From Summer to Santa Memories 2019 Part 2

From Summer to Santa Memories 2019 Part 2

This blog is about a Yule Project I did many moons ago. Once again there is a lack of photographs.

I decided to make a couple of Santa Stockings. One for my Goddaughter and one for her Brother. These would be named so no squabbling over whose Stocking was whose unlike with the store bought Stockings.

Shannon Santa Stocking

Firstly the material. The colour scheme was easy as I went with the traditional Red and White. I had some Red Silky material which I used as the base.

I cut out a cardboard template. I drew around this then flipped it over so it was doubled. I really wish I had a photograph of how it was place on the material. I had angled it so as much of the material was already joined together so there was less to sew up.

Bradley Santa Stocking

I was unsure of how the Letters would be placed when the material was Sewn so I only part sewed the Stocking. That way I had room to get my hand in to add the Lettering.

This was Embroidered with Gold Metallic Thread. I also added a few stars to the Stockings. I then finished sewing up the Stocking with my usual Blanket Stitch

I then added a Loop to the Back of the Stocking and a Fluffy White Edging around the Top. There we have it two named Stockings already to be filled with presents.

Owl say that’s an unusual Yule Gift 2018/19 – Part 2

Owl say that’s an unusual Yule Gift 2018/19 – Part 2

If you haven’t guessed what I am making yet maybe the next few pictures will give you a clue.

Foam Circle Cut Out

  

I take some Foam approximately a thumb joint thick. I draw two Circles and cut them out.

Stick Foam Pad

 

If you look carefully at the above photograph you should be able to see one of the Inner Circles that I drew.

This is because before sticking the Pad down I have shaped it slightly. I do not want the Foam to be flat. I want it to be slightly Dome Shaped

I made the Dome Shape a little piece at a time as I didn’t want the curve to be too sharp.

Tie Dry

Once I had finally got the shape I wanted then stuck a Foam Pad to each piece of Owl material. I have tied the Strips around it whilst it dries.

Purple Material

I have cut out two circles of Purple Material which I place over the Dome I then stick them to the Foam. Since the item is Circular the material needs to be folded over slightly.

Underside of Pads Part Sewn

In the photo above you can see that the material is folded over at an angle following the curvature of the Foam. The Pad on the right is not quite dry yet.

Tools of the Trade

One thing you have to be sure of is to use the right tools when crafting. I am trying to sew through both Foam and PVC material and in consequence have broken two of my needles.

Fortunately I possess quite a few. I have changed to my leather work needles to work with.

Owl Material Drawn

I sew around the material with my leather-work thread and then I pull it tighter. It now reminds me a little bit of a shower cap.

Velcro

 

When I had finished with the Pads I turned my attention to the Strips around it. I trimmed and hemmed the ends of the Strips then proceeded to add Velcro to them.

I stuck the Velcro on with glue then I waited for it to dry. Next I sewed around the edges of the Velcro to make sure they were secure.

Velcro Wrapped

Since these Strips are going to be Straps I had to make sure that I put the Velcro on the right way. Therefore I did one strap at a time.

I found that one part of the Velcro had to be on Top of the Strip and the other half had to be on the Bottom.

The above photograph shows this better than describing it. The left one is just stuck together. The right one is wrapped up to be tidy.

There you have it a pair of customised Owl Knee Pads.

Owl say that’s an unusual Yule Gift 2018/19

Owl say that’s an unusual Yule Gift 2018/19

Happy New Year 2019

I thought that since it is the New Year I would start it with a blog on a different project. The Mademoiselle Marionette project is still ongoing (sorry Cayt) but it wasn’t the only Yuletide gift I was working on.

One Owl Bag

This was what started me off on my train of thought. My friend likes Owls but is not really a Handbag kind of person.

Remove the Strap

I didn’t want the Handbag only the Owl PVC material so first of all I removed the Strap

Remove the Zip

I do not need the insides so I removed the Zip to get better access

Dismantle the Bag

I slowly began to dismantle the Bag piece by piece in order to get the maximum amount of material. I could then lay it out flat ready for the next part.

Large Circle

First I cut out two large circles. I then proceeded to mark a serious of small circles.

Concentric Circles

Now I have two circles cut out and several interior circles like a target. I have created this pattern as I am not sure exactly sure how much room I would need for what I have in mind.

Finding the Centre

I find the Centre of the Circle and the middle of the Purple Strip

Purple Strip

Placing a spot of glue at the middle of the Circle I lay the Purple Strip down on the material. I slowly add more glue and gently spread the Strip across the Circle making sure there are no wrinkles

Blue Strip

I do the same with the Blue Strip forming a Cross in the Centre of the Circle.

Any idea what I am making yet?

Yule Presents 2017 Continued

Yule Presents 2017 Continued

I have several lovely friends that are coincidentally in the same craft group so I thought I would like to make something crafty, personal and useful.

I had one of ‘my bright ideas’ which generally means it is okay in theory but could do with several months extra in which to make. Therefore I haven’t taken pictures as I have gone along but I will try and give you the idea.

The craft group is called The Witches’ Stitches. The presents are for three lovely ladies and two handsome gents. Ladies first -

Moira’s Yule Present Front 2017

I made these gifts simultaneously so they are in no particular order. I am making bags complete with zips using the Cross–Stitch technique on Aida Fabric. The bags are embroidered both sides with the group name on and are large enough to encompass long Knitting Needles.

Moira’s Yule Present Back 2017 

Although the lettering is the same each bag is unique to the person it is meant for. Moira is a White Witch and renowned Author so what could be better than a bell, BOOK and candle design complete with a pentagram.

Cayt’s Yule Present Front 2017

Cayt who set up the group is organised. She is a very cheerful person and is often sporting colourful clothing so bright colours were a must.

Cayt’s Yule Present Back 2017

She is also is a gardener. Therefore I felt that it would be nice to have a bit of Ivy clambering around the lettering.

Julia’s Yule Present Front 2017

Although Julia is a Crochet Demon rather than a Knitter I thought it would be nice to have the bag the same size as the other girls.

Julia’s Yule Present Back 2017

When I first met Julia she was often in flowing ethnic or tie die kind of clothes. Therefore I thought I would do a myriad of colours to go with her sparkling personality. Ye Gods never let me have an idea like that again

Now for the lads presents. Both the men do Cross Stitch so I made the bags shorter but deeper than the ladies. With luck they should be able to get a small hoop inside. This time the material used for the bag is felt and the Aida is sewn on top otherwise the small needles would fall through. Rather than using a zip this time I have used strong Velcro.

Tim’s Yule Present 2017 

After consultation with Cayt as to what colours Tim liked I decided on a blue background. I did wash the felt first because I didn’t want to risk the colour bleeding onto the White Aida.

I have tried to keep the pattern simple with a few of his gardening tools on. By sheer coincidence when I began to add the ribbon I had bought I noticed it said Merry Christmas.

Matt’s Yule Present 2017 

With the information from Julia that her Fiancé likes Tartan I proceeded to go with that theme. I think the ribbon used was definitely in the Festive mood because it just would not go on straight. – Sorry about that Matt!

Since Matt is musically inclined I add a few notes then went on to wash and press all the gifts ready for wrapping. Merry Yuletide 2017 folks!

If you want to know more about Moira’s work follow the link below

www.moirahodgkinson.com