Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hand Made for Christmas.......

Even though I'm only semi-crafty, over the past years I've made some of my Christmas decorations.   I'm lucky enough to have a very crafty sister and a couple of friends who are amazing.  When my "Crafty" friend, (CF), and I would be out shopping and see something really cute, she'd say "don't buy that, we can make it"! (You all know how that is)!  If you've seen some of my posts, you know I cannot SEW but my CF did teach me one important stitch, the blanket stitch! Even though I was very skeptical of my ability to master it, she assured me that if Girl Scouts and Brownies could do it, so could I!  After many failed attempts, she was right and it's now my one and only "sewing" skill and I have found it quite handy!  My favorite thing to make with it is Mittens, Stockings and Snowmen. I have made quite a few over the years and even sold them in my shop. I showed these last year but thought I'd post them  again for those who might have missed them.   I also enjoy doing x-stitch and here are a few examples of past Christmas projects. 
(Sorry, the ornaments turned out blurry, but no time to redo)!
















Here are the steps to make any of the above.
1.  for pattern,  draw or trace any mitten, stocking, snowman shape, you like on paper, etc, or, I use a gift box because it's stiffer and easier to trace around on the fabric. Snowmen can be any funky shape
you like, the funkier the more fun!
2.  the fabric I use is the good, soft felt, the white is quilt batting that you buy by the yard,  Pin patterns on fabric, then  either cut out or draw around pattern with vanishing fabric ink ,then cut,  fold fabric in half
to cut 2 mitten pieces at once.
3.  lay 2 pieces together, starting at top of 1 side and them stitch around to top of other side. (you can
use any stitch or sewing machine must turn inside out and sew if on machine) When making snowmen
leave top of head open and sm opening on each side for twig arms.
4. stuff inside with poly fill or stuffing of your choice.  When doing snowmen, pour in enough dried beans 
(or your choice) before stuffing to make stable so will stand up once finished.
5.  once stuffed, take your choice of ribbon, cut to desired length to use as hanger,  for mittens,  hot glue one end to inside back of mitten for hanger, make sure thumbs are on the inside,
 when second mitten is done, glue other end to inside of top of it.
for snowmen, once stuffed, sew all the way around, leaving sm openings on each side for twig arms, or
if ornament, leave head opening open.
6.  once sewed and stuffed, hot glue tops of mittens and stockings closed.  Then hot glue on embellishments
of your choice to decorate.
7.  For snowmen, once stuffed either hot glue or stitch opening used for stuffing closed unless making a
ornament, then glue ribbon hanger in before closing.  Take twigs of your choice, cover ends lightly
with hot glue and insert into openings left on sides for arms.  Glue closed if needed.
8.  Decorate snowmen as you like.  I used snaps as the eyes, the small pointed end of a toothpick, cut
off to desired length and dipped in orange paint for nose.

They are really simple and almost mistake proof.  These can be made any size, big or small for decorations or ornaments to hang on your tree.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment with your e-mail address and I will get back to you.

Till next time.....
Rebecca

I'm parting at:



18 comments:

ETT RÖTT MONOGRAM said...

I like your christmas decorations, you are really good at christmas crafts.
Hugs
AnnaMaria

loveandlilac said...

I adore those mittens - absolutely super! My old needlework teacher at school would laugh herself silly if she knew I had finally mastered sewing, so be very proud of your blanket stitch! x

Anonymous said...

Those are so sweet! I love the background they are hanging on. Absolutely perfect!

outjunking said...

The things you quickly learn about blog friends... like how well they sew and glue. I thought for sure you bought that wonderful brown mitten set at hobby lobby... at about $20.00 or more.
Well done,
Lisa

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Those red mittens with the gingham bows and white buttons are adorable!

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Rebecca,

I love the stuffed red mittens they are so cute with the gingham bows!!
I love the blanket stitch too! So homespun...
Have a great weekend!
All the Best,
Christine

Heather said...

Everything is just adorable, but I especially love the brown mittens! They are precious. For someone who claims that they aren't crafty, your certainly made some fabulous decorations!

Anonymous said...

There's those cute mittens...mine are hanging on garland over my fireplace (which isn't being used...)....thinking of you as I made them last year...after seeing your red mittens and b/w checked ribbon....good job! Mel's Designs....I'm having an end of the year Christmas Shop Yard Sale, next week...Dec. 21, 22, 23 at my house...starting around 8 am....come on over...on Riverside and McGavock Pike...Inglewood

Olive said...

They are adorable. I used to do embroidery and love blanket stitch too. That was a lifetime ago.

Blondie's Journal said...

I LOVE the mittens and stockings and although I don't sew on a machine, I can do several stitches by hand. I never thought to make something like these with a blanket stitch! Nice idea! Love your crosstitch pieces, too!

Happy Holidays, Rebecca!

XO,
Jane

Jen said...

Those are so adorable. Love the mittens and love love love the snowmen!

Tanna said...

You have a wonderful collection of handmade Christmas ornaments!! Those mittens are just too cute! Thank you for the instructions. blessings and Merry Christmas! tanna

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Wow I would say you are quite crafty!! These all look great! I especially like the white stocking. It is just so pretty!!

Michelle said...

I saw your blog picture of Lucy on a comment page and had to check you out. I really enjoyed reading your post.

Tara said...

Love the little mittens! I guess we all gotta learn somewhere, I still need to learn to sew!

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Rebecca,

Oh wow, you are super crafty! I've always wanted to stitch & sew, but I have still yet to learn! :) Love all those ornaments and your creations - amazing! You just might have inspired me to at least try & learn during our holiday vacation. :) We shall see how that goes! lol Happy Holidays to you and yours!!!


Hugs from here,
Jessie

Fishtail Cottage said...

i had to come peek at your snowmen! love them....so cute! xoox

Unknown said...

So lovely!!! Great project! Thanks so much for sharing the fabulous tutorial! Feel free to stop by sometime.

Happy Holiday
Marilyn @ Christmas decorating ideas