Sewing Pouches, Lots of Them

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The next craft project on my Christmas list involved a lot of sewing.

I made pouches.  Lots of different pouches.  They make great Christmas presents, especially if you fill them with little goodies like I’m going to do. :)

One of the great things about pouches is how versatile they are.  All of these ones were made basically the same way, a few tweaks to the design makes a huge difference.

The two on the left here were made from the kitty cat fabric I bought recently (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  Now they work as a fun purse and a small clutch. 

The pouch on the right is made from leftover fabric from a baby project three years ago (see Sewing for Baby).  That’s the nice thing about pouches, they help use up your leftovers.

For some of them I curved some or all of the edges.  It adds a nice touch, especially to smaller bags.

I could have used buttons, loops, snaps, etc. to close them, too many options.  I chose soft Velcro because it was easy and I always have it on hand.

Pouches are also nice because you can make them for just about anyone, including guys.  These plaid ones are nice, but not as girly looking as they could be.

I added small straps to the back because sometimes it’s nice to have a strap to hold on to, but something longer would make it look too much like a purse.

The last two I made using more leftover fabric from a skirt I made sometime ago (see Just in Time for Christmas?).  The size and long straps make them look like pretty messenger bags.

That’s all I made, this time.  They’re fun to make and handy to have, so I will probably make more pouches in the future.

If you want to make some of your own, this envelope purse tutorial is very similar to my pouches.

Here’s the updated list:

• Snowmen
• Elf
• pouches
• Coats

Three down, just one more to go, and just four days until Christmas.  Getting so close, wish me luck!

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Christmas Crafts: Snowman Ornament with Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

The next craft project on my Christmas list is ornaments, snowman ornaments. :)

I made cute little snowman ornaments using the sparkly yarn I bought from Joann (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  And not just this one…

…But several of them, fifteen in total.

Many of you already know that every year for Christmas I make ornaments to give to others.  I’ve been doing it for several years now.

For these ornaments, I was inspired by some snowball ornaments I made years ago.  I thought “why not snowmen?”

The best part about them is how much fun it is to decorate them.  You can make them in so many different ways.  Some I made earmuffs for…

…And some have cute little hats.

Since they were so easy and fun, I made a video tutorial for all to enjoy.  Think of it as a Christmas present.

Snowman Ornament Christmas Tutorial

All you need to make them are:

• White yarn (like this sparkly kind)
• Felt
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Glue (like Aleene’s Tacky glue)

Enjoy the video.

Here’s the updated list:

• Snowmen
• Elf
• pouches
• Coats

Two down, two more to go, and 6 days until Christmas. :o

Give it a try:

• 9" x 12" Basic Felt by Creatology™
• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue-4oz
• Bernat Happy Holidays Yarn

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Christmas Crafts: Diy Elf on a Shelf with Outfit Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

For my first project for Christmas, here’s…

…The Elf on the Shelf.

I started to think it would be fun to have one of these little elves around the house.  Then I started to think it would be more fun to make one instead of buying one.

And I’m not the first to think that.  I found this tutorial for a DIY elf, and decided to make a similar one.  Just without the clay and the vintage doll face which was too tricky to find, but super adorable.

Anyway remember that odd doll I bought at Joann (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  I got it specifically to used for this project because it’s the same one used in that tutorial.  It poses nicely, so it’s perfect for elfishly good fun.

And just like in that tutorial, I prepared the doll by cutting off the feet and stitching the bottom of the legs shut.

However, from there I just did my own thing.  Basically all I did for my elf is make it a cute little elf outfit and decorate the face.  It was so much fun, I wanted to share it with you.

Elf on the Shelf Tutorial

Materials:

• 14 inch muslin doll or similar doll base
• 9x12 inch pieces of felt, 4 red and 1 white
• Basic sewing supplies 
• Fabric markers for face
• Optional: Glue or snaps or Velcro

Here’s the pattern for the clothes. 

If you chose not to cut the doll’s feet, you will either need to make the pants about 1.5 inches longer or cut off the tips of the pants before sewing.  Then you will have normal pants and just need to make your elf some shoes.

The clothing pieces are made in simple shapes, so this would be perfect for a beginning sewing project for a child, with adult supervision of course.

First cut two shirt pieces and pin.  Sew along the sleeves and down the sides. 

You can sew by hand using a running stitch, but I recommend using a backstitch (if you don’t know how to do a backstitch, check out my video tutorial for doll drawstring tank tops).

When done sewing, carefully clip the seam allowance at the armpits so it will look better when turned right side out. 

Try not to accidently cut the thread or you will have to re-sew it (I did it three times while sewing this outfit!).

Turn the shirt right side out and try it on the doll for fit.  You will need to cut down the back to make an opening.

Looks great right?

Now pin on the collar and sew in place.  If you’re feeling lazy, you could glue it on instead.

Now cut two pieces for the pants and pin and sew.  Just like with the shirt, you clip at the crotch and around the feet.

After turning right side our try it on the doll.  It will be a snug fit, so getting them on may be a bit tricky.

If you are making this with a kid, you will probably need to help them.

Cut one piece for the hat and hat trim and sew (or glue) the trim along the curved edge of the hat.

Then fold the hat in half and sew along the straight edge to form a cone.  Clip the point at the top before turning right side out.

And here is your little elf hat.

Cut two pieces for each glove (4 pieces total).  Sew around and clip before turning right side out.  Easiest gloves in the world.

Time to dress your little elf.

You can simply sew or glue the back of the shirt closed.  However, if you want to make the clothes removable just sew on snaps or Velcro.

Before attaching the hat (if you want to), it’s time to add a face to this little guy.  Just draw a little face in pencil, then draw over with fabric markers.

Here’s how mine turned out.  I used the beaded eyes as the pupils and drew the rest of the eye parts along with nose, mouth, chin and eyebrows.

I added a touch of pink for the cheeks and in the corners of the nose and mouth.  A little bit of blue and purple to the eyes, and he has a face.

Truth be told, I kind of think it looks cuter with the blank doll face, but an elf needs a smile. 

For hair, I made several strokes using both yellow and brown to make it pop more.  He has highlights! 

The nice thing about the hair is if you mess up you can hide it under the hat.

And there you have your completed elf doll.  All he (or she) needs is the book.

I found this copy at the bookstore at my local library, or rather it found me.  I just walked in the door and there it was, for only $3 too.  It was fate.

For those who aren’t as lucky though, you can find the book on amazon among other places.

Book or not, you can still have tons of fun with these elves.  Try not to get too carried away. :)

Here’s the updated list:

• Snowmen
• Elf
• pouches
• Coats

One down, three more to go, and 10 days until Christmas.  Oh, dear.

Give it a try:

• Long Leg Muslin Doll w/Wire 14"
• 9" x 12" Basic Felt by Creatology™
• Tulip Fabric Markers 12/Pkg Fine Tip
• Singer Sewing Kit Beginner's

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A Late Black Friday Craft Haul

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

Like many people around the country, I felt enticed by the ads for all the Black Friday deals.  But instead of electronics, toys and clothes, I bought craft supplies (and dolls)!

Joann had sales from Thursday through Sunday, so I decided to shop for all the craft supplies for my Christmas craft projects.

First up is my online order.  The first day for the black “Friday” sale was Thursday, but it was online only because the stores were closed for Thanksgiving. 

It’s a good thing.  Let the employees spend the time with their loved ones and the customers shop from the comfort of their home while eating plenty of pie.

Anyway, the package came less than a week later.

I only bought a few items, I was holding out a little.

I got a pack of fabric markers.  I plan on using them for one of my Christmas projects, but I can think of a number of other uses.  Great way to justify them. :)

However, these charms were an impulse buy.  The are cute little keys and heart locks, and I think they would make adorable little doll necklaces.

Here some sparkly holiday yarn I got for another project.  Several different yarns were on sale, so I grabbed some white baby yarn too.  It always comes in handy for small crafts.

This one is also for one of my Christmas projects, and it’s a little unusual.  A posable doll made from white muslin.  He is 14 inches tall, but obviously most of the height is in those long, long legs.  He will be fun to play with when I’m done.

Now for the stuff I bought in store, with the doll relaxing on top.  I went on Saturday because the best deals were actually on Saturday and Sunday.

First I picked up some acrylic paint.  They weren’t actually on sale, but there was a coupon in the ad that worked for them.  Yay for coupons!  I got pink parfait, white, blue bonnet and leaf green. 

The doll dragged over the markers, I think he knows I’m going to use them on him.

I picked up some soft Velcro, because I had another coupon and you can’t have enough of it around.

I also got this pack of cardstock.  Most of the scrapbook papers were 75% off including this cardstock.  Good time to stock up.

While I was there, I took a peek at some of the clearance items and found these two broaches, a floral one and a cameo.  They will go perfectly with my wardrobe.

I also went through the patterns.  The Simplicity patterns were on sale for $1 each!  This is a dress pattern I’ve been eyeing, number 8444.  It’s for a blouse and dress inspired by a certain Japanese street fashion.  Sadly, you find it with the “costume” patterns.  Sigh.

I got a few sheets of felt, they were 5 for $1.  Sadly, I accidently got one of the premium non-sale pieces.  My coupon still worked on it.

Now the best part about the sale, the remnants.  They were all on sale for half their normal price, plus they took an extra 75% off. 

I got these two plaids, the larger red plaid will be great for my Christmas sewing and the small blue plaid is good for doll clothes.

I could not resist this cute cat print.

And I got this huge hunk of red felt.  I needed some for a couple of projects and this will be more than enough for my needs.  I will have plenty leftover for next year too.

Last but not least, I grabbed this small pink polka dot fabric.  I’m not sure what to do with it, but at the very least I can make a tiny doll dress with it.

And over all, I spent less than $45, and have enough supplies to keeping me crafting for at least a couple months.  Maybe.

Give it a try:

• Bernat Happy Holidays Yarn
• Tulip Fabric Markers 12/Pkg Fine Tip
• Vintaj Heart and Keys Charms
• Long Leg Muslin Doll w/Wire 14"
• Apple Barrel® Colors 2 oz.
• VELCRO® Brand 0.63'' x 30'' Soft &Flexible Sew-On Tape

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