I used a piece of fabric 6 1/2 inches by 21 inches, but it can be made any size!

Turn each end under  1/4 inch and stitch along the edge.

With right sides together stitch sides together using a 1/2 inch seam, stopping two inches from the top.

Pink  edges and press side seams open.  At the top where the side seam is open, stitch around  the opening on each side.

Fold top edge down 1 inch and stitch all the way around close to the bottom edge.

Cut two pieces of ribbon or cording about 22" long each. Feed one piece through casing and back out the other casing coming out on the same side of the bag.

Repeat with second cord on opposite side.

Tie the string ends on each side together. (You can hind the knots in the casing part if you work at it)

Fill the bag with some goodies and you have a nice little treat!

Chef Hat Instructions

Supplies:

1 -  18" circle

1 -  8" X 24" rectangle

1 - 8" X  24" lightweight to medium weight iron on interfacing

dental floss

1/2 inch Velcro (about 12")

3" piece of double fold bias tape

Instructions:

Iron interfacing to 8" X 24" piece following manufacture's instructions. Press  fabric in half lengthwise and press each edge under 1/2".

Fold piece right sides together, starting 1/2" down from open side, stitch across each end. Turn right side out.

Stitch a 3" piece of bias tape around an edge of the circle.

Zig zag stitch over a piece of dental floss starting and stopping on each side of bias tape.

Gather.

Pin band piece around the gathered edge. Find center of band and center of top piece and begin pinning there.  Adjust gathers until the band fits the gathered edge, starting at stopping about a 1/4" over the bias tape on each side (notice how the 1/2" that wasn't sewn on each end neatly slips around the bias tape). Pin heavily to keep in place.  This takes some adjusting but it is so nice to have all the unfinished edges covered.

Sewing very close to the edge, sew band to top of hat, removing pins as sewing to keep band flat. It might be necessary to slightly pull the band to keep it smooth.

In the back fold left side over as far as the bias tape opening will allow on top of right side. Place Velcro in this overlapping area and sew all four pieces to hat band.

Sew along each edge of each end if desired, to close area placed over bias tape.

Finished!

I decided to give one of my sponsors Above All Fabric a try. I couldn't have been more pleased. The customer service exceeded all of my expectations --- she even visited with me on the phone helping me make my selections.  I was also thrilled with her prices, on every fabric she is below retail and has loads of sale fabric. The fabric selection is also tops, carrying all of the popular designers.  She also has a point reward system where you earn a point for every dollar spent and turn that into cash towards future purchases.  While she is a sponsor, I did not receive any compensation for writing this nor did I receive free product.  I wanted to pass along a great find!

Check out craft tutorials from all over the web every Monday at Made By You Mondays right here at Skip to my Lou!

Be sure to visit Make It Do, her blog is overflowing with creative ideas. Calli says, "In this blog I want to explore how happiness can come from simple things, and how good old fashioned hard work and resourcefulness might just be making a welcome comeback…."

Calli writes...

Yesterday, my girls and I were working on a few Christmas gifts for their friends.  One thing led to another and I found myself making yet another flower pin.  This time a Poinsettia.  I loved this project and ended up making two for my girls, and plan on making more.  They are perfect as a broach or as a hair clip.

Here’s what you will need:

• Small amount of red wool felt (I used scraps from another project.)
• Very small amount of green wool felt (also scraps)
• button
• pin or hair clip
• freezer paper
• template  here is my simple template, but I also found this wonderful template from Kaboose.  It has a few more petals than my simple flowers, but that might look even better, here’s the link: Kaboose Poinsettia Template

1.  Start by tracing your pattern onto the paper side of a piece of freezer paper.

2.  Cut out your template, and place it on your wool, waxy/shiny side down.

3.  Using an iron set to wool, iron on the template.  It will gently stick to your fabric.

4.  Using good scissors, cut out around the template.

5.  Peel the template away from the wool.  It doesn’t leave a mark.  Isn’t that cool?

6.  Repeat with the smaller flower.  I just set the button down to see how it would look.

7.  Cut a 1 1/4 inch circle out of red or green felt.  Cut two small slits in the circle, just wide enough to slip a hair clip through.  This is for the back of the flower, on which to attach the clip or pin.

8.  Using just the bottom flower, stitch the circle around the back of the flower.  I used white thread to show the stitching better in the photo… Yah, that was it.  It wasn’t because my machine was already threaded with white and I was lazy.  That wasn’t the reason at all.  I was just thinking of you.

9.  Somehow I missed taking a picture of cutting out the green center of the flower.  I cut my green with a fluted edge, which was a little tricky and requires good scissors.  You can also cut it in a circle, but in that case, I would choose a button with a fluted edge.  I was dying to try pinking scissors, but I don’t own any.  So I just cut the fluted edge out carefully.  Sometimes you just need to make it do.  The finished green center was a 7/8 inch circle fluted.

10.  Layer just the smaller top flower, with green center and button on top.  And stitch together going through all three layers.

11.  Glue the bottom and top flowers together using hot glue.

There’s a front and back view, with a hair clip attached.  I like that this flower is flexible, I can easily pull out the hair clip and I can slip in a broach pin to wear on a sweater, hat or scarf.

Here it is pinned on a sweater…

Thanks to an idea a reader told me about on Craftzine, I also thought this would make a perfect topper for a gift.  That way the wrapping is actually like giving another gift.  (Using cheap yarn is much, much cheaper than ribbon!)

How To Make A Felt Crayon and Notepad Holder

Supplies

(I used the inexpensive craft felt found in 9"X12" sheets at craft stores, often the size slightly varies. I found it okay to make minor adjustments by slightly stretching while sewing and cutting)

2 pieces 6" X 12" (lining, outside)

1 piece 3" X 12" (pocket)

1 - flower shape

1 - circle for center of flower

1 button with shank

1 - 12" piece of ribbon

1 - 11" piece of ribbon

8 -  Crayons

1 - 3" X 5" 80 Sheet Memo Pad

Instructions

Sew ribbon to top of pocket piece. This ribbon will keep the felt from stretching when child places crayons and notepad in and out of the pockets.

Place pocket piece on top of lining piece and mark fabric. I use a chalk marker filled with loose chalk. In the tip is a tiny metal wheel that neatly distributes the chalk. I have had it for years --- it is a great tool!

Starting in the middle of the felt pocket, mark  1 5/8" from the center then every 1" to the side. The last space will be about 1 1/2" (give or take, felt can stretch while sewing). Repeat on other side.  Really it only needs to be marked at the top. If making a bunch, use one as a template to mark the rest.

Stitch from the center to the side, making sure to reinforce at top by back stitching at the top of each pocket seam. I found that the lining piece was often a bit longer at this point. trim side edges so they are even (I have not yet trimmed in the picture).

Sew flower to top of outside felt piece. Insert 11" ribbon 1/2" into edge of flower before sewing around the petals. Sew flower center.

Place  the outside and lining pieces wrong sides together, matching edges and trimming if needed. Using between a 1/4" - 3/8" seam (my seam was a tad wider than 1/4"), stitch all the way around the outside edge.

Finish edges with pinking fabric shears.
.

Sew button with a shank to the center of the flower. Place all items in the pockets, fold up and decide how long ribbon needs to be. Fold the end of ribbon (making about a 1" loop) and stitch back and forth to secure. Trim any extra ribbon.

Finished!

You might be interested in these tutorials on how to make a crayon roll or a felt crayon roll.

Please check out my new e-book, "Gifts Kids Can Make." You will find simple and useful gifts to make with your children ----- a great way to spend time over the holiday break. The gifts are perfect for year round giving!

It would be easy to make a lot of these gifts assembly style.

I used  small 6"X 9" clipboards  found  at OfficeMax ($1.69). The notepads are 5" X 8" 50 sheet Jr. size writing pads, found at Wal-mart (6 notepads were only $2.50).

I tried these two ways:

Using Elmer's Spray Adhesive and Krylon Matt Finish

and using Mod Podge Paper Matte

First cut decorative paper to fit the clipboard.  For my clipboards 6" X 9" worked perfectly.  I took the extra time to make a template that fit around the top of the clip (a little bit of a pain).  I have also seen where there is just a rectangle shape cut to fit around the clip. My paper looked like this.

Paint the back of the paper with Mod Podge Paper (Matte) or spray with the Elmer's Spray Adhesive. If you are using spray adhesive also spray the clipboard. Cover the the clip with masking tape to keep it clean. Pay special attention to make sure which ever method used that the edges of the paper are completely covered. Working quickly, place the paper onto the clipboard. This is a bit tricky. It is okay to lift up and reposition until it matches all of the edges properly. Be careful not to stretch the paper. Smooth paper and make sure the entire piece of paper is secured.  When I had a spot along the edge that wasn't adhered, I lifted it slightly and added more glue.  Allow to dry at least 15 minutes before putting on top coat. Round off corners with scissors.

Give the top of the paper a light coat of Mod Podge Paper in matte  or two coats of spray matte finish.  I have to say I like the paper feel and look so I prefer the Krylon spray matte finish.

Glue a matching piece of decorative paper to the top of the notepad. Any glue will do.

To give the clipboard an extra nice touch I added a metal label holder. I taped them on with a piece of clear tape exactly where I wanted them and then my husband drilled holes in the metal clip so they could be attached with the brads included in the package.

I painted the metal holders and brads with gloss paint.  Open the clip as far as you can so you can attach the metal label holder and spread the brads apart on the back side of the clip.

Finished! I think I will put the recipient's name in the label holders.

They can be made totally reversible. They have a handy spot on the cover for a pen or pencil and an elastic closure.

I think these would make great little gifts when you just need a little something.  They are quick and easy!  If you would like a pattern for these I have a PDF you may download for $1.99.

It is an immediate download so you can have your pattern and be sewing right away! Yes, you could figure out how to make these, but if you don't want to waste the time figuring out all of the measurements simply download three pages of detailed instructions. If you are interested visit the shop!

*3/8 yard each  of two different fabrics will make four covers

*You can find steno pads at Wal-Mart for just under a $1.00

You might also be interested in this tutorial for a colored pencil and drawing pad holder, or instructions for making a crayon roll.

I think if you happened upon a sweater instead of a vest you would be able to also make matching mittens for the hat and scarf. It would also be fun to think of other animals, or a plain set would be great for older children!

Disney writes...

My name is Disney, and I have a little craft blog called Ruffles and Stuff. I'm a (new)preacher's wife and stay at home mommy, so I love to spend my free time sewing, and trying to figure out easy ways to make all the cute things I can't afford.

How to make a hat and scarf from a sweater

4) Lay two of the ear shapes on top of the other two, and sew around the edges with your machine. (not pictured)
5) Pin the ears to the right side of the beanie, facing downward. Lay the other piece of the beanie on top of it(right sides together), with ears sandwiched in between, and pin.

6) Sew the two hat pieces together, leaving the banded side open.
7) Take your scarf piece and fold it over, right sides together, and pin. Sew all the way down the side.

Turn the scarf right side out, and sew the banded edges closed.
9) Pin the face shaped where you want them, and hand stitch them on.

My goodness, I love that child. )

We used the Paper Doll cartridge and fun foam to make  perfect sewing dolls.

To cut the fun foam I purchased a Deep Cut Blade. For best results I set the blade depth to 5.5 and used low speed and high pressure. This doll is 11".

I used a 1/8 " hole punch to make the holes for sewing. Once I had the doll punched I placed the clothes underneath and used a dull needle to mark where the holes on the clothes needed to go so they matched up.

A dull yarn needle and some yarn works great to sew the clothes to the doll!

Magnetic sheets, paper  scraps, recycled cardboard and spray adhesive made darling magnetic dolls.

I had best results when I used the deep blade set at 5.5 with high pressure and low speed. I found the mat must be really sticky! The cereal box was cut at 6 blade depth, max pressure and low speed. I am sure settings will vary, this is just a starting point! This doll is 7".

After the doll and clothes were cut, I glued the patterned paper  to the shapes with spray adhesive. Make sure you glue the paper to the appropriate side of magnet so it is magnetic.  The doll shape was glued to a recycled cereal box to make it more rigid. They do make magnet sheets that are adhesive if you like. You can probably cover the black magnet with paper to match you child's skin tone, but my daughter wanted hers black.

I even made her a little holder for her dolls. Wouldn't this make a cute gift?

This machine is clearly a crafty investment.  If you are unable to make that investment right now have no worries. Simply draw out a doll shape (look online or at coloring books for inspiration) on the fun foam or magnetic sheets and cut by hand.

I was concerned that since I don't scrapbook this machine would go un-used--so not true.  I have found that we use this machine for a variety of uses. My boys 17 & 12 have made cards, favors and completed school projects, my husband was able to make a vinyl lettered sign for work (all by himself and was thrilled to have saved hundreds of dollars), I have enjoyed cutting favor boxes and fabric for applique. It has been unbelievably handy for Sunday School and cutting shapes for various projects. It is just a very useful and clever machine!

Cricut is hosting another fabulous giveaway to Win a Gypsy and a trip of a lifetime!  They’re giving away over 200 Gypsies, 20 travel packages and a "Cricut Swarm" in one of five fabulous locations. Purchase one of four new Cricut cartridges for a chance to win. Look for winning cards in the new Every Day Paper Dolls, From My Kitchen, Sweethearts or Winter Woodland cartridges.

Looking for more ways to win? Enter Today's Mama's Great Escape Meme Contest!

Even though this looks complicated it really is a simple apron to make for your favorite little girls.  I hope you give it a try!

Apron Template Download

• Download the template and cut two pieces, one for the front and one for the back.
• Cut 1 strip of fabric 4 inches by 45" (ruffle)
• Cut 1 strip of fabric 5 inches by 25" (waistband) Finished size is 20 -23 inches. Take your child's waist measurement and add about 5 inches to determine the length of fabric needed.

Press ruffle piece (4 " X 45" long strip) in half lengthwise

To finish the ends of the ruffle, take the end and fold right sides together then stitch across the end about 1/4" from the edge. Repeat for other end.

Turn right side out.

Gather the ruffle piece.  I do this by zig zag stitching over a piece of dental floss, making sure to not stitch into the dental floss.

Fold piece in half to find the middle and pin.

Gather evenly.

Matching center of ruffle with center of apron, pin ruffle to right side of apron.

Notice how I placed edge of ruffle hanging off the edge of the apron. To make the ruffle taper into the apron, bring the finished end point of the ruffle over to the marking line on the pattern. You may also choose instead to make it go straight by lining up the unfinished edge all the way up the side, just stop at the line (see template).

Place other apron piece on top, pin and then stitch all the way around 1/2 inch from the edge. It worked for me to hold the fabric from the front and back and slightly pull while sewing to keep the top and bottom layers flat. I have a setting that allows the needle to remain in the fabric when I stop-- this helps me also.

Turn right side out and

top stitch all the way around sides along the ruffle. You do not need to stitch across the top.

For waistband. Press 5" X 25" inch piece in half lengthwise.  Open up and press each edge to center, then fold in half and press(for a visual on this technique look here on how tote bag strap is pressed). Finish each end the same way as the ruffle ends. Pin to top of apron.

Top stitch all the way around the edge.  Sew a two inch piece of Velcro to the back of the front of the apron and a three inch piece to the end of the strap. This allows the waist to be adjustable.

I added a flower to the front of the apron where the Velcro was sewn. You can learn how to make the fabric flower from Wisecraft.

Not only does she look fancy while she is cooking, she can put it on and take it off all by herself!