Tag: ideas

Fun Christmas Character Gnomes

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Whenever I think of Christmas, all of those iconic characters from Christmas classics come to mind!

I was crafting with my mom and we started brainstorming all of the possibilities available when making gnomes. There are just SO many cute cute gnomes out there.

I took up the challenge and decided to make some themed gnomes of my own. I hope you enjoy!

I just simply couldn’t resist making these guys!

This big green guy can be made using the basic Christmas Gnome Pattern and tutorial. He is a size X-Large and stands about 10.5 inches tall without his hat. I added a sherpa binding to the edge of the hat and a bit of fur around the entire body, rather than just the beard.

This little lady was super fun! I made the small size.

I really enjoyed decorating this one as well as making the hair. It took four tries to figure it out, but I was really happy with the results!

I really enjoyed styling the hair. All the little braids were time consuming, but I love the end result!

I also really liked adding decorations, such as buttons and pearls.

Of course, these two would not be complete without their furry friend!

This little pup was actually super quick to make and I absolutely adore how he turned out. I used minky to give him that furry look 🙂 And a pipe cleaner is the antler. A special thanks to my sister for that idea!

SUPPLIES:

  • All
    • Poly-fil
    • Poly Pellets
    • Wooden Bead or Pom pom for Nose
    • Coordinating Thread
  • Green Santa
    • Green Fur
    • Red Velvet
    • Green Body Fabric
    • Sherpa for trim
    • Pom pom for Hat
  • Little Girl
    • Yarn (Hair)
    • Felt or Fabric (Body)
    • Decorative Overlay (Optional)
    • Felt (Collar)
    • Felt (Upper body under hair)
    • Tiny Buttons (Optional)
    • Pearl Trim (Optional)
  • Little Dog
    • Light Brown Fabric (Body – I used minky)
    • Dark Brown Fabric (Ears – I used minky)
    • Red Embroidery floss
    • Pipe Cleaner (Antler – I used yellow)

FREE PATTERNS:

xlarge-christmas-gnome-pattern-10.25-inchesDownload
little-girl-christmas-gnome-pattern-smallDownload
little-girl-christmas-gnome-patternDownload
tiny-christmas-dog-gnome-pattern-learncreatesewDownload

Visit my Christmas Gnome Page for more pattern options

DETAILED VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS – LITTLE GIRL

DETAILED VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS – DOG

DETAILED VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS – CLASSIC GNOME

Happy Sewing!

Learn to Sew: Lesson 5: Felt Carrying Case

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Thanks for your patience for this latest post! I am a full time teacher, and with school starting back in full swing I haven’t had as much time to devote to new posts as I would like. Don’t worry! I still plan to post new content. However, it just may not be as frequent as it was over the summer. I hope you enjoy the new projects as they come and until then check out my free projects that are already available!

This is a fun quick project that helps practice sewing straight seams. It also introduces bag making basics with boxed corners.

Lesson Category:

  • Machine Sewing – Straight Seams

Lesson Topics:

  • Essential Tools
  • Cutting Rectangles
  • Sewing Straight Seams
  • Boxing Corners

This project uses large sized felt fabric, since the pieces are larger than the standard sized felt sheets available in most stores.

Felt is a great fabric to start with for your first projects because it doesn’t fray. You don’t have to worry about raw edges and it will look nice inside and out!

The top of the bag is made with two layers of felt stitched together for added strength and to provide contrast.

It also has boxed corners. Boxed corners can be a bit of a challenge, but it adds a lot of great features to your bag.

It provides space at the bottom of the bag so it is no longer flat.

In this case it also allows the bag to stand up. Once you learn how to add boxed corners it is a great feature to add to many different types of bags and cases.

felt-case-pattern-letter-size-by-learncreatesewDownload

Lesson:

Water Bottle Holder

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The supplies for making a water bottle holder have been sitting in my closet for quite a while, and I was excited to finally use them!

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I was walking through the Dollar Tree and found this super cute water bottle and thought it was just perfect for the water bottle holder that I wanted to make.

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This water bottle has an optional drawstring at the top. The pattern is adjustable and can work for water bottles of various sizes. The pattern has templates and measurements calculated for water bottles with diameters from 2.5 – 3.125 inches. You can also adjust the height and the handle length as you like.

So, whether you are using a disposable water bottle or one that is more durable, this pattern can work for you.

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I have been using this water bottle holder for a week now and I have to say that I LOVE IT! I have started carrying it around with me and have found it super handy 🙂

Supplies:

Exterior Cotton Fabric (1/3 yard should be enough for holders up to 9 inches tall)

Lining Cotton Fabric (1/3 yard should be enough for holders up to 9 inches tall)

Rattail Cord (Optional – Approximately 1/2 yard)

Spring Cord Stopper (Optional)

Here is the free pattern:

Water Bottle Holder Pattern by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

Learn to Sew Lesson 2: Rice Bags

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The second Learn to Sew lesson continues to focus on hand-sewing. Most of the time when we are hand sewing we are not working with felt or yarn. As a result, it is very helpful to practice your stitch size and placement, as well as working with regular all-purpose thread.

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Recommended prep before this lesson:

Lesson Category:

  • Hand Stitching

Lesson Topics:

  • Careful Cutting
  • Identifying the Right Side of the Fabric
  • Using a Seam Allowance
  • Double Threading a Needle
  • Tying a knot
  • Sewing a Back Stitch
  • Blanket Stitch Applique
  • Stitch Size & Placement
  • Slip Stitch

Whether you have been sewing for a while or are picking up a needle and thread for the first time, rice bags are always a fun project 🙂

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For this project, you get to add decoration of your choice to really personalize your project! Decorative stitching can add dimension to any project and is a great skill to have even when sewing complex projects. These also make great gifts when you are finished.

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Supplies:

5.5 x 11 inches of Cotton Fabric

Scrap Felt

1 Cup of Rice

Coordinating All-Purpose Thread

Here is the free pattern:

Owl and Sloth Rice Bag Patterns by learncreatesew

LESSON:

Fun Size Backpack

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I absolutely LOVE this backpack! This is my favorite size backpack to take to amusement parks. At 9 x 11 inches it is smaller than regular sized backpacks, but large enough to hold a lot. I’ve stuffed this thing with water bottle, snacks, extra sweatshirt, wallet, keys, notebook, first aid kit, and more. However, it’s not so big that it gets too heavy, as regular sized backpacks can.

It even fits in a lot of the ride compartments at Disneyland. That is it’s best feature in my book!

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It is constructed with a layer of cotton overlaying duck canvas. I used bias tape to bind the seams.

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I’ve made six or seven of these bags using a variety of fabrics and interfacing. I’ve used vinyl, suede, plain canvas, fusible fleece, and even satin. The cotton covered canvas, with woven interfacing is my favorite combination! It is nice to work with, strong without being bulky, and holds its shape very well.

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I love the pocket in front. While it takes patience to construct it’s not too difficult once you know the method.

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This bag also has adjustable straps depending on how you like to wear your backpack.

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yd 41” wide Main Cotton Fabric
42 inches 19” wide Interfacing (I used Pellon SF101)
3/8 yd 58” wide Canvas (I used duck canvas from JoAnn)
One 20 inch zipper
One 13 inch zipper

1 pkg Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
75 inches 1” wide Strapping
Two 1” wide Rectangle Rings
Two 1” wide Tri-glide adjusters
One “Handmade” Metal Tag (Optional)

This project takes a bit of time and patience when working with multiple pieces, zippers, curves, and interfacings. Difficulty 7/10.

Approximate Finished Dimensions (inches):

Main Compartment 9 x 3.75 x 11, Pocket 7 x 1.5 x 5.75

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: PART 1: Fabric, Zippers, Pocket

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: Part 2: COMING SOON!

Free Pattern:

fun-size-backpack-cut-layouts-supply-list-by-learncreatesew-updatedDownload
fun-size-backpack-pattern-by-learncreatesew-updatedDownload

Please note, this pattern has been updated. There was an error in the first version of the pattern, the bottom pocket gusset piece should measure 12.75 inches in length. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Super Simple Tote Bag

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This project is quick and easy, a simple tote bag that is a great project for new sewers. It is also really nice for gifts!

This bag is back to basics with a simple lining and fabric handle.

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This project doesn’t take long to make and can be easily adjusted for other sizes.

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The corners of the bag are boxed to provide space at the bottom, but it can also be made flat.

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This project is super simple and is a 1/10 in difficulty.

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Scrunchies with Removable Ties

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One of the projects that my students request to make most frequently is scrunchies! They are quick, easy, and don’t take a lot of fabric.

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You can use a variety of fabrics to make scrunchies, so it’s a great way to use the fabric in your scrap bin. Scrunchies are great in cotton, flannel, velvet, satin, and more.

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You can mix and match removable ties to add a bit of flare to your scrunchies.

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Scrunchies only take a few minutes to make and even beginning sewers can be successful with this project.

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You can make the scrunchies without the ties if you prefer.

Here is the pattern for the removable ties!

Scrunchie Tie Pattern by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Rag Doll Project Testing

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A rag doll was one of the project brainstorm ideas that I posted in my sketchbook recently. The project is a bit time consuming, so I opted to do other projects first.

However, this weekend I was quite excited to have the time to work on the project.

First, I drafted two pattern options. After testing them both I made some adjustments to my favorite version and found a shape I was pretty happy with!

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Next came the daunting task of tackling the hair! I do have to say that it took longer than expected to hand stitch all that yarn! Thank goodness for comfy couches and Netflix. It definitely helps the process.

Once I was happy with my rough drafts, I went on to test the project!

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I have to say, I was quite happy with the results! I love all of the hair! It took about a half skein of yarn, but I love how puffy it is!

I hope to have instructions and patterns ready to share soon!

Free Fleece Slipper Pattern – Adjustable Sizing

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I know this project is a little unexpected. I wasn’t planning to make fleece slippers. The idea has been sitting around in the back of my head for a while, but I hadn’t had great success in making a pattern that worked for me.

Thank goodness this week my mom came to stay with me 🙂 The subject of slippers came up and since she wanted to make slippers it got me started on this project again, and I am very pleased with how it turned out!

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We just wanted a simple fleece slipper. Something casual and easy to make.

Of course, then we had to make them cute and add decorations!

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Flowers were the first addition 🙂

We also played with contrasting binding. My mom made this cute pair with purple binding.

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After cuteness, we moved on to comfort. The first addition for comfort was two layers of fleece for the base! My mom’s brilliant idea! This really made a difference. It made the side seams less noticeable, hid all raw edges, and added a layer of cushion as well.

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We also found that each of us preferred a different style of slipper. While my mom loves the classic snug fit with a lot of coverage, I found that the high opening wasn’t what I was used to.

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So, we altered the pattern. We decided to add a second style, ballerina fit, with a larger opening and longer band. We then added an optional mary jane strap, just for cuteness.

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In the end, while we hadn’t planned to spend several days making slippers, it was totally worth it. We both love our homemade slippers!

The project is fairly easy. You just need to be comfortable working with fleece and using a zigzag stitch.

The pattern is a woman’s size 7 but can be adjusted slightly for other women’s sizes.

Fleece Slipper Pattern Letter Size by learncreatesew

Fleece Slipper Pattern BALLERINA Letter Size by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Also! A special thanks to my mom for being my photographer and pattern tester for this project!

Project Brainstorm Sketchbook – Hanger Storage Bag & Casual Skirt

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I had a few more ideas for possible projects!

First, I am thinking of making a closet storage bag, one that could easily hang from a hanger. It would have an open window for easy access. It is very similar to a clothespin bag.

hanger-bag

I am also thinking of making a casual skirt. My idea for this was a skirt that you could wear lounging around the house or on weekends. Just a simple flannel skirt with pockets. I can’t decide if I would prefer a drawstring or elastic waistband. I would definitely want comfort to be the priority.

casual-skirt