Hooky & a Finish

I played a bit of hooky from work today and managed to put together this child-sized tote for a small friend who is going to Disneyland in a couple days. It is a birthday present (don't ask how late it is, eek!) and I hope she uses it to keep busy on that flight.

I stuffed it with colored pencils and a little sketch book and some stickers and other drawing paraphrenalia. It may be a tad old for her, but I know she will excited to get a grown up style gift like this.

I decided to make this a reversible tote- it is hard to see since I used the same fabrics inside & out. But you can see the difference at the seam lines on the pictures here, and I added a pocket to one side and a set of pockets to the other.

Now... I just have to get this to the child BEFORE she leaves on vacation!

Stockings are hung...

Yes, I have been busy readying for Santa to visit. Unlike sooo many of you, I am sure.

We have lots of pretty gifties around the tree and I need to wrap only the gifts for my husband's sister and her husband. They will be joining us for our traditional Christmas Morning Margaritas & Monster Movies. (We have no little ones, so we get to celebrate however we want!)

(These are the stockings we put up this year- the Snowman: the one I received this year from Swap; Blue Santa Pants: my original stocking from my childhood; the Gingerbread: from last year's swap; Red with Star: my darling husband's stocking. Plus some cute things and candles.)

Anyway, what with all the last minute projects to complete, things to mail, work to finish up, there has been no time to create new Gifties, photo them, write a How To and Post! Yes, whine, whine, whine.

So I decided to post a couple pictures of my tree and my mantle, since I am seeing so many on other blogs.

(Our tree is a little 4 foot fake tree that goes up in about 20 minutes and tears down even faster. When we moved into our home, we realized this little cutout between the living room and dining room is EXACTLY they right size.

So we can never move. This is just too easy.)

What does your tree look like?

Put a link to your pictures in the comments, so we can all see!

Tiny Trees

I seem to be awfully taken with little stuffed things. I have even used an old quilt revenant, made it into a pillow, turned it, stuffed it and shoved it into a cardboard-box-cave for my cat-monster-Louis to sleep in! When he tires of the sofa, of course.




But when I spotted these delightful little trees on Natalie's Chicken Blog, I decided I absolutely MUST make some. (Go see what other wonderful things she has posted. Really a great Blog-find.) She was kind enough to email me a link to the tutorial she found hers on, Thanks!

These would be wonderful along your mantle, maybe interspersed with those Wowls and some garland or lights. (I recently googled my name, and to my never ending shame and horror, I discovered I use the word "cute" in almost every comment I leave behind. I fear I make squeaky happy noises when I discover these things too.) I can easily imagine their use throughout the gray winter months, simply by changing the accompaniment for each holiday.


The trees are quite simple to construct, especially if you use a felted material, or other that won't fray too terribly. And they lend themselves to any sort of decorative embellishment you might choose. In fact, these are the perfect project for rummaging through your buttons and beads, depending on the effect. And a whole forest could support almost any style you wish to try.(I have also noticed a new tendency to overuse the exclamation point. Even two or three at a time. In a SINGLE paragraph.)

So, Let us make some delightfully whimsical soft sculpture trees:

The tree is made up of 2 parts:
Cone and base.

Simply use a string and a pencil to draw a circle on some fabric and cut out.
You then cut this circle into either 2 or 3 sections, and you will have fabric for the two or three cones.
Depending on how thick your decorative bits are, you may wish to embellish the fabric at this point, instead of waiting for the tree to be sewn together and stuffed.
For the base, take the same string and measure the bottom edge of the section, which was the outside edge of the circle. That is the measurement of the base you need to cut- the string makes a handy circle to trace around.

To Sew:
I find it easiest to to sew from the top of the tree (right sides together) about 1/3 down, leave a 1/3 gap, then sew the bottom 1/3 together.
Then join the base and the tree (right sides together again).
This leaves a gap mid-tree to turn your project and stuff it.
Then use an invisible stitch to close.
Voila!


This is a project for Thrifty Gift Chat, hosted at QuiltChat, a wonderful community of quilty folk from around the globe. Come check us out and say hi!

Reversible Tote, with pockets

I love all the fun, new, retro fabrics out and available right now.
They just make me smile!
So I decided to make a reversible tote using three of my favorite fabrics in my stash. (Yes, yes. I was supposed to be be working on a another project, and I shouldn't have started something new, yada yada yada. Get off my back- Sheesh!)


This is a bag you can make in an afternoon, and the directions below are for the simpler version, with some pointers for making the little special bits that I chose.

You will need at least 2 complimentary, contrasting fabrics.


Straps & Pockets:
As you may notice in the photos, I chose to use a third fabric that was complimentary to both my tote fabrics.



For the Straps, I cut 2 pieces approximately 4 inches by 40.
Working with one strap at a time, turn right sides together lengthwise and seam the raw edge so you have a tube.
Turn the tube right side out, and press.
Repeat with second strap.


For pockets, cut pieces approximately 5 inches by 5 inches, and turn the edges under twice, stitching down for stability.

Tote Body:
Work with each fabric and do exactly these same steps for both.


Cut fabric 26 inches by 16 inches
Fold right sides together and sew a seam along both sides, leaving the top open (opposite the fold/bottom). You may choose to sew off each corner at a 45 degree angle, to give a 'bottom' to the tote. Just make sure you
Turn top, raw edge under 3/8 inch and sew seam all the way around.
(You would now add the pocket, by simply sewing it into place where you want it. Be careful to sew pretty! Everyone will see this stitching.)


Now you join the bags:


Turn one of the bag layers Right Sides out.
Place the other bag layer inside the first and match the top edges, pinning every couple inches.
Place the strap ends between the two layers and pin in place. (I measured 3 1/2 inches from the sides.)
Stitch both layers together, all the way around, making sure you keep the fabric evenly fed. (The extra pinning will help keep it even. An even feed foot may help too.)
Sew a second line of stiching slightly inside from your original line.
You may also choose to add more stitching to the bottoms of each bag handle.



And there you have a darling, reversible tote!
Now you just have to fill it with something. Maybe you need to go Fabric Shopping!



This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat I host. All quilty-crafty types are welcome to join in the fun! Gift Maker Chat is on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock, as we have friends from around the globe.

Quilty Ornaments

Are you looking for a way to add your quilty-ness to your Christmassy decor?
Howsabout an ornament!

Even if you don't want to cover your family tree with them, maybe that philodendron in your sewing room could use some holiday cheer! Or maybe you just need a something to hang from the curtain rods.

Whatever your needs- ornaments will fill them!

Look here at Auntbekky's blog for quick How-To!
Have Fun!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat I host. All quilty-crafty types are welcome to join in the fun! Gift Maker Chat is on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock, as we have friends from around the globe.

Finger Pincushion

This is a fun-with-a-gluegun project!

What you will need

Glue Gun

Thread

Needle

Bottle cap

3 inch length of elastic

Trim- ribbon, lace, ricrac, etc

Two scraps of fabric, about 4 inches across

Stuffing for pillows or teddy bears

This will take you about 5 minutes to make and is a bit of a fun distraction. In fact, I made about 20 the day I decided to try it out. I ran out of bottle caps and beer lids or I would have kept making them.

The following are the step-by-step direction, but you can also go here to see a photo How-To.

Step 1: Start by covering the outside of the Bottle Cap with one of the Fabrics, using a bit of Glue just inside the bottom of the Cap to secure it.

Step 2: Anchor one end of the Elastic inside the Bottle Cap, then the other end, after measuring your finger to make sure it is a snug enough fit.

Step 3: Thread your Needle and baste the edge of the second Fabric. I prefer a circle of fabric for this as it makes a nice shape for the Cushion.

Step 4: Place the Stuffing into the wrong side of the fabric and draw the thread to make a littel pouf. You may need to add more stuffing to get your Cushion full, but then just anchor your stitches to keep it all together.

Step 5: Glue the bottom of the Cushion into the base of the Bottle Cap .

Step 6: A bit of Trim glued to the area where Cushion and Cap meet really finishes it off.

And a cute gift for any crafty-sewist friends!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat I host. All quilty-crafty types are welcome to join in the fun! Gift Maker Chat is on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock, as we have friends from around the globe.

Bucket Bag Tote

Sometimes you just need to make yourself a gift. So how about a tote?

Maudie from #QuiltChat shared this really great bag she made. She found it while blogsurfing, and low and behold, the blog is owned by Chatter-friend from years past!
Andrea's blog is full of wonderful things. She is one of those fantastic over-achiever types that seems to piece a new top every time I look her up. (She really has some fun projects, so I hope you take some time to dig around a bit.)

Here are the directions that Andrea has posted for us:

Bucket Bag Tutorial, Part 1

Bucket Bag Tutorial, Part 2

Bucket Bag Tutorial, Part 3

Breaking the How-To up into bite sized pieces is a nice touch. Thanks Andrea!

And Thank you to Maudie for showing us this could be done.


This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am Eastern US Time, but there are usually folks in around the clock if you want to chat at other times.

Stockings!

It is Stocking Swap time again!

Everywhere you look, you can't help but read about guilds and groups and bloggers across the world doing their annual Stocking Swaps.

Autbekky, a fellow #QuiltChatter, has created a tutorial to help you make a stocking that you will be proud to send for any swap.

Just click here to visit her blog, Quilts and Such for the tutorial.
Note: Auntbekky shows a stocking made of fat quarters- but you could also make a very lively one made of crazy pieced fabrics. Of sparkly fabrics, of course!

And I just want to say Thank You to Auntbekky- she has agreed to help me in making the tutorials and projects for Thrifty Gift Maker chat, so that we don't have weeks of no projects. It is a HUGE help to me, as I wasn't able to do it alone. Thank you!

This whole Stocking thing is such a lot of fun. It doesn't seem to matter about your religion or beliefs as the fun of gift giving is pretty transcendent. And there are lots of stockings you can go out and purchase that are just as cute as possible.
But where is the fun in that???
Make one!

Here are some stockings I received in Swaps. So much fun! And each one so different. Yes, that smaller one is made of Potato Fabric, sent from Idaho. :)

What have you made or received in a Stocking Swap?

I had great success making a non-stocking: a Diva Bag worked much better for one swappee, as she doesn't celebrate the Christmas tree & stocking thing.
I made a jester boot stocking with bells on- I crazy pieced the fabric.
One year I made a red velvety cowboy boot stocking with crystals.
Oh- I received a Santa Bag made of sparkly burlap- that is a great bag!

It would be great to see links to other tutorials or projects that you all have come across.
Thanks for sharing!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am Eastern US Time, but there are usually folks in around the clock if you want to chat at other times.

Rotary Cutter Case

Going to retreats and sew-ins, I see a lot of different ways other quilters carry their tools. One of my favorites was a little case to carry a rotary cutter in.

This one has enough space to keep your cutter plus a spare pack of blades, and you can change the closure on the pattern to something else, if you like.

---> Directions & Downloads

Please let me know if you find directions for any other types of cases out on the web- I was only able to find a few!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Wee Wonderful Elf!

This is a fun time of year to peruse the Web and see the fun projects that others are making. Just surf around and look at your favorite Design sites, sewing machine manufacturer sites and places like http://www.craftster.org/ and you will see so many great ideas!

This cute little Elf (see the pattern here) in redwork is from the Wee Wonderfuls blog of Hillary Lang, who always has something fun and cute in the works!

The design set is a girl-elf and boy-elf and her pattern shows these bits of stitchery on a pair of stockings. I may just follow suit with mine! Or it could be a cute bib, or maybe a little wall hanging, or christmas ornament, or...

Have you never done redwork? Have no fear!

This little elf-girl is my first attempt and it only took me about 90 minutes.

Redwork is a good introduction to hand embroidery and this pattern is a great start, and won't take you long at all.

If you would like more specific information about redwork, look here. And here is a good primer on the basic stitches you should know. (But basically, you just trace the pattern onto a fabric and use a needle and floss and sew it on!)

Happy Gift Making!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Gift Cornucopia

Here is a charming little cornet, perfect for filling with candies or potpourri. Depending on your choice of colors, this could be used throughout the year. It would be quite pretty hanging from a Christmas tree, or alongside some stockings.

I found the idea at Yvonnes- a great site full of all sort of patterns to download. Click on the Free Patterns link and I am sure you will enjoy all she is sharing with the world.

Click here for the paper-piecing pattern. It might print light, so be sure to trace over the lines to keep track of where you are.

There are no instructions that go with the pattern, but it is pretty simple to figure out:

1. Piece the different parts of the Heart motif
2. Put those 3 larger pieces together to make the horn shape
3. It is basically done.

I chose to add some batting and a liner fabric, it helps it keep its shape better while hanging. And don't forget to add a string or ribbon to hang it with.

Another idea: Make the basic cornet design, then add appliques or lace or beads or other fun things. A whole set of these would be a very pretty gift.

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

No Waste Gift Bags

I really do not like giftwrap which gets thrown out. So I, like many of you, reuse every gift bag I receive, along with the tissue paper.

But sometimes the paper gets mucked up, or you need something that can be shipped without spilling all from the inside. So I make little drawstring bags, envelopes and other packets to wrap my gifts in.

This week's Thrifty Gift is a selection of drawstring bags.

The simplest is just a folded piece of fabric with a small channel along the top edge for a drawstring, something like this perhaps.

Another is a circular fabric with holes for lacing a string through, as shown here.



There are a number of variations to this idea available on the internet, including this one for an Apple Bag, a free design by the Leisure Arts company.

More complex patterns include reversible drawstring bags, cone shaped, animal shaped, zippered, compartmentalized- just about anything you can imagine. If I find anything special, I will be sure to post it. But please post any links you find in the Comments section here and I will try my hand at them.

This is the Week 14 (or 15) Project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Fabric Fortune Cookies

Everyone loves to crack into a fortune cookie.

And a cookie made of fabric would be really cute. How about as ornaments on a tree. Maybe a tiny tree, covered in just these as a table topper that no one would realize was a gift for each person attending a party?

What you need to start

* Two fabrics in at least 5 inch squares

* Fusible interfacing

* Fabric glue (something that dries quick is the important bit)

* Fabric stiffener (I like spray starch)

* Fortunes on slips of paper

* Chopsticks or pencils

Start by writing out your Fortunes on slips of paper less than 3 inches long. (Of course, you can always fold the paper if longer.)

Need help writing the fortunes? Try this online Fortune Generator. (Or try this one for funnier results.)

Then it is pretty simple-

fuse the fabrics back-to-back, cut out the circles, fold and stick in the fortune, add a dab of glue, shape and starch, allow to dry and Voila!

Olfa (the cutting mat & ruler maker) has great instructions here.

An alternate way to shape the cookies:
Fold the circles into thirds, the fold lengthwise and tack together at the center of the legs.

Do you want a really cute way to pack these?

How about a take-out box! You can even make one with all the things you have on hand. And here is a pattern that is a perfect size for one cookie apiece, or enlarge it and use it for multiples.

And if you want to try your hand at making some real Fortune Cookies, they are fast & easy to whip up.

Just don't overcook them.

Try this recipe.

This is Week 13 or 14 Project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)
I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Casserole Carrier & Insulator

Fall & Winter are the perfect time to think about inviting friends & family for a nice homecooked meal, full of fresh baked pies and things covered in gravy.

Yummmm.

Don't forget your sister-in-law's famous bean casserole!
But isn't it annoying how she brings it half cold, because it takes her 45 minutes to drive to your house? And then the kids drop it on your new white carpet!

Alack & Alas!
What to DO? How can you bring back the joy? How can you help?

Make her a Casserole Carrier that Insulates!

Directions are Here.
Pattern is Here.

It can also double as a Fabulous couture hat, for the more festive outings- especially if you leave the edges raw, like the kids like.

This is Week 12 Project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun!

I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Soft Journal

This Soft Journal, which I found at the Marcus Fabrics website, would make a very thoughtful handmade gift for someone who enjoys sketching or drawing, and with a bit of adaptation it would even work as an hand-embroidery practice book.

You will need some fusible interfacing and light colored fabrics to make the pages, and I chose to use some orphan blocks and muslin to make the cover. This is a fast gift to make, an incredibly versatile. It can be as complex as you choose. And just about any size and dimension too!

Here are the directions.

(The Marcus Fabrics site has additional direction available for more complex journals, as well as dozens of other projects and quilt patterns.)

This is the project for Week 11 of Thrifty Gift Maker chat hour, at #QuiltChat, hosted by myself on Sunday @ 7 pm & Monday @ 10 am EST. All are welcome to join the chat.

Wowls!

Everyone loves a flock of Wowls!
So we are making some for Thrifty Gift Maker Week 10.
Moonstitches blog has a fabulous How-To that will have you making swarms of these little cuties. Take a look at hers spelling out things at the end!

Just go to this Tutowlrial for the step-by-step photo how-to.
There are no templates or measurements or anything to download. But this is an easy one to just eyeball. (Once you try, you will understand how that works.)

Can't you just see them with a little elfin hat and a scarf...
Maybe a bunch of them all nestled together in a decorated egg carton, ready to swoop down onto some lucky friend's mantle. Or with little clips on their feet, ready to roost in a Christmas tree!

So please email me with pics of your flock, because I think these are just a Hoot!



Don't forget...
Thrifty Gift Maker chat hour is Sunday @ 7 pm & Monday at 10 am EST, via #Quilchat.com.
Bring your ideas to share!

Coffee Mug Mat

Coffee Mug Mat
Thrifty Gift Maker, week 9

SewingWeb.com is a fun site that I have found blogsurfing, and I really do recommend it. They have a number of projects to keep us busy, and some are perfect little handmade hostess gift type things.

The Coffee Mug Mat is this week's project: a combination coaster/ tea & spoon holder.

Load it up with cocoa or teas, or maybe coffee on the side... you have a cute little gift.

This is very quick and easy, plus it is quilted, and the binding technique is a little different than I am used to, so definitely a good trial project for the binding at least.

Here is mine!

Go check out the site and let me know what you think.
And Send Pictures LOL

Inchies

Week 8! I can't believe we started doing these little projects two months ago.

This week, I plan an taking us into the world of miniatures.

Inchies
What are inchies? They are as tiny as they sound. One inch by One inch quilts.
And they are all the rage at the moment. Just google the word and you will see crafty types from all around the world caught up in it.

Unfortunately, my inchies came out awful. Nothing like I wanted. All scrunched and mangled.
Soo....
Your challenge, and I know you can do it better than I... Make some Inchies!

Need a bit of inspiration?
Check out these sites, where creative people have done some amazing things with a one inch square.
http://quiltmoose.blogspot.com/2007/02/inchies-swap-1-squares.html
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2007/05/30/discovering-inchies-in-the-quilting-world/
http://friedaquilter.blogspot.com/2007/04/yellow-inchies.html

Then send me some pictures and tell me how you did it. I am totally annoyed at myself...
I am sure you will see something from me this week...

Layered Felt Magnets

Magnets
Thrifty Gift Maker Week 7

Have you ever seen those cute little felt magnets?
Sometimes they are little stars, or dogs, or cats...
with bits of sparkle on the front...
or maybe a bead...
or a stitch or two of embroidery?

I happen to love them. I have them all over my fridge- thanks to my darling friends! And I love to gift them to others as a simple I Love You or as a little 'extra' thing.
But they can get spendy- I have seen them at $3 per magnet.
So let's make them ourselves.

Step 1

Get yourself some magnets (I prefer circular)
Some different colored sheets of felt
Some sparkly things (beads, baubles, findings, etc)




Step 2
Cut out shapes- these are 1 1/4 inch squares from three different colors.
Layer them and glue between (Aleen's is my choice).
Then add a sparkly thing to the front,
Then the magent to the back.




Step 3
Wait for it to dry, then hang them up!






Send me pics of what you make! I don't think I want to post any of mine, as I may be gifting them to some friends :)

I may need to make sets of multiples.
And maybe packaged in some of those Altoid Tins I have- just covered in some pretty fabric... Or in one of the little boxes I made from last week...
And I think some stitching around edges would be cute...
And maybe diferent sizes, or faces, or randomness... And Beads. I love beads...

Tiny Treasure Boxes

Tiny Treasure Boxes
Thrifty Gift Maker Week 6

We all need something to put our gifts into.
But I hate to buy wrapping paper.

I just cannot spend that much money on something that will be immediately thrown in the garbage.
So... I make my own wrappings that can be reused.


These Origami boxes are the simplest ones to make and really require nothing more than a bit of practice. (Do not be intimidated, these are easy enough kindergartners make them.)



What do you need to make these tiny treasure boxes?
Old greeting cards
Paper Scissors
Ruler






Here is a link to some very simple, easy to follow directions that I recommend.

Tip #1: Start with 2 squares of paper- A fancy colorful square of paper (or fabric or whatever) about 1/4" larger than a plain paper. The larger square will be the top and will fit nicely over the slightly smaller.

Tip #2: Tie a ribbon around the box and hang it from the branches of your tree as a surprise gift.




Tip #3: To make these, you might also try stiff fabric covered board, printed photos- basically if it is pretty and foldable, it will work.




(Thrifty Gift Chat is part of #Quiltchat, a wonderful community of quilty folk from around the globe. Come check us out and say hi!)