Amy at Happy Things has once again put together a great tutorial!  This time it is for a Chenille Backed Patchwork Blanket.  The tutorial has 4 parts, but don't be afraid because Amy has included tons of photos and specific instructions, making this a great project for a beginning-to-intermediate crafter. Enjoy! Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Needless to say, things are always busy at their house! You can visit Randi's blog here

Related Tags: sewing, crafts, quilts, blankets, patchwork, baby, infant

Tie One On is a monthly apron-making challenge hosted by Amy at Angry Chicken.  Amy invites you to "make aprons to show and tell" according to a monthly theme.  This month's theme is "Aprons as a Costume".  Click here to see last month's theme-gallery, pinafores. Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Needless to say, things are always busy at their house! You can visit Randi's blog here

Related Tags: sewing, crafts, aprons, costumes, kitchen

Tiny Happy has put together an excellent tutorial for making this shoulder bag.  I am going to make another one and add about 3 inches to the length so that I can use it for a book bag.  I added fusible interfacing to the inside and outside of the bag to add some sturdiness, and I also put in a pocket for my keys and cell phone.  Your older kids might like to use the tutorial to make a messenger bag; simply add 3-4 inches in length to the shoulder straps. Enjoy! Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Needless to say, things are always busy at their house! You can visit Randi's blog here   Related Tags: sewing, crafts, shoulder, bag, purse, tote, tutorial, directions, instructions, pattern

Sep. 11, 2006 - Handbound Journals

Steph from Curiously Crafty has put together a great tutorial for making your own journals--from scratch!  These would make great Christmas or birthday gifts as well as a nice homeschool project for your older children.  It is easy to customize these by choosing fabrics according to your taste. Have fun with these! Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Needless to say, things are always busy at their house! You can visit Randi's blog here

Related Tags: sewing, crafts, handbound, journal, tutorial, scratch, gifts, Christmas, birthday, homeschool, project, children, customize, fabrics

Today's post is put together by Shelly from Shelly's Journal.  If you have a little bit of quilting experience, this one is for you!  Shelly provides wonderful instructions for making a coin quilt like this one:

So how did I make this quilt?  I was inspired by this quilt from Amy of happythings.  But she did not provide a tutorial on construction, so it was up to me to figure out how I wanted to do it.  I wanted to share this with my fellow bloggers in the event that anyone was interested in making it themselves.

1. Figuring out the width.  I initially figured on 35 x 2 inch strips per row - which would have given me 70 inches on my 72 inch quilt.  I overestimated and ended up tearing off 3 per row - probably could have gone with 30 per row to allow for some borders.
2. Cutting the fabric - I used 23 different fabrics in this quilt construction.  I cut 1 to 3 strips of each.  Strip size was 2-3 inches wide (which allowed for 2 x 1/4 inch seam allowance and a little size variation to try and make it interesting) and width of fabric (around 40"). Note:  This would make a great design for a "scrappy" quilt.
3. Strip Sets - Since I wanted 35 strips per row, I put together strip sets of 7 different long fabric strips each and sewed them together and then into a tube.  I cut the tube into 8 1/2 inch segments which would allow my final strip size to be 8 inches high.  I used my seam ripper to tear apart the seams at different places. Leaving me with a pile of 7 strip x 8 1/2 inch sets.
4. Sewing the 8 1/2 inch strip sets - Then I sewed 5 of these sets together, trying to vary as much as possible,  making sure the same strips were not always next to each other and on the end.  I made 6 of these 35 strip sets.
5. Borders - After removing 3 strips per row, I sewed the solid lime green border (also 2 1/2 inches wide) on the top and bottom of all strip sets.  Then I added the lime green print border (3 1/2 inches wide) to one side of 5 of these sets.
6. The quilt top - I sewed all 6 sets together making the quilt top.  I trimmed one side of the quilt with my rotary cutter to make that side even. I added plain lime green strips (2.5 inches wide) on the sides and then bordered with the lime print(2.5 inches wide) all around.  I ended up tearing off the side borders when the quilt top was too wide for the batting.
7. Sewed together backing material and made my quilt sandwich for turning and tying.
8. Ran a zigzag stitch along the outer edge to seal the "hole" and provide additional stability to the quilt.  Also stitched in the ditch around the border seams for stability.

***Shelly has more tips on making this quilt here.

If you make this quilt, please let Shelly know!  I appreciate the time and effort she put into this post!  Thanks, Shelly!

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Needless to say, things are always busy at their house!

You can visit Randi's blog here

 

 Related Tags: Sew Crafty, sewing, crafts, quilts, blankets

I am going to be very upfront and say that I really dislike ironing clothes!  The only time  I enjoy ironing is if I have a pile of freshly-washed fabrics waiting for my attention.  My opinion is that if you absolutely have to iron, you might as well do it on a pretty ironing board cover and, lucky for you, they are very easy to make! First, lay your fabric out on the floor and place your ironing board on it upside-down.  Cut your fabric 3-1/2 inches bigger than the board: Now, iron, pin and then sew a one inch casing around the cover, leaving a 2-inch opening: Now you will need some ribbon or cord to thread through the casing (measure around the ironing board and add about one foot to get the right measurement for your cord): Once you have threaded your cord or ribbon through the casing, tie the cover securely to the ironing board--you will want to tie this into a knot. Now, you may actually look forward to ironing!  ;) Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house! You can visit Randi's blog here.

Related Tags: sew, sewing, craft, crafts, crafty, iron, ironing, ironing board, clothes, pretty, fabric, casing, ribbon, cord, pin, measurement

Twice I have made a quilt using this pattern and both times it has come out great!  You can use any mix of colors as long as you stick with one "background" color.  I used white on the pictured quilt and if you click on the pattern you will see that they used brown.  Each choice creates a completely different look which makes this an easy quilt to customize for a new baby or a house-warming gift!

More free patterns can be found here.

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house!

You can visit Randi's blog here.

Related Tags: sewing, crafts, quilting, free, patterns

Amy, a crafty, homeschooling mom, has found a way to keep those pesky hand towels in their proper place!  Using a purchased hand towel, some fabric scraps and a button, you can make a cute and inexpensive hand towel that will stay in its place no matter how many kids use it!  These towels would also make a nice gift for a friend! The tutorial can be found here. The towel in the picture is made by Amy of Contemplations Amid Chaos. Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their five children in Colorado.  This year they graduated their oldest daughter from high school and a few months later they started their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house! You can visit Randi's blog here.

Related Tags: sewing, crafts, organization, hand towels

Valances are an inexpensive and easy way to cover a window and add color to a room.  I made some for my craft room and, including the curtain rod, they only cost me $12.00 and an evening of time to make.

****Please read through the entire tutorial before deciding that this is too confusing!  I think it will make more sense at the end!  ;)

My first step was to measure the width of my window.  The fabric needs to be approximately 2 to 2-1/2 times the width of the window, depending on how much gathering you would like at the top. I used 2-1/2 times the width measurement of my window.

The length of your valance will depend on the size of your window and your preferences.  My window is large so I wanted my valance to be approximately 15 inches long from top to bottom.  I add approximately 3 inches to this measurement for the top and bottom hem and the casing, equalling 18 inches for length. 

I hope this doesn't sound too confusing!  Basically, you want to cut your fabric 18 inches X 2 to 2-1/2 times the width measurement of your window.  You will end up with a long skinny piece of fabric that looks like this:

(You will probably have to sew 2 or three long strips together to acheive your desired width.)

Now, sew a 1/2 inch hem on three sides of your valance, leaving the 4th long side raw.  On the fourth side, iron your fabric under 1/4 inch and then fold it over 2-1/2 inches and sew your seam:

Now for the casing.  Measure 1-1/4 inches up from the hem you just sewed and now sew the casing seam (the blue pins are stuck where you should sew your seams):

Viola, you are all done!

All you need to do now is put it on your curtain rod and hang it above your window!

~ Randi H

I was just about to throw away an old bulletin board when my daughter suggested that I paint it and cover it with fabric so that I could hang it in my craft room.  I can use this to display fabric samples and craft ideas that I would like to try in the future.  (This project uses fabric but there is no sewing involved!) First, tape off the edges of the board and then paint them the desired color using acrylic paint (you can buy this in the craft section at Walmart for about $1.00).  I painted my edges white: Next, cut a piece of thin batting or fleece(I used an old fleece baby blanket) the same size as the bulletin board and staple or hot-glue it to the board.  Then cut a piece of fabric 1/2 inch bigger than your board, iron the extra 1/2 inch under and then hot-glue this to the board over the fleece: Using 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon I made a lattice pattern.  I hot-glued only the ends to the board: Using tacks, tack down every place where your ribbons criss-cross (Sorry for the blurry picture!): Now you are ready to hang your bulletin board on the wall and use it for craft ideas, notes to your family or even your honey-do list!  Wouldn't your husband love that?

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado.  This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house!

 

As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together.  Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.

 

You can visit her blog here.

 

Related Tags: sewing, bulletin board

Kuky Ideas has been kind enough to provide a tutorial to make this adorable tiered skirt.  This skirt is great for everyday wear or you may use dressy fabrics for special occasions.  You can make this skirt in any size using the instructions provided.  The tutorial is here. **The skirt in the picture was made by Kuky Ideas.   Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado.  This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house!   As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together.  Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.   You can visit her blog here.

One of my favorite craft bloggers, Craft Apple, has not only made this adorable baby blanket, but she has also provided an excellent tutorial so you can make it yourself. Her blanket is made with chenille and flannel, which make for a very warm and cozy wrap for a new baby. This project is perfect for those new to sewing and the blanket will make a perfect baby shower gift. The tutorial is here.

 

 

The blanket in the picture is made by Linda @ Craft Apple!

 

 

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado.  This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house!

 

As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together.  Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.

 

You can visit her blog here.

I love yo_yo's! They are a traditional craft usually associated with quilting. Yo_yo's are versatile, easy to make and they are a great take_it_with_you project. Stitchy has put together a wonderful tutorial here.

 

Here are some things you make with yo_yo's:

 

A lovely bed cover (scroll down to the 2nd picture)

 

An adorable framed picture

 

I found this idea in a Mary Engelbreit book:

 

This would be very simple to make by sewing yo_yo's on the edge of a pillowcase and a flat sheet.

 

Have fun!

 

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado.  This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house!

 

As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together.  Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.

 

You can visit her blog here.

When we leave the house on a hot day I always find myself telling my kids that they need to carry their own water bottles, lest my purse become full with water weight! Pink Chalk Studio came up with this water bottle carrier that can easily be slung over the shoulder and toted all day long. You can personalize your fabric choices for each child and, of course, one for yourself!

 

 

You can find the tutorial here.

 

__The picture above and the tutorial are the work of Kathy from Pink Chalk Studio.

 

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado.  This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house!

 

As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together.  Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.

 

You can visit her blog here.

 

 

I have recently discovered the value of buying "vintage linens" at the thrift store and using them for craft projects. (In case you are wondering, vintage linens is a cool way to indicate a sheet or a placemat you purchased at the thrift store for $.50). Some items worth checking out are:

Sheets, tablecloths, placemats, shower curtains, bedspreads, blankets (look for wool blankets!), skirts and dresses

Just be sure to look closely for signs of wear and for stains. Many of the items I have purchased have been in brand_new condition and can be used as soon as they are washed and dryed.

 

Other items you shouldn't pass up:

Patterns__most clothing styles are classic and a thrifted pattern only costs $.25 as opposed to $10.00 at the fabric store

 

Notions__I purchased 6,000 sewing pins for $1.50 last week! I don't think that I will have to buy any more until I am a grandma! Also look for rick_rack, ribbon and trims.

 

Storage__baskets, plastic boxes and even suitcases for storing your fabric and other craft items.

The next time you are thrift_store shopping, don't forget to check out the linens, craft supplies and fabrics, you may end up being pleasantly surprised!

 

Enjoy!

 

Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado.  This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten.  Things are always busy at their house! As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together.  Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.You can visit her blog here.

 

 

Curious about The Old Schoolhouse

Magazine but not quite ready to commit to a subscription without seeing it first? Check it out for FREE! We're so certain you'll love our publication that we'll gladly send a FREE sample to anyone new to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - we even cover the shipping!

... Click here for more information ...