Sewing a Holiday Table Runner or Placemats

Wow! Where the heck did November go???

Buy this table topper pattern

There are SO MANY things I want to sew and this Christmas table topper is one of them.

I promise to post a picture soon.
I love the little wrapper twist detail. Cute huh?

Diaper Bag pattern review

I made The Diaper Bag and found the directions easy to read and understand. This pattern by Craft Apple was well thought out, and went together smoothly.

The back of the pattern cover shows the functional bag interior

Here is picture of my Diaper Bag which may be to be used for another grandchild (due in the Spring of 2010).

We don't know if it is to be a girl or boy, so possibly we'll be sewing another one of these bags soon using boy friendly fabrics. If that is the case, I won't mind sewing another one!

Intermediate Sewers could follow The Diaper Bag pattern successfully.

A diaper carry case with a matching changing pad is a must for any well prepared baby!

Don't you love anything which makes great use of fabric scraps?

The diaper case pattern I used is by All My Bags and Quilts Too called Diapers to Go

This is a fun project which a beginner sewer could easily make. It holds diapers, wipes and a 12 x 24 inch changing pad and features a wrist strap and a snap closure.

Gingerbread man pillow pattern Free

Free pattern download and directions for sewing a gingerbread man pillow

Most families have those special cookies, meals, and decorations which make the season personal. This set of gingerbread men pillows have endured many years in the attic only to be brought out during the month of December. I can't bring myself to replace the eye, but instead find a bit of pleasure knowing the many years these fellows have been around. Somehow they always have found a place under the tree, on a bed or on a sofa during the most joyous time of the year.
My daughter traced around the original gingerbread men and created the pattern for you to download. Please enjoy. I hope they find a place on a bed and part of your Christmas fun. This pattern is free and you can use it any way you like.

click here to download the pattern

If you sew one of these pillows, I'd love you to let me know and to link back to this post.

Supplies Needed

A scrap of red cotton fabric for heart cheeks

• A small piece of fusible web for applique

• About a yard of brown cotton fabric for the pillows

• Fusible fleece interfacing

• one package of Rick Rack per pillow ( buy two packages for making a set)
  

• buttons for embellishment

• sew-on doll eyes

• matching thread

• Poly fiberfil stuffing

• water soluble making pen

Directions

• Download pattern and tape all sheets together. You will now have one pattern piece which you will place on the fabric fold.

• Cut four on the fold for two pillows.

• Cut out and fuse the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the front & back of each. ( a total of four) Follow the directions for the fusible interfacing which you have chosen.

• Apply the rick rack BEFORE adding the eyes and cheeks.
• Notice I've pinned and measured about 3/4 inch from the edge.

Normally I do not pin ......... I usually treat the rick rack the same way I do icing for my edible cookies ........ free style!

• Embellish the face as you see fit. I've included a heart shape in the pattern, but you may wish to adjust the size and shape for your pillows. Follow manufacturer's directions for the fusible applique web. You may wish to zig zag or satin stitch around the heart cheeks.

• Once you have placed the Cheeks and eyes, use sewers chalk or a water soluble marking pen to draw a mouth and nose.

• Satin stitch the mouth and nose. ( I used black thread)

• I find the rick rack seems to draw up the pillow front slightly, no matter how careful I am when sewing it in place. If this happens to you ........ don't fret. Simply trim the pillow back piece to match.

• Place front & back right sides together and sew using a 1/4 inch seam. Leave an opening as I've shown in the above picture for turning and stuffing your gingerbread man pillow.

• Stuff the pillow and close the opening by hand stitching.

Merry Christmas! Now go make some edible gingerbread men. Yummy! I can almost smell them now!

Peasant dress pattern Little Red Riding Hood

The Portabellopixie Claire pattern became a Little Red Riding Hood Costume with a few modifications.

• The sleeves and bodice were lengthen

• A mock corset was added to the bodice panel prior to sewing the side seams

• We shortened the length of the skirt to hit at the knee

• We added a cute pigtailed little girl

Pattern Review & Tutorial on the Portabellopixie Apron dress

Airedale Terrier in Halloween Costume

"Happy Halloween"

Dressed as a sexy witch, Belle is ready for
the trick or treat fun to begin!

Dogs can't have chocolate...... guess who gets those chocolate peanut butter cups?!!!

Y'all have fun this weekend and be safe!

I'm working on a free down-loadable Christmas
pattern and hope to have it ready for you soon.

Pink Fig Nie Nie Skirt is the best for Twirling!

Just arrived! The Fall 2009 Pink Fig patterns by designer Chelsea Anderson.

It is time for ruffles! This skirt is stinkin cute! No doubt about it....... this will be the BEST twirling skirt.


I've got 'em........... You can order 'em by clicking on the picture!
Enjoy Flat Rate shipping of $4.98 per order!



I like the flared legs of the Sweet Heart Pants!

Sewing Tips - Sewing Notions

Some of my favorite Sewing tips, tricks & notions

Bias tape makers tied with a scrap of tape to indicate size.

I discovered the antique irons I collected over the years are heavy!


The old irons are a cute way to hold a pattern piece in place for cutting



Basting glue which washes out with water. When dry, it won't gum up your machine


I use basting glue to temporarily apply pocket, trim, labels and etc.




Twin needles for producing show stopping top stitching detail



Show stopping top stitching detail!

An ice tray holds sewing machine accessories in a drawer within reach of my machine

Bamboo turning tool is use multiple times within any given project to gently poke out corners of pockets etc. They sell plastic versions of this too, but I like the charm of the wooden one.


There are more tips, tricks and sewing notions which I use from time to time. I will be sharing more with you!