My Best Teacher Gift Ever!!!

My adventurous son had the coolest teacher this year, Mr. C., who is a HUGE Star Wars Fan. Mr. C's classroom had tons of Star Wars stuff everywhere!!! We were soooo excited because we are Star Wars fans ourselves. So for Mr. C's teacher appreciate gift I thought I would make him some really cool Star Wars hall passes. I came up with the idea of a wall board with lanyard passes. Here is what I did.

For the wall board I got some MDF, Black and Gray paint, some kitchen knobs on clearance from Lowe's (not pictured yet) and some custom vinyl (in Star Wars font I might add!!!) from my friend Shelly at simplywordsonline.com Thanks Shelly it turned out great!!!!!

I painted the base coat black and then flecked gray paint with a tooth brush to make it have depth and look like outer space. After it all dried I added the vinyl letters, measured and drilled the holes for the knobs and attached them.Now on to the lanyard hall passes. I got some Star Wars stickers (which were really hard to find!), some clear ID Badge covers from Office Max, some black gross grain ribbon (there was no Star Wars ribbon to be found anywhere, bummer!) and some clips.

I cut the ribbon into 30" pieces and burned the edges so they wouldn't fray.

Then I sewed the ribbon around the clip.

I downloaded the Star Wars font off the Internet (there are tons of these fonts on the net!!!) and made the inserts for the ID Badge holders. I liked the black background best!!!

I embellished the passes with stickers on the front and die cuts on the back.

Taa Daaa!!! Didn't it turn out great!!!! Mr. C. really loved it and asked me to make a few more passes for him. I am really happy with this teacher gift. The teachers at school said I might be setting myself up for some high expectations. Now all my sons teachers will be expecting something just as cool!

Also Mr. Crafty Camper asked for an extension on his post, so hopefully next week I will feature his post!!!

CCG

Memorial Weekend Craft Projects Part 2

OK now for part two, the Sewing Project!!!
This one I made up on my own with no pattern. It really is super simple and doesn't require a lot of fabric. Scraps are great or if you have some fat quarters hanging around you can use those too!

Here is what you will need:

1 Blue back ground fabric
1 Red back ground fabric
1 White or Off White back ground fabric
Thread
Scissors
Rotary cutter and mat
Batting
Sewing machine

Ready to get cutting!!??!!

You will need to decide on the overall size of your wall hanging. This will depend on how much fabric you have.
Take your blue fabric and cut a square.
Measure your stripes so that (with seam allowances) three stripes will fit the length of the blue square. (or you can cut your stripes and then cut your blue fabric to match up with the three stripes)
Cut your stripes out of the red and white fabric. (you will need 5 total stripes)
Sew the first three stripes together and then sew them to the blue square,
Now sew the remaining two stripes to the bottom.

Make sure that you trim any long pieces and make the top piece as straight as possible.
Measure out a piece of batting and backing fabric.
You may wish to put binding on or use the rollover method from the backing fabric.

Sandwich your top, batting, and backing fabric and secure with pins.
Using coordinating thread and "stitch in the ditch" of the stripes to secure.
You may wish to do some decorative sewing in the blue area by sewing a big star or something creative like that.
Now either bind or rollover the backing fabric and top stitch by hand or by machine.
Waaa Laaa!!! Now you have a fun wall hanging or even a cute place mat!!!

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Also check back next week, I will be featuring my first Guest Crafter!!!!
Mr. Crafty Camper will make his debut post to the blogging world!!!
I'm soooo excited!!!
CCG

Memorial Weekend Craft Projects Part 1

I love the Memorial Day weekend. First and foremost I love that I live in America where as a woman I have amazing rights. The right to vote, the right to own property, the right to religious freedom and so many others.
My second favorite part of the holiday weekend.......... It's a great time to get CRAFTY!!!
So in honor of Memorial Day and to get a head start on Independence Day I thought I would share a few fun quick crafts that can be done in a weekend!


This one is sooooo easy and can be done for free if you have a great stash!!!

Here is what you will need:
2X4 or 2X6 piece of scrap wood
Red, White, and Blue Paint (and brushes)
Ribbon or Fabric scraps (that match your paint choice)
Jute or Twine (a scrap from your stash)
Buttons (pre-sew the button holes so they look like you just cut them off a shirt)
Old Toothbrush (this is for flecking paint, you will want to keep this in your craft stash now)
Hot Glue Gun
Hand Saw or Circular Saw or Band Saw (or a really great neighbor who will cut wood for you)

OK, are you ready to start!!??!!

Take your wood scraps and cut them into 3 descending pieces. You can make them a tall or as short as you like, just make sure they can stand up on their own with out wobbling. Sand your wood pieces.

Now it's time to paint!!
Measure down from the top about 1/4 to 1/3 the length and mark a line all the way around the four sides of the wood. Paint a base coat of blue.
Next, paint the remaining part a base coat of white and let dry.
Now you can fill in your red stripes. You can free hand this or use blue painters tape to make the lines straight. You decide if you want vertical or horizontal stripes or both!!! Remember to do both sides!
Paint some stars in the blue area or use some fun vinyl cut outs.
For the final painting step grab you old tooth brush and dip it into some white paint. Dab it off on a paper towel and use your thumb to fleck the paint onto your project. Do this until you have the coverage you desire.

While you are waiting for this to dry.
Plug in your hot glue gun
Cut your ribbon or fabric scrap to size, along with the small piece of jute or twine.
Sew the button with thread so that the holes are full with the thread.
Tie the ribbon or fabric scrap around the wood where the blue and white paint come together and secure with hot glue.
Next add and secure the jute or twine scrap and then secure the button.
Taaa Daaa!!!! Isn't it soooo cute!!!

I borrowed this idea from my friend Angela many years ago. (Thanks Angela!!!) She went one step further and drilled a hole in the top and glued in a festive metallic topper that had starts and streamers.

Have fun with it and make it your own, and send me pics if you make it. I would love to see what you come up with!!!

CCG

Cutified Pillowcase in a Yard!!!

This is one of my favorite projects, and it is soooo easy!!! So here is what you will need:

1 yard of super cute fabric

1 yard of super cute ribbon

I found my fabric at Joann Craft store and had the blanket binding in my stash!!

Get out your rotary cutter, ruler, and your self healing mat and lay your fabric down lengthwise on the mat.

Now measure 2" from the side of the fabric. (The finished selvage edge that the manufacturer puts their color dots and white edge on)

Cut 2" off the side of the entire length of the fabric. (Save that small strip of fabric for a later project or a strip quilt if you have a stash going for that like I do!)

Now from the top raw selvage edge, measure down 8" and cut across the width of your fabric.

So that now you have an 8" by 43" panel of fabric. This is the cuff of your pillowcase, and the remainder of the fabric is the body of the pillowcase.

Take the panel that you just cut and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, so that the raw selvage edges match at the bottom. Press with a hot iron. Now you have a 4" cuff for your pillow case.

Next, take your ribbon and match up the selvage edges with the 4" cuff. (If you are using grosgrain ribbon just place one edge with the selvage edge of the 4" cuff)

Then make a "sandwich". Place the width of the body panel of the pillowcase on top of the ribbon and 4" cuff.

Then pin the "sandwich" together, placing pins approximately every 4" or closer if the ribbon is slippery.

Now it's time to sew!!!! Using a 1/4" seam allowance sew the cuff, ribbon, and body fabric together. If you have a serger go ahead and serg the raw edge after you have finished sewing across the entire width of the "sandwich".

Next place your fabric, right side up, and open the seam and press with a hot iron. Isn't is looking great!!!

Now comes the easy part. Fold your fabric right sides together and pin along the length and width (or side and bottom) of the fabric. Make sure that the cuff of the fabric matches at the top so you have a nice even circle with the cuff.

Sew along each side using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Again if you have a serger, serg the edges of the fabric. (You can also use a zig-zag stitch in place of the serger or clip the edges with pinking shears) Clip the threads, turn right side out and press your seams.

Taa Daah!!! Isn't it soo cute!!! Super easy, super cute and super fast, what else can you ask for in a tutorial!!!

My Favorite Denim Quilt Tutorial Part 2

So if you have seen part 1 of this tutorial and have all of your squares cut. Congrats! You are now ready to start piecing together your denim quilt! For those of you who have made a denim quilt before you should know that I might make mine a little different than you have seen previously. That is why I titled this tutorial "My Favorite Denim Quilt." Because this is my favorite (and I might say the fastest) way to make a denim quilt. I DO NOT use batting and I DON'T use the "Sandwich Method." This being said let's dig in to how I DO IT!!!!

First you will need to select your backing fabric. I usually use a nice Polar Fleece, but I have used flannel too. (Flannel is great for baby blankets but you might want to consider using the "Warm and Natural" batting. It will make the seams more comfy for baby). Polar Fleece usual comes 60" wide so I use that width and then I usually use 2 - 3 yards for the length, depending on how tall the person is I am making the quilt for. For this tutorial I am using 2 yards.
Pre-wash and dry your fabric. Then find a big open space to lay the fabric on the floor so you can start arranging your denim squares.

Start by arranging one row horizontally and one row vertically. Then you can multiply the number of squares in each row to calculate how many squares you will need for your quilt. You may find that you don't have enough denim squares, if this is the case, count how many more squares you will need plus add enough squares for one more row. (You may find that after you get them all sewn together you can fit another row on. It is always good to be prepared). If you have enough squares great! Let's move on to the next step. If not, neatly pack everything up and start finding more jeans to cut. It really is better to have everything you need before you start.

You might notice when you are placing your squares that your denim squares will overlap the backing fabric. That's OK! Once you get your squares sewn together the seam allowance will reduce the overall length of the row.

Now comes the fun part!!! Arranging the squares. Your collection of jeans might yield a few different shades of denim. Have fun placing light and dark squares throughout the quilt, or place all the lights on one part and all the darks on the other part. This is where YOU get to be creative!!!!

I always like to throw a little whimsy into my quilts by adding a pocket square or two or three! (My girlfriend likes to hide the remote from her husband in the pocket squares of the quilt I made for her!)

Now it's time to sew!!!!

NOTE: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

In order to maintain the overall design that you have worked so hard on you must pick up, stack, and sew the squares in the same order every time. Otherwise your quilt will not look the same after it has been sewn!!!!!

This is what I recommend.

Decide on a top and bottom of your quilt.

Pick up your first square of your first row and place it on top of the square to the right of it.

Then pick up those two squares and place them on top of the square to the right of them.

Repeat these steps until all of the squares in your first row are complete.

If you can't leave your project out, repeat the same steps for all of the rows making sure to mark each row with a corresponding number from top to bottom to maintain the design of the quilt.

Now take your first row to your sewing machine and let's start sewing!

FORGET EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT IN HOME ECONOMICS CLASS!!!

You are going to place your squares WRONG SIDES TOGETHER!!!! I know this goes against everything you have been taught, and I can't tell you how many times I have gotten 4 squares in before I realized that I was sewing right sides together and had to pick it all out!!! (@#&**$#)

The easiest way to sew your row together is to sew it "Quilters Style."

Take your first two squares and line them up wrong sides together and sew it all the way down the length of the square. Just before you get to the end of the square, take your next two squares and place them wrong sides together and butt them up next to your first set of squares and continue sewing. Repeat this step until you have finished all of the squares for your FIRST ROW.

I usually use a 1/4 inch seam allowance because it is easy to line the fabric up with the side edge of my presser foot, but you can make your seams as big as you would like. (Just remember the bigger the seam the less length your row will have and the more dryer lint you will have to pick out (more on that later)).

Take your completed row and clip the thread in between each set of squares. Make sure that you put them back in their original order. I usually start at the bottom of the row, clip the thread and place the two square set on the table and then repeat that step so that I have a nice pile of squares that starts with my first squares again.

Now repeat the same "Quilters Sewing Method" with the two square sets and the four square sets until the entire row is attached together.

Take your first row back to your quilt project. Now you can see how much length was taken up in the seam allowance.

Continue sewing all of the rows in the same "Quilters style" until you have all of your rows finished.

Now it's time to start assembling the finished rows together.

I call this the "two by two" method. Take your first two finished rows and place them WRONG SIDES TOGETHER. Making sure to match the seams together for each square. You can pin it if you like. I usually just grab the next seams that need to match and make sure that they all match up all the way down the row as I am sewing. You may have to stretch the fabric a little to get them all to line up but that is OK.

Now take rows three and four and repeat the same step as you did with the first two rows.

Then take rows five and six ....... do you see the "two by two" pattern. This method makes it very easy to assemble the rows with out having to deal with all of the weight of the quilt as you are sewing until the very end.

Now continuing the "two by two" method take your completed row 1&2 and your completed row 3&4 and sew them together following the same steps.

Repeat the same steps for your completed row 5&6 and row 7&8 so that you quilt now looks like the picture above. A quilt divided in half. (You may have an uneven number of rows, if so just tack it on to the end of your last "two by two" set.)

Now take the two halves and repeat the same sewing procedure of lining up the seams of the square so they all match, stretching as needed. This is the most difficult part, the quilt is heavy so make sure you have a lot of table room to the left of your sewing machine for support.

Can you believe it you are almost done!!!!

Lay your completed quilt top on top of the backing fabric. As you can see there is a lot of length and width lost in the seam allowance. For this quilt I went back and added another horizontal row. (Aren't you glad you cut those extra squares!)

Now you can trim the excess fabric and sparingly pin the two pieces together. (It doesn't need to be ultra pinned, just enough to keep them together without it moving around.) Then sew the two pieces together (WRONG SIDES TOGETHER) using the same seam allowance that you used for your rows.

If you are making a large quilt you will want to do a little "Stay Stitching" in a few of the seams of the quilt so that the quilt will lay nicely and stay together while washing. I usually count in two or three squares from the top and the side, or the bottom and the side, and sew a little back and forth stitch right next to the seam in all four corners. (This stitching won't be noticed after you have clipped and washed the quilt because the fray of the fabric will cover it.)

Now comes the tedious part, the clipping!!!

I have made countless denim quilts. This part is my least favorite! But after I found these wonderful Heritage Cutlery Rag Quilt Shears (VP7)I couldn't believe the difference in the performance and the pain of my hands. These shears are a little pricey but if you plan to make a few of these quilts it might be worth the investment. These shears cut through the denim like butter!!!

This is when I usually sit down during a CSI, Castle, or The Mentalist episode and clip to my hearts content. You will need to stop periodically to rest your hand, (grab a snack) or watch a particularly exciting part of the show. I choose one direction (horizontal or vertical) and clip all of those rows and then flip the quilt and clip the next direction of rows. (Sometimes I lay the quilt on the back of my couch so I don't have to move so much bulk of the quilt as I clip, just make sure you have comfy shoes if you choose to use this method.)

Make sure that your cuts don't cut through your seam!!!

Now it's time to wash your quilt!!!!

If you have a front load washer it might take two times through the wash to get the fray of the quilt just right. Without the agitator it just takes a little longer. (For wear and tear on your laundry machines you might consider taking it to a laundry mat.)

When you have the look you want, place the quilt in the dryer and dry that puppy. You may find that it is not quite dry after your first cycle. I usually just hang it out on the line to finish drying.

ISN'T IT BEAUTIFUL!!!!! AND IT'S SOOOO COMFY TOO!!!!

Everyone I have given a denim quilt to has loved it!!!!

NOW A NOTE OF IMPORTANCE!!!!!!!!

Do you remember earlier in this post I mentioned cleaning the lint trap? Well you will have to clean out your lint trap at least two or three times during the drying cycle.

THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL!!!!!

This quilt produces so much lint is could be a fire hazard. So please clean it out as much as possible!!!

Your washer may need a little clean out as well.

After the quilt has finished drying and you have emptied your lint trap, take a flashlight and look in the space where your lint trap goes. If there is any remaining lint grab a Swiffer Duster or one of those fuzzy synthetic dusters and try to get as much of the lint out as you can.

The quilt may continue to put out a good amount of lint for the first two to three washes but should diminish after those washes.

So that's it! This is how I make "My Favorite Denim Quilt."

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions leave me a comment or send me an email. And if you make a quilt send me a pic, I would love to see what you created!!!

CCG

*****Crafty Camper Girl Update #1
 If your frayed edges do not fray as well as you would like them to, use a stiff brush and brush them to break down the fabric. This will really give you that "Rag Quilt" look with out having to keep washing and drying it over and over again :0)

*****Craft Camper Girl Update #2
I have another version of this quilt using military uniforms instead of jeans. Check it out HERE and HERE. And yes I broke my rule of not using batting, I am ok with it, and have forgiven myself, ;)
 

My Favorite Denim Quilt Tutorial Part 1

So here is part 1 of the tutorial that I promised. As you may or may not know I am a huge recycler! I love to take things that are old or used and make them into new and useful things. Sewing is no exception. This is one of my most favorite recycling projects!!! So here is what you need.

Supplies:
Old denim jeans
Friends with old denim jeans
Neighbors with old denim jeans
(do you get the hint that you need a lot of jeans!!)
Great pair of sharp scissors
Self healing mat
Ruler
Rotary cutter
As a hint. I do not use any jeans that have a stretch to them. I always use 100% cotton jeans. My favorite jeans to use are the good 'ol cowboy type Wrangler jeans. So if you have a cowboy type hubby this is a great project for you. If not, find a neighbor (that's what I do) or you can go to a thrift store (not my favorite option I always like free!) but any cotton jeans are great. Jeans with a stretch to them never sew quite right and don't fray as nicely.

Let's get started!!! First you will want to cut the INSIDE seam of both of the pant legs with your super sharp scissors. Then cut off the bottom hem of both pant legs. You can do this with your scissors or your rotary cutter. Which ever you find is easier for you.

Next, cut the OUTSIDE seam of both pant legs.

Continue by removing the front zipper.

Now you will have four individual pant legs.

Take your two back pant legs and cut away the pockets. Measure down about 2-3 inches from the bottom of the pocket and cut a straight line with your ruler and rotary cutter. (The purpose is to leave enough room for a seam allowance. I always try to include a few pockets on my quilt, they are a fun addition)

Cut the side seam accordingly. When you get to a seam you may have to use scissors or cut a few times with your rotary cutter.

Then remove the top portion of the pants. You may have to leave a few belt loop parts attached while cutting but you can remove them with a seam ripper later.

Now it's time for the two front pant legs. Take the pockets and place them out of the way of the cut. Measure down to just below the place where the pocket attaches to the side seam and then cut away the pocket.

Now you have four individual pant legs with no pockets. Now it's time to start measuring for your squares! I start at the smallest part of the pants, place my ruler against the side seam and measure to see how wide the pant leg is. (Measure from the inside of the side seam. This will eventually be cut off but it make a great straight edge)

Take your widest measurement and then move your ruler up the pant leg that length to make the square. (So if your widest measurement at the bottom of the pant leg is 6 inches move six inches up the pant leg to make your first cut.) The farther up the pant leg you go the larger size squares you will get. Then using your self healing mat, ruler, and rotary cutter make your first cut.

Then flip the square around and cut off the side seam.

Next flip the square around and make the final cut. (Remember to measure twice and cut once!)

Repeat these steps for cutting the squares all the way up the pant leg and on the other 3 pant legs. When you are finished you will end up with squares of all different sizes. Then repeat all the steps with as many jeans as you have. I love to do the first steps and watch my favorite TV shows.

I usually spend a day or two just cutting up the jeans into different sized squares before I even try to put the quilt together. I write the size of the squares on a 3X5 note card and put them in bags so that they all stay separate. Then I always have a stash to make up a quick blanket as a gift too!

Comming soon part 2!!!