Burlap Placemat Tutorial

Today I'm guest posting for Jane of Trades as part of Roselee's Bias Tape Tuesday Series.

Here's a very simple tutorial taking advantage of some great printed burlap fabric I found recently at Joann's.

To make 4 placemats, you'll need 3/4 yard burlap and just over 7 yards of 1/2 inch, double fold bias tape (note there is nowhere near 7 yards shown in the above photo).  This is a great excuse to make your own bias tape using Roselee's tutorial posted here. 

Cut each placemat to be 13 x 19 inches.

At about the center of one of the short sides, sandwhich the burlap in the bias tape, and sew down until you reach the corner.

Fold back the bias tape and shown, and make a nice little mitered corner.  Pin, then begin sewing where you left off.  Do the same for all 4 corners.

When you get back to where you started, cut the bias tape so that it overlaps with by just about an inch.  Fold over the end, press and sew in place, hiding the unfinished end where you started.

So simple.

So beautiful.

They make my dining room look so much nicer than it actually is.  In reality, this table never looks this way.  It's usually the spot where all the kids papers and toys get shoved.  Where all my in progress projects get stashed...

A beautiful spot, even if for just one day.

Handmade Gift Ideas - Pin Cushion Jar

Happy Thanksgiving!  Here's a quick post with a fun gift idea.

 A fellow crafty friend has a birthday soon and I wanted to give something handmade but also useful. 

I used this tutorial from Make It and Love It.  

I made it and I loved it!  To add my own little touch, I spray painted the lid to get a antiqued look.

 The jar on the left has the hammered finish, the jar on the right doesn't.  Both look great.

Ready to fill with some yummy treats.

Hope your Thanksgiving Day is full of cheer!

Handmade Gift Ideas - Color Blocked Zip Pouch

 The holidays are right around the corner so it's time to get started on those handmade gifts.  And who doesn't love a zip pouch?  Here's a great little project that you can use some scraps to whip up in no time.  

You'll need some heavyweight fabric for the outer (or you can interface a lighter fabric), fabric for the lining and a zipper. 
 Full tutorial and pattern here.

 
I used some scraps of duck canvas that were 5 inches wide by 14 inches tall.  

(you can see I put together 2 smaller gray pieces)

 Sew the strips together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance and cut in half.

 Cut the pieces to size using the printable pattern, and finish according to the instructions here. 

Fill it up with some fun little treats and it's ready to be received!

What handmade gifts are you working on?

Buckle Bag

So are you excited about the Mirabelle Messenger Bag yet?  Here's a little more inspiration.  I'm going to give you a quick walk-through on some little pattern modifications I made to get this look.  I did this bag with a lightweight, olive corduroy.  I love the detail of the bias tape and piping, but I wanted a more monochromatic look.  So, I used Roselee's tutorials to make my own bias tape and piping.

Since the corduroy can add a bit of extra bulk to the seams, I cut all the interfacing pieces (except for the strap and pocket) a little smaller than the fabric.

 I cut the flap a little shorter and a little more square.  

I used a top-stitch thread and needle to make the stitching really pop.  I love that look. 

Picked up this belt for $1 at goodwill.  

I'm sure there's a better way to add the buckle, but I was a little short on time and figured no one would look too closely.  I made a strip of fabric the same width as the buckle, cut a little hole to slip the pin through, and added a little fray-check.  I sewed the strap down as far as I could and finished sewing in place by hand. 

Don't forget, there's still time to win your own free pattern over at Jane of All Trades.  

Giveaway Ends at Noon!!

Introducing...The Mirabelle Messenger Bag

 My first (and maybe only) for sale e-pattern!  I'm so excited to complete this pattern.  It's something I've been wanting to do for a while and finally was able to accomplish.
 

Here's what I love about this pattern....

 The sizing works well for both kids and adults,

 it looks great done in fabric,

and laminated cotton. 

The adjustable strap allows you to use it as either a shoulder bag or a cross body bag.  

I've got options for a magnetic closure or a button closure, an interior zipper pocket and a padded strap.

The pattern is for sale here and here.  I also have the hardware you'll need, but haven't had a chance to list it yet.  Drop me a line if you're interested.

A great project for your Thanksgiving break.

Want to win a free copy?  Head on over to Jane of All Trades to see her cute version and to enter to win a free copy of the pattern.

Enter her giveaway until Friday, November 16, here. 

 

 

Then come back later in the week to see some tips on how to make this super cute version of the Mirabelle Messenger Bag.