Tutorials, How To's & Free downloads

I saw this idea for a card on Frugal Family Fun Blog, Valerie has created a lovely tutorial, showing children making the cards. I just like the clever way she has not only utilised the concertina effect but also the curve of the cupcake case, to such good effect.

I bought some ribbon before Christmas, from the local market, wired edged ombre ribbon. Because the colours are graduated I thought they would make interesting flowers. I cut a length of ribbon 70cm long, removed the wire, by pulling it, from one edge, the base edge. At either end of the ribbon I folded over the ends, as shown in the photograph. With a needle and thread I sewed a running stitch along the length of the ribbon. I pulled the thread, to gather the ribbon, not too gathered or the flower would look like a rosette!

First make a pattern, to do this measure the height and around your book plus an amount for inside flaps. Add a seam allowance of 1cm (3/8th") all round plus an extra 0.5cm (3/16th") to the top and bottom of your pattern.

Cut out two pieces from the pattern.

Place the 2 pieces right sides together, and pin them.

Using a straight stitch, sew them together along the edges (seam allowance of 1cm (3/8th"). Leave a 5cm (2") gap, along one of the short edges, and use it to turn the cover right side out.

Another bead necklace. This time instead of knitting one of the beads, I purled it, in the round, to give a different texture to the bead. Basic knitted bead necklace here 

I've made a cover for a hot water bottle, a gift for a friend. The hot water bottle I chose was tiny so giving exact dimensions, for a pattern, is difficult. I hope this post gives a general idea of how to make a pattern, to fit any size hot water bottle. First I drew around the bottle, adding a flap at the top, this will fold over and be fastened with a button. I added an extra 2cm allowance all round. From this initial template I made three pattern pieces.

I love this Christmas decoration, felt skates, such a clever idea that looks simple to make. The use of a paperclip for the blade is inspired. If you want to make this decoration there is a very clear photographic tutorial at Not Quite Vintage 

This year, as part of my Christmas decorations, I wanted some red and white bunting. If you want to make this simple trimming just follow my tutorial above. With a little adult supervision children could easily make this too.

I've had this cupcake card idea for a while. This time of year the shops are full of Christmas cards, birthday cards being squeezed, so a tutorial for a birthday card might be timely.

I wanted to use a real cupcake case for the card.

Cut a paper case into four, cutting away the base.

Using one of the quarters carefully apply glue to three edges, leaving the top glue free.

Position the paper case on prepared card, very carefully pressing down the glued edges. Now you have a pocket to put a 'cupcake' in.

I was thinking about making a needle case when I came across this tutorial by Skebba. A little letter needle book, perfect! I adapted the pattern slightly. Then the thought came to me, my needle case could do with a companion, a pin cushion. Keeping to the postal theme I designed a parcel pin cushion, over stuffed and tied with string. I think this postal pair would make a perfect present. 

Bib necklaces are really popular at the moment, but can be expensive so why not make your own.

This is my free pattern and tutorial so you can make one for yourself or to give as a present.

You will need:

FELT, for the base. I cut two bibs out from the pattern and machine stitched them together using a zig-zag stitch.