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Fancy Schmancy Felt Garland – free pattern

December 5, 2014

I’m going to be honest, you guys.

This project is insane!

I mean – it’s lovely. A paper-chain inspired garland of hand-embroidered felt rings with hook & loop closures so you can store them easily. It’s sooooo beautiful and looks so warm and cozy and wintry. I’m absolutely enchanted with how it turned out!

But seriously. Hand-embroidered felt garland rings? Twenty-four of them? This is hours and hours and hours (and hours!) of hand embroidery. Of course, I enjoyed every minute of it. But I’d be the first to admit that I’m a little crazy about hand-embroidery on wool felt. This is a project that will keep your hands busy for a LOT of cozy evenings.

If I haven’t talked you out of it yet, here are the instructions. . .

The pattern includes six different band decorations and they all fit on one piece of Magical Embroidery Stuff (aka Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy). So I did six bands each of four different felt colors for a total of 24 rings. That made a chain 42 inches long. For the materials below I’ll assume you’ll do the same crazy thing. 🙂

What you need

wool-blend felt – 2 sheets of each color you plan to use (I used grape jelly, babbling brook, denim, and ruby red slippers)
embroidery thread in matching and contrasting colors (I used DMC #550, 502, 336, 600, 3746, 522, 726 and 3846)
2 feet of hook & loop tape
the pattern (download it here)
Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy (optional, but very strongly recommended)

You can find a list of my favorite supplies (with links to where to buy them) here.

Throughout the pattern, the links go to video tutorials teaching that skill. If it’s a new stitch or technique for you, just click through to see how to do it!

Here’s how to make it. . .

1. Print the pattern. You can download it here. Print the pattern at 100% size onto four sheets of Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy (aka The Magical Embroidery Stuff).

2. Peel the backing off and stick the stabilizer/pattern transfer onto the felt.

Cut the pieces out on the lines.

Embroider the designs right through the stabilizer.

I didn’t embroider the designs the same way every time – preferring instead to just play around. You should play too! You can find tutorials for plenty of stitches here. . .

For the lines I used. . .

For the dots and flowers and leaves I used. . .

lazy daisy stitch
French knots
cross stitch (the little stars are just cross stitches, with an extra stitch taken across the middle)

By all means – don’t be limited to these stitches! They’re just what I used. You can find lots more stitch tutorials here.

3. Soak off the Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy. I soak mine in cold water for at least an hour, then rinse off the mushy stabilizer under cold running water. Don’t rub it to remove any stubborn bits – just hit them with a kitchen sprayer if needed.

Lay the pieces flat on a towel to dry. Do not wring, twist or even smoosh them. Just set them sopping wet on a towel and let them be. I promise they’ll dry. 🙂

(If you’ve never used Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy before, I ramble on endlessly about how awesome it is and why I love it so much and how I use it here.)

4. Finish the bands. Cut second piece of felt for the back of the band. I just laid the front band down and cut around it so the back would match the front exactly.

Sew a small piece of hook & loop tape to the blank end of the top of the band, and to one end of the back of the band.

I used a sewing machine, but you could do it by hand if you prefer. I left enough space on the embroidered side to use the narrowest big-box-store hook & loop tape (like you see on the top band) but if you order one of my kits you’ll get the special less-bulky skinny hook & loop tape I prefer (like you see on the bottom band).

Put the front and back together so that the hook & loop tape is on opposite ends of the band and sew the pieces together around the edge. I used whipstitch, but you could certainly use a sewing machine – especially if you want to finish before the end of the year. 🙂

5. Wrap them into rings and build your chain.

In the photo above you see the six designs in the pattern, stitched up on purple felt.

Finished!

*happy sigh*

I do so love handsewing felt. 🙂

Happy stitching!

If you like this free pattern, sign up for the Shiny Happy News! Every week I send out things to make you smile – free patterns, new tutorials, recommendations of patterns by other people, fun videos, yummy recipes and special discounts. 🙂

Best,
Wendi

Free Elf Ornament Pattern

December 2, 2014

Make this sweet little elf ornament! Hang her on your tree or attach her to a package for someone special.

It’s a free pattern!

Here she’s a Christmas elf. But she doesn’t have to be! I made a couple of “everyday” pixies that you can see here, along with their holiday friend.

Make a bunch of them in a rainbow of colors!

And did I mention they’re posable? They have a pipecleaner “skeleton” so you can bend and pose them however you like. This little cutie is sitting on a spool of thread.

Want the pattern? Here’s the link to download it. It’s free!

Download the free Elf Ornament pattern here.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Best,
Wendi

Don’t be THIS kind of gift-giver…

December 2, 2014

A chat about gift-giving

The holidays are super-busy and stressful. All that shopping! All that traveling!

And a lot of us crafters feel the added pressure of making handmade gifts for those that we love.

I know this is going to be a controversial post… but I’m going to encourage you to think twice before making handmade gifts for friends and family. Think about whether the person will actually want and appreciate the gift. Otherwise, you’re spending a lot of your time on a gift that just doesn’t work… trust me, I’ve been there!

A Story

My mom is over-the-moon excited that she’s going to have a granddaughter. Seriously. I think if she won a million dollar lottery, she’d be only 10% as excited as she is right now.

And she’s a keen shopper and bargain hunter. The trouble is that she’s purchased a number of items that are either just plain impractical for our tiny home. (for example, we don’t have space in our living room for a stand-alone bassinet… it’s already a room that doubles as my office and shipping room!)

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I’m going to tell you a truth about gift-giving: the best gift is one that the recipient actually wants or needs.

Otherwise, your gift becomes a burden for the recipient to manage instead of the bundle of joy you intended it to be.

You see, we often give gifts that we want to give instead of giving gifts that others want to receive. Keep reading… and I’ll tell you why this insight has saved me oodles of time this holiday season!

Let’s get honest about handmade gifts

A few years ago, I used to make handmade gifts for everyone on my list. Knitted hats, sewn stuffed animals, you name it. I spent weeks making gifts for everyone on my list.

I often made presents that I secretly wanted for myself, but I poured all of my energy into making them for other people.

And then I learned that not everyone wants a handmade present.

I was so hurt! How dare they not appreciate the valuable gift I was lovingly making!

But then I realized… I was actually being selfish by foisting my desires onto them! I love making presents, and it was what I thought showed the most love. But in reality, I was ignoring what people actually wanted.

Now, I only make presents for a very few special people who appreciate and want a handmade gift.

What’s the lesson?

It’s good news: you don’t have to kill yourself this holiday season making gifts for everyone on your list! If someone didn’t appreciate your hand knit gift in the past, take the opportunity to reconsider. Maybe they really would rather get a gift certificate to a book store.

And take all that extra time you save and make something lovely for yourself! You deserve it!

WIP: Star Afghan begins!

November 26, 2014

Remember last week when I asked you to vote on my next afghan using these great rainbow colors?

I was floored by all of the responses! And while the winner wasn’t clear-cut… the star pattern got oodles of votes!

The Pattern

After looking at lots of star patterns, I was really inspired by stablewoman’s version of the Lyn’s Round Ripple Afghan pattern.

I’ve gotten started:

What do you think?

It’s a 12 point star, and even though the pattern isn’t terribly well-written, I’ve gotten the hang of it and I’m really enjoying it!

And some bead crochet…

I’ve also been into doing some bead crochet… here’s a little progress photo:

I’m hoping to show you some finished items, soon!

That’s what I’ve been up to this week… how about you? I hope you have an awesome Wednesday, and get some great knitting/crocheting done this week!

If you want to check out more Work-In-Progress posts, please check out Tami’s Ami’s Blog, who’s been organizing a great WIP Wednesday blog theme! And, don’t forget to come back for FO (Finished Object) Friday!

A Happy Snowman Felt Ornament Pattern

November 20, 2014

Here it is – the last ornament in the 2014 Christmas Club collection!

I saved the snowman for last – hoping that at least some of us might have snow by now. Ha! We’ve had two snows already – and I know some of you have too.

Here’s the whole collection. . .

And now that the whole collection is out, you can no longer sign up for the club. But you CAN buy the whole collection – all twelve patterns for $29.99. That’s less than $3 for each ornament!

Get the pattern collection here.

You can also get the pattern for just the snowman.

Merry Christmas!

Best,
Wendi

Controlled Chaos Block #13 – Scrap Quilt Tutorial

November 19, 2014

I realized that I didn’t have much diagonal action in the quilt yet, so I’m correcting that with the next few blocks.

Here’s block #13 in the Controlled Chaos Quilt!

What You’ll Need

48 two-inch squares in color A (shown in purple)
52 two-inch squares in color B (shown in yellow)

Instructions

Use 1/4″ seam allowances for all sewing.

Press all the seams. I’m pressing mine open for this quilt. I think it will make things simpler in the end.

Arrange your squares according to the diagram below.

For this block I sewed things up in rows. First we’ll sew some groups of like colors together. . .

1. Sew up 12 sets of three purple squares.

2. Sew up 14 sets of three yellow squares.

3. Sew up 4 pairs of two purple squares.

4. Sew up 4 pairs of two yellow squares.

Use the diagram above to sew those groups into rows.

Then sew those rows into one fabulous block. 🙂

That’s 13 blocks done – just 7 more to go!

I still haven’t decided whether I’ll use sashing between the blocks or not. If I do it will be in a nice slate grey. If I d0 use sashing it’ll be 310 seams I don’t have to match up – a major plus in my book. 🙂

Click here for all the Controlled Chaos posts.

Happy piecing!

Best,
Wendi

Free Thanksgiving Embroidery Pattern

November 18, 2014

It’s beginning to look a lot like Thanksgiving!

Time to remind everyone about this free embroidery pattern. It’s one of my favorite reminders, and hangs on my studio wall all year. 🙂

It only uses basic embroidery stitches. So it looks complicated, but really it’s just slow.

As in, park yourself in a warm place for a few hours and savor every stitch. That kind of slow. 🙂

Download the free Thanksgiving embroidery pattern here.

Happy stitching!

Best,
Wendi

Gingerbread! A Free Felt Christmas Ornament Pattern

November 12, 2014

This project is part of the 2014 Crafty Christmas Tutorial Link-Up over at Bugs & Fishes. Go check out all the fun projects!

As much as I love to cook, and as much as I love the flavor of gingerbread, and as much as I love candy and fussy details – I’ve never made a gingerbread house. Until now.

Maybe the problem is that I know a real gingerbread house is not really edible, even thought it’s made of edible goodies.

No such illusions with this little house made of felt and embroidery thread! You get all the pretty decorations and fanciness and it will last for years. Plus you can make it on your couch in front of the fire instead of in the kitchen. 🙂

Here’s what you’ll need. . .

You can find links to sources for all my favorite tools and supplies here.

scraps of wool felt (I used Tahitian sunset for the gingerbread and lavender, grass skirt, blue bayou and fuchsia for the decorations)
matching embroidery thread (I used DMC floss in white, 3858, 3746, 550, 907, 699, 326, 601, 603, 3846)
1 sheet of Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy (optional, but recommended – will make two ornaments)
small amount of polyester fiberfill stuffing (a few cotton balls will do if you don’t have it)
scrap of string or yarn for the hanging loop

Throughout the pattern, the links go to video tutorials teaching that skill. If it’s a new stitch or technique for you, just click through to see how to do it!

Here’s how to make it. . .

1. Print the pattern. You can download it here. It’s formatted to give you the pieces for two houses – make one for yourself and one for a friend. Print the pattern at 100% size onto a sheet of Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy (aka The Magical Embroidery Stuff).

2. Peel the backing off and stick the stabilizer/pattern transfer onto the felt. I used Tahitian sunset for the gingerbread, fuchsia for the pink lollipops on the sides of the door, grass skirt for the green stick candy sills, blue bayou for the door, and lavender for the purple candy.

Cut the pieces out on the lines.

Embroider the designs right through the stabilizer.

I used the following stitches and colors. . .

For the snow along the roof I used U-stitch and 4 strands of DMC #white.
For the snowflakes I used 2 strands of DMC #white.
For the center window I used backstitch in 2 strands of DMC #white, with French knots in the same color below it.
For the candycane stripes on the windows and door I used whipped backstitch. Backstitch the lines first with 4 strands of DMC #white, then whip with 2 strands of DMC #326.
For the lollipop sticks on the sides of the door I also used whipped backstitch. Backstitch the lines with 4 strands of DMC #699, then whip with 2 strands of DMC #907.
For the swirls on the purple candy I used chain stitch and 2 strands of DMC #550.

Lay the pieces flat on a towel to dry. Do not wring, twist or even smoosh them. Just set them sopping wet on a towel and let them be. I promise they’ll dry. 🙂

(If you’ve never used Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy before, I ramble on endlessly about how awesome it is and why I love it so much and how I use it here.)

4. Layer the small applique pieces onto the house. The stitching makes such a nice guide to help position everything!

I usually just hold them in place while I stitch them down, but this time I experimented with using a fabric glue stick. I used Prym brand and it stuck really well, but there was also a noticeable hardness to the glued bits. It wasn’t so hard that it was difficult to sew through – especially since I was mostly just sewing around the edges and I put a dab of glue in the middle of each piece – but I’d be careful not to use too much.

5. Use whipstitch and matching thread to applique each piece in place.

Here’s a video showing how to do whipstitch applique.

Add a tiny bit more detail stitching because there wasn’t enough already. Really – if you can’t go overboard on a gingerbread house then when can you? It’s supposed to be slightly insane. 🙂

I added little diagonal stripes on the green stick candy with 2 strands of DMC #699. I also added little starbursts in the centers of the pink lollipops using 2 strands of DMC #603.

6. Layer the ornament front and back together and whipstitch all around the edges.

Whipstitching the edges of the felt is a little different that whipstitch applique, so it has its own video. You can watch it here.

Leave the bit under the door open for stuffing.

7. Add a few pinches of stuffing through the hole, then switch to matching blue thread and sew up the opening.

Thread a 10″ piece of string through the peak of the roof and tie a knot to form a hanging loop.

Finished!

Like all Shiny Happy World designs – you’re welcome to sell items you make with my patterns, but please don’t sell or distribute the patterns themselves.

If you like this free pattern, sign up for the Shiny Happy News! Subscribers get a weekly newsletter with updates, special offers and links to happy things. Sign up here.

This ornament is the same style and size (and difficulty level) as all my other holiday ornament patterns. Here are the first ten ornaments in this year’s Christmas Club collection.

*happy sigh*

I do so love handsewing felt. 🙂

Happy stitching!

Best,
Wendi

Free Doll Pattern – Itty Bitty Sleepy Baby

November 7, 2014

Here’s a free doll pattern to make a sweet Itty Bitty Sleepy Baby – a cuddly beanbag doll.

She’s a sleepy little girl who wants to curl up and take a nap in a special someone’s pocket. :)

She’s super easy to make - great for beginners. And she’s just the right size to be a mini doll for the dolls in The Dress Up Bunch. Fun!

Want to make her?

Here’s how!

Throughout the pattern, the links go to online video tutorials demonstrating the techniques used, or to sources for the materials. All seams are 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Happy sewing!

Materials

• scrap of people colored fabric
• scrap of wool felt for the hair (I used black)
• less than a fat quarter of pajama fabric
• embroidery thread for the face (I used Sulky 12wt. cotton thread in black)
• plastic pellets (I like PolyPellets Weighted Stuffing Beads)
• polyfill stuffing (I like Soft Touch Polyfil Supreme Fiberfill)

Step 1

Download the free doll pattern here. Print it at 100% size.

Cut out all materials as directed on the pattern pieces. You should have:

1 body front piece
2 body back pieces
1 head cut from people-colored fabric
1 head cut from felt
1 front hair cut from felt
2 pigtails cut from felt

Step 2

Trace the face onto the people-colored head piece.

Embroider the eyes, nose and mouth using backstitch and a single strand of Sulky 12 wt. embroidery thread (the equivalent of two strands of regular embroidery thread).

embroidered doll face with felt bangs - partially made with a free doll pattern from Shiny Happy World

Step 3

Sew the hair to the face piece.

Stitch very close to the edge and use matching thread.

Step 4

Sew the two body back pieces together along the center back line, making sure to leave a few inches open for stuffing.

Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stuffing opening.

Step 5

Open up the center back pieces and press the seam nice and flat, including the edges of the stuffing opening. That will give you a nice clean edge to sew when you’re closing up that opening by hand.

doll body showing stuffing opening - part of the sewing instructions for a free doll pattern from Shiny Happy World

The stick shows where the stuffing opening is.

Step 6

Fold the bottom of the head and the top of the body in half to find the centers. Line those centers up so the head is exactly centered on the body.

Sew the face to the body front and the felt head piece to the body back.

Step 7

Fold the heads up and press.

doll front and doll back pieces waiting to be sewn together

The seam allowance should be pressed toward the head so the body remains flat.

Step 8

Lay the body front face up on a flat surface.

Lay the pigtails over the face as shown in the photo. Don’t worry about making them perfectly even - crooked is cute. :-)

partially sewn doll with pigtails pinned in place

Pin or clip in place.

Step 9

Place the body back face down over the front, sandwiching the pigtails between the layers. Pin or clip the layers together carefully.

I match the neck seams first, then the center bottoms, then the dips at the sides and then the tips of the arms and legs and the head.

doll front pinned to doll back - ready to be sewn

Step 10

Sew all the way around the body using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Make sure you’re catching the pigtails.

I changed the thread color when I got to the hair. I didn’t want specks of pink colored thread to show at the seam.

Clip into the seam allowance at all the concave curves and points as shown in the photo.

partially sewn doll body with clipping locations indicated

Step 11

Turn the body right side out.

Awwww! Isn’t she a cutie? Take a moment to admire your work so far. She’s almost done!

Step 12

Stuff the head pretty firmly with fiberfill.

Pour 1/2 cup of plastic pellets into the body and sew up the opening in the back using ladder stitch.

Finished!

Give her a big hug and then slip her into a special someone’s pocket. :-)

finished Itty Bitty Sleepy Baby sitting in the lap of a Pip the Cat doll - both patterns from Shiny Happy World

I designed her to be just the right size to work as a sweet baby doll for everyone in The Dress Up Bunch. Because dolls need dolls to play with, of course. :-)

If you like this, there are two more similar free doll patterns you should take a look at – the Itty Bitty Bunny and the Itty Bitty Pocket Pirate.

Like all Shiny Happy World designs – you’re welcome to sell items you make with my patterns, but please don’t sell or distribute the patterns themselves. 🙂

If you like this free doll pattern, sign up for the Shiny Happy News! Subscribers get a weekly newsletter with updates, special offers and links to happy things. Sign up here.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Dress Up Bunch is a collection of cute and cuddly rag dolls. Get patterns for the dolls, plus all their fun outfits and accessories!

A Pretty Felt Bird Ornament Pattern

November 6, 2014

I seem to be slightly obsessed with pretty, patterned birds – but they’re so much fun to stitch!

This felt bird ornament is the tenth ornament in the Christmas Club collection. We’ve only got two more to go! Here they all are so far. . .

~~You can still join at any time! The Welcome PDF that you get with your order has a link to access all the patterns that have gone out so far.~~

The Club is closed now, but you can still get all the patterns!

Get the entire 2014 pattern collection (at a discount!) here.

Get just the bird pattern here.

See all the felt Christmas ornament patterns here.

Merry Christmas!

Best,
Wendi

What you need

Here’s how to make it. . .

A chat about gift-giving

A Story

Let’s get honest about handmade gifts

What’s the lesson?

The Pattern

And some bead crochet…

Here’s what you’ll need. . .

Here’s how to make it. . .

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