Earthly Angel Pillow

Posted on May 1, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Show mom just how special she is this Mother’s Day with a one-of-a-kind crafted gift. This easy-to-sew pillow can be created in a variety of colors and fabrics, so make an angel that looks just like Mom, right down to a dress in her favorite color.

Materials

Cotton fabric, 45” wide: tan, 3/8 yd.; flesh-tone, scraps; medium brown print, 1/8 yd.; black print, 1/8 yd.; green print, 1/8 yd.; blue and blue/tan plaid, scraps
Lightweight cotton batting, scraps
Pillow form, 12” square
Fabric and Battenburg lace doilies, 3”, four
Off-white piping, 1-1/2 yds.
Light blue satin ribbon, 1/8”-wide, 1/4 yd.
Embroidery floss: black, blue, dark brown, flesh, gold, green, off-white.
Flat-backed buttons in colors of choice: 1/2” diameter, six; mottled brown, 5/8” diameter, four

Tools

Air-soluble marker
Pellon Wonder-Under Lightweight Fusible Web Adhesive
Optional: red acrylic paint; 1/4” stencil brush, tea bags, saucepan

Basic Supplies

scissors, pinking shears, pencil, ruler, transparent tape, sewing machine, matching threads, straight pins, embroidery needle, embroidery hoop, iron, pressing cloth, paper towel

Directions

Prepare and Cut Fabrics

1. Wash and dry fabrics. For small pieces of fabric, it is best to wash by hand and let air dry to prevent tangling. Press fabrics.

2. For center panel, cut an 8-1/2” square from tan fabric. For border, cut four 2-1/2”x8-1/2” strips from medium brown. For corners, cut four 2-1/2” squares from black.

3. If desired, tea-dye doilies for a vintage look. To tea dye, fill saucepan half full with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add one or two tea bags for each cup of water used. (Note: The more tea used, the darker the final color.) Let tea bags steep for 15 minutes; remove tea bags and stir. Place doilies into tea, stirring fabric occasionally. Check every five minutes until desired color is achieved. Remove fabric from tea; squeeze out excess liquid. Line dry or place in dryer with old towel (to absorb the tea). Press doilies. Wipe out dryer before drying other items.

4. For appliqués, print and cut out patterns, cutting along dashed lines; set lettering pattern aside. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Trace outlines of remaining patterns onto paper side of iron-on adhesive, omitting halo on hair pattern and flower stems on grass pattern. For wings, trace one wing and one reverse onto paper side of adhesive. Cut out appliqués just outside traced lines; remove paper backing.

5. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse iron-on appliqués to wrong sides of following fabrics: hair to medium brown; dress to blue; face and legs to flesh-tone; shoes to black; grass to green; wings to cotton batting. Cut out appliqués on traced lines, using pinking shears to cut top edge of grass.

6. If desired, drybrush angel’s cheeks with red acrylic paint. To drybrush, dip brush into paint and wipe on paper towel until almost dry. Apply paint to cheeks in a circular motion.

Center Panel

1. Using lettering pattern and air-soluble marker, trace pattern onto right side of center panel. The “E” in “Earthly” should begin 5/8” from left edge and 9/16” from top edge of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, position appliqués on right side of center panel and pin in place as follows: grass (side and bottom edges should be even with panel side and bottom edges), shoes, legs, dress, face, hair, and wings. (Note: Dotted lines on patterns show where a pattern piece is overlapped by another piece. For example, legs are overlapped by shoes and dress; wings are overlapped by hair and dress; etc.) When pleased with arrangement, use iron and pressing cloth to fuse appliqués to center panel.

3. In same way as lettering, use patterns to transfer remaining details to center panel: halo, facial features, dress details, line to divide legs, line to divide shoes, and flower stems.

4. (Note: Use three strands of floss for blanket stitching, one strand for hair bangs, and two strands for all other embroidery.) With matching floss, blanket stitch around outside edges of hair, wings, dress, legs, and shoes. In addition, blanket stitch lines dividing legs and shoes, working stitches toward the left. For grass, blanket stitch along top edge; stitches should begin between pinked points and end approximately 1/4” from top of grass.

5. With dark brown floss, stem stitch lettering and hair bangs. With green floss, stem stitch flower stems. With gold floss, stem stitch halo. With blue floss, stem stitch arm lines on dress. With black floss, straight stitch eyes.

6. For apron, use pinking shears to cut a 1-3/4”x2-3/4” rectangle from blue/tan fabric. Sew a gathering stitch along one long edge of apron, 1/4” from edge. Gather apron to measure 1-1/4”-wide at gathering. Pin apron to dress; gathering stitch should be even with dashed line shown on pattern. Sew apron to dress using blue floss and stem stitch.

7. From satin ribbon, tie a 1” wide two-loop bow with tails; trim tails even. Tack bow to center neck of dress. With off-white floss, sew to top of each flower stem one button in color of choice.

Assemble Pillow Front

1. (Note: Sew with right sides facing in 1/4” seams. Press seams outward away from center panel.) Sew one border strip to left side and one to right side of center panel. Sew corner blocks to ends of remaining border strips. Sew assembled corners/borders to top and bottom of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, pin doilies to corner blocks; outer edges of doilies will extend over edges of pillow front. Trim doilies even with edges of pillow front. Sew doilies to pillow front using matching thread. With dark brown floss, blanket stitch around center fabric edge of each doily; stitches should point toward center of pillow. With off-white floss, sew one 5/8” diameter brown button to fabric corner of each doily.

Finishing

1. Beginning and ending in a bottom corner, sew piping around pillow front, 1/4” from edge. Clip piping seam at corners as you work, to round edges.

2. For pillow back, cut a 12-1/2” square from remaining tan fabric. Sew pillow front to pillow back along piping seams, leaving a 10” opening at bottom for turning and stuffing. Trim corners; turn right side out. Insert pillow form into opening. Hand sew opening closed.

Tip

To trace pattern in reverse, tape pattern to window during daylight hours, right side of pattern facing window. Position adhesive over pattern and trace.

Add Your Own Touch . . .

Create a treasured keepsake from packed-away baby clothes.
Use flower-shaped decorative buttons instead of round buttons.
Extend the lines of the angel’s dress, leave off the apron, legs, and shoes, and appliqué several angels onto a tree skirt or table runner for the holidays.

by Mary Ayres

Wedding Box

Posted on April 27, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Capture wedding day memories when you place keepsakes from your special day inside this beautiful personalized wedding box.

Materials

Walnut Hollow Large Lancaster Wooden Trunk, 9”x5”x5-1/2” (38219)
Plaid FolkArt Acrylic Paints: Wicker White, Licorice, Ivory White, Metallic Silver Sterling, Metallic Copper
Darice Wooden Ball Knobs, 1”, four
Color copy of wedding photo

Tools

Plaid FolkArt Down Home Brown Antiquing Medium
Plaid FolkArt Satin Artists’ Varnish
Paintbrushes: round, #5; flat, #12
Plaid Bottle Top Tip Writers (30728)
Plaid Mod Podge Découpage Medium
Wood glue

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, ruler, sandpaper, pencil, transfer paper, soft cloth, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Basecoat box Wicker White; sand lightly. Wipe clean with soft cloth.

STEP 2

Print pattern. Transfer heart pattern around sides of box bottom.

STEP 3

Paint the following: lid, wooden knobs, and top box section Metallic Copper; base and bottom of pattern Silver Sterling; hearts Ivory White. Let dry. Adhere wooden knobs to each corner of box bottom.

STEP 4

Transfer lettering to lid and names and wedding date to underside of lid. Use bottle top tip set and Licorice to add pattern details and write lettering. Spatter paint box and lid Licorice; let dry.

STEP 5

Trim photo to desired size. Following manufacturer’s instructions, use découpage medium to apply photo to lid. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to antique lid and box. Apply varnish.

Tip

To create a bridal bouquet keepsake display, adhere floral foam inside box, then arrange dried flowers and ribbon from the bridal bouquet as desired. The wedding couple’s name and date on the lid are the perfect background for this floral display.

by Kirsten Jones

Gift Card Ideas for the Ladies

Posted on April 22, 2013 by lhoman

Welcome to the Crafts ‘n things Blog. Before we get started with the project today, it is time to announce the winners of the two $25 Inspired by Stamping Gift Cards!

The two winners as selected by Random.org are Emerald Perez and Barbara MacAskill! Thank you to everyone for all your kind comments. Emerald and Barbara, please contact Joanna (joanna@inspiredbystampin.com) to claim your prize!

As we get closer to May and June, many of us are sure to need gifts for the ladies in our lives. We may need a Mother’s Day gift, a wedding shower gift, or a graduation gift.

I made a card with a removable bookmark tag, but you can also add a gift card! The recipient can remove the gift card from the tag and still use the bookmark!

Tuck the bookmark and gift card into a decorated library card pocket.

Use stamped sentiments in a reading theme and attach a gift card to a local book store to the book mark. If you have a friend or sister who loves tea or coffee, use tea-themed stamps and tuck a gift card to a local tea or coffee shop into the pocket.

Here is a look at the inside of the card where I stamped a reading-themed sentiment.

Supply List

Cardstock: American Crafts Coffee, Neenah Natural White
Designer paper: Graphic 45 A Ladies’ Diary Collection 8″x8″ Paper: Garden Stroll, Moment in Time, Fashion Plates, Ageless Beauty
Simple Stories Odds and Ends Memorabilia Pocket
Prima Fairy Belle Collection Flowers
My Favorite Things Well Read Stamp Set
Clearsnap ColorBox Graphic 45 Decades Dark Cashmere Antiquing Ink Pad
Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System
My Favorite Things Die-namics Fishtail Flag Stax Die
Really Reasonable Ribbon Champagne Chevron Striped Twill
Large manila shipping tag
Bow Easy Bow-Making Tool
Adhesive: Beacon Adhesives Fabri-tac Permanent Adhesive, 3M Scotch Brand ATG Tape Runner, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Foam Tape

Gloria Stengel from Scraps of Life (www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com)

Keepsake Cake Serving Set

Posted on April 11, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Cutting the cake at your wedding is a popular time-honored tradition. Create this Keepsake Cake Serving Set to add a tone of elegance and flair to this special moment.

Materials

Metal cake knife and server set
Clear glass plate, 6-7⁄8” diameter
Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Oven-Bake Enamel Paints: Parma, Ivory, Citrine, Opaline Green, Malachite
White sheer ribbon, 7⁄8” wide, 1⁄2 yard (optional)

Tools

Paintbrushes: flat shader, #4; liner; filbert, #4 or #6
Rubbing alcohol
Oven and oven thermometer

Basic Supplies

newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Sizes

Knife, 12” long; server, 9-3⁄4” long; plate, 6-7⁄8” diameter.

General

1. Wash knife, server, and plate in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.

2. Wipe surfaces to be painted with rubbing alcohol. Let dry. (Note: Practice techniques on paper before beginning.)

Knife & Server Set

1. To paint flowers on knife and server, dip one tip of flat shader brush in Parma and other tip in Ivory. With Ivory to outside, stand brush on edge, apply pressure, and make an “m” motion. Bring brush back up on edge and lift. Full flowers have four petals; vary flowers with one, two, or three petals as desired. Use tip of liner to dot centers Citrine and to paint Parma, Ivory, and Citrine bands around top of handles.

2. For leaves and vine, pull main vine with liner dipped in Opaline Green. Dip one tip of filbert in Opaline Green and other tip in Malachite. With Opaline Green to top, stand brush on edge, apply pressure, and quickly turn, pull, and lift brush to left or right depending on desired direction of leaf. Use liner and Opaline Green to connect leaves to main vine and add curly tendrils.

Cake Plate

1. For cake plate, turn plate over to paint on back side of plate. Paint flowers in same way as knife and server, but paint centers first so they will show from front of plate. Full flowers have five petals; partial flowers have three petals.

2. Paint vines and leaves in same way as knife and server. For border, use flat shader to paint three Parma lines as shown at each clock hour position. Add three horizontal Ivory dots along rim between purple lines.

Finishing

1. To set paint, place painted items directly on middle rack of cool oven. Set oven to 300°; use oven thermometer to monitor temperature. (Note: Paint will brown if oven is too hot.) Once temperature is reached, bake pieces for 35 minutes. Turn off oven, open door, and let pieces cool gradually. Once cool, remove pieces from oven. Pieces are now food-and dishwasher-safe.

2. If desired, tie ribbon bow around server handle.

Tip

Paint is not permanent until baked. If unhappy with design, wash off and start again.

by Sandy Kucyk

Doily Wedding Invitation

Posted on April 10, 2013 by lhoman

Spring and summer means wedding season and the Summer 2013 issue of Crafts ‘n things is full of wedding inspiration. From reception centerpieces to bridesmaids accessories and wedding favors, brides are sure to find a variety of ideas to make their wedding vision complete.

It’s Jill Cornell here today to share a simple, stylish wedding invitation idea that is so easy to duplicate. (For complete instructions, visit page 58 of the Summer 2013 issue of Crafts ‘n things). This particular invitation is displayed in a Nimbus Transparent Display Frame to create a special keepsake for the bride and groom. Visit www.amosadvantage.com to order. (Look for another fun idea using these frames in Melony Bradley’s April 5 blog post.)

The text was designed and printed at home and then stamped with a doily image. A light ink color provides a subtle texture in the design. Patterned paper strips, including a punched doily border, provide a splash of color when adhered to a neutral woodgrain background paper.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the Summer 2013 issue of Crafts ‘n things for more gorgeous bridal projects!

Happy crafting!

Jill Cornell from Blessed Scrapper (www.jillcornell.blogspot.com)

Ribbon-Embroidered Jewelry Bag

Posted on April 9, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Personalized with the bride’s initial, this beautiful ribbon-embroidered jewelry organizer is a gift that every bride is sure to love.

Materials

White fabrics: moiré, 1⁄4 yard; satin, 1⁄2 yard; medium-weight fleece, 1⁄4 yard
Silk embroidery ribbon, 4mm wide: pale grass green, 3⁄4 yard; periwinkle, 1 yard; light pink, 1 yard
DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss: Light Pink, Avocado Green
White satin ribbon: 5⁄8” wide, 3⁄4 yard; 3⁄8” wide double-sided, 1⁄2 yard
White satin twisted bias cord, 3⁄16” diameter, 1-1⁄2 yards
Lavender/pink multicolored seed beads
Hook-and-loop tape, 1⁄8” wide, 2⁄3 yard

Tools

Sewing machine and white thread
Chenille needle, #22
Air-soluble marker

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, straight pins

Directions

Embroidering the Bag

1. Cut a 9”x13” rectangle from moiré fabric. Slightly round edges of one 9” end (will become front “flap”).

2. Print pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) To make initial pattern, draw 1-1⁄4” to 1-1⁄2” tall initial on paper. Use air-soluble marker to transfer initial and floral motifs to rounded end of fabric, centering initial between motifs.

3. Click HERE to print the Ribbon Embroidery Tutorial to use as a reference. Thread needle. Insert ribbon end through eye of needle, pulling through 3” length. Pierce 3” length with needle, about 1⁄2” from end. (See Fig. 1) Pull back on opposite end until it locks securely around eye of needle.

: Figure 1

4. To secure ribbon, insert needle through fabric, leaving a 1⁄2” length at back. When taking first few stitches, catch the length with needle at back.

5. When finished stitching design, tie a slip knot to secure ribbon at back. (Note: Do not drag ribbon from one design to next. Fasten off and begin next design with new ribbon.)

6. For initial, use Light Pink floss and chain stitch to embroider letter, working from bottom to top. For stems, use Avocado Green and stem stitch. For buds, use periwinkle silk ribbon and lazy daisy stitch.

7. For spider web rose, use Light Pink floss for base and light pink silk ribbon for rose. For leaves, use pale grass green silk ribbon and lazy daisy stitch. Attach beads with white thread, sewing through each bead twice.

Sewing the Jewelry Bag

1. For lining, cut one 9”x13” rectangle from satin fabric and one from fleece. Set aside.

2. For pockets, cut three 8”x9” rectangles from satin fabric and three 3-1⁄2”x8” rectangles from fleece. Fold each satin pocket in half to measure 4”x9”; mark center. Open and place fleece rectangle on center line, just inside 1⁄2” seam allowance. Fold satin again; pin along folded edge.

3. Cut three 8” lengths from hook-and-loop tape. Center and sew “soft” half of each tape strip along back folded edge of one pocket. Cut a 9” length from 5⁄8”-wide ribbon; sew to pocket front over hook-and-loop tape stitching, sewing close to ribbon edges. Set pockets aside.

4. For lining, mark 9”x13” satin rectangle at 4”, 4-3⁄4”, 8-1⁄8”, and 9” points along 13” edges, measuring from straight edge up toward rounded edge. Sew remaining hook-and-loop tape halves to lining just below 4”, 8-1⁄8”, and just above 9” marks.

5. Place one pocket at top edge (opening downward) and one at bottom edge, matching hook-and-loop tape; pin to secure. Mark 1⁄2” from bottom of remaining pocket. With hook-and-loop tape facing up, align pocket marking with 4-3⁄4” marking on lining. Sew bottom seam of pocket, stitching twice for added reinforcement. Fold pocket up, aligning with hook-and-loop tape. Baste or stitch around edges of lining/pockets for stability.

6. Baste fleece rectangle to wrong side of embroidered front. Cut two 9” lengths from 3⁄8” wide ribbon. Pin one length to center front. Set aside remaining length.

7. Pin straight edge of bias cord around front of bag; sew in place. Place front/fleece and lining together with right sides together; pin to secure. Sew together just inside cording seam line; leave bottom open for turning. Clip corners and trim seams; turn right side out. Slipstitch opening closed.

8. Fold bag into thirds and mark center point of front; unfold. Center remaining ribbon length 4” from bottom edge of front on right side; pin to secure. Fold again to check ribbon placement. Sew in place through all layers of fabric. Fold bag and tie ribbon to close.

by Linda Wyszynski and Annette Calhoun

Boutique Knock Off Yo-Yo Display and Prize Winner!!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by lhoman

When I stumbled across a similar version of this adorable way of displaying handmade yo-yos, I was immediately inspired. It was a recent new product offered by a pricey upscale boutique, and the price was way out of my league. Fast forward two or three months later. I had just received my Summer issue of Crafts n Things magazine and ran across an ad for this innovative display frame, I immediately remembered the pricey yo-yo shadow box display frame. I set about making my own version of this pricey Boutique Knock Off Yo-Yo Display.

These boxes from Amos Advantage are perfect for displaying memorabilia such as ticket stubs, vintage photographs, collected seashells, and any other treasured items you would like to proudly mount and display. The special feature of these frames are two transparent, flexible silicone membranes which surround your exhibition items softly. In doing so, it gives the impression of your collection levitating inside the frame. In addition, you get both the front and back view of your collection. The frames are completely open with one side hinged. You place the object on the silicone membrane and close the frame. It is securely closed by a magnetic flap. The frames come in three sizes: 9-1/16″x7-3/32″x63/64″, a slender 12-7/32″x2-3/8″x63/64″, and a small 2-3/4″x2-3/4″x63/64″.

Creating my little yo-yo display frame was super easy. First I gathered some coordinating fabric fat quarters and buttons and set about sewing my yo-yos. If you have never created yo-yos, there couldn’t be anything easier. Simply trace a circle to use as a template. The rule is to trace a circle that is twice the size of your finished yo-yo.

Thread a sewing needle and sew a long running stitch 1/4” from the edge of the circle. Pull threads together and form yo-yo with fingers. Pull the thread to the back of the center of the yo-yo and knot off. If desired, sew a button to the center of the yo-yo.

I used a dry adhesive such as foam squares to attach my yo-yos to the frame.

Here are a few more ideas for using these frames in your craft projects:

1. Create a Unique Wedding Gift- Save the invitation and mount it along with a painted monogram and some dried flowers or favors from the wedding reception. This will delight any bride to be.

2. Display your Garden- Gather flowers from your Spring Garden and press flowers using a handmade flower press. Display them in the frame in a pleasing manner to enjoy your flowers all year long.

3. Showcase Vintage Documents- Timeworn and treasured vintage documents such as marriage certificates, old photographs, well-worn award certificates, etc. are increasingly being proudly displayed as part of home décor. Show off your family history by mounting these treasured keepsakes in one of these frames.

“Nimbus Frames” can be ordered from Amos Advantage by clicking here.

WINNER ANNOUNCED

Several weeks ago, we announced that we were giving away a prize package containing Rit Dyes, a basswood box from Walnut Hollow, and more goodies that can be used to create this gorgeous Spring box filled with hand dyed and stamped ribbons.

The winner of the prize package sponsored by Rit Dye as selected by Random.org is Becky Garrison of Becky Garrison Paper Crafts! Thanks for your comments and I hope you check back here often for more exciting giveaways.

Until Then…

Live Life Creatively,

Melony Bradley (www.mel-designs.typepad.com)

Beaded Woven Ribbon Pillow

Posted on April 4, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Invite spring into your home! Weave soft pink and chartreuse ribbons into an accent pillow to add a splash of color to your dècor, then highlight with a few beads for a bit of sparkle.

Materials

White cotton fabric (pillow back), 14” square
Offray Grosgrain Ribbon, 7/8”, 18 ft. spool: Chartreuse, Light Pink
Opal-lined E beads, 39

Tools

Pellon Fusible interfacing, 15” square
Fairfield Poly-fil polyester fiberfill
Sewing machine
Sewing needle and matching thread
Iron and pressing board

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

13-1/2″ square

Pillow

1. Cut fourteen 14” lengths from each ribbon color.

2. Place interfacing, fusible side up, on pressing board. (Note: Cut interfacing larger to allow for ribbons shifting.)

3. Place Light Pink ribbons horizontally across interfacing. Pin ribbon ends to interfacing.

4. Weave Chartreuse ribbons vertically through Light Pink ribbons, keeping rows straight. Pin ends to interfacing to secure.

5. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse ribbons onto interfacing. Remove pins; trim to 14” square.

6. Hand stitch beads across center of pillow front.

7. With right sides together, machine sew pillow front to back with 1/4” seam allowance, leaving 5” opening at bottom for turning. Trim corners; turn right side out and stuff. Hand stitch opening closed.

by Lisa Bychowski

Cross-Stitch Cookbook Bookmark

Posted on March 31, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

If you ever have problems marking your page in your cookbook, these adorable bookmarks are the solution. They also make wonderful gifts for a housewarming or bridal shower.

Materials

White 16-count Aida-cloth bookmarks, 2”x6-7/8”, two
DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss

Tools

Tapestry needle, #26

Stitch Type

Backstitch: 1 strand
Cross-stitch: 2 strands

Basic Supplies

scissors, iron, pressing cloth or bath towel

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Approximate finished size of design: 1-7/16”x5-1/4”; Stitch count: 23 w x 85 h

Bookmarks

(Note: Both bookmarks are made in the same way.)

1. Print cross-stitch chart and key. (Note: The blue words “chart” and “key” are links. To access these, select the link, then download and print items.)

2. Cross-stitch design centered on fabric using two strands of floss. To find center, fold bookmark in half, then in half again the opposite way. Mark center with contrasting thread.

3. Backstitch with one strand of floss. Backstitch letters with DMC 310 Black and stems with DMC 500 Very Dark Blue Green.

4. Press finished design from wrong side through a pressing cloth or towel. (Note: Pressing without a towel will flatten stitches and dull colors.)

by Pamela Kellogg

Make a Felt VW Bug

Posted on March 29, 2013 by lhoman

I have had a long love affair with the humble VW bug. My sister used to own a crimson one and we would spend hours happily tinkering with it on weekends together, fixing the engine and the brakes. Seriously, cars were very easy to work on in the days before they built pollution controls and computers into them.

I also have an ongoing love affair with felt and I have a few sheets of a delicious recycled felt from Kunin that is printed in bright pink with black polka dots. It seems like a perfect match – VW bug and pink-and-black polka dots. So here is my take on a felt plush bug of the automotive type.

Materials & Tools

Kunin Felt, 8-1/2″x11″: black, pink/black polka dot
DMC Black #5 Pearl Thread
Fiberfill
Tracing paper
Scissors
Needle
Pencil

Hand draw a VW bug or download my template from here: http://www.http-design.com/2013/03/free-vw-bug-pattern-download.html.

Fold the polka dot felt in half and pin the template to the felt. Cut out two car shapes.

Pin the wheel and window templates to the black felt and cut the two tires and two windows.

Flip the polka dot felt so the pink side faces up and pin the fender templates to it. Cut front and rear fenders.

Using only the front of the car, pin all of the black and plain pink pieces to the car. Sew on the windows using a straight stitch.

Sew around the top half of the wheels and the fenders using straight stitch. Add stitch lines to define doors and other elements marked on the template.

Pin both pieces of the car together – right sides out and sew around the edge using blanket stitch leaving a small area not sewn. Use this to fill the car with a small amount of fiberfill pushing it into the wheels and the front and rear of the car.

Finish sewing up the shape. Enjoy!

by Helen Bradley (www.craftinggoodness.com)