lucy owl

 

I made this large stocking as a Christmas gift for my cousin. I chose this cute owl fabric with a plain red for lining and the top band. I personalised one side with her name as an extra special touch, but this is optional and could be left out or swapped for an alternative embellishment. I scaled this stocking up to be big enough for lots of presents, but you can make it any size you like ... just buy the fabric accordingly.

Here's how I made it:

1. To create a pattern draw a stocking shape onto some baking paper/newspaper. Cut this out. For the second pattern piece draw around the stocking shape but add 4" to the top edge. Cut out this 2nd pattern piece and label lining. 
2. Cut 2 stocking shapes from patterned fabric and 2 lining pieces from a contrasting coloured fabric using the lining pattern. *If you want to personalise your stocking you need to do so now before starting to constructing your stocking*
3. Sew 1 piece of patterned fabric to 1 piece of lining fabric, right sides together, along the top edge of the stocking. Repeat for the remaining 2 pieces of fabric.
4. Lay both sewn pieces out flat, right sides together (lining to face lining, pattern to face pattern) and pin all the way around the edge. Be sure you match the seam you have already sewn.  
5. To create a loop for hanging, cut a length of ribbon and bring the ends together to create a loop. Then place the loop 3" down from the seam in between the right sides of the lining fabric, leaving the cut ends just peeking out. When you sew around the edge, the loop should become secured in the seam.
6.  Machine stitch around the stocking leaving a gap in the lining, for turning out. 
7. Turn the stocking right sides out, through the gap and press with an iron. Hand stitch the gap in the lining using a slip stitch. Push the lining inside the stocking and fold the top cuff over to finish.

 
* To personalise the stocking, I decided to add the name. To do this, I backed some of my lining fabric with heat n bond iron on adhesive (sewable). I then die cut letters from this fabric using my sizzix bigz alphabet die set. I positioned these onto the patterned fabric and removed the backing to stick down, once I was happy with the placement. I ironed the pieces to fix the bond before securing with free motion machine stitching around each letter.*

I think this makes for a nice simple but effective gift, perfect for the season. I hope you can follow my instructions to enjoy making your own... Any questions please comment below. I would also love to see any of your makes, simply tag me on @craftylilmouse on instagram or post on my facebook !!
 

Mx

halloween bunting!!

• basic grey for moda cotton (Halloween fabric) 3 x half a metre
• iron on interfacing (medium weight) 1.5 metres
• black bias binding (1 inch wide) 9 metres
• sew easy equilateral 60' triangle template

I cut 3 different patterned fabrics into 5 1/2" strips. I cut these into the bunting shape using the sew easy- equilateral 60' triangle template. I cut interfacing into 5" strips and used the template to cut my triangles. I ended up with 96 fabric triangles and 48 of the interfacing. I then paired up the fabric triangles with one layer of interfacing for each pair. I then ironed the interfacing to one of the triangles from each pair, before sewing the pair of fabric triangles right sides together leaving the top edge open. I then trimmed the excess fabric with pinking shears and turned them right way around. I then pressed each of the triangles to keep the edges neat and shapes flat. To assemble the bunting, I first arranged the colours into the desired pattern. I then folded the binding in half and ironed along the full length to create a crease. Each of the triangles was then placed between the binding and pinned into position, leaving an inch gap between them and 5 inch spare on either end. The final stage was to sew along the entire length of the binding to secure all of the triangles in place.

 

The bunting was then ready to hang for a party or special occasion. This one is for Halloween but a change of fabric could make it perfect for any occasion or just for interior décor !! It can also be a great project for scrap busting to use up those offcuts of different fabrics. This project did leave me with some spare fabric which could be used up in other projects or a miniature version of bunting.

 

Mx

bow-tiful bag...

 

to make this bag i used a cotton canvas material in two coordinating fabric prints and a simple cream cotton lining.  I used a Debbie shore pattern from the high style handbags project cd. the bumper bow bag is quite simple to make, however I did need to make a few changes to the pattern. I have listed these below for reference. I think if you are a bit more skilled, this bag would benefit from a magnetic clasp or maybe a inside pocket.

 

• bumper bow bag handle- cut 2 outer fabric (only says 1 on pattern)
• bumper bow bag bow: cut 1 outer fabric...this piece needs to be thinner, take about 1cm of the width

 

Mx

sewing roll...

 

 

i have made this sewing roll, i used a grey sewing themed fabric that i bought at the market. i added contrasting red bias binding and ribbon, to brighten it up a bit.  i have been wanting to make an EPP quilt for a while now, as i felt i needed a little sewing project that is more portable. this will be perfect to keep all my things together when im on the move. i will keep threads, scissors etc in the bottom pocket. material in the centre slip pocket, and paper cut outs in the zipped pocket. i will also add a piece of felt at the top to keep my needles safe!!
I think this could also be used as a cosmetics roll, to keep bits of makeup and brushes together to travel...

 

red felt, needle keeper not pictured. contents just to show pockets better.

Mx

patchwork ball

I love hand sewing, so this patchwork ball was the perfect project to make for a friend. this is easy to make using the English paper piecing (EPP) method of patchwork. I used some very retro fabric that my mum bought in the 80's for this one. i decided that i wanted to make a fragrant hanging ball, instead of just a standard toy ball. to do this, i just added a piece of ribbon in to one of the seams to create a hanging loop. i using dried lavender and a little toy stuffing to fill out the shape. i think this makes a great little gift that can be used by anyone, (personalised by simply choosing a different fabric to suit the person)...

i have included a link to a tutorial on how to make a DIY patchwork ball...

Mx

(thanks to my friend Marcus for the picture as i forgot to take one!!) 

Lest we forget...

thought I would just share this special make for remembrance sunday...

if you want to make your own poppy, you will need:

• some red and green felt
• some embroidery floss (or use multiple strands of standard cotton)
• a black button.
• a brooch back/ finding
• fabric glue (optional)

I only use a backstitch and blanket stitch to create these poppies, which makes them easy to sew. I made a simple version with one layer and some stitch detail and another with an extra petal layer for added detail. I used fabric glue to help hold the layers of felt together and create more structure, but they would work without this.

 

 

Cut your felt shapes using the pattern pieces above. I added veins to the front leaf shape using backstitch. I added a brooch back to the second leaf shape before blanket stitching these two together. I stitched the button onto the first flower shape to form a centre (marked with an x on the template). I stitched the leaf onto the back of the other flower piece, (I tacked this on by only going through the first layer of felt of the leaf so that the stitches didn't show on the back.)  I then blanket stitched the two flower pieces together to finish my poppy.

 

For the more detailed flower, choose either petal 1 or petal 2 and cut these, along with the flower and the leaf shapes. I blanket stitched the two petal pieces together. I then secured a button where the cross on the pattern is. I then stitched the petal to the centre of the front flower shape lining the edges of the petals up. I made my leaf the same way as before and attached this to the other flower shape. The final step is to blanket stitch the two flower shapes together.

Mx

fruity!!

I have been making some tea towels using indian wooden block printing.  I bought plain white cotton tea towels and used this very cool fruit design block to decorate them. I used kiwi, mustard and orange fabric paints, which you heat set to become permanent.  

Mx