Embroidery Bookmark

A Free Embroidery Tutorial

I have another little project to share with you. I also have a crochet project that is getting closer to being ready to go up on the blog. But first the book mark.

This is a great project for when you need a quick gift for some one. It shows off your embroidery skills and shows that you care enough to spend the time to make something by hand.

Book Mark

Finished Size:3in by 7 in.
Item Needed 

• Fabric 
• felt or interfacing to put in between the fabric pieces
• embroidery floss
• embroidery needle 
• pinking shears
• embroidery hoop

 Start by drawing a simple pattern that will fit in a 3 by 7 inch space.

 Take the fabric out of the hoop. Add the interfacing and other piece of fabric stacking it with fabric facing up, interfacing, and fabric facing down. Cut the stack so that it measures 3 by 7 and with the embroidery picture centered.

Add a chain stitch around the outside edges of the book mark.
Tip: Start with your tail in between your layer of fabrics.

Finish off by trimming the book mark with pinking shears.

Now Go, and enjoy a good book.

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Finding Inspiration in Nature

It Is Well With My Soul

Adult Simple Crochet Yoke

I love how it turned out!

Do you remember the simple yoke that I made for my daughter last year? I decided I needed a shirt with one too.

I started with a shirt that I found for my husband on the clearance rack for a dollar. The shirt ended up being to small for him, so I found a new way to use it.

Upcycled Jean Messenger Bag

I have such a hard time keeping secrets. I feel like I have been keeping this one forever. I have a new pattern that is appearing in the Crochet! Magazine spring issue. The digital version goes live today so I can finally share it with you.As always they did a great job photographing it.

 Here is the picture that I used to submit it:

I can't wait to get my magazine in the mail. If you would like to see the other patterns that they have in this issue go to this site here.

Copycat Striped Bag

 A Free Crochet Pattern

I was looking at Pintrest and I came across this bag. Don't all crafting stories start like that.

It is sold for 138.00. I knew I could get a similar look for a lot cheaper. I had some Red heart: Lustersheen lying around and I thought the colors would work for what I was wanting. Now I have come to find out that these colors are discontinued, but they have other great colors to choose from. Also you could substitute any fingering size yarn for this project. I used stuff that I already had so this bag was free for me. 

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copy cat stripped bag

Designer: Julia Schwartz
Yarn: Red heart: Lustersheen I used one ball for each color

Hook: E/ 4-3.50mm

Notions: embroidery needle, thread, straight pins, handles, fabric. 

Size:12 in by 10 in

Gauge:  11 hdc = 2 in, 4 rows = 1 in
Copyright:

Julia Schwartz. Do not reproduce, copy, distribute, or sell this pattern without permission of the designer. This pattern must not be translated, reproduced, or circulated in another language without prior consent. If you have questions about this pattern please contact Julia.diligence@gmail.com.

Where can I get this pattern

This is a free Pattern right here on the blog. Just keep scrolling down to find the pattern. If you would like an ads free, printer friendly PDF version I have them for sale in my Ravelry Shop for $1.00.

<------------>buy now<------------>

Instructions Copy Cat Bag

Front and back panel

Row 1: Ch 113, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across for 112 hdc

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as stitch), turn, hdc in each ch across 

Repeat row 2 for 20 more rows. Switch colors at row 6, 10, 14, 18. 

Side panel (make 2)

Note: Row 1 starts the bottom of the side panel. 

Row 1:  Ch 31, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across for 30 hdc

Row 2: Ch 1(does not count as a st here and throughout), turn,  hdc in next 14 hdc, 2 hdc in the next two hdc, hdc in the last 14 hdc. 32 hdc

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdc in the next 15 hdc, 2 hdc in the next two hdc, hdc in the last 15 hdc. 34 hdc

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, hdc in the next 16 hdc, 2 hdc in the next 2 hdc, hdc in the last 16 hdc. 36 hdc

Change color

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each of the 36 hdc

Repeat row 5 for  36 more rows for a total of 40 rows. Change colors every 4 rows. 

Assembly of the bag

Take 1 side panel and fold it in half so the bottom is folded in half.  wip stitch the bottom so that there are 15 hdc touching 15 hdc. Repeat this with the second side. 

Then wip stitch the side panels with the front and back panel. It may help to pin the pieces together so that they will meet up evenly together at the end. 

Add lining and handles to the bag.

This bag has been featured on All Free Crochet; Go check out other great bags and purses there: 
https://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crochet-Bag-Patterns/Prettiest-Crochet-Purse-Patterns

More Patterns You Will Love:  

Garden Party Clutch

Lacey Shells Fingerless Gloves

Pin For Later!

Outside of the Box: A Simple Yoke and PJ Eater

I was in Goodwill the other day. (Lots of great craft stories start out this way don't you think) And I found this shirt.

Uh Yikes. 

When I saw it there was no way I was going to wear it but I saw a lot of potential for it becoming a PJ Eater. You can find the pattern for them here. http://sewfearless.com/patterns-and-tutorials/the-pajama-eater-pattern/.

 I think she turned out pretty well.

I still had some leftover fabric from the shirt. So I made this shirt for my daughter.

I took her measurements, and cut out two rectangles to match those measurements, I sewed them together and hemmed it on both sides. For the yoke I made a simple lace strip to go around the bodice and two more strips for the straps.

The repeating pattern for the lace strip is:
Row 1: Ch the amount of ch you want in multiples of 2, dc in third ch from hook, and in each ch
Row 2: Ch 4,* sk 1 dc, (dc and ch 1) in next dc* repeat to end
Row 3: Ch 4,* 3dctog in next dc, ch 1* repeat to second to last dc, dc in last dc.
Row 4: Ch 4, 1 dc and 1 ch in each 3dctog, dc in last dc
Row 5: Ch 3, dc in each ch space and dc across
Continue repeating rows 2-5 till you have the length desired.

If you would like to see an adult version: Go Here!

Pajama Eaters

Before Christmas a friend of mine asked if I would make some pajama eaters for her boys.

That one request has now turned into a lot more pj eaters.

 The pattern for them is found here: http://sewfearless.com/patterns-and-tutorials/the-pajama-eater-pattern/ . They are the cutest things possible. Every time I make a new one I'm amazed at how they develop their own personalities, and you can really personalize them to fit the person you are giving it to. My one complaint would be that she states that you need 1 yard for the main fabric, but really you can get all the cuts made with just a half yard. 

Faith, Hope and Love Throw Pillow

A Free Embroidery Tutorial

I have been working on some sewing projects this month. I wanted a way to use up my scraps and this is the project that I came up with. If you would like to make it to you will need:

• 8- 8 inch squares in coordinating colors

• 2 buttons

• 1 embroidery floss skein

• carbon paper

• sewing machine

• fiber fill 

 Instructions

 1. To start I sewed four the the squares together for the front. For the back I sewed four squares that were the same color.  
2. Next with a word processing program (like word) I picked out which font I wanted and typed out the words I wanted. I chose the french script and I sized it to 104. I printed it off on a piece of  paper.

3. Next I cut out the letters and I cut the carbon paper to fit the size of the cut out words, I etched the words, with the carbon paper onto the fabric where I wanted them placed. I found that it helped to pen down the paper and the carbon paper so it won't move.

4. Next I got out my embroidery hoop and I satin stitched around the letters covering up the carbon letters with the embroidery floss.

5. When all the letters are covered. I sewed the front and back pieces together with the right sides facing each other. I left a small hole in one corner to flip the pillow right side out, and to stuff it.


  6. Stuff the pillow. Sew up the whole with a wip stitch. and sew on the buttons on both sides of the pillow at the same time.

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Finding inspiration in nature

It is well with my soul

A Remade Flower Girl Dress

 A while back my Daughter was asked to be a flower girl in a wedding. I procrastinated in getting a dress for her because I was not sure on how she would handle being a flower girl and the price that I would have to put up for a dress for her. The Wedding is this month so I was really starting to run out of time. 

I knew that I did not want to spend over 30 dollars on a dress, these days I don’t even spend that much on myself. I started looking around for dresses that would fit what the bride was wanting and still fit in my budget. A friend of mine offered me an all white dress. It was not what we were looking for but I took it thinking maybe I could do something with it.

After looking at it for a few days I realized that it would not be hard to change out the sash and add some colored flowers. I of course took pictures for a step by step guide to help you along if you would like to try it too.

Materials needed: One dress with simple construction, ribbon, and pearl beads

The first step is that I used really sharp scissors and ripped or took out the seam where the sash and ties were. Once that part was open the ties came right out and the sash stayed on the dress because it was still attached at the waist. I folded the old sash down so it would be hidden by the new sash. 

The second step is that I measured out my red ribbon to go across the old sash and through the open seams. I cut and pinned it down where I wanted it. I repeated the same thing with the ties. Once everything was in place I sewed the seam back up including the old sash, new sash and new ties in my stitches. It was such a small area to sew I did not even get my sewing machine out; I just did it by hand.

The flowers were a little bit harder for me, but that is mainly because I’m not a good cutter. The flowers that were already on the dress had five petals. I traced that flower on to some paper, and cut it out. I then pinned the paper flower to my white ribbon and cut around the paper flower. Once the white flower was cut out I pinned it to the red ribbon and I cut a larger flower around it, and I repeated the process with the brown ribbon.  After that I sewed a pearl bead onto the middle of the flowers.   While I was sewing the bead on I sewed it onto the dress as well. 

I was happy with the end results, but better yet the bride was happy with the results.

recovering a stool

Years ago I acquired a sewing desk and stool. I would not at all be surprised if it is over 60 years old. It still has, well now I should say had its original seat pad and covering. Because of its age, it was getting the funny old smell. I've been needing to redo it since I got it, and today I finally decided to accomplish it.

First I took the cover and pad off, it was stapled on so it was pretty easy to do. I then cleaned the stool and top thoroughly. I put the cover and the pad in a bag and took them to the store with me to pick out the batting and fabric that I wanted. I went to log cabin quilt shop. I used the old cover to measure out how much of the new fabric I needed and I just grabbed the smallest bag of batting that they had.

When I got home, I cut the batting so that it would be three layers thick. Then I rolled and sewed seams in the fabric to make the new cover. I checked the measurements before I sewed to be sure it was a good fit.
I should also note that I doubled my fabric over for extra protection, so I only seamed 3 sides since one side was folded over.

After the sewing I got my daughter to sit down and watch a movie, and I got my staple gun out. The last time I got my staple gun out I got a staple through my finger and I could not crochet for a few days. I was probably more cautious than need be. I put the padding on top of the stool lid then I flipped it over on top of the new cover. Then I put one staple in each side pulling it tight. After the four sides were done I went back and filled in the rest.

I'm so glad I finally got this project done.

A hooded towel 

This a a project that I like to make for baby gifts. If I do not choose to crochet around the edge, this project literally takes less than 5 minutes to make.  First I watch for deals when towels go on sale, then I stock pile. this particular towel I bought at Dollar General for two dollars and the wash clothes were a pack of 2 for a dollar. All you need for this project is a towel, washcloth, and a sewing machine, but really you can sew it by hand too.
Step 1: Fold wash cloth in half, and sew the top together.
Step 2: find the middle of the towel and mark it, then pin the washcloth to the center of the towel, with and inch and a half leeway,  like in the picture.
Step 3: Sew the washcloth to the towel, to the towel, making a long rectangle with the stitches, for extra stability.
You can stop here or you can add some border.
Step 4: With an embroidery needle, and size 10 thread, make 1/4 inch blanket stitches all around the towel.
Step 5: Add The border of your choice.

I love this project because it is useful to whoever you are giving it to and it is a lot cheaper than  store bought hooded towels. I've seen them as high as twenty dollars (mine was made with $2.50)  The bad thing about this post is now everyone is going to see how much I spend on them.