Buttons and Bobs

Reversible Beanie I made this beanie following the clear you tube instructions of Vanessa Vargas Wilson. ( Crafty Gemini ) .Vanessa has provided free a downloadable pattern in child and adult sizes. I made the next pattern myself. Lots of problems. I wanted to recreate a hat similar to one: I bought it from a craft stall many years ago. The original is made from double faced fleece. I couldn't find a stockist so I created my own with the blue patterned fleece and the thick blue. Some of the seams of my creation simply would not fit under my machine sewing needle so I had to hand sew. Tough going! Lumps and bumps to smooth out everywhere. Didn't bother with applique - I was too pleased to finish a wearable item. I finished most of the remnant of patterned blue fleece by making a neck warmer. A rectangle with a buttonhole fastening. Sometimes fondness comes from finishing something quickly.

My daughter gave me a pack of Christmas quarters. I washed them as instructed and they did not shrink. Here are what I made: Four Christmas totes for four busy little girls.  They must have them by December 1st in order to use them. No point in waiting for Christmas Day!

Purl Soho  ikatbag Craftiness Is Not Optional Melly Sews Made Everyday Sie Macht: A sewing Blog The Fold Line - a bountiful source for patterns Sewing Rabbit - a happy cheerful site with lots of advice and very good free patterns You Tube: Debbie Shore  - making purses and bags Wendi Gratz - Shiny Happy World. Fun quilting. Some of my Favourite Pins: Sewing for Girls Facebook Groups: I have joined a the " Just Sew " group on Facebook . It is amazing. So uplifting. It was started in the UK by Deborah Ann Underhill, I bet she never dreamed how big it would become. Thousands of sewing enthusiasts with varying degrees of ability help each other out with any sewing issues. Ask a question and it is likely to be answered in minutes. Your answer may come from any corner of the world!

I watched the You Tube video about making a hat in one hour  (Make IT Easy With Liz). The method is very easy and Liz explains it well.  I want to make hats for four children.  I also want to customise by adding applique but cannot decide on a design! The first hat took less than an hour to cut out and sew.  It is made out of a remnant from polyester microfleece I had bought for backing bibs. I had bought a bargain bundle when I visited Aberkan Mill in North Wales. I do not like buying over the internet. I have been surprised how difficult it has been to find  fleece stockists I can visit. I want micro fleece because thicker fabric would be too bulky on little heads. First try on - mmm thinks : Next time I'll put in a few stitches to fix the brim in position!