Archive for the ‘gifting’ Category
Pillowcases for Gifts
Amazing what can be done in a relatively short amount of time, and if you don’t have many interruptions. (I have lots, so it takes me much longer than I normally estimate.) I thought I might be over my pillowcase craze, but it’s hard to stop. This doll pillow and quilt for my goddaughter was made with just some muslin, scraps, a repurposed baby receiving blanket and essentially 1/2 yard of fabric.
The receiving blanket, the thin kind that comes in three-packs, became the quilt batting. After quilting, I threw the blanket in the washer and dryer, to get that vintage-y feel.
Perfect for that special doll or plushy… this one is Sally, the Webkinz collie.
Made this cute Envelope Pillowcase for Valentine’s Day.
Jo-Ann Fabrics has some whimsy graphic prints. My girl is really into the peace sign…
I’m considering the pillowcase project again for the local hospital, but this time, enlisting some help early on. Eventually, it might be something that could be a partnership and not just during the holidays. Just food for thought.
Tags: pillowcase, sewing
Valentine’s Day: Cards and Projects
With only four (or five) more days to Valentine’s Day, there’s still a little time to craft a personal card or gift. Sadly, my children picked some cards from the store and while cute, just isn’t the same as making your own like my daughter did a few years ago.
If you have a few minutes to spare, check out all these wonderful projects! So many to choose from!
Picture courtesy of Craft Critique
An entire list of Valentine crafting is at Craft Critique in the 2010 and 2011 Carnival
Easy-to-Make Valentine’s Day cards at Better Homes & Gardens
A Vintage Typewriter Tin Valentine on Design*Sponge
At The Purl Bee, try your hand at these Valentine Heart Barrettes
Tags: cards, projects, Valentine's Day
Peace Day Tote Tutorial
My daughter loves the peace sign, ☮. So when I found this fabric at the local JoAnn Fabric store, I knew she’d like it. She asked if I could make it into a tote bag…uh, earlier this winter. *sigh* Fortunately, I made some time over the New Year weekend and was able to finish it.
What you need
1/2 yd cotton or canvas fabric – print
1/2 yd cotton fabric for lining
1/3 yd cotton fabric for handles
Tools: iron, ironing board, sewing machine (unless you’d like to sew by hand *grin*), large safety pin
What to cut
- Cut two rectangles, 12″ x 15″, out of the printed fabric
- Cut two rectangles, 12″ x 15″, out of the fabric for the lining.
- You’ll need (4) straps cut out of the handle fabric, cut 3″ x 34″.
Sew it up
- Put your printed fabric right sides together, pin, and sew up the sides at 1/2″ seam allowance. Press.
- Pin the bottom edge (12″ side), and sew 1/2″ seam along the pinned edge. Trim your corners at 45 degrees.
- Your tote should be looking tote-ish now, except inside out and the top edge is raw. At your ironing board, fold/flip back the top edge by one inch or so, so that the printed side is showing, press. Then tuck the raw edge in toward the fold. Press. You don’t have to edgestitch now.
- Repeat steps 1-3 with the fabric for the lining.
- For the straps: Pin two handle pieces, right sides together, and sew 1/2″ seam along the long sides. Press seams open and flat on both sides. Turn the straps right side out with the help of a large safety pin, or if you have a loop turner, that works well, too. Finish the other strap the same way. Press both pieces.
Put it together
- I attached the handles inside the bag. Take your printed bag, and turn it right side out. Press. Play around with the straps… Once you figure out where you want the handles, pin the bottom raw edge of your handle about 1-1/2″ below the top edge of the printed bag. Stitch in two locations to make sure the straps stay in place (see pictures?). Do this at each of the four ends.
- Now take your lining, turned inside out, and drop into the printed bag, so that the wrong sides of each bag are together. Your tote should look just about finished.
- Pin the bags together, lined up at the side seams. Be careful with the straps. If you have a free arm on your machine, this would be a good time to use it. Topstitch the bag 1/4″ from the top edge. This will attach the lining, secure the straps and finish the tote. Don’t forget to press to finish.
Winter Pillowcases
Ever take on a project that you think will be a piece of cake, but then it takes longer than you initially estimated? Happens to almost everyone I know. Happens to me all the time, but it’s always worth it. I’ve been busy crafting for a cause…
I delivered sixteen pillowcases tonight to children at a hospital in Chicago. I met all but three of the patients… a few were very young, others very much teenagers, some needed more help than others. In every patient, I saw a child who didn’t or would not be going home for the holidays. I met parents who spend countless hours by their child’s side.
Not knowing what to expect from my visit, I was overwhelmed exiting the building and a little teary-eyed. I was happy to have been able to spread a little Christmas cheer, but it was just so humbling.
What’s your small gesture this season, your little random act of kindness?
Crafting or Cooking for a Cause
I read this article in the paper the other day about volunteer opportunities. This immediately caught my eye:
The Northern Illinois Food Bank needs 260 handmade holiday cards to include in boxes of food sent to senior citizens in December. Contact Tia Milne at 630-443-6910, ext. 130.
And, because my cookie exchange party is just around the corner, I thought this was timely, too. Eight dozen cookies in the house… it’s easy to share.
Advocate Hospice needs holiday decorations for its centers and homemade cookies to give patients and their families.
How many of you sew? There’s a need for you, and not just around the holidays!
Assist in making bed jackets, lap blankets and other items for patients – be a L.O.V.E. volunteer.
I’d love to hear about your favorite organizations or maybe you craft or cook for a cause… more to come.
Food and Gift Packaging
I was super excited to get these goodies from the offices of Martha Stewart Living via Craft Critique. If you’re getting ready for the holidays and looking for ways to wrap or package your baked goods, please take a look at my review on Craft Critique! Leave a comment at their site and you just might win your own set of treat bags and boxes!
Tags: favorite things, gifts, martha stewart
