GU cheesecake pincushion

I have made a few of these pin cushions now and personally I love them. They recycle a gu cheesecake jar (old style with straight sides), they are a really nice size and because it's also a little heavy, it can double as a pattern weight.

I choose to trim mine with some lace and thin ribbon, but you could use whatever you prefer. I think pom Pom trim would be so fun!

To make your own, you will need:

the pattern and instructions sheet

fabric

thread and needle

hot glue gun

trims

I sew mine on my machine, but you could use a small back stitch to hand sew yours.

 

If you share your pincushion online please make reference to this blog and if you use Instagram, don’t forget to share your pincushions with the #craftylilmousepatterns

Happy stitching 

Mx

get organised zipper purse ...

I got this fun Christmas fabric, Copenhagen print factory copyright design by Josephine Blay and decided to make a purse. I have designed it like the zipper purse on last months step by step, only this time with the addition of a divider/pocket inside. It's simpler to make without the divider, but it helps with organisation when using the purse and we all know you need to be organised for Christmas!!

You will need to follow last months instructions to cut the pieces for the pouch, along with an additional piece of lining fabric to create the divider. This extra piece will need to be around 2" less than twice the height of your lining piece. So, if you want a purse with a finished height of 4" x 5" long, cut your divider to measure 6 1/2" x 5 1/2". This will create a 3" high divider to sit neatly inside to create sections without catching on the zip. 

To construct, begin with the divider and fold the fabric in half wrong sides together and press. Add interfacing to one half of this piece on the inside to add stiffness (following to the product instructions). Then, top stitch along the folded edge to give a crisp neat finish, as this will be the visible part of the divider. Next, add the divider to the right side of one of the lining pieces, pinning along the base and both sides. Stitch along the three edges to hold it in place and give it a press. You can then make the purse as normal, simply following last months instructions found here.

Mx

money, money, money!!

 

i made this little apron to keep money secure when doing a craft fair or market stall. i recycled some jeans that didn't fit as the main material for this project. If you want to make your own, follow the steps below...

1. cut off the leg to the required length, then cut up both of the seams (you could just cut one seam and keep the other as the base of the apron).
2. if you want extra detail, add this now, (I added an applique butterfly with free motion stitching to the front of mine.)
3. add the zip to the top of the apron on the front and apron tape to the back section (make sure its long enough to fasten around your waist). 
4. put right sides together and stitch all the way around the rectangle (no need to leave a gap for turning, just remember to undo the zip enough to turn the fabric through!!)
5. once you have sewn that, overlock or zigzag stitch around again for strength.
6. turn out and press.

You now have a finished money apron. the next steps are not needed, so if your just a beginner or prefer a simple design you can stop and admire your work. If you want to add more, follow these last two steps...

1. mark a line where you would like a divide then draw a line to about half / three quarters way up, then sew up this line.
2. add bias binding around the edges for extra colour and decoration.

 

Mx