If you believe thriftiness is a byword for quilt making well, then you’ve stopped by the right blog today. I’ve got a ridiculously quick seasonal project for your wool felt scraps (or for any other double-sided fabric).
After all my recent tree skirt madness, I’ve got an abundance of odd-shaped scraps of silvery gray wool felt that I’d used to back my first tree-skirt prototype. The felt backing was a recent attempt at quilting thriftiness: Why use batting and backing fabric, when wool felt could do the work of the two textiles?!!? Sure, it was a cost-saving alternative as tree skirt backing, but I ran into a couple of issues that I’ll share in case anyone else is looking for alternative quilt-backing fabrics. I pre-washed the felt to make it softer, but suffered shrinkage and ripply edges. Then, of course, I had to buy more fabric, piece the backing, and then watch those savings evaporate. The other issue to note is that batting adds loft, which is pretty cool when you want your quilt’s surface design to advance and retreat visually. That’s not as apparent with the flatter wool felt backing, although there’s lovely texture.
Where was I? Oh yes, an excellent use of wool felt scraps. Cast your memory back to SHWS Year 1 posts and you’ll see a post about a Quick & Easy Jewelry Pouch (with an earring holder)–you’ll find the instructions to download on our FREE Patterns page. My Jewelry Pouch 2.0 is even easier! In fact, it’s so quick that I’m not going to go all formal and write up pattern instructions. You’ll the hang of it with the project images and a couple of how-to sentences.
Supplies
Wood felt scraps; embellishments like buttons, beads, trims, embroidery thread etc.; and a 6 x 12 inch quilting ruler
Instructions
Cut one 6 x 12 inch strip of wool felt
Fold up one edge 3 1/2 inches.
Overlap the top edge 3 1/2 inches to measure a folded rectangle 5 x 6 inches.
Pin both sides, making sure the edges are even. Sew the seams using a buttonhole stitch by hand or sewing machine.
Add your decorative details.
Optional Bracelet/Necklace Folder Insert
Cut one strip 4 x 10 inches.
Mark the horizontal center line with pins placed at either outside edge.
Fold both edges to meet the centered pins. Pin both sides, making sure the edges are even. Create a folded rectangle 4 x 5 inches.
Sew the seams using a buttonhole stitch by hand or sewing machine.
I’ve been using the jewelry pouches as holiday wrap for the earring and bracelet combos I made for friends. The pouches are also terrific standalone gifts as they are stocking-stuffer size.
The earrings were inspired by a Pinterest image–click the photo to visit the the jewelry designer’s website. The bracelet is my own design.
Random Other Matters
Back in early November Laura announced our guest-book-reviewer program. We’ve selected our trio of reviewers and will be sending the books out for their insights. Reviewers note: I’ll mail the books just after this insane holiday rush is complete!
Tana Doss get Making Fabric Jewelry by Martha Le Van from Lark Crafts.
Patchwork Please! by Ayumi Takahashi Interweave/F+W Media goes to Lynn of Sprinkles of Flavor.
Mary Kolb get the Pretty in Patchwork Doll Quilts by Cathy Gaubert from Lark Crafts.
Santa Smiles Christmas Tree Skirt Pattern
So, in other matters, I promised one Santa Smiles tree skirt pattern purchaser a set of beads to embellish their Santa Claus faces. The winner is Karen Stewart.
I’ve got a paper version of the tree skirt pattern coming up shortly for sale at www.rosiequilters.com. I’ll let you know when it’s available–you could actually get a jump start on Christmas 2014!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
