Time to Sew

Here are a few projects I made using my sewing machine.



PJ Pillow

A rather simple project that can be done in a few hours.


Take the fabric of your choice. Pick your size and cut a square on a fold. Cut another piece (for the pocket) that is close to the size of your square, but with a 'corner' missing. Trim it with an edge of some kind (the 'missing corner' edge only). Using the sewing machine and a bright contrasting thread, embroider the child's name or whatever you wish below the trimmed edge. I use a piece of paper underneath the fabric, since it was a rather light fabric to begin with. When done, place the 'pocket' against the folded pillow fabric where you want it to be. Put the fold to the top for less sewing. If you have your corner like mine, fold the pocket's top piece under like you would for hemming it, and sew it onto the fabric (make sure it is unfolded first. You are just sewing the top portion of the pillow's pocket 'closed' for now). Once that is done, fold the 'back' of the pillow over the pocket so you will no longer see it (right sides together, like you would for any other pillow). Pin everything into place, and sew along the 'open' edges, leaving half of one edge open (easier to leave the edge that doesn't have the pocket there at all). Turn out, stuff, and then fold the edge in and sew it shut (you can do so by hand if you wish, but I just used my machine). Voila.

Beanie Teddy's

These little guys came from a pattern I found online many years ago. I'm not sure where anymore. I'll have to post the pattern I have sometime later on. They aren't hard, but they do take a little time. I did modify them a bit to make kitties as well, but basically they are exactly the same pattern I found all those many years ago.

I'll have to find the link later on.

Personalized Jean Purse

Another rather simple project to make. All you need is an old pair of jeans and some fun trim.

To make the handle, cut the leg seam to the length you want. No sewing required.

To make the purse, figure out the size you want. I used the bottom of the pant leg and folded it over the number of times I wished till I got the effect I wanted. Cut it out, keeping the hem for the front inside of the bag. Cut the 'unhemmed' top of the bag to the shape you want. I rounded the corners a bit. Fold it over and add your trim, hemming it. Or, if you wish, cut another piece to make a lining and sew it right sides together just on the flap portion of your purse. I made it into a pocket of sorts. Then add your trim to the outside.

Before you sew the purse together, make a pocket for the back. Use whatever shape and size you want. If you wish to personalize with the child's name using the trim from the front of the bag, pin the 'name' in place on the pocket, sew it on, then sew the pocket to the back of the purse (make sure the edges are folded under). Then finish sewing the 'name' to the purse itself (the portion that is not on the pocket). Fold the bag right sides together, sew the edges, sew your handle on, and you are done!