Primitive Country Halloween Stitchery Pillow

I made this pillow several months ago for a dear friend of mine who loves decorating her home in the Primitive and Country Style. It took me only 2 days to make (one for the stitchery and a second day for the machine sewing).

Primitive Country Halloween Stitched Toss Pillow

Here is what you will need:

Simple Pattern From a Halloween Coloring Book
Cotton Embroidery Floss
12" by 12" piece of Tea or Coffee Dyed Cotton Muslin Fabric
1/2 yard Cotton Homespun Fabric (I used green)
Sewing Machine and Basic Sewing Supplies
Pillow Form or Fiber-Fill Stuffing
Scissors
Disappearing Ink Pen

Pattern: I purchased a child's Halloween theme coloring book. I found this cute ghost pattern in it and transfered it to my muslin fabric using a disappearing ink pen after I shrunk the pattern by 25% in my scanner.

Hand Stitching: I used two strands of cotton embroidery floss for all of my hand stitching in the colors I preferred. You can use any colors to accent the design that you choose. I then hand drew my own candy corns and the words Happy Halloween and stitched them.

Machine Sewing: From green homespun fabric, I cut four strips that measure 2" wide by the length of my muslin fabric and sewed them onto my muslin panel for a border. Then I measured my front panel and cut a back panel from homespun fabric. Using my sewing machine, I attached the front and back panel together, leaving 1/2 of the bottom unsewn. I then inserted my pillow form and finished closing up the pillow by using a blind hand stitch.


Pretty simple and easy!

~ Happy Crafting ~

How To Make A Mini Rag Quilt Wall Hanging

If you love to sew and like country or primitive decor, I think you will enjoy this easy to make sewing project. You will need the following supplies:

8" square of homespun fabric (backing fabric)
(2) 4 1/2" squares of homespun fabric (2 front squares)
(2) 4 1/2" squares of tea stained muslin fabric (2 front squares)
(2) 2 1/2" by 4" pieces of tea stained muslin fabric (hanging straps)
7" piece of cotton quilt batting
Coordinating sewing thread
Black Metal Mini Hanger (found at craft supply stores)
2 round plastic buttons
Scissors
Sewing Machine

Place the piece of cotton quilt batting on top of your backing square. Arrange the 4 smaller squares on top (as shown in the photo). Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew the squares to the backing and batting piece. You will use scissors to fringe all of their edges being careful to not cut through your sewn stitches.

Use your sewing machine to sew your muslin straps by sewing around 3 of the edges and then turn right side out. Finish sewing up the final short end of the strap. Fold straps in 1/2 and attach them to your mini quilt with handstitches or machine sewn stitches once you have the wire hanger placed inside them (make sure you place the hanger in there before you sew them shut. Finally, hand sew on 2 decorative buttons to add a little pretty accent to your mini wall quilt.

This mini quilt would look cute hanging off a peg shelf or cabinet knob.

Happy Quilting,
Shelly

Primitive Wax Chunky Snowman Basket or Bowl Filler

During the summer months, I was fortunate to find some old metal soap and candy molds at my local flea market. One of the molds was of a snowman and I just new I had to make some wax chunky snowman's using that mold. I finally dug out my mold and got busy with it a few days ago.

I had purchased a candle making wax kit a few weeks ago at my local craft store. I melted down my wax according to the box directions and added some vanilla candle scent. While my wax was melting, I placed some whole cloves in the metal mold where the snowman's eyes and buttons would be. When my wax was ready for pouring, I gently poured my wax into the mold. I left it harden for 2 hours (wanted to make sure it was good and hard) and then removed my snowman chunky from the mold.

I then cut down some of my homespun fabric scraps into 1/2" wide strips and tied them around my wax snowmen.

I now have my wax snowman shapes sitting in a primitive basket in my living room that is filled with waxed stars, dried pods and some pine cones.

Pretty easy project...took me about 20 minutes to melt and pour my wax and another 2 hours for hardening time.

~ Shelly ~

How To Make A Primitive Wax Dipped Wooden Star

I just love primitive and/or country home decor...so I wanted some new things for my primitive fix'ins basket and decided to make a few items myself. For this project, I had my hubby cut me out some wooden stars from 1/8" thick pine wood...you could go to your local craft store and buy unfinished wood shapes pretty cheaply.

I then purchased an inexpensive votive candle making wax kit at the craft store...instead of making votives...I melted down the wax (following the directions that came in the kit) and dipped my wooden stars into it. I had to use an old pair of tongs to dip them and then laid them on aluminum foil to harden. My wax kit came with 3 scented oils...vanilla, gingerbread and pumpkin...so I chose to use the vanilla with the white colored wax.

Once they hardened, I took some homespun fabric scraps and cut them into 1/2" wide strips and tied them around my wax dipped wooden stars.

I have several of these stars now sitting in one of my prim baskets that is filled with rose hips, pinecones and some dried pods.

~ Shelly ~

FREE Primitive Snowman Ornies Bowl Fillers By Barefoot Primitives

A few weeks ago, I was browsing around online for some free primitive snowman sewing patterns and came across a beautiful pattern by: Barefoot Primitives
and decided to download, print and make the project.

Her pattern is really easy to use and follow. These snowman ornaments and bowl fillers work up really quickly.

When I made mine (using her pattern) I decided to omit the twig arms...and leave mine arm-less as I liked the look of it better. In addition, I added mica (glitter) to mine after they were completed as I like the 'twinkle' on them. Some of the ones I made...I did hand stitched eyes and buttons and on other ones I used black round beads that I picked up at the craft store.

You can grubby them up with coffee stain or leave your Warm and Natural cotton batting plain...I did them both ways although my photo shows a prim one.

While you are visiting the Barefoot Primitives Web Site, take a look at her other goodies. She has completed products and also patterns available for you to purchase.

I really enjoyed making the snowman bowl fillers/ornies!

Adoreable Country Primitive Spring Chicken Shelf Sitter

A few weeks ago I found this vintage unused pattern at one of our local thrift stores for .50 cents and decided to purchase it. I love vintage patterns, especially when they are cheap!

This pattern is copyright 1993 by Plain Jane Creations out of Shoreview, MN. I tried to find a web site, but couldn't locate one. The pattern is #117 and is titled 'The Mc Clucks' and its too cute.

After lunch today, I finally had time to sit down and do some sewing and decided to do this one since I had all of the supplies on hand.

Her pattern was pretty easy to follow...however, I don't recommend making your own orange binding to make the chicken legs, it was very tedious so next time I will purchase the single-fold binding at the store and use it to save time and a headache LOL. She used white cotton fleece to make the chicken wings and I opted to use Warm and Natural batting which worked out perfectly fine. She also made a wire hanger to hang hers...I opted to make mine a shelf sitter as I plan on sitting him on a shelf come spring when I do my spring and Easter displays. Other than those changes, I pretty much followed her pattern and instructions.

I think Miss McCluck turned out way cute and I am considering making some for my spring craft shows. What do you think?

I am not sure what other patterns this designer has made...but I rate this pattern packet a 7 out of 10 stars on ease of use and design.


Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this pattern/project review. I personally purchased the pattern and used it. If you purchase it, your opinion and use might differ from mine.

FREE Primitive Cat Sewing Pattern!

When it comes to sewing...I love to make primitive items for myself, friends and the craft shows I participate in. A few weeks ago I found this FREE online pattern to make a primitive cat over on the Pattern Mart web site ---> HERE The designer of the pattern is Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns.

I think they would be cute to sit out as Halloween decorations too!

This pattern is a free online printable pattern that also includes a primitive owl pattern. She says the pattern is for ornies and bowl fillers...although I think the cats look great sitting in a primitive basket which is what I have done with the ones I made. (see photo above of them sitting in a primitive basket that is filled with dried pods and pinecones).

I made my cats using vintage tan tweed fabric that I purchased at the thrift store a few months ago. For his nose, I used a solid piece of brown cotton fabric and his eyes are made up of warm and natural batting and vintage black or brown buttons. I was able to sew several of these adoreable primitive cats up in just one afternoon. Since that time, I have sold about 15 of them at a local craft show last month. The finished size of the ones I have been making measure 6" wide by 4 1/2" high.

So...if you love primitve cats, head on over to the Pattern Mart web site and download the free cat and owl pattern.

Primitive Star Shaped Santa Holiday Ornament

Yeah...I know...Christmas is over and its a new year...but I just had to share this Primitive Style Santa Ornament that I made a few weeks ago. I think he is too cute! I used a vintage McCall's Crafts Pattern that is #707 and titled "Your Holiday Home" and its copyright 1991. I hope you can find this pattern some where as I just love it because you can make Heart Shaped Holiday Wreaths, Tree Table Centerpieces, Star Shaped Santa Pillows along with 5 different holiday tree ornaments.

I decided to make the star-shaped Santa Ornament but I wanted him in more of a primitive style so I used cotton homespun fabric and coffee-stained cotton muslin fabric. Once I had him made, I lightly sprayed him again with some coffee liquid mixture and left him dry. Finally, I brushed on a very thin layer of matte finish Mod Podge and sprinkled some clear German Glass Glitter onto his muslin beard. I left him completely dry and then hung him onto our holiday tree.

NOTE: When I brushed his beard with Matte-Finish Mod-Podge, I mixed a little of the Podge in a bowl with some tap water to thin it down some...used a sponge brush and lightly brushed his beard with the mixture. Then I sprinkled on the German Glass Glitter.

Once I made one...I couldn't stop and made a total of 14 of them in this Primitive Style and sold them all. I will be definately making them again for Christmas 2010.

~ Happy Crafting ~

FREE Primitive Owl Fabric Pattern

I have loved owls since I was a little girl and I have a very large owl collection ranging from clothing, purses, thimbles, bells, figurines, jewelry and even a quilt. There is just something about owls that I love.

I think these primitive owls would look cute sitting out for Halloween! You could make them in black & orange colors :)

A few weeks ago I found this FREE online pattern to make a primitive owl over on the Pattern Mart web site ---> HERE The designer of the pattern is Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns.

This pattern is a free online printable pattern that also includes a primitive cat pattern. She says the pattern is for ornies and bowl fillers...although I think he looks great sitting in a primitive basket which is what I have done with the one I made. (see photo above of him sitting in a primitive basket that is filled with dried pods and pinecones).

I made my owl using vintage blue velour tweed type of fabric that I purchased at the thrift store a few months ago. For his nose, I used a tan tweed fabric and his eyes are made up of warm and natural batting, black felt and brown buttons. I was able to sew several of these adoreable primitive owls up in just one afternoon. Since that time, I have sold about 15 of them at a local craft show last month. The finished size of the ones I have been making measure 6" wide by 4 1/2" high.

So...if you love owls, head on over to the Pattern Mart web site and download the free owl pattern.

Primitive Tree Make-Do Holiday Decoration

A few weeks ago I made up several of these little Primitive Tree Make-Do's to decorate my home for the holidays. I love tucking them in on our holiday tree or Christmas displays around my home. I also made a few of them up to give along with some of my handmade holiday gifts.

This project costs less than $1.00 to make because you are repurposing some of your fabric scraps and empty wooden thread spools. I was able to make one in less than 20 minutes...so they are quick and easy.

Supplies Needed:

Handmade Simple Tree Pattern
Green Check Homespun Fabric (small piece)
Red and Green Plaid Homespun Fabric Scrap
Poly-Fill Stuffing
Empty Wooden Spool
Metal Jingle Bell (Rusty or Brass)
All-Purpose Tacky Glue
Sewing Machine and Basic Sewing Supplies

Tree Pattern: I found mine in a child's coloring book, you can draw your own simple tree pattern. Mine measures 4 3/4" tall by 5 1/2" wide at its widest point.

Trace your tree pattern onto 2 pieces of green homespun fabric and cut out right outside of your traced line. Place your 2 fabric pieces together and sew around the tree, leaving the bottom tree trunk edge open. Turn your tree inside out so that the right side is now outside and lightly stuff with some poly-fiber fill. Position the little tree trunk stub around a 1 1/2" tall wooden spool and use tacky glue or a hot glue gun to glue it into place. (Hold it in place for a minute or two until its stable).

Take a piece of scrap homespun and cut it down to a 1/2" by 6" long piece and tie it around the wooden spool. You can trim your length if its too long. Using a piece of thread and a sewing needle, sew your rusty metal jingle bell to the top of your tree.



~ Shelly ~

Primitive Style Mini Christmas Stocking Holiday Ornaments

If you are looking for an easy sewing project that will use up some of your scrap fabrics left-over from various Christmas and Holiday sewing projects, you should consider making some of these cute Primitive-Style stocking tree ornaments.

In only a few hours, I was able to make up a dozen of them to attach to my holiday packages.

Supplies Needed:

Cotton Fabric Scraps
Warm & Natural Cotton Batting Scraps
Homemade Coffee Stain (see below)
Scissors
Foam Paint Brush
Modge Podge (Matte or Gloss Finish)
Sewing Machine and Basic Sewing Supplies
Clear German Glass Glitter
Embroidery Floss (for hanging loop)

Note: If you don't have any German Glass Glitter, you can use clear Mica Flakes.

Pattern: I made my own pattern by drawing just a basic elongated sock shape. Mine measures 5" long by 1 1/2" wide (neck of sock) by 2 3/4" wide (heel to toe) to give you some ideas on size. My cotton batting piece measures 1 3/4" high by 4 1/8" wide.

Sewing: Sandwich the cotton batting piece inside of the two stocking pieces, right sides together and pin into place. Using the straight stitch on your sewing machine, stitch around the entire stocking (the 2 sides and the bottom) but leave the top (cuff area) open. Once finished, turn your stocking inside out so that the right sides are now on the outside.

Coffee Staining: I like the aged look so I decided to coffee stain mine. I added 3 tablespoons of instant coffee to 1/2" cup of warm water in my spray bottle and left it sit for a few minutes to dissolve. I lined my cookie sheet with a piece of waxed paper and lightly sprayed the coffee stain onto my ornament. I left it dry for 30 minutes and turned it over and repeated this step again. If you like them lightly stained, just spray a little of the stain...if you like them really grubby and dark, spray a lot of the coffee stain (a good soaking).

Applying Glitter and Stiffening: In a small glass dish mix together 2 tablespoons of Modge Podge (I used Matte finish) with 1/2 teaspoon of tap water. Using your foam sponge paint brush, lightly apply the mixture all over the front of your stocking. While it is still wet, sprinkle on a little bit of the clear German Glass Glitter onto the cuff of the stocking. Once it is dry, flip it over and repeat for the other side.

Finishing: To finish up your Primitive style stocking ornament, thread a sewing needle with 2 strands of embroidery floss and thread it through the top corner of your ornament to make a hanging loop.

Primitive Grubby Jar With Primitive Candy Canes

I have been extremely busy the past few weeks making and selling my holiday crafts. One of the items that I have been making and selling 'like hotcakes" LOL has been my grubby glass jars with primitive candy canes inside them.

Here is how I have been doing them.

I used glass mason jars or vintage Hershey Syrup Jars and grubbied them up in the Primitive way. You can find several instructional sites online to tell you how to do it...here are some easy instructions ---> HERE I always do two coatings on my jars and then finish up sealing it with Matte Mod Podge. I just prefer the matte finish but if you like high-shine...you can use the gloss finish.

I then drew out my own candy cane pattern. Mine measures 7 1/2" tall by 2 1/2" wide at its widest point. Your candy cane pattern doesn't have to be perfect. I coffee stained my muslin fabric. Using a 1/8" seam allowance, I machine sewed my candy canes together, leaving the bottom unsewn. Flip them right side out and stuff FIRMLY with poly-fiber fill. I hand sew my opening shut using a blind stitch.

Note: You can coffee stain them after you have them constructed and the longer you let them sit in coffee stain or the more you spritz the stain onto them, the darker they will get.


I then painted the stripes on them using a dark barn red acrylic paint. Once dry, I spritzed my candy canes again with the coffee fabric dye. Once dry, I added coarse German Glass Glitter to mine. The way I like to do it is:

1/4 cup of Matte Finish Mod Podge with 1 teaspoon tap water...mix it with your foam sponge brush. Brush a thin layer of it onto your candy cane...then sprinkle on your German Glass Glitter. I then hang them to dry. The Modge Podge makes the glitter stick to your canes and helps to stiffen your canes so that they hold their shape.


I have also been making some of my jars with faux peppermint sticks inside them. (just omit the looped candy cane top from your pattern and make them stick shaped.


You can use the candy canes on wreaths, hang them on your holiday tree, attach to packages, string them together for a holiday garland or place them in primitive baskets, crocks or grubby jars.

Primitive Country Wooden Snowman Door Greeter

One of my friends who is also a big time crafter...made me this adoreable wooden snowman to hang on my front door. She made hundreds of them over the summer and they were a big seller at her fall and holiday craft shows.

These wooden door hangers are really easy to make and I helped her many of times with the construction of them...so hence, she gave me one :)

Her snowman measures about 12" long by 7" wide at his widest point and is cut from 1/2" thick pine wood. He is painted a creamy vanilla color and once the paint is dry, he is lightly sanded along his edges (so that the wood shows through along the edges).

The wooden heart measures approximately 4 1/4" tall by 3" wide and is cut from 1/8" thick pine wood. It is painted a dark barn red color and then lightly sanded to give it an aged appearance. It is simply attached on the front with some wood glue.

The eyes are simply dotted on with some black paint using the back end of your paint brush. A tiny hold is drilled slightly into his face for the nose and a rusty square head nail is hammered (along with a tiny dab of wood glue) into place. His cheeks are dry brushed a rosey color.

Using a fine tip black paint marker, she writes messages on them, this one says "Let It Snow." He is then sealed with a clear matt sealer and left to dry.

She cut some dark red homespun fabric and purposely frayed the edges of it and use that for his bow.

On the backside is a little metal wire hanger so that you can hang him up.

Primitive Snowman Theme Muslin Fabric Tags

One of my favorite web sites to purchase Primitive Stitchery Patterns from is called Primitive Stitches. I love Rhonda's patterns because they are super affordable, easy to understand and they are delivered within hours to my email box so that I can print them out and get busy working on them.

This year I decided to make handmade ornaments to attach to all of our holiday packages and these cute primitive snowman tags is one that I purchased from the Primitive Stitches Site. I stitched them up onto tea-stained muslin using DMC floss. I used Warm & Natural batting in between my 2 layers of muslin fabric. I think they are just too cute since I am a snowman fan!

You could use these tags on your holiday packages, hang them on your tree, off of peg shelf hooks, cabinet knobs, etc.

Hop on over to Rhonda's web site and check out all of her fantastic primitive stitchery patterns today.

NOTE: No compensation was involved in this product/pattern review. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches, it was not given to me so my review is honest and unbiased.

FREE Primitive Muslin Snowman Ornament Pattern

If you are looking for some free primitive patterns to make raggedy annie dolls and some holiday Christmas ornaments, you need to check out the free patterns offered by Sherry over on the Annies Cupboards Web Site ---> HERE

I recently downloaded and printed out the Christmas Snowman and Elf Ornie Pattern designed by Sherry and used her pattern and idea to make a snowman ornament for our Christmas Tree. However, Instead of stitching the facial features, I did a simple painting design.

I used acrylic paints and painted on his black top hat and then used 2 coats of white acrylic paint for his head. I hand painted on his black eyes and mouth using the end of my paint brush dipped into paint (just dotted them on) and handpainted a carrot shaped nose using orange acrylic paint. I finished up my ornie by tying a piece of jute around his hat. I think he turned out cute even though I decided to paint my features on instead of doing the handstitching like she shows in her pattern. I used muslin and a little poly-fill for my ornie.

Primitive Stitches - Special Friends Primitive Pillow

When it comes to purchasing primitive stitchery patterns, I love to buy mine from Primitive Stitches as there is such a variety of patterns available. Plus...they are super affordable and delivered to your email box in just a few hours for you to print off.

Back in September, I purchased the 'Impossible To Forget Friendship Saying" pattern and stitched it up and then turned it into a throw pillow. I am going to give this as a holiday gift to my best friend Renee this year for Christmas as she loves decorating in the country and primitive style. You can find that particular pattern in Every Day Pattern Section of Rhonda's web site  E-Patterns are very affordable, only $2.25 each!

I stitched the design onto tea-stained cotton muslin using DMC embroidery floss. I purchased an oblong travel-size pillow form at my local craft supply store and used that as my filler. The backside of my pillow is navy blue check homespun fabric. It took me 2 days...one day for my handstitching and then the second day for my machine sewing/pillow construction.

I think my BFF Renee will just love getting this pillow come Christmas!

NOTE: I was not compensated in any way for this pattern review. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches so my pattern review is honest and unbiased.

Primitive Stitches - Mammie Raggedy Stitchery Patterns

A few months ago I purchased several primitive stitchery patterns from Rhonda over at the Primitive Stitches Web Site. I just love her affordable, easy primitive patterns! I always order mine via the e-pattern method so they are delivered to my email box for printing in only a few short hours.

Anyway, I purchased the Mammie Tag Collection Pattern (find it under the TAGS category) and made some primitive muslin tags. However, I also decided to stitch up a few into small pillows with a homespun hanging loop...I like seeing them hung off of peg shelfs or cabinet knobs like that...you can also hang them on a tree.

I stitched the design onto tea-stained muslin, used fiber-fill for my stuffing and then used homespun fabric for my backings along with a matching homespun hanging loop. These work up super quickly and make a great gifts.

Note: I was not compensated in any way for posting this pattern review. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches so my thoughts and review are unbiased.

~ Shelly ~

Primitve Best Friends Stitchery Throw Pillow

Several years ago I purchased a primitive stitchery pattern from the You Are Special Pattern Site ---> HERE and I finally got around to creating it. I made this pillow to give to my best friend Renee for Christmas.

This pattern is from the Sami's Stitchery's line of patterns from You Are Special and its pattern number #306 called Children at heart.

If you are looking for some awesome patterns to make primitive and country style dolls, ornaments, home decor items, stitcheries, etc. I recommend checking out the You Are Special Pattern Site.

I traced the pattern onto tea-stained muslin using a disappearing ink pen. I stitched the pattern using DMC floss. I used a pillow form that I purchased at the craft supply store for stuffing it and I used homespun fabric for my backing. I think the throw pillow came out fantastic and Renee is just going to love it since she decorates her home in the country primitive style. I was able to complete my project in 2 days.

Free Raggedy Primitive Stitchery Kitchen Picture Pattern

I found this adorable FREE pattern online offered by the FREE PATTERN PAGE. I printed out the pattern design and then traced it onto tea-stained muslin. I wanted a little dimension to my stitchery piece so I backed my muslin with a thin piece of Warm & Natural Cotton Batting.

Before I started my hand stitching, I took some wax crayons and added a few colored accents to jazz it up a bit. I used DMC floss (2 strands) for all of my stitching. Once I completed it, I cut it down to size to fit inside my inexpensive wooden picture frame that I got on clearance last week. Ta-da....an instant primitive gift for a friend of mine who hates to cook!

The Saying Says "My favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations." How cute is that? Totally cute and you could whip up several of them to give away as gifts or to sell at various craft shows.

I was able to complete my entire project in only a few hours. No machine sewing was involved.

~ Shelly ~

Primitive Stitches - Stanley Snowman Prim Stitched Pillow Pattern

Last month I purchased several patterns from Rhonda over on the Primitive Stitches Web Site and I highly recommend her patterns to those who are looking for high quality and easy to read primitive stitchery patterns.

I recently completed my snowman pillow. She has named this pattern 'Stanley' and you can find him on her web site under her Snowman category on her web site.

I was able to do all of my hand stitching in one afternoon and the following day I did my machine sewing and turned him into a beautiful holiday pillow. I love decorating my home during the holidays in a snowman theme.

The front of my pillow is tea-stained muslin and the backside of my pillow is navy blue homespun fabric. I was able to use a pre-purchased 13x13" pillow form from my local craft store and I used 1/4" seam allowances as I constructed it.

I think he turned out fabulous!

Note: I was not compensated in any way. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches and made the project.

~ Shelly ~