Pretty flowers all in a row

While M and I watched "The Little Princess" & "The Secret Garden" this weekend, I got some sewing in. I made this purse out of fabric I got at Poppy Quilt 'n Sew. I made a liner with cell phone pocket & key fob, & I used some bamboo handles from Hobby Lobby. I have to decide if I'm going to keep this one or give it as a gift...although the cell pocket is perfect for a black berry pearl...hmmmm....

New Laundry Room Curtains

I spruced up the rather white & plain laundry room/pantry this weekend. Now I actually don't mind walking in the room that means I'm doing one of two things, laundry or cooking. YAY!

Kitty Dress

I made M a dress this weekend with kitties. This was my first attempt at matching up a plaid...I think I did an alright job.

Do not fear the zipper!

I took my first stab at putting a zipper in a small bag last weekend. The zipper actually came with pretty simple instructions so I combined that with my sewing machine instructions for the zipperfoot and all was well.



I found this Michael Miller fabric at Poppy Quilt 'n Sew in the remnant bin so I made this small bag.

K's Koasters

Once again I was a sewing fiend last weekend (and I plan on doing the same this weekend). My friend K from work brought in a cute coaster for her desk and I thought they were so cute and such a great idea, I'd make my own for gifts.


I made three sets out of two fat quarters and I was also able to make a little clutch out of the scraps! (which by the way was my second attempt at putting in zippers! Do not fear the zipper!)

The coasters have the red fabric on one side and blue floral on the other. I tied them with gold string for presentation. I also have to say I found a WONDERFUL fabric shop in Georgetown where I purchased this super fab fabric. They also have a website: http://www.poppyquiltnsew.com/ I'm planning to take a class there and definitely shop there some more. Along with being super sweet and helpful, they had Michael Miller fabric in the remnant bin!!!!

Cozy Corn Pillow Tutorial

These corn pillows can be used to soothe sore muscles or warm a cold bed. I like to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and warm corn pillow to watch movies.

Here are instructions so you can make your very own!

Materials.
Feed corn
Cotton Material for pillow
Flannel or cotton for case
Thread
Pins
Scissors
Measuring tape
Sewing machine

I buy my feed corn (also called Deer Corn) at a local feed store. I've also seen it at the grocery store, sporting goods stores and Wal-Mart. It normally comes in 50Lb bags, so you'll have lots of leftovers. Depending on your geographical location and the time of year it may be harder/easier to find.

Of the pillow fabric, cut a piece 16 x 6 inches. Of the pillow case fabric, cut a piece 19 x 6 1/2 inches.
Fold the pillow fabric in half lengthwise and sew the two long sides closed, leaving one open end.

Fill the corn pillow 2/3 of the way up with deer corn. Fold edges in and pin open end closed. Sew closed.

Microwave the bag for 3 minutes to reduce moisture. Bag will be hot, use hot pads to remove from microwave.

Now to make the pillow case. Fold the edges over on the short edges to the and sew down to hem.
Lay the pillow on the fancy side of the fabric and fold around the pillow and pin on one side to see where your sewn edges will overlap to make an opening. Slide the pillow out and pin the other side. Sew long edges together.

Turn pillow case out and slide pillow into case.


You now have a corn pillow.

To use, microwave 1 to 2 minutes (1 min 30 seconds is usually good). Take care when removing from microwave. Due to differences in microwaves you'll want to test the length of time to microwave your pillow for best results. Check with your doctor before using on aches and pains to ensure warm heat is what is needed. You may wash pillow case if needed.

You can increase the size, but I have not tested the amount of corn for a anything larger than a 12 x 6 inch finished pillow. I like to use comfy, soft fabrics. You can use fancier fabrics but if your fabric has any metallic thread, remove the case before microwaving.

I welcome any questions on creating your very own corn pillow.

Towels

I love holiday weekends! There's so much more time for crafting, yay!

I finished the first set of towels last night. I've got a bunch already hand embroidered, but these are the first with finished edges. This set is my gaggle of shag birds.

So far I've done an Owl, Evil Chick, Paisley flower bird and some leaves...I'll post more pics when I get those finished. For those of you who are friends and family...beware, some of this stuff is what you're getting for Christmas :) Starting early!