Feline Friday- Quilts by Denyse Schmidt

Here is Olive, sewed by my daughter when she was 9, with my help.  Olive is 16" long.  We used the book Quilts by Denyse Schmidt, 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects .  The original project had a pieced stomach, but I simplified it with a square applique.  Same basic look as the original. 

A fun project to do together!

 The book has some other great projects- lots of bold, graphic design quilts of course.  There are also pot holders, coasters, cards, an apron and bags, among other things.  I love her choices of statement making colors.

Feline Friday- Stuffed Cat

I sewed this Color Me Cat close to 10 years ago and I've made a bunch since then as gifts.  This one's ears have seen better days.  It is plain broadcloth or muslin, stuffed, about 18" tall.  I always include Crayola washable markers because they are the most reliable for washing out.  My kids love drawing on their cats and then sending them through the washer so they can do it again!  Color Me Cat is great for 2-10 year olds for playing with and drawing on; then as teenagers they can use permanent markers and get all their friends' autographs.

I sewed Color Me Cat, Jr. this morning.  He is 10" tall.  I made more pronounced ears on him too.  I just free-handed the shape- I think it adds character.  Remember to add seam allowance.  Stitch around twice to reinforce the seam.  Clip the curves to the stitching before turning.  Stuff and sew the opening shut. 

Etsy Treasury- Kiss Me I'm Irish

I'm included in an etsy treasury- Kiss Me I'm Irish!  Moose Country chose my lucky paperweight creature to include.  Thanks so much MooseCountry!

Sock Creatures

On a recent rainy weekend, the kids and I started making sock creatures inspired by John Murphy's Stupid Sock Creatures.   These creatures are a little tricky to sew for beginners, but they are great for exploring creativity!  I especially love the lips and creature descriptions in the book.  Such personality!

 This blue one was a collaboration with my 8 year old.  We used toddler knee-high socks.

 Love the smile!

 I made this monkey several years ago.  My 11 year old painted the ceramic monkey.

See items in memory  and other examples of  sock creatures .

My daughter sewed the middle monkey at a birthday party.  I made the other two.  I like using buttons for the eyes, but you could also make very expressive felt eyes.  It is pretty addicting.  While I'm working on one, I get ideas for the next one.  I guess it is that way with any creative project.

Kids Sewing Projects

On a recent weekend, my kids decided they wanted to sew something. My daughter, 10, designed the owl. She is fully capable of sewing it herself, but she ran out of steam so I assembled the pieces.

My son, 7, drew the griffins on fabric and then I sewed around them. He helped stuff. I try not to pressure my kids into sewing. I wait until they are ready to work on a project. Hopefully this approach will lead them to view sewing as a fun hobby (not something Mom made them do!).

Stuffed Fabric Gnome

My son loves gnomes, so we were very excited to see gnome fabric at Quilting Adventures! www.quiltingadventures.com We sewed the front and back together, stuffed it and now he sleeps with it every night!

This is the back view before it was sewn. Pre-printed panels are a really easy sewing project for beginners or children who just want a quick, fun activity that won't take forever to finish.

Sew an Alien

My son loved the alien I made him last year, so he wanted a friend for his alien this year! These are fun to make. I use whatever scraps I've got- wool felt for the "belt" and eyes. The one on the left has flannel on the bottom and corduroy up top. I applique the felt parts first. With right sides together, I stitch around the shape once and then again, because space travel can really knock the stuffing out of you! Clip all your curves before turning right side out. Big simple shapes are the easiest to work with, especially with heavy weight fabric like the corduroy and the checked drapery fabric. I can't wait to see these rocketing through the house!

Gnomes and Sleigh

Shhhhh! This is a Christmas present! My son loves gnomes so I made him these two and a sleigh for them to ride in. Actually the sleigh and the gnome bodies are from a craft store, but I painted them and made their clothes. It was a fun project, different from sewing. I was very inspired by http://weefolkart.com Check them out!

All freehand- you can probably tell!

Stuffed Fabric Turkey

This is a big bird that my son made with me from a printed panel by Patty Reed Designs. It was easy to sew and my 7 year old enjoys stuffing things.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Gallery of Creatures

I made these a while ago, but I might do some more because they were so much fun! Sewn and stuffed. The fairy and mermaids have plastic pellets so they are poseable.

Summer Classes at Quilting Adventures-2009

Three summer classes at Quilting Adventures for beginners ages 8-adult.

Make A Fabric Friend, Letter Pillows, Sock Creatures

For each class, you pick out your own favorite fabric to use. Go to http://www.quiltingadventures.com/ to learn more.

Irish What?

Iwanted to make something for St. Patrick's Day, so I pulled out my green fabric and trims and just started playing around until I came up with this cute little creature. I couldn't think of a name. An Irish....what? He is a distant relative of the Leprechaun. Not as well known, but certainly as charming! Check them out at http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com/