Happy Fashion Friday!!! To those of you wondering why I've changed pace and gone from talking about sewing a new outfit to a crafting project let me explain.
I was working on a cute little dress with some basic patterning info attached but was short a zipper and never made it out to the fabric store to get one. On top of that I've been trying to get my nursery painted which has been difficult as I am currently 34 weeks, easily winded, and seem to have caught a cold. Which isn't too bad besides the fact that in addition to being winded I'm also tired and have this annoying cough.
With all of these things combined finishing that dress just never happened. So instead I'll be making some christmas ornaments.
Storytime:
My first job ever was a Michael's Arts and Crafts, it was probably the best first job I could have asked for. The store managers and supervisors were amazing, my co-workers were all so outgoing and kind. Most of them I still keep in touch with! One of the things they always did was make little presents for everyone, oftentimes in the form of an ornament or earrings. Many of the earrings I've lost through the years due to all my moving up and down California. But I have managed to retain most, if not all, of the ornaments they made for me.
Since then I like to give ornaments to my co-workers at Christmas time just because I think it's a nice thing to do. And I guess it's still that lasting impression from my Michael's days.
Currently my co-workers are the dish washer and washing machine, and let's be honest, they don't really care about ornaments. So I thought it would be nice to make some for my hubby's co-workers instead.
I found this cute little tutorial for making tufted ornaments on Pinterest. https://www.ellisandhiggs.com/tutorials/tree-ornament-tutorial/
This is the website link if interested in checking out their version.
The first thing I did was go to my local Dollar Tree to get some fabric, this is a good project if you have a lot of scraps (which I do but they're still not unpacked.) I then tried to download their pattern but I kept getting an error page. I guess that download is no more.
A quick Google search for Christmas Tree Template Free and I was able to make my own pattern.
There's the link to the one I used, but feel free to pick a tree of your own! Next I printed and cut the tree out in a size I liked, about 5.5in tall (I was shooting for 6 but I'm not that tech savy and gave up resizing after getting a little frustrated lol) then placed it on my fabric right sides together and traced out the image.
I then sewed along the lines. Leaving the bottom open.
Now for those of you uncomfortable with this technique I do have a YouTube video about practicing sewing on lines.
Here is the link, make sure to fast forward to 8:00 mark if you want to practice this technique. I actually think corners are easier than curves, but I opted for curves, you do what feels right for you!
After stitching your lines you'll want to cut out your little tree, and turn it right side out.
Then stuff with some poly-fill, I use whatever is cheapest or on sale because I go through so much of it, making the cutest little sock monkeys which you can totally shop by clicking the button below lol.
Or make your own by following this link https://youtu.be/1ctpLCP4jSo?si=FAn9ErSppNFCr0gN
Ok, enough commercials back to our craft. After stuffing, which should be pretty light, we jysr want to add some dimension not over stuff, they're not pillows, then you'll want to close up the little hole left open in the bottom.
And now we're ready to start tufting. Ordinarily I'd recommend a tufting needle which is basically a super long needle. But because these are so small it's not necessary and you can get away with a regular embroidery needle and some theead.thread.
You'll want to insert your needle leaving a little bit of a tail. Then make a knot, or little bow using the thread. Next clip your ends down to size, and repeat. Your little tree is now tufted.
Lastly add a string to hang from and bow, I don't have any green ribbon on me so I used the blue to make a tiny bow. Amazon, Michael's and Joann's does sell these little bows already made for those interested, or you can make them like I did. They can also be glued down instead of sewn, mine is sewn but don't feel pressured to follow me. Do what works for you!
Voila all done, I hope you guys get some sewing done this upcoming week! Pray that I feel better so I can join you lol.
Happy Sewing!!!!
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