Saturday, November 14, 2009

A Pocket Bookmark




I whipped up these bookmarks for my RS Book Group. Since we decide the year's books in one meeting I thought this would be a fun way to keep track of what we chose. Since I did these last month, my memory of measurements might be a little off. The purple paper was approx. 10.5"x2.5". I eyeballed the strip into thirds and folded up the bottom portion. I used a small hole punch to go through both layers and each side, threaded a ribbon through to keep the flap secure, and then tied a bow. Then I typed up the calendar with the date, book selection and author, and the host. I used a Word document and created columns that (again I eyeballed and came out lucky!) fit into the little pocket bookmark. I realized that these could even be reused and simply put in new calendars every year!

PS - the font I used for the title is a free font from dafont.com called "Jane Austen". I thought it was an appropriate detail :)

Friday, November 13, 2009

Applique bag for rag quilt letters

Well I finished my rag quilt letters and I decided in an attempt to keep them all together I'd better get some type of bag to keep them in. And this is what I came up with.

The bag was one I pulled out of my laundry room (one of 3- I figured we could manage without it). It is a nice mesh bag and bonus- already has a zipper.

To customize the bag I ripped the side seams and added the fabric swatch with the applique "L is for Lydia". I used the block letters from my lettering software called "Creative Keepsakes". It also had the little face image and I gave her a bow. For the wording "is for" I printed it in reverse, taped it to the back of the fabric, and sewed it using a very thin width and narrow zigzag stitch (almost the button hole width).

I then made a pink fleece pom pom zipper pull secured with embroidery floss to add a little fun.

A quick easy (see through) bag to keep all those letters contained.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Fleece hat and Spiral scarf

Since winter will soon be here I went ahead and made some fleece hats and spiral scarves for my girls. This is what I came up with.


I just patterned the hat after a beanie type fleece hat we had at the house. Then for the flower I used the pattern here. I just enlarged it and secured it with a large button.

For the spiral scarf I followed this tutorial.

Then instead of decorating it with yarn I added three flowers to each end. For the flowers I used a faux suede material and secured them with different size and colors of pink buttons.

This is the final look. I think Savvy looks very chic. Now onto Christmas dresses- with a few distractions along the way :)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Peanut- the "wee" elephant


I'm sure you're thinking didn't you just do a "wee" stuffed animal, and the answer is yes. But they are from 2 different sources, and it just turned out that they both called them "wee". This elephant came from the book "Last minute Patchwork + quilted gifts" by Joelle Hoverson. My sister Kelsi had made 3 of these elephants for my girls a couple of years ago and they love them. Since Abram's bedspread has cute little elephants all over it I decided I would make him one for Christmas. It will look perfect in his little crib.

I used a blue gingham fabric to coordinate with his quilt.

For the blanket I used a denim fabric and the only change I made to it was by adding the fringe around the edge.


I think the braided yarn tail is such a cute touch in this pattern.

Monday, November 2, 2009

SYTYC- check it out

In case you were not aware, I just wanted to let you know of a crafting competition. It is patterned after many reality competitions. It is called So You Think You're Crafty. They chose 10 crafty ladies and they are given a challenge every week. We get to vote on the projects we like the most, and the winning project will post a tutorial, the losing is eliminated. I was amazed that I already follow the blogs of 2 of the crafters. Dana who is very talented and amazing and Jill who too is incredible. I love these blogs because these ladies are willing to share their talents (and tutorials which I love the most). The first projects were posted today. My favorites were #4 & #6. I'm pretty sure #6 is Dana's and somewhat sure #4 is Jill's. Check it out here. I'm excited about all this inspiration for the holidays. Oh how I wish there were more hours in a day.