sewing

Create something really special with your child that will decorate your home and bring the beauty of falling Autumn leaves indoors — without creating a big mess. Sewing is an important skill for kids to master, making this craft perfect for children 6 and up. And with a bit of adult supervision, these felt sewn leaves are easier to make than you think, turning into a colorful Fall centerpiece or soft playthings for indoor imaginary play.

Keep reading for the directions.

If you're stuck for ideas on budget-friendly entertainment this weekend, then why not throw a sewing party with your girlfriends? Use this as an opportunity to mend or alter clothing you've been meaning to deal with. Here are some tools you might need for the party:

• Pick a project: First, tell everyone to pick a project ahead of time. Figure out if you want to re-hem something, tighten a dress, or even add embellishments to an old outfit to make it look brand new.
• Research: Read up on how to sew and alter clothing. There are some pretty good tutorials online that you can find by Googling or even watching YouTube videos.
• Scour Pinterest: To get inspired, browse Pinterest for some sewing projects. Pinterest is a great source, because many of the DIY pictures link back to the actual tutorials.
• Prepare materials: Figure out what materials you and your other friends need, like a sewing machine or a pair of really sharp scissors, and try to see if you can provide them. If not, ask your friends to bring over what they have.
• Be realistic: If a project seems too hard, then you might want to leave it to the experts. Don't try to attempt something that seems really advanced, or you might end up ruining your clothes and wasting money.

We get a little excited about all things photography and DIY around here, so naturally this cut-and-sew retro camera bag from Happysewlucky is next on our growing craft to-do list.

To make this plush bag version of the iconic blue Diana lomography camera, purchase a fat quarter piece of the fabric ($17) with the camera components already printed and ready to sew into place. Then follow Happysewlucky's step-by-step tutorial on transforming the fabric into a retro wonder.

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Funkytime from the Su Casa group:

So today we have a sewing kit in a jar!

You will need:

- Jars

- Fabric

- Batting

- Spray Paint

- Hot Glue

For more pictures and instructions, go here!

A good day everyone!

xoxo, Sibylle

Do you have a smart DIY up your sleeve? Share it with the Su Casa group!

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member dsmendes from the Crave Worthy Creations group:

While searching for inspiration for a pillow, I stumbled upon an adorable tree pillow. The Woodland Forest in Moss Green and Olive pillow is from Etsy designer allisajacobs and her other designs are just as unique! Since I purchased fabric to make my own pillows, I used this design as my inspiration.

I was making this pillow from scratch, so I purchased a 12"x16" pillow form and the white cotton fabric to make a cover. I pulled out my sewing guide (Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts) and followed the directions to make an envelope-backed pillow cover, so that I can change the cover after different holidays. Then, I picked three print fabrics that look good together and could be used for trees. Walking on the crazy edge of crafting, I just cut out three triangles without using a template and hoped for the best. I didn't worry too much about perfectly straight lines. Because the pillow cover was already sewn together, I chose to glue the trees and stumps directly on the pillow using Dritz Heat Set Glue and an iron. Then, I used the tip of the scissors and frayed the edges. See step-by-step instructions on my blog.

Have you been doing any holiday crafts lately? Be sure to share your projects in the Artists and Crafters group!

I spotted this spread in the June issue of Martha Stewart Living and fell absolutely in love. San Francisco-based, Osaka-bred artist Miyuki Sakai creates these gorgeous sewing illustrations with nothing but a sewing machine, a straight stitch, and 200 different colors of thread. For the issue, Sakai created beautiful floral plate illustrations, which I think would make a wonderful trompe l'oeil effect on a placemat or tablecloth. But she also sews still life, street life, and portrait illustrations which are equally charming hung in a frame or stitched to a pillow. Here are a few of my favorites.

Lots of moms think out loud, and SugarKat does too. Baby Burp Cloths comes from the Crafty McCrafterson blog at OnSugar.

I have a bunch of fabric that I bought thinking I was going to make blankets and stuff, but really, I'm not there yet.  So, I bought some diaper burp cloths and decided to dress them up with some snugly flannel fabric.

What you'll need:

• Iron
• Fabric
• Sewing Machine with thread
• Burp Cloths

1. Measure out the fabric with the burp cloth
2. Cut the fabric and fold the edges and iron
3. Sew the edges to the burp cloth
4. Cut the strings and voila!
5. Then make more and they will make great shower gifts for expecting moms!

Read the entire post (including step-by-step photo instructions) here. Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Crafty McCrafterson or start your own OnSugar blog.

Here's a post from OnSugar blog Crafty McCrafterson:

Since Izzy's new room has a dresser under her bed, we decided to use the dust ruffle to make the valance.

What you need:

• Iron
• Sewing Machine
• Curtain Rod
• Drill
• Screws and the like

Continue reading to learn the steps.

I'm a sucker for most things antique, especially if they have a seamstress slant. While my settee may be my fave flea market find, my retired Singer table is right behind it. What has been keeping it in second place is the impracticality of it. I adore the original black sewing machine with golden accents, but unfortunately it doesn't make for an easy place to store much. Alas, I was introduced to a Singer revival that has me scavenging for a suitable table top.

The cute Sonoma shop The Loop displayed some jeans, a bowl, and other knickknacks on a table that was crafted from a Singer table base and an old table top. Simple enough to construct, all you need are the two pieces and, depending on the fit, potentially a few nails and maybe some wood glue. If I can find the right topper, my old iron-based clothes-maker may be taking the top spot and pushing my settee down the list.

What do you think of the table that reinvents the sewing wheel?

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member nancita from the Art(ist)s & Craft(er)s group:

I am not an expert crafter, but I have a friend who is, and she has started hosting a Craft Happy Hour, where she teaches her noncrafty friends to sew, using a different project each month. Food and drinks are served, hence the "happy hour."

My first time using a sewing machine ever (!), we made these throw pillows with self-made appliques. I didn't think I could do it, but it was surprisingly easy and oh so cute. My pillow is now proudly displayed on my bed, so you know it wasn't a total disaster. Here's how to do it:

What you need:

• A 14" x 14" pillow form
• At least 15" x 15" of fabric for the front panel
• At least 21" x 15" of fabric for the two back panels
• An image printed for your appliqué. The image is best as a silhouette (search Google Images for basic art) and printed to the size you want it to be on the pillow. I chose a maple leaf, while another friend used a goose (at right).
• A coordinating fabric for your appliqué big enough to fit your image (could match the back panels or not)
• A coordinating thread in a color that you want to border your appliqué
• Enough Wonder Under for your appliqué

To learn the steps,  read more