4 Fantastic Things You Can Do for Clothes with a Sewing Machine

One of the best things about owning a sewing machine is that you can customize your clothes and experiment right in the comfort of your own home. Got some extra stash of fabric and a flair for creativity? Make yourself a lovely dress! Or if you have clothes you haven’t worn for some time because they are either not flattering or no longer fit, why not transform them into something new?

If you’re into sewing or you feel like it’s time to invest in a sewing machine, this post will definitely give you some fantastic ideas for your next DIY fashion project. Here are 4 things you can do to upcycle your clothing:

Add lace to jean shorts. Rather than throwing away your distressed jeans, upcycle them into jeans shorts with some lace for embellishment. Adding some lace is a clever way to revamp your old jeans. Sew the lace fabric at the bottom of your shorts or at the back pockets. You can also use the lace to patch up any rips or tears on your jeans.

Make some fabric inserts for your sweater. This is one of the easiest ways to refashion an old sweater. It’s also a fix for sweaters that are too small. If you want to lengthen a small sweater, simply cut the bottom part of it at the back and sew some fabric for an additional detail. Inserting fabric on a short shirt is a nice way to revamp it as well. Cut it in half and sew the fabric at the middle part.

Make a hoodie for your clothes. Pinterest is one big place to find free patterns and inspiration for your next hoodie project. There are so many styles of hoodies available and you can do it not just on jackets but also on short sleeves or sweatshirts. This is a convenient way to prepare for the cold weather rather than buying new clothes.

Create a maxidress out of an old sheet. Who says you have to buy fabric when sewing a full-length maxi dress? When you have vintage sheets you no longer use, recreate it into a chic maxi dress that is totally comfy and flowy. There are lots of vintage sheets offered at the thrift store. The best part is that you don’t need the advanced skills to do this one. If you’re a beginner, go for a non-complicated pattern. In this case, an “easy tee” pattern would be the best option.

Before starting your DIY fashion project, check if your machine can handle the basics such as inserting zippers and variable sized stitches. What are the best sewing machine for making clothes? If you are looking for spacious workspace, consider ones that have an extra wide table. When you have the penchant for stitches, invest in a multipurpose machine that comes with built-in stitch patterns.

Sewing can be an addictive hobby so keep in mind that your machine should be user-friendly and at the same time, can handle some really good projects.

Quick & Easy Fabric Ghost Craft Project for Halloween

Last weekend I finally unpacked my sewing machine and had a few hours to spend crafting & sewing. It was great to sit down and have some "me" time since I haven't had the chance to do that since we moved into our new home. With that said, I wanted to make a few new Halloween decorations and came up with this quick & easy ghost made from scraps of fabric and a few other supplies that I already had on hand.

Quick & Easy Fabric Ghost Craft Project

Scraps of white cotton fabric (fat quarter will work)
scraps of plaid print cotton fabric
2 orange buttons plus tan colored embroidery floss
fine point black and orange fabric marker
fiber fill stuffing or cotton batting shredded up
white sewing thread, scissors, sewing machine
cosmetic blush in rosy pink color
hand drawn pattern
bottle of fabric glue
fishing line

Pattern: The body is 2 pieces of fabric sewn together, seams facing out and the arms are two pieces sewn together, seams facing out. I simply just sketched out the shape I wanted for the ghost's body and the shape for his arms onto plain paper. My ghost measures 5" tall to help guide you on size. I then used this as my pattern.

I used my sewing machine to make the body first, left the bottom open, stuffed it and then sewed it shut. I then did the ghost's arms in the same manner and just tacked them to the back of the ghost with a little fabric glue. You could stitch them into place.

I used fine point fabric markers to make his face features and a little cosmetic blush for his cheeks. I cut a strip from plaid print fabric, tied it around his neck and accented it with an orange button. I cut two small fabric squares from print fabric and used fabric glue to attach them to his body along with another orange button.  I cut an 8" long piece of fishing line and threaded it through the top of his head and knotted it. This will allow you to hang him up if desired.

I made several of these ghosts varying in shape & size and have them hanging via a suction cup on my large picture window in our living room. They look adorable. I also made some black bats with green & orange eyes on a much smaller scale and they are hanging up on the window too.

Note: If you want a "cleaner" look to your Halloween Ghost...you can sew your fabric pieces right side together and then flip them out so no seams are visible. However, I think they look cuter with the seams showing and some fraying going on.

Halloween Craft Project - Ghost Sitting in Mini Tote Craft Project Idea



Back in the Fall of 2012, I made up several of these Ghost's sitting in mini tote Halloween decorations and gave them to some of my family & friends. Today, I thought I would share the craft & sewing project with all of you.

Mini Tote Bag

1 pre-made 4" by 5" muslin mini tote bag
orange, black & green fabric markers
6" square black lace
orange satin ribbon
glue gun
scissors

I started with a muslin mini tote bag that I had purchased at the craft store. I then used the fabric markers to make my design onto the front of the tote...which varies from each one that I made. This one has a pumpkin and the words Trick or Treat. I used my hot glue gun to glue the piece of black lace (black lace square) down into the bottom of the mini tote with just a few inches of it peeking up from the opening & sides. You need to be careful to NOT glue your tote bag shut because your muslin ghost will sit inside the tote once done. Use the orange satin ribbon and tie a bow around one of the tote's handles.

Muslin Ghost

2 pieces of muslin fabric 7" tall by 6" wide
black fabric marker
7" piece of jute rope
poly-fiberfill stuffing
sewing machine, white thread
scissors

I made my own ghost pattern and simply drew a ghost shape onto a piece of paper. I traced my pattern onto each piece of muslin and then cut it out using fabric scissors. I used my sewing machine and sewed around the edges, leaving about 2" open at the buttom. Turn the ghost right-side out and stuff with fiberfill stuffing. Sew or hot glue your opening shut. Use your black fabric marker to make 2 eyes and a mouth on the front of your ghost. Tie the piece of jute rope around his waistline and fasten or tie it close in the back. Place your new muslin ghost inside your mini tote bag and either hang it up or sit it on a table or shelf. Cute and very easy to make! Enjoy!

FREE Singer Sewing Project - How to Add Embellishments to Towels

Here is a free project idea for those of you who are are looking to add some cute embellishments to your bath towels, hand towels or even dish towels. This free project idea, photo and instructions is from our great friends over at Singer. Enjoy!

Add a colorful fabric band accent to a towel for a one-of-a kind gift or to coordinate with your household color scheme.

Shopping List:

Plain Towel
Small Fabric Scraps
Pins
Scissors
Thread

Measuring Fabric:

1. Measure the width of the towel from edge to edge. Add one inch to this measurement.
2. Decide how high the band should be for the towel (two to three inches is usually a good height). Add one inch to this measurement.

What to Cut:

3. Cut a piece of fabric the width and height from the measurements taken in steps 1 and 2.

How to Assemble:

4. Fold under ½" on each raw edge of fabric to the wrong side. Press.
5. Position fabric band onto towel, pinning in place to secure.
6. Insert the appropriate needle for the fabric to be sewn.
7. Set your machine for a straight stitch.
8. Thread the top of the machine and bobbin with all-purpose thread in a color that matches or blends as closely as possible to the color of the fabric band.
HINT: If trying to choose between two colors, opt for the darker color which will usually blend in better than a lighter color.
9. Carefully stitch close to folded edge on all four sides of the fabric band. Be sure to remove pins as you sew. The presser foot will help you guide the fabric evenly while stitching.
NOTE: The more slowly you sew the more control you have guiding the fabric while stitching.
10. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the stitching to help secure the thread in place.
NOTE: What is backstitching? Backstitching secures the machine stitching so the threads do not become loose and pull out. It is done by reversing a few stitches on top of or just next to those machine stitches at the beginning or end of a line of machine sewing. How to backstitch: Position needle about ½" from top edge of fabric. Stitch in reverse almost to the raw edge. Change to forward and stitch to the end of the fabric. Reverse and backstitch about ½".
11. Remove the towel from the machine. Trim the thread tails.

SINGER and the Cameo “S” Design are exclusive trademarks of The Singer Company Limited S.à r.l. or its Affiliates. ©2012 The Singer Company Limited S.à r.l. or its Affiliates. All rights reserved.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. The photo, project idea & instructions are courtesy of Singer.

Free Craft Project - Frugal Tooth Fairy Drawstring Bag

My little grand daughter spends a lot of time at our home and at her other grandmother's home and she is finally at the age where she is starting to loose teeth. As grandmother's we both wanted little Tooth Fairy Bags at each of our homes so that when she loses teeth...the Tooth Fairy can leave her a present at our homes too.

A few months ago I went out and bought a really nice Tooth Fairy pillow for her which she keeps at her house. For the grandmothers we decided to make our own little frugal Tooth Fairy bags. Here is how we made them. You will only need basic sewing skills to make one.

Supplies Needed:

(2) Pieces of Fabric each measuring 4" by 6" in size
(1) Piece Satin Ribbon 1/4" by 8" in size
(1) Scrap of White Terry Cloth (old wash cloth works well)
Red Embroidery Floss & Needle
Scissors
Sewing Machine & White Thread

For the tooth applique...we simply free-handed our own tooth shape and then cut it out of white terry cloth (an old wash cloth or towel). Using 3 strands of red embroidery floss, hand stitch the white terry cloth tooth to one piece of fabric (in our case, floral fabric). We did an outline stitch around the edges of the tooth and then made french knots for the eyes and hand stitched a mouth.

Fold over 1/2" on one short edge of each fabric piece to the wrong side and use your sewing machine to make a hem. You will thread the satin ribbon through there later to make the drawstring for the bag. Place the wrong sides together on your fabric pieces and machine sew three edges together (hem edges at the top) to form a bag. Once done, thread the satin ribbon throw the casing you made earlier to make the drawstrings and knot each end so that they don't pull throw the casing and don't unravel. (sorry...took the photo before we did this part so our drawstring is missing from the picture).

Your simple & frugal drawstring closure Tooth Fairy bag is done! It is big enough to hold money or a few little trinkets that the Tooth Fairy leaves behind. A great way to use up all of your little fabric scraps too!

How to Make a Tutu :: Quick and Easy Instructions

How to Make a Tutu
By Mariana Patrick

I've always dreamed of having daughters and doing crafts with them. I grew up with crafts all around me and I knew it was something I wanted for my daughters. I knew I wanted to create a lifelong bond with them and what better way to do that by coming up with an activity they'll always remember doing with their mommy. I never thought it would be to make tutus. Now that my oldest daughter is 6, I'm beginning to teach her the basics of making a tutu.

I was having trouble thinking of a birthday theme for her and she came up to me and said to have a tutu making party! Why didn't I think of that? It's the perfect theme and the perfect activity because the girls will learn a new skill and have a party favor to take home!

PREPLAN:

Cost of Roll/spool: $2-$3 (you'll need 2, maybe 3).

Precut elastic and sew ends together for waistband or use an elastic headband instead of sewing.

Precut the tulle strips days before the party. To save time, lay a cutting mat down and roll out at least three rolls evenly on top of each other. Start at the 0" mark on the mat and measure out the strip length. Let's say you want the tutu to be 10" long... cut about 22" to compensate for the knot you will be tying. Place a quilters lip edge ruler where you will be making your cut. Carefully roll your rotary cutter over the tulle fabric using the ruler's edge as a guide to make sure you have a straight cut. You will need to cut about three to four strips of tulle for each inch of waistband.

FOR THE PARTY and for each guest making a tutu:

Step 1: Slip your elastic waistband around a paper towel roll that will hold the elastic in place. If the elastic fits loosely around the paper towel roll, use sewing pins to cinch up the elastic until it fits snug.

Step 2: Have the girls fold a strip in half and bring it behind the elastic waistband to form a loop.

Step 3: Bring the ends of the tulle strip up and through the loop and pull the ends down to tighten. Make sure they don't pull it too tight as it can overstretch the waistband.

Step 4: Continue tying slipknots or show them how to tie regular double knots around the entire waistband. They will probably use about 60 strips of tulle. Try to tie at least 3 knots per inch of your waistband measurement.

Step 5: The fun part!!! Embellish. Supply them with tons of embellishments... Glue or pin flowers an tie ribbon around the waistband. And there you have a finished tutu and a successful birthday activity!

Learn everything you need to know to make beautiful boutique quality tutus including 10 different variations in my complete step-by-step instructional course. You will not find a better or more affordable course on the Internet for how to make a tutu. I've been selling my guides since 2007 and have thousands of satisfied customers who have taken the skills learned from my ebooks and started their own successful tutu boutiques! ~ Mariana Patrick

10 Ways To Organize Your Sewing Room Beautifully

10 Ways to Organize Your Sewing Room Beautifully by Kim Christopherson

Your sewing or crafting room should reflect the style and comfort you put into your creations. When your space is organized and decorated to your taste, it is an oasis you look forward to, rather than another room that needs care. Keep in mind that organization doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. You might even have some items around the house to help you out!

1.Display your favorite colors in your room using paint, simple curtains, artwork, and colorful crafting supplies such as ribbons, thread spools, and fabrics, as your décor.

2.Baskets make great scrap catchers. I keep one large basket next to my cutting table for usable scraps of fabric to go through later. I keep another next to my sewing machine with smaller scraps for test stitching. A third holds my stash finds—fat quarters that I couldn’t pass up, remnants, and bit of lace that I’ve picked up. Dress your basket with a bow made from a scrap of your favorite fabric or ribbon.

3.Use pretty pottery vases for things like craft sticks, marking tools, and tall scissors. Vintage tea cups make darling containers for pins or needles. Great for small appliqués, buttons, snaps, and other small notions, cookie or popcorn tins are always around, so put them to good use!

4.A clean pad of decorative note paper is always useful to jot down notes to yourself as you craft. This allows you to clear your mind to concentrate on the task you’re doing.

5.Use a decorative key hook board to hang your small scissors so you can find them. Hanging also preserves the sharp points on your cutting tools.

6.A clean pad of decorative note paper is always useful to jot down notes to yourself as you craft. This allows you to clear your mind to concentrate on the task you’re doing.

7.Use a decorative key hook board to hang your small scissors so you can find them. Hanging also preserves the sharp points on your cutting tools.

8.Use those slightly worn gift bags (the ones you can’t bear to throw away, but can’t re-give to someone else!) to hold projects-in-progress. Hang them from a hanger on the rod in the closet.

9.Keep a pretty tea tray on your desk for the latest copies of fabric catalogues and quilting magazines. Go through the stack monthly when you pay your bills and file or throw away old copies.

10.Hang a mirror somewhere in your sewing room where you can catch a glimpse of yourself at your craft. Mirrors add light and space, and seeing yourself doing what you love will encourage you to do more of it!

11.Put a soft, comfortable chair in the corner of your craft space alongside a small table or even a hatbox so that you can sit down to read or hand-sew with a cup of tea. This inviting nook will add an element of comfort to your workspace.

Use some simple things around the house to add beautiful organizational elements, and make your craft or sewing space a place you love!

Lorie Fuller is a designer and writer for http://youcanmakethis.com/and the Editor of You Can SEW This, a newsletter written for sewing enthusiasts. Find hundreds of “How To” e-Books, along with three informative newsletters. Sign up for the newsletters to receive valuable e-Book bundles for FREE!

How To Make An Easy Homemade Window Topper Curtain

A friend of mine just moved into a new apartment and didn't have a lot of money to run out and get some new window treatments, so she asked me to help her to make some simple window toppers aka curtains for some of her windows.

So, we went out to our local fabric store and she purchased some cotton blend fabrics that were on sale for $1.99 a yard.

Measurements: We measured her windows and added on 10" to the width to allow for seam allowances & trimming. For the length, we added on 12" to allow for seam allowances and the curtain rod pocket. You can make them however long that you want, as you can see from the photo, hers are 1/3 of her window length as she says a lot of sunlight comes in that window and she likes to use her mini blinds.

You will need:

Coordinating Sewing Thread, Scissors, Tape Measure, Sewing Machine, Iron & Ironing Board, Sewing Supplies

We decided to cut our fabric first and allowed 10" extra inches on our width and 12" extra inches on our length (see above). We then ironed back our seams on 2 of the width edges and on the bottom hem edge. We folded the fabric back by 2 1/2" on the width and then folded it again by 2 1/2" so that the raw edge was hidden in the fold. She then used her sewing machine and sewed a straight edge down each of the width sides of the fabric. Using the iron, we ironed under 1" and then 1 1/2" on the bottom edge (raw edge hidden in the ironed fold) and she used a straight stitch to hem them up. You want to do the ironed folds along your seam lines to hide all raw edges which protects from fraying during washing/drying.

She had a simple white metal curtain rod that measured approx. 1 1/4" in depth, so we added on a 1/2" so that the rod would slide smoothly thru the pocket. Your next step is to sew the curtain rod pocket which she did by folding over approximately 5 or 6" of the fabric and using a straight stitch with her sewing machine, she made a curtain rod pocket.

Now, if you want them fuller or more ruffling to them, double the width of your fabric measurement.

As you can see, they are very simple and easy to make. She is going to use them while she is saving up some money to get more elaborate window treatments.

Happy Sewing!

Shelly

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

How To Make A Handcrafted Easter Bunny Made From A Sock!

Oh my goodness...how cute is this? Too cute if you ask me! Recently I was MIA for several weeks due to an illness. While I was in the hospital, one of my good friends who is also very crafty made me this adorable Easter bunny made from a sock! I asked her if I could share it with all of my blog readers and she said yes!

Now...I don't have all of the measurements or the particulars so I will describe how 'it' looks like she made it...I think you could easily come up with some similar yourself.

My Easter Sock Bunny measures approximately 10" tall including the ears. She took one long sock and cut the leg part in half and then firmly stuffed the foot part with stuffing and tied the head with ribbon to close it. She then machine sewn the ears...you could easily do this by hand using some strong embroidery thread and small nice stitches.

She tied a fabric piece around its neck and also used matching fabric to make a bow and glued it on top of her head using a glue gun. She used a small scrap piece of matching fabric and glued that onto the upper chest with a hand painted little wooden heart.

The face has a pink pom-pom for the nose and she hand sewed to round black beads on for the bunny's eyes. The cheeks are lightly blushed with some cosmetics.

I also believe she has a small amount of pellets inside her body because she sits up nicely and doesn't fall over...you could use some pellets or dried beans if you prefer to do so.

Overall...she looks pretty simple and next year when Easter rolls around, I hope to use her idea to craft up a family of bunny's for some family members.

Homespun Spring Stitchery Accent Pillow

A few weeks ago I stitched up this little accent pillow because I had spring fever...now that it's the first day of spring...I am already thinking ahead to planting my annual garden.

This little pillow is fast and easy to make and you only need a handful of supplies. It's a great way to use up some of your homespun fabric scraps.

Here is what you will need:

4 3/4" by 5 1/2" piece of tea-stained muslin fabric
Less than a 1/4 yard of homespun fabric
Embroidery Floss, Needle, Scissors and Embroidery Hoop
Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies
Small amount of poly-fiber fill
Disappearing ink pen

Pattern: On a 4 3/4" by 5 1/2" piece of printer paper, write down the words "My (heart symbol) Is In The Garden. (see photo). This paper should be the exact size of your muslin fabric. Use it as your pattern and trace it onto your muslin fabric using a disappearing ink pen.

Using 3 strands of embroidery floss in the colors you choose, stitch the wording onto the muslin. Once you have your hand stiching done, its time to add a border. From homespun fabric, cut four 2 1/2" by 7 1/2" long strips. Use these strips to make a border around your muslin piece. Once you have them attached, measure your front panel. Use those measurements and cut out the same size from homespun fabric. Pin the two pieces together (right sides together) and machine sew around 3 1/2 of the edges. Turn right side out and stuff with fiber fill. Hand sew the opening shut with a blind stitch.

Your little accent pillow is now complete!

~ Happy Crafting ~

FREE and EASY To Make Tooth Fairy Pillow Pattern

Now that I am a first time grandma to an 8 month old baby girl...I knew there would come a time that we would need a tooth fairy pillow. After searching online, I found a free pattern over on the About.Com web site.

You can make it as fancy as you would like by adding lace, rick-rack trim or even embroidering on the front of your pillow. However, I wanted a simple clean look to mine so I just used the pattern shape and chose to make mine out of white cotton terry cloth. It took me less than 30 minutes to make the pillow for my grand daughter. Now that its done, I am going to go out and purchase an iron-on applique with her first name initial and iron that onto the front...but for now, you can see the pillow in the picture up above. I love that it has a little pocket on the front where you can place the tooth and then leave your "fairy" money inside.

~ Happy Sewing ~

How To Make Fabric Strawberries With Sparkles

A few weeks ago I decided to make some strawberries out of some red cotton fabric that I had left over from another sewing project. With spring coming, I thought they would look cute sitting in a ceramic bowl on my counter top. After I completed them, I covered them in some sparkly German Glass Glitter so they actually look beaded (and beautiful).

Here is what you will need to make them:

5" circle template
red and green cotton fabric
poly fiber-fill stuffing
green embroider floss and sewing needle
sewing machine and basic sewing supplies
German Glass Glitter
Mod Podge and a Foam Brush
Scissors

I used a round jar candle to make my 5" circle template pattern. Once you have your paper pattern, cut your circle in half. Using your half circle, cut out 2 pieces from your red fabric.

Fold your half circle in half as shown in the below photo and pin into place.

Using your sewing machine that has been set on the straight stitch, sew down the one straight edge of your fabric. (the wrong side of your fabric should be facing outward).

Your strawberry should now look like this:

Turn your strawberry right side out. Using thread and a hand sewing needle, run a gathering stitch through the top edges. Pull the gathering thread to help cinch up the top and stuff some poly fiber fill inside...then finish pulling your threads up and fasten off.




Now you can make your strawberry caps as plain or as fancy as you would like. I opted to go for plain...so I just drew an X shape onto a piece of paper and used it as my template. I then cut them out of green fabric.

I centered my green X's over the top of my strawberries and used green embroidery floss to attach them (by hand) with little tiny stitches. If desired, you can thread a 1 1/2" piece of 6-strand floss up through the center of your X to make a stem (I did) and knot it underneath before attaching the cap to your strawberry.

Once I had all of my strawberries done, I glittered them with some German Glass Glitter. I poured a little matte finish Mod Podge into a bowl and added 1 teaspoon of water to it. Using a sponge brush...I brushed this mixture over my berries. While it was still wet, I sprinkled a lot of 'fine grade' German Glass Glitter onto them and then set them onto a baking sheet to dry.

Now when I make strawberries I will do them in 3 sizes....after all, strawberries are never all the same size. I like to do 3", 4" and 5" diameter 1/2 circles for my templates.

~ Happy Crafting ~

How To Make A Kitchen Towel Fabric Topper

If you are looking to make some fabric toppers for some of your kitchen hand towels, I think you will be pleased with this easy to make project. You can find inexpensive nice kitchen towels at your local dollar type of store.

Here is what you will need to make this project:

1 cotton kitchen hand towel
2 pieces of 6" square cotton fabric
5" square of cotton batting
large 1" diameter button
8" piece of cording or twine
Sewing Machine & Basic Sewing Supplies
Scissors

Place your two 6" fabric squares right sides together with the 5" piece of cotton batting sandwiched in between them. Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew around 3 1/2 of the sides. Turn the square right side out and hand sew the turning hole shut with a needle and thread. Set aside.

Find the center of your kitchen towel and mark the center with a straight pin. Using your sewing machine, run a gathering stitch down the center width of your towel. Pull the threads up so that your gathered towel will fit the width of your fabric square. Pin your fabric square onto the gathered edge (center edge) of your towel and pin into place. NOTE: Your square should be diagonal on the fabric and not placed up and down (diamond shape). Use your sewing machine and run a straight stitch down the center of your diagonal from corner to corner. Make sure you back stitch to ensure its attachment.



Finish your towel by hand sewing on a 1" diameter button onto one corner of the fabric square and by sewing on hanging loop on the back corner.

~ Shelly ~

Country Homespun Snowman Applique Kitchen Towel

During the winter season, I love decorating my home in a snowman theme...I leave my snowmen out until the middle of February before I finally put them away for the season.

A few weeks ago, I saw some cute homespun towels out in a retail store that had snowman appliques on them...however, they were blue towels and my country kitchen is in red. I decided to not purchase them and to go home and make my own...that way, they would match my red kitchen.

Here is how I made my own snowman applique kitchen towels:

17" by 26" piece of homespun cotton fabric
Sewing machine with coordinating thread

I ironed my homespun to remove wrinkles. I then ironed a 1/4" back around all four of my edges (to the wrong side of fabric) and then folded it over again by a 1/4" so that it will hide the raw edges of my fabric. I then used a 1/4" seam allowance and sewed around all four edges of my fabric using a straight stitch.

Snowman Applique

You can find free printable snowman designs online by doing a search for free coloring pages or head to your local dollar store and purchase a holiday coloring book. Cut out the design. Scan the design into your computer and print off a few copies. I then cut apart my copies...one piece for the body, one for each piece of his clothing and so forth...until I have a pattern piece for each piece that I will need to make my snowman applique.

You will then trace each piece onto your desired color of wool felt with a disappearing ink pen. Cut out your felt shapes. Start building your snowman by hand sewing on his clothing and accents. I chose to use tiny little stitches for attaching all of his pieces to his felt body. Once I had him completed, I attached him to my towel by doing a blanket stitch around him. I used two strands of black embroidery floss for my blanket stitching.

It sounds a lot harder than what it really is...fun and relaxing. I like to sew up my towels one day...then during the evening while I am watching TV, I will hand sew up my appliques.

~ Happy Crafting ~

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!

Country Homespun Hearts Throw Pillow - FREE Pattern

If you are looking for a quick and easy sewing project, I think you will appreciate this one. Today...I am posting how I made an easy Country Homespun Fabric Pillow that has an attached applique that says 'Homespun Hearts' on the front of it.

I think this little accent pillow makes a great gift or make one for yourself.

Here is what you will need to make this project:

2 pieces of homespun fabric that each measure 12" by 9 1/4" in size
Tea-Stained Muslin or Tea-Stained Cotton Broadcloth (3 3/4" by 5 1/2")
Poly-fiber fill stuffing
Sewing Machine and basic sewing supplies
Cotton Embroidery Floss
Disappearing Ink Pen

I decided to make my pillow in a blue color scheme so I chose blue homespun fabric and blue embroidery floss to match it.

Pattern: On a piece of printer paper that measures 3 3/4" by 5 1/2" in size, write the words "HOMESPUN HEARTS" as shown in the photo. This will become your pattern so center it on your piece of paper. You will then use your disappearing ink pen to transfer the pattern onto your tea-stained muslin. Use 3 strands of embroidery floss and stitch your wording. Once done, use an iron to iron back 1/4" on all edges to the back side of the fabric. (this will hide your raw edges). Next, machine stitch around the edges using a beige colored thread...so that it blends in with the color of your muslin. (you can also hand-stitch it if you would like). Now set this piece aside and work on your pillow.

Place your two pieces of homespun fabric right-sides together and sew around 3 1/2 of the edges. Turn right side out and insert the stuffing. Once done, sew the opening closed with small blind stitches.

It is now time to attach your stitched panel to the front side of your pillow. You can hand stitch it on or use fabric glue, the choice is yours. I chose to hand stitch mine on.

~ Happy Crafting ~

Shelly

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.

Country Homespun Friends Stitchery Accent Pillow

A few weeks ago I made this little accent pillow for one of my dear friends who was feeling down at the time. I thought it would make a great "I am thinking of you" gift to cheer her up.

Once you complete this accent pillow, it will measure approximately 6 3/4" wide by 7 1/4" tall. I used a 1/4" seam allowance during the sewing construction.

Here are the supplies that you will need:

6" by 6" piece of tea-dyed cotton muslin fabric
1/4 yard of cotton homespun fabric
Embroidery floss to match homespun fabric
Sewing Machine and basic sewing supplies
Disappearing ink tracing pen
Small Embroidery Hoop
Small amount of poly-fiber fill

The saying that I stitched on my accent pillow says: "Side by side or miles apart, Dear friends are always close at heart." Please see photo for placement of wording.

Pattern: On a piece of paper that measures 4 1/4" by 4 1/2" in size, write out the wording as shown in the picture. You will use this as your pattern.

Trace the words onto your muslin fabric with a disappearing ink pen and then place fabric in a small embroidery hoop. Using 3 strands of embroidery floss and an embroidery needle, stitch the wording using small straight stitches.

From cotton homespun fabric, cut four strips that each measure 2 1/2" by 7 1/2", these strips will be used to make the border. Using your sewing machine, sew each border strip onto your muslin fabric. You will need to trim them down once you have them sewn on so that you have a complete rectangle.

Once your front panel of the pillow is completed, measure it and cut a matching back piece out of homespun fabric. Pin the two pieces right-sides together and sew around 3 and a 1/2 of the edges. Turn pillow right-side out and stuff with poly-fiber fill. Using a sewing needle and matching thread, sew the opening shut with a blind stitch.

Adding the accents: From homespun, cut a strip that measures 1/2" wide by 8" long and tie it into a bow. Trim ends of the bow and then hand sew it onto the top center of your pillow. If desired, cut a tiny heart from homespun and glue it to the front of the pillow with fabric glue. (mine is near the word 'always').

~ Happy Sewing ~