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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: PaulineG
Date: 11-30-2006, 03:15 AM (1 of 55)
Whos got some good ideas for little things to make for gifts for Christmas. I have to give somewhere between 20 & 30 token gifts this year and don't want to spend a fortune but also don't want to give junk.  If time, skill and inspiration allow I was hoping to make some stuff instead. I was hoping somebody out there could help with the inspiration. Cheers, Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 11-30-2006, 10:19 AM (2 of 55)
Depends on who it is given to...but things I have made in the past are tote bags, placemats, pin cushions & thread catchers, wine coasters, small purses...oops... guess I generally make things for women! 
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: lsoutherla
Date: 11-30-2006, 10:26 AM (3 of 55)
| scarves..... silk... fleece (no sewing)... etc.... |
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-30-2006, 12:04 PM (4 of 55)
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Mary had some really neat ideas under the projects section - I like the tissue holder for handbags. Nice for ladies.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 11-30-2006, 01:23 PM (5 of 55)
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Rice packs! Good for anyone.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-30-2006, 05:33 PM (6 of 55)
If your machine has an alphabet in it, monogrammed handkerchiefs are great gifts for men, especially older men.. Most of them still prefer handkerchiefs to kleenex.. I think it is one of those security things.. The hankies I see don't ever look used..My Dad used to say he did not feel totally dressed unless he had one in his pocket.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-30-2006, 06:07 PM (7 of 55)
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Token gifts....why not just make cookies (or buy some, re-package and tag with their name.) Small breads... Christmas ornaments...you can get plain ones, do something 'arty'...get clear ones, do something 'artsty/craftsy'...get 'special ones'. I found some cute little snowmen at Michaels, names are already on them for about $1./1.49 something around there. You can get wooden initials, paint them...they have small stars and hearts you can attach...as well as small animals (if you know their pets). Paint, bead, decoupage small boxes...they're cheap and easy... Enlist friends to help... Kath
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: CindyBee
Date: 12-01-2006, 05:22 AM (8 of 55)
| If your machine has an embroidery feature: kitchen or hand towels, napkins, placemats, aprons. While shopping recently, I noticed little display pillows with cute, funny sayings were prominent in many boutiques. The latest issue of Sew News has adorable cocktail napkins. |
User: CindyBee
Member since: 10-21-2006 Total posts: 8 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-01-2006, 10:30 AM (9 of 55)
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Hankies are not just limited to the older generation. My 40 yr old hubby uses them, and my boys prefer them. Just make sure you get a really soft fabric. I keep telling hubby that I want to make him some flannel ones but he is a traditionalist.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-01-2006, 02:57 PM (10 of 55)
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Thanks for all the great ideas. I didn't realise there was a project section and so far haven't been able to find the tissue holder but like the sound of it. I'll probably make a combination of several of the ideas because I get bored if I have to do too many of the same thing. I'll definitely steal an idea from Bama though - I read in a post of hers somewhere else that she purchased an extraordinarily large amount of Christmas fabric after Christmas (and got a good discount). I'll have to find some space for more stash, brave the crowds and do the same myself. Barb, quick question since you've done so many rice bags. Do you topstitch the final seam with the rice inside the bag? Or do you leave a small opening and pop the rice in and handsew the opening closed? BTW - I've heard of (and used myself) wheat bags. I'm guessing that rice bags are the same but I was just wondering about the moisture content of the rice (which is how it heats up in the microwave?). The wheat bags I've got come with warnings about only keeping them for 12 months or so because when the contents dry out too much apparently they catch fire in the microwave. Also can you add scented oils to the rice? If not maybe some lavender mixed in? Thanks again. 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: gholloway
Date: 12-01-2006, 03:02 PM (11 of 55)
| I have used deer corn in my rice bags. They smell really good in the microwave. I also topstitch the seam. I think it holds the contents better. |
User: gholloway
Member since: 06-07-2006 Total posts: 58 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 12-01-2006, 03:05 PM (12 of 55)
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If I am doing them for family I topstitch after adding the rice but if I am gifting or selling I hand stitch because they look neater to me. I stitch across one way & then go back so there is double stitching. I always end with a dot of seam sealer at the end to keep them. I have used my rice packs for years & the first ones are just starting to dry out. I made the last ones out of fleece & they seem to hold the heat & moisture nicely. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-01-2006, 03:29 PM (13 of 55)
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Here is a link to the Projects (http://www.sew-whats-new.com/projects/projects-index.shtml). It was part of the old site but has yet to be updated to the new style.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-01-2006, 05:22 PM (14 of 55)
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I've looked through that lot Gina and I can't see the tissue holder... any ideas? Mary, do you still have the instructions somewhere?
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-01-2006, 06:23 PM (15 of 55)
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In the meantime...here are some other sites with patterns: http://belladia.typepad.com/photos/travel_tissue_holder_tuto/index.html http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2006/09/how_to_sew_a_tissue_pack.html (http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2006/09/how_to_sew_a_tissue_pack.html) This one's "almost free" but if you are interesting in supporting Ami Simms cause...then you may be interested http://www.amisimms.com/afrtihopa.html TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: Bama
Date: 12-01-2006, 06:28 PM (16 of 55)
| Check out the magic pillowcase thread in the crafts forum. It's a very inexpensive gift to make. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-01-2006, 06:39 PM (17 of 55)
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Came up with more ideas when searching for the tissue holder pattern... Eye glass or Sun glass case (http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/glassescase/quiltedcase.html) Casserole Cover (http://www.babylock.com/projects/pdf/casserole.pdf) Sewing Scented Hot Pads (http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072897.htm) TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: vickki
Date: 12-01-2006, 07:01 PM (18 of 55)
| Judy where did you find the pattern for the thread catcher.I went to a quilt auction a couple of weeks ago and they had one there I bit on it however someone else bit a lot higher and I didn't get it.If you have a site I would love to have it...Thanks vickki |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-01-2006, 07:40 PM (19 of 55)
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Vicki, I bought my pattern from a quilt shop here in Ottawa....one of the woman at the shop designed it. But this link looks very similiar to the one I did. http://www.kquilts-studio.com/pincushionthread_catcher_tutori.htm Here are some others that are a bit different: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=68049.new http://www.janome.com/project_show.php http://www.easyquiltkits.com/sewing-notion-and-thread-catcher.shtml TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-02-2006, 01:52 AM (20 of 55)
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No clue Jan. It used to be there. HMMM. Mary is hiding stuff from us.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-02-2006, 05:40 PM (21 of 55)
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Thanks Judy - those projects kept getting better. I really liked the first tissue holder and was going to use it and then I saw the second (almost free) one and it was even better. My production line Christmas gifts are going to fly along. I better get started soon. Only 22 days to go. Pauline Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: vickki
Date: 12-04-2006, 09:03 PM (22 of 55)
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Judy thanks for the thread catcher pattern,will get started on it this week.I just finished doing a stain glass candle wall hanging.It's the first time I have do this.I have really gotten involved in quilting.I have taken alot of lessons and really enjoy it.Again thanks Vickki |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-05-2006, 10:31 AM (23 of 55)
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Pauline & Vicki...glad I could help. Need a link just ask. Patty22 once said that she wouldn't bother keeping any, she'd just ask me when she needed one. LOL
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: Patty22
Date: 12-05-2006, 04:45 PM (24 of 55)
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So true, so true; Judy is the web site guru.
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 12-06-2006, 11:58 PM (25 of 55)
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I'm coming in late with this suggestion but I just finished making my 2nd set of grocery tote bags for a gift. I found the pattern on the internet, and I can get 6 bags out of 4 yards of 45" fabric plus the webbing. Took me about 2 hours to make the 6 bags and I got the striped light blue denim fabric on clearance for $2.50/yd. I think in total they cost me just under $20 for the 6 bags.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-07-2006, 12:17 AM (26 of 55)
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Thanks for all the great ideas. Next year I'm definitely going to start sewing earlier though. Like in January. Since I'm hoping to buy some Christmas fabric on sale it should be easy enough. For anyone who's interested I've decided to make aprons for my WW girls and tote bags for the teachers. I haven't yet decided on the tote pattern (I really liked the one that ckmom had in her photo bucket but I can't find a similar one). If time gets too short I'll just get some really heavy double sided fabric (whats the term for fabric that doesn't have a wrong side) and skip the whole pattern and thus lining issue. If I use french seams or inside binding all should be fairly simple - yeah? Or maybe jewellery ... Thanks again - BTW I now have a list of projects about a mile long that I want to do (in addition to those that were already languishing). I'm not quite sure that joining this site was a good idea after all. LOL 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-07-2006, 08:07 AM (27 of 55)
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Laura Do you have a link to that grocery bag pattern? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-07-2006, 10:56 PM (28 of 55)
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Web guru at it again....links for grocery bags http://www.make-it-easy.com/opentot2.html If that's not it, maybe you can find something here: http://henriettashandbags.com/Craft_Ideas.html TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-08-2006, 02:03 PM (29 of 55)
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Well, the web guru is way too fast for me! The link is the first one Judee wrote down at 'make it easy'. Darn you're fast Judee!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-09-2006, 03:51 PM (30 of 55)
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I printed it out for my note book. Thanks Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-11-2006, 10:02 AM (31 of 55)
From: dmoses
Date: 12-11-2006, 05:15 PM (32 of 55)
I'm trying to make some of those heart-shaped mini oven mitts. It's trial and error, but I made one, and have to do some tweaking before continuing with the others. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-11-2006, 05:22 PM (33 of 55)
It is sooooooooooo good to hear from you Donna.  However, I have never seen heart shaped oven mitts. Something for hubby I presume.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-11-2006, 07:41 PM (34 of 55)
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Hey Donna...good to see you've popped out of the woodwork!!!
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-11-2006, 08:02 PM (35 of 55)
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Thanks ladies. Mary, if you scroll down on the following page, you will see the heart potholders. (I know, I called them oven mitts  ) Having seen the picture, I think I know where I went wrong. There is also a pattern for chicken potholders...soooo cute! I'm tempted to buy, buy, buy!  http://www.thecalicocat.com/potholders.htm Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Brenisback
Date: 12-11-2006, 08:04 PM (36 of 55)
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Welcome Back Donna...now tell us about those pot holders.
Brenda
People come into your life ...for a Reason a Season or a Lifetime. |
User: Brenisback
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 228 |
From: vickki
Date: 12-11-2006, 08:42 PM (37 of 55)
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Hi Donna, So glad to see you back.I was thinking about you the other day.WELCOME Vickki |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: esrun3
Date: 12-12-2006, 10:00 PM (38 of 55)
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Welcome back Donna!!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Bama
Date: 12-12-2006, 10:40 PM (39 of 55)
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Cute potholders. I like the ladybug one. Love the chenille ones. I just got a new chenille cutter for myself as an early Christmas present so I might give those a try. (After Christmas )
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: IsabelleB
Date: 12-14-2006, 06:42 AM (40 of 55)
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I just made a bunch of ornaments - very basic, the fabric does it all. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/e-zabelle/pix%20for%20boards/8.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/e-zabelle/pix%20for%20boards/5.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/e-zabelle/pix%20for%20boards/1.jpg Those sew up in a jiffy. Cute little stocking stuffers (I hope!)
Isabelle
Sewing blog: Kitty Couture |
User: IsabelleB
Member since: 10-25-2006 Total posts: 265 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-14-2006, 11:01 AM (41 of 55)
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Isabelle, they are too cute!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Magot
Date: 12-14-2006, 12:12 PM (42 of 55)
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You are just cat mad Isabelle - very nice ornaments. Do you have the pattern for that Handbag tissue holder anywhere MAry? love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: esrun3
Date: 12-14-2006, 02:39 PM (43 of 55)
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cute little ornaments-great way to use up scraps!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-15-2006, 01:16 AM (44 of 55)
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Jude sent the links to a few tissue holder patterns earlier on in this post. I'm not sure if they're the same but they look pretty good to me.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-15-2006, 02:33 AM (45 of 55)
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ah thanks Pauline, I'll trawl back through - I didn't see the one Ii wanted first time around but might have missed it.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-15-2006, 11:33 AM (46 of 55)
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Hey, friends.. Its quicker to summarize Mary's original instr.. than to go searching for it.. Cut 3 rectangles 3 by 6 inches each.. fold 2 of them in half lengthwise and lay on flat piece , leaving the folds to meet in the middle.. Stitch around outer edge, turn, and VOILA ! ! , a tissue holder for your purse.. Holds those little packs of a dozen or so tissues.. I latched onto that one the day Mary first put it on this site..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Magot
Date: 12-15-2006, 11:43 AM (47 of 55)
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Ah thanks - I was having a brain fart trying to remember how to fold the bits and pieces!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: GoGoAndrea
Date: 12-15-2006, 11:44 AM (48 of 55)
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I'm getting so stressed out about Xmas this year! I think what I'm going to TRY to make for my girlfriends are mini stockings in the shape of GoGo boots and then decorate them according to the person I'm giving it to. For example my friend Alana always likes to wear cabaret style outfits when we dance, do I'd decorate it with lace and fringe....Of course it may become much more expensive than I'm hoping, so we'll see how it turns out :-\ |
User: GoGoAndrea
Member since: 07-07-2006 Total posts: 43 |
From: vickki
Date: 12-15-2006, 06:01 PM (49 of 55)
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Have anyone seen the pot holders made from 5-10" squares?I saw them today in a fabric store and they were very expensive.Just wondered if there was a pattern on the web...Judy do you know if there is one... Thanks vickki |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-18-2006, 05:00 PM (50 of 55)
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I do not understand... 5-10 in squares ??? Please explain... Are you asking how they go together ?? I cannot get a picture in my head of how 5 10 in squares could be made into a potholder..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: plrlegal
Date: 12-18-2006, 05:27 PM (51 of 55)
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Me either Libby. That would be one gigantic potholder!!! Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: CodyGramma
Date: 12-18-2006, 06:31 PM (52 of 55)
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I made giftbags for all the "gal relatives" in my family and made a set of coasters and a bag saver to put inside each giftbag. http://mccallsquilting.com/curiss/1205_wbbag_pattern/ Web Bonus Pattern - It's in the Bag! I used this as my basic "pattern" but I happen to have some prequilted jacket lining pieces and used them as the stabilizer for the insides of the bags and just quilted on the same lines after placing some holiday materials on the outside of the linings...then stitched the 3 sides up and followed the rest of the instructions. I made 7 of them altogether and they were alot of fun.. made different sizes and colors... any Christmas material works but I did make one "crazy quilt" one just for fun! I can't figure out how to manage attachments for this site or I would include pics.... it always says its too big! |
User: CodyGramma
Member since: 04-22-2005 Total posts: 133 
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From: vickki
Date: 12-19-2006, 06:41 PM (53 of 55)
| The pot holders are made from 5 seperate 10" squares.They are folded a special way and sewn together.The lady was selling them and really didn't want to tell me to much on how they were made....I can understand that,maybe it was her own pattern.Just taught someone knew how they were put together.I have never seen them before...Thanks vic |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 12-20-2006, 10:19 AM (54 of 55)
| Another quick idea - "socks" for cell phones made of fleece. Keeps phone from getting all scratched. I turn upper edge down and sticch about 3/4-1 from top - that keeps them from stretching way out of shape. Then stitch 3 sides and turn. When time permits I monogram an initial on front before stitching 3 sides together. |
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-20-2006, 04:53 PM (55 of 55)
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Have anyone seen the pot holders made from 5-10" squares?[snip] Thanks vickki Hi Vickki, I haven't seen those potholders, but this one is very easy. It's made like a pillow cover so that the quilted part can come out...I guess for easy washing. http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa111197.htm And this one is one of Mary's projects. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/kitchen/potholders.shtml Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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