Heart Shaped PotholderThese potholders are easy to make and can easily be customized for your kitchen.
Making Fabric Yo YosThis is a short tutorial for making fabric yo yos. These cute little fabric circles can be used in lots of craft projects, from quilts to Christmas garlands.
Turtle MopLow cost Christmas gift!
Folded Flower Table RunnerThis was a cute and different table runner to make. Reminded me a little bit of paper folding or origami.
Strip Block PotholderI've become interested in quilting and all of the neat ideas for quilt blocks. Because there are so many, I decided I would make a variety of quilt blocks and turn them into potholders so I can try out a lot more designs and it wouldn't be as time consuming.
Roll Holder BasketOld-fashioned roll basket!
Portable PlayhouseThis is a Goldilocks and the Three Bears playhouse. I used a pattern online and adapted it for this fairy tale story.
Knot PurseVery simple, quick-to-sew reversible purse.
Handmade Men's TieThis was my first attempt at making a man's tie. I made it out of fabric that matched my daughter's homemade Easter skirt. Her boyfriend wore this tie for Easter to go with her skirt. Turned out great!
Drawstring BackpacksI made these for a charity who gives backpacks filled with various items to cancer patients who are children.
Mother Goose's New BonnetThis is my old Mother Goose stuffed toy I had as a child in the late 50's, early 60's. She was missing her bonnet so I decided to make her one. I found what the original bonnet looked like but came up with this simple bonnet that could also be used for a doll.
Tortilla WarmerThis is a fun way to warm up tortillas and to keep them warm on the dinner table while assembling burritos or tacos.
Cleaning Dusting GlovesNylon perfectly helps to clean the glass and make it shiny just like microfiber fabric or newspaper. It is quite difficult to clean small curved glass objects with a newspaper or a piece of fabric. In such cases, nylon gloves are simply irreplaceable.
Origami BagThe design of this bag was inspired by origami. The bag has the shape of a regular hexagon. I decided not to overload the design of this bag with unnecessary décor, since the flower formed from the folds of fabric is a sufficient decoration for it. You can change the look of this bag and use it as a purse or a shoulder bag or wristlet or pouch or minaudière.
QuillowThis is a quilt and a pillow, called a "Quillow"
Activity ApronThis activity apron could be used for a variety of purposes--for a teacher, for a children's church class, at home use with your own children, a grandma with grandchildren, etc. Items or activity cards are placed in each of the pockets and worn by the teacher, leader, parent, etc.
World Map BlanketI really like the combination of rough burlap with satin fabric. I just had a piece of blue satin fabric that reminded me of the surface of the ocean. And the rough burlap reminds me of soil. So I got the idea to combine these two contrasting fabrics and sew a blanket in the form of a world map. I didn't buy burlap, but used four burlap bags. So even from the bags, you can sew this original blanket.
Halloween Tree SkirtI made this tree skirt for a friend who leaves her Christmas tree up all year around and decorates it for the holidays.
Sequins from Fish ScalesIf you need sequins to decorate something not big, but do not want to spend money, then make sequins yourself from fish scales. You can also dye these sequins any color.
Reversible Japanese Knot BagUse old jeans of different colors to sew this original Japanese bag. This bag is made of two different fabrics and is reversible. You will get two different looks in one bag.
Reversible Hot PadThese are hot pads I made to coordinate with my dishes for a more decorative table setting. Definition of a hot pad - a pad for use under a hot dish to protect a table. (They are not potholders! Potholders are used for protection from the heat when removing something hot from the stove or oven.)
Fabric Keyboard CoverI needed a custom-made keyboard cover to protect this keyboard I inherited from my father who passed away in 1998.
Lacey SachetsJust a little pretty gift to give a female friend
Mask Organizer/HamperMy daughter has about 30 masks because she works at a school and must change them out daily, sometimes more than once a day. In order to keep them organized, I came up with this organizer/mini mask hamper which she can hang in her closet. It also helps her choose what color she wants to coordinate with what she wears each day. It has a front and back for efficient storage!
Upcycled Bridal GarterI had a bridal garter that we couldn't even give away in my area. I made it into a skirt for a Barbie doll. I also cut off the long ribbons in the front to a more manageable length.
Scrappy Funky DollThis doll is made from scraps of muslin, fabric, and felt.
Canning Jar Sewing KitThis is a miniature sewing kit, which holds a few basic sewing supplies, for the beginner seamstress. I put straight pins on the pincushion top, a pair of scissors, some thread, a measuring tape, some needles, and small scraps of fabric into the jar.
Pocket PillowThis pillow has a pocket that can be used for a book, journal, or even a midnight snack.
Fabric Bowl Hot PadHere is another project to use up scraps and that is quick to make. Do you ever have leftover batting from a quilt? And anyone who sews usually has fabric scraps! So put the two together and in about 45 minutes you can make a cute soup bowl hot pad. Use your imagination and you could use it as a roll basket, a place for car keys, etc.
Tissue Case with PocketI learned how to make tissue case covers years ago from my mother. This one is a little different from the ones she used to make because it has a pocket on one side to hold chapstick, hand sanitizer, or a small bottle of lotion. These are great to have in your purse when you need extra supplies. They are easy enough for the beginning seamstress to make.
Mermaid Tail PurseThis mermaid purse was inspired by an image I found online. I used some scraps of shiny fabric, found a pattern online, and designed my own version of a mermaid purse using the idea from an image I found.
Donut Pin CushionThis handmade donut pin cushion is so cute, I just want to bite it! It's great for your sewing box to keep your pins in order, but you could also just make them as plush toys. To make the paper donut stencil, I traced a CD, cut it out smaller, but cut the center out bigger. You can make them whatever size you like.
Pill Bottle Sewing KitWith about 30 minutes to spare, you can make this to keep in your car, purse, or RV. It's handy, safe from little ones, and waterproof.
Bottlecap PincushionThis is a simple way to make a small pincushion from a plastic bottle cap. You could also attach a small loop of elastic band beneath it and wear it on one of you fingers as you sew.
Double Duty Pin CushionThis is one of the easiest projects you will find. With very little you can create a double duty storage container for your craft/sewing room or area. With space often being limited, we are all looking for creative ways to store craft supplies. This can be made using items in your home.
Tufting a ComforterI bought a lovely comforter online at a discount. When I opened the package, I saw that there was nothing holding the batting in place and that an edge of it had already crumpled up in such a way that I couldn't fix it without tearing the fabric apart. I put it back in it's bag, planning to salvage it later.
Adjusting the Size of Fitted SheetsI received this pair of sheets for Christmas three years ago and I never did like them. The fitted sheet was a little too big for the bed and it wrinkled when sleeping on it. I put the pair of sheets in the box of items I collect to take to Goodwill, which gives me a little time to really know if I want to part with this item.
Thrifty Patio Chair PillowsThis project explains how to make thrifty patio chair pillows with material used from a $3.00 inexpensive plastic tablecloth purchased from Walmart. You can also use a cloth tablecloth of your choice.
Book Pocket PillowWe made this pillow for my 3 year old. It has a large pocket to carry a book and is perfect for cuddling up for story or nap time.
Clothespin ApronMy mom recently purchased an amazing Breezecatcher revolving clothesline and decided that she really wanted to have a clothespin apron to use when hanging the wash. She found a style she liked online and we decided that we to make one using her choice of fabrics. This is how it turned out. She absolutely loves it!
Fabric Chicken DoorstopI made this adorable chicken to use as a doorstop, but she would also be a great decoration for a chicken lover!
Fabric Cover for Baby GateOur Chihuahua neurotically drinks water because of a psychological problem. She will go to any lengths to get to the water bowl for our other dogs, which is on the other side of the baby gate. She would squeeze through it and under it. So I made this fabric cover for the gate.
Fabric Panel PlaymatMy grandson really likes to go to the fabric store and select material for my next kid project, for him of course. Our recent purchase was the panels for this playmat.
Pot Holders from Shoulder PadsShoulder pads are one of the things that I remove from the clothing I get as hand-me-downs or at the thrift shop. I've got nothing against them, I just have naturally large shoulders. Here is how to make really cute and effective pot holders from shoulder pads.
Small Fabric Bags with Crochet DrawstringWe each have a need to keep our little valuable items, whatever they may be, nearby. I noticed that there was really no place to store these things other than in a cup or saucer. So I made these bags for everyone in our home. They are perfect for holding trinkets, chargers, or earbuds.
Pink Polka Dot Safety Pin CushionI wanted a prettier way to store my safety pins which I use for crafts. So I put this together, a pink polka-dot stuffed heart. It is the perfect color for the dreary winter days ;). I really like how it turned out. I save yarn and fabric scraps for stuffing projects like this, and nothing goes to waste.
Fixing Too Big PantsYou don't have to pay a seamstress to do this if pants are only a little loose. Here is how to do it yourself.
Tea Cup and Saucer CozyThis is a great way to use your scrap stash and make a cute tea cup and saucer cozy.
Pieced Scrap Fabric Yo YosI have been seeing yo yos made from two or more pieces of fabric sewn together prior to cutting out the base circle and wanted to try something similar. Here are the results.
Washcloth Gift BagThis easy to sew gift bag is perfect for a giving bathroom related items such as fancy soap, candles, potpourri, lotion, etc. It makes a great little travel bag for toiletry items too.
Cute BowThis bow is not that hard to make and it is a cute hair accessory that you can match with anything as long as you have the right colors. It would be perfect for kids' outfits after being attached to a clip.
Washcloth Travel Toothbrush HolderThis simple toothbrush holder is perfect for taking on your next vacation. Simply fill it with toothpaste and toothbrushes, roll it up, and pack it in your luggage.
Candy Corn Pot HolderI thought it would be fun to have a Halloween themed potholder. A candy corn shape popped into my head and after a trip to the fabric store this is the result. I think it is so cute I will probably make some more.
Lining a Handmade PurseLining a purse can be a very intimidating thought. Then one night a few years ago I sat down and tried doing it as simply as I could. To my shock and delight, it worked! I have lined every purse since. It's quite easy, quick, and really adds a nice finishing touch to your handmade creations.
Weighted Yo Yo KeychainThis is a different version of a weighted yo yo keychain.
Wristlet LanyardI find that a lanyard on my keys makes them easier to find and also helps keep me from dropping them while I am juggling groceries and kids. However I find that they can be too long, so I decided to make a wristlet version!
Small Drawstring BagMake this cute drawstring bag that you can carry your small essentials in.
Yo Yo KeychainI love yo yo crafts and I am always looking for new ways to use them. These fun keychains are unique and a great way to use up your favorite fabric scraps.
Making a Slip From An Old NightgownI needed a really long slip for a maxi-dress. Two problems, I was out of $, and I couldn't find a long one at the store anyways. Then I remembered the old nightgown I had purchased from a thrift-shop for only a couple of dollars. I rarely wear it, so I decided I could make my own slip.
Fabric Coffee SleeveYour coffee may perk you up in the morning, but this colorful fabric coffee sleeve is sure to make your day even better. It can be as unique as you are and it is a great way to use up small pieces of fabric.
Yo Yo Book WeightMany times I have found that the book I am using won't stay open on its own. These colorful yo yo book weights can hold your book open while you read or prepare a recipe.
Yo Yo Pattern WeightsIf you prefer to use pattern weights, instead of pinning, these yoyo pattern weights are an easy and fun option. They are also a great way to use up scrap fabric.
Fabric Door SilencerMaking it out of my son's room when he was sleeping was always a challenge. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, the door latch would make too much noise. After seeing some ideas online, I created this fabric latch silencer. It works really well and its cute too!
Golf Tee Bobbin HolderDo you ever have trouble finding the coordinating bobbin for your spool of thread? This super cute holder will help you keep your bobbins with their matching spools.
Mini Carrot Table RunnerThis is a great project to use up fabric scraps. You can use as many different fabrics as you want to make this unique carrot table runner.
No Sew Tin Can PincushionI've been needing a pincushion for sewing and thought I could probably make it with supplies I already had. It was simple and quick, and it works wonderfully! I was pleased with the fact that I re-purposed the can into something else.
Felt Monster Sewing KitThis adorable little sewing kit is perfect for your purse or to give as a gift for someone learning to sew.
Tiny Sewing Repair KitI made this little thread holder to use in my Felt Monster Sewing Kit, however I realized that it would also work really well as a stand alone item. It is small enough to fit in your wallet or almost anywhere. Now it will be easy to sew a loose button back onto your clothing or fix a seam.
Fabric Bunny DoorstopThis adorable bunny makes a great doorstop or can even be used as a tabletop decoration.
Simple Heart Hand WarmersThese heart hand warmers make great gifts and are a nice way to use up fabric scraps.
Bucket of HeartsThis is the perfect way to use up scraps of fabric. Fill up a container with these puffy hearts or tuck one away for your loved one to find.
Fleece Hand WarmersThese fleece hand warmers are sure to warm your loved one's heart and their hands!
Soft Fabric Sleep MaskI once purchased a sleep mask in the dollar bin at Joann's. My girls are always fighting for who gets to use it. So, why not make one for everyone? This is a very simple and inexpensive project. It even costs less than the one I got in the dollar bin!
Pocket Hand WarmersI saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was such a nice way to have a little warmth on those days you have to go out in the cold. You can make a pair very quickly. I just made basic squares. But, I've seen hearts, owls, ladybugs, you name it. These would make a nice gift for those in cold climates.
My Tooth PillowFor my nieces', nephews', and close friends' 6th birthdays, I make small tooth pillows. I ask their favorite colors, and it's nearly always pink and purple for the girls, and red and/or blue for the boys.
First Sewing Project: Fleece BlanketI made my husband and I fleece blankets for Christmas a couple years ago. My daughter really wanted one so we picked this as her first sewing project. It's a very simple, forgiving project with a big fuzzy reward.
Small Handmade Pillow FormIn preparation for a project I am making, I needed a 6 x 8 inch pillow. Making my own pillow form was the obvious way to begin.
Padded Kindle PouchI recently made a Padded iPad Pouch and the pattern also included directions for making a Kindle Pouch. It is perfect for protecting your Kindle!
Dog Poop Bag DispenserWe recently bought a package of dog poop bags with a dispenser. The dispenser broke almost immediately, leaving us with a bunch of bag rolls without a way to carry them with us. I designed this easy to make fabric pouch that clips to our leash.
Using an Applique to Repair a Torn Bed SheetMy husband wanted me to repair a torn bed sheet that looked as though it may have been damaged in the dryer. There were 2+ parallel tears approximately 4 inches long.
Padded iPad PouchI found a great pattern at a fabric store recently and decided to make this iPad pouch. I absolutely love it!
Dinner Roll CozyI first saw this vintage dinner roll holder when another member was looking for a pattern to make one. I found one on the Gingercake website and referred her to those instructions, which are apparently based on an old Simplicity pattern.
No-Sew Dog Throw for FurnitureOur Chihuahua likes to sleep on the furniture, so I wanted to protect it from hair and odors. I made her this little throw to sleep on and she loves it!
Paper Pieced Vegetable Pillow CoverI love to make paper pieced projects. I took a brief break from a quilt to make this pillow cover for the DH's birthday. I had made my carrot book page weight and that inspired me to look for some veggie blocks.
Scrap Pillow With Envelope OpeningI bought a bunch of small pieces of fabric that I liked, but hadn't decided how to use them. I needed a lumbar pillow and found them to be too expensive so I figured making my own would be a great way to use my fabric pieces.
Making a Replacement Sewing Machine CoverI purchased this little machine for my grandchildren to use, but found that it was a great travel machine for me too. After a couple of years of use the original thin vinyl cover began to tear around the opening for the handle.
Making Little Fabric BagsAre you a sewer or quilter? Do you have lots of small pieces of material left over?
Mason Jar Pin Cushion and Sewing KitHaving a portable sewing kit is very helpful. This Mason jar sewing kit also has a built in pin cushion.
Donut Pin CushionThis craft is pretty easy, and is a cute thing to keep pins in.
Handcrafted Personal DiaryA step by step guide to make your very own handcrafted personal diary!
Diamond Table ScarfI made this pattern up. It was fun to create.
Recycled "Rubber" DuckWhile short on crafting supplies and desperate to make something I came up my version of a recycled rubber duck, a soft sculpture.
Ice Pack CoverWhile making a cover for your ice packs may have already occurred to many of you, it hadn't for me. After constantly trying to wrap towels around packs over and over all day and night for hubby's leg after knee surgery, it finally occurred to me to just sew a cover for each pack...
Spa Towel Wrap With Shoulder StrapsIt's easy to turn a bath towel into a spa wrap. This project can be completed in about two hours. Just be sure the towel is long enough to wrap around you with some overlap.
Wrap PincushionWith the computerized machines today we are told not to have magnetized pin cushions close so this was a handy solution I found on Martha Stewart.com.
Phone Sock for Cordless PhonesHere's a quick craft pattern that actually solved a pesky problem at our house after constantly misplacing our household cordless phone. When there is an ill or disabled family member, many people turn to one of the greatest features of most newer models of multi-handset telephones, the intercom.
Pet PalsGive your furry friends a Christmas present by sewing these cute animals. The patterns are very simple and inexpensive to make. This is also a great way to use up those scraps!
Fabric Covered Gift BoxesThese make nice storage boxes for cotton wool, hairbands, etc.
Recycled Flowery SachetsThese fragrant and easy to make sachets can be hung in your closet, put in your drawer, or displayed in an area that needs a little scent to it. All of these items were recycled from other projects.
Fabric BowlsMake a few denim fabric bowls for your next picnic. They are stackable, sturdy, washable, thrifty, and easy to construct. Use scrap denim, contrasting fabric scraps, and something for batting.
Denim DinosaursStuffed denim shelf dinosaurs for room accents.
Sling BagTote bags are handy for carrying items while you are on-the-go. Make a sling bag to conveniently tote the essential tools for your daily work and play activities. Similar to a messenger bag, the handle hooks over your head and crosses over the body, leaving your hands free.