Fabric Flair

Tutorial Tuesday ~ Circle Tabletop Project

This is such a cute and creative idea for decorating the top of a round table.  Tablecloths are often too fussy or too easy for little ones to pull off (along with anything that might be on the table).  A clean, contemporary alternative, this project from Ty Pennington at Home posted on the Woman's Day website is an easy way to add a splash of color and style to your table.

 

Glass top suggestion ~ Pier 1 used to have round glass tops in a variety of standard table sizes.  They were a much more affordable option than having a piece of glass cut specifically for your table.  Of course, though, if your table is an odd size then a custom cut glass may be the only option.

Tutorial Tuesday ~ Stenciled Envelope Pillow

Okay, so if you've figured it out by now, this past week I've decided to become alliterative with my blog posts.  I'm not sure if the titles will stick, but they're cutesy enough for now!

Since I gave you a peek at some pillows I've been working on yesterday, I decided to go in search of a simple envelope pillow cover tutorial.  Envelope pillow covers are really the simplest, most-cost effective and storage-effective pillows you can make.  Easy to change when the mood strikes, pillow covers fold neatly in a linen closet rather than wasting space with full size pillows.

A quick search turned up this tutorial from the DIY Dish, where twin sisters Kim and Kris share their creative inspiration in short video tutorials for all kinds of great projects.  If you've never made an envelope-style pillow cover, this video will show you just how easy it is!

 

Quilted Autumn Decor

So I may be a little behind on the fall decor, but perhaps someone out there is a last minute person like me!  Or maybe you can file these away for next autumn.  Looking for a project to exercise or practice your quilting skills without making a full sized quilt?  Why not make a small quilt to spice up your home decor?  These might also make great gifts!

Click the photos to find downloadable patterns and full instructions (most are free)!

Shabby Pumpkins from Sandi Henderson

  Autumn Vines from Free-Quilting.com

Amy Shimler Autumn Storybook from allpeoplequilt.com

 

Folk Art Pumpkins from bhg.com

 

Halloween Table Mat from allpeoplequilt.com

 

Tumbling Leaves Wall Hanging from allpeoplequilt.com

 

Pumpkin Patch Placemat from Free-Quilting.com

Found: Fabric baby block pattern

When I found this easy sewing project while browsing BHG.com, I felt the stars aligning as it fulfills 2 presently unmet needs: something to make from a basket full of non coordinating fabric scraps and a child who is feeling the need to throw just about everything right now.

Why not use those bright, colorful, interestingly patterned fabric pieces to create something that my son can throw until his arm hurts without also hurting me, the cats, the floor, the windows...well, you get it.  

Just look at the little guy in the picture.  You know he's going to start throwing those at the photographer the first chance he gets!

Check it out.  They'd make a great baby shower gift or give them as a birthday gift for a little who just may also have a need for something soft to throw.  Believe me, his mother will thank you!  I'm adding it to my bucket list!

How to: Make an applique tote bag

This is an unbelievably simple project that takes very little skill but lots of creativity.  A project that is right up my alley!

 

I found this simple white tote bag at JoAnn Fabrics on clearance for $1, and I picked it up thinking that for that price, I'd find SOMETHING I could use it for.  Even just as is.  But I decided that rather than have yet another bag lying around that I would make a simple tote for my niece.  Well, for my sister since Kate is an infant.  Just an easy bag to throw a few necessities in without having to lug a diaper bag around.

 

First I gathered my fabrics and a roll of Heat 'n Bond Ultra, no-sew iron-on adhesive backing.  This has a paper backing that you iron and peel.  I decided on a few fabric choices from Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow collection in a color scheme that departs from the typical pinks and purples, which I know she already has enough of!

 

And of course, my white bargain bag.

 

I decided first that I wanted to monogram the bag.  I went to the computer to find a font that I liked, then typed the K using wordart in a Word document, since all I wanted was the outline.  But that was just to save ink and certainly not necessary.  I printed it in the size I wanted and then cut it out. (great fun to cut out that curly q!)

 

Then I cut a piece of my fabric to fit the size of the K.

 

Next, I cut a piece of the heat n bond the same size as the fabric.

The ironing directions are simple.  Just iron on a medium setting with no steam for a few seconds (use the directions from the package for whatever adhesive backing you are using).

 

I decided to go ahead and do all 3 fabrics at the same time so save trips to the ironing board.

 

Next, position your monogram BACKWARDS on the paper side.  It must be backwards otherwise you will end up with the letter facing the wrong way.

 

Trace onto the paper.

 

And cut it out.

 

Then, peel the paper backing off, revealing the adhesive.

 

 

Position the monogram on the bag however you like.

Then iron it again in the same way (again, following the product instructions)

 

Then I made some flower petals and centers patterns in different sizes.  Here's where you can get creative and do any design you like.  In fact, it was hard for me to narrow down my ideas.  In the end, I chose the daisies because they felt fresh and appropriate for my fabric choices.

Trace them onto the coordinating fabric selections.

Repeat the same steps as for the monogram, cutting, peeling, and ironing into place.

And don't forget about the back!

See!  I told you it would be easy!