'Mother, I'm done with my chores. May I use the sewing machine?' is a line I'm hearing often these days.
Anna Ruth makes a scrunchi to match her skirt.
The girls have been doing a fair bit of sewing this summer. They all have to take turns with the machine (when it's not being held hostage in the boys' rooms) so they mostly opt for quick and easy projects. It is also fun to make small projects as you get 'instant gratification' - great for younger seamstresses and newbies of all ages. A favorite quick project is these coasters from Jenny at allsorts. She has a tutorial on her site, but they are so easy I thought I'd show you here. Also, I've simplified them a bit, skipping the interfacing and lining part. These are a great way to use up scraps or charm squares if you have them. No finishing or hand sewing required!
These make great little treats to have around for hostess gifts or to tuck into gift baskets paired with a mug and favorite drink. You can also make them with seasonal fabrics. I am enjoying these pretty summery prints for now, but we have some muted ones we used in winter, and we plan to make autumnal colored ones in fall. You could also choose themed fabrics to suit your gift recipients such as music, cats, dogs, horses, Christmas, team colors - the possibilities are endless.
For each coaster you need five 4 1/2" squares of fabric. You can mix and match with as many different patterns as you like. Half the fun is choosing the yummy prints and arranging them together! A rotary cutter and mat make this part a snap, although just using scissors works fine of course.
Fold four of the squares in half, wrong sides together.
Place your fifth square on the table, right side up. I'm using the purple square in this example to be the backing. Place your first folded square on your backing piece with the fold towards the center of the backing piece.
Add your next folded piece, overlapping the first, fold towards the center.
Add your third piece in the same fashion:
And now add the fourth piece, overlapping and tucking the pieces in as such:
Now sew around the edges with a 1/4" seam allowance. Trim the corners if you remember to.
Turn your coaster right side out, using a crochet hook or something to poke out the corners, and press if you like (if you're a kid you probably won't bother). That's it!
Anna Ruth also discovered that if you take one of these completed coasters, plump it up with a bit of stuffing inside, and add a button to cover the center, you get one cute and cozy pincushion!
Happy sewing! (And happy sipping with your new cheery coaster.)
I love the fabrics!
The beauty of meeting IRL--Marie just skated into the room (yes, skated), stopped and said gladly, "I know that girl!"
Posted by: Alice Gunther | July 30, 2008 at 06:22 PM