October Scrappy Project

I love making pot holders from scraps. It doesn't take much fabric and they make such wonderful gifts. We're coming into that time of year when we're always thinking, "what should I get for a hostess gift or co-worker, neighbor, hair stylist, teacher, dog groomer :) ", the list goes on and on!

Here's a fun way to make a great set of matching pot holders. For this tutorial, I'm using a super basic sketch of a pear, but I also like to make these by tracing around a cute cookie cutter. Then I can give them as a gift with the matching cookie cutter.

12 X 12 - Charm Scraps

This month's scrap buster project is really quick and easy, but I think you'll love it. And it's just in time to make a last minute Mother's Day gift!

Faux Piano Key Border

Here's a great use for wide-striped fabrics. I chose the center fabric of this little table topper because I wanted to free motion quilt around the flowers. (I don't like to practice on a scrap that I'm just going to throw away - so I make small things and practice that way.) Anyway, this seemed like the perfect, super-quick border for this mini quilt!

STYLIN' DOGGIE LEASH

I'm forever leaving Tucker's leash in the wrong car or at home! I usually realize this when we get to the dog park and I start searching the floor in the back of the Jeep.

Sweetie Feeties ! ! !

It's summertime and everyone's hot and a little bit sweaty! And it seems our shoes get the worst of it . . . ew! So here's a super quick solution! These little shoe inserts are filled with kitty litter which helps absorb moisture and odors. Stick them in your shoes as soon as you remove them to help minimize some of the ickiness!

Another Last Minute Gift

Mug Rugs! 

I see these all over Flickr and they're so cute! They're sort of a little snack mat for a cup of coffee or tea and a few cookies or a little sandwich. They can be as simple or as complicated as your time and creativity allow! They could be pieced with a small version of a quilt block or appliqued or just scrappy pieced.  If you need a little inspiration, go to Flickr and search "mug rugs".

We're going to do a super fast one. For this tutorial, I picked this cute mug that came with a flower arrangement. Then I found some fabric to match.

Last Minute Gift Idea

CHRISTMAS POTHOLDERS!

Supplies needed:

Simple (preferably symmetrical) drawing, e.g., tree,

      snowflake, ornament,

      snowman, wreath, etc.

Two contrasting fabrics
Fabric for backing and binding
Steam-a-seam lite for applique
Batting
Thermal batting
General sewing supplies

I'm going to make the tree, so I'll be referring to the "tree" and green and white fabric in this tutorial - you may be using a snowflake or something else and other colors.