Fabric Doorstops

Didn't get any further with the padded christmas trees, instead I started making some rice-filled doorstops to take to the market on Saturday.  I first made these doorstops when we moved into our present house.  All of the doors are self-closing which really drove me mad at first, and rather than changing the hinges, I made some doorstops using fabric from a Moda charm pack. This time I've used Denim and a cream calico drill fabric as they hold their shape better due to the heavier fabric weight.

I added the pink gingham heart using bondaweb & then I used a close zig-zag stitch to go around the edge of it.  The only snag with this fabric is the colour transfer as it is a really dark denim.  I think I'll have to put a label on it suggesting that whoever buys it should put something underneath it.  Really don't want any claims for carpet cleaning!

Shouldn't have those problems with this one.

Another view of the same one:

Not sure which of the two I prefer, I think maybe the denim has it, but that's likely to be because I love my jeans. Each is about 4" square.

As I've said they are filled with rice (1kg filled each nicely) and just topped it off with some toy stuffing to fill it right to the top.  Useful and kind to bare feet too.

New Invention Wanted

Please, please can somebody invent a pin which knows the difference between fabric and flesh!!!

Halloween Bags and Padded Fabric Christmas Trees

I have been busy with my crafting today - probably because my son is still off school today (they won't let them back until 24 hours after the bug has gone) and he has spent most of the day watching the Disney channel on TV - a good reason to vacate the living room!

I made 2 more Halloween bags which unfortunately will be the last I've exhausted my stash of orange cobweb fabric.  I think I'll see how they sell at the market this weekend and then next year I'll know to order more fabric.  I bought this fabric from Fabricworm who are based in the US.

You may also be able to see the padded christmas trees I've been trying to make.  I haven't been able to find a pattern anywhere for what I wanted, so have been playing about with scrap fabric and shapes.  Strangely enough the first one I made was the brown one (out of an old pillowcase) and it seems to have come out a better shape than the red one that I made afterwards.  I'm still not happy with the overall effect, but rest assured that when I get the pattern working I'll put it on here so you can all have fun making 3D padded christmas trees.

Blue Camouflage Backpack

Well I did finally manage to finish one bag today.  The blue camouflage backpack that I've been meaning to make for ages.  Its in a drill fabric, so needs no backing.  I've also covered all the inside seams with white bias binding to neaten them up.

I also managed to cut out the pieces for making another 2 halloween bags, so hopefully tomorrow (children's health permitting) I should be able to get on with making some more bags.  Oh no, did I say that out loud? Hopefully fate is not listening - erm No, I have no plans tomorrow at all!!!

Tempting Fate

I had to say it, didn't I!  An hour and a half after tempting fate by blogging that all my children were finally all well and healthy, the school phoned wanting me to pick my son up as he has a tummy bug! 

I give up, from now on I'm determined never to make plans for a day of crafts - or if I do I'll keep them firmly in my head.

Back To Crafting

Carnival over, children at school.  Time for crafting.

Today I aim to make some more little backpacks.  I've already cut the front and backs of two out of blue camouflage, I just need to cut the rest of the fabric, attach a zip and make some piping then it'll be all systems go on the sewing machine.  Wish me luck, will update later to let you know what I managed to get done.

Fingers crossed for Sunshine.

Carnival day is tomorrow - finally!  We are all keeping our fingers crossed for fine weather and hopefully come 3 o'clock tomorrow we'll be walking down the high street in all our finery.   At last count there were over 40 children in our group, a complete nightmare of organisation for the wonderful mums that have organised & co-ordinated it all. 

Will hopefully take a few photos of the costumes and also let you all know how it went. 

More Craft blogging to follow next week (with hopefully the unicorn tutorial that Sam has kindly agreed to write!)