Sew Many Scarfs!

I have been on this SCARF kick lately.  What better way to fill my need for scarfs than to make 2 from scratch.  I was in the Fabric Clearance aisle at Jo-Ann's last week and found some great knit fabrics for SUPER cheap!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do right away...make scarfs!  The one below came from here...  Super easy, you don't even need to be a good sewer for this one ;)

The next one I have step-by-step directions for you (okay, anyone else start singing New Kids on the Block after reading that last sentence?  No? Nevermind)

Anyways, here is another EASY scarf, probably even easier and def. faster than the one above.  From start to finish, it took less than and hour.  Also, quick tip: no need to go by knit fabric.  Just cut up an old knit shirt or pair of pants!  Works just the same.

Okay, start by cutting out 56-64 four by four inch squares.

Here they are, all cut up and ready to go!

Next, pin together.  Do this by lining up the top point to the middle of your next square.

Last step is to just sew right down the middle of your squares, using your points to keep you straight.  I used both a straight stitch and a zig-zag.  Both worked the same.

And finally, enjoy your EASY-PEASY scarf.  Because this scarf is so light, it can be worn year round!

I have it doubled up here to give it a little more volume.

One more with Oakley insisting on being in the pic...

Calendar for Dad's Christmas Present

I had quite of bit of fun putting this little baby together.  It probably cost less than $10.  This includes the clear covers, the papers and bellies and the developing of the pics.  No directions, just pics today.

Make a Smilebox collage

Altered Thift Store Frame

Well, I found this beauty at the Thrift store for $1.92.  I knew exactly what I could do with it and was pretty excited with how well it turned out.  I forgot to take a picture of the before frame, but you can kind of get the idea of the ugly green is was before.

 

I first spray painted it this pretty aqua color.  It only needed a few coats.  I sanded the edges after it was really dry.  This is where my handy-dandy Cricut always comes into play.  I was hoping I had a cart that had a wreath on it, but I did not.  So, I had to make my own.  I found this cute branch and figured I could make my own wreath with a few of them cut out.  I cut the branches and the "B" out with black vinyl, used the AMAZING Cricut transfer tape for the first time, and placed it on the middle of the glass that already came with the frame.  (I forgot to mention that I just took the cardboard and the mat off the back of the frame.)  Last step is to place your glass back in the frame and add any 'bellies you like.  I just tied on a simple black ribbon.  This was my mom's Christmas present.  I am happy to report that it made it safely to Seattle :)

I am linking to:

Book Pages Wreath

I found this cool idea will blog surfing.  I love coming across craft blogs.  I found this on Monday and made it Tuesday.  I was so excited how it turned out.  Here are the directions

I found the perfect spot to hang it after I took this picture, so I will have to update after I have it hung.

Block Letters

I have seen these blocks around for about 8 years now, and even made a small set for a Super Saturday about that long ago.  But I was re-inspired to make a new set after seeing Stephanie's.  And then, Shannon decided to make a large set for her family and it got my wheels spinning even more.  Here are some step-by-step pics to help.

I had these chip board letters lying around that I got from the Target $ bins.  I spray painted them all red.

Number your 15 blocks 1-15 on the bottom.

I painted mine a latte' color and then

distressed the edges with brown paint

I laid out the letters on each block according to the cheat sheet I have (I can get you a copy if requested)

and then I decorated away.  All the other versions I have seen were just letters stamped on the wood, but I wanted it to be more of a vocal point on my mantle, so I added a little flair.

The final product!

Fabric Pumpkins

I decided to try my hand at a step-by-step craft post.  Here goes:
Supplies Needed:

*Warm and Natural Fabric-you can find this by the yard in the batting section     *Other fabric of choice
*Polyester Batting  *Sturdy, thick cording or thread  *Orange Paint  *Foam Paint Brush *Dry leaves & Stem

Cut out your fabric depending on what size you what your pumpkin.  The measurements for the one above is 22"x6".  Fold in half and sew the short end.

Take your thick cording and thread a needle.  Hand stitch only one open side(long side).  Make the stitch longer than normal so you can cinch it.

Cinch that side you just sewed...

...and then turn it inside-out.

Stuff with the batting.  Tip: There is no such thing as too much batting.  It should be over flowing.

Sew what is now the top like you did the bottom with longer stitches.

Pull it SUPER tight so that there is a small hole left.  Don't cut your cord yet.

Start wrapping your cord around the pumpkin to make the sections.  Wrap around once and then take your needle and stick it through the middle of the pumpkin.  Pull VERY tight.  Repeat this process to make as many sections as you want.  Tie off the cord when you are done.

Here is what it should look like at this point.

If you made it out of the warm & natural, you can leave it white to look like a gourd, or paint it orange to make it a pumpkin.  This will take a lot of paint because the fabric soaks it up.

Add your leaves and cut a small branch to make a stem.  Hot glue works great.

Here is another option for your pumpkins.  The bottom one was the easiest because it did not need to be painted.
Ok, go find some cute fall/Halloween fabric and make some pumpkins.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Cricut Shirts

Here is another fun project brought to you by the Cricut.  All you need is a plain shirt, some fabric paint, and freezer paper.
You cut a stencil out of the freezer paper with your cricut.  Iron it onto your shirt and use a flat foam brush to stencil with the fabric paint.  Let dry over-night and then peel away the freezer paper.  Voila'   Here are the 2 I have made so far.