Christmas Sewing

I didn't do as much Christmas gift sewing this year as usual.  But, I did make the gifts for my grand kids. I try to come up with something different each year.  This year I made reading pillows. It's basically a pillow that has a pocket to hold books and a strap on the top to carry it by.  I made mine the size of a bed pillow and added a zipper so it can be removed for laundering.  I add a couple books to each pillow according to each child's interest.  

DOUGLAS 

CADE

BRANDON

 ALEX

 ASHLEY

 EMMA

 EMMA (back)

 RILEY

RILEY (back) 

 TORI

 TORI (back)

CURTIS 

Harness for Paisley

Doesn't she look pretty in her new blue harness?
 

I prefer a harness instead of a collar for my dog, as the collar chokes her and she sometimes pulls it over her head.  But finding a harness that fits well and is easy to put on seems impossible.    So I went looking on-line and found some information for making one.

Here's my pattern.  You cut 2 for the inside and 2 for the outside.  Then sew together along the short side.

Here's what it looks like.   I used 2 rows of velcro for the fastening and added a d-ring to snap on the leash.

The fit is great on this one except for a little tightness where it goes around the inside of her legs.  For the next one, I'll make that area narrower. 

I used a sturdy quilting cotton and polyester quilt batting, and did some random machine quilting.   This worked great and makes the harness comfortable; it's not too thick and it's machine washable.   I made self-fabric bias strips to cover the edges.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  And Paisley definitely likes it better than the one I bought.  Well, mostly because it's quicker to put on!  And now that I've got the fitting worked out, the next one should go together much faster.

Christmas gift sewing

I always do some Christmas gift sewing for the grands and I normally make the same thing for everyone.  For example, last year it was fleece blankets; year before that flannel pj pants; before that it was pillowcases - you get the idea.  But this year, I decided to get creative and have a little variety.



For my 2 granddaughters (ages 12 and 13) I made cross over handbags.  I also made them infinity scarves, using a light-weight knit:

The 15 year old boy requested flannel pj pants, so that's what he got; plus a fleece hat.

For my 14 year old grandson, by request I made a water proof gun case using marine vinyl and a fleece hat.

A cape and mask and fleece hat for my 9 yr old grandson

A cinch sac and fleece hat for another 9 year old boy

Fleece hats for the boys

For 7 year old granddaughter, a flannel nightgown and a fleece hat.

Another 7 year old girl gets doll clothes for her 18 inch doll and a fleece hat.

Fleece hats for the girls:

And the baby (5 yr old grandson) gets a utility belt and bath time paints.

For my 2 daughter-in-laws, I made simple scarves using a black and blue checked flannel:

My sons & husband get reversible fleece hats:

 I made an apron for my sister in law.

For my niece, I made an infinity scarf.

Fleece Hats

It's been a while since I posted due to being away from home, being sick and binge watching Craftsy classes.  For October, Craftsy had a deal for $10.00 you got an all-access pass to watch as many classes as you wanted. 

Here are the classes that I liked best:

Sewing on the Edge - Lynda Maynard
Great neckline info for knits & wovens

The week-end Duffel - Betz White
Step-by-step instructions. The info would also work for smaller bags & totes.

Design your own handbag - Brett Bara
Not for beginners, but a lot of good techniques for intermediate bag makers.

Foundation paper piecing - Carol Doak
Great for beginners & intermediate quilters.

Easy zippered bags - Joan Hawley
Great for beginners.

Since I like sewing bags, it's not surprising that  3 of favorites are for bag making.

Another class I watched is titled "Sewing With Fleece: Essential Techniques" with Pattie Otto.   I really like the printable patterns for an easy hat and mittens that come in 4 sizes.  I had been thinking about making some fleece hats as Christmas gifts so was happy to run across this class.

Here are the hats I've made so far:

And this is what the pattern looks like:

They're really quick and easy to make and turn out nice.

Sewing With My GD

This is my 7 year old granddaughter learning to sew

The Doll Apron we made.

On the doll

 The proud seamstress 

I don't have daughters to teach to sew, so it's nice sewing with my granddaughters.

Christmas Gifts - Fleece Blankets

I generally sew Christmas gifts for my 9 grandchildren.  Usually it's flannel or fleece pj's - they seem to like those.   This year I decided to make fleece blankets.  I made one for each of my grandchildren, plus one for my husband and a small one for myself.  That's 48 yards of fleece!  I'm probably the only crafter that had never made one of these or even owned one.   Instead of the cut & tie method,  I decided to stitch all the way around the edges and then cut the edges into 1-1/2" wide strips. I didn't tie them,  just left them as fringe.  I think the kids will like them and I'm thrilled that I got them finished early! 

Throw Cushions

I finished one of the items on my list of craft type sewing projects.  These are throw cushions for the couch in my sitting room. This was a really simple project, and I love how they turned out. This pretty fabric came from Joann Fabrics.