Quick Organza Bunny Bag

I discovered this basic bag design and it is perfect for a drawstring look without all the fiddling required to make the drawstring. It lends itself to all sorts of uses but here I have made it into an Easter bag to fill with Easter eggs.
I didn't actually take the photos as I constructed it because I hadn't really planned to give instructions but I am sure you can get the gist of it with the see through fabric.

You start with a rectangle of fabric 11 inches wide and 12 inches high. You can adjust the size of the rectangle for a bigger or smaller bag but this size is probably as small as you want to go for sewing ease. I used some organza I had from way back. The opening of the bag was just a fraction too small for me to use my free arm so I will probably use a 12 inch square next time to make it even easier.

You can download the bunny on PDF from my google docs.
I can already see where I wrote 12 inches on the left of the diagram even though it actually points to the finished height of 10 inches. But with the bagged corners the finished height will be less than 10 inches. I would also start with a 12 inch square now. Oh my! Pattern writing is a nightmare. If there is something you can't work out just email me.

Make your bunny using fusible applique webbing and felt and fuse it onto your rectangle 2 1/4 inches from the bottom and in the centre. I sewed around my bunny because I thought it looked better but the fusible webbing does the job. Stitch his face with 3 strands of embroidery thread. I used French knots for the eyes and backstitch for the rest in black.

I stitched the bunny but not the pink bits. I only have finished photos.

Seam allowances are 1/4 inch.

Fold 24 inches of ribbon in half and pin it 4 inches from the top. With right sides together and keeping the ribbon tails on the inside sew the cenre back seam.

This is turned right side out after finishing but you can see how the ribbon is sewn in the seam.

Arrange the tube so the seam is at the centre back then sew across the bottom.
Pinch the corners to bag the bottom slightly and sew across about 1/2 inch from the point. Trim.

Fold the top down level with the ribbon and stitch around to catch the edge 2 inches from the top. It helps if this edge is a selvedge. 

Turn and you are done. Well almost done.  You still need to fill it with eggs :)

I didn't have any eggs so it is filled with Christmas baubles.

Happy Quilting,
Val

Not too early for bunnies?

The beautiful mild morning and the promise of beginnings gave me the urge to make something Spring related. I have made several scissor keeps and thought it wouldn't take much to make a carrot one.
The pattern for this little one is the original. I had to make it a slightly different shape to make it more carroty.

The original pattern

Transformed into a carrot

You can download and print out the pattern below. If you would like some explanation I have done a basic tutorial that you can download from Google docs.

I made the carrot today but over the past week I have practiced my free motion quilting and played with the cake design I got from the Fresh magazine. I made a kitchen counter mat and a wool wadded hot mat. This is the hot mat.

I also finished an owly sewing kit that I started when I was making birdie tree decorations.  The idea for the kit is from a magazine. It has a thimble pouch, a pin wheel, a needle book and a scissor keep.

I did little free motion flowers behind the owl.

The little bird design is from Wee Folk Art

While looking for the link to the little bird pattern I saw this cute pattern for a cat door stop.

I haven't given up on quilts. I plan to buy quilt fabric on my overseas trips. At present I only have small amounts to make small things. I have big plans to make at least two big quilts after July.

Have just found a great giveaway at Just One More Stitch. The Fort Worth Fabric shop is great too.

Happy Quilting,
Val

Easter

The day has dawned just perfect here. There is no breeze, it is warm (25) and the birds are singing.

Kitty enjoys the winter sun

Speaking of birds, I have just about finished 3 little birds. I am going to make them all into brooches. Should be able to finish that this morning. I can't think of anywhere to hang the little things so the hanger comes off and a pin goes on. I made them two rows smaller than the tutorial (see right side bar) so they would be cute size. I might make some Christmas coloured ones for the Christmas tree later.

The table is set up with the owl gift boxes and chocolate rabbit penny rug as a centre piecce. My paper flowers are on the cafe table. You can just see the egg cups peeping over the top of one of the owls. It is generally a low chocolate day with mini Lindt bunnies all round from us and something small from the rest of the family.

I hope you all have a happy and peaceful Easter,
Val

Easter preparation

Here are some of the flowers I have made as a table decoration for Easter.

I also printed out the owl gift boxes and I am in the process of putting them together. I will line them with pink and purple tissue paper. Links were at the bottom of Tuesday Treasures.

I found the cutest egg cups at Bed Bath and Table yesterday but they have to stay a surprise since I know at least one daughter looks at my blog.

My husband and I had a lovely lunch at Kirra Surf Club yesterday. The view is spectacular. You look over at the Gold Coast and on the deck you are almost sitting on the beach.

Happy Easter Preparation,
Val

Free BOM and Designs Obsession!

The latest from fat cat designs is an Easter row by row. You have to get it row by row starting this April. If you miss a month you miss out. There are lots of free applique patterns at Fat Cat Designs.

What about this one? I love the colours. Download the pattern at Debbie Mumm projects.

And also from Debbie Mumm is this table cloth.

You have only missed a little birdie on this one. The yellow bird house goes off on 16th April so hurry if you like the look of these blocks from Quilting Tizzy.

This garden applique quilt is very pretty at patchwork and quilting

I will be putting links to these on my Fave BOMs page.

I can't go without showing you this new fabric from the old country store
My favourite piece is this one

Happy Quilting,
Val

Monday's Show and Tell

Lately I have been trying to think of original things to make.

My drawing skills are limited so I will copy shapes  like folded leaves or pumpkin shape from other sources. I even traced leaves from a tree in my garden for my tea cosy. But I could only do flat and uninteresting. I will have another go at the tea cosy design. I am saving pictures for my Being Creative post later. Same with my tea towel.

But I did make an easter thing all by myself and I think it is rather cute. As you can see it is a little egg purse. The curves were a bit tricky and I had to hand stitch the lining in but it is all mine. I haven't googled yet to see if someone else has one. Later maybe. I need some time to feel pleased with myself :)

If you pop over to Cookies and Cream Craft you can see who else has show and tell.

Happy Quilting,
Val