Sunday, July 23, 2017

12 Days of Christmas

It's Day 10 and my time to share.
The 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop that Sarah is hosting is wonderful.
The previous days have had so many fun projects that can be made for Christmas.
I want to make them all
If you haven't found this before, here are the participants.
Also remember to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway.

Friday, July 14th


Saturday, July 15th


Sunday, July 16th


Monday, July 17th


Tuesday, July 18th


Wednesday, July 19th


Thursday, July 20th


Friday, July 21st


Saturday, July 22nd


Sunday, July 23rd

Mel's Quilting Blog  (You are here now)

Monday, July 24th


Tuesday, July 25th

Abyquilts


OK, so on to the tutorials I want to share with you.

I have 3 tutorials for you - Kleenex Cover, Coasters, and Flower pincushion/pin.
I am still trying to figure out how to explain the flower one better, so there might be an update to that one in the future.

One of my all time favorites for teachers and friends is the Kleenex Cover.
It is very quick and easy to make.
I normally chain sew 3 at a time to make the process even quicker.

Kleenex Cover

These are LOVED by all.

Supplies
Main fabric and a contrasting fabric.
Thread
Cutting tools

Cutting
One 5 1/2" x 6 1/2" main fabric
One 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" contrasting fabric
The holly is my main fabric and the red is my contrast fabric.

Assembly
Place right sides together with the 5 1/2" edges aligned.
Sew on the two 5 1/2" sides.
They will not lay flat, and that is OK.
  
Turn right side out and press so the contrasting fabric shows about 1/4" on each side.
Fold in half to find the center.


Fold the edges to the center, overlapping just a little.


   
I pin in place where they overlap.


Sew along the short sides.
  
Turn right side out and your Kleenex cover is done. 
Fill with tissues and give as gifts.
I normally don't open the package when it is a gift.
I let them open them.
Very quick project.
They are so fun to make and so quick, you just can't stop.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coasters
THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE

Supplies:
5 coordinating pieces of fabric
(I've also used all different fabrics or two or whatever I had on hand)
Batting
Cutting tools
Thread

Cutting Instructions:
Cut 5 - 4 ½  x 4 ½ inch squares of fabric
Cut 1 - 4 ½  x 4 ½ inch square of batting 



Pressing Instructions:

Fold 4 of the squares in half, wrong sides together and press
You will have your batting, a 4 ½ inch square for the backing and 4 rectangular pieces.



 Assembly Instructions:
1.     Place 4 ½  x 4 ½ inch square of batting on table 

  

2.  Place unfolded 4 ½  x 4 ½ inch square right side up on top of batting.    


3.    Lay remain 4 pieces (the folded ones), with raw edges towards the outside, and layer as if you were folding a box top to keep it shut.



 




Things to notice: When sewing you want to have the layer on the upper right to be the one on top. This allows you to sew without catching the folds.

4.    Stitch ¼ inch around the outside edges.
Make sure to catch all layers.

  


5.    Trim corners


6.    Turn 

This is what it looks like while turning.


After it is turned, it might need the corners pushed out. 

Don't use a sharp point, or you might go through the seam. 
I use a rounded chop stick.


Finished

  Use it as a coaster. 

it can be used for stemware too.


  

It is washable and is loved by everyone.

When I gave them away at the office to my staff, other employees would come to see if I had any left that they could buy.
I always made more to make sure I had extra to give away.
Great for scrap use if you are only making one or don't care if they match.
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Flower Pincushion

Supplies Needed
7 - 4" square of green. (leaves)
5 - 4" squares of the yellow (petals)
1 - 4" square for the center
small amount of fiberfill
round wooden disk
Needle and thread
cutting tools

Assembly

fold all but the center square on the diagonal once 
and then again.  
Gather them along the raw edge. 
do this for all leaf and petal squares
I tried sewing them together with one length of thread, but think doing them separately would be best.























Sew them together to form a circle 
round the corners off the center square. 
Gather it and stuff with fiberfill.
Sew to the circle of petals 
Add the circle of leaves and sit the flower on top to the desired spot 
Pin the flower in place and sew to the leaves. 
Flower/leaf unit. 
Now to add the base. 
I used a wooden disk. I found at Michael's. 
Hot glue in place. 

When making the smaller flower, you don't need the leaves.
I used 2" squares.
You need 7 - 2" squares for the flower.
You can use the small yoyo type for the center or add a button.

These are a few of the items I like to make for quick gifts.
And as if great holiday ideas and a tutorial weren't enough, this year there is something extra special!  The lovely folks over at Free Spirit Fabrics have donated not just one item for a giveaway, but THIRTEEN!  And it's pretty drool-worthy stuff, too - it's Tula Pink's new holiday line, Holiday Homies!!!


There are six design rolls, six layer cakes, and one fat quarter bundle to give away - and here's how we're going to do it!  Visit each stop on the hop, including this blog, and leave a comment on each post for the day.  If you comment on all the blogs involved that day, you'll have that many entries in that day's drawing!  At the end of the hop, Sarah will do a giveaway for each day by putting everyone's name in the hat who commented that day (from all that day's hop-blogs and mine), and drawing a winner for that day.  That will be twelve winners - the design rolls and layer cakes.  Then Sarah will put all the names from all the days in a hat and draw out a grand prize winner for the fat quarter bundle!  Only one prize per person, though - let's spread it around a bit!  So carve out a bit of time to visit all the blogs and comment - it makes the time spent on each post worth it when you see what people think about your work!

A couple of notes about the giveaway - if you miss a day, no worries - Sarah will be counting up comments at the end of the hop, so you've got time to double up a few days without worries.  But all good things must come to an end, so you'll have until midnight on August 3rd to comment.  Sarah will gather up all the entries and draw winners and announce them on Whoop Whoop on August 4th!  Also, if you really want to win, you should leave your email address with your entry - it's really sad when someone's name is drawn, but they're a no-reply blogger and can't be reached!

Isn't this really exciting?



145 comments:

jrquilts said...

very cute ideas
hjrogers@sympatico.ca

Tu-Na Quilts said...

I've been wanting to make some of those Kleenex covers for myself. But they sure would make good gifts. kthurn@bektel.com

Unknown said...

What a lot of great ideas. It is always great to find some new projects to try.

Delissa said...

The flower pin cushion looks lovely. Thanks for being part of the blog hop. I have subscribed to your blog and look forward to reading it. delissac@hotmail.com

Kay said...

Just last week I made a dozen of the tissue covers as end of year teaching gifts, so quick and easy to do. I want to have a go at your flower pincushion sometime. x

eileen said...

Cute kleenex covers, makes a great gift!
ekmvalencia@gmail.com

Nancy J said...

These are all wonderful, and the tissue holder is a winner. But then came the coasters, lovely, and a great way you explained it all. the flower cushion, you are a whizz to get this looking great and so pretty.

Judy said...

Great ideas. Made the coasters before. Also made bigger as potholders. I want to try your pincushion. Thanks so very much for your sharing.

annemarie said...

These are such great ideas - I see me making many tissue covers for gifts - thanks for sharing.

Michele said...

Those are all great little gift ideas.

jann said...

cute little pincushions! Several years ago I made those tissue covers for my office....very popular! thanx for the reminder

Stitchin At Home said...

Cute quick gift ideas!

Debbie Darlington said...

Thank yiu for all the fun ideas. I like the flower pincushion best!
Debbie
ollieami@aol.com

Allison said...

Great ideas! I particularly love the pincushion. So cute!

Charlene S said...

Three ideas i have seen before but never had instructions for. Thanks for sharing them.

Susan L. said...

Thank you for all the great gift ideas!

Michele T said...

Thanks for sharing totes to make some cute projects!

Jan Snell said...

Great instructions. I think I am going to whip up some coasters today. Janice.snell@gmail.com

Debbie said...

Great tutorials for cute gifts. Thanks.

kt said...

Great tutorials--thanks for sharing!

Christi said...

Cute ideas and easy to make for gifts! Thanks!

Gene Black said...

I have made those coasters several times. They are wonderful. You can also make them round simply by sewing a circle (I marked mine) instead of sewing close to the edges - them trim it before turning.
I may have to try making some of those flower pincushions.

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Such useful gift ideas! Thank you for your detailed tutorials!

Karen said...

I love your tissue holder and I think it will make a great gift for the children I work with at school. The pincushion will be perfect for Retreat gifts. Thanks for the great ideas!

rosemaryschild said...

Love your quick gift ideas! The flower pin cushions are just so sweet! Thank you for sharing, Susan

Kathy E. said...

Super ideas for gift-giving (or to keep for yourself)! I've always wanted to make some tissue covers. I had one given to me, but it's orange...not my color. Now I know how to make one in my favorite color...thanks! I also like your coasters, especially knowing they can slip over a wine glass. How perfect!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your quick and easy ideas. I like tissue covers as it keeps the package neat and clean in my purse, tote, etc. mfhagopian@aol.com

Les said...

Those are super cute ideas

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Great projects! Thanks for sharing.

Carol W said...

You have a nice group of little projects. Thanks!

Nancy L said...

Great gifts!! I have made the coasters before, but used an old table cloth for the bottom layer. I turned it so the padded side was on the outside, thinking that the vinyl might keep any moisture from leaking.

Emily said...

I love making coasters! These are some great gift ideas.

Pamela Arbour said...

Thanks for your tips and instructions. Great ideas for gifts!

Shelley E said...

Thanks for sharing your tutorials. You made them all seem so quick and easy to do. The flower pincushion is my favorite.

swooze said...

Cute ideas Mel! Thanks.

Ashley said...

Thanks for the great ideas! These would make simple, but fun gifts!

Jean said...

Cute and useful. The best of both.

ThreadCatcher said...

Good ideas for little gifts. Love the tissue cover. Thanks for sharing.

Renea said...

I have made both the tissue covers and the coasters as gifts. Everyone loves them. I collect and make pincushions sew I will for sure be trying out your pattern.

Bonnie said...

Very cute pincushion. Great way to use up leftover fabrics. I'm impressed with your fabric usage numbers. I don't think I've ever used 200 yards of fabric in a given year! I think you are well on the way to getting to your goal.

Carol C. said...

These are great ideas -- thanks so much for the tutorials! I was needing some ideas for gifts -- these are perfect!! IronLftr10@yahoo.com

chrisknits said...

I am making those tissue cases!! Cute.

Darlene said...

Thanks for all the directions for each item. I will be making some tissue covers for sure. Darlene dhoctor@sbcglobal.net

Linda Williamson said...

Thanks for sharing your tutorials. I love tissue holders, they make great stocking stuffers. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

cjmont said...

love your coasters, i am adding them to my to do list.

Loris said...

Love the tissue holders...well and the flowers and the coasters! Thanks for the tutorials! Happy Christmas in July!

Hilachas said...

Great tutorials and great timing. I've just joined a pincushion group and I'm off to make the flower pincushion. Thanks!

Jayne said...

I need to try all three projects. Thank you for the tutorials

Rebecca said...

Well those are going to be easy to make up a dozen of each for quick gifts.... Thank you

Vicki H said...

I love quick gifts. Thanks for all the tutorials.

Nancy said...

Thanks for the tutorials. The coaster are a favorite of mine too!

Beth B said...

All three tutorials/projects look good. The coaster really got my attention since it would also fit around the base of stemware. My sister and her friends like their wine; do you think there are coasters in her future? I'd say it is a distinct possibility.

sewlost said...

Thank you for your great instructions. I think the coaster will go to the top of my list.
Swoot@att.net

Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts said...

Such useful tutorials, thanks!

JANET said...

Some great ideas. Thank you for sharing. ndfromsdATgmailDOTcom

tink's mom said...

Great ideas, I've done the tissue holders several years ago. Need to pull that idea out again for me as well as my friends. Love the coasters and flower pin. Thanks for taking the time to break down their construction.

The Joyful Quilter said...

The kleenex holder would make a useful gift and that flower pin cushion is SEW adorable!! Thanks for sharing in the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop.

Ioleen said...

The tissue holder.....love it. Hopefully I can stitch 12 before Xmas for the coffee posse. The coffee posse is a group of ladies that get together for coffee on the first Wednesday of each month. May give the coasters a shot as well.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

All three of your ideas are great. I've seen the coaster but never knew how to make them so that the bottom of the stemware could be nested inside. Thank you.

Dawn F said...

I like the kleenex cover, I can see why so many people would love it. Great tutorials!

Donna W said...

Thanks for these great projects.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I've made lots of the coasters. Somewhere I have one of the tissue covers, but, I really need one for my purse, so that I can find it. Thanks.

Material Girl said...

Thank you for the small projects- I love to have them around for quick gifts. It also helps with the reproducing scraps.

Barb Neiwert said...

Ah, you've got some good gift ideas here, and good instructions for making them. A great thank you gift for friends, too!

Anonymous said...

Such terrific gift ideas! I like the 4 patch coasters. So easy to make and fun to use.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Sandi1100 said...

Love your ideas for gifts. I have made the tissue holders and sold them at my guild's quilt show. I'm enjoying the Blog hop. You are all so creative!

Brenda said...

Really nice gift ideals! Have been wanting one for a flower and now I have it! Thanks!

BeachQuilter said...

Great quick gift ideas, I think I'll use the flower pin cushions for my guild buddies!

Bibi Chats said...

I DO like your tutorials for all of the items to make. Thank you. Liz







mangozz said...

Very cute ideas. Thanks for the tutorials.

Kathy H said...

Great ideas for some little gifts. I usually put tissues in my gift bags but having a tissue cover will be even better. Thanks for the directions.

Anna brown said...

Well always wondered how them pin cushions where made... tytyty for the help... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Sewgirl said...

Great ideas...especially the flower pincushion. Thanks for sharing!

Tonya said...

Wonderful projects to have small gifts on hand!!! Thank you for the tutes.

MaryBeth said...

Lovely ideas and easy to understand tutorials. Merry Christmas!

Diantha said...

Cute ideas. I made a similar tissue holder for myself - very useful!

Deb said...

Cute gift ideas! Thanks for participating in the blog hop.

Unknown said...

Very cute ideas.I love simple gifts to make for friends.

allthingzsewn said...

I favor the wrap around coasters. All are great ideas, thanks for taking part in the hop. All have been enjoyable.

wendy said...

Great ideas! Adding them to my list of gift giving goodies. Thank you!

Lynn B said...

Great, quick ideas for useful gifts! I've made the Kleenex cover, but not with two fabrics. I really like your idea. Thanks for the ideas. Love 'em!

DebbieM said...

Thank you for all the great ideas and tutorials. Love the Kleenex covers. Thanks again.

Maximumcreations said...

Thank you for the tutorials. The flower pin cushion is my favorite, I have not seen one like this before.

Anita Jackson @ Domestic Felicity said...

The picture cushions are way adorable!

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

Thanks for sharing. Fun ideas!

Sarah Craig said...

Such fun and useful ideas! Thanks for sharing your process, Meloney. And for helping make the hop such a success!!

Lesley Gilbert said...

Thanks for 3 great tutorials. I've made those coasters before and also with 6 sides. I'm going to give the tissue holder a go and try them with small boxed edges :)

@lutzcats said...

From one Mel to another: Great projects, fun, easy, quick - Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely assortment of goodies you've offered! Thank you so much for the great pictures that help me see what's what. This is a great hop and your post is a nice addition to the ideas I'm saving. A friend of mine actually was looking for how those flower pincushions were made! dezertsuz at gmail

Anonymous said...

I've made the coasters before, but it has been a long time. They would be great to use in reducing my Christmas stash. The flower pin cushion is adorable. Thank you for sharing.

Donette said...

I am going to make the coasters, I really like them. beimborn@charter.net

drquilter said...

Love your tutorials, thanks for sharing!

Paige said...

All great ideas! the tissue covers would be great stocking stuffers! Thanks for sharing!

Barb said...

Very cute and quick gift ideas--Thanks!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

Heather said...

Such cute ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Laura said...

Lots of wonderful ideas. Thanks for the great post with lots of photos.

3Dogbones said...

I need to make the flower pincushion!

maggie fellow said...

great projects _ I have a kleenex holder that i love that was a gift now I know how to turn it around to gift another - thanks

...by CJ said...

Fun, quick projects. Thanks for the inspiration!

Pam @ Quilting Fun said...

Very cute! Great ideas thank you.

Patty said...

I love the kleenex cover and the coasters! Thank you for sharing great tutorials too!

barbcatw said...

Enjoyed looking at your projects. creations4u7@aol.com

GranChris said...

I like your flower. I put these on a golf tee and then use them as pin cushions. They stick right inside thread spools.

Mary said...

Cute pin cushionM

Beth said...

Kleenex covers are always good to have. I hate to be dour, but whenever I'm going to a funeral, I try to bring extra Kleenex in these kind of covers, so I can share them, rather than passing out random Kleenexes to be scrunched in someone's hand during the service until they are needed.

suzanprincess said...

Tried and true ideas, and just in the knick of time for me. I keep a covered Kleenex pack in my purse for my own use. Commenter Beth mentioned giving out tissue packs at a funeral, and with one on my calendar this week I'll be making a few covers before then to take extra packs along. susanprincess at att dot net

BizarreQuilter said...

wow. if someone doesn't want to make just one of those projects they are a nutter. thank you so much. xo

Suze said...

Great ideas. I am a lover of pincushions. I haven't made one yet. But I want to make some and I collect ideas. This is a new one to me. Thanks. Great tutorials. Great scraps users, too!!

Lisa England said...

Such cute ideas! I love giving little surprise gifts like these things.

pajtr said...

*Thank you!*, Meloney!!
These are great instructions for some wonderful gift ideas!
(I'm going to make your pretty flower pin cushion, and put it on top of a little jar that can hold buttons, thread, etc!!)
**Thank you, again!!**
Pat T.

Kathy S. said...

Fun gift ideas. Would make great teacher gifts.
Shahann@yahoo.com

Leslie K. said...

What cute ideas! I made the tissue covers one year as a stocking stuffer for my daughters....they loved them. I am always making coasters for hostess gifts at the holidays...thanks for another pattern for coasters!

Quiltsmiles said...

Nice projects. I think these would be fun to make with the grandchildren when they want to see, thanks!

Briarose said...

fabulous patterns and tutorials, thanks!

kathy slaughter cummings said...

Fun projects!! Thank you.
kcummings71@gmail.com

Patricia said...

Thanks for the tutoirals, so pretty projects.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

Susan said...

Nice and quick projects. Just what I need. Thanks.

CyndyK said...

Thanks for sharing the 3 cute projects. I really need to make a tissue holder because my purse is am ess with tissues. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.

Tirzah said...

THESE ARE VERY NICE TUTORIALS THANKS FOR DOING SO MANY FOR US READINGTIRZAH AT YAHOO.COM

Moira said...

Great ideas for easy projects! they were all cute. =)

Jeanna said...

These are three very good gift ideas. Thanks for the detailed tutorials.

barbara woods said...

al so cute

Nona said...

Great ideas and quick to do. My kind of project.

Christine said...

Love the Kleenex/tissue covers. They would make great teacher gifts for elementary students and stocking stuffers for others. momoftana at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the awesome gift ideas! I especially like the flower pincushion. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Jan @Cocoa Quilts said...

Thanks for sharing. I love the kleenex covers.

Jocelyn said...

Love these ideas. Thanks!

Amy said...

Such great ideas. I think I need to make a few sets of coasters to give as gifts this year.

MissPat said...

I've seen the coasters before but not the tissue holder. And the pincushion is really cute. Thanks for the ideas.
Pat

Pam @ Quilting Fun said...

Love the folded coasters.

Home Sewn By Us said...

Well, aren't you clever? I love the tissue cover and the coasters. I need to make both of them right now. ~smile~ Roseanne

Aby Dolinger said...

Thanks for the fun ideas for quick gifts! I've often wondered how to make the Kleenex covers, now I have the dimensions!

Gretchen Weaver said...

Thanks for the great tutorials. My favorite was the lovely pincushion flower. Happy stitching!

Needled Mom said...

All such great ideas. I need to make some of those tissue covers.

Sandra Walker said...

I have wanted to make a Christmas Kleenex box cover FOREVER! Thanks for this tutorial, and also for the other two - another want-to-do is the wine glass coaster... -)

Chiska said...

Thanks for the great ideas!

Unknown said...

I am really enjoying seeing all the creative ideas. I love the kleenex cover! Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

Jollygirl said...

I am definitely make the coasters.

Danice G said...

very cute designs. Thank you for the patterns. Oh, on my blog top left sidebar, is an Email phone image. It goes to my contact form :)

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

So many wonderful ideas! Thanks for providing the tutorials.

Lindah said...

Nice projects. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah J said...

Great idea-- those tissue carriers would keep them nice and neat in my diaper bag!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Lots of fun projects--thanks so much!

Christina said...

I love the coaster idea, and the flower pin cushion is so cute! Kleenex covers are truly loved by everyone. Thank you for sharing!

Leanne Parsons said...

Those are all great ideas! Thanks for sharing tutorials for all of them :)