Quilt-As-You-Go

My first quilt.

Supplies:
-Baby crib size batting
-spray adhesive
-1.6 meters of flannelette for backing of quilt
-0.4 meters of 5 different patterned flannelette for front of quilt
-0.4 meter of fabric for binding
-thread that matches the fabric backing
-rotary cutter
-sewing supplies
-iron & ironing board

Directions:
1.  Lay the fabric backing RS down on the floor then spray with spray adhesive and attaching batting.
2.  Cut the 5 different patterned fabric with rotary cutter in random widths and lay them out
3.  Pin the top strip to the top of the batting/backing RS up and sew along the top edge (sew through all three layers).
4.  Lay the next strip on top of the attached strip RS together.  Sew bottom edge.
5.  Press the seam open so the new strip is RS up and repeat until all the strips are attached.
6. Bind quilt.

Here is a really great quilt binding tutorial from Amy of Diary of a Quilter.  

I can't believe how easy it was to make this quilt using the quilt-as-you-go method!  Here is a good video on the quilt-as-you-go method. 

Happy Quilting!

Tote Bag

2nd Sewing Project - Tote Bag

Supplies:
45" of home decor fabric
45" of lining (I used Vinyl so if I spill something it can be wiped clean.)
3 meters of webbing

Directions:
Fabric A: Two 14.5" x 12.5" pieces for front and back
One 9" x 40.5" pieces for sides and bottom
Fabric B: (lining): Two 14.5" x 12.5" pieces for front and back
One 9" x 40.5" pieces for sides and bottom
Webbing: Two 44" pieces for straps

Assembly:
1.  Draw 3" line in from each side front and back of bag.  Place webbing along the sides of the front & back.  Stitch in place stopping 2" from top of bag.  Stitch front to side/bottom while clipping and pivoting at corners. Repeat with back piece.  Press seams toward sides.
2.  Repeat for the lining, leaving an opening in the bottom for turning.  With RS together, stitch lining to bag top, keeping handles free.  Turn RS out, press.  Slip stitch opening in lining closed.
3. Edge stitch top of bag.  Reposition handles and continue stitching handles to bag and along edges.

For other tote bag tutorials I would recommend you check out 10 Free Tote Bag Patterns and Tutorials by Cindy of Skip to My Lou.

Happy Sewing!

DIY - Christmas Ornaments

Handmade Christmas ornaments make great stocking stuffers and are so beautiful!  You can buy clear glass Christmas ornaments and then stuff ribbon inside or use double sided tape and paste ribbon on the outside.  I have also rolled up small pictures to make personalized ornaments or put stickers on the outside of the ornament.  

Handmade by my sister

Handmade by my sister

 There are so many blogs with tutorials on how to make handmade Christmas ornaments.  Here are some I would recommend you try: Greenbean's Crafterole and Cook Love Craft.

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Wreaths

I was taking out my Christmas Decorations tonight and found my Holiday Wreath that I made a few years ago.  I still love this homemade wreath more than the ones you can buy in the stores especially because the possibilities are endless... you can choose the colour scheme and what to place on the wreath.  Plus side is that they are much cheaper this way and fun to make!  All you need is a plain wreath, a hot glue gun and some decorative material (i.e. ribbon, artificial flowers, ornaments, etc.)