Thanks-Christmas Gifts+A Mini-Tutorial

I hope everybody had a lovely Thanksgiving! In my family, we spend Christmas with my Mamma's side of the family and celebrate "Thanks-Christmas" (Christmas celebrations on Thanksgiving) with my Daddy's side of the family. Gratefully, I had time to sew some small gifts for the family. The theme was about the best football team on earth, Ohio State University! You may not agree with me, but please don't post any Michigan nonsense in the comments. Saturday proved our point. Anyway, I took some photos and I have links to any tutorials I used. But, I've found that it's really hard to think of something to sew for young boys. I have 3 cousins, ages 8-15 on my Daddy's side and I couldn't find any tutorials on Pinterest. So, surprisingly, I decided to make my own and the idea that came to me was to make a Minifigure wallet! You can read the tutorial here. But first, a few pictures and helpful tutorials by others...

 

These here, above and below, are the clutch/purses I made for my Grandma and Aunt. I used Beth Huntington's "Pendleton Clutch" tutorial (you can find on eHow here ) I also encourage you to check out her amazing website "The Renegade Seamstress"  (http://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/ )

For Grandma's Clutch (above), I used the wool from a felted brown vest with plaid cotton for the lining. Sorry it looks a bit lopsided, it's actually not. And for Aunt Amy's Clutch, I used the wool from a reclaimed coat, red polka-dot cotton for the lining and red gingham ribbon for the accents on the front. The tutorial was quick and easy. I will certainly be using it again!

 

I also fashioned 2 Ohio State University ear-warmers for my Aunt and my cousin Hannah. They are made from the comfiest felted sweater and the are so cozy and soft! They are both original designs but easily replicated, so I won't bother with a whole tutorial.

I made these ear-warmers by first measuring around my head and subtracting 5 inches. Then, I cut a rectangle to the measurement and tapered the ends. Now, all that's left is to stitch a button to one end and 3 inches of elastic, folded in half to the other. You can add an applique or a flower or anything you want! But, of course, an Ohio State emblem is the best way to go!

 

 

And, finally, I made my Uncle Steve an Ohio State iPad cover inspired by this one from StyleMingle . It's pretty self-explanatory and worked out really well!

 

 

And I must make one more honorable mention. Although I wasn't able to take a picture before I gave it as a gift, check out Lula Louise's Reversible Shoulder Bag tutorial here.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you liked it or have any questions, comment below or email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com Have a blessed day :)



Lego Minifigure Wallet Tutorial

I was trying to find a tutorial or an idea on Pinterest for a gift I could make for my young brothers and cousins this Christmas. But what I got was...nothing. Not one thing I could use on the whole of Pinterest. So, as I always do, I had a great idea! The thought process went something like this, "What do boys like? LEGOs. Right. What's something Lego-related that I can sew that won't look...girly? Hmmm...wallets! Yes. Wallets that have pockets to tote minifigures! And I can make them out of felt and keep with our Ohio State University football theme!" And that was how the idea was born. Beautiful process, isn't it? After the initial "rough draft", I made 3 for my cousins and took pictures so it's a tutorial now! This is so easy, that it's realistic for a beginner and, once you get going, it only takes about 15 or 20 minutes to stitch up!

 

 

Aren't they cute? I understand if you don't agree with me that Ohio State is the best football team in the world, but please, no Michigan nonsense in the comments! Now, on with the tutorial!

Step 1

Gather your felt. Using the small, precut sheets is the easiest way. You can actually use any fabric you want, (I'm not trying to be bossy, here) but I chose felt because it's durable and easy to applique with. I love the stuff and keep it in stock all the time! Have fun experimenting with colors and applique ideas.

 

 

Step 2

Cut 2 pieces of the base color, each 8"x4" and one 8"x2" This is the outside, inside and minifigure pocket for the wallet.

 

Step 3

Mark the pocket. This is easy to measure. Place the short pocket piece on top of the inside wallet piece. Mark the middle with a straight line (in chalk) then make another straight mark 1 1/4" to the right and another mark 1 1/4" to the right of the second line. Repeat for the left of center pockets. Stitch with contrasting thread down each line, leaving the ends open as shown below.

Note: I didn't think of this until it was too late, but now would be the time to put in some Velcro or snaps to hold it shut. They're not necessary, but a very good idea.

 

 

Step 4

Stitch across the top of both pieces (leaving 1/4" un-stitched at each end) with contrasting thread. Fold the outside wallet piece in half and place your applique(s) as your heart desires. Stitch or glue it in place. The great thing about felt is that you can leave raw edges and it's totally okay! Just stitch around your applique and no one's the wiser. If you're making this wallet for a girl, you can sew a flower on the front! Other ideas for appliques are: Yellow Lego Face, Football, the Lego logo, Pizza, a heart, Initials,  anything! I would love to see what you come up with.

 

Step 5

This is the true beauty of using felt; no fussing around. No need to turn things around or inside out because raw edges are perfectly acceptable! Pin the 2 wallet pieces wrong sides together (be sure your applique and pockets are on the proper side and not upside down or anything) Stitch, in contrasting thread, around the sides and bottom of the wallet with 1/4" seam allowance. Then, stitch straight up the middle, through all the layers to create 2 inside pockets and a folding guideline. Now, all that's left is to trim the seam allowance even (you can use pinking shears, if you want)

Inside pockets!

Voila! A very thoughtful, personalized gift to give to your favorite brother or sister or whoever loves Legos and likes to tote them around! If you get really generous, you can even fill the pockets with the gift of minifigures! If you have any questions, post a comment below or email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com. I would love to see the variations you come up with! You can even link to show pictures of what you made below. Have a beautiful day, everyone!



It wouldn't stay flat for me :P