Rotary Cutter Case

Going to retreats and sew-ins, I see a lot of different ways other quilters carry their tools. One of my favorites was a little case to carry a rotary cutter in.

This one has enough space to keep your cutter plus a spare pack of blades, and you can change the closure on the pattern to something else, if you like.

---> Directions & Downloads

Please let me know if you find directions for any other types of cases out on the web- I was only able to find a few!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Wee Wonderful Elf!

This is a fun time of year to peruse the Web and see the fun projects that others are making. Just surf around and look at your favorite Design sites, sewing machine manufacturer sites and places like http://www.craftster.org/ and you will see so many great ideas!

This cute little Elf (see the pattern here) in redwork is from the Wee Wonderfuls blog of Hillary Lang, who always has something fun and cute in the works!

The design set is a girl-elf and boy-elf and her pattern shows these bits of stitchery on a pair of stockings. I may just follow suit with mine! Or it could be a cute bib, or maybe a little wall hanging, or christmas ornament, or...

Have you never done redwork? Have no fear!

This little elf-girl is my first attempt and it only took me about 90 minutes.

Redwork is a good introduction to hand embroidery and this pattern is a great start, and won't take you long at all.

If you would like more specific information about redwork, look here. And here is a good primer on the basic stitches you should know. (But basically, you just trace the pattern onto a fabric and use a needle and floss and sew it on!)

Happy Gift Making!

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Gift Cornucopia

Here is a charming little cornet, perfect for filling with candies or potpourri. Depending on your choice of colors, this could be used throughout the year. It would be quite pretty hanging from a Christmas tree, or alongside some stockings.

I found the idea at Yvonnes- a great site full of all sort of patterns to download. Click on the Free Patterns link and I am sure you will enjoy all she is sharing with the world.

Click here for the paper-piecing pattern. It might print light, so be sure to trace over the lines to keep track of where you are.

There are no instructions that go with the pattern, but it is pretty simple to figure out:

1. Piece the different parts of the Heart motif
2. Put those 3 larger pieces together to make the horn shape
3. It is basically done.

I chose to add some batting and a liner fabric, it helps it keep its shape better while hanging. And don't forget to add a string or ribbon to hang it with.

Another idea: Make the basic cornet design, then add appliques or lace or beads or other fun things. A whole set of these would be a very pretty gift.

This is another project for Thrifty Gift Maker hour, a live online chat held at #QuiltChat- all are welcome to join in the fun! (I have lost track a bit, lost count of the time LOL)I host Gift Maker Chat on Sundays @ 7 pm & Mondays @ 10 am EST, but there are usually folks in around the clock.

Not Having to Choose- Priceless

And a bit funny too.

I just noticed how well my Laptop and little Janome Platinum fit together on my sewing cabinet. LOL
Now... where to put the wine glass...