Hexagon Christmas Star Decorations/Coasters

These Christmas Stars are so quick and easy to create.  They can be used for Christmas tree decorations, strung together as a Banner, or as I use them as Coasters.  They are just the right size and take little fabric to construct.  

Use a variety of fabrics and play with patterns or plain. Seasonal or Festive. Your imagination can run wild. 

The pattern is not mine, but was found on the website www.kiwiquilts.co.nz a couple of years ago; and I keep referring back to them for inspiration. 

The pattern consists of two 'nesting hexagons' when turned on point the larger one acts as the backing and binding to the front to form the 'Star'. With a little piece of wadding to act as an insulator in between the layers, if using as coasters.  

Looks really unique.

The PDF link for this free pattern is:

Hexagon Christmas Star Decoration/Coaster

Disappearing Nine Patch Block

This has to be one of my all-time favourite quilting blocks.  It is super easy to put together, but looks like you have done so much work!  If you haven’t tried it yet here is a short written pattern to follow.

The size of each square is up to you and the outcome of each block.  If you have some charm squares lying around, this is perfect for using them up.  They are usually 5”x 5” and if using them your finished block will turn out 14”x 14”.  When you have sewn your blocks together another 1/2” will come off.  I do suggest that the center square be a dominant colour/pattern, as this is divided into fours and shows up repeatedly throughout the quilt.

Here I have put together a sample graphic of how your block could look.  There are many combinations but you will have to try arranging them as you feel fit for your desired outcome.

Firstly sew together nine squares to form a nine patch block in the traditional method.  Use 1/4” seam allowance.  Your block will look like the first image on the right.  Press your block.  Lay the block out on your cutting board aligning the lines and edges equally.  Taking your ruler and rotary cutter cut directly down the middle vertically and horizontally.  Your block is now in four pieces. 

Now it is up to you to sew all your blocks together in the arrangement you have decided on.  See, I told you it was easy.


Here is a graphic image of how your Disappearing Nine Patch Quilt could look.  Great for baby quilts, memory quilts, teenage quilts, lap quilts.  Have fun creating your own......

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Thank you ...... 

Crafty Computer Paper

Boxed Corner Pocket Tissue Holder
 
Here is today's project/tutorial an adorable 'Boxed Pocket Tissue Holder'.  These are so darn cute!  I have made so many of these using up scrap pieces of material for something that has a good use. 

Perfect for one of those last minute gifts.  As a thank-you.  And what could be better for a teacher's gift.  Imagine them made up from Christmas material!  My brain is in overload thinking of the possibilities. 

I promise you when you have made one you won't stop there.  Here I have given my written tutorial and if that is not clear enough I have put the link to my YouTube video.  Enjoy!

'Boxed Corner Pocket Tissue Holder'

A quick and easy sewing project to make as a gift in only half an hour.  Use up scraps of material you have left over from other projects.

Fabric:

Cut one piece 6 ¼” x 6 ¾” (outer fabric)

Cut one piece 6 ¼” x 7 ¾” (inner fabric)

Tools:

Cotton

Scissors

Rotary cutterPins

Cutting board

Sewing machine

Iron

Instructions:

1. Cut your fabric in contrasting colours/patterns.
2. Sew the short ends good sides together using a ¼” seam allowance. 
3. The outer fabric is shorter than the inner so just take it over and sew accordingly.  Then press with the iron.  This is how it should look.

You will have a border of inner fabric showing on both sides.  This is correct.

 4.  With the top side upwards mark the centre of fabric on the long sides.  This is to be your guide. 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Bring up both sides to the centre marks and pin into place. 

6.  Machine stitch across reinforcing the centre connections.
7.  Trim the edges and use an overcast stitch to neaten off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  To box the corners spread your corner side seam with the crease line formed.  Align them and pin approximately ½” down horizontally.   

9.  Machine stitch. 

 

                                       

 

 

           10.  Trim off the corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Trim off any hanging threads and then turn right side out.  Push out all four corners with your fingers or a blunt tool. 


        12.  Place in your pocket tissues.

 

 

 

Voila!  Your ‘Boxed Corner Pocket Tissue Holder’ is complete.

 If you found this tutorial interesting please like/share on Facebook/Twitter with friends and family.  Thank you.

 Video link:

Box Pleated MakeUp Bag

When I came across this makeup bag video on YouTube I just had to make it.  I cannot remember the name of the person's video, only that it was in another language I did not understand.  But after playing it a few times I managed to write down a pattern.  

I ended up making four of them because they turned out so well.  Big attraction to them. They don't take much material so I am sure you will have enough to run up a couple for yourself, friends and family for presents.  I created a video to demonstrate how I put it together.  I hope you find it helpful.

For mobile users click on this link to view the video: Box Pleated MakeUp Bag        

Please 'Like' and 'Share' if you found this post interesting.  Thank you.....

Hexagon Hand Bag

I just love to make bags, purses and totes. In my library of patterns/instructions I came across the 'Hexagon Bag'.  Gosh I wrote this in 2008 after seeing something similar on the internet. Honestly there are lots of designs out there, but finding one perfect for myself to follow was another matter. 

So I took pen to paper and came up with this pattern and instructions.  I have made three of these.  The one in the picture was my first, and I always gets comments on it when in use.  It is a comfortable size for me.  So, if you would like a free pattern click on the link and I will email a copy. 

Click here: Hexagon Handbag PDF

You can make it larger by adding more hexagons to the pattern or by making them larger in size.  Good for using up scraps of material if you want a 'jewel' to it.  For this bag I cut up an old blouse for the hexagons and backed it with black cotton.  I joined them up by hand, but to be honest it would have been quicker by machine; and what an array of different stitches you could use. Let your imagination run wild!

So, have fun with it.  Email some photos of finished projects.  I would love to see the different looks you have achieved.  Could even crochet the hexagons.  Now that would look good too.....

That Woman....

Small Purse/Wallet

Today I am adding my Small Purse/Wallet pattern that I wrote several years ago.  There are many ideas out there on the internet, but I have adapted this one to the size that I like to carry around.  I am not into large purses or hand-bags so this one has been perfect for me. 

 

I rarely carry cash on me so the need of a purse is questionable.  Of course it could be made bigger by cutting out a larger pattern to begin with.  Not difficult.  The project uses up very little fabric and could be made from scrap material.  I often use a cast-off blouse/skirt and recycle them into something else.

 

If you would like the PDF pattern I will put a link into the picture.  I am sure you will make more than one once you get going.  Enjoy!                             

                                             Small Purse/Wallet

Fun Ladies Quilt

What a great weekend it has been.  Beautiful weather with spring not too far into the future.  Makes me want to get out into the garden and clean up the winter deluge.  But fitting it in with my crafting will be difficult, as we all know LOL.

This past week has been filled with completing a well overdue quilt that I had pieced together years ago.  You know how it is, you buy fabric that catches your eye but doesn't go with any room of your house.  Ahuh, I can see you nodding.  

 

Well by chance a daughter of mine emailed a photo of her newly set up lounge in just the right colours, and as it is a lap size quilt, yep you guessed. It was a mad sewing frenzy to back and quilt it in time for her birthday.  Phew, done and mailed to Aussie in record time.  Thankfully she loved.  Now back to the other UFO's lurking in my cupboard.....

 

That Woman