Sleeping Bag for Doll or Stuffed Animal

Last minute Gift Idea

 

Want to add a little something for that little someone? 

This doll sleeping bag, pillow, and pillowcase are simple to stitch.

 

This is great for at 18" doll or any special stuffed animal your child loves. 

 

What you will need:

2 different fabrics  and batting cut 25" x 17"

thread to match

 

Directions:

1.  After cutting fabric and batting rectangles, using a coffee mug as a template trace a curve at the bottom of fabric rectangle.  Looke at photo below.

2.  With batting on wrong side of top fabric sew horizontal lines through both layers.  Look at photo below.  (I stitched approximately 5" from bottom and 5"  from top).

3.  With right sides together stitch around using 1/2" seam allowance.  Leave opening at top of bag for easy turning. 
4.  Stitch opening closed.
5.  Measure approximately 7" from top.  Begin sewing to secure sleeping bag together. 

Having a little fabric left over, thought the sleeping bag required a matching pillow.  Stitch around 2 pieces measuring 8" x 6.5" leaving a small opening for turning.  Stuff with fiberfill or scraps of left over batting (being frugal, this is what I did).  Hand stitch opening closed.

Great gift for that special little someone. 

 

I've made these for boys and girls with a matching pillowcase. 

To personalize it:  add doll/stuff animal name to sleeping bag with iron on letters.  Add childs name to cuff of pillowcase with same technique.

 

Enjoy and Happy Gift Making/Giving!

Wine Tote

 

This is a fun and quick little gift.  Made each of these in less than 30 minutes.  I added some extra holiday spirit to one of them.  Used McCall's pattern 6338 for the cutting pattern as a guide. Didn't follow the pattern directions, but you could.   Made these reversible.  Following pattern directions you will not have a reversible tote.

You will need approximately 3 pieces of 12" x 40" fabric for tote, lining, and fleece.  I used cotton blend fabric for the red tote and home decorating fabric for the yellow tote.  Stitched tote using 0.5" seams, but 0.25" seams would work fine too.

For the yellow tote, I used coordinating fabric for the lining.  Embroidered on the front. 

For the red tote, I used a strip of black fabric cut two 2.5" x 10" and a yellow 0.25" single fold bias tape (I made my own strip out of scrap fabrics).  Place the black fabric and sew into place.  Next using the yellow bias tape fold it making a square/belt buckle.  Stitch into place.  Now construct the body of the tote.

Directions: 
1.  Fold fabric like it states in the pattern directions, however before cutting fold it again (top of fabric to bottom).  This way you don't have to sew a seam at the top of the handle.  You will be cutting through 4 layers of fabric for front and again for the lining and fleece.

2.  If making Santa belt sew black and yellow fabrics at this time.  I used 2 black fabric strips to make it look like belt all around tote.  Yellow strip for buckle on the front side of tote.

3.  I didn't use fusible fleece, but used regular fleece and stitched around fleece holding it into place.  I stitched this to the back side of the front of the tote.  (In place of fleece, I've used thin/light weight batting, sweatshirt material, and/or old towel.  All with success). 

4.  Stitch sides and bottom of tote.  Do this for the lining too. 

5. Stitch corners of tote and lining like my other bags I've posted.  However, being that this is a wine tote, I drew a pencil line on the fabric around the bottle and stitched on this pencil line.  This gives bag a curve and bottle sits in nicely.

6.  With right sides together of tote and lining, stitch one side of handle matching seams.  Right side out and iron.  Stitch close to seam.

7.  Fold and iron 0.5" seam allowance of other side of handle.  Sew into place. 

 

Enjoy!

Quilt As You Sew

 

We sponsor a family at work every year for the holiday season.  This year the family had requested blankets for children.  Being that they have a 6mo little boy, a crib size quilt was in my thoughts to sew.  Never doing this technique before, thought this would be a great time to try.   Having a deadline for gifts to be at work so they could be delivered to the family this technique is quick.  Had if finished with time to spare.  Will be using this technique again.  Didn't have a pattern so I just used some creativity.  Didn't turn out exactly what I was thinking, but it will make for a nice gift.

 

Directions:

Backing fabric.  I used a 42" x 36" piece.

Batting:  cut at least 2" larger on all sides.

Train fabric:  cut 4 - 4" x 42"

green on green fabric print:  cut 4 -  3" x 42"

white fabric:  cut 4 -  2" x 42"

blue on blue printed fabric:  cut 4 - 1.5" x 42"

binding edge fabric:  cut 4 - 2.25" x 42"

 

With backing fabric wrong side up; lay batting on top of back fabric. 

Lay 1st strip of fabric right side up. 

Take 2nd strip of fabric and lay in on top of 1st strip right sides together.  Stitch in place. 

Iron seam flat after sewing each strip. 

Stitch next strip of fabric and continue until complete. 

Square up edges.

Sew binding strips together for a continuous 2.25" long strip.  Fold binding strip in half. 

Attach and sew binding into place. 

Handstitch binding to backside of quilt. 

Place quilt label on back.

 

Crafters note:  If I would have thought this design through, I would have started in the middle and stitched towards the outside.  Will have to remember when sewing the next one.

 

 

Happy Quilting

 

9 x 13 Casserole Dish Carrier & Hot Pad

 

McCalls pattern 6177 is simple and easy to sew.  After I made this, my daughter even gave it  a try and did beautifully.   The only thing I did different was use pattern piece 2.  Instead of sewing my own quilted fabric, I opted for purchasing already quilted fabric.  Saved time and $$.   Cut none from pattern piece 1, but cut 2 from pattern piece 2 on fold like directions.  Doing it this way, you will only use 1 yard of each fabric.  

 

From cutting the fabric and sewing, this project took me less than 1 hr to complete.  Depending on fabrics used; this is reversible too.  Can't wait to make more.

 

Having some fabric left over and creative juices running; it was time to make a matching pot holder.  This pattern isn't included in the packet of 6177.  It is an original. 

 

Cut 2 quilted pieces and 1 floral piece into 7" squares.  Cut a floral piece 6" by 3".  Make a bias strip by ironing it and sewing open long edge together to secure.  Form a loop and place at corner of pot holder.  Sewing wrong sides together leaving a small opening for turning.  I used 1/2" seam allowances for both projects.  You could use 1 square of the quilted fabric.  The only reason I didn't was because I wanted it to be a little more insulated.  Clip corners and turn right side out.  Stitch around pot holder approx 1/4" from outer edge to finish.

 

For traveling with carrier slip pot holder over dowel handles.  When you get to your destination, you will have pot holders to move your dish to the table. 

 

Before sewing carrier,  personalize it by embroidering surname 1 1/2" to 2" from top edge of handle.  Find center of potholder before sewing and embroider initial in center for a personalized look. 

 

Enjoy! 

Happy Pot-Luck/Carry-In

No Sew Quilted Ornament

 

 

 

What can you do with scrap fabrics, glue, styrofoam ball or other shape, and a bobby pin?

 

You make an ornament.

 

As I looked at my scraps (you never toss any scraps away no matter how small they are because there is always something you can do with them),  a memory of my aunts Christmas Tree came to mind.  35+ years ago she had made these ornament for GEMS.  I remember her telling my mom how she assembled them.  Racking my brain this is what I came up with.  Have no idea where she had gotten the idea or pattern for these, but they are quick and anyone could do it.  No crafting experience necessary.  I'm sure the story will come out Thanksgiving Day.

 

Directions:  Pick 3 or more different patterns of scrap fabrics.  Cut a manageable size of scrap; taking the bobby pin push edge of fabric into styrofoam shape.  Take another piece of fabric and push fabric into edge covering more of the styrofoam.  Continue until styrofoam is completely covered. 

 

When completely covered glue end or bobby pin and insert it into styrofoam to form a hook for hanging.  Cut a piece of ribbon or decorative string and loop.

 

This ornament took less than 10 minutes to cover a 3" styrofoam ball.

 

Enjoy!  Happy Crafting.

 





Jean Purse

 

 

Couldn't let the jeans just sit there, after shortening jeans into shorts/bermudas.  With the church bazaar around the corner, thought of some little purses.  I still have some jean left over and planning something with those in the near future. 

 

Directions:  1.  From bottom of jean measure 8" and cut. 

                  2.  Lay cuff over scrap fabric folded in half.  Cutting on fold; cut 1/4 larger

                       than jean (this is to give fabric for seam allowance.  The bottom of your 

                       fabric is the folded end. 

                

 

3.  Stitch sides of lining using 1/4" seam allowances.

4. Cut 1" square out of bottom as shown below out of lining and jeans. This will form a

    base for the purse.

5.  Fold cut edge together shown in below picture and stitch using 1/4" seam allowance. 
     Do same for lining.
6.  Right side jean and insert liner so wrong sides are together.

 

7. Cut two 2 3/4" X 13" of scrap fabric.  Sew along long side with right sides together. 

    Inside right.  These will be the handles.

8.  Place handles and tack into place.

9.  Make sure liner is snug to bottom of purse.  With raw edges of liner carefully fold them

     and stitch into place.

10. Embelish as desire.

 

This makes cute little bags with free items around the house.  The button flower was a piece of fabric sewn like the handles, however bunching the fabric and secured with a button. 

 

Enjoy and keep sewing. 

Jeans Get New Life

 

 

This is such a simple technique.  As you can see my the picture, my daughter has plenty of room in the waist.  You just have to love elastic and button waists.  Wish we would have had this when I was a kid.  To find waist and length to actually fit can be so difficult and trying of ones patience. 

 

1.  Had daughter try on her pants so she could tell me how long her shorts should be.  Then I snipped a little so I could do the actually cutting on my cutting mat.

2.  After cutting, run a zigzag stitch at the bottom edge.  (If I owned a serger, this would be a great place to use it.)

3.  Cuff the end to finish.  Iron with some spray starch.  Tack into place.

 

She is thrilled to have a few new shorts and it didn't cost me anything.  Altered these in less than 10 minutes.  This time she wanted the hem cuffed.  I've done this in the past with a ribbon trim and it looks adorable.  In fact, we saw a pair of bermuda shorts just like them with the ribbon trim for $40 in a store window.  My daughter was impressed; knowing we spent $2.75 on 2" wide ribbon.



 



Table Topper

 

 

 

Thought I had used up all my blue scraps, but apparently they breed.  Found more as I looked for scraps for sewing items for our church bazaar.   I have never sewn triangles before, so thought this would be fun to try and another way to use up scraps.  Don't look to close, my points aren't great, but not bad for the first attempt. 

 

This table topper measures 22" finished.

 

First cut strips of fabric 3" lengths.  Then using a ruler or make your own template and make triangles. You will need 24 light colored triangles and 72 dark colored triangles (or if you choose just cut total of 96 triangles and arrange any way you prefer). 

Cut 2.25" strip of fabric approx 90" long to form bias edge.  Fold and press bias strip in half.  Attach when ready to finish edge of topper.

Ok, wasn't thinking when I started sewing to take a picture before piecing it all together, but then I didn't have a pattern and just started sewing triangles.


Think of the triangles as a slice of pizza.  Center has 6 individual triangles, but you first lay 1 down.  Sew a row of 3 triangles, row of 5 triangles and  a row of 7 triangles together.   Now sew your "slice" matching seams.  You will make 6 "slices".  Take 3 of the "slices" and matching seam sew them together.  You will end up with 2 sections.  Again matching seams, sew the 2 sections together to form a hexagon. 

Layer 3/4 yard fabric for backing, batting, and top.  Hold all layers in place with safety pins. 

You can get as fancy with your stitching as you would like, however, I can barely quilt so I stitch in the ditch.  You can stitch the top any way you choose.  Be creative start in in the center working towards the outer edge.

 

Once you have the layers sewn together, attach the bias strip that you prepared earlier.  Trim excess batting and back fabric.  Fold over bias strip and attach by hand stitching to back side of topper.

If you want your topper bigger, just add another row or two to your "slice".  After I finished, thought it would be neat to attach more hexagons to make a large quilt for the bed or to wrap up in with a good book.  May have to attempt that at a later date.  Did have enough fabric to make two for the bazaar.  Enjoy!



2L Flowergirl Basket

 

A daughter of a co-worker is getting married and needed flowergirl baskets and couldn't find something they liked or within their budget.  This did the trick.  We made 2 baskets for less than $12.  

 These are so easy and can be made without a stitch if you prefer.  If not sewing it, where the directions say to sew just fold raw edge of fabric over to hide it.  Using fabric glue or hot glue hold seam into place.  You will need a 2L bottle, approx 12" x 18" batting, and approx 3/4 yard fabric of your choice for each basket.

The first time I made this type basket was 24 yrs ago.  Don't remember where the original pattern came from.  Have made these out of satin, cotton, cotton blend, and netting.  Have sewed these and have used a non-sew technique; both with success. 



2L soda/pop bottle washed and dry. Measure approx 4.5" from bottom of bottle and cut with utility knife. Cut a handle approx 1" wide. Toss the top portion of bottle or use it as a funnel.

  
Cut a 14" x 7" rectangle of fabric.  Sew short seam right sides together.  Fold over basket like a cuff and hot glue/fabric glue into place. Cut a 4" circle out of batting and out of cardboard (I used an old cereal box).  Glue batting circle to cardboard.  Cut a 6" square/circle of fabric.  Glue fabric to back side of cardboard.

Place circle inside bottle basket.

Cut fabric 12" x 2.75" for handle.  Sew right sides together at long edge.  Right side out.  Place plastic handle inside fabric sleeve.  Glue into place.  (Hold handle into place with clothes pins until drys)

 Cut two 15" diameter circles keeping wrong sides together (I use my pinking shears for this for a prettier finish, but a straight scissor works great too). Sew or glue approx 1.75 yards of lace  between layers of fabric.    Cut a 10" circle of batting.  Place batting on top of fabric circle.  You could sandwich batting between layers too.  Not sure why I didn't but afterwards I attached the lace it was too late.

With a rubberband, hold all layers together.  Adjust fabric circle as needed.

Cut 4.5 yards of ribbon your choice of width into 3 equal lengths.  Attach to basket with a nice bow.  Carefully attach ribbon with glue.  Embellish any way you would like. 

Enjoy!

This could be transformed into a graduation, Easter, house warming, etc. gift basket. 

 Just fill with trickets and goodies. 

.

Reversible Pillowcase Book Bag

This is the fastest and cheapest reversible bag I've ever made.  Found pillowcases at a local store selling for $1 a pair.  Creative juices in tow; I thought of a book bag would be great for these.

1.  Take 2 pillowcases either the same print or mix and match.  This bag is reversible so have fun with it. 

I played around with the curve and length of the handle.  Personal preference.  Have fun with it. 

2.  Fold pillowcases in 1/2.  Cut to preference.  Open. 

3.  Using 1/2" seams and right sides together, stitch curved edges together.  Leave open at handle. 

4.  Right side out. 

5.  This is a little tricky, but it works.   With right sides together at handle stich top of handle.

6.  With wrong sides together stitch along seams to reinforce. 

Your bag is complete. 

  

Enjoy!

Paper Box Making

I've been making these boxes for years out of discontinued wallpaper sample books and wrapping paper scraps, but you can use any type of paper or cardstock you choose.  Not sure where this pattern first originated, but a woman from church who taught GEMS gave me the pattern.

This box finished size is approx. 4" x 4" x 2".  I started with two 12" square papers.

What you will need:  ruler, pencil, scissors and 2  square papers of your choice, tape/glue optional.

1.  With your ruler draw a diagnal line from opposite corners on the backside of the paper.  You now have an X drawn on the backside.

2.  Fold corners meeting at center of X as shown.

 3.  Fold straight edges meeting at center.  Open as shown below.

 4.  Cut  on fold line to next fold line.  Look at below picture.  There will be four cut marks.

 5.  Fold open as shown below.

6.  Fold in corner at fold line.  Flap from above will hold it together when you fold it over.

 7.  If desired, tape or glue to secure.

8.  Do the same for the bottom of box.  However, trim the bottom box 1/4" smaller to start.

9.  Embellish with ribbons and/or anyother items you would like. 

It takes me longer to embellish it than making the box.



Wristlet Bag

This small bag was used from my scraps.  Can't let those scraps pass by. Only had to buy a zipper (and bought that 1/2 off). 

Found this pattern in Quilts and More issue Spring 2011

Like most things I've crafted, I don't always follow the directions to the letter and make it my own, however the insertion of the zipper was a new way for me.  I liked it.

You could patchwork it like this one or use a 2 pieces of 6.5" x 9.5" of fabric.

What you will need: 

Scraps of fabric to make 2 - 6.5" x 9.5" rectangles for the outside of the bag.

2 - 6.5" x 9.5" rectangles for the liner.

2 - 6.5 x 9.5" rectangles of heaveyweight interfacing (sew in or fusible both work fine).

10" zipper

2.5" x 12" fabric for handle or use 1/2" x 12" piece of single fold bias tape. 

Quicker yet; use a 12" piece of ribbon.  (I used my scraps)

Directions:

If making yours from a solid piece of fabric or if you have patchworked fabric together to form a new piece of fabric meausing 6.5" x 9.5".  Using a small plate of mug as your template; round the bottom edges.

 

Following picture above, make a small pleat at the rounded edges of liner, interfacing, and outside fabrics.

Either sew your interfgacing to the liner or iron it into place.

For handle:  If you have used bias tape, just sew the long side together closed.  If you are making yours out of scraps, make it into a bias piece of fabric by ironing it in half and then folding the edges into the middle seam.  Iron together and sew long seam together.

Place handle approx. 1.5" from top edge of one of the outside rectangles of fabric.  Tack into place.

Adding a the zipper; sandwich the closed zipper between the lining and outside fabrics (fabrics righ sides facing together).  Pin to hold all 3 items together.  Using a zipper foot sew using a .25" seam.  Do this again to form the other side of the bag.

With outside fabrics facing up and zipper in place, Topstitch 1/8" from zipper.  This will keep zipper from getting stuck into the fabric while in use.

Open zipper approx 1/2 way.  With right sides together layer bag outside fabric and lining pinning edges.  Sew along outside edges.  Reinforcing zipper.  Clip excess zipper if needed.  Leave enough of an openting at the bottom for turning.  Don't forget not to sew the handle.  It should be tucked inside for this step. 

Turn right side out.  Stitch lining closed. 

You now have a cute little Wristlet.

Ready for Spring

Thought it was time to make a bag and what fun colors for spring.

Used McCalls pattern M6338.

  This pattern has a seam at the bottom.  I wanted to avoid a bottom seam.  Personal preferance, but feel it's a bit stronger not having a seam there. 

When cutting piece 6.  I folded the fabric another time so as not to have a bottom seam.  This also made the need for handles to be cut longer or you could seam them on the bottom of bag anyway.  I cut them longer and attached them like the pattern stated, however under the fabric bow is where the raw edges of the handles meet. 

This bag took me about 2 hrs to make.  Many of the girls at work are wanting one.  We may just be having a bag party soon.

Enjoy!

Biscuit Quilting

Years ago, a friends mom showed me this technique and wal-la. 

20 years ago I made a queen sized quilt using 6" squares.  You can use any size squares you would like.  Just remember whatever size the top square is cut, cut the smaller one at least 1" smaller.  Be creative and use any color combination and arrangement.  This quilt was made with my "leftovers".  Chintz, Cotton, Cotton blends, Corduroy all work well with this technique.

This may be a bit intimidating, but it really isn't.      

This lap size quilt was made from scraps of fabric I had from other projects.  It didn't cost me a cent. 

To make this size you will need:
    1.   Cut 4" squares of fabric for a total of 272 squares.
    2.   Cut 3" squares of fabric for a total of 272 squares.
    3.  Polyfil (stuffing)
    4.  Backing fabric and fabric for binding edge.

Join 4" and 3" squares together.

 Pin the 4" square to the 3" square together right side up.  You will have to pleat the 4" square in the center or ease the fabric to fit however you would like.  Your finished square will end up being 3".  You can either stitch the three sides together or leave it pinned.  Add a small amount of fiberfil into each square "pocket" and pin/stitch closed.

I kept my squares pinned and joined another square together.  Join squares filled with polyfil.  When you have the size of quilt you want, finish quilt with batting, backing fabric, and binding edge to your liking.  Enjoy!

Organizing

My attempt to reorgainze part of my life.  Made a jewelry holder for the back side of my closet door. 

First I went to my local hardware store and bought Wren Wire (a stiff square type wire).  This came in 2' x 4' rolls. 

2.  Cut it to size, fitting it to a frame.  Tack wire to frame using staple gun.

(Frame can either be repurposed frame found at flea market or make your own.)

3.  Hang jewelry from S shape hooks found at hardware/craft store.