Da Bear

 

 

This is the small bear from the Kwik Sew Bear Pattern.   It is much bigger than I thought it would be.  He is about 20" tall.   This is the second time I've used a Kwik Sew Pattern, and every time I think there is no way that this is going to go together quickly.  There are lots of pieces to cut....therefore lots of pieces to sew together.  Both times it actually did go together quickly.  This bear took me maybe 5 hours from cutting to finish.  I made him out of  a navy blue fleece.  I also used the serger machine (my 1st time) to sew it together.  There were still a few instances  that I gave up and sewed parts together with my regular sewing machine because I kept missing little sections. 

For the eyes, I decided to use black fleece...the same I used for the nose.  I did this because I made this for my new baby nephew, and I didn't want the possibility of choking. OK, so the ribbon will have to be removed.  :)

I had to take a picture of the behind!!!  It is too cute not to.  LOL! 

As for the pattern, the instructions are very clear and easy to follow.  I was in a rush to get this made quickly and did not bother to read the instructions first.  It went together smoothly.  My only complaint is that the pattern includes a small and large sized bear.  On the paper pattern, they put the small size pattern inside the large size pattern.   So, if you want to sew the small bear you have to cut through the large size bear pattern.  We ended up tracing the small sized pattern on to paper.   

Kindle Cover

This is a cover for my daughter's Kindle.

Being that I'm such a great Mom and all...I let her choose the fabric. Ok...She was drawn to the purple polka-dot fabric...I strongly suggested the other fabrics. I even kept changing my her mind. I wanted to use my ever increasing stash of scraps and remnants.   

I have been in a creative rut lately. I try to sew or paper craft and don't know where to begin or what to make.  Then I get interrupted and have several other non-fun projects to complete...like cleaning--blech!  Does it ever end?  LOL!
Enjoy!

Halloween Decorations

I have been fun playing around and making some Halloween decorations.  For the past several years, I haven't really done much to decorate for Halloween...or any other holiday either....really.  This year I really wanted to decorate!  I searched the Internet to find ideas and patterns.  I didn't find exactly what I was looking for, but I did find pieces here and there.  So, I borrowed some things and created my own. 

I went to a few different fabric stores trying to find the fabric similar to what was in my head.  I struggled.  Finally I got a few yards of an orange polka-dot (go figure...me...polka-dot) and a grey/black fabric with swirls. 

Here is what I created:

I've already shared the Witches Hat and pattern with you in this post here.

I found this great tutorial for smashed witches legs here.  She was kind enough to include a pattern for some awesome witches boots.  I used that boot pattern.  However, I cut pieces of fabric for the legs instead of using tube socks.  I ended up hand sewing the legs to the boots. I used orange tulle and some black fabric scraps for the dress.  I sewed the legs and the skirts together then sewed binding to the top edge. 

On this banner I was just guessing on how to put this together.  I first found the letters I wanted to use to spell "Halloween."  I used chipboard letters I had...from my papercraft stash.  I traced these chipboard letters in reverse on the back of Steam-A-Seam 2 sheets.  Ironed the sheets to the back of the black fabric and cut them out.  To make the banner pattern I used my Cricut "Pretty  Pennants" Cartridge to help me form the pattern.  I cut the pennant out of paper on my Cricut Machine,  Then I used this paper pattern to cut all the rectangles out of orange fabric with pinking shears. I ironed the cut letters to the front of one of the pennants.   I placed two pennants, wrong sides together, then used a zig-zag stitch along the sides and bottom inward point.   Then I made binding out of purple fabric.  To figure the length of binding I needed, I took the size of my pennant along the top (each one is 6"wide times 9 pennants) then I added 4 inches for swag.  So, 6"wide multiplied by 9 letters is 54" plus 4" is 58".  Then I guessed on how much to add to each end to make ties.  I used 36" on each side.  (36 times 2 is 72")  so the total length I needed was (58" plus 72") 130".  I cut several pieces to get this length then sewed them together until I had a piece that was 2" wide by 130"long.  I used my handy binding iron tool where it pulls each raw edge in to meet the center.  I then turned in and ironed one short end in around 1/2".  I measured in 36"(for tie) then placed a pin to know where to start pinning the  pennants. (make sure you are spelling correctly (LOL!)  I pinned mine backwards and had to re-pin).    I tried to place the pennants 1/4" apart.  When all my lettered pennants were pinned I measured from the last pennant to 36" then I cut off 1/2" from that point.  I turned in and ironed the short end of the other end.  I then sewed the binding to the pennants.  Then I folded the binding in half and top stitched along the entire edge of the purple binding. 

I have one last decoration to share.  I've used this for several years.  I had a very old Navy uniform from when my husband was enlisted.  I stuff it with paper and add the Jack-O-Lantern head...it lights up. 

I typed this together quickly...if you have questions please comment.

Dog Blanket

I made this quick dog blanket for my nephew for his birthday.  He is undergoing treatment for Leukemia.  So, I thought he could use a soft blanket to cuddle-up in on those not so great days. 

I used some fleece that I had in my stash for the outside and red flannel for the lining. 

The pattern had you use store bough eyes.  On this blanket I cut out a 1" circle from black fleece (the same thing I used for the nose), and satin stitched around the circle instead of the store bought eyes. 
I also didn't stuff the ears...I left them so they would be floppy. 
I couldn't believe how fast this went together. 
The pattern is "Puppy and Monkey Blanket and Pillow" from Kwik Sew. 

Cross Body Cell Phone Carrier

 

I asked my friend what she wanted for her birthday. She told me that she wanted a cell phone carrier that can be can be carried cross body.  So, after searching on the Internet and much creative block on my part, I finally came up with this.  There is a pocket on the front to carry her cell phone. 

This is the back.  The strap is removable and can be adjusted. 

Here is the inside.  It closes with a zipper.  On the inside there is a pocket on one side and 3 credit card slots with another pocket underneath. 

Inspiration Challenge

I was in the mood to make a card....I've become addicted to challenges.  So, I searched around Split Coast Stampers and found this challenge.  Wow!  I love that BHLDN website...lots of inspiration there.
Here are the pictures that inspired my card:

Here is the card I made:

Have a great week!

Sheep Invitations

We will be having an egg decorating/Easter party this weekend. 
I sat down and came up with these invitations.

I made the sheep first.  Then ran out of time to be too creative.  So, I just glued the sheep on to a library card pocket.  Inside I stamped the "You are Invited" on to white cardstock, cut them out, then placed them inside the pocket. 
To make the sheep:
Out of white cardstock cut:
2 large scalloped ovals--these will be the body
two small ovals--ears
one small scalloped oval-hair
four strips of paper about 1/2" wide by 2" long  These will be the legs.

Out of Black (or whatever color) CS cut the hat,  4 boots and bandanna (this is a Sizzix doll die I've had for years)  Maybe something like this is avail. on one of the cricut doll carts.?

I applied pink chalk to the insides of the ears and on the cheeks.  I stamped the face (again very old Provo Craft Stamp set).  The face could easily be drawn on. 

To assemble:  I glued the boots to the legs then glued them to the back of one large scalloped oval.  I glued the bandanna on the front of the oval, then glued the face (heart shape) the ears (two small ovals),  the hair (one small scalloped oval) and the cowboy hat.  I then glued the other scalloped oval to the back.  (I did cut a small scalloped circle for the tail...but these can't be seen on my invitations) :)

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Provo Craft Clear Impressions Stamps-Faces,  Stampabilities-Invitation
Dies:  Nestabilities Scalloped Ovals, Ovals, Sizzix-cowboy hat, bandanna, boots
Template:  Nested Hearts-Coluzzle (Had this for a loooong time, too), River City Rubber Works-Cut up This Book-Library Card pocket. 

Cookie Sheep

I saw these cute sheep on pintrest and I had to play.  Mine are just a wee bit sad looking but I think they are hilarious!

I used marshmallows for the feet and the large (not mini) chocolate chips for the eyes. 

Hope you have a fun day!

Key Fobs with Secret Pocket and Lanyard

I thought I'd make this lanyard so that I could put a gift certificate in it for a birthday present.  Here is the lanyard post and pattern.  I used an old pair of jeans and some flannel that I found in my stash.  It's amazing what you come across when you move. lol  DH had this flannel fabric before we were married.  Yep, time to use that stuff up. 
This is a quick project and a great tutorial and pattern.  The only problem I ran into is that I couldn't get my swivel hook over my grommet.  Maybe if I used a different grommet or bigger swivel hook?  It took a while to get this one to work, but we forced it over the grommet with pliers. 

Hope y'all have a great day!

Sunglasses Case

Well, I'm slowly getting settled in after moving across country.  I'm slowly finding my life again.  I quickly made these sunglasses cases before all my crafting supplies were packed up.  I again used a pattern from the "Bags The Modern Classics" book by Sue Kim. 
It is a very quick and easy project.  I did run into some issues with the floral (blue/brown) case.  I decided to use fleece on the inside of that one...to make it soft and non-scratchy.  It (the fleece) was not very friendly to use.  Also, I'm not exactly sure why, but it turned out smaller than the black velvet case.  I'm guessing I used a different seam allowance?

  The instructions and illustrations were great.  However, copying/tracing the pattern is a bit of a pain.  This pattern is a fun way to use scraps...and co-ordinate with the bags I make. 
Click here to see another project from this book.

Bath Buddies

These bath buddies were so much fun to make.  They didn't take very long to complete either. 
They are made using Sugar N' Cream yarn.  I used a pattern found here.  You'll have to search for the pattern called "Baby's Bath Buddies."  You'll need to sign in to a free account you set up to view instructions.
The pattern is for a frog and a whale.  However, they show an alligator not  a frog.  LOL!  Now, I want to make an alligator.  :)   
My whale looks more like a dinosaur or monster, too. 
I suppose these could also be used as puppets.  I know I sure thought it was funny when I the puppets told the kids to do their chores.

Dress Form Pin Cushion

The moment I saw this tutorial, I KNEW I had to make it. 

It is a simple, quick, use your scraps kind of project. 

I made mine in a polka dot.  I know shocker for me, huh? 

If you'd like to make one for yourself...or make and send one to me (HAAAA) the pattern and video tutorial is here.  I saw some other projects that I'm going to have to try. 

The "I Dunno" Bag

Well, it all started out that I was going to get rid of a bag (it was a freebie from a cosmetic promo years ago).  It didn't look so swell any longer.  But as it was about to go goodbye...I thought "HEY! I'll just rip out that zipper.  I always need zippers!"  So, as I was ripping off the zipper and a few other hardware items, I noticed that the inside of the front of the bag ( hidden behind the liner) was kind of fun.  It was in better shape than the outside of the bag.  Then, my mind went to "I wonder if I could make a flower out of that?"  So, I pulled out my die cuts and sure enough!  I was able to make a flower.  Then I thought "hummmm, I wonder what kind of bag I can make from this."  So, I set about to make a bag.  I didn't really have a plan or really any idea what to make.  As I was cutting I kept thinking "hummmm, what should I make?"  I know, not necessarily the order that one should go about things but, well, you know...?... But I did have a new  non-stick sewing foot I was dying to try out and a zipper from another scraped item.  So, I set about to make a bag.  For what?...you may be asking.  Well, I really don't know...

 I was sewing it together and then I thought "Hey!  I'll put a pocket on the front."  And so I did...

Yep, even the black part of the flower was recycled from the old bag.  The inside is even lined with the plastic from the original bag. 
So, what does one use this bag for? I dunno.

**UPDATE**

I decided to put the handles from the old bag onto the new bag.  Also, my daughter claimed this bag. :)

UPDATE #2

Here is a picture of the inside of the bag.  Sorry pic. is not great.  There's not much on the inside...just a burgandy colored plastic lining.  No pockets...I thought of those after I was done.  LOL! 

Zippy Wallet

It was the evening before the first day of school and DD came to me needing a wallet to put her money in.  She wanted something that had a zipper.  I didn't have anything for her to use, BUT I did remember seeing this awesome Zippy Wallet tut!  She dug through my stash of fabrics and pulled out the scraps she wanted me to use.  We hoped that I had a zipper that would look decent.  This is what we came up with:

The silky pink fabric lines the inside of the pocket and inside the zipper pocket. 
OK, I'll admit it, I don't know why....but I don't like to cut zippers.  I know...seek help!  :)  So, the only change I made (beside the flower accent) is I made it a little wider to fit my 9 inch zipper.   I was also in a hurry and didn't really read how to put it together...I looked at the pictures and hoped for the best.  I did have to rip out every single stitch line for one stupid oops or another.  So, perhaps reading the instructions would have been helpful.  But, in the end, it turned out great!
The flower was made from scraps with fray check on the edge to help keep it from unraveling.  The leaf is cut from green wool felt.  I had originally cut it out when I was working on this project.
I think if I were to make this again...given my zipper cutting hang-up...I'd also make it a little taller so that the bills could be put in without being folded...this one is just a tiny bit too short.  If you search on the tutorial writers blog you'll also see another great zippered clutch (I'll be making that one soon :) )that I'm guessing was designed more for that purpose...this one was meant to be small.
This is a wonderful, easy, quick tutorial.  I'd think this would also be a fun way to give  money or a gift card...maybe add a key ring, a small O or D ring,  or clip? 
Enjoy your day!

Wrist Pincushion

Can you believe that I didn't have a wrist pin cushion?  Well, I didn't until now!  I wanted one... never thought to buy one of those uncomfortable plastic ones.  I've seen several patterns to make one. I mentally put those on my list of things to make...never got around to it.  Then, I was reading this post.   I knew what my wrist pin cushion was going to be and it moved to the top of my list.  I started this project with the idea that I was going to make mine like hers but with the felt scraps I had.  I also wanted this to be a quick project.  I cut out one of the leaves from the provided pattern and thought..."ya, I don't have the mind set for this today." So, I thought I'd put my card making/scrapbooking supplies to good use and speed up the process. 
Here is what I came up with:

For the band I measured my wrist and added for overlap with the Velcro strip.  The green strip is 8" x 2" and the pink is 8" x 1.75".  In the instructions she suggested using a wooden disk between the band layers.  I knew dh would have something in the garage, but he wasn't home and I wanted to get this done.  Also, the garage is just plain frightening. :)  I tried to think of various options for this disk. Finally,  I spotted an unused wooden paint stirrer.  I measured about 1" and cut it with a blade.  It works!  I layered it between the band pieces and top stitched them together.  I then sewed my velcro on the bottom of one end of the band and the top of the other end of the band.  (see pic)

For the big green leaves on the bottom I cut my wool felt with the larger die from Paper Trey Ink's Bloom Builders #2 Die set.  I gathered it into a circle and tied it off. 
I cut a large circle of pink felt using a QuicKutz nesting flower die--it's scalloped and you won't see the edge of this circle but I don't have a regular circle die.  I did a gathering stitch all around the circle and gathered it a little then stuffed it with fiber fill then pulled it tighter and tied it off.  I whip stitched this to the die cut bloom builder die-cut then stitched all this to the band. 
I die-cut several large rolled roses and the medium rolled rose using My Favorite Things Rolled Roses dies.  I rolled them up and then glued them using Fabri-tac glue.  I then glued the flower to the stuffed mound.  I know that there are places where there is glue and the pin won't go through but that is ok...there are enough other places to stick the pin on the cushion.  If this glue issue bothers you you could take the time to hand sew everything. 
Enjoy your day!