Prim and Proper Pear and Apple Stuffies DIY

The kids are back in school and I've finally had a moment to breathe and tie up some loose ends, take my first nap in five years, etc.  It also means I had time for a quickie DIY!

Fall is coming.  I can smell it in the air.  While part of me is mourning the loss of a too short summer (the rest of the country had incredible heat - we had incredibly disappointing gray and cold) part of me is itching to start drinking chai and knitwear.

In walking through the neighborhood, I've seen lots of apple and pear trees ripening.  The trees look so rustic.  It inspired me to make these "prim" (short for primitive) little apple and pear pillows.  A quick and easy sewing project using very little material, leaves you with a satisfying way to spruce up for the changing season.

Prim & Proper Pear and Apple Stuffies

You need:

Template drawn on 8.5x11 paper
Scissors and/or rotary cutter and mat
Fabric of choice for front and back of apple/pear
Felt scrap
Matching embroidery thread & needle
Sewing machine and matching thread
Stuffing of choice - use cotton batting, synthetic stuffing, etc.

Draw out the template for apple and pear and cut out.  Don't worry about being too neat or perfect here - the beauty of "prims" is they're supposed to look a bit rustic, so go easy on yourself!  Be gestural with your shape rather than super realistic.  Lay fabric out right sides together and pin template on top.  Cut around template with rotary cutter on rotary mat or with scissors.  Cut out a felt scrap approximately 1 inch x 2 inches (or whatever size looks good to you) for the stem.

Remove template and pin fabric pieces right side together again.  Sew around outside edge leaving 1/4 inch seam allowance, and 2 inch opening at top (where the stem will go.)  Turn and press.  Stuff with stuffing until it reaches desired fullness.

Place felt scrap inside opening and pin closed.  Use embroidery thread to sew opening closed with a cross X stitch (don't worry about making it too neat - remember it's "primitive"!)  You're done!

Variations...

Enlarge template on a copy machine to make a larger pillow

Stuff with corn kernels or beans and use as a door stopper

Embellish with cross stitch embroidery all around the finished seams

Use apple template to make a pumpkin.  Add embroidery detail by using running stitches up the front.

Have fun with this and happy almost Fall!

Vintage Fabric Clutch - Quickie DIY

Ahhh.  It feels so good to be using the sewing machine again!  I've been avoiding my stash of fabrics for months now.  Sewing in the cold months is just not as satisfying or enjoyable as sewing in the sunlight with the window open.

Vintage Fabric Clutch - Quickie DIY

I have been longing for a new clutch ever since I saw my friend with one the other night when we went out together - it was cute, turquoise and just the right size for all of her necessities - cash, card, ID, phone and lipstick.  No strap, no fuss, no big purse to carry around all night!

Today I made this little number in about 20 minutes.  It was very easy, quick and satisfying.  I love these vintage fabrics and the little button.  I think mine turned out cuter than my friend's too (but shhhh, don't tell her I told you!!!)  Here's how you do it:

You will need:

• Two 9x14" rectangles of vintage cotton fabric
• 9x14" rectangle of light to medium weight interfacing
• 2x8" fabric scraps
• Scissor or rotary cutter and mat
• Pinking shears
• Sewing machine
• Needle and thread
• Vintage button

If you haven't done so already, cut out the 9x14" rectangles of fabric and interfacing.  I chose a brown cotton for the outside and a coordinating cotton print for the inside.

Layer and pin the rectangles in this order - outside fabric right side up, lining fabric right side down, interfacing on top (if you're using the fusible kind, you want to fuse it to the wrong side of the lining fabric before pinning!)

Sew around outside edges with a 3/8" seam allowance, leaving a gap wide enough to turn fabrics along one edge.  Trim corners, turn.  Press, pin and topstitch close to the outside edge, closing gap as you sew.

Gap left for turning

Turn, turn, turn

Fold the piece into thirds lengthwise to form the clutch. Pin and stitch in the ditch along the inside "purse" edges to close (but not the top flap.)

Stitch along the sides to make a "purse"

Cut two 2x8" fabric scraps with pinking shears.  Place wrong sides together, fold a few "ripples" (don't try to be too perfect here!) and tack in place where you want it to sit on the front of your clutch (I used the sewing machine to sew a Z to tack in place.)  Attach a button, brooch or embellishment of choice.

I chose a vintage button...

You're done!  A cute little clutch just in time for summer.  These are so fast and cute - you can whip one up for every day of the week!  ;)

Send me a picture if you make one!  Can't wait to see!

Happy crafting... ;)

Archives - Hidden treasures await me at Goodwill, and I finally make something for myself! 06/02/2010

Originally Posted 06/02/2010

The Universe has seen it fit to smile upon me. After the worst week so far this year last week, I felt like I needed to do something for myself. In addition to finally starting a sewing project for myself, I decided to hit the Goodwill for some retail therapy (since I can't afford much else at this point.) Jackpot!



I've always wanted one of these. It's in pretty good shape and in GREAT condition on the inside with drawers and a little rack that swings out to hang clothes. The best part is that I got it for (drumroll please...) $25!!! It weighs about a hundred pounds, but it's lovely and full of history and I love the idea that someone shipped it across the ocean or on an old propeller plane or a train. Some romantic travel saga or another. This will be my new prop in photos, used as a display at craft fairs, and to hide in when my kids are driving me nuts.



I also found not one, but TWO pieces of vintage Pyrex for a few dollars. I don't think I will keep these after all, so you may see them on my Etsy page soon. Also a lovely old jewelry box with blue velvet lining, and some glass canning jars that will be great for use in the sewing room.

Here is the sewing project I'm working on:




This is the fabric I've chosen:



It's a vintage cotton sheet that feels lovely and drapey and will be perfect for summer. I'm very excited for this project, that has new challenges like DARTS and INVISIBLE ZIPPERS! I've chosen the lined tunic (you can choose a shirt, tunic or dress) Soon I shall be relaxed and throwing my head back in laughter at how easy it was and how wonderful it turned out. I'll keep you posted as it's coming along.

We're off to a friend's house to hang out for a little while. This rain is putting a damper on any outside activities! And it's June!