It's in the Bag!

 I am always looking for easy ways to store items.  This drawstring bag is quick to make and can be done in lots of sizes.  This project was first made to store the Jenga style blocks from Dollar Tree.  But you can make them to store items like Legos, card games, small action figures, craft supplies, sewing notions and more.  

If you make one share in the comments what you use your bag for.

Thanks,

Danna

Keep those tissues handy

 If you are like me and have allergies all year long you always want those tissues handy.  I carry them in my purse, my bag I take to school, my lunch bag, the car etc.  To help be able to find them quickly I created tissue covers for the small packages I carry.

The cover also has a pocket on the back which is great to hold your nail file, clippers or even your ID and credit card.  These are quick to stitch up and only take a few pieces of scrap fabric.

Tissue covers also make a great gift for teachers, co-workers, family and friends.  Watch the video below to learn how to make them.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel Sew-Learn-Create for more sewing, quilting, crafting and DIY tutorials.  Hit the "Bell" notification so YouTube will alert you when I upload a new video. If you would like to support my channel and get bonus content, free patterns and more become a Patreon Member.

Happy Sewing and Creating!

Danna

Front Porch Redo

 During the pandemic quarantine I was looking for things to do that would make me feel good about my home and my life.  Since I now had a lot of time on my hands I started looking at what I had around that I could use.  

Because I am a big sewer, crafter and quilter I had lots of supplies.  I had been wanting to give my porch a little "redo" for a while so I gathered my supplies and dove into the project.

It was also a good project to put on my newly started YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create.  Making the videos gave me a deadline and the extra push I needed to get the project completed.

Watch the videos below to see the before and after of my porch redo.  It was fun to do and it did help give me a purpose during the difficult times of the pandemic.

I hope this will inspire you to go dig through your supplies and start that project you have wanted to do for a long time.  

Keep creating!

Danna

Popcorn Bag - A healthy snack made easy

 Are you on a constant search for a healthy snack for you and your family?  I know it is sometimes a battle to find something that is healthy and tasty when there are so many other choices.

I recently came across a project that was a great solution to this dilemma - a popcorn bag.  The popcorn bag allows you to use regular popcorn kernels and cook it with no oils or butter.  This project joined several of my passions together.  I love to sew, in case you haven't figured that out, I love popcorn and I love to do my part to help the environment.

Watch the video below to make your own popcorn bag.  I sometimes add to my popcorn a little salt and some butter powder for extra flavor.  But by adding my own it is much healthier than the microwave bags, for you and the environment.

Happy sewing and eating!

Danna

Beginner Sewing - Let's Make a Popcorn Bag for a quick, healthy snack

Beginner Sewing Kits Now Available!

 One of the toughest aspects of starting a new hobby or learning a new craft is gathering all the supplies.  I teach beginner sewing lessons and as part of my class fee I provide all of the supplies for the class.  There is nothing more frustrating than to sign up for a class, go to get the supplies and you have no idea what to purchase.  I try to make this easy for students and parents by providing what they need so they can come to class and focus on the project we are making.

When I started my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create I wanted to provide the same type of experience.  So I now offer kits for some of my YouTube projects.  The kits don't have everything you need but they do have the basic fabric supplies.  With a few other sewing supplies (i.e. scissors, thread, clips and/or pins etc.) a sewing machine and the kit you can make the project.

I sell the kits on my Etsy shop.  These make a great gift for anyone who likes to sew.  Click the link to purchase a set for yourself and a friend. Beginner Sewing Kits.

To learn more about these kits and how you can support my YouTube channel check out this video.

Thanks for your support and Keep Sewing!

Danna

UFO's (UnFinished Objects) look out for more sightings!

 While cleaning out my sewing and craft room to get ready for a complete remodel I uncovered several UFO's.  I have been trying to work through those projects before starting something new.  Which is really hard for someone who has Creative ADD.  By that I mean I am easily distracted by that shinny new project that looks really fun.  So I drop the current project and begin the new one.  Therefore, my shop has been invaded by UFO's.

I came across a method of motivating and tracking your progress on projects that is working.  But I will post more about that at a later time.

So far I have been able to complete these projects from my alien invasion.

Cactus Quilt and Table Runner

Scrap Bag Challenge from a friend

Donation Baby Quilt

I will admit that my Creative ADD did get the best of me a couple of times.  I recently joined a local quilt guild and I learned about a new technique that I just "had" to try.  But now I am back on the UFO hunt and elimination.

Comment below and share what UFO's you uncovered recently and the progress you are making.  What out for more UFO sightings since I still have several areas I have not cleaned out yet.

Keep creating!

Danna

Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

 Looking for ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the planet?  These reusable makeup remover cloth pads are quick and easy to sew.  They can be used not only to remove your makeup but to wash your face.

I made mine out of some flannel scraps that was gifted to me.  The flannel is soft and easy on the skin.  Adding the cotton batting in the middle gives them a little fullness and helps hold their shape when wet.  

Wash and dry them in a mesh bag with your towels and they are ready for another days use.  This will help reduce the need for those disposable cotton balls.  

Another bonus is using these around your eyes you don't get that stray cotton ball fuzz in your eye.  I can't tell you how many times I have gone all day trying desperately to find that fuzz I could feel but not see.

Trying to do my part to make this world a better place.  I would love to have you join me!

Just keep sewing!

Danna

Valentine Corner Bookmark

    Using up my scraps is a constant battle between me and the storage space where they are kept.  So I am always looking for small projects that will help me win that battle.  Projects that are useful for a variety of people is a bonus win-win. 

    This summer in one of my sewing classes we made a reading pillow. The bonus project for that class was a corner bookmark.  Since I work in two school libraries I am a big promoter of reading for all ages.  The link to the corner bookmark video on my YouTube channel - Sew Learn Create is below.  It is my most popular video. This project is a great scrap buster because it uses only 3 pieces of fabric.

    Since Valentines Day is approaching I decided to tackle my Valentine fabric scrap bag.  My daughter is an elementary teacher and loves to shower her kids with a small gift at holidays.  So, I created a corner bookmark with a Valentine twist.  

    By adding a small stamped heart on a piece of muslin it made these bookmarks so cute!  To create the stamped heart you use a regular stamp pad and stamp on 100% cotton fabric.  I used an unbleached muslin.  Once you have stamped your image then iron the image on a cotton setting.  This will set the ink on the fabric.  Then you are ready to add your stamped fabric to your project.

    Add your stamped fabric to the folded piece in the project before you lay out the sewing pieces.  I found that using a thread color that matched the stamped fabric for this looked a little nicer.

    To make these easy to gift I cut up an old book page and put the bookmark on the corner.  Then they were slipped into a plastic sleeve with a topper and label.

    I would love to hear your comments on corner bookmarks you make and any variations you add.  Keep sewing and Happy Valentine's Day to all you readers out there.

Danna

Mouse Wrist Rest - Give your wrist a rest!

 In my 2020 Gift making class we made several projects that make great gifts for family and friends. I do this class in November and December each year and it is one of my most popular classes.  I prepare 6-7 projects for the students to sew.  There are only two rules: 1. You can only make one gift for yourself - all the others have to be for someone else.  2. You must wrap the gift before moving on to the next project.  I use brown paper sacks for the wrapping so this only takes a few minutes.

With so many people working on computers and from home these days I thought it would be great to have my students do something relating to technology.  So we made a Mouse Wrist Rest.  It helps your wrist be in a more ergonomically position.  These were quick and easy to make and were a great gift for almost everyone on their list.

Check out my YouTube for the directions.  Also be sure to Subscribe to my channel - Sew Learn Create for more sewing tutorials.

Happy sewing!

Danna

Cactus Baby Quilt & Table Runner

 Last Summer at one of my quilt retreats I decided to try a new pattern.  I had seen the pattern on Pinterest and thought it was really cute.  It is a cactus pattern.  The original pattern was done in green for the cactus and pink for the background.

I wanted mine to be a little more subtle so I used a muslin background.  

The baby quilt has 4 of the cactus blocks in an offset pattern.  I used a fun mix of scrappy green fabrics from my stash.  Since the squares are only 2 1/2" it is a great scrap buster project.  I actually made two baby quilts.  One was donated to our church quilt group auction to raise money for the ministry. The other one is on my Etsy shop Cactus Baby Quilt.

The quilt back is a soft green fabric

The binding is a scrappy binding to incorporate all of the fabrics once again on the edge.  Scrappy bindings are a great way to use up those last bits of fabric and can add a playful edge.  The finished baby quilt is 35" x 45".

I thought since the cactus is popular I would make a table runner also.

The table runner uses two of the cactus blocks and I put them facing each other with a wide muslin band in between.  That way you can see the full cactus shape from either end of the runner.  

On the back of the runner I placed a band of pieced scraps.  This gives the runner a completely different look when reversed.  I always like a table linen that has options with two looks in one. The table runner is 17" x 49". It is also on my Etsy shop. Cactus Table Runner

This pattern is easier than it looks and goes together fairly quickly.  I made two baby quilt tops and one table runner top in about a day and a half.  The here is the link to the original pattern by Kairle Oaks .  Her quilt is beautiful and very big!

So break out your green scrap bucket and make one for yourself or that new baby in the family.

Keep sewing & quilting,

Danna

Bag Handle Cover

 Learn how to make this Bag Handle Cover.  It is great for luggage, backpacks and more.  You only need a few supplies.  These make great gifts for all ages.  

Be sure to subscribe to Sew-Learn-Create for more sewing and crafting tutorials and projects.

Keep sewing!

Danna

Multi-Purpose Pin Cushion

 Keep all those necessary sewing notions close at hand and all in one place.  This multi-purpose pin cushion holds not only your pins but wonder clips, seam ripper and more.  

This project can be made with just a few scrap pieces of fabric, a small piece of ribbon, cardboard and some fiber filling.  They also make great gifts for all the sewers and quilters on your list. 

Find the printed pattern here for purchase on my Etsy shop Multi-Purpose Pin Cushion.  Or if you become a Patreon Member and support my YouTube Channel Sew-Learn-Create you will get several of my printed patterns free with your membership. 

Happy sewing,

Danna 

Plastic Grocery Bag Holder - an Eco Friendly Project

 Those plastic grocery bags have so many uses once you bring them home.  I use them to line my small trash cans, organize items going to different locations and the list goes on and on.  The only problem with trying to repurpose those bags is finding a place to store them.  The grocery bag holder solves this problem.  

It stores a ton of bags and keeps them in one handy spot.  This project can be made in fabric that makes you smile, matches your kitchen/laundry room decor, or try a bright colored fabric so you don't forget you have them.  

The bag holder only takes a fat quarter of fabric so give this simple project a try and help the environment also.  Be sure to give this video a "Thumbs Up" if this project helps organize your life.  

Oh, I have a GIVEAWAY coming soon to my channel so subscribe today and be on the lookout for the giveaway video announcement.

Sew, let's get started!

Danna

Wristlet Key Chain - Keep those keys handy!

 If you are like me I am always struggling with my keys when trying to carry everything in from the car.  With this latest project my keys are handy and easy to keep track of - on my wrist.  

So help out your family and friends by making them one also.  They are easy to "personalize" with the stamped message added to the front.  

Post a picture of your keychain and share with others your creation.

Happy sewing,

Danna

Be sure to subscribe to Sew-Learn-Create so you don't miss any of my projects.  I have some new ones coming soon and a GIVEAWAY!!  So subscribe today!

No more ugly Jar Lid Grippers!

 Tired of those ugly insurance lid grippers in the drawer?  Learn how to make a pretty lid gripper using your favorite fabric and a few simple supplies.

This lid gripper is easy to use, conforms to make opening even those stubborn jars easy.  They also make great gifts.  This is an easy project for sewers of all levels. If you make a jar lid gripper post a picture in the comments.  I would love to see your creation.

UPDATE:  A viewer suggested using wax paper underneath the gripper when stitching the the final top stitching to help it go through the machine easier.  Then just tear the wax paper away when done.  Great idea.

Be sure to subscribe to Sew-Learn-Create so you don't miss any projects or tutorials.

Enjoy,

Danna

Fabric Bookmark

 Start early on those gifts for the holidays.  This is a new video in my Christmas in July playlist on the Sew-Learn-Create YouTube channel.  Lots of great projects that are quick, easy for all levels and use up some of those fabric scraps.

Be sue to Subscribe to Sew-Learn-Create so you don't miss any of my latest projects and ideas.

Enjoy,

Danna

Silverware Pocket Tutorial

 Head over to the Sew-Learn-Create YouTube channel and learn how to create some great projects.  I have created a playlist called Christmas in July.  It is a group of tutorials on simple easy projects that make great gifts.  

In the link below find out how to make silverware pockets.  These pockets add a festive touch to any table setting.  Use seasonal fabrics to ramp up your Christmas dinner this year.  We can all use a little extra spark to our celebrations during these uncertain times.  

So grab your fabric and machine and learn how to make these great projects.

Enjoy!

Danna

Fabric Basket

Part of my Christmas in July series on my YouTube channel: Sew-Learn-Create.  This series has some simple easy sewing projects that make great gifts.  Go on over to YouTube and subscribe to Sew-Learn-Create so you don't miss out on any upcoming projects and ideas.

Enjoy!
Danna

Flower Pin Tutorial

This project is quick and easy and makes a great gift.  It was the take home project for my Cross Body Bag class.  It only takes a small amount of fabric and a few other supplies.

You will need the following supplies:
     2 small pieces of coordinating fabric
     Button
     Needle and Thread
     The flower shape patterns -  Download them here Flower Pattern
     2 1/2" circle of felt
     Pin Back
     Glue

Start by selecting which fabric will be your large and small flowers and which fabric will be your medium flower.  Then trace around the patterns on the backside of the fabric and cut out the flowers.

The large and small flowers are cut from one fabric.
The medium flower is cut from the other fabric.

Then place your large flower face up on the counter.  Layer your medium flower next and then the small flower on top of the stack.

Large flower on bottom right side up.
Then layer the medium flower right side up on top of large flower

Finish stack by placing the small flower right side up on top of the others.

Next you will place your button in the center of the stack and sew it place through all the layers.

After your button is secure. Turn your flower over face down.  Place the felt circle in the middle of the back and glue in place.

Glue the felt piece in the center of the back of the flower stack.

Now you are ready to glue the pin back in place on top of the felt.  Be sure to put the pin back toward the top of the flower so it will hang better.

Glue your pin back toward the top of the flower.

Now your flower is complete and ready to add a fun embellishment to an outfit or the cross body bag.

Hope you enjoy making these flowers.  I would love to see your work, so post a picture of your flower in the comments for all to see.

Danna

Lunch Box Tag Tutorial

This project combines sewing and art and is a great for beginners.  I prepared a small kit for those attending my Lunch Box helpers sewing class in the summer.  We made reusable snack bags, small cloth napkins and lid grippers.  All great items to have in a lunch box for school or work.  If you would like to make those items go to my Etsy shop WebberWorks where I will have kits available with video instructions soon. 

Lunch Box Tag

Now on to the project.  You will need the following supplies:

2 pieces of muslin fabric 2.5" x 4"
1 piece of batting or felt 2.5" x 4"
1 piece of ribbon or fabric strip for loop - approximately 4" long
Crayons
Wax paper
Needle and Thread or a sewing machine

Follow these steps:

1.  Take 1 piece of muslin and lay out flat.
2.  Place the batting or felt piece on top of the muslin piece.
3.  Line up the edges so they are straight.

1 piece of muslin with batting on top

4.  Fold the ribbon or fabric strip in half and place on top of the muslin with the loop at the top above the pieces of fabric.

Be sure the loop is at the top and the ribbon sticks
 up above the fabric and batting.

5.  Place the other piece of muslin on top of the stack and line up the edges.  Clip or pin to secure for sewing.

Make sure you pin or clip your ribbon loop so it does not slip
while you are sewing.

6.  With either a needle and thread or a sewing machine sew all the way around the outside edge using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Back stitch the ribbon loop to secure.

7.  Now the fun begins.  Using the crayons color a design on the fabric.  You can color just one side or both sides.  I used the Neon crayons and a black Metalic crayon from Dollar Tree.

Color any design you want.  Have fun with it!

 8.  Once you are finished coloring your design you will use the wax paper and iron to "set" the colors.  I slipped my tag inside a folded piece of wax paper so it would set the front and back at the same time and not mess up my ironing board.

If you colored on the back be sure to put
wax paper on both the top and bottom.

9.  Iron the wax paper using a pressing motion not side to side.  If you move the iron around it may smear the crayon.  Use a medium setting on the iron.

Use a pressing motion not moving side to side.

10.  Let the tag cool and you are done!  Attach it to your lunch box and show off  your creative talents to your friends.

This is a great summer project for kids and grand kids.  They will have fun making these tags and putting on their new lunch boxes for school.  Remember if you want to make the reusable snack bags and other lunch box helpers check my Etsy page WebberWorks for kits.

Enjoy!
Danna