Sewing

Reuse, recycle…

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I am determined not to add to my fabric stash so am using up bits and pieces in small projects.

Scraps of fabric have been waxed to provide clingfilm alternative waxed wraps, these live on the fridge ready for use. I used beeswax pellets as solid bees wax needs messy grating before it is ironed on the fabric.

Then when reducing the size of a king size duvet cover to fit a double bed I ended up with surplus strips of fabric.

As the overlock machine was out I decided to fold the strips in four and overlock them into squares for use as reusable cotton face wipes. Enough extra bundles were made to go in the present drawer with suggested ‘recipes’ for diy facial cleanser.

Stitched baubles

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A quick festive make.

Cut a circle of fabric about 4”.

Running stitch around the diameter. Pull the ends of the thread so the circle closes into a ball. ( a Suffolk puff)

Stuff the ball firmly with wadding then stitch closed the gap.

Slow stitch over the ball to decorate the fabric and cover the stitched gap with a button. The button will also serve as a hanger for cord.

Sequin or decorate to finish.

Doggy do bags

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Easy makes based on the pocket tissue holder I make every year.

To fit the rolls of bags I have, I cut outer fabric at 4 and a half inches square and lining fabric of 5 inches wide by 4 and a half.

With right sides facing sew both sides.Feels wrong as the lining is wider, but gives a great finish.

Turn right sides out then press so the extra lining is equal on both sides

Then fold the sides to the middle and pin in a fastener. I use a cheap pony tail loop.

Zig zag the open ends, reversing over the middle as that is where most stress will be

Turn right sides out

And pop in a roll. The loop can be twisted round the handle of a lead so you never forget to take bags out with you.

This uses tiny amounts of fabric*, is useful and also easy to make

*thanks Emma for the madras fabric which I love and am nursing along.

Prosperity chickens

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A quick make that doesn’t need too much accuracy

Apparently a traditional definition of prosperity in northern India was the ownership of a flock of hens. So hanging this type of decorative garland suggests prosperity to the homeowner.

Each chicken is a square of cotton folded to a triangle with beak and tail feathers sewn in. I followed a YouTube tutorial from Pincutsew which was very clear.

My triangles were 4 inches square and I stuffed mine with lavender as well as fibre, so they can roost in a wardrobe if not on display.

My beaks were felt and I added sequins for eyes to pretty things up.

Lazy lavender bags

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The quick way to make lavender bags is to cut the bag shape with pinking shears and with right sides out, stitch round the outline leaving only a stuffing gap.

Here I layer some decoration on the front (two layers of hearts sewn on, a fabric pen floral and some decorative sequins) and sandwich in a ribbon loop before stitching and stuffing. I use a zig zag on 2.5 width to echo the pinked edging and keep the rustic look.

I use a combination of fibre and lavender to get a plumpness but it means I still have plenty of lavender left.

As everything is donated or thrifted and we grew the lavender this is a truly frugal craft.

Stitched cards

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I have had a background die on my wish list for a while so combined two ‘wants’ with this stitching die that doesn’t have to be stitched.

You have to believe the recipient will appreciate the effort that went into stitching this front but it is simple provided the card quality stands up to the stitching ie the holes don’t tear.

Ribbon rose

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I am making lots of lavender bags this week… they are all heart shaped using layers of scrap fabric but this one has little ribbon roses on it in place of the ‘usual’ sequins or drawn florals.

Rather than the proper silk I am using the satin ribbons that come with new blouses which makes for a tougher sew but is a good experiment for me.

Following a Sarah Homfrey embroidery tutorial I sewed five spokes of an imaginary wheel for each flower then just wove the ribbon over and under the spokes until the flower looked full enough.

Here I used contrasting cream thread for the spokes which are still just visible.

Must try some of her other ideas for ribbon flowers, these are great!