What is the purpose of fringe on buckskin jackets?

Not sewing related - but an interesting tidbit about how buckskin jackets were originally designed...

The fringe on buckskin jackets was originally cut to make seams more flexible while keeping the strips of hide available for use in tying things, and to allow rain to run off the coat instead of soaking in to the part that touches the body. 

In emergencies, a strip of fringe could be cut off to use as a tourniquet or to tie canvas and hides together to make an emergency shelter.

The Lemen website also describes the way fringe creates an illusion of movement that makes it popular with bronco riders.

On today's buckskin jackets, fringe serves a decorative function.

Source:

http://www.lemen.com/qa256.html

What is an inexpensive way to make a shower costume?

This is a no-sew project.

A shower costume can be made with a few household items, or items that can be purchased in most department stores, craft glue- and strong tape. Neither sewing skill nor ability to apply makeup is required when making this costume.

Step 1: Build the shower head

• Attach a flexible funnel to a hollow plastic broom handle with duct tape, then flex the end of the funnel so it points down. 
• Wrap the entire rod and funnel assembly in shiny foil or duct tape. 
• Pour a thick layer of craft glue around the funnel's inner edge and stick either tinsel or sparkly silver yarn segments in the glue to form the water running out of the shower head. 
• Set this aside to dry.

Step 2: Make the shower rod assembly

• Wrap a hula hoop in aluminum foil. 
• Use shower curtain rings to attach a shower curtain to a hula hoop. 
• Close the curtain and and tie two pieces of rope or heavy ribbon to the hula hoop to form straps that rest across the shoulders on each side of the wearer's head. 
• If the rope slides, use duct tape to secure it in place. 
• When the wearer has the curtain on, cut off the excess at the bottom.

Step 3: Accessorize

• Put on a shower cap. 
• Tuck the shower head assembly into a belt or hold it, then accessorize the costume with bare legs and either flip flops or shower shoes.

Reminder About Stitching it Right's August 2014 Giveaway

Hey everyone, the month of August is half over, and so far, I haven't had a single entry have only had five entries in August's giveaway, the Stitching it Right Thanks for 100,000 Page Views Giveaway Contest.

It's easy to enter, and with, so far, no entries 5 entries, someone is going to get an easy $10 JoAnn Fabrics gift card or a $12+free shipping prize of vintage patterns from here on the site. (I know it's not a life-changing amount, but it can buy something to help you with your next sewing project.)

All you have to do for your first free entry is sign up for the site's newsletter (your email will never be sold because I hate spammers too)

Then, for a second entry, just like the Stitching it Right Facebook Page and then drop me an email to let me know how to contact you if you win.

Get your entries in if you're interested in participating! The drawing will be September first and I would hate for you to miss out if you enjoy sewing or crafting and would enjoy the benefit of one of these prizes.




P.S. I'm so excited to be able to come back announce a few entries came in... I can hardly wait to see how many of my readers enter and to announce the winner! Good luck everyone!

How to Choose (or Make) a Halloween Costume for Your Dog

Consider your pet's safety, comfort and personality when selecting or creating a dog Halloween costume.

Halloween is a fun, relaxed holiday. Candy, costumes, trick or treating and parties all add up to a unique and enjoyable holiday mood. Almost anyone who enjoys Halloween with its sense of fun and great costumes can appreciate the fun of dressing their dog in a costume.

Dressing up in Halloween costumes is entertaining. Pets look cute dressed up, and depending on the dog's personality it may even enjoy wearing a Halloween costume for pets. Choosing the right dog costume can be almost as fun as dressing up the kids and getting dressed up in an adult costume.

The first thing to consider when choosing a Halloween Costume for your dog is the pet's safety. Things that impair the dog's vision are a bad idea. Your dog cannot safely walk if its line of vision is blocked by a floppy hat or fluffy collar. (Please note the pirate dog in the photo accompanying this article safely removed her eye patch before getting off of the sofa.)

A dog costume that has parts - like a flowing cape or long strap - that hang down and trip the dog are also a source of potential danger for your dog. Super Dog might look really cute in that dog costume but a fall could seriously injure your pet. Anything like a cape needs to be short and not too fluffy so your dog can walk safely in its Halloween costume.

Your dog's comfort is the next thing you will want to consider when selecting dog Halloween costumes. Dogs already have fur so choosing a lightweight dog costume will increase their comfort. A short haired dog might be able to comfortably wear a heavy Halloween costume while a longer haired dog will be more at ease in a light costume.

Your dog's personality is the last thing to consider when choosing a dog costume for Halloween. Some dogs love to wear clothes. These are the dogs that are the most fun to dress up for Halloween. They can easily be dressed in almost any type of costume.

Dogs that do not like to be dressed however - might end up biting if someone tries to force their legs into a cute outfit. Dogs with this kind of temperament can still be dressed up for Halloween. It is just easier to find a bandana that matches the owner's costume to tie around their collars. A dog in a bandana might not be as cute as a dog dressed up in a wiener costume or a witch Halloween costume - but people will still be amused if it matches the owner's costume.

Sewing Craft Ideas for National Sewing Month

T-shirt Tote Bags and Drawstring Pant Leg Pouches are a great way to participate in this year's national Sewing Month. They are easy to make and eco-friendly to boot.


President Ronald Reagan declared September as National Sewing Month with the issuance of Proclamation 5368. The home sewing industry at the time of the proclamation consisted of around 50 million women and men.

The home sewing industry has taken some hits over the last couple of decades. It has also seen growth in the areas of crafting and home decorating. The people who love to sew, however, have long recognized the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes from creating a unique and special handcrafted item.

The trend toward eco-friendly, green living has drawn even more attention to home sewing. Many people are now repairing worn items that might have been sent to the trash heap in the past. According to nationalsewingmonth.org, this year (2009 - was) the perfectly timed theme of National Sewing Month is "Reuse, Remake, Restyle."

The fabric from T-shirts that don't fit right or pants that have ripped beyond repair in the seat area can get new life by being made into something else. T-shirt Tote Bags and Drawstring Pant-Leg Pouches are two easy to make and useful craft ideas that fit perfectly with this year's National Sewing Month theme of "Reuse, Remake, Restyle".

Making t-shirt tote bags is a great, nearly free, way to get eco-friendly tote bags for shopping - or anything you might need to carry. Some t-shirts shrink so much when washed that they can n longer be worn. Sometimes a keepsake t-shirt gets outgrown before it wears out.

The supplies needed are an old t-shirt, sewing machine with universal or ball point needle installed, scissors, pins, and thread.

Lay t-shirt out flat. Pin bottom edge in three or four spots. Cut just inside of the sleeve seams. As close as possible to the neck edge, cut straight across - or as close to straight as you can without ruining any logos on the shirt front. Sew across bottom edge closed with a zigzag or stretch stitch. Pin or mark 2-3 inches up from the bottom.

Turn shirt inside out but only to the marked fold at the bottom edge. Make sure the folded edge is tight against the side. Run a side seam down the edge of the shirt even though it probably didn't have one before. Make sure to catch the folded edge because this will form a boxed bottom on the bag to make it slightly stronger.

To make the straps cut the sleeves into 3" strips at the longest edge. Fold in so raw edges meet in center. Sew folds closed and top-seam the other side. Sew the straps onto the bag but make sure the seam is about an inch down because when the top edge of the bag is finished the finishing seam should catch the strap as an extra reinforcement.

Drawstring Pant Leg Pouches are even easier to make than t-shirt tote bags. Pouches make good gift bags for anything long and slim.

The supplies needed to make Drawstring Pant Leg Pouches are Sewing machine, drawstring cord or ribbon, scissors, and thread. Cut the hem off of the pant leg. Add 3" to the desired length of the pouch. For example, if a 12" pouch is needed cut the pant leg at 15". Turn the pant leg tube inside out. Sew the bottom edge shut with a ½"seam. Fold the top edge down 1/4 "and sew with a loose stitch. Make 2 buttonholes close together just inside of the seam. Fold again at 2". Sew right on top of ¼" seam line. Insert drawstring in one button hole, going all the way around the 2" seam, with it coming out the other. If more color is desired, try fabric paint or an iron on appliqué.

Sources:
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/92785c.htm
http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/files/media/National_Sewing_Month_PR_Jun09.pdf

Unique and Easy Fall Craft Projects

Step by step directions for how to make a "jeans and t-shirt quilt" or a fall foliage-inspired dripped sphere candle.

Jeans and T-Shirt Quilt & Dripped Sphere Candle

The colors that occur in nature during the fall season are pretty. It's natural to want to bring them indoors for a fresh splash of color. Making autumn crafts in charming fall colors, like a dripped candle done in fall foliage's prettiest colors, or a cozy jeans and t-shirt quilt, is also a fun and easy way to embrace the season as cooler weather sets in.

Jeans and t-shirt unlined quilt
(54"x72" finished size)
 

Skill level - beginner to intermediate sewer

A jeans and t-shirt quilt can be made from old jeans and t-shirts as a way to recycle them - or you could buy new fabric, preshrink, and cut it into squares. It is a great fall craft project because it is immediately useful. It is perfect for chilly autumn nights and is easy for new sewing machine operators to craft. (1/2" seam allowance)

Craft Supplies needed:

• 108 - 7" squares of denim
• 108 - 7" squares of colorful t-shirt (soft knit) fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Steps:
• Cut 7"squares of denim and t-shirt fabric.

Mix the colors up a little bit. This kind of quilt will usually look best the more the colors vary.
Note for when you start sewing - all seams will show on the denim side.

Steps

1. First make "rectangles".
2. Place one square of denim face down on your work table.
3. Place one square of denim face up.
4. Focus on lining up one edge for now.
5. The wrong side of the denim and the t-shirt fabric will be against one another.
6. Put the next different colored square of t-shirt fabric face down on the first piece of t-shirt fabric.
7. Now place the last piece of denim face up on top of the whole pile - still keeping that edge lined up straight.
8. Sew a straight along the one edge you kept lined up straight - making sure to back-tack both ends.
9. Repeat that step 53 more times until you have used all 108 pairs of denim and knit fabric. (I know it sounds like a lot but it gets easier and faster after the first two or three.)  
10. When you have all of the rectangles together open them so you can see the t-shirt fabric and mix up the colors some more.
11. Make the rectangles into squares and then long strips.
12. Take two opened rectangles, place t-shirt fabric to t-shirt fabric and line up the next long edge. Sew on the denim with a straight stitch. Keep seams open to reduce bulk. Keep attaching rectangles until you have 9 squares across.  
13. Make 5 more of these until you run out of rectangles.
14. Sew your six strips together. T-shirt fabric to shirt fabric and sew on the denim side.
15. You should get 9 squares wide and 12 squares long.
16. Sew all the way around the outside to finish the outer edge.
17. Wash the quilt to fray the edges of the denim. It should look frayed with splashes of color that go around each square.

Dripped Candle  

Beginner level - super easy if you buy the sphere candle instead of making it yourself.

 

Dripped candles are nice-looking easy to make candles that look like they came from an expensive boutique. Making them in fall colors is an easy fall craft you can be proud to display or give as gifts.

Craft Supplies needed:

• 3 white sphere candles (you could just do one but all I found came in 3-packs.)
• 3 tapered candles in bright fall colors
• Newspaper - or something that won't get ruined when wax drips on it.

Steps:

1. Set the white sphere candles on the newspaper with the wicks straight up.
2. Light the darkest tapered candle
3. Hold the flame a few inches directly above the sphere candle and let the colored wax drip over it and roll down the side. (It will drip faster if you tip it so the flame goes up the side of the candle.)
4. Keep drizzling until you have streaks that run about every half inch.
5. Get the next colored taper and start the process over.
6. Some of the streaks will fill the empty spots and some will cross over the first lines of colored wax.
7. Take the last colored taper and repeat the process one last time.
8. If you aren't going to be burning the candles you could drape some silk fall foliage around them to make an elegant centerpiece. They do, however, look really nice on their own.

Sources:

• Basic Candle Making: All the Skills and Tools you Need to Get Started by Stackpole Books
• Personal experience

Three Useful and Fun Back to School Crafts to Do With Your Kids

Fun and easy direction for how to make an eco-friendly lunch bag, a decorated tote bag, and a decorated notebook.
Making back-to-school crafts with your children can be a great way to make memories with your children and to get them excited about going back to school. It can be extra special if the crafts are something the child can take to school with them and use on a daily basis.
Reusable Cloth Lunch Bag

Supplies you will need:

• One 3" strip of Velcro hoop and loop closure
• Sewing machine to use
• Thread
• One rectangle of sturdy fabric - size 9 ½" X25" 
• A pattern that your child likes or a solid and some fabric paint so your child can decorate the bag as desired.

A cloth eco-friendly lunch bag is an easy to make craft item. It is a good beginner -level sewing project if you want to teach your child to sew or a fun and easy project for you to work on together. This is not the kind of lunch bag you would want your child to put perishable foods in because it is not insulated. Think of it as being for days when your child wants to take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, crackers, granola bars, etc.

 

Steps for Making a Cloth Lunch Bag

1. Fold the length of the 9 ½" edge over ½", center the Velcro, and sew along the top and lower edge. This step both attaches the Velcro and finishes the edge.
2. With the wrong sides of fabric together and the Velcro closures lining up at the top - measure up 1 ½" from the bottom and pin to mark the spot.
3. Turn the right sides together. (Wrong side will now be exposed.) Pin again making sure raw edges line up. The bottom will be folded under in an accordion fold.
4. Sew up the side seams and then finish the side seam with a zigzag stitch or a serger.
5. Turn the lunch bag right side out, make sure the Velcro closes the bag, and if your child wants to add any further decoration this is where they can take over.

Decorated Tote Bag

 

This is an easy back to school craft project and your child can use it for carrying any number of things.

 

Supplies needed:

 

• Tote bag: available at any fabric store and most department stores - unless you want tot make your own.
• Fabric paint
• Brushes
• Stencils - letters, school buses, apples, rulers, etc. (Anything school-themed)

This is so simple because the fun of it is decorating it however your child likes it. If you are a good enough artist you can do this freehand and if you doubt your painting ability, or, if your child prefers to use stencils, then the two of you can decorate this back-to school tote in any way that pleases. Every time your child uses it they can be reminded of the fun they had painting and choosing the decorations they wanted on the bag.

 

Decorated Notebook

 

Supplies needed:

• Notebook
• Foam stickers
• Paint
• Paint brushes
• Stencils

This is another project where creativity is what makes it fun. Combining textures by using foam stickers and paint add interest to the notebook cover. Your child might want their name, or they might prefer a fun back to school scene. Imagine a green foam dinosaur climbing into a bright yellow stenciled school bus carry a painted apple for the teacher. It could be anything your child likes.

 

Making these useful back to school craft projects can be both fun and rewarding. Make sure to let us know how it goes if you try any of these easy, crafty ideas.

 

Selling Online: Getting Started

Whether you want to sell online as a profession or just get rid of a few things, choosing the best site to sell through is the first big decision.

Choosing the Right Site for Your Online Sale Items

With a few boxes of extras to "get rid of" I decided I would take them to the local flea market and offer them (for free) to a friend who has a booth there. I was very surprised to get a polite but firm "No thank you" in response. I offered them to another vendor who has similar items. That vendor did not want them either. (Some of these items were actually still brand new so I was feeling very surprised now.)

I brought my boxes of goodies home and started looking for ways to sell them online. I decided it might be fun to have my own online flea market. I found some great options for selling online. Three sites I found that seemed especially easy for a seller to use were EBay, Craigslist, and eCrater.

I wondered if other people have such a hard time trying to get rid of unwanted items. If you just have a few items you want to sell EBay and Craigslist are both nice - or if you want to start an online business eCrater is an excellent site to get started with no investment.

It is important to have a good photo of the item and to write a detailed explanation of the item you are selling. Customers making online purchases do not have the advantage of being able to touch the items so the picture and description are all the information they have to make the decision to purchase from you or not.
EBay is one option that has been around for a while. There is a small fee to list items plus a fee when the items sell so it is the most costly of the three sites. Registering as a seller with eBay is fairly simple. The screens pretty much "talk you through" the sign-up process.

I tried Craigslist on the recommendation of a relative. It is free to list most items on Craigslist. Registration for
Craigslist, similar to eBay, makes registration pretty simple. There are a few steps and some jumping back and forth from the website to check email. There is also phone authentication required to list some items. Overall I felt Craigslist was a good option for making a simple sale.

My personal favorite online selling option, eCrater, took a little bit longer to set up. This is a site that offers sellers their own online storefront - for free. It takes more maintenance than the other options, but it is closer to having your own online flea market - or whatever kind of stores you feel inspired to have. The name of your store will end in .ecrater.com - for example instead of everythingbutthefleas.com it will say everythingbutthefleas.ecrater.com.

The site guides you through the set up process and offers you choices in how you want customers to pay you. One option is to let AdWords be placed on your site and payments will be processed for free - making your online store front free to get and free to make sales on.

Whether you want to work from home, start an online business, or just get rid of a few things - selling online can be a great way to make some extra money.

Sources:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites">http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites</a>
https://scgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?RegisterEnterInfo">https://scgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?RegisterEnterInfo</a>
http://www.ecrater.com">http://www.ecrater.com</a>

Inexpensive and Fun Children's Valentine's Craft Party Ideas

A craft party gives children the chance to get together and have fun while making a Valentine's treasure they can keep or give as a gift.

Have you ever been at a children's party where the children really did not have anything to do? They run, screech, and rough house. That may be okay when the weather is nice so they can go outside but what about winter holiday parties? Bored children are going to look for something to do and it might not be something that is okay with the adults. Planning indoor activities makes everything go more smoothly. A children's Valentine's craft party gives children the opportunity to get together with friends for a party but it keeps them busy.

Choose Valentine's Craft Party Ideas According to Children's Ages and Abilities

Begin planning the party by considering the age of the children who will be invited. Younger children will do best with simpler crafts that involve construction paper, glitter, and gluing. Painting is great for young ones too, but make sure you warn the other parents ahead of time so they can send the children dressed in clothing that won't be hurt by paint. Projects involving clays make nice keepsakes for the children - or gifts for them to give - but drying time makes them difficult for a young children's party.

Older children will enjoy craft parties that involve more developed crafting skills. Making fleece scarves or even knotted fleece blankets is a fun idea for older children - depending on how much you want to spend on the party. Projects that involve letting children actually use your sewing machine will be best avoided for a party because your machine could get broken or someone could get hurt. It would also leave the children waiting for turns and getting bored - which is exactly what you want to avoid. Clay projects, fleece projects, macramé, beading, and painting are all fun Valentine's craft party ideas for older children.

Decide How Many Children to Invite to the Party

After choosing the craft you plan to have the children make at the party consider how many children you will be able to help at once. Most of them will probably not have any experience with what they are doing and will have lots of questions. Do you have any other adults who will be able to help? If your child has their heart set on a big group of friends coming to their party, it will work best to ask a friend or one of the other parents for help. Four to six children per adult will be the easiest number of children to work with at once. If you get too many they will spend more time waiting for help than making crafts.

Plan the Food for the Children's Valentine's Party

The last major part of planning your Valentine's children's party is deciding what to feed your guests. Keep it simple and avoid messy food. The children will be busy making crafts so an elaborate meal will not be suitable. Simple sandwiches, chips or vegetable tray, cookies, or just cake and punch for example, would be great. If possible also check with the other children's parents to see if there are any children with food allergies coming to the party so you can make sure you have something they can eat without feeling left out of the group.

What Kind of Sewing Are You ENjoying This Summer

I've been doing a lot of upholstery work, as I'm pushing reopening my custom car interior business back into the forefront of my activities.


But, I do plan to do a bit of clothes making and if they go well, I'll post pictures and tutorials.


I recently picked up a bra pattern I'm excited to try, as I'm an odd size and can't find a bra for under $40, I hope it goes well.


I also was inspired by a video about making underwear that made it look so easy and fun - I'm picturing all my scraps of knit fabric turned into cute panties - what a great way to reduce waste by using the scraps - if it works out.


So tell me, what are your summer sewing projects, and do you need any guidance on how to get them going or as you do them. If you get stuck, just ask for help - if I don't have the answer, I'll direct you to someone who does.

How to Make a Homemade Victorian-Style Valentine's Card

It's so easy to add your personal touch to cards for your loved ones and friends for Valentine's day.

Consider going old-style this Valentine's day and making a Valentine's card decorated with fabric scraps and sewing notions.

Update the card-making process a bit, though, by using high quality card stock and craft glue to make a truly collectible heirloom card.

What You'll Need:

• 1 sheet of card stock per card
• Craft glue
• 1 three-inch red heart-shaped piece of felt
• 3 or 4 small heart-shaped fabric scraps
• Lace
• Flat buttons
• Iridescent glitter

Instructions:

1. Fold the card stock in half to form the card's shape.
2. Spread a thin coat of craft glue on the back of the red felt heart, turn it over, and center it on the front of the card.
3. Coat the back of the smaller hearts with glue and randomly stick them around the edges of the red felt heart.
4. Run a thin bead of glue around each heart you want to add lace to and stick the lace in the glue around the hearts.
5. Coat the back of one button and randomly choose a heart to stick it in. Repeat with the other buttons until you are happy with how the card looks.
6. Run a thin bead of iridescent glue around the outer edge of the lace and around the perimeter of the card's front, like a border.
7. Sprinkle glitter in the fresh line of glue.
8. Allow the craft glue to dry completely on the Valentine's card before personalizing a greeting inside the card.

If you need to mail this card, I recommend using a padded mailer instead of a regular envelope - to avoid damage to the card.

3 Romance-Inspired Valentine Sewing Projects

Choose your pattern  based on your sewing skill leveled you decide to make one of these sweet Valentine sewing ideas, because you can make any of them as simple or as detailed as you wish with a few modifications.

3 Valentine Sewing Projects

1. Silky robes: Think deep burgundy shades for the man in your life and delicate pink for yourself. Or, mix things up and just use your favorite shades of blue for these silky, satiny valentine's robes.
2. Delicate, satiny nightgown: Make yourself a beautiful, soft and silky romance-inspiring satin nightgown in your favorite shade of light-catching silky fabric. Add delicate lace and embellishments along the neckline for an extra feminine touch.
3. Satiny boxers: Make the man in your life a pair of these romance-inspiring boxers in your his favorite shade of silky fabric.

Set your presser for on heavy when sewing thin, fabrics, and use a light-weight satin needle to avoid tearing up delicate fabrics - unless your fabric is a silky knit - then use either a lightweight ball point needle or universal needle.

Also, if you have problems with your fabric sliding, wrap a layer of  tissue paper around the seam you are working on. Then just tear the tissue off after you finish each seam.

3 Easy Valentine's Projects to Decorate Your Home With Love

Hearts and lace just about define valentine's day for a lot of people, and you can try these 3 easy valentines projects that just ooze love to decorate your home

1. No-sew heart fleece tied blanket: You can make this as large or small as you like. This can be put together as a valentines' gift or just as a charming love-themed accent to drape over your sofa or favorite chair. Get a rectangle of heart-printed fleece and a rectangle (the same size) of pink, red, or burgundy. Align the edges of the two pieces. Cut strips one-inch wide and four inches deep all the way around the fleece layers. (If you like, set the corner pieces aside and them stitch them together so you can use them to make a small soft pillow that matches your blanket.) Tie the cut strips together, one at a time, and without tying so tightly that you ruin the shape of the blanket.
2. Lacy basket liner with heart base: This can be done as a no-sew option or you can stitch it together if you wish to. These directions are for the no-sew option. Line your basket with waxed paper. Slide a large piece of lace into the bottom of your basket, so it goes up the sides and drapes over a little. Cut a pink or red heart from felt or fleece fabric. Coat the bottom of the heart with a thin layer of craft glue. Run a bead-line of glue around the inner edges of the basket, to help keep the lace in place so it will hold the basket's shape when the glue dries. Sprinkle iridescent glitter in the glue for a special, sparkly touch.
3. Lacy silk-heart table cover: Cut a piece of silky fabric large enough to cover your table and to hang down almost to the floor. Stitch a pre-made lace ruffle all the way around the fabric's edge. Cut lace hearts out and stitch them to the edges of the cover, just above the lace, every few inches apart. Use a loose zigzag stitch, or hand sew the lace hearts for the best result.

I would love to hear what you think of these easy valentine's day inspired home decorating and gift ideas, or of any other ideas you would like to share with the Stitching it Right community.

3 Easy Valentine Kid's Crafts

Let your young children share in the joy of making handcrafted gifts this Valentine's Day with one of these three easy textile crafts.

3 Easy Valentine Kid's Crafts

1. Knotted fleece blanket: Pick pretty fleece with colorful hearts for one layer and your giftee's favorite solid color fleece for the other layer. These knotted blankets are super easy to make, and you don't have to sew them at all of you don't want to, because fleece fabric does not fray. I have, however found, that stitching the two fabric layers together (about four inches in from the outer edge) before cutting the strips to tie, makes it much MUCH easier to keep the layers aligned and get a smooth finished blanket. 
2. Applique pillow case: You can either make the pillow case or start with a plain pillow case from the store, and then just get some cute "love-themed" appliques. Iron the appliques onto the desired spots on the pillow case. Let the appliques cool. Then, either hand sew or machine stitch around the outer edge of the applique to secure the cute decorations. .
3. Jammie pants 'butt' drawstring tote bag: This one is for kids of all ages who get a kick out of 'butt humor' - and it's super easy to make, too. Start with a worn out or outgrown pair of jammie pants. If you don't have any, a thrift shop or garage sale is a great place to pick some up without spending much. Turn the pants inside out. Cut the legs off off the pajama pants right across the hip area, leaving the crotch seam intact. Sew across the entire bottom with a tight zigzag stitch or a serger. Cut a small hole in the waistband to pull the elastic through. Turn the 'butt bag' inside out. Make the big loopy know in the elastic drawstring so it won't pop back inside the jammie pants bag. 

Adult supervision is recommended for young children putting any of these crafts together, as they involve scissor use, sewing needles, and a hot iron. 

5 Easy Valentine's Sewing Ideas

Whether you are planning ahead to make Valentine's gifts or trying to create something special at the last minute, one of these hand crafted gifts might be just the thing for your special Valentine.

I think making a special gift for Valentine's Day is such a sweet way to show friends and family that you care. These easy gift ideas are great to put together on a chilly day when you can't get outside, or when you are simply short on time.

Easy Valentine's Sewing Projects

1. Fleece scarf: Fleece is an easy to work with fabric that does not fray and a scarf is basically a long, skinny rectangle, making a cozy scarf a quick and simple gift idea. For more details and step-by-step directions, check out my fleece scarf-making tutorial here on Stitching it Right.
2. Heart-applique tote bag: Start with some sturdy denim fabric and a basic tote bag pattern, and a square of red fleece or felt. Cut out a chunky red heart and either zigzag stitch or hand sew it in the center of one other tote bag sides. Then stitch the tote bag together following the pattern directions.
3. Walker tote: This gift idea is for people who have to use walkers. It's similar to the heart-applique tote idea, but instead of traditional bag straps, you'll need a pattern with a fabric flap that fastens around the front walker bar. One note: Make sure the pattern you choose has compartments to hold your loved one's needed items, such as a phone or the TV remote.
4. Silky pajama bottoms: This is a bit harder than the other ideas, but if you choose a pattern labeled easy or beginner, you'll be amazed by how quickly these simple garments go together.
5. Scented heart-shaped sachets: Cut out some small (about 4 inches tall and wide) heart shapes from felt or fleece, sew around the perimeter with a zigzag or other decorative stitch all but a 1-inch opening. Stuff some loose cotton batting inside the heart. stitch the gap shut. Sew or glue a small ribbon bow or rosette on the front of the heart, then spray perfume or cologne on the heart - kind of a lot - and let it soak in. Then your Valentine can just toss the sachet in a drawer and let the scent loose in the drawer. More scent can be added as needed, when it fades.

If you try making one of these easy Valentine's gift ideas, I'd love to hear how it turns out, so be sure to pop back and leave a comment.