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Archive for the ‘Crafts’ Category

Patchwork Cover

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, Quilting, Sewing, tagged Book Cover, Crafts, Fabric, Gifts, Handmade Gifts, Journal cover, Notebook cover, Quilting, Sewing on April 28, 2017| 19 Comments »

There are so many cute things we can make with just a bunch of little pieces of fabric sewn together.

This is a little patchwork cover I made for my daughter to keep her hand-lettering sketch book in.

I sewed a little piece of elastic ribbon to the back so that it could wrap around the button on the front and form a closure.

Here’s a view of the whole thing.

All I did was sew together 2 1/2 inch squares (a mini charm pack), from the Farmhouse collection by Figtree & Co, for Moda. There’s 42 squares in each pack so I had some leftover squares for another little project.

I bought the fabric from Missouri Star Quilt Co, where I buy most of my pre-cuts. If you enjoy quilting or sewing, you should definitely check out their daily deal! It’s a great bargain and sometimes they have a special sale where they offer multiple “daily deals”. Their website is Missouri Quilt Co.

I like this group of fabrics! They are so cheerful and colorful.

For the quilting, I used one of the stitches on my machine – it’s curvy and adds a little more interest than just straight stitching. It’s also easier for me, since I’m not too practiced with machine quilting.

On the inside, I put pockets on each side so she could keep her rulers, pens, and markers in there. I wanted a little more color in there so I added two squares on each side.

After I sewed the elastic ribbon onto the back, I went ahead and sewed a tiny button on top so it would look pretty and the stitches wouldn’t show.

For the closure, a shiny button with pretty “diamond” stones.

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I love projects like these that I can finish in one day.

Working with these fabrics is fun and it made me smile seeing the pretty prints and words.

What projects have you been working on lately? Can you believe we are already at the end of April?? I’m thinking I better plan ahead for Christmas gifts now if I want to finish them in time.

Have a great weekend and happy sewing!

Daisy

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Mini Back Pack

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, Sewing, tagged clothes, Crafts, Fabric, Gifts, Grandkids, Handmade, Sewing on April 4, 2017| 21 Comments »

I got to sew some pretty little things for my granddaughter who turned two recently…

And one of them was this cute little back pack.

The pattern is Simplicity #5284. It’s a mini version of a full-size, or adult, back pack.

I used 2 fat quarters (18″x21″ piece of fabric), and some left-over fabric from a little blouse I’d made her.

I used some lace instead of ribbon for the bow and added a bling button for a touch of fun… I thought she would like it, especially when she gets a little older (like 3). 🙂

I sewed these on by hand so it wouldn’t show up on the under side of the flap. I also wanted to make sure it was on securely so that it wouldn’t come off after much use.

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The pattern called for elastic at the top, which I thought was genius. Everything stays inside, yet it’s easier to access than if it had a tie. (Why don’t back packs for grown-ups have this feature??! 🙂

I sewed on a piece of hook & loop tape for the closure – small enough that she can easily open it without a lot of effort, but big enough to keep it closed when she’s wearing it.

The pocket is large enough to hold a small box of crayons, or pencils, or a little dolly… whatever she likes. 🙂

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I used the wrong kind of interfacing… the pattern suggested light-weight and I knew that wouldn’t be enough, so I used heavy-weight; but it was really hard to sew. – even with a heavy-duty needle. Next time, I will definitely use medium! Lesson learned.

However, it did feel like a “real, store-bought” back pack. So, maybe the heavier interfacing was the right choice after all?

The pattern was easy to understand and the straps went on without a problem. I had never made a back pack before, so some of the placements (such as the tabs to pull the straps through) didn’t really make sense until everything was turned right-side-out. So the lesson here is… follow the step-by-step instructions and in the end it’ll all make perfect sense. Maybe, Kind of like life?… But I digress…

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It was so much fun for me to make this, especially since it was for my granddaughter!

Using the three fabrics was different and gave it a whole other look to it. Maybe next time I’ll just use one… maybe.

I can hardly wait to sew another one!

Looking forward to sharing with you a pic of her wearing or using her little back pack. I get to see her soon again! 🙂

More projects to share in the coming days. Yay!

Have a blessed week,

Daisy

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A little dress

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, Sewing, tagged Sewing on February 9, 2017| 16 Comments »

I like to sew.

But sewing tiny things…

That’s just a whole other level of fun for me…

And sewing for my granddaughters….

Just keeps me smiling the entire time.

I got this fabric on sale at Joanns. It feels soft like cotton, but has the look of linen.

I thought it would be perfect for a little girl’s dress.

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It was an easy pattern and I just made a few changes to it (Butterick 4176).

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I also added a tiny little ruffle to the hem…

It’s a bit time-consuming, but I think they always look so cute,

It’s well worth the effort!

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I can hardly wait to see how it looks on her!

Have fun sewing!

Daisy

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Granny Squares

Posted in Crafts, Crochet, tagged Crafts, Crochet on January 26, 2017| 19 Comments »

I spend a lot of time in the car,

so I’m always looking for small projects I can do while “just sitting there”. . .
(not driving, btw)

I’ve seen such beautiful crochet “modern-looking” patterns on Pinterest,
that I thought I’d make a bunch of little granny squares
(the only thing I know how to crochet)
and later piece them together in one of those pretty patterns.

I’ve never “pieced together” any crochet squares, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to
figure it out. . . Probably find some help on Youtube tutorials…

The first square I made, I used three colors I had picked out…

But that was too hard and took too much time,
(I wanted to finish it before my grandkids had kids)

so I decided I’d just do each square a solid color and then it might even look more “modern”. (Whatever that means… vintage is new, new is old, retro is back… I’m so confused…)

Any ideas on what pattern I should make?

I used to hate grey, but now I really like it.

Does that mean I’m old? The only people who liked grey when I was a kid were old people.

I guess that answers my question…

I have a stack of each color, and they look so pretty.

Maybe I should make three blankets – one in each color?

I don’t think so. . .

This yarn is super soft and a pleasure to work with.

Let me know if you have any suggestions. Remember I’m new-ish at this. . .
All I know are the stitches associated with a granny square.

A while back, I made my daughter a blanket that was just one huge granny square. It was fun and quick to make and I still love the colors she picked.

Crocheting for me is relaxing. Helps me think and I enjoy the creative side of it.

Have fun being creative today! 🙂

Daisy

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Fun with Christmas Gifts

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, Quilting, Sewing, tagged Christmas, Gifts, Grandbabies, Handmade Gifts, Miniquilt, Quilting, Sewing on December 27, 2016| 25 Comments »

It’s so much fun making little things for my granddaughters!

I made each of my granddaughters a soft doll, with a mini quilt and a little pillow.

I have to tell you, I kept smiling while I was making these!

I still smile when I see the little doll’s face!

And her hair!

The pantaloons were easy, quick, and fun!

I wanted the doll quilt to look like an 1800s quilt.

I used scraps from two different fabric lines – Buggy Barn/Henry Glass and Bon Voyage by French General/Moda Fabrics.

The borders I chose from my fabric stash.

The doll quilt measures about 12 inches long. Perfect size for the doll 🙂

I made a “mattress” for the basket bottom, and a little pillow to go with the quilt.

For the doll’s hair, I used strips of scrap fabric cut with pinking shears, strips of lace, ribbon, twine, muslin, whatever I could find …

I wanted them to stay secure, so instead of gluing them, I sewed them on.

I wasn’t sure how each granddaughter would react (they’re still very young and haven’t really been playing with dolls yet).

One of them was here, visiting us for Christmas, and the other granddaughter was on FaceTime. Modern times. I’m so thankful we can talk everyday and see them and our kids!!!

I handed the gift bag to the granddaughter here and when she pulled the basket out with the doll, she looked at it, took everything out, put it back in the basket, and walked around the living room doing the same thing over and over. It was so funny! She didn’t want to open any other gifts, she just wanted to keep playing with her little doll. Then she came up to me and gave me a big kiss! It’s as if she was saying, “I know how much time and love you put into this for me! Thank you! I love you!”

Well, that certainly made it all worth it! Sewing all the tiny half-inch squares, hand stitching the dress, bow, button, hair… it was worth it!! 🙂

Have a blessed week-after-Christmas-before-New-Years!

Daisy

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Christmas Gifts

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, tagged Crafts, Gifts, Handmade Gifts, Handmade Jewelry on December 20, 2016| 14 Comments »

Every year I tell myself I’m going to start early on Christmas gifts next year.
And I do.
I really do.
I start.
But somewhere along March or April…
other things begin to crowd out the unfinished gifts list…

Sooooooo………..

I’ve been working hard on Christmas gifts for friends and family…

Some I’ve made using photography, some are sewn, some are quilted, and some are beaded…I can only post a few pics from the ones that have already opened their gifts, but I can’t wait to show you in the coming weeks, all the different fun projects.

For now, here are a few beaded gifts I had fun making…

This green and gold set was for a friend. I just loved her reaction when she opened her little gift box. That’s really what makes it all worth the time and effort – knowing they liked it and will enjoy wearing it.

This pink & silver & clear set was fun to make, too.

I use glass beads because I like the feel of them.

I tie them together with some ribbon and tulle.

These blues feel great…they’re a nice heavy glass and have the look of stone.

I’ve made some others, but those will have to wait because they won’t be opened until Christmas day, along with other sewn handmade gifts which I can’t wait to show you as soon as their recipients have opened them! 🙂

The rest of this week I won’t be working on crafts or gifts any more… Now it’s time to stop and enjoy the friends and family that come to visit, and to cherish the FaceTime calls with precious ones that live in other places. I’m so thankful that we can see them even if it’s on the computer screen. Their dear faces, smiling at us. We’ll soon see them, too, in the next few weeks and months.

Take time to enjoy your loved ones this week. Time is the greatest of gifts, anyway.

Happy Christmas week!

Daisy

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Baby Quilt Part 2

Posted in Crafts, Quilting, Sewing, tagged Family, Hand quilting, Joy, quilt, Quilting, Sewing on May 19, 2016| 4 Comments »

Not long ago, I posted about the quilt I was making for one of my granddaughters,
(To read about it, click here and here)

For the backing, I used a pretty pink floral which was very soft.

I made a matching little pillow to go with it…

I added a small lace on the pillow, just to add some softness and a little special touch.

And I hand-quilted both. It was fun, and as I stitched, I prayed for my granddaughter.
She’s a cutie and a joy!!

We weren’t able to be with her on her birthday, but we had a celebration when we did go to visit them. She was so excited to take stuff (gifts) out of bags, and when she pulled the little pillow out of the gift bag, this is what she did:

It was so cute! We all exclaimed, “Awwww!” and she smiled as if she knew she was saying, “Thank you, Abuela! I love it!”
It touched my heart and made it all the more worth the time put into sewing those tiny stitches and seams.
She captures my heart every time I see her.

Happy sewing & quilting!

Daisy

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Hand Quilting

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, Photography, Quilting, Sewing, tagged Baby Quilt, photography, Quilting, Sewing on March 17, 2016| 11 Comments »

I’ve been working on the baby quilt…

Here’s a little pillow case I made with leftover 2 1/2″ squares:

It’s been so much fun working on this!

I just did a simple pattern, nothing fancy.
Here’s a pic of the quilt before I started the hand quilting.

I’ve been working on that, too and I’ll post pictures when I finish both the pillow and the quilt.

On a side note, a few days ago I was able to get some quilting thread at bargain prices during a sale at both Joann’s and at Hobby Lobby!

I got some pretty colors for future projects I’ve been wanting to get done.

Happy sewing!

Daisy

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Quilt for Baby

Posted in Crafts, Gifts, Quilting, Sewing, tagged Baby Quilt, Crib Quilt, Fabric, Gifts, Quilting, Sewing on March 8, 2016| 39 Comments »

I’m working on a quilt for one of my sweet granddaughters!

The fabric is so cute!

I’ve had it for years and when I found it this past week, I realized it would be perfect for this quilt!

I love the colors, the fabrics, (they’re so soft!).

I just love how the all look together!

I didn’t want to cut the squares into tiny pieces, so I sewed them onto 2″ strips.

I debated which pattern to use and decided to make it simple and just framed the 5″ squares:

I finished the quilt top and now am getting it ready for quilting by hand. I would do it on my sewing machine but I like the look of hand stitching and I have a hard time quilting something that large on my machine.

I can’t wait to finish it and give it to my granddaughter! 😊

Have a great weekend!

Daisy

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Quilt Show!

Posted in Crafts, Quilting, Sewing, tagged Fabric, Quilt Show, Quilting, Sewing on March 1, 2016| 24 Comments »

Last week was Quilt Week in Daytona Beach, Florida!

I don’t often get to go to Quilt Shows – especially one this large,
so I was pretty excited!

Oh, it was so much fun!

I think I smiled the entire time I was there!

So many beautiful quilts!!

I think I learn new things,
just by looking closely at each quilt!

Did you see the pretty hexies?!!

They are tiny but add so much to the overall look of the quilt!

There was a “Winner’s Circle” where the different categories
were displayed with a beautiful work of art!

Some of my favorite quilts,
believe it or not,
were the ones displayed on the
different vendor booths.

I love this one with the campers!

So much fun to make one like that, right?!

There was a pattern for it, to save you all the time.

This vendor booth had my favorite mini quilts!!

It was Schoolhouse Quilt Shop, from Canton, Ohio.
I talked a little bit to the owner, and she said she made all
these herself, mostly by hand!

I spent a lot of time in her booth, just admiring all the cute little
mini quilts and doll quilts.

Here’s a close-up of one of the squares.
She took the trouble to fussy cut all the little squares!
So cute!!

I bought a bag of these “I spy” style, Aunt Grace,
and I can’t wait to use it for quilts for my granddaughters!

This is my favorite quilt from the larger size quilts:

Oh, I wish you could see the details, and the fabrics here!

All I had was my cell-phone, so I couldn’t capture it like I wanted to.

In this picture, you can see some of the details, the quilting,
the different 3-D materials used.

I just loved it!

Probably because of the scene it depicts, too.

This is the quilt the won Best In Show Award:

When I came up close to it,
I could not believe all the detail!
It was astounding — there were 27,000 svarowski crystals
sewn by hand!!!

Every time you moved, the lights captured the crystals
and the quilt would “twinkle” and sparkle.

Here’s a close-up of just a small section with the crystals.
The camera really doesn’t capture all the sparkle.

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The threads used were a variety of different kinds,
including metallic, which gave the quilt a whole other dimension.

I didn’t buy too much, as you can see.

Oh, it’s not that I didn’t want to buy a bunch of stuff…
I was trying to be frugal,
and I did get some new fabric for Christmas
that I’m planning to use in a quilt very soon.

So I was good, and just bought these cuties:
*A fat quarter to make a pretty little something for my daughter
(maybe a zippered bag)
*A fun, mini hexie ruler to make a doll quilt (can’t wait!!)
*3 primitive-era fat quarters
*A bag of 25 squares of 1930s fabric to make
my own “I spy” quilt for my granddaughters
I had such a good time, walking around, getting inspired
by all the beautiful workmanship and colors and fabrics…!!

As soon as I got home,
I wrote down some ideas of things that
popped into my head as I walked around the Show.

There were tea towels, aprons, bags,
travel zip bags, …so many other things…
not just quilts.

If you like to sew or quilt,
or if you like art in general,
you won’t be disappointed
at a Quilt Show —
especially one that’s as large as this one!

Have fun creating!

Daisy

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