Sewing: Christmas Tree Pillow for WeAllSew

We all have our lists of things we want to do to celebrate Christmas, and if you are similar to me you toss half of them along the way. Time is short and I keep telling myself I don't want so many projects that I miss just spending time with people! Well this tree pillow is a quick sew that will make you feel like you added a handmade touch to your holidays. It's perfect for a gift too.

I created this project for the BERNINA blog, WeAllSew. They have a great series of projects and daily giveaways this month for the Christmas countdown. You can find my Felt Christmas Tree Pillow tutorial here.

I just love wool felt and felted pom poms. This pillow has a hand stitched look thanks to a specialty stitch option on my BERNINA 580--the only actual hand stitching is on the pom poms. 

I hope you are making progress on your holiday list and enjoying time with the ones you love.

Craft: Covered Comp Book with Leather Cord Gift for Men (Tutorial)

Got a man on your gift list? I find them more challenging to give handmade, which is my favorite way to give. A bit more tricky to knit or crochet or sew for them. So I came up with a handmade gift for men they don't have to wear: a paper covered comp book with a leather strap. In this age of technology a notebook with a vintage vibe is such a great change of pace, don't you think!?

I love this map and license plate paper I found at Jo-Ann. I used it to make this comp book for the Jo-Ann Fall Lookbook a few months ago. I purchased the suede lace there too.

To make this comp book you'll need:

• a standard composition book (9 3/4" x 7 1/2")
• 2 yards of suede lace (as in shoe lace) or thin leather cord
• Krylon Easy Tack Repositionable Spray
• 2 pieces 12"x12" scrapbooking paper (I used Paper House Productions sku#67636 53499 from Jo-Ann)
• X-acto knife or scissors
• Drill with 1/4" bit

To make the book: (you may also want to refer to my phototutorial for covering a comp book)

• Overlap the two pieces of scrapbooking paper by at least an inch and use the spray adhesive to adhere them to form one larger piece of paper. This overlap seam will be on the backside of the composition book.
• Follow the directions on the adhesive spray and coat the wrong side of the scrapbooking paper.
• With the composition book closed, position the composition book with the front cover down on the wrong side of the paper close to the edge, on the opposite side from the seam, and with a bit of extra paper on the three sides of the cover. Press down firmly on the book to adhere the paper to the front cover.
• Fold the remaining paper over the spine tightly and across the back cover. Smooth down the paper and press it firmly to adhere.
• Using an X-acto knife or scissors, carefully trim the extra paper from around the cover.
• Open the cover of the composition book and place it on a piece of wood. Drill one hole through the front cover from the inside of the book. Place this hole about ½” from the front edge of the composition book cover and center it from top to bottom.
• Take your suede lace and thread it through the hole. Tie a double knot to secure. Wrap the leather around the book and tie a loose knot to close it.

Now you've got a handmade gift that would work for the men in your life too.

Crochet: Easy Baby Afghan Again

Crochet? I can hardly believe it. It seems like forever since I've managed to finish a yarn project and post about. But it's been on the brain. I've been working on this blanket for some time. That's the nice thing about crochet for me--I can roll up the project and drop it into a bag and pull it out again when I have a few minutes. It's forgiving that way.

I started this blanket when I heard a new nephew was on his way and finished it for him to practice sitting on. I guess that's not too late. This Easy Baby Afghan is too heavy for swaddling. It's exaggerated stitches make it perfect as a stroller blanket, play mat, or nap blanket. Not to mention nursery accessory!

I made a couple blankets for this boy's older brother when he was born (this one and this one) and I wanted little brother to have a handmade one of his own. Since the weather is now chilly I decided to add a little something extra to this gift: a coordinating ear flap hat.

I made some of these in adult sizes for my entire family a few years ago for Christmas but can't find my notes. Hmpf. But I'm starting with an infant size with plans to go all the way up. A family of ear flap hats. Pattern soon. Hopefully in time for the holidays. Fingers crossed.

This blanket and hat were made with Berroco Comfort Chunky (Cadet, Dusk and Barley), just like the original. I love this yarn. I just stocked up on some for two more blankets for my girls. It's a bit of an investment, but hopefully these blankets will be around a long time.

You can find the tutorial for this Easy Baby Afghan here.

Sewing: The Ultimate Cuddle Blanket (Tutorial)

 

Last year for Christmas I made my husband the Ultimate Couch Blanket. It was a big hit. In fact it has been fought over and in use non-stop for a year now--by everyone but it's recipient! He never really gets the chance to use it because someone else has always snuggled in before him.So I thought it was time for more blankets!

 

This year I have made each of our girls an Ultimate Cuddle Blanket. A bit smaller than the adult-sized couch blanket, it is still one that they can grown into for years. It's perfect for the couch, bed, sleepovers, and pretending to hibernate in a cave. It's even big enough for two and it is super luxurious...

 

Each of these Ultimate Cuddle Blankets are about 48"x60" (some more some less depending on the width of the different fabrics) and made with the same incredibly soft minky. I used different minky fabrics for the front side and on the reverse they all have the same minky shag I fell in love with in the Ultimate Couch Blanket. I can't get over this stuff.

And of course, they all have the giant "foot pocket" on the shaggy side. No toes sticking out from under the blanket.

 

 

It's hard to show the pocket easily, but it's 36" high and the width of the blanket (about 48") with some stitching in the middle of the opening to keep it from falling open and hanging down. It will certainly keep our little girls' toesies toasty and could practically serve as a sleeping bag while they're small.

 

 

I am so relieved to have these three finished and under the tree. And I even get to share them with you before Christmas because my girls are too little to snoop around online. Can you guess which girl is getting the Dalmatian print?

As crazy as it sounds, if you can get your hands on some minky you could pull off one of these by Christmas. Or file this away for an upcoming occasion. I made these a bit differently than the original (Ultimate Couch Blanket) so you could look at both tutorials and decide which you prefer. Click through to read the full tutorial.

Fabric sources:

• Minky Cuddle Dalmatian
• Minky Frosted Zebra Coral (this one is my favorite!)
• Minky Cuddle Shag in White
• Minky Cuddle Shag in Cream
• Minky Fleur Paisley in Natural/Pink

Crafting: White Button Frame (Tutorial)

The girls and I were at the fabric store and saw all these white buttons, and I thought it would be fun to make something with them--the buttons and the girls. So in a few minutes we made a white button picture frame.

This quick project required a simple picture frame (flat face), which spray paint, a hot glue gun and a bunch of buttons. We used white but this would be fun in multi-colors or monochromatic. Maybe we'll have to make some more.

First I took the glass out and spray painted the frame. When it was dry I spread out some paper on a table and plugged in the glue gun.

And then I let the girls help me place the buttons. They picked them and I dabbed the blue and then they placed them.

I might have massaged the spacing a bit....

And there it is. Our button frame. This would be really cute for Father's Day or Mother's Day, or any day really.

Sewing: No Sew Fleece Blankets

How do you like the irony in that title?

I know these no-sew fleece blankets abound, but I've never made one. Maybe it's because I have a hard time spotting fleece I love. Or because the fleece blankets we own are used mostly for outdoor activities, such as picnics, so the logo'd variety we've picked up over the years work just fine. I just haven't wanted to go there.

But these tied blankets seemed the perfect thing for some last minute gifts for my grandparents (I have been so lucky to have my mother's parents still living) so about a week before Christmas I went fleece shopping and found two pairs of prints I actually enjoyed looking at: a bright floral with a pink polka dot and a denim blue batik or sun-print-looking design with a red polka dot. Cheery enough! I was looking for something bright to warm their laps. 

I'm sure you know the drill on these: I cut out 4 inch squares from all four corners and then cut 1.5 inch wide and 4 inch long strips. I did all the cutting with the two pieces of fleece stacked wrong sides together. Then I tied all the strips together with square knots.

As quick as these projects were, as it turned out, winter colds kept me from delivering these blankets until after Christmas. I wish it had been sooner. Not sure I'll be making these again anytime soon. Maybe when one of our girls decides to start playing an outdoor sport.

Crochet: Skinny Scarf

I made some skinny shell scarves like this for my sisters and some girlfriends a few years ago and have been thinking about my own take on the pattern. This red scarf is take one. I crocheted it with Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe yarn in Lipstick. It's a great, cool red.

I love lightweight scarves like this for wearing all day long. Such an opportunity for a shot of color. And so many ways to wear it: looped around and knotted, tied in a bow (would you?), looped a lot, doubled and pulled through a single loop. I think someone could even wear it as a belt. Hair wrap? I'm not sure what I could pull off, but there are possibilities for this scarf.

This one is going to a friend of mine who has started wearing scarves after a recent surgery. I am going to keep playing with the pattern though. I need one or two too. I'm thinking about two-tone. And Audrey wants one in a shade of blue. What about you?

Sewing: Minky Ultimate Couch Blanket (How-to)

I didn't get to much on my handmade list for Christmas this year, but I did make a blanket for my husband. He's a bit tough to buy for so I was excited and relieved to come up with this idea for him: the ultimate couch blanket. 

I know it looks simply like a beautiful, plush, minky blanket in a generous size (72" long and about 60" wide), and it is! But there is more...

It has a large pocket on one side for tucking your feet! Is it just me or is this what everyone needs? Don't you hate the awkward flapping of the blanket as you try to tuck it under your feet while lounging on the couch? I thought the pocket was the answer.  My girls agreed. Of course it is more like a sleeping bag pouch for their size--maybe a gift idea for them next year.

I didn't do a tutorial for this but I will explain how I made it so you can make one too.

Crochet: Sedge Stitch Cowl (Tutorial for Waverly)

Still working on Christmas gifts? I am with you! I have been guilty of working on gifts (hats one year, scarves the next) as the guests were arriving! I just can't resist the idea of having a little something handmade for everyone.

Well, this Sedge Stitch Cowl makes that compulsion possible. You could make it in a few short hours! Make a couple in one evening!

It's one-size-fits-all, so you don't have to worry about sizing. Just pick your favorite color of yarn. It's the perfect stocking stuffer.

I designed the pattern for this cowl to share for Waverly's 12 Bloggers of Christmas series. I'm so excited to be participating with this great list of creative women. All sorts of holiday inspiration...

I used the Waverly for Bernat yarn in "Gypsy Gold" for this project (did you know they now have yarn?). While in the past I haven't been much of a "yellow" person, it has been growing on me the past couple years! I want it in my garden now, used a bit of it for a recent birthday party, and I think if it's in a strong shade like this I could even get away with wearing it.

The sedge stitch has such a great texture. Using two strands together makes the work go quickly!  And gives the stitch pattern even more depth. The cowl is very snuggly, but still soft and lightweight. Have I sold you yet?

I would wear it all day over a t-shirt or even a crisp shirt, or over a lightweight sweater, or throw it on with my coat. Guess I'll have to make one for myself too!

Click to read more for the pattern and tutorial.

And visit Waverly's Facebook page to enter to win two $100 JoAnn gift cards!

Sewing: Rick Rack Dishtowels for Christmas

One of the things I love about sewing is that it gives you the skills to transform something ordinary and utilitarian into a thoughtful creative expression. Even better if it is a gift! Perhaps dishtowels or dishcloths seem like the most mundane of gifts, but really they are the opportunity to add a thoughtful touch or even a bit of luxury to the every day. And, if they aren't perfectly to the taste of the recipient at least they can help with the work!

So I've take the rick rack approach to kitchen towels and made a Christmas flavor. I love the chartreuse variation on the traditional red and green.

If you don't want to gift a holiday-specific set you can always pick from the wide variety of rick rack to assemble something in your friend's favorite colors, or mimic the latest fashion palette. I think a handmade touch like this, especially it's custom made for one person, is appreciated for both the thought and the gift!

If you are interested in the tutorial it can be found right here.

Crochet: Shimmer Snowflake Gift Topper Tutorial at TipJunkie

I love gift toppers that are something other than the ubiquitous paper bow! How about a crochet snowflake to top gifts this season? Check out my tutorial at TipJunkie today.

Sewing: Swaddling Blanket with Polka Dot Garland

When I was expecting Audrey, my mother's-in-law (and now my!) good friend, Sallee, gifted me a pile of plain cotton flannel swaddling blankets, which she had embroidered with a few little flowers. Such a simple gift, and I loved her handmade touch, but I had no idea how much I would use them. I think I used one every day until I was finished swaddling Audrey and then used them for her little sisters. (Thank you, Sallee!)

So as I was putting together a gift for my sister-in-law I thought about including this great basic, with a handmade flourish inspired by Sallee's. I picked a polka dot garland--some felt polka dots in various shades of blue and grey stitched down in an asymmetrical curve.

To make, I bought enough flannel to form a square (44"), and finished it with a turned hem. I like to zigzag the edge because it makes it easier to turn, and then turn it under twice and stitch down with mitered corners.  You could also of course buy a plain flannel blanket--the appliques are such a cute and simple way to make it unique.

To make the polka dots I cut felt circles that vary in size from that of a quarter to a dime. Then I played with their arrangement in one corner of the blanket until I liked them way they looked, and stitched down.

I love the way this turned out. It was such a quick way to personalize the staple flannel swaddling blanket. And hopefully it's a gift my sister-in-law will find useful. I would have liked to make a whole stack of them, but I ran out of time after working on another blanket, which was a bit more complicated. I'll be sharing the tutorial for it next. (There's a little hint in the photo above.)