two more simple projects

two more simple projects from the holiday season catch-up...

Let's Play with Felt!

KITTY

You will need:
(2) pieces of felt - approx 8x10
Needle and Embroidery Floss
Scissors
Fiberfil Stuffing
Vintage Buttons or any little accessories you may want for your kitty

1. Sketch and Cut out two simple shapes - one for the body and one for the head from scrap paper.
2. Pin the pattern to the felt and cut out 2 of each.
3. Sew simple or decorative to the front and back pieces BEFORE sewing them together.  FRONT  and BACK BODY:  I used a simple stitch to outline the kitty arms and legs and tail.  FRONT HEAD: A simple stitch for the eyebrows and mouth, french knots for the eyes and a satin stitch for the nose. 
4. Sandwich the two body pieces of felt together and do a running stitch, leaving the feet end open for stuffing.  Sandwich the two head pieces of felt together and do a running stitch, leaving the neck end open for stuffing.
5.  Stuff the pieces and sew the openings closed.
6.  Overlap the head and body just slightly and stitch together.  Add a bow, button or other accessories and enjoy!  Super Simple & Quick - great beginner project.

WONKY HOUSES

 

You will need:
(6) pieces of felt - approx 8x10
Needle and Assorted Embroidery Floss
Good pair of Scissors
Fiberfil Stuffing
Vintage Buttons, bits of fiber, wool scraps, little charms, etc


1. Layer two pieces of felt on top of each other and cut the corners creating a simple house shape.
2. Cut two rectangle pieces of felt for the sides of the house - you can line up or measure how tall your front/back house pieces are and cut to size.  Cut one piece for your base - it should be the width and length of the house shape and the sides.  Also cut your two rectangle roof pieces.  Odd angles are encouraged - this is a wonky house!

3.  Cut out bits of felt, wool scraps, gauzy fabric, etc for windows and a door.  Play with proportion and abstraction.  Applique these to your pieces with decorative stitches.
4.  Sew all of the sides of your house together.  Then sew the roof pieces to the top of your house.  I varied the type of stitches for more interest - running, cross-stitch, blanket stitch, decorative...you will end up with the "shell" of your house.
5. Stuff the house well so it is sturdy.  Sew on the base and before stitching shut, slip in a favorite smooth stone or other type of weight.  You can use those weighted beads they sell at the fabric store but I slipped in one of my heart-shaped stones to symbolize a house filled with love.
6.  If you want a chimney, cut four small rectangles and one square and stitch together in the same manner as the house.  Stuff at the open end and then sew onto the roof.
7.  Decorate - stitch small charms, buttons, little twigs, fiber until you are satisfied with the result.

This is a great project to putter on at night in front of the fire.  Imagine a whole wonky village in different shapes and sizes.  Enjoy the pleasures of hand-sewing!

 **pssst...this is Blanche.  You may have noticed her in the other photos.  She is from my art school days from a figure sculpture class.  My mom adored her and quickly scooped her up to grace her mantle.  Blanche loves to dress festively for every holiday.