Next pages - another activity

Come on folks - the next two pages of the quiet book are pretty amazing.
Learning colors, practice grab and tear out activity,  how to press stopper button.

Follow these easy instructions to sew the balloons.
Cut a felt balloon and stitch a square VELCRO tape on it.
Cut a piece of felt the same color. I have an irregular piece, but you should cur a rectangular one.

Place the cord between two felt pieces as shown on the picture keep in mind to align the ends.

 After stitching cut around carefully.

Repeat with other colors.
Make the same balloons with opposite piece of VELCRO tape and applique them on a fabric.
I have added two birds in the sky.

The second ends of the balloons are firmly stitched in the basket.

Do you want to make a call?

In the era of global networking and mobile phones we have many phones handsets and gadgets.
But we need them at hand.
Yesterday I spent one hour looking for my cell charger.
When found I said I have to organize all these gadgets at one place.
What is the most appropriate shape for a phone organizer?
A phone box, of course.

I have black felt and red fabric. And 2 hours free time...

The final result.

Look  inside..

I  made holes on the side parts as handles to catch it easy and carry with me..
It was easy to sew and great project to practice free motion quilting.

Cathedral windows taffeta needlecase

I have seen it in wonderful book "QUILTING 140 practical projects" by Isabel Stanley and Jenny Watson.
I love it, I want it.
I had to be very brave when decided to made this needle case.
This is my first cathedral windows project. It is not complicated, but sewing so small cathedral windows from taffeta seem to be very ambitious.
I have scraps left from my curtains.
At the very first beginning it was easy and pleasant to sew. I cut eight squares, folded and attached following instructions. Cut small pieces for the centers and then began the difficulties.
I was on the way to give up after sewing first square. But it would be pity for the lost 3 hours.
I  kept sewing.

The finished needle case looks so gorgeous.
 I forget about the hours spent in sewing.
Do you like it?
 I have written a tutorial with pics.
1. Cut eight  4 in inch squares. I use 3,5 in square freezer paper for easy folding the ends.

2. Fold each corner to the center point, press and pin.

3. Fold each corner to the center point once more. Stitch the corners at the center.

4. Place two patches right side facing and whip stitch.
There is no need to be so perfect like me :). At the end these places will be hidden.

5. Make 4 couples this way.

6. Then join the columns.

7. Measure the fold from one corner to the center point of the patch. Cut 8 squares in another colored taffeta to this size.  Pin each piece diagonally over the seam. Roll the fold over and slip stitch in place. Do the same with all 4 sides.

8. Repeat with others 7 squares.
Make the cathedral window effect on the patches without additional taffeta, too.

 9. Sew a button on the one side and a fabric loop to the other.

10. Cut the lining fabric to fit the case, adding 1/4 in seam allowance. Press under the seam allowances.

Press the corner this way. It will be easier to stitch to the outside part.

11. Slip stitch the lining to the needle case wrong sides facing.

12. Cut the felt to size and pink the edges. I have added 2 sheets.
13. Place the felt pieces in the needlecase and stitch down the centre line.

Enjoy the result.

Cushion with a handle

Do you remember old suitcases?

I like vintage looking things, so inspired by a picture of a suitcase made a useful cushion with handle.

Do you like it, don't you?
Here is a tutorial.
You need an old sweater cleaned at non proper temperature shown at the label. In fact you like it but it is pure wool and  higher temperature and cycling turned it to felt. Now the pullover is small to be worn, but great material for this craft project.
Choose a zipper and piece of real felt another color.

 

Cut two rectangles from the front and back of the sweater.

In my case they are 17 in x 15 in.(43x38 cm) 

Cut 2 circles diameter 5in (13im) from felt. Divide them in four so you will have 8 sectors, like cake slices. Round the corners of each slice and place in each corner of the rectangles this way and pin. The distance to the edge is 0,5 in (1cm)

Stitch near the edge of the felt piece.

From the rests of sweater cut a handle.

I made it double to be more thick and handy to carry. Fold and stitch zig-zag to prevent breaking the thread.
Attach to the longer side of one part and stitch the zipper this way.

Cut a circle from felt - diameter should be equal the width of the zipper, divide in half and stitch at the end and beginning the zipper. This will hide the ends and make opening easier.

Open the zipper and cut with scissors to make an opening.

Then sew both rectangles right side together.

DON'T forget to leave zipper open to turn back the cushion!

The places where the handle is attached are too thick for the machine so I stitched by hand.
Turn over and you are ready.
The back side of the cushion.

Now you can carry the cushion where you want to have a rest!