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

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