This flouncy bouncy little accessory is often the first thing you make when you are learning to sew, its a simple process, and with this easy method you won’t actually need to finish it off with hand sewing, but if you do decide to be a perfectionist and close it by hand, it leaves a really little space to close.
There are many methods to make these, and the cardboard tube trick is just useful in the beginning to help you get the hang of how to fold this, but once you’ve made a few you probably won’t need it anymore.
Strip of fabric, approximately 24″ (62cm) x6″ (16cm) This is quite generous, & you can adjust as you prefer.
Elastic, 6mm corded, approximately 8″(21cm)
Cardboard tube, I used the inside of a toilet roll.
Tape
bodkin or large safety pin.
Step 1: Fold your fabric in half lengthways,
and stitch the short ends together to form a loop.
2: Cut your cardboard tube like this…
3: Wrap the tube around the strip and tape it closed.
4: Fold the fabric over the tube, right side facing in
5: Stitch all the way along, pushing the tube along as you go, it helps to keep the inside fabric out of your way, leave a hole big enough to get the tube out of
6: Pull the scrunch inside out through the hole, and remove the tube.
7:Thread the elastic through.
8: Tie the ends together
9: Machine edge stitch the hole closed – or hand stitch if you prefer
10: Trim your threads and steam lightly to finish.
This sweet and simple accessory is a great way to use up your scraps, and makes a great beginner project.
Scrunchies are gentle on your hair and actually look pretty on your arm.
You can really get creative with touches of lace or beading, interesting textures or printed patterns for quick and unique handmade gifts.
There has been an incredible draw towards craft during the pandemic. With being at home, so many of us have turned to learning old world skills. There is something about focusing on an act of creativity that can calm us, and take our minds off the frightening bigger picture. Making as a form of meditation is something medical professionals have been studying for its magical de-stressing benefits.
Research suggests that crafting can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase happiness, all of which can help fight depression. Completing a project can help build self esteem and a sense of accomplishment. The repetition and focus of sewing and other handcrafts has been shown to release serotonin. Psychologists believe a strong sense of self-efficacy is key to how we approach the challenges of our new reality.
Sewing has long been thought of as a housewife’s hobby, and a lot of sewing tools and notions are geared towards this gender normative stereotype.
But there is a desire for menswear that is not from a chain store, the perfect fit is hard to come by in off the rack clothing. There is a rise of sewists on social media drawn to the creativity and individuality of handmade clothing.
Sewing and pattern making is a highly technical skill, and there was a time in our history when all genders found employment in the trade of creating garments.
Craft and sewing in particular was relegated to the realm of what was thought of as an appropriately delicate pursuit for women by the school system.
But there is a reclamation of what is deemed acceptable for men, or women. Sewing is being recognised more widely as a beautiful practical skill, for anyone to learn.
Creative culture
Bloggers such as Peter Lapin, One-off custom designer, and creator of the blog “Male Pattern Boldness” are inspiring other men to reach for the scissors.
Micheal Gardner, self-taught sewist, proud father, life-long crafter and DIY enthusiast, is the creator of the website ‘Daddy dressed me‘. He’s an example of a strong new masculine pride, proud to be a nurturing dad and creative cloth cutter.
Men are beginning to relate to sewing as wearing quality, once you wear something that has taken 8 hours of your time and attention you really appreciate the value of your clothes.
So if you are a sewing man, we salute you. And if you have a man in your life who just needs a nudge towards the journey of creating his own clothing, or even if you just want to explore menswear, here are a few ideas to get started.
This book is the ultimate pattern cutting guide for creating menswear blocks
Professional 12″ Heavy Duty Sewing Scissors
a collection of custom detail patterns and ideas for men’s and women’s shirt styles! Inside you’ll find helpful guides to drafting or draping a custom pattern
A quick sewing project for the little star baker in your life.
An easy gift to stitch for kids birthdays, a homemade, unique gift is so much more memorable than a mass produced plastic big brand item. With a little set of cookie cutters and a wooden spoon its a really sweet personal present. Ties that thread through channels on the sides ensures an easy and comfortable fit.
This project is deceptively simple, it includes a few slightly tricky aspects, like topstitching a curve. So its easy to complete in an hour or two, and can help you practise some useful stitching techniques. This is an excellent project to up-cycle old clothing, and there’s no limit to the personal details you could add.
Materials
Non stretch cotton cloth you’ll need about 40cm (16″) on 150cm wide cloth ( 59″) for the small apron and about 45cm (18″) for the medium size.
A small piece of lightweight cotton fabric for the pocket lining, I used voile (you can stitch this project without lining the pocket- but its a neat and simple way to create a clean curve)
Print out of the pattern in the required size
Sharp fabric shears
Tailors Chalk or marking pencil.
Pins
2m 2″wide soft ribbon, or you could stitch a strip of fabric.
Join your pattern pieces and cut them out.Pin them to your fabric, making sure to pay attention to grainlines, Cut carefully, remember to mark the dots for the pocket position.
Stitch the top edge and the bottom edge from underarm to underarm at a foot width, then press that folded back and stitch again to create a clean double folded edge.
On the tie tunnels, stitch a guide stitch at 5/8″ on the outer curved edge, then clip the curve and fold it back smoothly with your iron.
You could use your pattern template as an ironing guide, just cut the seam allowance off, and trace onto card, to give you a perfect curve to iron the folded edge over.
Ready to stitch the tunnels on, make sure everything is wrong side of fabric up for this.
Counterstitch the seam allowance towards the body of the apron, and snip the curve again.
Then assemble the pocket pieces
Fuse the top edge of the pocket (not essential if your fabric is sturdy) then place the lining and pocket right sides together.
Stitch the edges together, leaving a gap big enough to turn the pocket through
Line the edges of the pocket and the lining up, and iron in the fold line.
Stitch all around the edge of the pocket.
Trim the seam allowance, and clip the curve as shown. Then turn the pocket through the opening. Topstitch through all layers, and the opening will be stitched closed.
Line the pocket up to just cover the marks on the body of the apron, and topstitch at 1mm from the edge. Thread ribbon through the tunnels, a loop turner or bodkin would be really helpful for this. And press to finish.
SUPVOX 2PCS Drawstring Steel Bodkin
Well Made Tools Easy, 10.5″- LOOP TURNER
A few ideas to add to this as a gift….
LILIAO Star Cookie Cutters – 3 Various Size – Large: 3.6 inches, Medium: 2.8 inches and Small: 2 inches – Stainless Steel
Twinklebelle Kids’ Natural Solid Wood Mini Spoons for Cooking and Play, 6-pc pack
This cute craft project is a great way to make a delightful decorative bunting garland for valentines day. This is also a sweet garland to make for nursery decor or baby showers, and the details you add make it an adorable personalised handmade gift.
Its a simple way to make bunting that’s beautiful from both sides, the beauty of felt is that it has a clean finished edge once you cut it, the trick is cutting it smoothly- you’ll really need good scissors.
Materials
Felt in the colours of your choice, I love the colours in this beautifulfelt pack from Boao
Satin ribbon, 1/4″ wide, double faced is nice as it looks great on both sides.
Sharp fabric shears
Tailors Chalk or marking pencil.
Pins
Heart template, make your own, or use our free to download template below.
20 Pieces Valentine’s Day Felt Fabric Sheets
Ribest 1/4 inch 50 Yards Solid Double Face Satin Ribbon
Mr. Pen- Fabric Scissors, Sewing Scissors, 8 inch Premium Tailor Scissors
Step 3: Cut your template at the dotted line and use it to mark the position of your ribbon. You only need to do this on half the cut hearts.
Step 4: pin your ribbon on your mark, then add a second heart cut out on top, and pin around the edge.
Step 5: Space the hearts out as you want to, a gap of one hearts width. stitch around the edges, 6mm from the cut edge. If anything is misaligned you can trim a little at the end
This is a really fun project for beginners and kids learning to stitch, And with this technique you can make really pretty bunting in any shapes or colours you can imagine.
When crime writing and crafting supplies come together…
When I first came across Lois Winston’s series of Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, I knew they would be the perfect reads for me to enjoy while taking a break from my sewing room. And they did not disappoint with witty writing, Lois Winston has created an amazing series, well worth the read, and the best part is craft projects are also included with these novels!
Below are a few of my favorites (click on the images to get your copy now), but first a bit on the author.
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.
About this book:
Life is looking up for magazine crafts editor Anastasia Pollack. Newly engaged, she and photojournalist fiancé Zack Barnes are on a winter cruise with her family, compliments of a Christmas gift from her half-brother-in-law. Son Alex’s girlfriend and her father have also joined them. Shortly after boarding the ship, Anastasia is approached by a man with an unusual interest in her engagement ring. When she tells Zack of her encounter, he suggests the man might be a jewel thief scouting for his next mark. But before Anastasia can point the man out to Zack, the would-be thief approaches him, revealing his true motivation. Long-buried secrets now threaten the well-being of everyone Anastasia holds dear. And that’s before the first dead body turns up.
Craft projects included
Anastasia Pollack’s dead louse of a spouse has left her with more bills than you can shake a crochet hook at. Teaching craft classes at her mother-in-law’s assisted living center seems like an easy way to supplement her meager income. But when Lyndella Wegner—a 98-year-old know-it-all with a penchant for ruffles and lace—turns up dead, Anastasia’s cantankerous mother-in-law becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Upon discovering that Lyndella’s scandalous craft projects—and her scandalous behavior—made her plenty of enemies, Anastasia sets out to find the real killer before her mother-in-law ends up behind bars.
Yo-yo craft projects included.
Ever since her husband died and left her in debt equal to the gross national product of Uzbekistan, magazine crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack has stumbled across one dead body after another—but always in work-related settings. When a killer targets the elderly nasty neighbor who lives across the street from her, murder strikes too close to home. Couple that with a series of unsettling events days before Halloween, and Anastasia begins to wonder if someone is sending her a deadly message.
Knitting and crochet projects included.
Two and a half weeks ago magazine crafts editor Anastasia Pollack arrived home to find Ira Pollack, her half-brother-in-law, had blinged out her home with enough Christmas lights to rival Rockefeller Center. Now he’s crammed her small yard with enormous cavorting inflatable characters. She and photojournalist boyfriend (and possible spy) Zack Barnes pack up the unwanted lawn decorations to return to Ira. They arrive to find his yard the scene of an over-the-top Christmas extravaganza. His neighbors are not happy with the animatronics, laser light show, and blaring music creating traffic jams on their normally quiet street. One of them expresses his displeasure with his fists before running off.
In the excitement, the deflated lawn ornaments are never returned to Ira. The next morning Anastasia once again heads to his house before work to drop them off. When she arrives, she discovers Ira’s attacker dead in Santa’s sleigh. Ira becomes the prime suspect in the man’s murder and begs Anastasia to help clear his name. But Anastasia has promised her sons she’ll keep her nose out of police business. What’s a reluctant amateur sleuth to do?
Christmas craft projects included.
When Anastasia Pollack’s husband permanently cashes in his chips at a roulette table in Vegas, her comfortable middle-class life in New Jersey craps out. She’s left with two teenage sons, a mountain of debt, and her hateful, cane-wielding Communist mother-in-law. Not to mention stunned disbelief over her late husband’s secret gambling addiction, and the loan shark who’s demanding fifty thousand dollars.
Anastasia’s job as crafts editor at American Woman magazine proves no respite when she discovers a dead body glued to her desk chair. The victim, fashion editor Marlys Vandenburg, collected enemies and ex-lovers like Jimmy Choos on her ruthless climb to editor-in-chief. But when evidence surfaces of an illicit affair between Marlys and Anastasia’s husband, Anastasia becomes the prime suspect. Now she’s in a race to find the killer, not only to clear her name but before he strikes again.
An aspect of clothing that we often take for granted, the humble buttonhole. Buttonholes were invented in the Middle Ages, it’s hard to imagine a time before such simple closures existed, but in the 13th century people were lacing themselves into their clothes. Thank goodness for buttons.
A beautifully finished buttonhole can elevate your sewing from that ‘home sewing’ look, to a one of a kind heirloom garment. This is a piece of precision stitching, so practise a few times on a swatch of the actual fabric you are sewing in before attempting is on your precious garment.
But being able to do this opens up many other possibilities and advances your general sewing ability.
It’s well worth investing the time, mastering this skill can take your sewing to a new level.
Good tools help immensely with fiddly little projects like this, marking and measuring accurately is going to save you time and tears. Here are a few of our favourite professional tools worth investing in for a lifetime of crisp corners and perfect stitches. These are not just useful for buttonholes, but will easily become your go to tools for any precise pattern work and sewing magic.
Stormshopping 6 Stlye Plastic Fashion Metric Ruler Set
This set includes six, clear flexible rulers, perfect for grading and pattern making.
Madam Sew Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pens.
Extra-fine 0.7mm writing points. These sewing fabric markers let you draw out clear, intricate patterns.
Inks vanish easily with just a hot iron.
Includes 1 refill of each ink color.
Black Button Measurer mm ligne gauge
Ligne (from the French for line) is the traditional unit for measuring buttons.
Accurately marked in cm and Linge
5-in-1 Sliding Gauge Measuring Sewing Ruler Tool.
Can be used as t-guage, hem guage, seam allowance, buttonhole spacer and circle compass
Steamfast SF-680 Digital Steam Press with Multiple Fabric Settings and Steam Burst
For a professional finish, this luxury press helps you get that perfect, crisp detail.
Here are the top 5, highest rated sewing machines of 2020, as reviewed by the buying public. Out of all the sewing machines purchased, these are the most highly rated. If you haven’t bought a sewing machine yet, and are in the market to, then have a look at these…
50 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 7 Included Feet
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50 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW features 50 built-in stitches including 5 auto-size buttonholes
AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER AND DROP-IN TOP BOBBIN: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The CS5055PRW comes with 7 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, instruction manual and more
LCD SCREEN: Simply select your stitches with the push of a button and view your selection on the LCD display
AT YOUR SIDE SUPPORT: The CS5055PRW sewing machine comes with Brother At Your Side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
4. Varmax Sewing Machine with Sewing Kit
The perfect gift for youngsters looking to learn how to sew.
click on the image above to get yours now!
【Sewing Kit】It includes 32 bobbins, a scissor, 5 needles, a threader, a thimble and a seam ripper. This sewing kit is compatible to 201 sewing machine and provides more choices of thread in colors.
【Beginner-friendly】Equipped with only one straight stitch mode, it simply the process on sewing. For beginners, this mini sewing machine would be a good choice to learn sewing.
【Manual and Video】A detailed manual is attached on the box and it is easy to get access to the tutorial videos created by Varmax. We would like to suggest you to read the indication and watch videos before sewing.
【Foot Controller and Adapter】Equipped with a foot controller and adapter, it would be helpful for fast mending. And the adapter is manufactured under the ETL standard for use in United State.
【Wide Application】More applicable fabrics please refer to the detailed image on the product page. This sewing machine supports to sew pet clothes, shopping bags, table mat, apron, pouch and etc
3. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine – Heavy Duty
click on the image above to get yours now!
SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The 23 built-in stitches including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches allow you to sew a variety of projects, such as fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more
AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER SEWING MACHINE: After following the threading path printed right on the machine, this built-in feature helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration. Amps (0.7). Watts (84). Volts (120). Hz (60)
HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE:The Singer 4423 Sewing Machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1, 100 stitches-per-minute, so projects can be sewn quickly. The 60% Stronger Motor provides greater piercing power for thick seams
HEAVY DUTY METAL FRAME: The Singer 4423 heavy duty sewing machine is a true workhorse. With a heavy-duty metal interior frame, stainless steel bedframe, extra-high sewing speed and powerful motor, this sewing machine can sew through a variety of heavy weight fabrics and provides long lasting stability
SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES: A variety of accessories are included with All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper/lint brush, quilting guide, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt are all conveniently located and stored in the accessory tray. A soft-sided dust cover is also included in the packaging
WARRANTY: SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine has 25 Year Limited Warranty. Note : Refer to the Videos and also the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Manuals.
2. The Handheld Sewing Machine
Mini handy portable cordless sewing machine – Electric repairing stitch tool for fabric DIY, kids and pet clothing. Perfect for home and travel use. This is one of the most favored sewing machines out there for small projects in 2020.
click on the image to get yours now!
✂ PERFECT FOR ANY MATERIALS▹ This universal small sewing machine apply to all kinds of fabrics which is great for silks, denim, wool, leather and crafts. Also very suitable for craft, patchwork or simple embroidery. You can use this practical machine to make your own handkerchiefs, aprons, gloves, cloth, pet clothes and so on.
✂ SAVE YOUR TIME▹ This electric handheld single stitch sewing machine makes it so much faster and easier than using a needle, saving you time and money. Fix hems, mend a torn pocket or shorten trousers, all within minutes.
✂ SIMPLE IN USE▹ This mini sewing machine is easy to operate, line with the flat edge, automatic moving. Please read the instructions carefully before using it. Both beginner and professionals can make some DIY arts crafts easily. Also is a good partner for training children’s working habits and sewing skills.
✂ PORTABLE DESIGN▹ Great for travelling as it is compact and lightweight, it can be battery operated to make it absolutely portable or you can use it with a power adaptor (the required 4 x AA batteries or DC6V power adaptor are not included). Compact and lightweight, Portable and easy to carry around. Sewing repair anywhere.
✂ HIGH-QUALITY&LOW NOISE▹ The high-quality plastic materials were used for these handheld sewing machines manufacturing which precisely controls stitching with the rotary wheel adjustment and it has tension control to adjust the tightness of stitches, the fastening plate holds the fabric while stitching; high-quality and low noise, making your work more efficient.
1. Brother PQ1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
The most highly rated sewing machine of the year, and we can see why. It sews up to 1,500 stitches per minute, comes with a wide table, AND 7 includes feet.
click on the image to get yours now!
1,500 Stitches per minute max sewing speed: Maximum stitching of up to 1,500 stitches per minute allows you to sew and quilt more in less time
Advanced needle threading system: This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
Included accessories: The PQ1500SL longarm sewing and quilting machine comes with a wide table, 7 sewing feet, knee-lifter, instruction manual and more. The removable knee-lifter enables you to lift your presser foot with your knee, leaving both hands free for fabric handling
Precision pin feeding system: It’s so easy to sew a wide variety of fabric thicknesses thanks to Brother’s Pin Feed system for precision fabric feeding
At your side support: The PQ1500SL quilting and sewing machine comes with Brother At your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
Available on Amazon Kindle to download and read right now!
We know 2020 has been a tough one, here’s 5 FREE kindle books for your to download and read right now, to help you to make your Christmas even more festive.
**At the time of posting this article all of these kindle books were available for free, the various authors may no longer be running these promotions, or may only run them for a limited time, to avoid disappointment, get your copies ASAP**
Homemade Christmas Gifts
14 Gift Ideas & DIY Home Decor
Click on the image above to get your copy now
Whether you’re looking to create your own unique holiday decor this year or you’re looking for some clever gift ideas for friends and family, Homemade Christmas Gifts: 14 Gift Ideas & DIY Home Decor is filled with great projects that are perfect for all your holiday decorating and gift-giving needs!
11 Sewing Room Ideas
How to Organize Your Room
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You’re craft room or sewing room is in complete disarray. Where are the needles? Where’s your favorite thread? Scissors are nowhere to be found, and you can’t seem to find your bias tape. Everything is all over the place, like a bomb went off or a three-year-old came in and threw a tantrum. It’s time to get organized, my friend. And it’s as easy as downloading this free eBook, 11 Sewing Room Ideas: How to Organize Your Room. You’ll find amazing and creative tips and tricks to take your room from dab to fab in no time at all.
Sewing for Beginners
a Novice Guide on How to Sew the Most Astonishing Sewing Projects and 10 Quick and Easy Sewing Patterns to Master
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If you’ve always fancied taking up sewing but didn’t know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This book sewing for Beginners explains all the essential basics of sewing including how to choose the best fabrics and threads for projects. Learn skills in amazing sewing crafts such as cross-stitch, Running Stitch and OVERCLOCK. In this book it provides all you need to know to start your own sewing projects, including Needle Threading Tips for beginners. After reading this handy book anyone can quickly learn to sew, master new stitches and make a selection of cute and easy first sewing projects, This book takes you through the basic techniques of this fun and creative craft. As beginners you’ll learn everything you need to get started, including how to do the necessary stitches, how to make seams and how to work with patterns. Key points: •This book offers a starting point for those who want to learn how to sew. •Simple and straight forward explanations guide the novice through the basic techniques. •Clearly explained projects help the reader put the skills into practice. •Stylish projects include Women beautiful and easy Top, Front Maxi Dress, Beautiful Scarf and much more You will learn •How to Sew •Sewing Tools •Hand Sewing: The Basics •MACHINE SEWING STITCHES •Needle Threading Tips •How to Take Measurements •Measurement Charts •Easiest Free Sewing Patterns •And much more!!!
An introduction to take Body Measurement
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This Free eBook shows you how to take body measurement. Theses measurement can be used in drafting and designing of clothes. The proper body measurement is the first step to having an excellent fit in the clothes you make. Taking body measurement would take you less than half an hour. So why not buddy up with a friend over a cup of tea and take each other’s body measurement. When you need to make an outfit, you already have all the measurements you need.
Sewing for Baby
11 Small Sewing Projects for Your Little One
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Whether you are expecting or your bundle of joy is already here, there is one thing new moms (and dads) are in need of clothes. Kids seem to go through and grow out of clothes so fast. To keep up with your kid, we’ve compiled some amazing patterns in this free eBook, Sewing for Baby 11 Small Sewing Projects for Your Little One. These easy sewing projects for babies will help you save money as well, which is something else that new parents always seem to need as well. Even if you are not a parent, the clothes and accessories that are included in this eBook will make for some amazing presents for those people in your life who are.
When we came across Mandy Shaw’s book on Wreaths and Garlands, we knew we just had to share it with you. If you are looking to get rid of all your small scraps of fabric, and upcycle them into quick and easy Christmas projects, than this is the book for you.
The wreaths she shares are fun and easy, use her ideas to make your own Christmas crafts, or Christmas crafts with the kids during the holidays.
It’s a collection of Christmas wreath and garland projects to make the festive period even more special. Celebrated author and pattern designer, Mandy Shaw, shares her favourite Christmas sewing projects and shows you how to make beautiful Christmas decorations to decorate your home at this special time of year. The projects feature Mandy’s favourite seasonal motifs including snowmen, reindeer, holly, doves and candy canes and also includes Mandy’s super simple techniques for making 11 different garlands, wreaths and Christmas cones. All the motifs and wreaths can be ‘mixed and matched’ to make endless seasonal variations for a totally unique Christmas project. These projects make the perfect presents for friends and family or treat yourself and make one to decorate your own home this Christmas!
Click on the image above to get your kindle copy right now!
About the Author
Mandy Shaw is a very experienced designer with a distinctive style that makes her projects stand out. Mandy runs Dandelion Designs, a craft design and kit company. She is a regular on Create and Craft TV and she writes for a number of publications including Popular Patchwork and Fabrications magazines. Mandy also appeared on Kirstie Allsopp’s Homemade Home (Channel 4). Mandy has four children and lives in East Sussex
Some reviews on the book
jujuvauxhall – 5.0 out of 5 stars – great book – I love this book, I was a little wary considering some of the reviews saying it was only suitable for children, I disagree, if you are an imaginative crafter this book is perfect.
Pollen – 5.0 out of 5 stars – Sweet – Lovely little book. Just putting the finishing touches to one to hang up this Christmas!
Marilyn – 5.0 out of 5 stars – Amazing little book – A delightful little book with so much in it. I have made three wreaths all different. The combinations are only limited by your imagination.
If you loved it, then you will love…
Sew Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Mary Hertel
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Pick your project then pick your block: mix and match 8 super-easy projects with 16 adorable paper-pieced blocks just for Christmas. Simply follow Mary’s clearly illustrated instructions to create fun and fresh holiday blocks with whimsical designs. Plus, use her time-saving technique for paper piecing with less waste to create custom winter decor ranging from tree skirts and table toppers to gift bags, mug rugs, pot holders, and more.
Here’s a list of our top 5 favorite gifts to give to children who love to sew
My First Sewing Kit
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PERFECT SEWING KIT FOR KIDS – This complete set is perfect for beginners just starting their love of needlepoint sewing. Foster creativity and skills that will last a lifetime!
COMPLETE TRAVEL CASE SET – Each set includes everything you need! Felt, needle threader, measuring tape, threads, pins, stuffing and scissors are all included to allow you to create 6 adorable stuffed animals!
CREATE YOUR OWN ZOO – Watch your child’s face light up when they create their own fun safari animals! Designs include Monkey, Parrot, Zebra, Lion, Hippopotamus, Giraffe! These homemade stuffed animals will want to be kept for years.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES – The perfectly packed travel case is perfect for Birthdays, Holiday presents, sleepovers, rainy day crafts and more! Spend quality time with your child and help foster their fine motor skills, creativity and confidence!
FAMILY FIRST GUARANTEE – Peachy Keen Crafts always provides a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not happy for any reason, we will give you a full refund.
Cool Maker, Sew Cool Sewing Machine with 5 Trendy Projects
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SEW WITH NO THREAD: Magically sew with no thread! Sew Cool is simply designed to be used without thread, foot pedals, bobbins and needles, so it’s always safe and easy for kids to use!
INCLUDES 5 PROJECTS: This kit comes with 5 trendy pre-cut projects and stuffing! Design a keychain, rainbow marker holder, pretty stuffed rose, stylish pouch and an adorable stuffed kitty character!
SPECIAL SEW COOL FABRICS: Easily sew your projects with the included Sew Cool fabrics! Printed markings show you where to start and stop, what direction to sew in, where to spot stitch and fold!
The Cool Maker Sew Cool Sewing Machine is a great gift for kids aged 6 and up. Requires 4 AA batteries (not included). Unleash your creativity with Sew Cool!
Includes: 1 Sew Cool Sewing Machine, 5 Sew Cool Pre-Cut Projects, 1 Bag of Stuffing, 1 Playbook
Klutz Sew Your Own Furry Llama Pillow Craft Kit
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Teaches more advanced sewing techniques like working with patterns
Easy to follow instruction book includes inspiration for a variety of designs
Make your Llama your own by customizing its facial expression and accessories
Klutz Sew Your Own Donut Animals Craft Kit
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Sew up a half dozen super sweet donuts full of adorable animal personalities! The kit comes with everything you need to whip up adorable felt plushies.
The crystal clear instructions go through all the steps—from threading a needle and practicing stitches to adding fancy toppings and decorations. When you finish, display them in the included donut box to keep them looking fresh!
48-page book teaches sewing skills like threading a needle and a variety of stitches
Make 6 donuts from pre-cut felt for a faster and easier process
Each donut has its own flavorful personality: Cookies-and-Cream Panda, Waffle Cone Narwhal, Coco Kitty, Pineapple Parrot, Strawbunny, Cinna-Chicken
Craft-tastic – Learn to Sew Kit
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7 FUN CRAFTS IN ONE KIT: Easy-to-make crafts that are “sew” much fun! They’ll make a bracelet, headband, adorable stuffie, bunny pouch, pin cushion, backpack, and a cool phone case.
LEARN LIFE SKILLS: 7 crafts will teach kids how to sew a running stitch, blanket stitch, whip stitch, and how to decorate with embroidery. Kids will learn life skills they can use again and again on future projects.
HIGH QUALITY REUSABLE MATERIALS: Kit includes items they will keep and use again; like a measuring tape, pins, and needles.
EASY-TO-FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: A 34 page full-color instruction booklet uses fun and age-appropriate projects to teach kids the sewing basics and graduate them through more advanced techniques.
INCLUDES EVERYTHING THEY NEED: Sewing instruction booklet, 36 yd (32.9 m) cotton thread, 15 pins, 2 metal needles, 5 pieces acrylic felt, 1 piece canvas fabric, 1 piece elastic, 6 plastic buttons, and 1 measuring tape.
Sew You! Magazine 