A Simple Dress....

Oh no....it is much more.

Have you heard of Dress A Girl Around the World ?

I became acquainted with this program through following the blog, Sew Delightful. I hope you will click on both links...it will open your eyes to a wonderful idea of helping girls around the world.

Several months ago, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. But, the past six months have been very difficult with the loss of my mother, my children's father, the selling of my beloved farm, and ultimately moving to Das Kleine Haus.

My sewing room is finally set up, and, now it is time to get serious about all the waiting sewing projects.

At this point, the dresses do not have a destination. My daughter is looking towards Guatemala as a good place for them to go. The need is so great and so is the poverty.



Click on Photo

For now, I have a plan on what I would like for them to look like. I love the idea of using gingham check fabric as the pockets and ruffle. Gingham makes me think of the country. It also says "little girl" and "love".

For those of you who sew, I hope this post inspires you to join in by sewing a dress for a girl who may never know another "new" dress in her lifetime.....

Meggie Mac

Much to my Surprise.... I'm a Winner !

Borrowed photo from Happy Cottage Quilter

Apparently, I have won a book and gift of fabric from Happy Cottage Quilter. I've been a follower of her blog for some time now, admiring her work in quilts.

It is time for me to get back to sewing.  This gift will be the perfect opportunity to start a project in my new home, Das Kleine Haus on the Prairie .

Borrowed Photo from Happy Cottage Quilter

Be watching for a follow-up post with a new project from the book, "Scrap Basket Sewing", by Vicki Blizzard.

Many thanks again to Happy Cottage Quilter . Click on blog name to read about this wonderful
give-away.

Meggie Mac

Stylish Market Tote

I've surprised myself by completing two sewing projects this week.

             The market tote idea came from the same book I used for the mouse pin cushion.

You probably have several tote bags for the market. But, what I like about this tote are the wide long straps that can go over your shoulder. I've made the bottom and the lining from a sturdy woven fabric. The top part can reflect your style or purpose for the bag. Because the straps are part of the tote, there is no chance for a strap to pull loose when carrying your items.

You could just as easily make it out of a vinyl table cloth  (thrifted) and use it as a beach bag or a rainy-day bag.

On my next tote to sew, I have changed out the print to be on the bottom half. If you decide to give this project a try, this is the link with complete instructions.

Let your imagination free and make one in your very own style....

Meggie Mac

Hickory Dickory Dock

The mouse ran up the clock.....

The adorable mouse pin cushion is shown in this book. If you decide to make the little fella, I do have some suggestions.

I thought he would be easy because there were only 2 pattern pieces. After struggling with the small pieces and completing the project, I thought of some ways to make it easier for me. On the first go round, don't cut the fabric close to the pattern. Pin the pieces to the fabric, then draw around each piece. Cut the fabric larger than the actual pattern. It will be easier to feed in your sewing machine and make the circle for the ears.

Because the embroidery work for the face is only 1 inch from the point of the triangle pattern, it won't be such a struggle to hold it while working on the face. After the face is finished, cut out the triangle for the body.

The body of the mouse is very similar to constructing origami. If you choose not to purchase the book,  here is the blog  page that gives more instructions.

Also, for the next one, I thought I might try tiny beads for the mouse eyes. By changing the ears, the animal could be what ever your imagination wanted. You could also fill it with catnip and make a new toy for your favorite cat.

And the best part......this is another way to use your scrap fabric!

Meggie Mac

Cathedral Windows

The cathedral windows pillow is one of the most rewarding projects I have done in a while. I followed the instruction from this book I had purchased last year. It is full of cute ideas for "pretty little pillows".

While doing a google search about cathedral windows, I found this blog. She did a terrific job, showing with photos, how to do this technique. I hope you will give it a try. It is a great way to make something beautiful using scrap fabric.

I also finished two felt cases for my small sewing scissors. I apologise for not remembering where I found the idea. But, it is a easy pattern to make up. This was my first attempt at the blanket stitch...I do need more practice!
My daughter, who also sews, will be gifted with the pink and green case.

More and more, I'm finding out there is just not enough time to do all the projects I would like to do. Especially since I live in the country and other outside projects are pulling me away from the sewing nook. Do you also find that to be true with you?

Enjoy your Friday....

Meggie Mac

No Sew Afghan

Fleece no sew projects are fun and stress releasing. From start to finish, this 48" x 63" afghan took me about 3 1/2 hours to complete. It is a surprise gift for someone at work. Yellow is her favorite color.

If you are interested in making one, go to this page and check out the more detailed instructions.

I wanted the afghan to be large enough to snuggle under while watching TV or reading a book. I purchased 1 3/4 yds each of a print and a coordinating solid color. If you are making it for a small child, adjust the size to fit.

I laid my pieces of fabric on the bed and pinned the 2 together. Then I trimmed away the fabric finished edges making both pieces of fabric the same size.

Just follow the photos....

At all 4 corners, cut out a 4" square of fabric if making a 4" fringe.

I start by tying several strips on each corner to hold everything in place. Make the double knots secure, but not tight.

I also kept my ruler close by to occasionally check the 4" length of the strips I was cutting. Remember it doesn't need to be exact.

I got so excited about the success of this project that I made one for my daughter.

Maybe I need to make myself one too!
Meggie Mac

1,000 Yo Yos

I'm asking for your ideas today....

Many years ago, my daughter gave me this vest. It has long since not been fashionable, but I didn't have the heart to give it away or discard it.

The treasure trove of yo yos are made of 100% silk, hand stitched. As you can see, from the photograph, the colors are spectacular.

"How can you help?" you ask. Give me some ideas on how to re-purpose 1,000 yo yos. It will take some time, but the thread can easily be clipped to separate them.

Meggie Mac

Fun Accent Pillow

A Gift for my Daughter

It all started with buying several travel pillows at the local discount store. When giving a gift of an accent pillow, I believe small is the way to go.  The travel pillow is the perfect size.

These pillows, including a pillow slip cover, were less than $5.00 for each one.

 I used the slip cover as a pattern for the new project.

This book was my inspiration. Because I decided to give it as a gift to my daughter, I pulled, from my stash of fabric, colors that would fit her color scheme. Look at  this page for some beautiful fabric by the author of my patchwork book.

For this variety in color, you will need at least 4 different prints and 1 solid color fabric for the slip cover.
Cut:
1 - 5" circle for the large yo-yo
1 - 2 1/2 " circle for the small yo-yo
2 - 3 3/4" x 3 3/4"  large square
2 - 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" small square
1 - 90" strip cut from 2 pieces ( 45"width of fabric) and sewn together.
1 - solid color fabric according to size of pillow

The first step for the yo-yo is to fold over a small edge and stitch all around, drawing the thread tight to form the yo-yo, Tie thread and press flat.

I decided to add a felt button in the center of the largest yo-yo.

For the 2 squares, I first stitched around two pieces of fabric with the right sides together. I trimmed the corners and cut a slit on one side. Using the opening, turn to the right side and press.

The next step is to position the two squares and two yo-yos on the front of the pillow slip cover. The book shows these pieces machine stitched on the top. I decided to hand applique mine with an invisible stitch.. As you can see, I decided to add one more yo-yo and one additional square. Just play around with it and adjust according to your taste or size of pillow.

After assembling the slip cover, insert the travel pillow and your accent pillow is ready to share with someone. Or, simply keep for your enjoyment.

Have fun adding your touch to the project.
Meggie Mac

Mug Rug for Santa

Am I the last craft person on earth to learn about Mug Rugs? I was flipping through my latest crafting magazine when I saw a project on them.  What a clever idea and the perfect gift to make for my family as a Christmas gift.

Check out my page, Crafts and More. I have posted my first craft/sewing project, showing my idea of a mug rug.

I guess you could call the mug rug a "hybrid"... a cross between a place mat and a coaster.

Meggie Mac