For the Kiddos : :

There certainly hasn't been enough sewing/crafting time happening with the kids this Summer! How about for you? Usually, crafting together as a family is a huge part of our Summer, so I'm pretty bummed about it! But don't feel too bad, I think I'm the only one! I had so many things I wanted to make with them, that's just not happening. The main reason being this weather! It's just too nice hot to be inside. So, today I thought it would be good to share the couple of projects we actually did work on together before too much time passes.

Have you seen the book Sewing School? It's full of simple sewing projects for children to make. We've used it to help guide us through a couple different projects in the past (here), and it was really helpful. This time, in the early morning a couple of weeks ago, Jacob joined me in the sewing room and had decided on following a pattern in this book from start to finish.

It was fun to watch, to lend a hand when he needed it, and to have that chance for just the two of us to work together on our own projects.

He did a great job! Teaching him the basics during our Sewing Buttons 101 craft, really has given him the tools he needs to do this type of project almost completely on his own. And, he even has plans (weather permitting) to make more as gifts. Aren't they cute?!

Another project that we really had fun with are these fork pompoms!



We've made these several times (here and here), and this time we combined fuzzy, wool yarn and Divine Twine to make a colorful strand of garland, and even used one pompom to make a sweet flower!



If you're looking for a fun and easy craft to do with your own children or grandchildren, this is it!

I also finished up another Train Pillow Cover Set, as an etsy order, that I have to share! I've had my shop closed most of this Summer, and it certainly feels strange to not be busy making all those crowns and pillows like I was. Hopefully, I'll be plenty busy this Fall, when my shop is open, and I give my all to making this sewing gig my full time job!!



For now, I'm going to keep hoping for a nice two-day stretch of rain to happen sometime this Summer! One for a full day of crafting together, and the second to clean up our mess!!

Weekend Spring Sewing : :

Yesterday I had myself the longest sewing day to date!

I worked on a tutorial for a Spring Twine Garland.



I admired my lovely new stack of Summerlove.



Decided I needed to cut into them ever so slightly, to realize a Spring Pillow idea.



Mostly worked on these, plus a dozen others that didn't get finished until the wee hours.



Made this ridiculous and smelly mistake at some point during all the making. Ack!



Had to cash in this coupon just as soon as the kids were home.



Continued to dream up a plan for my new sketch stitch girl.



Today, I'm wishing you all a wonderful Monday morning and I'm wondering, what did you make this weekend?

Fabric Pompom Tutorial : :

First, let's have a look at my new Anthropologie placemats shall we?! Perfectly named after Quilting Circles, each has lovely runs of embroidery floss that resemble hand-quilted stitches, applique details, and these fun fabric pompoms dangling from the edges and corners -- which is what this post is all about! 





Do you like them? I love them so much I decided that my Fabric Lover's Apron needed an upgrade! If you'd like to try out this entire project for yourself you can find my apron tutorial here, or you can add this detail to any pillows, pillowcases, blankets, quilts, placemats, napkins, tablecloths/runners, clothing, you name it!



What you'll need : :

• Scrap fabric pieces measuring at least 2"x 2" each
• Purchased Pompoms
• Pearl Cotton or DMC embroidery floss
• Sharp scissors and an embroidery needle 
• Note * Click on any of my images for a larger picture

Making the Fabric Pompoms : :

1. Place the pompom in the center of the fabric scrap 2. Fold the edges of the fabric up around the pompom 3. Wrap the floss around the fabric right above the pompom 4. Knot thread ends together well, trim, and trim the fabric ends even




Continue making your Fabric Pompoms until you have the amount you need.



Fabric Pompoms Details : : 

I'm adding mine to my Fabric Lover's Apron, any item will use these same instructions.

1. Layout your design 2. Place the Fabric Pompom onto the item 3. Using a needle threaded with floss and knotted at one end, insert the needle at one side of the pompom pulling up through the back of the fabric item 4. Pull thread all the way through until it catches the knot 5. Insert the needle on the other side of the pompom, pulling back though the fabric so the floss is holding the pompom tightly in place 6. Knot well, close to the fabric, and trim away excess floss



Continue until all of your Fabric Pompoms are attached.



Voila! You're finished! 
 


Variation ideas : : You can reverse how you attach them so only the Fabric Pompom ball is showing for a less funky look. You can add them to a pillow this way or attach these just as you would purchased pompom fringe. Here is an example of that on a pillow of mine from Pier1.



I hope you enjoy this tutorial!!! This Fabric Pompom detail is something I'll certainly be adding to the edges of many of my own handmades!