 24 and black felt for back side in 16 * 21 

3 inches extra in grey felt fabric for flap over . Actually I had cut same dimensions for both black and grey and later added extra 3 inches to add for flap.

Then cut pvc clear plastic sheets  measuring 3.5 * 16 . 4 pieces

Finish the top edges of pvc sheets using bias strips

Then pin each strip of pvc sheets to the grey felt and stitch the on 1/4 inch from the fabric edges

Pin the bias tape onto bottom edge of pvc sheet and top stitch it through pvc sheets as well as felt together 

Add Velcro to the top edge of grey felt and the other half of Velcro on to the black felt. Pin the Velcro and check if alignment of the same is right on both felt pieces

Place right sides of two felt pieces (grey n black) and stitch the 3 sides together. Leaving the top side open

Trim the corners and turn to the felt to right side

Add bias tape loop on top , which can be used to hang the jewellery organiser .

Added buttons at the bottom edge of grey felt so that I can use them as hangers for chains. Go ahead innovate and add as many options to your organizer ! Hope this tutorial was clear enough and helpful . Would like to see your creations made using this tute. Feel free to share the link of your creations in comments sections 

Potli Bag Tutorial

Wanted to share with you all, something special and part of Indian tradition, 'Potli Bag'  as it is known in India is the simple drawstring bag made using regal fabrics like brocade and silk with 'zari' / resham thread embellishments and were used by Royalty. In today's modern world, they continue to be used by 'regal fashioniastas'. It is actually pretty simple to make and can be made in many variatiosn, i am sharing my way of sewing it. Use your imagination to create variations. 

I had earlier posted this at Saturday Mornings as a Guest Post, during the month of March, now its time share it here at my own space - Adithis Amma Sews!

Materials Required

• Main fabric - less than a quarter yard
• Lining fabric - less than a quarter yard
• Satin Ribbon if desired
• Trims for embellishment
• About half an hour of your 'Valuable' time

Read more »

Dice Floor Cushion - Tutorial

Making a Dice Cushion is quite easy! Would you like to make one! Yes! Lets Makes one!

All you need is about 1 yard of 60 inch width fabric or about 1 1/4 yard if you have lesser width fabric
For the Dots or cirlces on the dice, you can make do with leftover fabric, check your Fabric Scrap Stash!

For filling about 1/4 kg of polyfill and rest of filling will be made of cut up fabric scraps!

From Base fabric (I have used Velour)
Cut 6 Squares of 15 * 15 inches dimension (includes 1/2 inch seam allowance on all sides)

In Contrast color fabric (I have used Organza with cotton underlining)

Step 1


Cut 1 Circle of 7 cm diameter (without seam allowance / fold allowance for edges)

Cut 21 circles of 3 cm diameter (without seam allowance / fold allowance for edges)
I had cut 21 circles of 3 cm diameter from the underlining material as well, if you use a thick material to cut your circles, you can get away with just having to 21 circles! Cutting circles are such a pain, i need to get myself a rotary cutter soooon !!!

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Dhoti Pant or Cowl Pant Tutorial

For Sale - Kids Custom Clothing From Adithis Amma Sews- Click Here

Dear Readers,

Here is the Dhoti Pant / Dhoti Salwar / Cowl Pant tutorial as promised.

I have stitched this Dhoti Pant for my Daughter (4.5 yrs); and hence in the picture the tape measures will be relevant to her measurements. Please see the overview draft picture and register the draft with your measurements and then go to the fabric folding and cutting part.

For my Daughter these are measurements i have used

Seat round = 20 inches
inner leg seam length = 14 inches
Total crotch depth = 8 inches
Crotch depth on leg piece = 4.5 inches
waistband height = 3.5 inches + 1 1/4 inch
Waistband width = 24 + 1 inch for seam allowance; I have used single piece with one seam, using the seam joint as Center Back of waist band; you can have waistband in 2 pieces and hence will have 2 seams one each for center front & center back or you may even use them at sides.

Fabric required

For Adults - 2.5 to 3 metres of 44 inch width fabric
For kids - 1 - 1.5 metre of 22 inches of fabric width (44 inch may overwhelm tinty tots <= 6 years; above 7 you can try with full 44 inch width fabric)

Read more »

Guess who is sewing today?

I haven't touched my Sewing Machine in a week now (Yes Believe me! )

Today someone was busy sewing. Any guess as who it is?

My Darling Daughter decided its her turn and got herself a toy 'sewing machine' and is seen here with her new fav.

Chocolate coated Custard

It was Foodie Friday today and i made Custard as in-laws not in town and lots of milk left unused. DD wanted ice-cream and i kind of coaxed her into believing custard was indeed one 'type' of ice-cream, throwed in a few chocolate chips and coated it with chocolate layer on top.

Chocolate coated one for Darling Daughter

Plain custard for grown up 'kids' (Read my hubby & me)

Me Made March Day 17

I did something which i haven't done in years, wore a 'skirt'. This is the first skirt i have worn which has been made by me. (i have made dozens of skirts all of thems for my DD!)

I felt it was quite 'o.k'. What do you think..give me your feedback which may influence the possibility of me wearing skirts in future!

Tutorial for making is twirly skirt (with 2 layers though!) can be found here . I made a skirt for my DD and in the process made the tutorial. Check it out

I have made one more skirt (same fabric) of same style for my sister, still have little fabric left to squeeze in one more little skirt for my daughter, once that is done, shall post the snap of '3 musketeers' in twirly skirts!

Fabric is seersucker cotton, which has been lying around for more than 2 years now! the silver trim i had hoarded long back, fell absolutely in place with this fabric. 

What i love about this skirt - Its very comfy and airy - perfect for blazing summer! and its TWIRLY!

What i hate about this skirt - Well ... NOTHING! hmm at first glance, I was wondering hem should have been extended by couple of inches, but after having worn it, i felt comfortable and confident to lounge around in it!

I have been on a break for past 5 days (short vacation) and wanted to get back to my dear blog ASAP.

I wanted to cover one thing i missed during this break. To make a mention of World Water Day - 22nd March 2001 - Tuesday.

World Water Day

The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. This site started in 2001 as a community space and repository where people can upload their WWD event activities and reports. The theme changes every year for which annual campiagn materials can be found at the UN-Water site by clicking the WWD 2011 logo on the right.

Dear Readers,

Lets do our bit. Save water. Save yourselves and future of your future generations.

Bloggers Day of Silence - For Japan !

Participating in Bloggers day of silence on 18/3/2011 (click the link to know more)

Lets do whatever as much as we can to help people of Japan in their moments of despair.

What arrived in my mail box today?

Guess what arrived in my mail box today .....

ok let me give some clues,

So addictive!
Mesmerizes me !
Can use a mark on it ensure i do not get too lost and need to find my way out!

A book of course where i can use bookmark,i am addicted to books, especially sewing related ones, so here is my latest addition to growing library - Pattern Magic 2 by Tomoko Nakamichi (In English! Wow)

Dear friend of mine, Anandalingam gifted me this, thanks da!

Now i have a problem though, not sure which one to start with i am slightly tilted towards 'Just like a stole' and Ball accordion sleeve and square accordion Jabara.... watch out !

Me Made March - Day 11to15

Hello lovelies,

I am starting from Reverse order i.e., from

Day 15 - Shift Dress with Princess Seam + Fabric Belt with Zipper Flower embellishment

My first ever Shift Dress! Yes! Though i have been using Shift dress pattern to make lot of Indian outfits like Angrakha and Kurtas, i have never made a 'Shift' Dress using the pattern as it is. This is the first one! I love the way it drapes and is very comfy, i will make many more!

Features of the dress are

• Princess seam
• Piped neckline and sleeve hem
• Pleated Vent at the back ( i wish i had the vent even longer by about 2 inches! will do so in the next one)
• Fabric Belt embellished with wrong out Zipper (I had stitched the orange color invisible zipper and then had to rip it apart as it stopped functioning, replaced it with white invisible zipper; i loved the orange color, hence decide to use it as flower embellishment)

Day 14 - Oh so lovely color (somewhat like Olive green blended with dash of cream, Oh i love it!)

The outfit is Churidhaar kameez and i used churidhaar fabric for bodice part which has dart manipulation to cut exactly at bust level

Day 11 - Peasant top which i had made almost 2 years back! I had to wear something and just grabbed this up to wear with Jeans.

Day 12 & 13 - What Happened, well nothing, it was weekend and i was roaming around in my lounge pants. Guess i need to sew a pair to wear atleast for next 2 weekends to be counted for in Me-Made-March

Reach out to Japan Earthquake victims in whatever way you can

Source:  TIME Newsfeed

The first thing on most peoples' minds after they hear the news of a horrific disaster (like the earthquake in Japan) is, what can I do to help?

Even if you're thousands of miles away, there are various ways that you can offer your support to the earthquake and tsunami relief effort. Here are just a few of them:

The Red Cross: The Japanese Red Cross has already deployed 11 national disaster response teams to respond to the crisis but you can support their efforts by donating money. Similar to their efforts to help Haiti after the earthquake in 2010, Red Cross is accepting donations either online or via text message. Simply text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone (you'll be prompted to confirm with a second text reading YES).

Shelterbox: The UK-based organization has 18 international affiliates and it has launched an online fundraiser for the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Shelterbox provides assistance to afflicted countries by delivering large utility boxes that contain a shelter and other emergency relief tools. To donate online, simply go to your country's site and click DONATE.

International Medical Corps: To donate to this global non-profit's Emergency Response Efforts fund, simply go to their site and select the amount you wish to donate (be sure to note if you want your donation to be a "recurring gift" for future relief efforts) and fill in your information.

GlobalGiving.org: Working with other organizations such as the International Medical Corps, D.C.-based organization GlobalGiving has launched the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, which will give aid to on the ground organizations providing emergency services. They are accepting donations online with a funding goal of $90, 000.

Convoy of Hope: This non-profit focuses on disaster relief efforts and you can donate either online at their site or via text message by texting TSUNAMI to 50555 (you'll also be prompted to confirm with a follow up text of YES).

UPDATE: We've been hearing of more organizations that are leading the way in helping victims of the earthquake and tsunami so we'll be updating this list as they come in. If you know of more organizations that are doing great work and need help with donations, aid or volunteers please let us know.

Salvation Army: The Japan branch of the Salvation Army has been working in Tokyo to offer shelter to stranded commuters and they are  reportedly organizing a team to send to Sendai Friday night. They also have their Hawaii branch standing by, ready to help. You can help their relief efforts by texting JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): This medical nonprofit has expanded its team in Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. They currently have teams working in mobile clinics in areas that are inaccessible by road due to damage. You can donate to their Japan Relief fund online here.

Google's Person Finder: The search giant has launched a Japanese version of their person finder tool, so that victims and families can locate and connect with one another in the aftermath. So find a person or offer information about a person, see their site.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/03/11/five-ways-you-can-help-earthquake-and-tsunami-victims-in-japan/#ixzz1GeCkvYCQ


Pray for the People of Japan to recover soon. May god give them strength to revive back. 

Me Made March Days 4 - 10

What happened to Me-Made-March, well it is hot n happening on certain days alongside are those damp squib days thanks to my menstrual cycle due to which i was roaming around in lounge pants mostly and did not bother to pick and choose and wear!

Days 5-8 were off days so lets see what i did wear on Day 4 and on Days 9-10 . I did not manage to take snaps but will share earlier snaps of those dress

On Day 4 i wore this Red Kurta which i made about 8 months ago.



Day 9 was this sublime white n green kurta which made its debut at the Kodai Holiday last year


Day 10 was the Angrakha which still get visitors for its bright colors and unique design. Those interested in making one, can check out the Angrakha Pattern Drafting and Sewing Tutorial


I have made a new dress a churidhaar kameez and hope to wear it soon, and post !

Happy Weekend!

Instant Jalebits Recipe

Once in a while Adithis Amma Cooks as well...so today it was turn to wear my Apron!

This recipe was given to me by my Aunt (Bedhi / Periyamma); My DD does not like sweets much, and one sweet which she likes is Jalebi !

Recipe is as follows

Read more »

Soccer Ball Shape Cushion - Tutorial

For Sale - Kids Custom Clothing From Adithis Amma Sews- Click Here

Soccer Ball Shape Cushion - Made this one for my sister as a gift for her new car. It is small and fits just right in the gap between her car seat curve and her back curve, giving comfort to her back. I had earlier made a Soccer Ball bag using this pattern. 

Please download the PDF files using the link given at the end of the post. After downloading and printing them, cut all the pattern pieces and keep them ready

You can use alternate colors of Pieces A and B. Center piece alone can also be in separate color, choice is yours

I have used pastel color for Center C and  Piece A

Black color for Piece B and D; since i have used felt cloth, i did not feel the need to interface it. If you use delicate fabrics, you may as well interface it

Now lets switch over to the tutorial. Hope you like it.

Step 1: Cut all the required pieces using chosen fabric

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Versatile Blogger Award - My first ever!

I've been given The Versatile Blogger award by Magda Design Studio.  This is my first blog award!  Versatile (adj) means - Capable of doing many things competently. That means a LOT to me! Thank you so much for making this day a special one!

RULES

1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post
2. Tell 7 random facts about yourself
3. Pass the award on to 15 new found bloggers
4. Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

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Guest Post from Saturday Mornings!

Hello all, 


Do you remember my first guest post - Potli Bag Tutorial over at Saturday Morning. Now it is Dana's turn over here @ Adithis Amma Sews. Guest post on a Saturday Morning from Saturday Mornings!!!


Over to Dana!

Hello!  I am so excited to be here!  My name is Dana and I am the author and creative design behind Saturday Mornings!  Come check out my blog!  I want to share with you a post that was written last year.  It was my most viewed post of 2010, and still a favorite!

I once received an old press board chest of drawers that I have used to keep socks and other small items in.  I have always loathed the thing but I needed the space it provided me.  One morning, I vowed to have that piece of junk looking spectacular before nightfall.  Here is the piece, sans drawers, and a picture of the drawers.  At some point in your life, you have more than likely owned something similar.

Read more »

Potli Bag Tutorial - Guest Post at 'Saturday Mornings'

For Sale - Kids Custom Clothing From Adithis Amma Sews-
Click Here

Hello Readers,

Time to share with you my latest tutorial 'Potli Bag'; aha where is it? 

BTW Need feedback from you, Do You Like the new format of Adithis Amma Sews. Constantly trying to improve the 'user friendliness' and 'acessibility' of Adithis Amma Sews Blog design, and today's attempt of change in design was keeping in those lines. What do you think, Please leave your valuable comments, whether you LOVE, LIKE, or HATE (i hope not! fingers crossed) the new format. Thanks in advance for taking your valuable time to let me know about what you think of 'NEW' Look N Feel of Adithis Amma Sews!

Oh where is the Tute? It is not here in Adithis Amma Sews, then where is it, to read it please visit Saturday Mornings, where my 'First Ever' Guest post is up and running! Hope this is the 'First' of many more to come, i would like to interact with more like minded people on the blogging world and share them with my readers and also get to know their readers!

Me Made March - Day 2 & 3

Today is Day 3  of Me-Made-March ... ok i did not post yesterday, coz i had to wait for my hubby to be back from office to take my snap as my photographer (read Darling Daughter) refused to take pictures!

Today i did not take such changes; went to the terrace, set auto-timer on the cam and took the snaps!

I am wearing my first NEW outfit for Me-Made-March ...... Yay! A form of Native Indian Clothing - Churidhaar Suit with A-Line princess seam Kameez

It is a simple, yet elegant Cotton Churidhaar Suit,

Features to flaunt

• Zari embellished Center Front - Used the zari border at the selvedge in such a way that the center front is joined by seam to form the bright Zari work at center front.
• Princess seam;
• Zari Border at hem

Pant is black cotton churidhaar which i had to re-stitch as i had stitched directly by pre-made pattern and when i tried to wear it i realized i had put on bit of weight on my legs and they refused to get in, ... so i had to split open the stitches and put them about 1/4 inch apart from where they were originally!!! I am HAPPY (yes gaining weight is very rare for me...and i am so glad that i have gained whatever little that i have!)

Here is the Back View

Day 2
The Top that was worn yesterday (day 2) was made using leftover material sometime back, refer this post for further details...

Features i like about the Top are

• Material is so comfy!
• Mock Angrakha effect!
• Made using leftover material!

To make up for the not so impressive backgrounds, here is the perfect finish...i love those pencil scrap shaped flowers on my terrace garden! 

Me Made March - Day 1

Me Made March is here! Day 1 has already arrived!

How is my wardrobe doing? ahem... well actually not much of an improvement, in fact none, but i hope to change all that when Me_Made_March progresses further, i have promised myself to make atleast 15 new dresses so that i will wear 15 old ones and 15 new ones this month(1 day off is allowed isn't it ...!!!)

Day 1 - This is what I did get to wear today... remember my Pongal Dress...

Main features of this dress are

• Pleated Yoke
• Shoulder slit Hook closure
• Embellished Cap sleeves with slits

What i love about this dress ...

Oh the cut & flow is so simple yet elegant chic! and did i mention its so comfy to wear!

What I hate about this dress ...


the fact that it is cap sleeve and hence i need to wax my under arms, which i remember only today morning, and did it at home using cold wax and am now having tough time with warts in the arm pit...trust me they are so bad... and cruel!!!