simple project Archives

Make a Hexagon Storage Pouch

August 23, 2017 by Nanny 4 Comments

Do you wonder how to store your hexagon templates? Let me show you how to make a hexagon storage pouch. This is a simple, hand stitched project but it could be stitched on machine if you so desired.

Nanny note: I made this to fit my hexagon template set of 8 templates ranging from 1.5″ to 5″ (width) or 3/4″ to 2.5″ (side measurement)

What you need:

Pattern – you can get it here Templates for my Hexagon Storage Pouch

Fabric scraps – I used 5′ charm squares for the triangles but you will see by the size of the pattern pieces that you can use much smaller scraps

7″ x 7.5″ rectangle for larger hexagon

6″ x 5.5″ rectangle for smaller hexagon

Medium weight fusible wadding – I used Vilene H640

What you do:

Print off pattern
Cut 1 of each of the large and small hexagon shapes from your fabric rectangles
Using the small triangle shape and scrap fabrics, cut 6. I used 5″charm squares and cut them all at the same time with a rotary cutter.

I was able to cut both size triangles from one charm. (and made more scraps 😉 )

4. Press medium weight fusible wadding onto the back of each small triangle.

5. Decide how you want to mix the large and small triangles

6. Baste them, wrong side together, with a large stitch and trim each corner off to 1/2″

7. Fold the edge of the large triangle into the edge of the small triangle and then fold over again

8. Stitch along the edges taking care at the corners.

9. Do the same thing with your hexagon shapes – you can check the method here

10. Place the triangles to form a hexagon and stitch 4 together and the other 2 together – I used a ladder stitch.

11. Stitch them to the hexagon shape to form the pouch and add a little ribbon to tie closed.

12. Add your hexagon templates and relax, knowing that they will be protected and easy to find.

I hope you will enjoy making my Hexagon storage pouch. I would love to see it so please tell me and share a photo.

Until next time

Nanny xx

As it is now November (eek), I thought I would share some ideas for Christmas gift giving. Today I am going to share with you how to make Book Ends. These make a great gift and are a quick, easy project!

Recently I came across some mdf book ends on sale so I grabbed them. (You can easily cut some squares to suit and make your own)

This is how I finished them!

I had Poppy paint them white for me – I had a butterfly, a heart and a bird.

I then selected some paper combinations:

For the heart:

and for the bird (I’m still waiting on a bedroom redo to finish the butterfly)

I traced the shapes onto the paper and cut them out.

Nanny tip: when you trace something and then cut it out, remember to cut to the inside of the tracing line to ensure it fits!

I then glued them in place

and found some ribbons to trim. I love the contrast between the spots and stripes on the hearts!

Little green pompoms and some little eyes finished the birds – aren’t they cute!!

I was so happy with the results I wanted to share them with you – a quick, easy project that is sure to bring joy!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Make a Light Box

July 9, 2015 by Nanny 16 Comments

I have always used a window to do my tracing, but with my back the way it is, I thought it time to come up with something more suitable. I know I could ask Poppy to make a light box for me – you see many variations around, but I really didn’t want another piece to fit in to my overstuffed craftroom so decided to make a light box from things that are used around the house already. Let me show you how to make a Light Box!

What you need:

A plastic storage crate (I store my fabrics in these)

A glass cutting board (found in the kitchen)

and an LED torch (from its charger) You could use some of the little round ones from the cheap shop too if you wanted to spread the light more.

What to do:

1. Place your plastic tub on your desk.

2. Turn on the torch and place it in the tub.

3. Place the glass cutting board on top.

4. Place your pattern on the cutting board. (You could tape it if you are worried about slipping)

5. Cover with the fabric pieces and trace away!! (It was hard to photograph but all of the pattern is visible – you could slide the cutting board if you needed to)

How easy was that!!

It sits at a perfect height for tracing. No more stretching up at the window for me AND when I’m finished it all goes away somewhere else in the house! Just perfect for my Candlewicking Adventure!

Do you use a Light Box? Let me know if you try this out and make a Light Box – I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Linking to : Threading My Way, Let’s Bee Social Flamingotoes

Spin the Pins – Kayarna’s Hand Sanitizer Holder

June 25, 2015 by Nanny 7 Comments

It has been a while since we have had a spin and I am very excited today to introduce my guest, Kayarna Pepper. Kayarna is a member of my Facebook group where we have all been sharing projects we have been working on. I asked if anyone would like to share a project on my blog and Kayarna volunteered to Spin the Pins and share her take on making a Hand Sanitizer Holder. Kayarna has never written a tutorial before, but has done a fantastic job. I’m sure you will enjoy this project – Spin the Pins – Kayarna’s Hand Sanitizer Holder!!

Hand Sanitizer Holder.

What you need:

2 x Coordinating fabrics of your choice. I used quilting cotton.
Depending on fabric choice, you may need fusible interfacing.
Elastic – approximately 1” wide
Coordinating thread
Rotary cutter or scissors
Ruler
Removable marker
Iron
Seam ripper
Button to match fabric
Sewing machine
Small bottle of hand sanitizer (mine was 50ml)

Cut 1 of each fabric and 1 of fusible interfacing to be 2 ½ “x 10 ”. Choose which one will be your outer and which one will be your lining. For mine, floral was outer and the polka dots is the lining.

Cut an extra piece of your outer fabric to 2 ½ “ x 6 “. This will become your handle.

Cut elastic to 3” long.

This is what you should end up with:

Iron interfacing to wrong side of outer fabric.

5. Take your liner piece and with your removable marker mark half way and then from that line, make another line 1 5/8” inch from the half way line. Draw an “X” at the end of the liner closest to your last line.

6. Pin elastic along the 1 5/8” line. Match up the cut ends of elastic with the raw edges. Pin excess elastic in the middle to keep it out of the seam allowance.

Press down ¼ “ of the “x” end of your lining towards the wrong side of the fabric and do the same with the outer fabric. If outer fabric is directional, make sure it’s the bottom of the fabric that you press under (my “x” has disappeared because my removable marker irons off)

Place liner and outer fabric right sides together, pin and then sew around all 3 sides, pivoting at corners using
¼ “ seam. Leave folded ends open. Trim all 4 corners

Turn right side out. Push corners out and press.

At this stage, I change the pin position. Pull elastic over so it is flush down the sides of the fabric. Set holder aside.

Take handle fabric. Fold one of the short ends over ¼ “ and press. Fold in half lengthways and press. Open it up to reveal a crease. Fold the 2 raw edges of the long sides to the middle fold line that you just created and press. Leave folded and then fold the whole piece in half lengthways, press and then topstitch down the 2 long sides and the short end that is tucked in pivoting at each corner.

Insert and pin raw edge of your handle piece about 3/8” into the open end of the holder. Make sure it is centered. Increase stitch length on your machine. Place holder under foot with the elastic side up and top stich around the whole holder ensuring to be careful going over the elastic as it can shift and won’t be level on both sides.

Put a button hole in the end of the handle piece running along the length of the handle. TIP: Put a pin in the end of your button hole before using your seam ripper to open it up. This will prevent you from cutting right through the end.

Working on the other end of the holder, insert a button hole about ¾ “ from the end of the holder. This button hole must be across the width.

Now insert a button hole on the halfway mark you made earlier across the width your holder. It needs to just fall short of the top stitching.

16. Fold in half and put removable marker through the center of your button hole at the end to mark where to sew your button on.

17. Sew button on.

Remove lid of sanitiser and insert bottle through the elastic and through the large button hole in the center. Replace lid. Attach handle to button and then fold the flap up and do up the last button.

Hang on the interior or exterior of your bag to save you scrounging around for it when it would normally be lost in the bottom your bag.

Fantastic Kayarna!! I for one, can’t wait to make one or two or three! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

If you make one of Kayarna’s Hand Sanitiser Holders please share a photo!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Linked to parties at Flamingo Toes , Lets Bee Social, Threading My Way

Make a lined,ruffle top, drawstring bag.

June 9, 2015 by Nanny 10 Comments

My grand daughter was coming to visit over the long weekend and she asked if I could make her a bag to keep her character dance shoes in, so I thought I would share how to make a lined, ruffle top, drawstring bag.

Finished size: Approx 9.5″ x 15″

What you need:

FQ Fabric for outside

FQ Fabric for lining

Ribbon

Cord

Beads

Let’s Sew!

1. Take the FQ’s , fold in half and cut 4.5″ from the length (Or adjust to fit)

2. Take the main fabric and with right sides together, sew down side and along the bottom. Repeat for the lining fabric.

Nanny note: I zigzagged the lining fabric because it frays so easily.

3. Turn the lining to the right side but leave the main fabric inside out.

4. Put the lining inside the bag (you will now have right sides together)

5. Starting by matching the side seams, pin the lining to the main and sew around the edge, leaving an opening for turning through.

6. Turn through

7. Push lining into the main bag and roll the seam between your thumbs and fingers to press.

8. Stitch around the top about 1 cm from the edge and again close to the edge.

9. Take your ribbon and cut it the width of the bag. You will need 2 pieces.

10. Take the ribbons and fold over 1cm on each end and then over again.

11. Stitch the ribbon ends

12. Centre the ribbon on the bag and decide how far down you want to put it – mine is 2″ to the bottom of the ribbon.

13. Stitch along the top and bottom of the ribbon, leaving the ends open.

14. Take your cord – I realised I did not have enough and when I went shopping decided on this Satin finish one and I even found some little beads to add as a trim!