Quick Gift - Fabric Covered Pattern Weights

I thought I would post this tutorial again as it was one of the most viewed in 2010!  These are a quick, easy, and inexpensive gift for your sewing or quilting friend! 

 

Custom Pattern Weights

Of all of the gifts so far, this is the fastest! 

Purchase washers from the hardware store. I found these at Lowes and I think a box of 20 were about $3.00.

 

Cut bias strips of light weight cotton - I tried heavier weight fabric and it just doesn't want to wrap. Fold strip as above and start wrapping around weight. Make sure that as you wrap, you cover the raw edge of the strip with the fold edge.

When you have finished wrapping the entire washer, fold raw edge under and either hand sew down or use my favorite product, fabric tac and glue the edge down . That is all there is to it! Make six or eight in matching fabrics and place in a decorative box. Your sewing friends will love them and sew will you.

I read all of your comments - so please leave me one if you have time or click a box to let me know you were here.


Happy Sewing,
Michele P

Slip Cover Totes

I had an A-Ha moment as I was reading my good friend Julie's award winning blog From These Hands, that I too have been making mostly craft projects rather than major sewing projects.  I suppose that I needed projects that are quick to completed during the crazy Christmas season.  Now that the holidays are over and things seem to be calming down, I plan on completing my numerous UFOs and work on my "spring 2011" line!

I call these slip cover totes because the process feels like a slipcover. I have made many of these for myself and as girlfriend gifts.  This is the first one I made.

The major challenge in making a slip cover tote is finding the tote.  When I find a style I like I purchase all they have.  

Close up of the embroidery

I made this "logo" by stacking black linen, embroidery, then two trims stacked.

This is the latest Slip Cover Tote

Again, I made the "logo" by stacking two colors of linen (yellow and pink) then the green w/pink embroidery and topping off with purchased trim. Add the tassel trim, flowers, and purchased handle and you are almost done.

Lastly, I added a little tag just to shuze it up.  This wording was on the selvage edge of the pink animal print fabric and I think it was the name of the fabric print.  So appropos.

Have fun with it!
Michele P





Update for my Studio

 One of my many New Year's resolutions is to update my sewing studio.  Doesn't that sound chic - my studio.  So much more grown than my sewing room!  Still the same space - but sounds so much more professional.

My first project is to make covers for my machines that I leave out. This one is for my true love - my Janome sewing machine. I decided to use fabric I had in my stash.  This black and white was purchased  to be the back of a quilt.  Well, no quilt so yeah - love these covers!  They were so much fun to create and gave me that instant gratification that we all

seek.

Janome Sewing Machine Cover





Oh how I love my name in embroidery

 The second one I completed is for my Janome Cover stitch.  I wanted all the covers to match but not be identical as each machine has its own personality!


Janome Cover Stitch Machine cover

I have two more in progress and will post them soon.
Happy Sewing
Michele

Quick Gift #5

Custom Pattern Weights

Of all of the gifts so far, this is the fastest!  

Purchase washers from the hardware store.  I found these at Lowes and I think a box of 20 were about $3.00.

Cut bias strips of light weight cotton - I tried heavier weight fabric and it just doesn't want to wrap. Fold strip as above and start wrapping around weight. Make sure that as you wrap, you cover the raw edge of the strip with the fold edge.

When you have finished wrapping the entire washer, fold raw edge under and either hand sew down or use my favorite product, fabric tac and glue the edge down .  That is all there is to it!  Make six or eight in matching fabrics and place in a decorative box.  Your sewing friends will love them and sew will you!
Happy Sewing
Michele P



 

Easy Gift #4

Corset Apron





 

corset



This is such a fun and quick pattern to make.  I made this for my ASG neighborhood group holiday party.  We bring a handmade gift for the gift exchange.  We always have so much fun and this year was no exception.  One of our members hosts the party, and (you know who you are) has such a beautiful house and was so gracious.

This is a You can make this pattern.  I just love this sight.  I have purchased many patterns from them.  They are all e-books that are available instantly!  You have to love instant gratification.  One reason this apron was so quick to make is the fabric choice.  The front - or base fabric - is Amy Butler home dec weight and the lining and corset is thin quilting cotton.  The only thing I did differently from the pattern is the ruffle.  I had some silk organza that was just the right color but not quite enough to cut on the bias to prevent fraying.  So I  used a three thread serger hem and walla - quick gift.

Happy Sewing

Michele P

Quick Qifts #3

Quick Gift #3

The Fashionable Dishwasher

I just love these Gloves!  They are easy peasy to make!  I purchased the gloves from Giant. They have the 'cuff' already attached.  I added the jewel ring, ribbon tied into bow and glued the flower on top with fabric tac glue. 

You can purchase this glue in any craft store.  It was developed for the bridal industry as they used it to glue on pearls and trim. It is water proof and dries clear and flexible.  Love it! 

Quick Gift #2

Cake Pin Cushion

with Femo Clay Pins

I saw this darling pin cushion post on DIY Dish.  This was their first post and it is phenomenal.  I have been an ardent viewer since I saw the first episode!
This was soooooooo quick to make.  This is a gift for a sewing friend that loves VA Tech.  I used the two colors of VA tech fabric from my stash and made the pins out of femo clay.  So easy and quick and she loved it!

Quick Holiday Gifts

Over the next week I will be showing you 10 quick gifts to make for holiday giving.  These were given as gifts for girlfriends, hostesses, and teachers; just to name a few.

These are what I call gratitude boxes

 I purchased the box from Michael's in the $1 bin.  First I covered the top with pretty paper, then added decorations that I thought were appropriate for the recipient.  This is a box I gave to a sewing girlfriend.  As you can see there is a vintage spool of thread, bird and the little tag (came from the scrapbooking section of AC Moore) that says "girls just wanna to have fun!".



Before you give the box, have friends, family, students, etc, write on a piece of paper something the like, love, admire and so on about the person.  Place all of these  pieces of paper in the box and wallah you have a priceless gift that will keep on giving for years to come. 

I was given one of these, and when I need a little spiritual lift, I read what my friends said about me and I instantly feel better!

Happy gift giving,

Michele P