How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Did you ever want to know how to make paper snowflakes? Well, here you go! I found this awesome video tutorial that makes it super easy to do.

But first, I want to give an update on where I've been. What a year! I have not been right physically since my car accident in November of 2009. Some of you may remember that I was out of work for 8 months. Then I tried to go back to work last year. I struggled through but things got worse oner the course of the year. I finally got a correct diagnosis on my shoulder giving my extreme pain validation. Bottom line is that I am now out of work for good. Disability. I never, ever thought I would ever be in this position. But here I am. The good news is that I can still sew and blog. I just have to limit how long I'm at either. I can live with that. I can tell you this, I have a heartfelt empathy for those who are in chronic pain and dealing with meds that throw your body for a complete loop. Sign,

Let's concentrate on the good things shall we? 

Now without further ado, let's get on with it......and hopefully there is still time to get some things created for Christmas gifts!!! I do believe there just might be. Yup, that's what I call fun.

Back to the snowflakes. Click on the play button to view the video below.....oh and have fun. I did!!




Happy Sewing!!
Kate 

Catching up

Hi there, I've missed you! Did you wonder what happened to me? Well, I got hit big time with a virus, pneumonia and a staff infection all at once. Yikes! What a winter it has been. I've been out of work now for a couple of weeks recovering after a week long hospital stay. (not fun by the way). The good news is that I'm finally on the mend and getting my strength back. I'm expecting to go back to work mid-week next week after a final follow with the doc. (who has been struggling with illness himself for several weeks).

I'll have some new posts soon. I've a fun penguin pillow to show you and some other goodies that are quick to whip up!! Come back soon and we'll chat. What have you been up to? I'd love to hear what's been happening in blogland in my absence. :)

Godspeed!
Kate

Gather Up Your Scraps For This One!

I used up several scraps to try out this new Gathered Clutch pattern from Noodlehead.


From this angle is a bit tough to see the gathers.




The only variation I made to the pattern was to add this metal loop for a handle. Which I just realized that I forgot to take a picture of.



 

This inside has pockets for debit/credit cards and a separater.

I'm linking up to Sew and Tell Friday over at AmyLouWho's.

Happy Sewing!!



Did You Ever Find Yourself...........

.......undecided about what to do with fabric that you've had for so long that, well, let's just say a long time.

Then you iron it............

.............and a bright idea hits you!

... to just go ahead and use that undecided strawberry, daisy fabric for an ironing board cover.

It makes me think of summer every time I iron now. I'd stay and chat, but I just got a hankering for leomonade.

Happy Sewing!!

Mug Rugs Are All the Rage

So I just had to see what all the fuss was about.


Sip, snug, comfy on the outside. The inside says............




Oh, and this is the back...I have to say it felt good to work with some non snowman/Chrstmas fabrics.



Such a cutie size. Ok, I do see what the fuss is about. (sorry for the shadow)




I'm hooked. Can't get enough of polka dots.

Oh, yes, the inside of the mug says, "You will find rest for your soul." Jeremiah 6:16

Now. I do like the sound of that.  Happy Sewing!!

Scrappy Snowman Doorhanger

This little guy was so easy to put together. He has all of my favorite things; buttons, bells and scraps all in one fun project, oh and snowmen.....duh! As a farewell to 2010 I wanted to save my favorite project for my final post this year. This scrappy snowman has been a huge hit. Everyone who saw it wanted me to make them one or asked how they could make one.

In just a couple of hours (or less) he's a great hostess gift or gift to keep on hand for that last minute present.
You can always just make a few to put on all your own door handles too. 



All of the pieces are applied with fusable wonder under.







The cutie little face is made with french knots.



I love the litte star with the button in the middle.





Buttoms are my down fall. I must have hundreds in my stash. These are from my special collection passed down to me from my mother-law's-stash. I used a machine blanket stitch around the edges of the snowman.



The jingle bells add a nice finishing touch. Did I mention that I'm a sucker for bells too?






I found the pattern in the Better Homes and Garden's magazine. But it's from 2007. I'm not sure if it's still available.





These are the materials needed. I hope you can read it. Click on the picture for a better view.















The placement is pretty straightforward.. The strips are 1.5" X 4.5". The squares at the top are 1.5 X 1.5. I used light weight upholstery fabric for the front. For the back and handle I used a soft brushed maroon upholstery fabric that I found in the discount section at the fabric store.

Happy Sewing and Happiest of New Years!!

Thank you for stopping by and sitting a spell with me. I hope you come back soon.











Noodlehead: gathered clutch tutorial

This is such a great gift idea. Maybe in Valentine colors, birthday gift for someone special or get a head start on Mother's day? I know what I'm doing today!!

Noodlehead: gathered clutch tutorial: "A huge thanks to Dana and Disney for doing such a great job of rounding up all sorts of wonderful mother's day projects! Material..."

Easy; no really!

 Choose some soft, cozy fabrics in a variety of colors.

Cut them into the size you need. These are crib size.  

Combine them with a nice soft backing and stitch around the edge with a 1/2 inch seam. 

 

Turn inside out and presto, chango. An easy, quick, comfy cozy blanket for some lucky little person on your Christmas list. Let me know if you would like more detail on these.

Merry Holiday Sewing!

All the way from Jerusalem

Friends of ours took a special trip to Jerusalem back in the 80's. We watched their young son for a couple of weeks while they were away.

They brought this hand carved manger home for us. It's been a treasure ever since!

Merry Christmas my friends!

Quick last minute gifts

Baby items are a breeze.

What baby doesn't need burb cloths?  

And lots of them!

I used a pretty heart stitch on my Viking #1 (tells you how OLD my machine is!) 

Various patterned flannels work great too.  

The hour glass shape makes is easy to throw over your shoulder and not bunch up.  

Love this stitch!

Merry Holiday Sewing!

My Rustic Mantle

I made these stockings a few years ago.  

I really love the heart right in the center.  

I have about 9 others but all the kids moved out! 

So now I hang mittens......for the mice.  

Merry Sewing!

Remember when..........

...........Bunnies were all the rage? I made a dozen or so at the time. They still bring a bit of joy to my heart when I see them dressed for the season.

As do these two little buddies. I'm enamored with Raggety Ann and Andy.

They are keeping an eye on my tree for me.  

                                   

Merry Sewing!!

Special Recipe for Hot Chocolate