Christmas Stockings Galore!

For 3 days (on and off) I drew, cut, sewed and finished stockings for each person in our department.  It wasn't a hard job but it was one that took a little time and effort.  To make a stocking for someone special you will need:

wool felt

thread

scissors

ribbon

hot glue gun & sticks

button

Step 1: Using the template draw the stocking onto the felt (you will need two). 

Step 2: Cut out the two stocking parts.

Step 3: Place stockings right sides together and sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way around leaving the top open.

Step 4: Flip the stocking!

Step 5: Trim the top with decorative scissors or pinking shears and fold down 1".

Step 6: Cut 2" of ribbon (make sure you cut the ends on an angle).  Fold the ribbon in half and hot glue to the front of the stocking.  Glue button on top of fold.  Now you have your finished stocking!

Hairbows-Korker Bows

The second bow to make takes a little more time but not any more skill.  Any your little girl will love the cute new bow.

You will need: (not all supplies pictured)
Ruler
1/4" dowel rods
wooden clothes pins or binder clips
baking sheet
grosgrain ribbon 3/8"
oven
scissors
hair clip
needle
heavy duty thread or embroidery thread

1. Begin by putting your ribbon at the top of the dowel rod and securing it with a clothespin.  Twist the dowel in your hand and wind the ribbon snugly around the dowel.  Once you get to the end of the dowel trim the ribbon and secure the end with a clothespin.  Place the finished ribbon dowel on a cookie sheet.

Once you have all the dowels you need (or want) wrapped in ribbon place them in a 275 degree oven for 25 minutes.  You can bake longer if you would like, however I would keep an eye on them since each oven is different.

Once your ribbons have cooled completely remove them from the dowels.  I made a 3" bow so I cut my ribbon 2 1/2".  Depending on the size of bow you want cut accordingly (4" bow= 3 1/2" cuts). 

Once you have cut all of your ribbon stack them together. 

Begin placing korker ribbon on the needle but do NOT thread it all the way down (just yet).  Continue to stack the ribbon onto the needle, keeping your finger at the bottom of the needle to prevent it from sliding.  Make sure you put each korker in a different direction.  Now pull the thread through the ribbon until the knot in the thread stops it.  Push the needle back down through the middle of the ribbon.  You will need to do this several times be careful (needle pokes hurt).  Seal the ends of the ribbon and attach to a clip or barrette.  You can attach using hot glue or sewing the bow to the clip or barrette. 

(I will post pictures of the finished product later!)

Hairbows-pony tail holder

Making your own hair ribbons or pony tail holders is quick and easy and much cheaper than purchasing from a bonqtiue.  For all my supplies to make both of these items I spent less than $10. 

The pony tail holder is the simplest to make and requires the least amount of time.  You will need some scrap fabric, cover button kit, scissors, and ouchless elastic bands.

Next using the button shell trace the outline of the shell onto the fabric.  Trim fabric leaving a 1/2 inch of fabric around the shell. 

Using the mold that comes in the kit place the mold on a solid surface.  Lay fabric right side down onto the mold.  Push button shell into the mold.  The fabric will cover the top of the shell and the excess will be push out above the sides of the mold.  Trim the excess fabric.

Put the back of the button cover into the mold.  Using the pusher push until the back is firmly set into the shell.

Unmold the finished button.  Turn the button over to show the back.  Through the small hole insert a hair elastic and pull the long side of the elastic through the small loop that has formed. 

Pull tight.  The hair elastic is now secured to the button cover and is ready to use.

Enjoy your new hair accessories. 

Paper Oranments

I found a cute How-to on Becky's blog to make paper Christmas oranments.  They are super simple and cute.  All you need is scissors, scrapbook paper, staples, and some string.  Even pre-K kids can enjoy this simple and quick decoration.  Here is what I created:

Post comments and pictures to show me what you have created!

Owl Friends!

After creating OW the Owl for my son.  I practiced my sewing skills a little more and created an owl for my niece.  Below are pictures of the two. 

The Owl!

Yesterday, while surfing for gift ideas I ran across a pattern to make an owl. I was determined to create this item in one afternoon, even with a 21 month old's help. So after about 4 and 1/2 hours I completed the project. I plan to make another this evening to give to my niece for Thanksgiving. It is really a easy project to do one evening.

Cut 2 owl body pieces. I use a template I found on line.

Cut 4 feet, 2 eyes, 2 pupils, 1 beak, 1 belly, and 1 triangle. You can choose whatever colors you like.
Pin the owl together first to determine the layout. This will also help you decide what to sew first.
Once you have sewed all the pieces to the front of the owl. Stitch right sides together and flip and stuff.

Here is Owie. Wyatt really loves his new toy. Have fun making this for a child in your life.

I've FINISHED!!!!

Ok so some weeks ago I mentioned that I had started crochecting a scarf. Well now I have officially finished! It is not a very wide scarf however it is just right for me. I am now working on my next projects for Christmas. Hopefully I can finish them all in time! Below are some pictures of the finished product.

Susan my gracious model shows how easy the scraf is to wear! This was a great first project. Simple stitches made it easy for me to complete. Great beginner project!