Tree Scent Ornaments - Spools

A few additions to the collection of 1 of a Kind Tree Scent ornaments.

Vintage wooden spool wrapped with red felt. I stitched a length of white lace to the bottom and added a bit of white stitch above it.

Cut two 1 inch circles of red felt to put on each end. 

The bottom features a white pearl drop bead and the top a small white button. All hung with red wool yarn.

A wooden spool wrapped with lime green fleece.  

Once that was stitched on I wrapped the spool with dark green embroidery floss onto which I placed matte gold EBeads along the way.

I cut 1" circles for the bottom and top of the spool.

I added a gold button with a shank on the bottom and a gold bead at the top above the green felt circle.

 

All hung on variegated green yarn.

I stitched a length of plum wool ftlt with a few stitches in green, white and yellow.

This was wrapped around a vintage wooden spool . 

I cut two 1" circles in mustard felt for the top and bottom.

I added a plum colored button with a shank on the bottom and a tiny green button on the top over the felt circle.

All hung with plum embroidery thread.

I used a traditional red and green color theme on this Tree Scent ornament. 

A red felt piece was stitched with white and green thread then stitched onto the wooden spool.

I selected 2 red buttons to go on the bottom and top of the ornament.

I cut two 1" circles of dark green felt for the top and bottom of the spool.

I ran red wool yarn to hold all the peices together and knotted at the top with several knots along the way.

These can be used as personal passive oil diffusers as you relax.

Sewing Project - Adjustable Bookmark

I have been thinking of making some bookmarks for the Christmas sale since we share the space with the library.

With a bit of research, I found a few features I would like to incorporate. Adjustable and a pocket for a writing instrument.

After some measuring, I decided to make the it wrap around the book with an elastic and a couple of buttons for adjustment.  A pocket could be placed on the front and maybe some stitching could be included.

I cut 2 pieces of fabric measuring 3"W x 21" T - one patterned one solid.  I decided to use elastic from old face masks. I cut a piece of mustard fabric for the pocket. The buttons and embroidery need to be added before sewing.  The pocket needs to be sewn on the front of the bookmark. 

The elastic was pinned in place at the opposite end from the pocket. Then, I sewed all the way around the long strip leaving a slit to turn it inside out. I trimmed the corners, turned it inside out, pushed out the corners with a chopstick and pressed it flat.  I then top stitched all the way around. It was very difficult to do the buttons and embroidery after the pocket was sewn on.

Notes: 

• The pencil pocket is too tall and could be narrower. 
• Stitching and button(s) need to be done before assembly.
• This is a hard cover book so the overall length of the bookmark could be shorter to accommodate smaller books.
• I will use this one and implement improvements to future versions
• The mask elastic may too soft.

Stitching - Embellishment of Linen Coasters -Sashiko

I decided to do some tone on tone textured stitching on this mustard colored set of coasters.

I used some heavy cotton thread that color matched pretty well.

This is Sashiko stitching which went very well with the needles I bought a few days ago.

It is just basically running stitch trying to keep the stitch very even.

I did my best.

With the overall pattern it does not create bulk in the center of the coaster.  It is stitch that runs through the coaster so the back side is the same.

Another set done.

Sewing Project - Chair Pads

 
The wood table chairs are now more comfortable.  I made chair pads for the dining table chairs this morning.

I used some blue mustard fabric I picked up for free a while back.  Nice floral pattern.  The back side of the pads are the mustard linen fabric I had in my stash.

The seats measure 15.25" across at the front and 13" at the back so there is plenty of each fabric.

I had checked out foam rolls at a fabric store at the beginning of the month and the price was $39 but not enough to make all of the pads.

I continued my research.  

I purchased a 1.5" memory top mattress topper for the foam in the pad. They were on sale recently for $50 which is more than enough to make them all with leftovers.  

The triangular shape of the seats will allow me to make good use of the foam and fabric by rotating the pattern.  The funky textures will be put to the underside which will work out alright.

There were some decisions to be made:

1. Zipper closure so I can wash them?  Where does it go? How long does it have to be? Do I have 4 in the right color and length?  Don't have what I need to proceed this morning. Next!

2. Fold over flap at the back.  This makes them not reversible and I would need to velcro the flap to keep it closed.  The math is a bit more complicated. Next!

3. Sew the foam in and see how it goes.  This is the fastest and easiest option. Yes!

The foam was thin enough to cut with scissors but not my fabric ones.  I just traced the shape with a marker.  I rotated the shape so that I could use the cut side for the next one.  Very efficient use of the material.

I cut 4 of these one for each chair.

I placed the printed fabric over the solid fabric and pinned the pattern in place.  I had to add a 1/2 inch seam allowance then a full inch for the foam pad.

I started sewing along the back towards the corner, back stitched the corners and ended just after the last corner leaving most of the back open so I could insert the foam.

The foam is very sticky so it was a bit of a challenge to get it in place but it should help it stay in the envelope.

The twill tape ties were about 15 inches folded in half.  I placed them so they would be aligned with the inside corner of the chair back.  Using twill tape meant I did not have to make ties which made the project move along.  

I pinned the back opening closed and as I went along I placed the folded tie aligned along the pinned seams edge.  

Then, I just sewed the closure seam which also tacked down the ties.  Did some back stitching  where the ties were for added strength. 

It took about 3 hours to make four pads so I am happy with that.

Here's is one on the chair and it looks great.

I have managed to keep my plants on the balcony alive so a small pansy bouquet on the table and I am set to host company!

Sewing Project - TV Chair Outfit - Cushion and Headrest Cover

This is my TV chair with its new outfit.

I received this chair from my aunt as a gift this summer and it reclines to bring a footstool.  I loved it.

I have been using the fleece blanket I had on the couch but it is too big and get caught in footstool when I get up and close it.

I wanted a new blanket, a new cover for the cushion I have been using and an updated head rest cover.

There is still a remote control holder to come but I have not decided and designed it.

 

This is the Cushion Cover.

I used the fabric I purchased this summer which matched all the chairs in the living room.  You can see the fabric in this post.

I found a yellow zipper in my stash that would be long enough for a side opening.

This fabric frays very easily so I had to serge all the edges as I went along.

I cut 2 pieces of this fabric 21 inches x 15 inches. This would allow 1 inch seam allowances. 

I followed this tutorial to put the zipper in. It worked perfectly.  I used the selvage edge of the fabric and folded it in 1 inch on both pieces. I sewed the ends about 3.5 inches leaving the center open where the zipper will show.  

The zipper is 14 inches on the 18 inch side. I then pinned the zipper to the opening making sure to mark where the metal bits were to make sure I sewed on the far side of those.

Once the zipper was in I could just sew up the other 3 sides. Make sure you move the zipper pull down before you sew up the sides as that is the opening you will use to turn it inside out.

I did have a large seam allowance (2.25 inches) across from the zipper but it was better to have too much than find I was short.

I had pinned loosely to figure out where the seam should be.  

Sewed it the other sides together and turned it inside out, used my chopstick to push out the corners. My little cushion fit perfectly inside.

I used the grey thread to sew this project.

Headrest Cover

The research and gathering of fabrics I did this summer paid off because the piece of 100% cotton upholstery fabric was in the bucket.

That will work for the headrest cover.  I paired it with a piece of microfiber fabric from the stash as well. 

I laid the cotton over the microfiber and then used my long quilting ruler to mark a rectangle with square corners. 

I then sewed those together leaving a small area to turn it around.

I then turned it inside out and ironed it flat.

I stitched a seam very close to edge to close the opening I used to turn it around and it finishes off the edges nicely.

I had gone a while back to purchase twist pins to keep the arm rest covers in place.

I dug out 2 of them and tacked the head rest cover in place.

I am very happy with the final results of this several day and 3 piece project.

I have 3 pieces that can easily be washed and kept clean.  This will keep my chair clean as well.

I will be working on the remote control holder.  I think it will be over the arm rest

I will keep you posted.

Sewing Project - Tea Towels

I made a set of tea towels for my niece for her birthday.  A while ago I found a piece of fabric at the thrift store which was a linen/cotton blend and it was mustard color.  Perfect! I said.

I did have to find thread to match so I headed to Walmart on the Monday before school started.  What was I thinking.  The parking lot was jammed and so was the store. I did find what I needed.

I cut the fabric 21 x 30 inches to maximize the fabric I had.  

I had a few problems of my own doing with my sewing machine but with perseverance I solved the issue.  It always purrs like a kitten and I was disturbed when it wasn't but I wanted the job done too. 

I checked my supply of twill tape and found nothing that was not synthetic in a warm color.  I decided to make my own from the fabric itself. I hope it is sturdy enough to stand the wear and tear.

I cut a strip of fabric 2 inches wide and about 18 inches long.  That should be enough. I ironed it in half then opened it and folded it in from both sides. I ironed that flat and sewed it along the open edge.

I cut the strip 4.5 inches long to make this hanging loop.  I decided to place it in the center of the tea towel this time rather than the corner.

This is such gorgeous fabric.  It drapes so beautifully.  The hanging loop in the center makes the tea towel hang shorter which may make a difference.

It is sown into the hem of the tea towel and I double stitched as that is where the most strain will take place.

I am getting better at making mitered corners.  These turned out really well and I added the bit across the corner that secures the folded piece under the miter.

I wanted to add a personal touch which would communicate how much I love her and think about her often.

My sister does a lot of embroidery so I thought I would give it a try.  Should be easy right? Let me say, not so much.  I used the chain stitch and some blue embroidery floss and placed it on the front where the hanging loop was on the back. Top center so she will see every time she uses it.

 Finished size: 19 in W x 28 in L

I am very happy with the end result!  I hope she likes them.

Cards - Quilting - DP

On these cards I used some quilting related designer paper.
The card on the left I placed a 4" square of DP on the top portion of the bittersweet orange cad.  I added a seam binding ribbon below the square and tried a new way to tie it.  I made a hole in the centre of the space, then  ran the ribbon across the card through a slit in the fold through the hole to the front with one end going above and the other going below the ribbon going across the card.  Tied a knot and a bow.
The card on the right I split the 4" square in half and placed the pieces at the top and  bottom of the card. I placed a greeting in the centre space that was color printed then cut with one of the Apothecary Framelits.  It is held in place with 2 mustard brads.

Card - Challenge - Garden

I created this card for the challenge on my card group.  The theme was Inspired by the Garden.  I chose a stamp I've had for a while.  The SU! Triple Treat Flower.  I stamped the flower in Purely Pomegranate, then Always Artichoke then More Mustard on white card stock.  I punched the green one with the SU! Five Petal Punch and the mustard one with the half in circle punch. I cut the purple one with a SB Nestabilities circle die.  I found a piece of More Mustard textured which I trimmed to leave a nice border on the Always Artichoke card.  The green and mustard are mounted with 3D foam tape.  I stamped the birthday greeting with Sincere Salutations in Always Artichoke. I added a stem with a sharpie marker in a color which matched pretty closely since I did not have a marker in Always Artichoke.

Card - Father's Day photo

I made this card for my Dad. I started with a photo I took last summer at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. This is a reconstruction of a workshop of a man who made canoes.  It reminded me very much of my Dad's workshop.  I mounted the photo onto a mustard piece of card stock.  I stamped the greeting with my small Close to my Heart acrylic alphabet in Chocolate Chip.  I added three mustard brads below to anchor the top element.  I will spend Sunday with my Dad!

Card Club - May - Father's Day

Father's Day is soon! Are you sending yours a card? I am.
On this card I used a leaf image I designed myself several years ago when I was screen printing on cardstock. Now the color printer can do the same effect with less mess. The cardstock is Always Artichoke from Stampin Up! I'm finding I am using that color a lot lately. The acetate greeting allowed my girls to add the greeting or not. The scrapbook paper was very versatile allowing quite a few color options for accent and card.