Scrappy, Stuffed, Heart Tutorial; ‘ Scraps of my love’

~These stuffed hearts are made mostly from my scrap pile. They are a little bigger than an open paw…measuring at about 7” across the heart at its widest part. Mine are stuffed with fluff and I had someone in mind for each as I pieced each one together using tiny bits of love and thought to make it as special as it’s recipient.

Another fun and cool option is to add a pocket to hold reading glasses a valentine treat (sexy or chocolaty), a remote control, or even baby teeth for the toothsome fairy!

Yet another idea you might try is stuff with rice add a few drops of essential oil to make a hot/cold pack (microwave/freezer) for someone’s aching head or crampy muscles.

Tools and Materials for this variation
Scraps of fabric
Buttons
Ribbon and random bits of
Loveliness that need homes
Thread
Needle
Iron
Pins (optional)
Interface (optional)
Sewing machine (optional)


1. Cut and iron two hearts from my pattern (or make you own heart pattern (sew easy!!) If you want to use mine just print it at 100% on an 8.5”x11” paper. The pattern uses 1/4’ seams.

2. Design and apply the layout of your embellishments, pockets or what have you for the top and a bottom of your heart (if you used two different fabrics; which I did on all mine). I used appliqués as sort of my main theme (I like to use fusible interface with my appliqués) Then I added buttons and bits of fabric and ribbon here and there to move your eye around. Remember to attach your embellishmets from the bottom up , ...with buttons and bows being attached last.

Iron after each layer is attached. Ironing will help keep it clean and make it easier to attach the next layer in your design.



3. Sew your heart out! With wrong sides together, sew a 1/4” seam around the heart ... leaving about a 2.5-3” opening to turn out of. Start your seam about and inch or so from the bottom of the point of your heart so your opening will be on the bottom side of your heart.(about where my scissors are lying is where I started sewing down)
4. Turn your heart out carefully. Using a pointy stick (knit needle, chop stick, etc) check all your seams and poke out your point.

5. Iron your heart. Shape it up and tuck under the opening and iron it making it even with the rest of the heart.

6. Stuff your heart. Use fluff or whatever you like. I used fluff combined with serger scraps.

7. Sew up the opening. I like to use a blanket stitch for this and I use doubled thread for a nice thick stitch. You could also use embroidery thread for this.

8. Fluff your heart and give it away! Give it to your valentine and feel the waves of appreciation and love roll over you…

I love green gingham! and some new aprons

~I had a tiny piece(half a yard or so)of this green gingham. I made three aprons, bouncing off this sweet gingham.....The other apron not shown was the second version of a cross back apron design I have been working on . Somehow I forgot to photograph this apron. I think it was because I actually made it for myself (so I would photograph it later...right). I took lots of crazy chances and used some favorite irreplaceable vintage fabric, it was a little shorter and made to be used as a craft apron ... BUT the market was slow Saturday and I really like the gal who wanted my lil treasure....it is a little embarrassing really! I cannot believe I took no photos of it ~pine pine pine......

~ anyway this is the first version of the Tie-less apron
It has a cross over back. .... it has all kinds of little flaws but the fit is good and I like the pockets a lot .I also love the vintage edging I used ...I just love this tape that my Cinda found for me......She has the sharpest eye and terrific taste(she also supplied many of my buttons and the beautiful rose table cloth I used in several aprons seen here today....thanks cinda)


~This apron was made later and echos some of the design ideas from the lil' treasure apron, but it is a half style and would move smoothly from the kitchen to the Kraft room. This is an apron design I have been thinking of for my self (although this particular one is not for me).

...the skirt is an embroidered linen(lalalalaove it)


....I used the tiny bit of green gingham I had left to make the ties.I found the beautiful rose button amongst my new vintage buttons and thought it made the perfect little "belt" buckle for the skinny ties waist.
....the rose button echos the pretty rose on the pouch style, three panel pocket .... I really love this apron. I have been wanting to make some simpler aprons with skinny ties.

~I made this one with the tiniest scrap of that farm table cloth I use for several aprons last spring. ....pretty Czech glass button



......the very last scrap...So long little farm. You are loved
~I also made this chili lady apron. ....It uses all new fabrics... and some cool vintage buttons from my replenished stash.
....I think it is a sass-a -frass, cowboy eye catching, lil' #



~So I am trying to set up a new online store and having a heck of a time trying to figure out what will work for me. I am trying out typepad for a little, but I am not excited about the store thru paypal option. tell me what you think it is here.

Another option is using Big cartel. That is what I have added to this site at the top right. This is their free version so I had to sort of jank up a store front that I created using a flickr slideshow. If I were to actually go this route I would (hopefully) have a better (More accessible storefront) as well as have more photos of each item. Anywho, any and all feedback is desperately sought. All this cyber research, has got this crazy southern belle as confused as Georgia swamp gator in an Alabama lake

Inspiration...ilaria margutti

"Embroidering is woman.
It shows the process of the womans' nature without saying a word.
Like Penelope did, every woman weaves her own expectations, her body, her way of living according to her own desires, following patterns and rules made by herself.
According to these contents, I have decided to deal with embroidery, not only as a technique but also as an action with strong existential contents"

This work by Ilaria Margutti.
The title of the installation is Mend Me
I found this inspiring installation while perusing, Design for Mankind. Her lines and content are incredibly moving . It is the beautiful details of her work that I am overwhelmed with. Sorry I could not include the detail photos but go to her link her words and images are fantastic.
I believe, through meditative needle work that women have mended themselves for centuries. I love the implications of this homage as well as the visual experience her work delivers.

I am in the new Craft!! VOL 10

I am pleased as pie to tell you finally....Way back in September I was asked to turn My Fabric button Barrette tutorial into a quick craft by Craft magazine.


I am thrilled to say that my Quick craft is in the latest issue of Craft Vol 10 !

Look Inside >> Volume 10

If you subscribe now you get started with volume 10. The new Craft hits newsstands on February 10th. Locally you can get a copy at Book people, and Barnes and Noble.
YAY!!!!

Baby its cold outside.

Yay central Texas weather ! Friday highs were in the low 80s Saturday the high was in the 40's!!!!????? Daddy had to bring me a big thermos of hot tea at the market...
....Because his crazy Georgia peach decided this would be a perfect day to start back up at the market. I do really well in freezing cold,cloudy weather, right?
Anyway we are back ....and it was very cold. Not alot of people stopping too look at clothes in cold, cloudy, windy, weather, however I did sale a hat to my good pal ...she wears it well.
I was happy to keep my new Teapot apron for a little longer...

...I 'm a little teapot short and stout!
..and here is my cup with my earl grey


~I have also been working on panties for valentines day ... here is a little panty and tank set I finished just in time for the 40+ temp.~ I added some lingering holiday barrettes.... and an orphaned pin cushion to my stock this week.~as you might have noticed from the barrettes, I finally got some new"old" buttons and was really enjoying them this week.






~Daddy printed some of his airplanes on some ts and onesies this week, I just love them!

so that is the post view ...hopefully next week will be warmer.