C&T Publishing Blog » Projects

No-Sew Fabric Flowers for Kids

Danielle Dews — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:11:22 +0000

Nothing brightens up a room like flowers. These are easy to make with kids and a fun way to use scraps. Make a bouquet or a table centerpiece or string them together for a flower garland or other wall decor. Use the patterns included in this PDF project download, or create new blossoms.

The download also includes the below Lily Pad or Poinsettia Centerpiece. You will make these the same as the flowers except layer the smaller flowers inside the bigger flowers. Make a lily pad or napkin base.

You will also find general directions for fast2fuse fusible interfacing in the download, complete with a list of three shortcuts that are sure to save you time!

This project is an excerpt from 100+ No-Sew fabric Crafts for Kids by Mary Link which includes oodles of projects you can do with kids and for kids, including bookmarks, coasters, mobiles, games and toys, party goods, room décor, and holiday goodies.

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March is National Craft Month and we are celebrating by posting one project every day this month! If you are joining us late, click here to see the full list of Craft Month projects that have been posted so far.

California Poppies Quilt

Danielle Dews — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:45:31 +0000

Paradise is more out of reach than ever these days it seems, so why not use this project to create your own little slice right in your own home. There are plenty of options with this project—it is bordered in an oval frame and could be used as a centerpiece for a quilt, pillow, or handbag.

Click here to download the full project sheet PDF, which includes patterns for the poppies. The finished quilt is 16″ by 20″.

This project is an excerpt from Paradise Stitched—Sashiko & Appliqué Quilts by Sylvia Pippen, which includes 6 vivid quilts inspired by tropical flora and fauna.

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Technique Tuesday: Blanket Stitch and More

Danielle Dews — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:03:14 +0000

Laura Wasilowski is doing something very interesting and cool over at her blog called Thread-u-cation Thursdays, where each week she introduces and demonstrates a new stitch with how-to photos and written instructions.

Laura is kindly letting us borrow some of her content for this week’s Technique Tuesday Craft Month blog post! The technique we are featuring today is Laura Wasilowki’s Blanket Stitch, and at the end of this post you’ll be able to download a free PDF with some additional stitching techniques.

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Laura Wasilowski’s Thread-u-cation Thursday: Blanket Stitch

The Blanket Stitch always gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling. It tucks in around a fabric edge holding it safe and neatly outlining the shape. But it can also act as a decorative stitch across the surface of fabric creating rows of UUUU or MMMM depending upon orientation.

Here’s how I make my Blanket Stitches: With the thread on top at A, place the tip of the needle about 1/4″ up and to the right of point A. Insert the needle at B and exit at C, about 1/4″ to the right of A. Trap the thread coming out of A under the needle tip and draw the needle and thread slowly through the fabric.

Point C is now Point A. Repeat the directions aboveforming a row or following the edge of a shape. Different effects are achieved by varying the spacing between points A and C or the length of the B/C stitch. Here’s an example of the Blanket Stitch as an outtie rather than an innie. UUUUMMMMUUUUMMM Enjoy!

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Click here to download a 3-page full cover PDF with some additional stitching techniques including:

Gathered Flowers

Ric-rac Flowers

Suffolk Puffs

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Let the Games Begin: A Game Board Quilt

Danielle Dews — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:07:53 +0000

Whether you’ve got a sick friend to entertain, or it’s just a rainy, stay-inside sort of day, this cheerful checker pattern Game Board quilt can’t help but brighten spirits. It communicates love and caring, and of course spells fun.

This free project download includes the supply list and instructions for the above classic checkerboard quilt and the checker pieces and pouch below. We know that when someone’s sick, you may not have much time to spend making them a game board quilt gift, so the quick & easy roll-up variation project (pictured below) is also included!

Maybe checkers just isn’t your thing? We threw in some patterns for chess pieces as well!

This project is an excerpt from Comfort Quilts from the Heart by Jake Finch, which includes 12 quick projects to take care of others.

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Pop-Up Paper Notecards

Danielle Dews — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:44:07 +0000

Pop-up notecards give you the opportunity to transform one-dimensional elements into 3-D delights. The easy step-by-step instructions and photos in this free project download show you how to add a third dimension to images, words, and sayings. The best part is all you need is cardstock and a few basic cardmaking supplies. Ready to put on your “paper engineer” hat?

This project is an excerpt from Pop-Up Paper Structures by Heidi Pridemore which includes 12 pop-up techniques and 7 complete projects perfect for novices.

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Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Ornaments

Danielle Dews — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:42:34 +0000

It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays, especially now that many of us are into giving authentic, handmade gifts, as opposed to gift cards from a favorite corporate monstrosity. Today’s project is a collection of Christmas ornaments—but with a little imagination and creativity in your fabric choices, you can make to function as “everyday” ornaments if you prefer.

Click here to download the 6-page full color project sheet PDF. Happy crafting!

Circle Bell

Two for the time of one! This sweet little bell will charm everyone—especially if you really hang a small jingle bell inside.

Triangular Bell

Three small pieces plus three small holiday bells, and it’s a charmer. Listen to its sweet music when the air moves it.

Gift Box

With just a bit of hand sewing you can create this sweet gift box ornament and the ribbon to decorate it.

Circle Strip

You can’t get much more basic than a straight strip of stiff interfacing and fabric. This is a very fast ornament to make, and with the right fabric and a few beads, it is sure to become a classic on your tree.

These projects are an excerpt from Fast, Fun & Easy® Christmas Decorations by Linda Johansen.

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Color Splash Table Runner by Kim Schaefer

Danielle Dews — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:49:33 +0000

The large-scale contemporary prints used in this cozy, modern table runner will add a splash of color to your table, making it vibrant and exciting. The finished block size is 10″ x 10″ and the finished table runner is 16 1/2˝ × 56 1/2˝.

The piecing in this project is super-easy because all your cut pieces will be squares and rectangles. Straight line sewing all the way with no stretchy bias edges to worry about!

Click here to download the 4-page, full color project sheet.

This project is an excerpt from Cozy Modern Quilts by Kim Schaefer, which includes 23 cozy, contemporary quilt projects in various sizes including wall and lap quilts, table runners, and placemats.

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Patrick Lose’s Happy Birthday Poster Quilt

Danielle Dews — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:06:54 +0000

This lighthearted wall quilt will make someone special have a very happy birthday. Or make it for yourself and bring it out for display whenever it is birthday party time.

Click here to download a full color, 5 page project sheet PDF file that includes a materials list, project instructions and diagrams, and appliqué templates. Then have fun and hold on to your seat, because this project goes together in a hurry. Fused appliqué all the way!

This project is an excerpt from Poster Quilts with Patrick Lose

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Silk-Covered Lampshade, Boudoir Box and Wild Fiber Necklace

Danielle Dews — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:50:59 +0000

Bring out those Batiks of yours, because today we have a delightful trio of color rich, stash-busting projects for you in the arenas of home decor and wearable accessories. Click here to download the full color, 4-page project sheet PDF file.

Silk-Covered Lampshade

by Kerry Graham

Using silk chiffon fabric, ribbon yarn, and glass beads

Boudoir Box

by Susan I. Jones

Using silk satin fabric, self-adhesive fabrics, beaded fringe, and assorted glass crystals

Wild Fiber Necklace

by Susan I. Jones

Using cotton ribbon yarn, eyelash yarn, and beads

These projects are excerpted from Color Your World with Princess Mirah Batiks

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Technique Tuesday with Gladys Love

Danielle Dews — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:46:52 +0000

Today’s techniques are:

stamping on fabric
thread painting on soluble stabilizer
simple beading
adding a fringe of woolen yarns

Gladys Love uses these techniques to create these stunning leaf vine luggage tags in her book Embellishing with Anything.

Click here to download a 6 page, full color PDF file that will guide you through these techniques as they apply to these luggage tags. The PDF also includes a bonus project! You’ll learn to make this beautiful leaf sprig ATC card, which has curved piecing and twin-needle top stitching. Gladys made the original with scraps of background cut from another quilt she was working on at the time.

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