Tag Archives: Sewing

Garden Flowers Towel

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Invite your garden indoors with this dancing flower tea towel made from linen and homespun fabric.

Materials

  • Natural linen fabric, 20”x25”
  • Homespun fabric: green, 5-1⁄2”x19-1⁄2”; scraps (flowers), five prints/colors
  • Embroidery floss: green, colors to match flower fabric
  • Flat buttons to coordinate with flower fabric, five

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Embroidery needle
  • Iron and pressing surface
  • Therm O Web HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler, transfer paper

Directions

STEP 1

Turn long sides and one short side of linen rectangle under 1⁄4”. Turn edges under 1⁄4” again. To hem, machine stitch close to edges.

STEP 2

With right sides facing, sew one long edge of green rectangle to raw edge of linen rectangle, 1⁄4” from edge. Turn remaining edges of green rectangle under 1⁄4”. Fold green rectangle so long turned edge is even with seam at bottom of linen rectangle. (Note: Right side of fabric should be facing outward.) Hand sew turned edges to bottom edge of towel.

STEP 3

Fuse 2” iron-on adhesive square to back of each flower fabric. Cut two 1-1⁄2”, and one 1-1⁄4”, 1-3⁄8”, and 1-3⁄4” circles from fused fabrics. Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Remove backing from circles. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse circles to towel front.

STEP 4

Use two strands of coordinating-color floss to blanket stitch around flowers. Transfer stems and leaves. Use two strands green to embroider stem stitch on stems and leaves and to sew buttons to flower centers.

by Mary Ayres

Earthly Angel Pillow

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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

Floral Heart Ring Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Delicate embroidered details accent this beautiful satin heart pillow to create the perfect keepsake of your wedding day.

Materials

  • Fabrics, 1/3 yd. each: ivory satin, unbleached muslin
  • Fairfield Industries Poly-fil Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
  • Sheer ivory ribbon, 1/3 yd.
  • Light avocado silk ribbon, 3 yds.
  • Scallop-edge ivory bridal lace, 3/4 yd.
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss: Lavender Lt (#211), Pistachio Green Vy Lt (#369), Yellow Lt Pale (#745), Delft Blue (#800)
  • Plastic wedding rings, two

Tools

  • Chenille needles: #22, #24
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Mechanical lead pencil

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Cut two 12”x13” rectangles from satin fabric. Print pattern. Center pattern face down on wrong side of one fabric rectangle. Tape fabric, right side up, to light box or sunny window; use mechanical pencil to trace pattern. (Note: Inner heart line is seam allowance; do not trace.) Circles on pattern represent French knots; use very small dashes when tracing pattern onto fabric to ensure knot will cover pencil mark. (Note: Mechanical pencil draws much thinner lines than traditional pencil; floss must cover pattern lines.)

STEP 2

Sew zigzag stitch around raw edges of fabric to prevent raveling. Baste heart outline. Place fabric in embroidery hoop.

STEP 3

(Note: For all embroidery, use two strands floss and #24 tapestry needle. Use #22 needle for silk ribbon leaves.) Stem stitch Pistachio Green Vy Lt vines. Use silk ribbon to stitch lazy daisy leaves. For flower petals, wrap floss three times around needle to stitch Delft Blue French knots on solid circles, stitch Lavender Lt French knots on open circles. For flower centers, wrap floss two times around needle to stitch Yellow Lt Pale French knots.

STEP 4

To make pillow form, trace two hearts onto muslin; cut out hearts 1/4” beyond traced line. (Note: Sew with right sides together with 1/4” seams throughout.) Sew pieces together, leaving 4” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn right side out. Stuff with fiberfill. Whipstitch opening closed. Set aside.

STEP 5

Sew satin pieces together, 1/4” inside basted line, leaving 4-1/2” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn. Carefully press as needed.

STEP 6

Sew center of sheer ribbon length to center of embroidered pillow front. Place pillow form inside pillow; whipstitch opening closed.

STEP 7

Beginning at center top and using photo as guide, sew lace to pillow edge with scallops toward embroidered center. Tie rings onto ribbon.

Other Options

  • Use white or off-white floss and silk ribbon on white or pastel satin pillow.
  • Replace French knot flower centers with seed beads.
  • Stitch flower/vine design on bouquet ribbons.

Lasy Daisy Stitch Using Ribbon

To create the Lasy Daisy stitch using ribbon, bring needle up at A. Keep ribbon flat, untwisted, and full. Insert needle down through fabric at B and back up through at C, keeping ribbon under needle to form a loop. Pull ribbon through, leaving loop loose and full. To hold loop in place, insert needle through on other side of ribbon near C, forming a straight stitch over loop.

by Linda Wyszynski

T-Shirt Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Rescue a favorite old t-shirt from the garage sale stack, then cleverly restyle it into a custom lounge pillow for your kid’s room.

 

Materials

  • T-shirt
  • Pillow insert, 14”x18”

Tools

  • Sewing machine and coordinating thread
  • Air-soluble fabric marker
  • Hook-and-loop tape (optional)
  • Beacon Adhesives Liquid Thread (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler or yardstick, straight pins

Directions

STEP 1

Place shirt flat on table, right side up. Use scissors to split side seams and to remove sleeves along seams. Cut across top of shirt just below neck, separating it into front and back sections.

STEP 2

Decide which way you want your artwork oriented, horizontally or vertically. Use fabric marker to draw a 19-1⁄4”x14-1⁄4” rectangle on front of shirt, encompassing artwork; cut for pillowcase front.

STEP 3

Draw 20”x15” rectangle on back section of shirt; cut for pillowcase back. Cut rectangle in half, creating two 15”x10” pieces.

STEP 4

Place pillowcase front on table, right side up. Place two pillowcase back sections on top of front section, right side down, lining up outside edges and overlapping edges at center. Pin fabric to secure.

STEP 5

Sew, or glue, layers together 5⁄8” from outside edge of rectangles. If necessary, let glue dry. Turn pillowcase inside out through center opening. Insert pillow. If desired, sew or glue small piece of hook-and-loop tape to opening to help keep it closed; follow package directions.

Tips

  • Sew a bunch of t-shirt designs together to make a comforter cover.
  • Use size L or XL t-shirts with center artwork for best results.

by Aimee Dolby

Ribbon-Embroidered Jewelry Bag

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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!!

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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)

Tweed Pants Purse

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Do you have an old pair of tweed pants that no longer fit? Don’t leave them in the closet! Instead, transform them into a fun and fashionable pants purse that’s quick and easy to sew.

Materials

  • Brown tweed pants
  • Lining fabric, 1/2 yd. for women’s size 8 (purchase additional fabric for larger size)
  • Assorted flat buttons
  • Brown ribbon: grosgrain, 1-1/2”; satin, 7/8”

Tools

  • Medium-weight interfacing
  • Sewing machine and coordinating thread
  • Needle

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

(Note: Sew all seams with right sides together, using 1/4” seam allowance, pinning and pressing as needed.)

1. Cut around pants the length from top of pants to crotch seam. (Note: Sample project was cut 10-1/2” from top of pants.) Stitching under zipper is rounded. Tear out stitching under zipper and sew a straight seam.

2. Fold lining fabric in half with right side facing in. Place cut pants shape with zipper at center front, on top of lining. Draw around edge of pants on lining with pencil. Remove pants from lining. Add 1/4” to top and side edges of drawn pants shape on lining. Cut out pants shape from folded fabric to make lining front and back. Cut two more pants shapes from interfacing. Baste interfacing shapes to wrong sides of lining shapes.

3. Turn pants inside out. With right sides facing, sew pants across bottom. Flatten one corner of pants to create a triangular point, aligning side seam with bottom corner seam. Mark a 5” line perpendicular to seam, 2-1/2” from point with pencil. Stitch along line. (See Figure 1) Trim triangle at corner, 1/4” from stitching. Repeat for remaining corner. Turn pants right side out.

Figure 1

4. Sew lining shapes together along the side and bottom edges, and finish corners in same way as pants. Do not turn lining right side out.

5. Cut two 2-1/2”x16” handles from pants fabric and interfacing. Baste interfacing to wrong side of fabric handles. Sew buttons in a line to center front of handles, beginning and ending 1-1/4” from ends. Sew buttons in a line to belt loops.

6. Fold and press one long edge of each handle over 3/4”. Fold and press opposite long edge of each handle over 1/4” to wrong side, then fold 1/2” more. Hand sew handles along 1/4” folded edge, using whipstitch. Securely sew assembled handles symmetrically to inside top front and back of bag, 1” from ends at placement of belt loops in front.

7. Fold and press top edge of lining over 1/2” to wrong side. With wrong sides of lining facing out, place lining in pants. Hand sew folded edge of lining to top edge of pants, using whipstitch.

8. Thread ribbons through belt loops on purse and tie bow in front. Sew center of bow to purse.

by Mary Ayres

Make a Felt VW Bug

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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)

Cuddly Bunny

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

After delivering all those chocolates and eggs, this bunny’s ready to relax – and let those long, floppy ears hang down! Quick-to-sew, he’s just the basket filler you’ve been looking for.

Materials

  • Cotton fabrics: white solid, 1⁄4 yard; light pink textured, 1⁄8 yard
  • Embroidery floss: grey, light pink
  • Bright pink grosgrain ribbon, 5⁄8” wide, 3⁄8 yard
  • White pom-pom, 2”
  • Fiberfill stuffing

Tools

  • Needle
  • Thread: bright pink, white

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, transfer paper, pencil

Directions

SIZe

10″ tall

bunny

(Note: Sew with right sides together using 1⁄4” seams.)

1. Print pattern and cut fabric as indicated. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Transfer details to body front. Use light pink floss to satin stitch nose. Use grey to stem stitch legs, mouth, and around nose, and to straight stitch eyes and toenails. Tie ribbon into bow; trim ends even. Sew bow to body front at “X”.

2. Sew white and pink ear pieces together, leaving top end open for turning. Turn ears right side out. Baste top of ears to head, spaced 3⁄4” apart. (Note: Bottom of ears should face away from bunny.)

3. Sew body front to back, leaving 3” opening on side for turning. Turn body right side out and stuff firmly with fiberfill. Hand sew opening closed. Use invisible stitch to sew pom-pom to bottom right side of body. Turn pink side of ears outward at bottom.

Tip

Fill bottom 2⁄3 of bunny with beans or popcorn seeds and remainder with stuffing. Use bunny as a door stopper.

by Mary Ayres

Felt Chick Basket

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Who could resist creating this adorable Felt Chick Basket for Easter? Kids will love it, especially when filled with goodies on Easter morning!

Materials

  • Wool or regular felt: yellow, 3/8 yd.; white, 1/8 yd.; orange, scrap
  • Yellow netting, 1/8 yd.
  • DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss: Light Lavender Blue (3840), Lemon (307)
  • Cording, 1/4”, 14” length
  • Buttons (two-holed), two each: white, 3/4”; black, 1/2”; yellow, 1”
  • Light blue satin ribbon, 7/8”, 18” lengths, two
  • Easter grass

Tools

  • White fusible woven interfacing, 3/8 yd.
  • White sewing thread
  • Embroidery needle

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

Size

11″ tall (with handle)

Basket

1. Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse interfacing to yellow felt. Cut six pattern shapes from fused felt. With wrong sides facing, pin long edges together one at a time; use three strands Lemon floss to blanket stitch pieces together. Place basket bottom on flat surface and press down on inside to flatten bottom.

2. Cut 4”x50” yellow netting strip; fold in half lengthwise. Use Lemon floss to sew basting stitch close to folded edge; pull thread to gather until length measures 18”; knot to secure. Pin gathered edge around basket top, butting ends together on back side. Blanket stitch over top of basket and gathered edge of netting. Separate netting layers for fuller look.

3. For eyes, use white thread to sew black buttons on top of white buttons under netting on one panel. For beak, cut 2” orange felt square. Fold square diagonally just above center. To attach beak to basket, use six strands of Light Lavender Blue floss to make two evenly-spaced French knots for nostrils, wrapping floss around needle three times for each knot.

4. For handle, cut 1-1/4” white felt strip; fold in half lengthwise. Place 14” cord length inside felt strip. Use three strands Light Lavender Blue floss to blanket stitch over felt edges. Sew handle ends to top basket sides. Use Light Lavender Blue floss to sew yellow buttons to basket, covering handle ends.

5. Tie ribbon bows around bottom of handles.

6. Fill with Easter grass to help basket hold its shape.

Tip

  • If necessary, create a basket base by cutting a circle from cardboard to place in the bottom of the basket.

by Mary Ayres