Vacuum Cleaner CoverAre you someone that just doesn't have a good place to store your vacuum cleaner? You end up standing it in the corner, but hate seeing it there. I have the solution for you. Make a cute cover and no one will realize it's your vacuum cleaner.
Heat Therapy PillowWouldn't it feel nice and soothing to have a warm pillow on the back of your neck after a hard day at work? Or how about some heat therapy on that knee you messed up a few years ago that flares up every now and then?
Sock Can Pin CushionFor those of you who do a lot of sewing, you will like this second idea: 2nd way to use those socks is to make a pin cushion!
A Dog Coat for HoneyI was determined to have a coat for my 18-month-old dog Honey. We walk in all weather and she does not have a whole lot of fur on her underside.
Flannel Pillow InstructionsHere's a lovely gift that will ensure sweet dreams all winter long.
Beautiful Handmade Table RunnerBeautiful Handmade Table Runner. Here is a picture of a table runner I made. I found the pattern on the Joann's web site.
Cat Proofing the Sewing RoomSome of us don't like our kitty to help us sew. Mine has fairly long hair and will immediately lie down on any piece of fabric I lay down.
Making a Coat for My DogThis is a coat I made for my little dog. She gets cold in the winter time and store bought dog clothes are so expensive so I decided to make my own.
Elephant Tea CozyTea cozies are sure to keep your tea warm in the pot much longer than not having one. Plus this one is way cute! This craft would also make a great gift for tea drinkers.
Cat Tea CozyCat tea cozy craft with photos and instructions. This cat tea cozy is a great gift to make for cat lovers who also like tea.
Make Your Own Quilt Batting?Here some ways to make your own quilt batting out of recycled These tips are from our ThriftyFun community.
Fabric Book CoverThis is a nice gift and takes about an hour to create. I would like to make fabric book cover/carriers with straps for gifts. Does anyone have a pattern or directions?
Sewing KitA sewing kit is a great gift for anyone leaving home. Cut notches in the edges of a small piece of card and wind thread around it, sticking the ends down with scotch tape. Cut out two squares of felt.
Pillowcase from Receiving BlanketThis child-sized pillow case was made with two of my daughter's old receiving blankets. Simply place them with right sides together and sew around three of the edges, leaving one of the short edges open.
Saving Money on Clothing PatternsTips for saving money and preserving sewing patterns from the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.
Using Sewing Patterns Again For Different Sizes?Advice for using sewing patterns again for different sizes. Includes tips for for different ways to trace patterns for resizing.
Sewing Stretchy FabricTips from the ThriftyFun community for sewing stretchy fabric without warping. Have you tried sewing with tissue paper? Sandwich the fabric inside the paper, the feed dogs will not stretch the paper.
Saving Money on ButtonsTips for saving money on buttons from the ThriftyFun community. Post your ideas.
Keeping Seams Together When SewingTips for keeping your seams together while sewing from the ThriftyFun community. I'm new to sewing. Pinning fabric together doesn't always leave me with matched seams. I tried an experiment which worked well for me.
Bandana BonnetsThis is a bonnet made from one bandana, a length of ribbon and some thread. I use a little fuseable web to help with the ribbon portion. (Tip: Hobby Lobby has tons of bandanas in many many different colors and themes. If you have a Hobby Lobby in your area.)
Tyvek Cosmetic ToteDid you know you can recycle Tyvek into a waterproof and durable lining for fabric projects. Tyvek can be found in jumpsuits/coveralls for industry work. This type of Tyvek is very soft and fabric-like. You can also recycle Tyvek from mailing envelopes.
Potholders From Fabric ScrapsI have a lot of fabric and a lot of scraps leftover from my projects so I decided to make some potholders from the scraps. I have not been able to master the binding that goes around the edge so I tried something different.
Material for Pot Holders?What kind of material will protect hands when picking up a hot skillet? You can make a handle potholder from a regular square or rectangular potholder. Take the potholder and fold it in half.
Ruffled Jean PurseThis is an idea I had for making a denim jean handbag. I had a pattern for a small fabric bag (McCalls 4885) so I used the pattern's pieces to make the ruffles. For the lining and handles, I used a pretty cotton print.
Enhance Clothing with TrimAdd trim, bric-a-brac, or embroidered ribbon to clothing. A plain blouse can be made to look like a designer classic with a little imagination. Many articles of clothing can be saved by sewing decorative bric-a-brac over small holes or stains.
Savannah BagI've made a lot of bags, but my favorite is the Savannah bag. I named it after my daughter because it's pretty in pink.
Tea Bag WalletRecently, tea bag wallets were the big craze on eBay. I studied the photos on eBay and being the frugal person that I am wanted to find a free sewing pattern.
Recycled Jeans PurseMake a statement, flower-child style, with this boho bag made from recycled denim. The fun of making these purses is that there are no rules - anything goes It's a great way to recycle favorite costume jewelry, use up bits and pieces of ribbon and trim and put creative juices to work for a truly one-of-a-kind result.
Plastic Bag HolderOh, how I enjoy shopping for bargains. During the warmer months, DH and I love to go to all kinds of garage sales. At one of the sales, I saw something hanging on a nail which was stuffed full of plastic shopping bags.
Pull String BagAn all round pull string bag can be used to accommodate a variety of things from shoes to bathroom bubble bottles. Made simply with two matching sized pieces for back and front, and an extra piece on the front for a pocket that is stitched down the centre for extra bits 'n' pieces.
Use Sheets For More Than Covering Your MattressIt's time for winter white sales to begin. While these sales offer us great deals on linens, they offer so much more for the more creative consumer. By far, bed sheets are the most valuable item on sale this month. There's so much more than can be done with them than putting them on a bed.
Tea Cozy and Hot PadIf you're a tea lover, here is a very easy sewing project. They also make great gifts for family and friends. I always use my tea cozy whenever I brew a pot of tea, and it will keep the teapot warm for several hours.
Easter Themed Fabric Crayon RollsThese crayon rolls are so easy to make and you can use any theme fabric that kids like such as Dora, SpiderMan, etc. Here I have made an Easter theme one, great for the Easter baskets.
Perky Bra PursesMost of us have a not-quite-right bra or two loitering in our lingerie drawer. Now you can turn that scrap of fabric and lace into a fun purse that's sure to be an attention-getter!
Quilted Sunglasses CaseSave those extra quilted fabric squares and create a soft plush quilted sunglasses or eyeglasses case with a cell phone pocket.
Doll Sleeping BagThis adorable sleeping bag can be altered to fit any size doll. You or your little girl can make a Barbie doll, American Girl Doll, or Cabbage Patch kid doll sleeping bag.
Quilted Album CoverIn less than two hours you can make a really cute album cover. Make a pattern with any paper for the entire length and width of the finished cover for your album. Cut two.
Skirt PurseTurn the skirt wrong side out and sew the bottom of the skirt closed. Turn back right side out, and sew your boa or ribbon on as in the picture for the handle. You are done! I hand sewed mine but you can use a sewing machine if you like.
Denim PlacematsMy husband brought home these denim placemats because he liked the pocket for the silverware. I scurried to my "resource" center and got out some material and made 1 inch red bias tape for the edging.
Saving Money with SheetsIt's nearly time for white sales to begin. While these sales offer us great deals on linens, they offer so much more for the more creative consumer. By far, bed sheets are the most valuable item on sale this month. There's so much more than can be done with them than putting them on a bed.
Old Clothes CraftsThese are just a few ideas of what you can make using the fabric from clothing you no longer wear. What you see is one draft catcher and three pillows/chair cushions.
Spring Basket LinerSewing a liner for an old basket to give it new life and purpose. Gather spring-like fabrics and old baskets to pick from. Draw around the bottom of the basket and add 1 inch to allow for seams. Cut out.
One Yard ApronThis is a simple way to make an apron from 1 yard of 45 inch wide fabric. The apron tie becomes a drawstring which you pull through the top of the apron thus gathering it up. The size becomes adjustable. These aprons are fun to make and so easy.
Fabric Luggage TagWhile on vacation in Hawaii I was lucky to discover a native woman who made different craft items. The luggage tag was among her beautiful items. I bought a few and thought they were so cute that I had to make some.
Canvas Bag ProjectThis is a really simple project that requires no real pattern and once you feel comfortable, you can just cut freehand and "eyeball-it"
Craft: Green TotesSince we are celebrating "going green" I thought I'd share yet another tote idea. I made these totes (5 in all) for our church fair last fall. Someone generously donated the denim fabric.
Remote Control ToteHandy tote to hang on the bedpost or doorknob so you know where to find your remote. I made one for my oldest grand daughter and now the little one wants one too.
Rose BagThis is a unique tote bag that looks much more difficult than it is. This bag is easy to make. It has a square bottom and inside pockets. First cut out the basic tote bag. Then use iron-on heavy interfacing to give it some body.
Dog BedThis has an inside pillow filled with fiberfill and a removable cover for washing, with a pocket so my dog thinks he is sleeping "under the blankets".
Placemats and NapkinsCut 6 fabric fronts, 13x18 inches. Cut 6 fabric backings, 13x18 inches. Cut 6 pieces, 13x18 inches, of interfacing. Layer placemat pieces front and back facing together and interfacing on top (see photo), pin in place.
Vintage China Pin CushionsI have an annoying habit of picking up orphaned sugar bowls, creamers, and little teapots that have no lids, as well as old planters too small for plants and vintage fabric scraps too small for anything, in hopes of finding creative uses for them.
Eyeglass Cozy CaseA quick and very easy to make eyeglasses/sunglasses holder. Make several: one for the car, one to keep by your favorite chair and one for your hobby room!
Terra Cotta PincushionThis is a cute pincushion using a terra cotta pot for the vessel to hold the batting in. You could paint the pot. I chose to decorate it with sewing trimmings.
Quilted CoastersMake quilted coasters from 4 1/4 inch fabric scraps. This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Cut five 4 1/2 inch scraps of material.
Reusable Coffee Cup SleeveIs there somebody in your family who spends lots of time at Starbucks? Try these earth friendly coffee cup sleeves. Package it up with a bag of coffee beans or a coffee shop Gift card and you have the perfect gift!
Towel ApronFor a useful gift that is easy and inexpensive, try this towel apron. I love giving them and using mine.
Craft ApronKeep those tools handy at classes or out of the way of little fingers at home with this simple apron. Working the front of your apron, you will make several pleated pockets to hold pencils, stick glue etc. How many you want really determines the length you cut this piece.
Child's ApronMy granddaughter and I love to cook and I thought she needed an apron so I came up with this inexpensive one.
Sewing Pattern WeightsWith just a few sewing scraps or some recycled clothing, you can make your own pattern weights instead of buying expensive ones from the store. They also make great gifts for anyone you know who sews.
Curling Iron Traveling BagNot knowing what to do with an odd flannel pillowcase, I decided to make a travel bag that I could put my hot curling iron in.
Drapery Sample Tote BagI made this purse from drapery samples. Using a basic pattern from a sewing pattern book, I cut out and interfaced a tote bag. I also cut the lining at the same time.
Fabric Carry AllI made this bag for my pre-teen on a whim, now all her friends and mine want one.
Throw PillowHere's a really quick and easy pillow that I did with the girls using their choice of a sewing machine or hand stitching with a needle and thread using all straight stitching. Eight year olds were able to do this with remarkable ease and very good results.
Quilted Paper Plate Picnic BagWe picnic a lot. I love to keep this sack full of plates, napkins, wipes, etc. I appreciate having all the items in one place and ready to grab and go.
Fruit Slice PlacematsA fun and quick craft you can vary just by changing the fabrics. Either enlarge my pattern or draw a wedge shape. By changing the fabrics, you can have a watermelon, an orange, lemon, apple, or whatever fruit you like.
Make Reusable Absorbent TowelsDo you use a lot of paper towels? Here's a way to help cut down and save money in the process. Get some flannel and some terry cloth from the fabric store; about 3 yards of each.
Fabric Grocery BagLay out material and cut out body of bag. With contrasting material cut out lining and straps. Fold bag, right sides together, sew sides, at bottom of bag, sew corners, 1 inch, cut off access.
Denim Coffee CozyThis is a denim coffee cozy for those fancy hot coffees sold at coffee bars or the frozen ones that are so good! Take the cardboard coffee cup you kept from the last coffee you enjoyed and use the paper cozy as a template for your coffee cozy.
Kitchy ApronThis is cute apron that is feminine with the ruffles, yet kind of tailored because of the prints chosen. Aprons are really making a comeback and you will enjoy making this one!
Grilling Apron from Blue JeansThis is a quick apron to sew together for backyard grilling. Use the legs and seats of the jeans and sew together to make the width of the apron.
Skillet Handle Hot PadsA handy hot pad. Trace around your skillet or pan handle for a pattern. Add about 1 inch on your pattern for seam allowance before cutting fabric.
Recycled Jeans Laptop BagThis lap top bag is constructed from several different pairs of jeans, lined with flannel and has a crocheted strap.
Upholstery Mini PursesThis is a small purse with a button/elastic closure. It fits inside a larger purse to organize the contents.
Personalized PillowcasesPersonalized pillow cases cost next to nothing to make, and will be treasured by your receiver for years to come! This gift is appropriate gift for all ages, male or female. They are also easy-peasy to make.
Warming Rice BagsThis simple little bag can help relieve anything from minor pain to major pain. Simple and easy to make and use and with the harshness of cold weather it can alleviate pain associated with arthritis. Consider making one for someone who needs pain relief.
Fabric Needle HolderCute holder for needles, pins, and scissors. Compact so it can be tucked away in a drawer or taken to sewing classes.
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.
Denim DinosaursStuffed denim shelf dinosaurs for room accents.
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.
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 Covered Gift BoxesThese make nice storage boxes for cotton wool, hairbands, etc.
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!
Necktie and Denim SkirtWhile at the Puyallup Fair today my mom and I saw a woman walk by wearing this adorable necktie skirt. We asked if we could take her picture and she was so sweet to agree.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Saving Instead of Scrapping Old ClothesEach time I donate bags of clothes to Good Will, there is a lingering pile of items that didn't make the cut. It consists of frayed jeans and torn t-shirts that can't be donated and are destined for the trash can. After talking with someone about her scrap crafts,
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.
Handcrafted Personal DiaryA step by step guide to make your very own handcrafted personal diary!
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.
Harmonica CaseMy grandson recently asked if I could make a case for his harmonica. This is the result, using materials I had at home.
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.
Protecting Your Sewing ScissorsWhether you have kids, grandkids, or even a husband, your sewing scissors may be in danger! Find or purchase a small padlock that will fit through both parts of the handle and lock them up when not in use.
Heart Shaped PotholderThese potholders are easy to make and can easily be customized for your kitchen.
Neck Pillow Craft IdeasThis is a page about making a neck pillow. A comfortable neck pillow is easy to make either for yourself or as a gift.
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.
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.
Using Fat Quarter Cardboard for...Some of the fat quarters that I purchase, especially those from Jo-Ann Fabrics are folded around a thin cardboard square.
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.
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!
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.
