Pimp Stitch

Free pattern :: Lovebugs

 

Download Lovebug

We've had bugs on the brain lately! Here's a cute free pattern for Summer sewing. Download it, shrink it, print it and sew it. And while you're at it, there's also a free tutorial for this cutie pie pincushion over on the goody-goody blog.

Boy + Girl pocket pillows

Lauren has a free downloadable pdf embroidery pattern and sewing project for these little cuties over on her blog. A perfect project to whip up this weekend! TGIF!

Tool Thursday :: Stitchin' with the kiddos

       

The Holidays are a perfect time to introduce sewing to kids.  They will be on vacation from school (translation: will need entertaining) and it's a chance to teach them a skill that will last a lifetime. So, take a break from baking and cozy up on the sofa with a mug of cider.  Surprise them with a mini embroidery kit--patterns, some floss and a few (blunt embroidery) needles. Oh, and don't forget a little extra patience!

The easy, free embroidery patterns above are available at patternbee.com

If they really take to sewing, you may want to encourage them with one of these fun gifts:

The Alex My First Sewing Kit is availabe online and I've seen it at Cost Plus, too. It comes with 8 colors of floss, felt pieces for two projects, pincushion, scissors, pins, ric-rac and even pompoms. Now that's a party in a box.

 

The Kids' Embroidery Kit from Land of Nod. This one has even more goodies inside including an embroidery hoop, patterns and transfer paper. And it's currently on sale plus free shipping. Yay!  'Cause even Santa loves free shipping.

Tutorial Monday :: Embroidered Plushies

   

Hey all! This week I'll be showing you how to turn your favorite embroidery patterns into quick-to-stitch plushies!

*I am no expert in sewing, so if I can do this...so can you! You can even ditch the sewing maching and just stitch the thing by hand. Heck, if you can embroider the darn thing, you can stitch it into a plushie! Here's how I did it:

 

Step 1: Pick out and cut your fabric to the same size as the fabric you embroidered on.

I chose my Ocean Wonders pattern of this whale I stitched up in Hawaii this summer and some fun Japanese fabric I found online!

  

Step 2: Place your fabric together with the "right-sides" facing each other and pin in place.

Step 3: (optional) I used my disappearing ink pen to draw a rough guide on where to stitch...I like to follow lines. I this case, I tried to keep my line about an inch from my work on all sides (if possible).

 

Step 4: With your sewing machine, follow your guide line (or wing it) all the way around your pattern. Leave 1-1.5" unstitched for turning your work and stuffing. (I actually forgot that part and had to use the dreaded seam ripper!!! Remind me later to tell you a gross story about seam rippers and the pretty scar on my right hand!)

 

Step 5: Cut off the excess fabric leaving about 1/4" around.

 

Step 6: Turn your work inside out and stuff that bugger up! Stitch your seam shut and you're done!

Easy right? If you don't want to whip out your sewing machine, don't have one or are frightened by heavy machinery...just backstitch along the guide line instead...I've done that too and it worked just great.

For extra special holiday fun, why not sew in a piece of ribbon or ric-rac and make a fun Christmas ornament!

OR...fill it with lavendar and make a cute sachet for holiday gifts! Oh, either way, the possiblities are limited only by your imagination. Give it a try!