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.
I am always on the hunt for projects to sew that are easy kid projects. It needs to be something that a beginner sewer can make, takes only a few supplies but also has an appeal to kids. The Marble Maze project checks off all of those boxes. It is easy to sew, takes only a few supplies and kids love them.
They are great for kids who need something to do with their hands while waiting at the dentist office or in the car. You can play by yourself or race with a friend to see who can get through the maze the fastest. I have to admit when I made the sample for my sewing class I could not put it down. It is soothing and fun.
Watch the video below on my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create so you can make some for your and your family. They would also be a great party favor for a kids birthday.
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!
Need a small pin cushion to hold your needles and pins while hand sewing? These bottle cap pin cushions are fun and easy to make. They not only use up your scraps but everyone loves them because they are small and cute.
I have them in several spots in my sewing room to keep my hand sewing needles handy. I also have one in my bag I use for sewing on my quilt bindings. I never have a needle push down too far into my pin cushion and disappear only to have it reappear sticking out of my finger. Ouch!
I make these to give away at craft shows for people who sign up for my email list. Everyone loves the "Baby Pin Cushions". It is also a great way to keep those bottle caps out of the landfill.
So whip up some of these and never loose your needle again.
Danna
P.S. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Want to share a little joy and learn something new at the same time? Then this project is perfect for you. Learn how to make your own quilted heart using the strip piece method. Then go to the I Found a Quilted Heart website and get the guidelines for hiding your heart in your town for someone to find. PLEASE NOTE: The tag information has changed from what I show in the video. Please follow the directions on the IFAQH website to attach the correct tag.
I love the idea of creating something for someone else to find and bring joy to both of us. This is a great project to make with kids they really enjoy creating and then hiding the hearts. Be sure to check back on the website often to see if your heart has been found.
I created the Quilted Heart Pattern an easy size to make and use up scraps. You can stitch up a bunch of hearts and share them with family and friends to hide.
Enjoy the journey and spread a little joy - one quilted heart at a time!
Danna
Be sure to subscribe to Sew-Learn-Create for more sewing, crafting and DIY projects.
This tutorial is for the Coaster Kit my students received in my July Sewing Class. But, it can be made with your own supplies.
Front of the coaster
Back of the coaster
The kit contains: 1 - 5x5 piece of cotton batting, 5 - 5x5 pieces of cotton fabric
You will also need the following supplies: basic sewing supplies (needle and thread, scissors, and pins or clips). The project can be either sewn by hand or done on the machine.
Kit contains: 1 piece of cotton batting & 5 different cotton fabrics
Now let's get started:
Step 1: Take the batting and place one of the cotton fabric pieces on top with the right side of the fabric facing up. (This will be the bottom of the coaster)
Be sure to line up the edges nice and straight.
Step 2: Fold the remaining fabrics in half on the diagonal. Making a triangle with right sides facing out. Finger press the folded edge to make it lay down flat.
Fold the squares in half on the diagonal
Fold the and finger press the 4 squares
Step 3: Lay the first triangle fabric on top of the bottom fabric and batting. Line up the corner of the folded piece with the top right corner of the bottom fabric and batting. Be sure the folded edge is toward the middle.
Lay the first folded piece on top of the batting and bottom piece of fabric
Step 4: Lay the next piece of folded fabric on top of the stack. Lining up the corner of the folded fabric with the lower right hand corner.
Adding the second folded piece of fabric
Step 5: Lay the third piece of folded fabric on top of the stack. Lining up the corner of the folded fabric with the lower left hand corner.
The third piece of fabric on the stack.
Step 6: Pull back the edge of the first piece of folded fabric you put in place.
Lay the fourth piece of folded fabric on the stack tucking the edge under the first piece.
Lining up the corner of the folded fabric with the top left corner of the stack.
Fold back the first piece you added and lay the fourth piece in place.
Step 7: Put the edge of the first piece of folded fabric back in place over the last piece you put in place. You should now have a stack that looks like it is all intertwined.
All of the pieces in place. Make sure they overlap to look like this.
Step 8: Clip or pin the edges on all four sides to prepare for sewing.
Secure with pins or clips for sewing
Take a peek inside the middle of the stacked fabrics. You should see the bottom piece of fabric - not the batting. If you see the batting you have stacked them wrong.
Be sure you see the bottom fabric in the middle of the stack.
Step 9: Stitch all the way around the stacked fabrics about 1/4" from the outside edge. This can be done by hand or machine.
This is the back inside after stitching
Stitch all the way around the stacked fabrics.
Step 10: Turn the coaster right side out using the opening in the middle of the stacked fabrics. Be sure to push out the corners.
Coaster turned right side out
If you peek in the middle of the turned out coaster you should see the batting. Your bottom fabric will be on the outside bottom of the coaster. You are finished! Now you have a place to put your favorite beverage.
When the coaster is turned right side out
you should see the batting in the middle.
Enjoy your new coaster and thanks to all who attended my July sewing class.
I teach sewing and quilting lessons in the Fort Worth, Texas area. If you are interested in lessons please feel free to contact me at 2danna.webber@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Danna
Check out and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel - Sew-Learn-Create
