On the Twelfth Day of Christmas.....Festive Stocking Holders
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is handmade gifts. For me, making something for a friend, sister or child, is what makes the holidays so special.
These mini stockings are sure to be a hit at your table. Their small size make them perfect to hold a treat, a gift card, or flatware. Additionally they can double as Christmas ornaments next year!
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is handmade gifts. For me, making something for a friend, sister or child, is what makes the holidays so special.
These mini stockings are sure to be a hit at your table. Their small size make them perfect to hold a treat, a gift card, or flatware. Additionally they can double as Christmas ornaments next year!
MATERIALS
White felt
Scrap felt in a variety of fun colors
Handsewing needle
White thread
Metallic Embroidery Floss in White Gold
A free Mini Christmas Stocking Template, printed and cut out
SIZE
3 x 5 3/4
MAKE THE STOCKING
CUT
Using the Mini Stocking Template, cut 2 foot pieces, one cuff piece, one loop, and 18 felt circles.
EMBELLISH
Following the pictures as a guide, stitch two circles at a time to the stocking cuff using a straight stitch and some metallic thread. For added interest, I offset the direction that I stitched the felt circles to the cuff.
MAKE THE STOCKING
Fold the embellished stocking cuff inward with Right Sides Facing Together. Stitch the short side using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Place the stocking front and back on top of each other. Pin together along the outside edges (leave the top of the stocking open). Stitch around the foot of the stocking using a 1/4" seam allowance. Be sure to backstich at the beginning and end of each seam.
ASSEMBLE
With both the stocking and the cuff turned Right Side Out, slide the cuff over the stocking. Push it all the way onto the stocking body so that it fits snuggly.
Pin the top pieces together around the inside of the opening, making sure that the side seams meet. Tuck the raw ends of the loop into the back right side of the cuff. Pin.
HEMMING THE TOP
Using the white thread, stitch the top together using a straight stitch or a blanket stitch. Make sure to reinforce the loop by sewing over it twice.
You are all done and ready for treats!
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Weaving Edition.
The fun thing with buying gifts for 8 and 9 year olds and “tweens” is using their interests as cues to get gifts that support those interests – or you can introduce that 12 year old to something new and they may discover a lifelong love.
The fun thing with buying gifts for 8 and 9 year olds and “tweens” is using their interests as cues to get gifts that both encourage and develop those interests – or you can introduce a 12 year old to something new and they may discover a lifelong love.
In this 12 Days of Christmas Series, I have tried to choose gift themes that will bring lasting enjoyment to your home. They’re the kinds of gifts that are fun when they’re opened, and then continue to be played and explored with for years.
As with so many crafts now, weaving is having a bit of a comeback. I think of this time as a sort of crafter's renaissance. If you are going to learn one new craft this season, let it be weaving. Weaving is a type of textile construction where two sets of threads, the warp and the weft, cross at right angles to create cloth. Weaving is done on a loom, which holds the warp threads under tension allowing them to be intersected by the weft.
Weaving is a tactile medium. Beyond composition, there is a structural element that has dimension and engages many senses. It is an art form that you can appreciate by looking, touching, and using. Wall hangings are a great introduction to weaving and will add instant design cred to a room!
Photograph used with permission. Annabel Wrigley, Little Pincushion Studio.
Photograph used with permission. Annabel Wrigley, Little Pincushion Studio.
There are so many ways to introduce weaving to kids. First of all they will need a loom and some yarn. There are many DIY looms out there but if you are looking for a gift here are a few to consider.
Melissa and Doug weaving loom This is an all-in-one kit at a price you can't beat. A bit of yarn, step by step instructions and a sturdy wood frame.
LoopdeLoom I see this one everywhere. Target, Amazon, Michaels, Barnes and Noble. It is based on traditional weaving methods but speeds the process up a bit.
Harrisville Designs Pegloom This is the traditional peg loom that I learned to weave on. This hardwood loom will give your child years of enjoyment.
There is always the quintessential potholder loom that I'll bet you had as a child. This is a great way to introduce weaving to the youngest kids.
This Zoom Loom Pin Loom would make a really great gift for adults too. I bought this a few years ago and have made dozens of colorful coasters.
All of this talk about weaving has me ready to dust off my loom. Do I have the time to squeeze one more project in by Christmas Eve?
We're set for a busy week here in chez Stitch, so in case I don't pop back here before the weekend, have a wonderful Christmas, everyone, and safe travels for those leaving town.
XO, Hilarie
On the Tenth Day of Christmas.... Stocking Charms
Each year I like to make a new stocking charm for my kids to decorate their stocking. The idea is really simple and fun and jazzes up the stockings a little bit. Candy canes, initials, dolls, bears, whatever comes to mind. With kids out of school this week, this is a quick project that they would love and it might buy you a few minutes of peace.
Each year I like to make a new stocking charm for my kids to decorate their stocking. The idea is really simple and fun and jazzes up the stockings a little bit. Candy canes, initials, dolls, bears, whatever comes to mind. With kids out of school this week, this is a quick project that they would love and it might buy you a few minutes of peace.
I like to think of these as kitchen counter crafts. They require very little time and supplies that you probably already have.
Felt
Scissors
Embroidery floss
Needle
A bit of poly-fil stuffing
Begin by drawing a simple shape that is about 3-4 inches high and at least an inch wide. Cut it out and use it as a pattern. The simpler the shape, the easier it will be to sew. You can always embellish later.
Place it on the felt and cut around. You will need a back and a front. For this tutorial I am using the letter C and a star.
If you are sewing a shape that has an inside and an outside (like this letter C) begin sewing on the inside.
Continue to sew around the edge and a bit up the outside curve.
Once you have an inch or two stitched on both sides, you can begin to gently stuff. I like to take small tufts of poly-fill and push it through a little bit at a time. A chopstick works well for this, as does the eraser end of a pencil. Continue to stitch and stuff until complete. Tie off.
Cut a length of floss to thread through the top of your shape and hang!
The steps are pretty much the same for a shape such as a star. Begin by inserting the needle on the inside corner of one of your shape. (This way the knot will be hidden on the inside).
Continue sewing around the shape.
Once most of the shape is stitched, begin to stuff.
Stitch to close. Then either sew a ribbon from the top or a length of floss. Tie and hang with pride.
Which shape will you make first?
On the ninth day of Christmas... A Sew a Softie Round up
The last two weeks, we've celebrated everything hand-sewing and softie-related and it’s clear you love sewing with kids as much as we do. In this post you will find all of the inspiration you will need to sew an ornament or toy for Christmas.
But perhaps the best part of Sew a Softie for Christmas is the blog tour. These lovely ladies showed us their take on simple sewing projects with kids. So many of our blogger friends have posted darling sewing projects over the past few days, it's hard to know where to start!
The last two weeks, we've celebrated everything hand-sewing and softie-related and it’s clear you love sewing with kids as much as we do. In this post you will find all of the inspiration you will need to sew an ornament or toy for Christmas.
But perhaps the best part of Sew a Softie for Christmas is the blog tour. These lovely ladies showed us their take on simple sewing projects with kids. So many of our blogger friends have posted darling sewing projects over the past few days, it's hard to know where to start!
Sew a softie for Christmas Round-up
This is the Christmas Treat Cone that I made.
Christmas tree softie http://www.ourdailycraft.com/2016/12/02/sew-christmas-tree-softie/
Thank you so much to everyone who is included here. Such a lot of wonderful sewing you've done with this idea! What are you going to make first?
XO, Hilarie
On the Eighth Day of Christmas....
I know many kids that are asking for a sewing machine and "sewing stuff" for Christmas/ Hanukkah this year. More than a few parents have called to ask me for recommendations for a sewing machine and supplies.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas, I give you a DIY sewing kit.
I know many kids that are asking for a sewing machine and "sewing stuff" for Christmas/ Hanukkah this year. More than a few parents have called to ask me for recommendations for a sewing machine and supplies.
The following are some suggestions to get you started. You don’t need to include all of these items! Pick and choose the ones that you think would best suit the child and your budget.
Also, please note that links to online versions of the following are provided for your convenience. Both so you can click through and see a picture of the item, the price, and (in some cases) reviews and to give you a convenient online location to buy if you prefer to do your shopping online. However, please know that you can find much of these in your local sewing and craft store.
So lets get your kit started. The advantage of putting a kit together yourself vs purchasing one that is pre-assembled is that the quality of these items are far superior to the kits. You can choose the size and quantity to fit your budget and the colors to suit your child. A great sewing box can be filled over time and as their interest grows.
For the kid that loves to sew
Measuring, marking, cutting and sewing are what we are focusing on first.
Tailor's chalk and pens These magic pens are always a hot item in class. Heat of an iron will erase their marks.
Straight pins and a pincushion
You will need two types of scissors to begin. Sharp fabric scissors and small ones to clip threads.
Then you will need thread, needles and fabric to sew.
Thread, embroidery floss or pearl cotton, and sewing needles that have a large eye and are easy to thread. A needle threader, a colorful stack of fabric- try some fat quarters, or an assortment of felt to inspire their creativity.
And don't forget about embellishments! A sewing kit for kids would not be complete without a big bag of polyfil and a way to personalize their creation. An assortment of ribbon, beads, ricrac trim and yarn will help to complete any vision your child may have.
With these supplies, you are guaranteed hours of quiet, creative time. I promise!
XO, Hilarie
On the Seventh Day of Christmas.....
On the Seventh Day of Christmas, I give you a shopping list for your favorite beginner knitter.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas, I give you a shopping list for your favorite beginner knitter.
My grandmother taught me to knit as a teenager. I think it was fall 1988? There was this great sweater pattern in Seventeen Magazine. It was a fisherman style in ecru wool with a bauble and cable pattern down the front. They paired it with a long, plaid skirt and granny boots. I really wanted it but couldn't knit. My grandmother showed me how but I never really got the hang of it. (She knit the sweater for me.)
In college, I took some knitting lessons and it finally clicked. (I didn't tell my grandmother that I took these lessons!) I have continued to knit on and off throughout the years. While I will never be spectacular at it, I do find comfort in the meditative rhythm and warmth.
Like any craft, knitting requires just a few items to begin. Here is a list that any young knitter would love!
I like these needles for their small size and two colors. This makes it a bit easier to explain where to hold your left and right hands in relation to each other. You can show them that the right hand holds the right needle and the left hand holds the left needle. The right hand can grip the left needle when it's in the X of a knit stitch. I use this rhyme when walking kids through knitting: In though the front door, around the back, out through the window, and off jumps Jack. Knitting isn't hard but it can be a bit tricky to learn, this just makes it a bit easier. I prefer natural wood needles, with the exception of one pair of metal ones that I happen to love.
Yarn. There is yarn and then there is yarn. If you have a local yarn shop, I recommend starting there. In Norfolk, Baa Baa Sheep has an excellent selection, and friendly and knowledgable staff and full service. Otherwise, check out Purl or any chain craft or fabric shop. Yarn is organized and sold by color, fiber and weight (stitches per inch).
yarn bowl I didn't get one of these until last year. I wish that I had it earlier. Before then, I always kept my yarn in a bag on the floor but would often have to tug or unwind it. The bowl controls the tension better and keeps your yarn clean and tangle free.
Yarn Ball Winder You can wind your yarn by hand but this does make the process a bit quicker and with the manual crank your child can control the speed. Like everything else, there are much fancier versions available.
Sometimes you have to put your knitting project down. These point protectors keep your stitches from falling off of the needle when you place your work aside.
Yarn needle These large eye blunt needles are great for weaving in ends and sewing seams on your knitting projects.
When following a pattern or trying to knit to an exact measurement, a Stitch counter is a gift. There are many types of counters or registers, but this one gets the job done.
This stitch gauge hasn't changed much but is essential to your knitting bag. This handy tool helps determine both the size of the needle you are using and the number of stitches you have stitched per inch of work.
I think that Kids Knitting: Projects for kids of alI ages by Melanie Falick is one of the best beginner knitting instruction books available. I can guarantee any book written or edited by Melanie Falick will be virtually foolproof. This is a process-driven book with step by step photos and illustrations. It is sure to be a pleaser.
There are also many free pattern available on the internet. Some easy beginner projects include: a scarf, boot toppers, phone case, or a sampling of small squares that can later be stitched together lined and filled with rice and lavender to make hand warmers.
One of the great things about Holiday and Summer vacation for kids is that they have some time to explore things they might not during the hectic school year. This winter might be the perfect time for you and your child to pick up some needles, yarn and learn to knit!
XO, Hilarie
On the Sixth Day of Christmas.....
On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Christmas Candy Cone. Inspired by Victorian candy cones and the German Schultüte, this cone will look equally beautiful hung from a door or your tree.
On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Christmas Candy Cone. Inspired by Victorian candy cones and the German Schultüte, this cone will look equally beautiful hung from a door or your tree.
My mother grew up in Germany, so many of my Christmas holiday traditions, goodies and decorations have a strong German influence. This Cone beautifully synthesizes all things Christmas for me: classic and simple with a hint of nostalgia. I chose to make this project in wool felt. Felt is my favorite craft making material because it's soft, natural and so easy. It also lends itself effortlessly to a project that is easy enough for kids to make or to make with kids.
This post is part of the Sew a Softie for Christmas project held by Trixi Symonds, author of "Sew Together Grow Together" and Coloured Buttons. Thank you Trixi for inviting me to participate!
Materials needed:
One yard of ribbon
8 X 12 sheet of felt
Embroidery floss or Pearle Cotton
Needle
You can make this with a sewing machine as well, but they are super fun to sew by hand as well. I think the next one I make might just feature some fab embroidered details and a pompom or two.
Cut one cone shape using the template. Cut ribbon into two lengths. 13" for the cone edge and 10" for the handle.
Take the 13" length of ribbon and pin along the curved edge of the felt. Stitch the top edge.
Fold the felt in half with the right sides facing together. Make sure that the ribbon is aligned too! Pin and sew from the top ribbon edge to the point.
Turn right side out. You may want to use the eraser edge of a pencil to push the pointed end of the felt out.
If your ribbon is single sided (meaning one side has a pattern and the other doesn't) you can cut two lengths and place them with the wrong sides facing together. Sew on each long side.
Pin the handle to each side of the cones top edge and sew to secure.
Give the felt a nice tug to help smooth its shape. Fill with goodies and display with pride!
Some thoughts on sewing with kids
When sewing with small kids, we begin by threading the needle and leaving a long “tail” beneath the know. With the threaded needle under the felt, I begin telling a story of a little mermaid that is just learning to dive and swim. She is going to practice by shooting up from underneath the water (underside of the fabric) then just as her tail reaches the surface (when they feel the knot reach the fabric) she turns and points herself right back in the water. Before she does that though, she needs to stop and plug her nose (I have the kids pinch the eye of the threaded needle and pierce the fabric through the other side of the line). Then we keep practicing. There are always lots of knots and loops but they get it.
I hope that you enjoy making this project!
Hilarie XO
On the Fourth Day of Christmas.......Books about making stuff!
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I present a collection of my favorite sewing themed books for kids. These will surely inspire young minds to use basic sewing principles and easily accessible materials to express their individuality. The thrill of taking some plain cloth and creatively cutting and adding trim is quite appealing to children. It teaches them that we can liberate ourselves from our roles as passive consumers to passionate creators! As an added bonus sewing (or being absorbed in any creative pursuit) trains young minds to concentrate deeply, which undoubtedly benefits them in other aspects of life.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I present a collection of my favorite sewing themed books for kids. These will surely inspire young minds to use basic sewing principles and easily accessible materials to express their individuality. The thrill of taking some plain cloth and creatively cutting and adding trim is quite appealing to children. It teaches them that we can liberate ourselves from our roles as passive consumers to passionate creators! As an added bonus sewing (or being absorbed in any creative pursuit) trains young minds to concentrate deeply, which undoubtedly benefits them in other aspects of life.
When teaching sewing to kids, I really take a design forward approach. Often times, kids will come in with some fantastic idea. We discuss it and try to break the design down to the essence that they love but in an approachable way for them to feel successful and satisfied. I try sequence the difficulty so that they can avoid the frustration that comes with a too challenging project and total abandon of their skills. I hear from so many adults about boring projects that they had to suffer through before they could advance to the great stuff. I'd rather meet kids where they are creatively. If they stick with sewing, there is always time to learn fine sewing skills. If they loose their passion to perfection, then they may never find the simple pleasure of creative expression.
These are all books that I own. They provide simple, clear explanations for technique, combined with a great deal of inspiration. I hope that they will enable your child to feel successful and encouraged to explore sewing and design.
Crafty Chloe by Heather Ross. This is the first of two Crafty Chloe books. I hope there will be many more. They are hysterical and so on point for kids!
I had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn. This book has been at the top of our gift giving list for years for fashion loving girls.
Isabelle, An American Girl, She's an American Girl doll who has pink hair highlights, dances, designs clothes and sews. What more needs to be said?
We love to sew, by Annabel Wrigley. This is the first of the series of books that Annabel has written. The projects are very fashion forward and so fun! Do yourself a favor and check out her other books and videos. Annabel lives in Winchester, VA and runs Little Pincushion Studio.
Sewing School, by Amie Plumley. These projects are popular for boys and girls of all ages. Amie has also written Sewing School 2 and is actively working on number 3! She teaches very young children how to sew in Memphis, TN.
Corduroy, Don Freeman. A true classic. I remember reading this as a child and loving Lisa for caring for Corduroy, sewing a button on his overalls and bringing him home to her tidy little room with that pretty quilt.
One Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes. This is a story about a young girl who is quite poor and is made fun of for wearing the same clothes everyday. She tells the other kids that she has a hundred dresses at home, but they don't believe her. She moves and they find out the truth. Is it too late to make things right? This is a beautifully written but painful portrait of a young creative child. This was my favorite book as a child.
See and Sew by Tina Davis As the forward says, "This book is an invitation to sew". It is full of fun and easy projects to learn and build sewing skills.
My First Sewing Machine Book, This is a skill based book written for a child. The pictures are colorful and the projects are attractive.
Pockets, by Jennifer Armstrong. This is a beautifully written picture book that will surely inspire children to dream.
On the third day of Christmas....Jewelry Design!
Today I present tools and kits for young jewelry and accessory designers. They will love to show off their unique sense of style with original accessories. These easy DIY kits include colorful supplies to create original fashion pieces with lots of flair!
I think the first necklace that I designed featured spools of thread and clothes pins strung on a piece of colorful yarn. My mom has a picture of me on my grandmother's porch in a diaper wearing this necklace layered with a bandana. It was the 70's!
When I am planning projects for kids, I often try to capture that feeling of creative abandon. I want the supplies, textures and colors to inspire their creative little minds. Today I present tools and kits for young jewelry and accessory designers. They will love to show off their unique sense of style with original accessories. These easy DIY kits include colorful supplies to create original fashion pieces with lots of flair!
Felt Chain Jewelry Kit My love for wool felt is no secret. Its versatility, color, texture, and beautiful hand make it the perfect material for so many projects. This kit contains an idea book, instructions, pre-cut felt, floss, a needle, and cording. I can think of several of my young sewing friends who would love to open this package! Did you know that jewelry making and sewing share some cross over?
Bling Bangles This kit looks like it would be lots of fun for elementary aged girls. They love layering color, texture, pattern and shine!
On a recent trip to Hobby Lobby, I happened to walk down their jewelry making/beading aisle. There are jewelry making kits for every taste (and age!). The designs were both affordable and on point.
Another trip to Target delivered these gems! Both the Kid Made Modern, Ultimate Jewelry Kit and Seedling brand, Design your own animal necklace. These are two of my favorite go-to brands for kids birthday gifts. (The other favorite is Klutz). The supplies are colorful and fun and, while there are "instructions" the kits are open enough for the kids to learn enough to make their own designs.
You could always go the DIY route and buy beads, knotting cord, jump rings, wire, felt, pompoms, embroidery floss, sewing needle and thread.
For your littlest crafters, this kit is top-notch! We have literally spent years playing with these at my home. I think my daughter received these as a gift for her fourth birthday!
No matter which route you choose, with their new baubles, they'll never have to borrow your jewelry again.
XO, Hilarie
On the Second day of Christmas... Crafts for kids!
This is prime crafting time for your little creative one! Kids love to make things and have a natural gift for color, texture and pattern. The holiday season lends itself so well to kids more is more tendencies!
This is prime crafting time for your little creative one! Kids love to make things and have a natural gift for color, texture and pattern. The holiday season lends itself so well to kids more is more tendencies!
I have always believed that with fun, attractive, quality materials and time just to dream and create, kids can develop their natural talents. They often need some instruction, but after that, back off!
Today I present gifts for your crafty child.
I love the crafty kits by Klutz. These kits are among our go-to kid gifts for kids. The colors and skills are on point and their step-by-step illustrated books make the techniques very accessible.
Handmade Charlotte, both the blog and the line are fun, trendy, made for DIT (do it together! in stead of do it yourself. Fun, right?) The projects are so satisfying and accessible.
Kid Made Modern. I can't resist buying something from this line each time I go to Target. I love that they offer both projects and supplies. If I want to learn a new skill, there is nothing like a fashionable kit. If I have the skill down, the supplies are a bonus!
Of course, what's a blog post about kids crafts without mentioning Martha. The Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids book is big around my house. On a rainy day with only popsicle sticks, drinking straws, buttons, and rubber bands I can keep my kids occupied.
A DIY craft kit is always fun to put together too. Clay, molds or tools, colorful felt, pipe cleaners, ribbon, yarn, paper punch, paper, beads, pompoms, glue, a fun book about crafting, and a crafting book about fun! Your kids imagination can soar. You will be giving them the tools they need to spark imaginative play, foster independent thinking and build self-esteem.
Do you like this series?
XO, Hilarie