Stages of Refinishing a Craigslist Desk

My Free Craigslist Desk



Desk after sanding the top.



Sanded Top

Desk after the first coat of stain on the top and primer on the base.

First Coat of Primer and Stain

Be careful with the stain or your foot may appear to be diseased : )

More to Come....

Crafty Business Card Holder

I found a pattern for a business card holder the other day on Pinterest and though I would give it a try. I used the pattern for the measurements but then tried a couple of different ways of creating it. The woman did have a wonderful idea of using a hair tie for the latch. Here is the link to her pattern:  http://craftycupboard.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-business-card-holder.html

One thing I did different is that I did not use the fusible fleece; a) I didn't have any and b) I thought a piece of cardboard would make the holder more sturdy. So I inserted a piece of cardboard in between my layers.

I cut out all my pieces using the sizing from the above blog. Instead of the fleece I cut a piece of cardboard to be a bit smaller than the lining so there would be room to sew around the cardboard.

I first hemmed the inner pieces as suggested and then attached them to the inner lining. I then sewed three sides of the inner and outer lining together with right sides facing. Then I turned the piece so it would be right side out and then inserted the cardboard. Then I inserted the hair band into the middle of the fourth side and sewed up the fourth side. I folded the piece in half and then sewed a button on the opposite side of the hair tie.

Trial and Error Apron

I've seen some pictures lately of some really cute aprons (not that I'd say I'm really the apron type but whatever). Unfortunately, I couldn't find a good free pattern for an apron, though I hate patterns any way so maybe it's for the best. I decided to wing it. I'll explain my process, though since it was a lot of winging it I'm not sure it'll be too helpful for anyone to follow.

First, I picked out some scrap fabric that I had. I then went to my closet and found a skirt and tank top. I picked a skirt that I liked the shape of and a tank top that was more form fitting. I then laid the skirt down on the denim fabric and traced around the skirt with a fabric pencil. I did the same with the t-shirt though I only traced the sides and bottom. I then cut out both pieces following the pencil marks. For the top of the shirt that I hadn't traced I just cut straight across. 

What I wish I had though of then: fold the skirt in half, and the shirt in half and fold your fabric in half, then trace. This would have allowed for more symmetrical pieces.

I then did a half inch hem line along all sides of my skirt. And a 1/4 inch around my top. (I didn't do a 1/2 inch because I was afraid it would take too much fabric. I then sewed the bottom of my top and the top of my skirt together. In all my precise ways I held the skirt and top up to myself to determine where they needed to connect.

I then purchased some satin blanket binding and some single fold bias tape from Jo-Ann's for the sash and embellishment. Really you can make your own out of fabric but I don't have the patience for tedious tasks.

You can't tell from this picture but I put black bias tape on both sides of the shirt.I then took the black blanket binding and attached it to the upper part of my top. I pinned the binding in between my top and bottom and sewed it to the sides. Make sure you use enough binding. Once again in all my precision I wrapped the binding around my waist to see how much I would need. Sew the ends of your binding so they do not fray.

Then I took the single fold bias tape and attached it to the sides of the top. I made sure there was enough tape so I could pull the apron over my head. After I completed this task I realized that my top was a little loose in the chest area. so I folded the top part in at the sides and sewed it in place. (Remember it's all trial and error here). Next time I would put my neck straps in a little farther initially.

I then took a square ruler and cut out a piece of fabric for a pocket. I did a hem of about 1/2 inch on three sides and 1 inch on the top. I then put the apron on to decide where I would want the pocket. I pinned it in place and then sewed it to the skirt on three sides.

And a few hours later, there you have it. My first, trial by error apron with no pattern. : ) I think it will serve it's purpose.