Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Sewing Your Pumpkins Tutorial

October is here....and what does that mean.....PUMPKINS! Pumpkins are showing up everywhere and it is time to get busy thinking about making that pumpkin bread and pies and everything pumpkiny. Pumpkins are also a great decorating idea for October. There is lots of great pumpkins fabric that you can sew into great pumpkins. I found this tutorial over at Handmade Homebody and Jenn shows how easy it is to make these fabric pumpkins of all sizes.

 I think I am going to make some of these for my home. :)  Sooooo let's get sewing! 

Happy sewing!

Colleen :)

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Autumn Greetings!

Autumn Greetings! 

 I am traveling longer than expected this week so I leave you with a quick up-cycle pop of fall color from Postcard Boutique. 

Vintage postcards add nostalgia to any seasonal décor.

 

For more pops of nostalgic whimsy, search vintage postcards on Etsy.

 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Creature Comforts

Pet lovers get it; dogs, cats, and other furry friends are more than companions.  They are family.  They are the ears when no one else listens, the hugs always at the ready, and providers of unconditional love.  So pamper pets this autumn with creature comforts from top notch Etsy up-cycle artists.

Cats love a cozy nest perched in the warm sunlight.  Photogirl95 crafts snuggle beds to provide kitty with his or her own personal space.  Cat tested and approved!

Don't forget a lazy afternoon catnip treat for your favorite feline.  With shapes and themes for every occasion, smilingfrogpets caters to both dogs and cats. This shop is a pet lover's must-fave! 

For the discerning dog who prefers good taste in his lounging area, winecountrycraftsman provides the pooch with a proper place to chill. Dog beds are just the start of up-cycling magic created by Wine Country Craftsman. 

 Don't forget the yard critters!  They are the family members that pop in uninvited but are always welcome guests.  Gathering winter nuts is a snap with squirrel snack shack from andrewsreclaimed. Shop here for reclaimed wooden treasures for throughout the yard and home.

For more creature comforts search recycled pet on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Fall Frolic

Autumn has officially arrived and it's time to deck the hall with all things fall!  Time to pull out the pumpkins, air out the woolens, and fill vintage bowls with candy corn. The Etsy up-cycle artists are busy crafting perfect autumn accessories!

Paper pumpkins are the star of the harvest at AnthologyOnMain!  Every item in this shop is created from old books and portions of every sale go to help feed underprivileged children.  This truly is a magical pumpkin patch!

Fill the halls with the enticing smells of autumn. BrooklynWicks fills reusable glass containers with micro batch soy candles.  Choose from scents like autumn leaves, pumpkin chai latte, and praline pecan cupcake for starters!

Tiny pumpkins in velvet add to the rich textures of autumn décor. Perfect for small scale decorating, grouping with gourds as a centerpiece, or outfitting an entire celebration!  Score these velvet beauties at HoneysuckleLane.

Keep fall hands warm with a stunning pair of fingerless gloves from Piabarile. Shop this artist's store for all things warm, cozy, and fully functional for fall.

For more fabulous autumn finds search recycled fall on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Dog Days of Summer

Summer heat continues to blaze even though the calendar indicates the dog days of summer have officially ended. Perhaps showing some Etsy dog love will persuade Mother Nature to bring in the cool breezes of summer's close. 

Add a splash of color and whimsy to any room in the house with this playful pooch by hillaryvermont.  Purchases from this artist also help animals in need with a donation to Animal Humane. 

Dogs can be found on currency from around the world. Coins up-cycled into jewelry make for elegant souvenirs of journeys abroad or for everyday favorite wear.  Pick up this handsome hound at WorldTreasure. 

 Books stand front and center anchored between vintage dog bookends.  Score this pair from tennineeight. 

 Shed whimsical light with illuminated dog shaped metal work from TheRusticBarn.  This Etsy artist up-cycles old metal into perfect country-chic décor.

Keep in touch with friends and family with stylish notecards.  ArcherIllustrations offers a large selection of adorable dogs printed on recycled paper cards. 

 

 For more canine inspired pieces search recycled dog on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Drinks On The Patio

 The backyard patio is relaxation perfection for lazy summer days shared with good friends or the solitude of a good book.  Make that outdoor space a little greener with the newest creations from these Etsy up-cycle artists.

Wine barrels turned lounge chairs make an eclectic focal point for backyard lounging.  This set made by RenderedUseful2 invites guests to linger in stylish comfort.

Create a table top succulent garden with planters from  Rehabulous. Browse this Etsy shop to find new innovations in up-cycled bottles. Hostess gifts and house-warming heaven fills this artist's inventory!

Upgrade patio lighting with this handsome pendant lamp crafted by pic76. Perfect for the patio and the man cave!

From up-cycled glass tumblers to wine barrel furniture to glass jewelry, bottlehood is a one stop patio shopping destination! 



Keep summer sentiments fresh with a  MarvelousMessages t-shirt.  Made from recycled materials, these tees have the feel of organic cotton with stay-cool wicking properties.  This Etsy shop is brand new so swing in and see what's on trend!

For more fabulous up-cycled patio decor search recycled patio on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Set Sail

Summer and the high seas go hand in hand.  Whether we are setting sail or sitting on the water's edge, where the blue skies meet the sea worthy horizon, all of summer's magic is glimpsed in an instant.  Meet some Etsy up-cycle artists who keep the magic afloat in their handwork.

Tokens of the sea live large at StarHomeStudio. Romantic notions of the sea in colors that will melt the heart! From hair accessories to beachy sculptures of driftwood, summer is eternal in this gorgeous Etsy shop!

 Inspired by the New England shore,  Handofbelapeck crafts needful goods in the primitive tradition.  Shorebirds, anchors, and whales linger here where whimsy meets history on the high seas!

Sails get a second chance at life at HoistAwayBags!  The perfect summer bag crafted from retired sails and come complete with the history of where each sail has journeyed. Talk about a well traveled bag!

 Pick up a perfect summer silver gem at BlueDawnSurfShop. This Etsy artist captures the simple beauty of the sea in her work, creating a nostalgic memoir of lazy summer laughter.

 Welcome to AlaskaRugCompany for nautical décor crafted from up-cycled marine rope. Whimsy for every room in the house to keep the sea theme in view all year long.

For more seaside treasures search recycled beach on Etsy!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Primitive Summer

Artists working in the primitive tradition are natural up-cyclers.  Inspired by Early American needlework,  primitive designs employ naturally dyed threads, cast off notions and fabric often cut from old garments.

These Etsy primitive shops are fully stocked with summer-perfect projects and finished pieces.

Inspired by life on the farm, Not Forgotten Farm offers a variety of folk art needlework projects, fabrics, and wooden notions perfect for use and decoration.

Delight in magical dolls and scrap-tastic creations with a nod to natural themes at Baggaraggs.  With item descriptions that read like bedtime stories, shopping here is a treat for the imagination.

Welcome to the world where every day critters become big time personalities! The Goode Wife offers easy to follow patterns that perfectly blend primitive and whimsical! 

 

Travel through time with Vermont Harvest. Beautiful punch needle designs, nostalgic ornaments, and dreamy prim doll patterns reside here! Treat yourself to a complete kit and skip that trip to the craft store.

Don't forget the pin keep!  Penny wool takes on a summer vibe at Ragged Revival.   Check out this artist's store for penny wool jewelry, table runners and so much more!

 

For more whimsical prims search primitive on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Time Travel

Summer time is travel time!  Along with the sand, seashells, and snapshots, souvenirs also will be collected to keep adventure memories fresh throughout the year.  This summer go retro by collecting vintage souvenirs from your vacation destinations.  Though they may be hard to source out locally, Etsy vintage sellers have just the city or state you need.

Vintage postcards capture the original spirit of the destination in summer hues.  Perfect for display, scrapbooks, and mailing, postcards like this Mississippi set from KitschyVintage  can be scored at reasonable prices.
 
Show off that travel style with boho chic wear from EvieandLiv.  Crafted from an up-cycled souvenir tablecloth, this women's bolero vest gets the conversation started!

Looking for something unusual to commemorate a recent trip to Florida? Head on over to 3floridagirls for kitschy vintage mementos of the sunshine state. 

Souvenir pennants are perfect decorative reminders of summer vacations!  Line the back porch, family room or the kids' rooms with happy memories. Start your collection at Thebeezkneezvintage. 



The king and queen of kitschy travel souvenirs are the salt and pepper shaker! Functional fun and whimsy advertising a state's popular product or attraction are still the rage toady.  Scoop up this vintage California pipe set from Banksville79.

For more kitschy travel fun search vintage souvenir on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: A Good Seat

Two days ago I bought a Victorian couch at a local thrift store.  Armed with a staple gun, awesome fabric, and a dangerous amount of amateur skill, I began to skin the beast of its once-pink velveteen.  I have reupholstered furniture before but none as stubborn as my latest project.  Let's just say it's a plethora of exotic scents and angular challenges that have me vowing to surrender all future projects to the experts.

 

These Etsy up-cycle artists are experts with the knack for creating instant-heirloom furniture for every décor style at prices way below average offerings of big box furniture stores . 

 

Pristine seats from yesteryear can be found at ModernVintageMixHome.  Vintage elegance and mid-century design meet up-cycling sensibility at very attractive prices!

Old snowboards get a second chance at jrydevisuals where old skates and boards become stunning durable chairs.  Described by the artist as urban minimalist, these chairs are perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Add instant conversation to any room with this knit-covered chair from KnitsForLife. Her colorful shop is a welcome sight for winter weary eyes! Buy any handmade item from this artist and she will return the favor by planting a rainforest tree. 

Classic designs get a sassy up-cycle at Urbanmotifs!  All discarded chairs secretly wish to land in this artist's workshop to be made new with vibrant fabrics and expert craftsmanship.  If you're lucky enough to be local to Atlanta you can have a custom piece made specially for your home.

To find more fabulous up-cycled furniture search recycled furniture on Etsy.

 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

NEEDLES-N-PINS STITCHERIES: TUTORIAL MINI QUILT POT HOLDERS-PART II

In my last posting I showed you how to make the top of the pot holders, so this time I will show you how to finish it. :)   I am sure there are several different way to do this, but this is just the way I do it. :)

 

Now that you have your pot holder front done you need to layer it and put it together. 

 

 

You will need to either make a binding or you can use bias tape. I always make my binding which I make like bias tape. I cut a 2 inch strip by width of fabric that is matching the potholder backing. Be sure you cut enough fabric to give you an appx 4 inch tail to make the hanging hoop later.

 

I cut the backing fabric about an inch larger than the pot holder front so there is enough fabric if the pot holder moves while sewing....just like when you quilt.

 

You will need to have one layer of Insulbright (which is for the heat resistant) and I add a layer of natural cotton batting. Cut these also an inch larger than the pot holder.

 

This is the type of batting I use, but you can use any brand you want.

 

Next you will need to put the layers together. The Insulbright goes down on top of the backing fabric so it will be closest to the heat source.

 

 

 

Now we need to sew the border/bias tape to the pot holder and batting. I sew about a 1/4 inch in which is the shorter end of the binding. If you want to at this time you can do whatever quilt stitching you would like before you sew the binding. I just do a stitch in the ditch around the center.

 

 

 

After you sew the binding on you will need to cut the excess batting off.

 

Now you will need to turn the binding to the back and make a hem out of it. Pin it all around the pot holder as you will do a decorative stitch on the front of the pot holder.

 

 

Sew a decorative stitch around the pot holder. I use a zig-zag stitch. Be sure to sew the 4 inch tail closed also as this will be the tab for hanging the pot holder.

 

Now you need to make the tab to hang the pot holder. You can either do it by machine stitch or you can do it by hand. I do it by hand as I like it better that way.

 

 

Now you are done! Your pot holder is ready for hanging in your kitchen.

 

 

You can make all kinds of different design and patterns! I know I do. :)

 

 

 

 

Thanks for joining me in my tutorial. Have fun creating! :)

 

 

Colleen :)

 

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries

 

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog