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How to Make a Pincushion (that sharpens your pins!)
This tutorial will show you how to make a gorgeous pincushion that you can use for all your sewing tasks. If you include wire wool in your pincushion it will also sharpen your pins whenever they are inserted. You can use any item you like to make these. As you can see, I used various containers but I must confess that my favourite are the little bucket and the teacup and saucer. This is the first in a series of tutorials showing you how to make various items to help you with all your sewing so keep coming back to the blog for some more ideas. You could make a…
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Button Art – DIY
Button art can be so pretty and I have been admiring some on-line for some time. I thought I would have a go and I loved it. It is really relaxing to do and the results are really impressive. This tutorial shows me completing a tiny canvas (7.5cm or 3″ square). It was a great way to ‘have a go’ and I recommend starting small. The result is so cute! Keep reading and you will see how I developed onto a larger canvas. This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend brands I use and…
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How to Make a Fabric Corner Bookmark
This tutorial will show you exactly how to make a quick fabric corner bookmark. These are great for using up fabric scraps and make lovely gifts. They are great to give with a book or gift card to make the gift extra special. It will only take you about 15 minutes to make one so what are you waiting for? This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend brands I use and trust. You will need: Basic sewing supplies Iron and ironing board Three squares of fabric 10cm x 10cm (4″ x 4″). Great craft…
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French Knitting – How to Cast off and Create Masterpieces
Well in the previous 2 posts we learnt how to Make a French Knitting Nancy and Cast on and Knit. Now we will learn how to cast off and create a masterpiece with your knitting. This is for when you have got enough French Knitting to make whatever you are wanting to make. You will Need Your French knitting on your Nancy Scissors Step 1: Select one post, in my case the blue one. Take the loop off the post and carefully place it over the next post along (anti-clockwise) in the same direction as you have been knitting. You should now have 2 loops on that post. Take…
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French Knitting – How to Cast on and Knit!
Last week I showed you how to make your own French Knitting Nancy in this post. Well, whether you are using one just like that or one you have bought the technique is the same. You will be able to produce a beautiful tube of knitting to make into a craft item of your choice. If you want some ideas take a look at 22 things to make with French Knitting. You will need: French Knitting Nancy (or doll) Yarn Step 1: Form a loop using a slip knot as if you were going to do ordinary knitting or crocheting. Place the loop over one of your posts (or…
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French Knitting Nancy – Make your own
This tutorial shows you how to make your own French Knitting Nancy for next to nothing. It is a great craft activity for kids groups and organisations as you do not need many items. They are quick and easy to make and kids can learn a new skill using old leftover bits of yarn. Equally well, you can use one of these to make many fine items for all ages! If you want fine knitting then simply use a narrower tube (old wooden cotton bobbins are ideal). This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend…
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How to Make a Mosaic Table
Last year I broke a glass topped table and I upcycled it using decoupage. You can see that project here. That worked really well so this year I thought I would try upcycling the same table again using mosaic tiles. It worked really well and looks really professional as you can see here. So, read on, be inspired and have a go yourself. It is great for that cup of tea (or something stronger) in the garden. This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend brands I use and trust. You Will Need: Table frame…
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Quick Inspirational Framed Picture
This is a super quick but effective way of creating some beautiful individual art for your home. This inspirational framed picture is so easy to make. On the internet and social media in particular I often see inspirational quotes. However, they can seem a bit bland to form a picture on their own. This is a little project to brighten up any quote. This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a little commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend brands I use and trust. You Will Need: A 3d or box picture frame (Hobbycraft stock a good range) Paint (optional) Printed quote that…
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Teabag Wallet Tutorial
I do not drink tea so I always carry my own ‘teabags’. In fact, they are fruit and herbal infusions (no tea involved). But using a small plastic bag is not ideal and I sometimes burst teabags in my handbag or pocket. So, I decided to make a teabag wallet to carry them around. This tutorial will show you exactly how to make a gorgeous little teabag wallet to take your own teabags out with you. Never be caught without again! This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a little commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend brands I use and trust. You…
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The Simplest Skirt Tutorial
This skirt is so simple to make and is great for summer (or winter) depending on your choice of fabric. This tutorial makes a summer skirt but if you chose a thick fabric it would work just as well for winter. Great for kids skirts too. Just scale it down to fit! You only need basic sewing skills and away you go. No pattern needed! You Will Need: Chosen fabric (I used a thin cotton similar to this one) – 1m (1yd) for a narrow skirt – 2m (2yd) for a fuller skirt Elastic – 2cm (0.75″) wide and long enough to comfortably go around your waist and overlap Matching…