I have to admit, finding the time to do a project just for fun is a challenge for me. Sometimes I have to find an excuse to make something that has nothing to do with pattern design. Since the spring, I have had the privilege of helping out with an organization called MOPs. It stands for Mothers of Preschoolers (which I no longer am... wow), and is all about giving moms with little ones support and encouragement. One of the things I am in charge of for our local group is coming up with something "hands on" that we can make or do together that the moms can then take home. It's usually something quick and simple, but satisfying in that it allows us to explore a little bit of creativity for ourselves in a day that is generally consumed with diaper changes and the drama of the 4-and-under crowd. This month, I came up with a fun (and FAST) project suitable for this Fall season we are into... and that can also be a neat project to do with older children as well. These no-sew pumpkins literally take no more than 5 minutes to make. All you need is: 1 square of woven cotton fabric (approx. Fat Quarter) Stick - should be 5-6" long and about 1" in diameter 1 empty toilet paper roll polyfil Handful of dried beans or rice (optional) Faux foliage for the vine/leaves (optional) A few tips...
First, lay your square of fabric right side down. In the center, place a handful of dried beans (optional). Second, stand the toilet paper roll up in the center of the beans. The beans don't all need to be inside or outside. Third, take a bunch of polyfil and surround the toilet paper roll. Next, starting with one corner and working your way around in a spiral, stuff the edges of your fabric inside the toilet paper roll. (It is important to work in a spiral rather than doing all four corners first. Stuffing just a small section at a time makes it easier to keep the shape even as you move around your stuffing. If you find you have too much or not enough polyfil, you can add or remove some at any point. It may take a couple times to get the hang of this... but just use your hands to support things as you go and it's easy to pull it out and start again!). Once you have all the edges of fabric tucked inside the center, you can manipulate the polyfil inside to make it as even and round as possible. Then, take your foliage (optional) and place the end of the stem inside the center of the roll. Finally, push the stick right down the center, securing everything in place. TA-DAH! So there you have it... a fun and fast project to add a little seasonal charm to your home this Fall. Heidi
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Hi there!Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the digital world. When I'm not designing (or, more likely, attempting to keep up with housework or schooling my three rug rats!) you'll probably find me with my nose in a book, escaping for a few precious moments into a world of fiction or learning with single-minded focus about my latest interest. Here, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I'm currently working on and a bit about all the ways I like to keep my creative juices flowing! Categories
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