Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Elf Christmas Stocking Tutorial & Pattern


Elf Christmas Stocking Tutorial & Pattern

These shown are in Liberty Print Fabrics

As promised a tutorial and downloadable pattern,
for you to scale to what ever size you want your stockings.

Also a reminder I am also giving away one of the stockings,
it is open to anybody anywhere in the world!!
all you have to do is go to the previous post
leave a message and I will be picking a winner on Sunday.
The Tutorial
I used approx FQ to 1/2 metre/yard of fabric on these
And used 4 different fabrics
2 pieces for the leg
2 pieces for the toe
2 heel pieces
1 piece for the cuff
PLUS batting or thin wadding
optional cotton lining inside same size as batting
(so it is sandwiched, you can also buy cotton backed wadding)
TIP: if you don't have either of these and want to use up those craft things you have been hoarding, you know that 1/2 metre of felt you have hanging around!
Then use this to bulk it out, after all, its not a quilt that is being washed all the time.
First cut out your paper pattern 
Then cut out your fabric pieces
2 x leg
2 x toe
2 x heel
1 x cuff on fold 
Taking one toe piece & leg piece
match up 
On join, fold right sides together
(hard to see on the Tana lawn fabric! sorry!)
Pin
NOTE: see the 1/4" overlap at edges.
You will sew a 1/4" seam, so this overlap will help prevent it being off centre
sometimes only practice makes sense on this when you open it out and iron.. 
Open out and iron
I still have unmatched seams on the left,
but don't worry it will be trimmed up later 
repeat this for the other side of the stocking
Next lay the cotton white fabric right side down - if using
then the batting, wadding or elt (what ever you have to hand)
Then one of the the stocking sides face up
then lay the heel in place, pin.
First I using a zigzag stitch sew the heel in place,
this also prevents fraying
Then I freehand quilt the rest of the stocking,
if you don't know how or do not have a machine foot to do this
then just straight line stitch at  a random intervals across the stocking.
Next after sewing both sides cut around the edges.
You should end up with something similar to the above photo. 
With right sides together line up your heel
Pin,  sew around the edge with a 1/4" seam, leaving the top end open 
Before turning, snip into all the curves 
and snip away fabric at the curly toe
Turned stocking
TIP: push the toe out using a large knitting needle.
just be careful not to push the needle through the fabric.
Then put to one side.
Taking your cuff piece of fabric opened out 
notice longer edge along top and bottom
shorter edge left and right
Fold in half
shorted ends together, and right sides together,
sew down what is now the longer side,
shown on the right side of this photo,
turn right-side out, you will have a tube, iron flat the seam
Then turn up, so both raw edges are toether 
A closer look of the other end
then iron flat again 
We are now on the home straight!
Taking your stocking and cuff piece
as shown 
place your cuff inside the stocking and pin.
All your raw edges will be together 
You stocking maybe large enough to go around the bottom of your machine,
The way you may sew a leg hem.
if you remove the attached plate,
If not careful sew with the cuff above the machine
(I will add a photo as reference as this is what I did)
Then over-lock the seam, and trim
Pull the cuff out from the inside 
And fold the cuff over the stocking leg
Iron.
Last thing to do is stuff to the toe add a jingle bell, 
then a piece of ribbon and optional button at the top for hanging  and decoration.
You are now all finished!
For these I used Libery Print Fabrics
For the pattern
If you have problems
email me at blondedesign@hotmail.co.uk

Sunday, 2 December 2012

Liberty Print Elf Christmas Stockings & Giveaway

Liberty Print Elf Christmas Stockings

From the Liberty Print Fabric Bundle I received
I chose four out of the five fabrics to feature in my Elf Christmas Stockings.
Each stocking uses all four fabrics

Each stocking has a stuffed toe and real jingle bell
A patchwork heel and freehand quilting
At first I didn't know if my clashing mix would work, 
but as with all Liberty print fabrics I had nothing to fear!

I will be uploading a tutorial and pattern 
on these Tuesday, with a side bar link
so keep a lookout,
THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

So as much as would like to keep them all
I will be giving one away.
You have a four separate chances of winning
To win just leave one little comment and let me know what one you would chose.
Tell me and follow my blog (separate comment)
Tell me and follow my facebook (separate comment)
Tell me and Tweet me the blog post, spread the word (separate comment)

open to anybody anywhere in the world not just the UK

I will do the draw a week today.

Have a great end to the weekend
Kx

Fresh Sewing Day


I am participating in Fresh Sewing Day at Lily’s Quilts.  It’s a place to share finishes (or a favourite finish) from the past month. The link button is on the right.
I forgot how much I made in November
Hexagon Quilt, 2 x Scalloped Bunting, hot pot mats, pincushion rings, doll quilt set, 3 patchwork cushions  pirate bunting, Christmas stocking bunting, and finally my rag doll fabric arrived, so I am busy making them with skirts and booties.
Now all you have to do is link up. Kx

Friday, 30 November 2012

Liberty Print Fabric Bundle

Liberty Print Fabric Bundle
In order from top to bottom
I have been gifted these fabrics by Liberty
and have always loved how the prints have and still remain fresh today
and although I could just keep them hanging on a line all day
I will be making Elf Christmas Stockings
along with a tutorial to make you own
over the weekend....
I will also be giving away an Elf Christmas Stocking
on my blog, so keep watching....
p.s. Can't wait I'm off to Liberty for afternoon tea next week,
a stroll around the fabrics and haberdashery means
I will not be leaving empty handed.
Kx

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

My Rag Doll Fabric Arrived!

Bluebell
Lilly Jane 
Daisy May
Rose Ann

Finally they arrived in the post.
My four rag dolls will will be about 18-20 when made up.
They have come out better than I thought
All I need to do is make them up, 
And make a skirt, do a tutorial, design some booties.......
Roll on Weekend.
Kxxx


Sunday, 25 November 2012

Sunday Pictures

Dolly Quilt Set
in Yellows, greys & whites 
Yellow Candy Stripe Bias Binding

Thought I migth have gone over the top on the quilting!
but love the finished look, 2 spools of white cotton later
on a 20" x 24" quilt! 
I little bit of retro fabric on the reverse of the cushion and quilt
Cushion reverse
Green patchwork pillow cushion

Have a great weekend xxx

Thursday, 22 November 2012

Vintage Modern Hexagon Quilt

Finally Finished!!
Vintage Modern Hexagon Baby Quilt
Made from half hexagons
33" x 43"
in pinks, reds, aqua and grey
I desided to bind it in a dove grey plain binding
which matches the grey in some of the prints
I don't know if you can see
 but I straight line quilted it in pink
Little peek of the red spotty reverse!
And a better view of the reverse
the grey binding looks great with the red
Stitching close up.
The fabric collection is Vintage Modern by Bonnie & Camile
The binding I used was the second in the pile from the top
a colour I have called medium grey!
Almost the weekend!
Kxx



Saturday, 17 November 2012

Yummy Christmas Liberty Print Gifts

Christmas is quickly approaching and it’s time to start creating our wish lists. These are some Liberty exclusives inspired by their print and fabrics....
And if I get any of these from Santa, I will be one happy girl woman

Left to Right
1. Kitty Grace Liberty print knot watch
2. Liberty patchwork fabric bundle
3. Dr. Marten’s flower Liberty print satchel
4. Mabelle print large notebook

p.s
The fabric bundle is different width strips all at full length 132cm, just as jelly rolls are.
Instant quilt in the making!!! 
The notebooks definitely a notebook to write those 'to do' ideas & makes...


Left to Right
1. Blue Hera print miniature suitcase
2. Green Lodden print miniature suitcase
3. Purple Thorpe miniature suitcase

I just love these, what would I use one of these for....
First display it!
Second display it filled with stuff a craft fairs
Third would it be wrong to fill with hand sewing on the train?
Fourth - just measured my laptop and fits perfect!!

Kx

Wednesday, 14 November 2012

Monday, 12 November 2012

I Heart U

Just spreading a bit of love....
after all in is only Monday
Kx

Sunday, 11 November 2012

Bunting & Pillows

Bunting & Pillows
I have got into scalloped bunting!
after making some for my shelves in the kitchen to go along the shelf edge
I got the bug and they look quite pretty.
I cut the circle out of a full width 5" square
cut in half, sew around the curve, snip the curve (a must on curves!!)
then iron the curved seam open as best you can before ironing flat
otherwise you get that not so curved edge.
And sandwich in between bias binding
 Grey Yellow White combo
Grey Yellow White combo
Red Pink Green Combo
 Red Pink Green Combo
And a patchwork cushion pillow
Kx

Saturday, 10 November 2012

Pirates V Santa Claus

 
12ft Mini Pirate Bunting
2.5" wide flags in reds, blacks & whites
24 Mini Felt Christmas Stockings
Mini red, white & grey garland

What do you prefer?
Now if you are female I guess the stocking garland, as long as each one contains a chocolate
But if you are a boy, pirate bunting is the way to g, but I guess he would like both...

kxxx


Friday, 9 November 2012

Rag Doll Kit in the Making!



Meet the Gang
I was going to wait until I have received the fabric back before showing you them
but couldn't!
I want to sell ready make dolls and in kits, with cute felt booties and little pillowcase dress or skirt.
The kit still not totally planned! will have this fabric, a little booklet with instructions and a pattern for felt booties, dress & skirt, piece of fabric to make clothing and felt for the booties.
I think the only thing I won't include is the stuffing as this bulks it out...
Can't wait to get some back so I can sew and show you.
They take up 1/2 yard of fabric each.
Karen



Monday, 5 November 2012

WIP Pink Tilda Cot Quilt

Work in Progress
Not the perfect picture, no daylight
Following on from yesterday and the weekend stash I purchased.
I have cut and stuck on my working wall my squares
ready for sewing together
should end up around 33" x 48"
All Tilda Fabrics, and Pretty!

Sunday, 4 November 2012

Weekend Stash

Tilda Fabrics by Tone Finnanger
I am about to start a custom order quilt
in these yummy fabrics
Rose stripe in red
Roses on white
Roses on Red
Star Flower in pink
Pink Dots
Dots on Red
Think I will want to keep it!! 
Still waiting on three to arrive - below
Had to make sure there were 2 fabrics included
Molly in Pink
And Berrie in Pink
Also have added this, adding a little more calm white and the green 
called Tammie in pink

So having the nine fabrics will make a great 9 square patch pattern

And as it is raining outside (Surprise!!!)
I will be getting on my sewing machine.
Have a great Sunday.
Kxx