KK Arts and Crafts

Happy pongal

2013-01-14T15:46:00.000+05:30

Just sharing our rangoli for pongal celebrations...

This is my daughter's creation

Behind my silence...

2012-10-07T16:14:00.001+05:30

A newcomer to our family.

We are blessed with a baby girl. The whole family is behind her... I cannot spend much time for my creative works. Though I have something to share with you, I'll update it shortly.

Thank you for your comments and support though I was not very active.

Girls top and pant

2012-08-06T22:32:00.003+05:30

I made this top and pant to gift my neighbour's one year old daughter, for her first birthday.

The top is made from silk cotton fabric, the pant is plain pintuck cotton fabric. It is a sleeveless top with back open. I made some flowers using scrapes to embellish the top

Flower details...

The closer view of the top...

The back...

Hope you love this... Thank you very much for visiting my blog though I am not very active. Meet you soon with another creative work...

I am linking this to the parties here

Art from waste- Coconut shell painting

2012-05-18T20:03:00.000+05:30

My daughter is enjoying her summer holidays. At times she is not interested in her regular games and so we are back to our craft work.

This time it is an art from waste- Coconut shell painting.

It is very simple.

Take a coconut shell and scrub the fiber around it and make the surface smooth by rubbing it with salt paper.( Children need our help to do this)
Apply a coat of white paint.
Let it dry.

Draw any designs of your wish and paint it with the colors you love. I have used simple shapes, so that it is easy for my daughter to paint.
I have used enamel paint. You can also use fabric paint, if so then, give a coat of clear varnish.
I have not painted inside, so the bowl can be used as snack bowl.

The front and the back view....

I am linking this to the parties here and

Please visit Blogger Kootam to know more about summer craft month.

A new dress

2012-05-04T19:32:00.000+05:30

Little busy with some other work and couldn't concentrate much in sewing, blogging or other crafts, but I did some embroidery work. I made this dress for my daughter, after her birthday dress. Hope this suits for this hot summer...

Sequin work with chain stitch and back stitch. The material is the blouse material which comes along with the saree.

Details of the sequin work...

Linking this to the parties here.

Her birthday dress...

2012-03-21T20:32:00.000+05:30

This year I kept it simple, since I can't spend much time in sewing and I finished this dress in two days, one day for drafting and the next day for sewing. The material itself glitters more, so no embellishment expect the ruffles at the waist line. Hope you can remember this material, once I made a skirt and top for my cousin with this. I loved the material very much and got the same for my daughter.

About the headband, I made two flowers and joined them to make a big one. I like this flower headband and have plans to make some more bands with scraps. If possible I will try to write a tutorial when I making the next one. Hope you too like this...waiting to hear your comments. Thank You

Neck design

2012-02-17T17:49:00.000+05:30

This week's TAST challenge is detached chain stitch(lazy daisy). It is one of my favourite stitch. I made a decorative neck design using herringbone and detached chain in my blouse. The back ground in the picture is the saree, I have used some matching green color beads.

Close up...

One of my work with detached chain stitch done some time back...

Baby dresses

2012-02-09T17:30:00.001+05:30

The dresses I made for my sister's new born daughter. I couldn't go for shopping to buy new materials, so I used the materials from my stash.

My favourite red and white

the back...

Reversible dress with matching nappy covers.

I got the idea for the reversible dress from vani's blog, the link is here

Silk cotton top decorated with hand embroidery. I love the small bows at the shoulders...

Simple cotton tops...

The dress I made for my friend's daughter...

I am linking this to the parties here

பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் - pongal greetings

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000+05:30

உலகு எங்கும்

வாழும் தமிழர்கள் அனைவர்க்கும் எனது

இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்

இந்த தை திருநாளில் உங்கள் இல்லத்தில்

மகிழ்ச்சியும் நிம்மதியும் பெருகட்டும்.

Wish you a Happy Pongal

I have made something...

2012-01-10T16:18:00.000+05:30

Hello friends,

Wish you all a happy new year...

I was little busy, so a quite blogger for few weeks. There were some guests and I was sewing some dresses for my sister's new born daughter. We are going to our native to meet her this weekend and will celebrate pongal festival at my mother's home. very excited about it....

I have to make some more dresses ...

Its long since I want to make a purse. I was looking for the tutorials and two days ago, I got an easy one.

Today I tried to make it and succeeded...

I used the same fabric for outer and lining.

Though it was not very perfect, I love it.

If you want to make one, then the tutorial is here. Thank you very much for your comments and support. It means a lot for me.

Bridal blouse

2011-12-13T16:37:00.002+05:30

As I said you earlier, here are the pictures of the bridal blouse I made for my sister's wedding. The wedding saree is traditional reddish maroon color silk saree .

The knots at the back are detachable.

The sleeves...

I am linking this to the parties here

Update:

Featured at

Giveaway @ Adithis Amma Sews

2011-12-13T16:19:00.000+05:30

Check the fabulos giveaway at Adithis Amma Sews. She is giving away a beautiful leather bag. Open to international visitors....Visit her blog to grab it....

Karthigai-the festival of lights

2011-12-11T10:43:00.001+05:30

The rangoli and diyas...

Banded yoke top/frock tutorial

2011-11-28T19:38:00.000+05:30

The draft contains two part, the yoke and the body. It is open at back for easy in and out. It is easy to make. Any one who knows how to finish a neck line can make this top/frock. Here I have made a frock, to see how the top looks click here.

Take a basic draft for top.

Measure the shoulder, here it is 2.5 inches.

Mark a band around the neck with the width 2.5 inches as shown in the picture.

Cut the band, this is the yoke and the other part is the body. Preserve the body part we need it later.

TO MAKE THE YOKE

FIGURE-A

(click to view larger)

Fold the yoke as shown in the picture. Keep the yoke on fold(4 layers, this will result 2 yoke pieces).
Mark it with 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Cut it.
This should result an oval as in the picture

FIGURE-B

(Click to view larger)

Keep the pieces such that right sides faces each other and stitch along the outer edge as in the picture.
After stitch the outer edge, the yoke band looks as in picture 2
Make some cuts along the outer edge.
Turn the band to the right side and press it.

FIGURE - C

(Click to view larger)

Follow the figure C to fold the yoke and find the center part at the back side of the yoke. Cut it, it is the open at the back for button or zip. The yoke is now ready.

TO MAKE THE BODY

Breadth of the body=Chest+Extra inches for

pleats+ seam allowance

Height= as you wish

If you are going to make a top, 3 inches for pleats is enough, here I am making a frock so I have taken 6 inches (Note note the draft is placed on folded material so 6 inches means 12 inches)

Therefore the,
breadth= Chest+12 inches+seam allowance

Hope I am clear....Make the back in the same way.

Finish the armhole with bias strips.

I have used box pleats in the front(you can also use knife pleats) and knife pleats at the back. Cut the desired length at the center of the back piece for open

The body is ready.

Now we have to attach the yoke with the body. Stich the yoke such that it overlaps the body.

I have made some running stitches instead of using pins.

Join both the front and back with the yoke.

FIGURE-D

Attach the back and front with the yoke.
Finish the back opening..
Finish the neck with piping or as you wish.
Stitch the button holes and buttons.(sorry the numbers 3 and 4 should be interchanged in the figure)

The dress is almost ready. Join the sides and add ruffles if you wish.

I have added some lace in the neck line and decorated the yoke with small crochet flowers and beads

NOTE:

Material requirement( for 41/2 yrs old)

    yoke: less than 1/2 meter
      ( you may require more material if you making ruffles
      with the same material)

      body(skirt):1/2 meter

You can decorate the edge using lace instead of ruffles.
Instead a 'back open', you can make it at the shoulders.
You can use an interface, if you want the yoke to be more stiff.

Hope I am clear and if you have any doubts feel free to ask me. Thank you for your wonderful support and comments, it drives me to create more. Meet you soon...

I am linking this to the parties here

Update:
Featured at

My little 'SUN'

2011-11-14T10:57:00.001+05:30

The children's week celebrations -

the theme given was "Celestial buddies". I made this simple sun costume and a mask, using yellow chart, painted some orange color in it. I pasted some scraps to make it glitter...

The close up....

This too for the children's week celebrations...

a grandmother.

Her teacher requested me to send her like a grandmother, she too was happy but embarrassed a little as her friends would call her 'Paati'. Later when her teacher appreciated, she was happy and had fun.

Thats what I really wanted...

I want her to be happy always.

Happy children's day

Deepavali dress

2011-11-07T20:56:00.000+05:30

Hello friends, I am here after a short break....I was little busy with the family function(my sister's marriage) and then the festival. But there are many things to share with you. I designed the bridal blouse for my sister and a pattu paavadai for my daughter. Yet to receive the photos from my brother, so I'll post it later.

And now the deepavali dress I designed for my daughter..

the back....

I just started it the day before the festival, so I kept very simple to finish it fast. Since the material is plain, I used some stones and beads to decorate and stitched motifs in the skirt.

the details...

Looking forward for your comments... Keep watching for

the tutorial - top with banded yoke. I will finish it in a couple of days.

Linking to the parties here

Wish you all a Happy and safe Deepavali

2011-10-26T18:21:00.000+05:30

Shirred dress/top tutorial

2011-09-15T16:12:00.001+05:30

Last week I made this shirred dress for my dd. You can make this in just half hour time. No pattern...no draft... easy. I am sharing it with the photos, so that you can make one if you wish...

Take the fabric piece of breadth 40 inches(double the chest measurement) and length as you wish.

Hem the edge...

Fold the other edge twice and press. You can make a stitch over it if needed, but I have not.

Now, the shoulder straps...

Take a strip of cloth 4 inches wide and 18 inches long.

1. Fold it and stitch along the side.

2. you will get a fabric tube

3. Turn it inside out.

4. Press it.

5. Cut it in to two equal parts, the shoulder straps are ready.

Pin the shoulder straps to the dress (at the edge folded and pressed) as shown...

To attach the shoulder straps, fold the dress, mark 5 inches from the sides and pin the straps...Do the same for the back side also.

I have marked lines to make my stitches straight. I have stitched 5 lines from the top each 2 inches apart. you can decrease this to have more shirring.

Now load your bobbin with the bobbin elastic and first stitch the top most edge where we have attached the shoulder strap.

Stitch the other lines in the same way... Join the sides...

And the dress is ready to wear. Isn't it so simple?

Variations:

* If you don't have enough cloth then you can cut two pieces, back and front.

But join them before you stitch the hem, to get a neat finish.

* You can reduce the length and make it as a top,to match legging or even a jeans pant

* You can add ruffles or laces to the hem to enhance its beauty.

*While shirring don't forget to back stitch at the beginning and at the end to secure the stitches.

Hope I am clear with the steps, if not feel free to ask me ...
Next post will the banded yoke top tutorial, so keep watching...
Thanks for the lovely comments you give me.

I am linking this to the parties here

Update:

Featured at

One more dress...

2011-08-12T13:41:00.001+05:30

One more dress for my daughter. I am crazy with dots, particularly in red and white.

She was not in the mood for photo shoot, we I asked again she told 'Only one' and I got this precious snap. I also made a matching head band.

The back and front view...

The dress I made for here with the similar material before four years. I think the red color looks beautiful on her...

Thank you for your comments and support. It means a lot to me.

I am linking this to the parties here

Top with banded yoke

2011-07-27T16:32:00.006+05:30

I had half meter of this fabric, just enough to make a top. But I want to make a different one. I have seen the banded yoke design in showrooms. I thought I would try it. Of course it was very easy and I took just one hour to draft and stitch this top. The length can be increased to make a frock.

Back view...

It would be more pretty if the yoke is made in contrast color. I have a plan to make one such.

I just love the top, the way it turned out. It makes a perfect match for her leggings. If you wish to have the tutorial inform me, I would prepare a mini tutorial when I make another top with contrast yoke.

I am linking this to the lovely parties here and

My first interview!

2011-07-23T22:16:00.001+05:30

Hello friends...

My first interview is here , Janelle of Of Pinks and Fairy Tales had made this. She is meeting crafty people every wednesday along with the blog hop creating sucess all around the world . I am glad I was one among them. . Check her blog to know more...

Thank you Janelle. Thank you to all who time to read my blog and support me through comments.

Crochet top

2011-07-02T23:31:00.001+05:30

I finished this top some time back. I saw this stitch while browsing. It was a free afghan pattern. I like the stitch, so made a top using it.

I love the way it turned out...

I have made some crochet tops earlier, but this is the first time I making it with sleeves.

I love the scallop edges, so I made it for the neck too...

Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post. It means a lot to me.

I am linking to the parties here.

Stencils for fabric painting-Tutorial

2011-06-17T12:39:00.005+05:30

Hi friends, I am back with a fun project. If your kids love colors then they would really enjoy doing this.

Things required:

OHP sheet
OHP marker
Punch machine
fabric colors
sponge
Scissors or cutter
Dress material for printing

Step 1:

Draw any simple design in a white paper and trace it in the OHP sheet using OHP marker. I have chosen the traditional mango design. We are going to make holes using punch machine, so mark the points where we have to make holes. The holes must be at even distance, so take care while marking the points.

Step 2:

Make holes using the punching machine along the points marked.

Leave some space around the design and cut it.

Your stencil is now ready for painting...

step 3:

Take the required color, load the sponge piece with the color.

Step 4:
Keep the stencil over the cloth, hold it firmly and apply the color slowly over the stencil.

Step 5:
Carefully remove the stencil, you can see the design painted in the cloth.

Tips:

Remove starch from the cloth before painting.
Try it once or twice in a waste cloth before painting it in your dress material

Take care while making holes, if the holes are placed very near or very far then, the design will not be clear.
Always take adequte amount of paint. If not the design will be spoiled. This is what happened to me.

You can also try with two colors like this

You can use this method to decorate greeting cards, pot etc

I made top for my daughter with this material.

She was very happy to wear this, since she painted it.

Hope you like this. Thanks very much for your comments and support.

I am linking this to the parties here , Todays creative blog, home stories at OZ, Artsy-craftsy july 2011

Update:
featured at

Fabric roses from scraps

2011-05-15T19:16:00.014+05:30

We all love roses. Isn't it? I too...this is what we made last week.

Fabric roses from Scraps

Believe me, these roses are made from fabric scraps.

If you love this and want to make your own, then you will require

fabric scraps of any length. Cut them 1.5" wide.
flower making strings.
green tape.
matching threads
Scissors.
sewing machine(not shown in the picture). Just you have to sew a straight line and not more than that.

procedure...

To make fabric tube:

The main step is to make fabric tube using the scraps. You can do this in two methods. I have explained both the methods, you can follow which ever is easy to you.

Method 1:

step 1:

Fold the scrap 1/4 inches on both the sides and press them

step 2:

Again fold it as shown in the figure and press it.

step 3:

Sew a straight line along the folded edge. Now the fabric tube is ready to make the rose.

Method 2:

step 1:

Fold the scrap and sew a straight line along the edges as shown.

Step 2:

Turn the fabric tube inside out using any sharp objects. Usually I use my knitting needle.

Step 3:

Press the tube flat and the fabric tube is ready.

Procedure to make rose

Step 1:

The method is same as used to make roses from satin ribbons.

Hold the fabric as shown in the picture.
Fold the ends left and right alternatively.
Holb the fabric tube firmly and pull only one end of the fabic tube, till you get the shape of the rose.

Step 2:

Cut the remaining fabic tube. Knot it with the matching thread.

Step 3:

To make stem, cut the wire to the required length.
Tie the wire, with the rose using the matching thread.
Wrap the green tape around the wire.

Now the rose is ready to decorate your vase

This rose can be used in many ways. They can used in the neck line in girls tops, to decorate hair clips and so on...You creative ladies will find more to do with this roses.

Note: I am linking this post to the parties here

Update:

Featured at:

Sewing for summer-3

2011-04-27T13:47:00.002+05:30

Hello friends, I am back with another pink in sewing for summer series...

the peasant top

I was looking this, for a long time. when I found a tutorial, I couldn't wait to make one. It just took half an hour to finish it. My daughter is also comfortable with it. Since I am making this for the first time, I didn't try any variations.

Some eye candies....

clicked during the last visit to my mom's home.

Hope you enjoy it!

The link to the peasant top tutorial is here. Thank you for the comments and support. The next post describes something to do with scraps, keep watching.

I am linking this to the parities here.