Hugs and Kisses

A gift was in order for a special little girl . . . and she definitely feels the cold.

So, at this time of year in Australia . . . a heat pack it is!


I made a slip cover (just like a pillow case) with thin wadding and some raw-edge applique.

The heat pack itself inside is just a simple bag, filled with rice and stitched closed across the top.

It slips inside the cover . . .

Gets heated in the microwave . . .

And there you have it. A little bit of warmth . . .

And hugs and kisses too!

Crown Bag

Inspired by our night of royal-ness and wedding-watching, I decided to make a crown bag. Not that I have a crown to go in it or anything, but you never know!!

This is a really simple bag to make up. I've made it in several sizes now, from about 4 inches square up to about 10 inches square. The little ones are cute, but for usability, I think 7 inches is good.

So, I start with 5 squares of the same size . . . 7" x 7" for the outer, and the same for the lining.



I drew up a crown and used vliesafix to attach the crowns, ready for raw-edge applique.



I really like the sketchy look of straight stitch, raw-edge applique. When I am doodling or sketching I invariably find myself drawing over the same lines more than once, so the look of this stitching style suits me . . .


Once all the embellishment to the side squares is done, I join one side at a time to each side of the bottom square. Then stitch the side seams from the top edge to the bottom corner. I do the same for the lining, leaving an opening on one of the side seams for turning through.

I make 2 loops, 1 each (about 3" long) for opposite sides and a long strip (about 20" long) for the handle, which is attached at the other pair of opposite sides . . . so all 4 sides have something attached to them. On the smaller bags I've found using ribbon for the loops is really good. I pin the loops and handle right side out, facing down, to the outer bag squares and pin or tack them in place. Then I put the bag outer inside the lining, right sides together and stitch around the top edge, making sure to catch the loops and handles in the seam.

Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining side seam. Hand stitch the opening closed and voilà . . .



one cute and useful little bag - in all its "crowning glory". Slip the handle through each of the side loops, pull it up to close the bag and you're good to go!



If crowns aren't your thing, these bags are a nice way to try a new block or use some of your "just had to have it" fabric. The options are limitless!





Pattern: Crown Applique
Designer: Sue Hampson

"Girl On A Tree Swing" Mini Quilt

I absolutely love love loved working on this little mini quilt! It's my first time with raw edge applique and free-motion embroidery . . .

This quilt is from a tutorial by the very talented Aneela Hoey at Comfort Stitching. I fell in love with the imagery of Aneela's quilt, but thought that it was not something I'd probably do. Well, after doing a bit of mending with the darning foot on Francene, I thought I'd give this free-motion thing a try . . .



and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I found the whole process so relaxing - I felt like I could lose myself for hours in just stiching. While this technique is not for every project for me, this is definitely something that I will do again. I love finding new ways to be creative with fabric and thread and I love it even more when they joy takes me by surprise. Ahh, the possibilities!



Pattern: Girl On A Tree Swing
Designer: Aneela Hoey
Publication: http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/