Week of Handmade: A Miscellaneous Collection

Some projects just don't fit into a neat category... so they are here in the land of Miscellaneous!


1. Button Push Pins

It has been awhile since I made these but I am pretty sure they were inspired by the book Button it up.

They are as simple as gluing buttons onto push pins. 

A set of these would make a great companion gift with an inspiration board. 

2. Inspiration (or supply) Board

Once again turning to reinvention for inspiration I made this supply board for our crafty/school/nature/mud room.

Within reach of the desk, it keeps all of our most frequently used supplies close at hand. Any crafty person I know would love a well supplied board for there own making space.

Next up is a true Inspiration Board with just a few pockets and lots of space for pinning up inspirational bits.

3. Driftwood Tic-Tac-Toe

Pieced together with driftwood (or other clean sticks) this is a quick gift. We used string to attach the pieces. While sticks could be used to make 'X's we chose rocks and shells for our game pieces.

Sarah's review of Green Crafts for Children brought this idea to my attention. We have given away a few of these sets in little muslin bags. Great fun.

4. Nature Exchange

It is great fun to receive a package in the mail. Even more fun is when that package is filled with tiny tissue packages holding nature treasures from a far away land.

I wrote more about how to go about doing a nature exchange on the ROTH blog this summer.

5. Shadow Box

Shadow Boxes are a wonderful way to preserve memories. We have made a few nature shadow boxes as gifts and have plans to make shadow boxes from the nature exchanges we have done in the past... British Columbia, Spain, Australia, Louisiana... A fun international collection for our walls!

My mom made me a set of shadow boxes with items from each set of my grandparents. They are cherished meaningful gifts I look at daily happy to have those items preserved in a special way.

The options for shadow boxes really are endless...

6. Homemade Stamps

We have caught the bug here. Homemade stamps are being made daily with all kinds of fun results.

While the stamp itself (or a set of them) could be given as a gift, there are also many other gifts that could be made using the stamp. 

A few ideas:

Stationary set

Personalized wrapping paper

Journal with stamped cover (or tiny stamps on the corner of each page)

Stamped T-shirt using fabric markers for the ink 

I can't recommend highly enough to get a Speedball Linoleum Cutter for stamp making. It made all the difference for the kiddos to carve in a safe way... so much safer and with more control than an Xacto knife. And it sure helped me add more detail to my own creations.

While doing all this sharing I have also been doing lots of making this week... more fun projects to share next week along with a few tutorials.

And a big Thank you for all your comments and e-mails! 

Do you have any fun quick projects that would make great gifts? Please do share in the comments!

Week of Handmade: Five Quick Knit Ideas

Rarely do I use the words quick and knit together but here we are... five (relatively) quick knits for great holiday gift giving...

I have been knitting for many years but would definitely consider myself a novice knitter. I really have not stretched myself in this department and therefore stick with the simple stuff... perfect for quick gift ideas.

1. Knit Hat

Patterns for hats abound on the Internet but I always come back to the easy, versatile pattern for Head Huggers by Ann Norling.

The pattern has five patterns sized from infant up to adult... something for every member of the family.

2. Knit Snakes

When I saw this pattern I knew I had to make a few for the kiddos. The pattern is designed to be a worm scarf but since my little people don't wear scarfs, and love snakes, it became a snake pattern just with a name change! Magic.

The hardest part of this project was deciding on the eyes to sew on. As you can see I went wild. Ha. My conservative self reigns me in with choices like this. I had some great spiral buttons that would have made very hypnotic eyes but calm and peaceful won out.

I used the wiggly worm scarf pattern in the book Knitting Pretty. This pair has seen lots of play and are holding up great.
Thinking I need to pull out the guide book to knit up a wild coral snake with a milk snake friend. That would be a fun way to learn the rhyme!


3. Linen Stitch Bookmarks

I have knit up and given away more of these than I can count. They start out a bit slow while I get the pattern established but then go fast.

My mother-in-law she said she even uses hers to clean her reading glasses. I love that!

The pattern for this bookmark is in the book More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts but can also be found on the publishers website here.


4. Change Bag

This pattern can also be found in Knitting Pretty but it is simply a garter stitch rectangle with a yarn over button hole, sewn up on the sides.

These little bags knit up super fast and easy. Great for beginning knitters.

It can be given as a change purse, full of change of course, but also for giving gift cards and other small gifts. A wonderful little package all on it's own.


5. Seed Stitch Bracelet

Another pattern from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. This book is just filled with great quick knits and I love how it is broken down by the time it would take the average knitter to complete the projects.

A great way to use up those extra tiny balls of yarn on the bottom of the knitting basket.

I wear this bracelet often and have give a few away to happy recipients.

I can see a smaller variation of these being made into super hero bracelets of some sort. Hmmm.


A few more knitting books I love:

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
Weekend Knitting

Do you have any quick knitting projects that would make great gifts? Please tell us about them in the comments!

Week of Handmade: Simple Sewing Ideas ~ Day 2

We have covered felt and some quick sewing projects... now we are onward with some sewing projects that incorporate kiddo quotes, art, old jeans and what every mom needs... a bin to hold it all in (and the coffee beans that came along in that coffee sack that was reused!)

1. Quote Pillow

I was introduced to the idea of a quote on a pillow by my Mother-in-law. She is always stitching the most amazing things and picks wonderful quotes from famous folks to stitch onto her beautiful pillows.

I starting thinking about how I could use the kids quotes (I write them down so I can remember) for gift ideas and it hit me that the quote pillow was a perfect way to share the memory of words shared.

This quote stems from a conversation my own mom had with the little man during her visit this summer.
As he gazed off into space she said to him, "Penny for your thoughts."
He looked perplexed. She explained the phrase to him and he replied, "I'd rather have a quarter."
She thought that was just too funny. So to preserve the memory I made her a pillow.

For the backing I used a crazy quilt block I stitched together by hand but you could use any fabric. 

I plan on doing a bit more embellishing with embroidery stitches before I send this off... You can make it as simple or "fancy" as you like.

2. Painted Pillow

Super simple and fun this painted pillow can be whipped up as soon as the paint dries. 

I tape a piece of muslin, or any other plain fabric you have on hand, to a paint board making sure I taped over the seam allowance so the painting does not get lost in the seams. Then let them paint their picture.

It can be difficult to paint on fabric but with a few mini practice squares the kids get a feel for it pretty fast.  Since it probably won't be washed you could use regular acrylic craft paint or go with fabric paint for a more sturdy painting.

Once it is dry it can be sewn with a backing fabric of your choosing, turned, stuffed and stitched up. Quick, easy and whimsical. 

3. Embroidered Bookmark

This was inspired by Amanda Soule's Portrait Bookmarks in her book Handmade Home. Instead of drawing family members I had the kids draw whatever they wanted then I embroidered their drawing. 

There are many variations on this idea. A name could be added to the bookmark then it could be used as a gift tag. I have also embroidered quotes to be hung up on inspiration boards.

4. Crazy Quilt Bookmark

This works up the same way as the embroidered bookmark but features a crazy quilt in place of the embroidery. The crazy patchwork could also but used as the backing of the embroidered bookmark. I used fabric scrapes left over from skirts I had made the Naturalist. A fun way to incorporate favorite fabric into a favorite pastime... reading.

A variation on this I want to try soon is to slip magnets into each end before sewing it up and with a fold in the middle it could be slipped over the top of the page to hold a place for those prone to loosing their marker. I will let you know when I try it...

5. Jean Seam Trivet & Coasters

As I mentioned before I love to reuse. Over the years I have deconstructed many pairs of jeans and have always been at a loss as to what to do with the seams. Late one night I was cleaning them up, after they had been being used as ropes by the little man, and it hit me to zigzag stitch them together.

The jean seams trivet was born and was followed by baby coasters. They are used daily here and work wonderfully.

The coasters are not backed but I did add a layer of cotton batting and denim backing to the trivet to give it more substance.

I had fun with thread color and as I zigzagged along did lots of back stitching in random places for fun and to deepen the color in those spots. A rainbow of thread options with this project. As we know... jeans are so versatile.


 6. Burlap Bin

Another fun project from Maya's book reinvention. This burlap bin sewed up quick and was given away just as quick with requests for more... Maya also has a Nesting Burlap Bucket pattern for sale in her etsy shop. I have not tried it yet but I have been told it sews up pretty fast as well.

These could be give as gifts or used to hold holiday goodies throughout the season. I can just see a winter print making it's way into a few of these.

That wraps up the "quick" sewing projects for now. I am currently working on a few more I will share in the coming days... Tomorrow will be all about knitting!

Here is a short list of sewing books I love for both patterns and inspiration:

Simple Sewing

Last-Minute Fabric Gifts

Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

I Love Patchwork

Zakka Sewing

~~ Do you have any "quick" sewing projects that would make great gifts... or sewing books you love. Please do share in the comments and leave a link if possible. Thanks.

~~ Next week I am going to post a few tutorials. If you would like me to put together a tutorial for a project please let me know in the comments.

***

P.S. A friend said she had trouble commenting the other day. If you are having trouble too please e-mail me at dawnsuzette (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

Week of Handmade: Simple Sewing Ideas ~ Day 1

Yesterday was all about felt. Today we move on to fabric with Simple Sewing Ideas. Sewing by machine or by hand tends to be quicker for me compared to other crafty endeavours (knitting) so there are lots of ideas to share. I have broken the sewing projects into two days. Hope you find some inspiration here...

1. Shirt Skirt

Faced with a cast off men's XL button down shirt one day, I came up with the idea to cut it off at the arms and turn the bottom half of the shirt into a skirt for my little lady. Sounded simple enough. Cut, sew a casing, sew up the button front, thread elastic through. Done.
Not so fast...

With the overlap at the button front there was no threading the elastic all the way through. A problem. A problem solved with a little trial and error and ... eventually two button holes approx. 2 inches from either side of the button front overlap, buttons, and some nifty button hole elastic... love that stuff.

Once the problem was solved these little skirts worked up super quick. The one above was a hit with The Naturalist for the 4th of July. A great election day skirt too don't you think!

Plain shirt skirts could easily be embellished with embroidery or applique.

My good friend even thought one could make a great mini-for-mama over leggings. Cute.

I will post a tutorial on how to make this skirt next week if there is interest. It really is simple and fun.


2. Jean Pocket Patch Coaster

We have been collecting patches from our travels for years in hopes that someday we would find the perfect travel bag to sew them onto... over seventeen years since our first patch there is still no bag. What to do with those patches? Make a coaster... of course.

The plan was to just use the recycled denim as a backing for a circular coaster but the pockets were to good to pass up. I picked a backing fabric, sewed right sides together, trimmed the edges, turned right side out and sewed up the opening.

 I sewed it so the pocket could still be used. The one next to my reading spot holds paper bookmarks in the pocket.

3. Cargo Pocket Bag

This sweet little bag was inspired by holes in the knees of a favorite pair of cargo pants. The Artist came along while I was deconstructing those pants to salvage what I could. He was quick to note the pockets would make a great bag.

We pieced together some of the leg material for a strap and sewed it on. Complete. It has a few frayed edges but we like that!

I helped each kiddo make a bag and they have been transformed into mini-survival kits for our outdoor adventures.

4. Head Scarf

This quick project is from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. I used some scrapes from a shirt skirt (see above) to make this matching head scarf. It was super fast and easy.

She liked it worn folded over like a headband but it is designed to be spread out, hence the name scarf. 

The underside is elastic covered with a fabric casing. This makes it so both of us can wear this sweet little scarf.

5. Pouch 

This was designed to hold the prized Swiss Army Knife The Naturalist carries in her survival bag, but it could also be used for a phone, ipod or any other gadget in need of protection.

It was made by cutting two very long strips of fabric (using measurements from the knife and leaving room for a flap), sewing them right-sides together (leaving an opening for turning), trimming seams, turning right-sides out, folding up the pouch and top stitching up the sides and round the top flap, then attaching Velcro to secure the flap.

Before sewing up the pouch she wanted to add a butterfly. There are many was to personalize this little pouch. One could even add a belt loop to the backside or a strap to make it a mini-purse. The possibilities are endless.

6. Sewing Kit

I don't know how I lived without this little kit. I sewed it up thinking it was cute but had no idea just how much I would use it. Now it goes just about everywhere with me.

The pattern is from a great book called Zakka Style, which is filled with all kinds of inspiration for fun, quick projects.

As soon as The Naturalist saw mine she had to have one of her own. She made it with the same fabric as her knife pouch and left off the ties in favor of Velcro. While she need my help this would be a great project for a young stitcher ready for a little challenge.

That is all for today but tomorrow I will be back with more simple sewing projects and some book recomendations.


~~ Do you have any "quick" sewing projects that would make great gifts. Please do share in the comments and leave a link if possible. Thanks.

~~ Next week I am going to post a few tutorials. If you would like me to put together a tutorial for a project please let me know in the comments.

Week of Handmade: Six Simple Felt Ideas

This weekend I gathered up lots of handmade goodness from around the house to share at our local library. The idea was to share somewhat quick projects that would be great gifts. Many folks from far and wide wished they could join us for an afternoon at the library chatting about handmade projects, but a trip to Nova Scotia being out of the question, they could not make it. So. This is my way of sharing for those who could not gather round the table of handmade in real life. 

I have broken the projects down into categories to make it easier for me to organize and for you to find what you might be interested in making yourself... or for passing on to friends who sew, knit, paper craft, etc... as a not so subtle hint about what you might want in your stocking or for your little people this holiday season.

So today we start with felt..

1. Felt Stuffy Critter from a Drawing

This idea was inspired by The Artist. He was drawing some lizards the other day and decided that it would be great to have a stuffy that looked just like the one he drew.

Off to the printer he went to make a clone (copy) of his drawing. We cut it out to make a pattern, dug around the box of felted sweaters I have on hand for such making, cut him out, and we were off and stitching. It took a little extra time with his help (estimated project time lengthens exponentially with extra little hands stitching) but that makes it fun and so much more his own.

We added an underbelly piece that looks like a long pointed oval to spread out his belly a bit.

It would be great to surprise a little one with a real life version of their drawing or have an older sibling draw and help stitch a little critter for a younger. So fun!

2. Pins -n- Needles Book

This little book was super fast to stitch up and so very practical. I saw the idea long ago in one of the hundreds of books we check out from the library but now can recall which one. If you know please do give credit in the comments.

A thinner felt was used for the cover. The inside pages are also felt but I have used muslin pages in the past. They get a bit frayed but I kinda like that look as well.

A great stocking stuffer for the sewer in your life and also older kids who need help keeping pins and needles out of little sibling hands, feet, knees...

This is a great project for a child just beginning to stitch on their own. The cover could be simplified with buttons or cut felt bits stitched on for decoration.

3. Felt Play Mat

This mat was super fast to sew up and has seen lots and lots of play... WWII battles, peaceful village life, medieval jousting tournaments... they have all happened right here on this bit of wool.

I picked up a large piece of wool fabric at the thrift shop and put it through the wash for the base. You could also use an old wool blanket.

The road and river are bits of old wool sweaters I felted.

I hand stitched the road and river on with embroidery floss but they could have also been sewn on by machine for an even faster result.

Hours and hours of play ahead for this mat.


4. Felt Solar System

This project was the brainchild of The Naturalist. The solar system is a topic she comes back to again and again, thinking up new ways to represent the celestial bodies each round. I love this version because unlike the others (clay & paper) this has been around for quite some time.

Looking through that wonderful box of felted sweaters she found the colors she liked to represent each planet. She cut them out and sewed on their features before sewing them up with the seams out (leaving a small opening for stuffing) and stuffing them. I did have to help her guide them along a bit... that circular sewing!

At one point when sharing this elsewhere someone suggested that making earth with the year embroidered on it, and a little loop for hanging, it would make a great ornament. Neat idea.

5. Felt Dinos

When the kiddos saw the book Toys to Sew the felt dinos were at the top of their list. With patterns in hand we rummaged through the felt box and got to work.

Baby Stegosaurus in its little egg was the first up and super easy. Mama Steg came next with a bit more stitching (and helping little hands) she took a little longer, but Pterodactyl was fairly quick. They have seen all kinds of play and when I snuck them away to share this weekend I realized I need to add a few more to this collection... I must admit that T-rex and Brontosaurus look a bit more complex but I am sure we could stitch them up next to the fire some rainy day.

6. Wool Trivet (or Frisbee)

Maya Donenfeld's book reinvention is filled with awesome ideas for reusing old fabric for new and useful items. As you will see this week I love to reuse!

This wool trivet was one of the first projects I made from the book. It took one trial trivet to get the hang of lining up the circular sewing but once I figured it out the next ones were really fast.

While I have given away the more circular of the circular sewn trivets I have my trial trivet right in my own kitchen and use it everyday. In a pinch I even use it to pull things out of the oven... it works great.
She also made coasters with the same technique.

A friend of mine and her daughter came to help me set up at the library this weekend and as soon as her daughter saw this she tossed it across the room like a Frisbee. It flew really well! I think I will make some more colorful versions for the kiddos to play with...

Another variation I have been thinking about trying is to sew the outside circle then let the kids take over with freemotion sewing for the inside portion. I will let you know how it goes when we do it.


Other Ideas & Resources

• Making a felt board. Lori wrote a great post & how-to for making your own felt board. It has been on my list ever since. I have an old window I broke before it could become a coldframe. While I made it into a chalkboard my plan it to make the bottom portion a felt board once I get a large enough piece of felt.

• Lisa over at lil fish studios is amazing with felt. While much of her work is very detailed, and I would say does not fall into the quick & simple catergory, her site is worth checking out for inspiration alone!

• A few books I love: Felt Wee Folk & Heartfelt have wonderful ideas.

~~ Do you have any "quick" felt projects that would make great gifts? Please share in the comments and leave a link if you have one. Thanks!

~~ Next week I am going to post a few tutorials. If you would like me to put together a tutorial for a project please let me know in the comments.