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!

Wednesday Wonderful

Okay, I'll admit it.  I'm already in the Christmas spirit.  I'm in craft overdrive right now trying to get everything ready for this last craft show of the year and the big Thanksgiving weekend sale in my Etsy shop online.  Christmas music is a great motivator!  Keeps me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside which helps counter act the freezing cold wind whipping through my window, which is open to counter act the glue fumes, which can be intense when I crank out this many pieces in one day.  Whew!

Here are some favorites from this week.  I want to live in this dress.  The perfect holiday green!

Elsie Rockabilly Dress by HeartMyCloset

I love all of the artwork in the Swan Bones shop, but this little pillow is my favorite!

Wolf's Breath Dream Pillow by SwanBones

And because I love squirrels a little too much

Block Print Squirrel Stuffie by ArtGoodies

I need a new pincushion.  This one is too adorable!

Darling Deer Pincushion by Enamor

And it's getting very cold here.  I need an incredibly adorable jacket just like this to stay warm

Ruffle Front Fleece Jacket by CotyLee

I bid you good night!

Wednesday Wonderful - The Get Well Soon Edition!

I'm still sick and feverish and have no time for this silly cold.  But I guess it's a great excuse to catch up on some Etsy browsing.  Here are my Wednesday Wonderful comforting finds in honor of those of us who are stricken with "the ickies."

Granny Square Afghan Made to Order by SophiePlaysHooky

Get Well Soon Honey by OrendaHerbal

Early Edition of Sense & Sensibility, listed by TheStrangestThings

Buckwheat Spa Pillow by HomemakerMovement

These would make the couch feel (and look) that much better.  I think an order of curry soup a la my-husband-goes-and-picks-it-up-for-me would be just what the doctor ordered, and then I'm going back to bed.  Have a good night, drink lots of fluids (or at least a nice glass of wine) and get some rest, if you need it!