Owl Needlebook Tutorial

Back in July of 2014

I was invited to be a part 

of the Creative Troupe for C&T Publishing.

They publish wonderful craft and quilting books.

It's a really fun opportunity for me

 to get to play with new products

before they are released to the general public.

The hard part has been keeping it all very quiet all this time.

I'm not very good at keeping secrets  :)

Today I received the email that said

we can finally show off our projects!

I recieved a roll of Kraft -tex in chocolate brown.

(you can find it here)

What is Kraft-tex you ask?

It feels like construction paper 

and it is actually made of paper,

but after you wash it something amazing happens.

Yes, I said wash it.....in the washing machine.

It takes on the characteristics of leather.

The more you wash it, the more "leather-like" it becomes.

I washed mine and dried it in the dryer 4 times.

It's sturdy and easy to work with.

You can sew it and cut it and paint on it.

The possibilities are endless!

It's just plain awesomesauce.

You can find my Owl Needlebook as

well as the other fun projects submitted on Pinterest.

https://www.pinterest.com/ctpublishing/krafttextm/

You can also print the tutorial for my Owl Needlebook

 by clicking on the green print bar 

on the lefthand side of the page.

Happy Crafting!!!

Hexie Button Jewelry Tutorial

Every "Sewista" needs fun accessories, right?

Make them for yourself

or for someone you know who loves to sew :)

What you will need:

4mm open jump rings

7mm open jump rings

Package ear wires

lobster claw

1" piece chain with links large enough for the lobster claw

jewelry pliers

sharp craft scissors

1/16th Martha Stewart Handpunch

Phoomph by Coats & Clark (Stiff)

fabric scraps at least 1" square

co-ordinating buttons (1 for each hexie)

Fabric glue (I used Aleene's OK To Wash)

Download Hexie template

It would be best

 to read through all the directions

before you begin :)

A few months back I watched a online video 

for a product called Phoomph for fabric.

It's made by Coats & Clark

and it comes in either stiff or soft.

I couldn't wait to use it!

To see more about it click HERE.

I bought mine from Joann's online,

but they carry it in the store as well.

First you will need to download the hexie template.

I found it HERE. (Genius right?)

Don't forget to say "Thanks" 

and leave her a lovely comment!

I printed it out full size,

then used my copier to shrink it down 50%.

Cut out your tiny hexies

Then cut the Phoomph into 1" strips

and then into 1" squares.

Peel off the paper and attach your fabric

and then peel the backside and repeat.

I didn't bother to cut my fabric into 1" squares,

I just stuck the Phoomph onto my fabric scrap

and cut around the little square.

So much easier than trying to line up

1" pieces of fabric.

Hold your paper hexie firmly

 against the 1" double sided fabric square

and cut around your template.

I originally drew the shape onto the fabric,

but with these tiny shapes, 

holding it in place went faster

and I ended up with better results.

For  the earrings:

Use your handpunch and 

punch your hole at the top "point" of the hexie.

For the bracelet:

Punch your holes along 2 opposite flat sides.

Choose your buttons

and attach them according to the directions

on the glue package.

I allowed my buttons to "cure" over night

before I went to the next step.

 For the earrings:

Attach 7mm jump rings to the earrings

using the holes you made.

Use your jewelry pliers to gently close the rings.

Attach a 4mm jump ring to each 7mm jump ring

and attach an ear wire,

then gently close the 4mm jump ring 

with your jewelry pliers.

You have now connected the ear wire and the hexie.

The 4mm jump ring assures

that the hexie will hang correctly in your ears.

Your earrings are done.

Stand back and admire your work :)

For the bracelet:

Use 7mm jump rings to attach your hexies to one another.

Use as many hexies as you need,

depending on the size of your wrist.

I have a 7" wrist and I used 9 hexies.

Gently close the rings,

leaving the first and last ring open.

Attach your lobster claw clasp to one end

and gently close that ring.

Attach the 1" piece of chain to the other end

and gently close that ring.

The chain step is optional but it gives you the ability

to extend your bracelet if necessary.

I added a bead to the end of the chain

with a straight pin and jewelry pliers.

You can also purchase an extender 

at a jewelry supply store that already

has a bead or ball on the end.

If you choose not to use the extender,

you can simply close the other open ring

use your lobster claw to hook directly into it.

Your bracelet is now done.

How fun was that?

Obviously you can make necklaces as well

with maybe 5 hexies in the center

attached to chain on both sides.

So many possibilities!

I have to say,

I love me some Phoomph!

"I Heart Cooking" Pan Dividers Tutorial

In our on-going effort to eat healthier

I wanted to get rid of my non-stick cookware

in favor of stainless steel.

My fabulous hubby bought me a set for Christmas.

I Heart Them!

I do not want them to get scratched

so I've been using the cardboard dividers

that came in the box with them.

I was being green by using the cardboard.....right?

Not cute.......nuf said :)

I decided to make some dividers that would match my kitchen

and be so much cuter than the cardboard.

You'll need:

2 - 16" squares of fabric (or fat quarters)

1 - 16" square of batting.

Small co-ordinating scrap for applique

Large dinner plate or platter

Small plate for center circle

Marking pen

Wonder under

Perle cotton floss for applique 

It's best that you read through the entire tutorial

before you begin.

First I used a 13" platter.

My largest pan is 12" and this worked perfectly for me.

I traced the platter onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Next I divided the circle into 4 by drawing a line down the center

and then turning the fabric 

and drawing another intersecting line.

Now the circle had 4 equal parts.

(this drawing is just so you can see it easier)

I placed the smaller plate in the center of the larger circle

and marked where the straight lines intersected with the smaller circle.

These will be your "stop" and pivot marks.

Next I used a vitamin bottle top to draw rounded corners

at the top of the 4 dividing lines of the larger circle.

Next I stacked my fabrics.

The two fabrics should be right sides together

with the batting underneath.

Beginning at the top edge of the circle,

and sewing through all 3 layers,

I stitched 1/8" inside my marked lines

 stopping at the smaller circle and pivoting,

 then making 3 - 4 stitches then pivot again

and stitching back up again and continuing on.

Leave a 4" opening for turning.

This is what it will look like when you are done.

Using sharp scissors,

cut along your 4 dividing lines,

being careful not to cut your stitching.

Cut into the corners in a "V" shape.

Trim off excess fabric to 1/4" all the way around.

Turn inside out through your opening.

I use a wooden dowel for this.

I've accidentally cut my fabric when I've used scissors

to push out projects.

Once you have it all nicely pushed out,

press it being sure to press the open edges

to the inside.

Slip stitch the opening.

I did a 1/4" top stitch all the way around.

Those of you who have mad quilting skillz

can go crazy at this point

and quilt this little guy any way you like.

Take what ever shape you choose for your center.

I used a heart because I love them so :)

Fuse Wonder Under to the wrong side of scrap fabric.

Draw your shape onto Wonder Under

and cut it out.

I use a large pin to scrape a line gently

across the center of my applique.

This makes it easier to remove the Wonder Under

without distorting your cut fabric

by trying to peel it from the edge.

Just bend the fabric where the scratch is

and peel it off.

Easy Peasy :)

Position your applique in the center of your project

and press with your iron.

I used a blanket stitch with #8  Perle cotton floss

but you can use your machine stitching

or any other decorative stitching you like.

You could even go completely wild

and add some rick rack!!!

Now you're done :)

Admire your handiwork!

"Let's talk Tutorials" Giveaway!

Don't forget to check out 
the Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along!


Another Giveaway?

Yes indeed!!!

Would you like to win this mug rug?

If you are anything like me

you love a great free tutorial!

Since we will be spending this month

sewing and stitching,

I thought it would be fun to share

our favorite tutorials.

I know there are tons online.

I'm including a list of some of my favs

and I want to know about yours.

I'd love to see some links for

free crochet patterns and cross stitch charts too!

All you have to do for a chance to win

is leave a comment with a link 

to any free tutorial that you love.

It can be one you wrote yourself,

or one you found online.

You have until Sunday Oct. 7th

to add your link.

I'll pick a winner at random

and announce it Monday Oct.8th.

Here's a few links for you to check out:

Totallytutorials.blogspot.com

Sew4home.com

Modabakeshop.com

My Pinterest Board of Tutorials

Freebiesforcrafters.blogspot.com

and these are just a few examples!

Come on and lets all share the goodness!

Also...don't forget to check out 

the Flickr group for Week #1

and check out the projects and share some encouragement

and add your own projects!

Monsterously Cute

The Tooth Fairy Monster Pillow is complete!

Isn't he adorable?

I'm going to let the boys give him a name.

My oldest grandson, Elijah has lost a few teeth already,

and the second oldest, Caleb has

a "wiggler" right in front.

This fun pillow will arrive

just in time for that one :)

(Papa offered to help him remove it

with pliers, but oddly enough Caleb declined)

I'm always so excited to find

awesome free tutorials online

from super talented people!

I found this tutorial by Suzanne over at

Justanotherhangup.blogspot.com

If you've never seen her blog 

you really NEED to!

She's super talented

and obviously very generous to share this tute with us :)

Also just a quick note:

If you haven't already figured it out,

I loves me some free tutorials.

So as part of the upcoming 

Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along

I will also be giving out prizes randomly each week

to those of you who share free tutorials

that you have either found online, or wrote yourselves.

I'm so excited to share all the cool info

and all the wonderful sponsors......

but I'll be patient a few more days!

Are you already planning what you'll be working on?

Remember that this will be open

to Sewing, quilting, crochet and cross stitch

so grab the button and tell your friends!

The fun starts Oct. 1st :)

Getting a head start :)

I'm getting so excited about all the great prizes 

that are coming together for the

  Handmade Holiday Sew & Stitch Along!

So many awesome sponsors!

I can't wait to tell you guys about it all.

But.....

you'll have to wait a bit longer.

Are you telling your friends about it?

Remember, the more the merrier!

In the meantime I got a head start on my Christmas gift sewing.

I made this caddy using this fantastic free tutorial:

Sewing Caddy Tutorial by GinaBean Handmade 

I've used this tutorial once before and you can see it here.

This set is for my mom.

(luckily she doesn't have a computer :)

Mine is red (shocker I know) and I use it everyday 

to hold my cross stitch supplies.

I also made a matching pincushion and thread catcher.

You can find the free tutorial :

Weighted Pincushion Organizer by Sew, Mama, Sew

I received one of these very cool sets from my dear friend Denise

for my birthday this year and I love love love it!!!

I just love all the wonderful tutorials that can be found online.

Keep your eye out for some fun tutes to share

during our Sew & Stitch Along in October.

You'll have a chance to win an additional

prize each week by sharing online tutorials,

but I'll have all those details coming soon!

In the meantime,

tell me what you are planning of making as gifts.

I'd love to hear from you!

Let the fun begin!!!

Well it's finally here!

The first official day of the "bers" :)

Only 16 Saturdays left until Christmas!!!

Are you working on Christmas gifties yet?

Those of you who have been reading my blog

for a while know that I hate to pay full price.

So I have some great news to share!

Purses and totes make wonderful gifts,

so you might want to check out Michelle Patterns.

Just click the link on my right hand sidebar.

She's having a sale this weekend for 20% off using

coupon code "laborday" at checkout.

I've made several of her bags 

and her patterns are totally FTS (fun to sew)

You can see them HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE

I'll be making some more very soon :)

Now on to my work in progress.

I have the 12 months blocks hand quilted

in red perle cotton.

Now I have to decide how I want to quilt the rest of it.

Decisions, decisions..... 

I also started cutting some of my scrap fabrics into 2 1/2" squares

so that I can make some Great Granny Square blocks.

I've seen them all over the internet 

and I know I'm a little late to be jumping on that train,

 but I'm smitten now 

and I really want to give them a whirl :)

(I blame Pinterest)

I've also done a bit more stitching on my rooster. 

He's not as far along as I would like,

but I've been hand quilting at night

instead of cross stitching.

 

I hope you all find some time in this long holiday weekend

for some crafty goodness!

Busy Saturday and a Tusal update :)

There are days that I feel like I get absolutely nothing done,

and other days where I'm surprised by what I manage to accomplish.

Yesterday was a good day.

My machine was hummin'

and all was right with the world!

I used my new walking foot for the first time

and made these fun pot holders

using the free tutorial on Sew4Home.

I was dancing around in my sewing room singing

"I'm walkin on sunshine...yeah

and don't it feel good!"

It's a very good thing you couldn't hear me :)

I leave the singing in the family to my son and daughter in law!

If you read this blog often, you know that I tend to

get on a roll making one project

and before you know it I've made 49 more.

So of course I had to make 3 more taggie blankies too!

I also whipped up 6 coasters as a little anniversary giftie

for my son and his bride.

They've been married 12 years today!

Awesomesauce, right?

I used this free tutorial from Sew4Home.

They are totally FTS (fun to sew)

and I"ll be making more for myself!

And last but not least,

it's time to post my Tusal (Totally Useless Stitch Along)

and show my ORT jar (Old Ratty Threads)

Hope you had a chance to be crafty this weekend too!

Patchwork Taggie Baby Blankie Tutorial

I'll admit that I have an ever growing stash

of  girly flannel remnants.

I just keep buying them every time

I see them in the remnant bins.

I can't really explain why I love them so......

But today I'm actually going to use some of them!

See....I knew they'd come in handy someday :)

What you'll need:

1 - empty baby wipes packet

1 - 9 1/2" square of Minky

9 - 3 1/2" squares of flannel

Assorted ribbons cut into 4" pieces

 (the amount of ribbon will depend on the width you choose

and your own preference as to how many you want)

When choosing ribbons,

think about texture for your baby.

You don't want anything too stiff.

Sew together rows of 3 of your 3 1/2" squares,

using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press the seams:

row 1 to the left,

row 2 to the right,

row 3 to the left.

Now you will sew your rows together.

Because your seams are pressed to opposite sides

you can "butt" them up against each other

to give you nice intersections.

I pin the intersections so they don't move.

Now you have a 9 1/2" square.

Position your ribbons where you like them.

Fold them over and pin in place.

Using a 1/4" seam, stitch the ribbons in place,

pulling the pins as you go.

Place the Minky square over the flannel patchwork

with right sides together.

The empty baby wipes package

will be placed on top of the Minky square.

Now flip your stack of fabric over so that the flannel patchwork

is now on top and the Minky

and baby wipes package are on the bottom.

Stitch again just inside the stitching

line from when you attached the ribbons.

This will insure that you catch all the ribbons again.

Sew all the way around leaving

a 3" opening on one side for turning.

Trim off the extra baby wipes package.

Turn right side out through your opening.

Slip stitch the opening closed.

Top stitch at 1/4" all the way around.

I like to attach those absolutely fabulous

rings to one corner so you can attach it to the stroller

or highchair to keep your sweet baby from dropping

her cute taggie blankie on the ground 517 times.

The empty baby wipes package inside makes that

magical noise that seems to keep babies happy :)

(When you wash this

I wouldn't use the dryer

because of the baby wipes packaging,

just air dry.)

There you have it!

Another easy peasy project!