creative jewish mom

From A Simple Crocheted (& Felted) Square: A Sweet Envelope Or A Potholder!

Need a little something handmade to show you care? Want to practice crocheting and have something to show for your efforts? Looking for a little project that will fulfill an immediate need to craft? (That was me, by the way, which is how this came about!) When the idea struck, I quickly crocheted this square from 100% wool yarn while trying to feed my kids dinner Saturday night. I wanted to finish the square in time to throw it in the laundry with the day's load of darks, in order to felt it a bit. Sounds like fun? It is!

Today I pressed the square with my hot steam iron, photographed it flat and then sewed it up into the little envelope that you see here! How's that for a behind the scenes description of my creative adventures?

You'll Need:

• 100% wool yarn in two or three colors, I used "worsted weight"
• crochet hook slightly bigger than what you'd normally use if you plan to felt your work, I used an "I", though I'd normally use a "g".

How To:

• Guage is unimportant in this project, the goal quite simply is to crochet a square using the single crochet stitch.
• If you'd like to felt your square, so take into consideration that it will shrink by about 1/3 if you choose to utilize my casual felting method, which is to throw it into the washing machine with a load of like-colored clothing, and then into the dryer! You can put it through the washing machine again if the felting isn't as dense as you'd like.

1. Crochet a base chain roughly 8.5" long
2. Turn and start crocheting in the second chain from the hook
3. When turning work for all subsequent rows, chain 1 at beginning of row.
4. Change colors where desired for stripes, and stop crocheting when you have a square.
5. Make a colored border by crocheting around the entire square. Crochet three stitches into each corner to form an actual corner.
6. Weave loose ends into work with an large needle, weaving horizontally into rows of like colored yarn to hide ends.
7. To make the envelope, bring three corners together and sew seams with a needle and like colored yarn. Attach two buttons as shown and braid a small tie to loop around the buttons as a closure.
8. Who wouldn't love to get a card in an envelope like this that can certainly be used again to store jewelry or small precious items!

A Felt Bean Bag For Alphabeans Alphabet Game!

Yesterday I promised that today I would post my packaging idea for the Alphabeans Alphabet Game I introduced yesterday, (post here) so here it is! A felt bean-shaped bag, with colorful beans on the outside, which will safely hold our alphabet beans. Sewing (I've just started learning) is certainly opening up a whole new range of crafting possibilities for me, and I couldn't be more pleased!

It took a bit longer than the 15 minutes I'd intended,  mostly because I decided that I just had to applique a few beans on the bag, and because due to my sewing inexperience I messed up a bit. I don't know what I was thinking, but I sewed the bag (leaving an opening for  the zipper) first and attached the zipper second. Big mistake and a bit difficult, especially since the zipper is on a slight curve. Well at least I learned from my lesson on a small project!e. You can't tell from this photo, but trust me the zipper didn't turn out so well, though it does zip and unzip, so we will be using it!

Just for fun, I made the designs on the two sides just a bit different, here's the other side:

Wouldn't this make a cute gift? And speaking of beans, guess what we're having for dinner? Baked giant lima beans (the same ones I used for the alphabeans) with tomato sauce and cilantro pesto!, a first for me, and if it turns out well, you'll certainly hear about it! I think I've got beans on the brain, so expect some more beany projects in the future. Thanks for stopping by!

No-Sew Fleece: Make Adorable Outfits For Stuffed Animals!

Want to renew your child's interest in his stuffed animals? Need a super cute semi handmade gift? Use the no-sew fleece techniques I've taught in previous posts here, to make quick hats, capes, scarves and sweaters for all your stuffed animal friends!

This dog was cute but now he's irresistible, and my kids were so very excited with this new outfit, they wanted me to make hats for all their animals! I just cut a piece of fleece to size for a pooh bear, and my seven year old daughter is tying the knots to make the hat. Next time I think she'll be able to the whole thing herself. Too much fun, and a great winter day activity for kids....to outfit the whole menagerie!

I made the cape by simply cutting the first piece of fringe on each side very long and using those as a tie at the neck. Use your imagination and have lots of fun with this project that will have the little ones in your life literally jumping for joy. At least that is what happened in my home.

No-Sew Fleece: Simple Pom-Pom Hat

Isn't this hat cute? And guess how long it took me to make it? Oh about ten minutes, really! How's that for a quick last minute gift, or even a fun holiday crafting activity. Who wouldn't love a new cozy hat?

Can't blame me for trying to be helpful. And if you'd like to make a hat/scarf set, this hat would look great with the delicate ruffled scarf or the color block scarf! I agree, this hat does look a bit on the feminine side,
so for boys one should cut the ties off closer to the knot so that they don't look like bows, and/or simply turn the hat inside out after tying.

You'll Need:

• fleece
• masking tape if you want to be really accurate
• good scissors

How-To:

1. Cut a piece of fleece that measures roughly 35cm (14 inches)high with a length that equals the circumference of the recipient's head plus 15cm (2 inches) for the fringe and another 3cm (1.25") for comfort factor.(You don't want this hat to be too snug because then the knots in the brim could be annoying.)
2. Place piece of masking tape along the vertical edges, leaving a space of 7.5cm (3 inches) between the tape and the edge.
3. Mark off increments of roughly 1.5 cm (2/3 inch) on the tape, and cut fringe according to these marks. (I have to confess, I skipped this part and just eyeballed my fringe, which is probably why the bows are not all the same!)
4. Bring two fringed edges together and tie small double knots between corresponding pieces from each edge
5. Fold bottom of hat up twice to form a brim. (For boys you may want to turn hat inside out at this point.)
6. Decide on the height of the hat, and using a piece of fleece or ribbon, gather the top of the hat and tie tightly
7. Un-do any knots above this tie, and cut off fringe.
8. Make vertical cuts in top portion of hat to create the look of a pom-pom. Trim if necessary.
9. Ever dreamed you could make something so cute so quickly?

No-Sew Fleece: Fun Bow-Ties Pillow Cover

Don't these pillows just make you happy? The best part is, this isn't one of those photos of something that has to stay in your dreams, you can make pillows almost exactly like these quickly and easily. And it's a fun project for older children and groups of friends to do over the Winter break as well!

While I explained how to make the pillow on the left yesterday, today we're going to learn how to make the bow-tie pillow on the right. Interestingly enough it's the much quicker method of the two, though it's aesthetic is, in my eyes, much more sophisticated. It's construction consists of two separate pieces of fleece which wrap the pillow in opposite directions and are secured with ties in the center. I thought of this while I was dozing off to sleep one night, but it took me a few minutes to actually figure out how to bring this simple idea into reality.

This photo  is of the same pillow, opposite sides. What's  interesting to note is the difference in the look of the pillow based on how tightly the knots we're tied. If you like the look of the pillow on the left, make sure to measure on the large side, and if you prefer the look on the right, so make your pieces a bit smaller.

You'll Need:

• pillows or pillow forms in the desired shape and size
• fleece: 2 pieces in complementary colors
• masking tape
• a tapemeasure
• good scissors

How to:

1. Measure circumference and height of pillow. Add 10cm (4 inches) to the circumference measurement, and cut two pieces of fleece with a width equaling (circumference + 10cm) and height as measured. (If pillow is square, the two pieces will be equal size, if the pillow you want to use is not square, so turn it 90degrees to measure the circumference and height for the second piece.)
2. Place masking tape along height of fleece at both edges, 5cm from the edge, and mark off on tape even intervals of roughly 1.5cm (2/3") or a bit wider.
3. Cut fringe according to tape placement and markings on tape.
4. Prepare both pieces of fleece.
5. Lay one piece of fleece on table, running side to side, and place pillow on top of fleece
6. Lay second piece of fleece on top of pillow, running top to bottom 
7. Wrap the two sides of the bottom piece up and around the pillow and tie fringe at center of pillow.
8. Turn pillow over and tie second set of fringe on that side.
9. You're done, that sure was quick right?

No-Sew Fleece: Cozy Ruffled-Border Pillow Cover!

I really hope that you love fleece as much as I do, as it looks as if I'm in it at least waist-deep, with no sights of getting out any time soon! But seriously, if you don't like fleece I suggest some re-evaluation, after all, what's not to love? No fraying edges, lots of colors and patterns, inexpensive, vertsatile, warm, great for crafting!

And who wouldn't love to give their home just a touch of something new and cozy for the winter? You can whip out a couch full of pillows like this one in an evening, and enjoy them for months to come. My four year old saw this one and instantly started hugging it "you made it for me?" If you get smiles like the one I got, you'll want to make lots of them for all your loved ones.

You'll Need:

• 2 pieces of fleece
• masking tape
• ruler
• good scissors

How-To:

1. Measure pillow and cut two identically sized pieces of fleece that are 8cm (3.25") larger than the pillow all the way around. For a larger ruffle, make the piece even larger.
2. Follow the instructions for the fleece blanket here to prepare the pieces of fleece.
3. Sandwich the pillow between the two fringed pieces of fleece and tie the fringe at the center point of each side of the pillow, adjusting tension where necessary.
4. Continue tying the fringe all the way around the pillow, being careful at corners to cover the pillow.
5. That's it! For future washing, simply untie one side, slip pillow out and launder case accordingly.
6. Have a nice warm, comfortable winter! (And for those of you in warm climates, or in the Southern Hemisphere moving into summer, so try this same idea with T-shirt fabric for some fun summer pillows!)

No-Sew Fleece: Color Block Tea Cozy!

I have always loved tea cozies. There's just something so homey and cute about them, an attraction I can't quite describe. Now that I am venturing into the world of sewing I'm sure I'll be able to whip one up fairly quickly, but in previous no-sew years I contemplated crocheting a tea cozy, hand stitching one, or even knitting one!

I never got around to any of these options, and now that I've thought of this oh-so simple-way to make a really cute tea cozy, well I'm glad I didn't invest hours making one any other way. Colder weather has arrived, and a nice pot of tea sure sounds wonderful! And may I suggest adding some whole cloves to your pot of tea? The results are wonderfully fragrant and delicious!

You'll Need:

• fleece in two colors (or if you are a purest or a minimalist, so fleece in one neutral color could be lovely too!)
• pins, paper, a thin marker
• good scissors

How To:

1. Lay teapot on side on top of a piece of paper, and roughly trace the outline of the teapot onto the paper.
2. Refine this shape and enlarge by about two inches on all sides. Note: While some tea cozies cover the entire pot, including the handle, I decided to leave a few portions of the pot on the outside of the cozy such that it wouldn't have to be removed in order to pour the tea. You can certainly choose to make a large half-circle shape that will cover the entire pot. Or go with this design, and make an additional piece to enclose the spout, which would be removed to pour the tea.
3. Cut out paper pattern, lay on fleece, and cut two identical pieces, one from each color
4. Using your pen mark draw a line around the edge of the shape about 1inch (2.5cm) from the edge, this is your guide for length of fringe.
5. Pin two pieces together, and cut fringe 1/3" wide (1cm) around entire teapot. Note: If you choose to make one like the one I've made, do not cut fringe on the portion under the handle. 
6. Place two piece together and start tying matching pieces of fringe. If desired cut of fringe where cozy meets spout and top to make holes for them.
7. If you'd like to make colored panels at the bottom for ad additional decorative touch, cut rectangles of fleece the same width as the cozy you've already assembled, and attach that rectangle using the method described above. (Of course one could also do this first, as opposed to last.)
8. My cozy gaped a bit on the portion under the handle, so I added two ties (tied to some of the fringe) to close this section with a cute bow, which will be untied to remove the cozy.
9. Wouldn't this make a great gift together with a new or vintage teapot and a nice selection of teas?
10. Enjoy and don't forget to make one for yourself and for any little children you know who happen to have tea party sets!

No-Sew Fleece: Cozy Ruffled Blanket!

I don't know what's happening in your little corner of the world, but right now it's pouring over here, which is great, because we were suffering from serious drought conditions this summer. The pouring rain makes this blanket look all the more welcoming, and I'm happy to say that I made everyone in the family a blanket like this (I just realized I forgot myself!) for Chanukah last year and it was such a fun gift. Each person got a different color/pattern combination that I chose just for them, and I made them all over the course of two evenings after the children were asleep!

Since then I've also made some smaller versions as baby blankets, a really nice gift that will pair nicely with the hat that I'll post in a few days! As you can probably see by the photo, the blanket consists of two layers of fleece quite simply tied together. You can make these any size you like, the only limits being the size of fleece you choose to work with. If you'd like to make a very large blanket, so rather than buy fleece yardage, try to find a source for inexpensive fleece blankets, which is what I've used. Or, you could join panels with a row of tied ruffles running down the middle as well as on the sides, which would look great too! If you want to get really adventurous you could tie together a number of panels for a textured quilt-like look. Whatever you choose to do, give it a try, it's so simple and such a satisfying gift!

You'll Need:

• fleece, 2 large blankets,afghan or baby blanket sized pieces
• masking tape
• good scissors
• a ruler or tape measure

How To:

 

1. Prepare each piece of (identically sized) fleece according to steps 1 and steps 2 in the diagram
2. Pin two pieces together, right sides facing out
3. Starting at one corner, tie together matching fringe pieces with a double knot. Be sure to tie the knot the same way each time, and don't pull too tight or it will cause puckers in the blanket.
4. Work all the way around the blanket, carefully knotting matching pieces.
5. To wrap the blanket as a gift, roll and make a nice band from heavy paper to hold the roll in place.

I hope you'll enjoy this simple project as much as I have! And when you see fleece blankets on sale for a great price, so snatch them up to have on hand for easy to make gifts when the occasion arises.

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No-Sew Fleece: Delicate Ruffled Scarf

I love fleece! I just can't get enough of it when winter arrives. I now have a working sewing machine for the first time in a long time, and am getting into sewing, (whipped up some cute fleece hats for the kids for Chanukah gifts, will show you next week) but I can certainly sympathize with anyone who does not have a sewing machine or who doesn't enjoy sewing. I made these no-sew fleece projects when I did not have a working sewing machine and I was so very happy to be able to work with fabric! And there's something about the simplicity and construction of these tied fleece projects that is just irresistable!

This scarf is another quick project with great results, and very in keeping with the ruffled trend that seems to be popular in both home decor and fashion! As you can see from the photo, the sides of the scarf do not lie flat when finished, but this is part of the charm!

You'll Need:

• fleece in two colors
• masking tape
• good scissors

How-To:

1. Measure an existing scarf whose dimensions you like (or would like to change just a bit). Add 9cm to the width measurement, and divide in half to calculate the width of the panels you'll need to cut.
2. My meduim child-sized scarf has the finished measurements of roughly 22cm  x 160cm (8 3/4" x 24"). I cut 2 panels each measuring 15cm x 160cm. (6" x 24")
3. Measure 5cm (2") from one edge and mark the 5cm (2") width in a few places vertically along the panel. Place a piece (or several pieces) or masking tape vertically along the fleece panel, such that there remains a 5cm (2") wide vertical area of fleece along the entire length.
4. Using a ruler, carefully mark 1.5cm (2/3") intervals along the masking tape.
5. Cut fringe along the 5cm (2") panel using the marks on the masking tape as your guide. Accuracy here will result in a much delicate and beautiful ruffle.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 on the second fleece panel
7. Place panels side by side and tie fringe together with a double knot, making sure to use the same knot each time. Trim any ends that are visually longer than the rest.
8. You're finished, wasn't that fun? Think of all the other amazing things you could make using this technique. And if you're just too exhausted to think at this point, don't worry I'll be giving you lots more project ideas in the days to come!

And by the way, please take a few moments to click on the stumbleit button to the right and leave me a comment, I just love hearing from you!

No-Sew Fleece: Color Block Scarf!

In my neck of the woods, winter has arrived, which means it's time to break out the cozy scarves and hats! When it comes to keeping warm, there's nothing quite like fleece. And when it comes to whipping up some quick gifts, well if I were you I'd run out and buy a ton of fleece right now, since I'm going to devote the whole coming week to projects with fleece, most of them no-sew! How lucky are you?

While you can certainly buy fleece by the yard, and there's a mouth-watering selection of amazing patterns at store like JoAnnes (which I saw on a recent trip to the US) my source of fleece is from fleece blankets, which I can find for as little as 10 shekels (about $3) for a 130cm x 60cm size, much cheaper than buying yardage! While I love the patterned fleece, the solid colors look much more elegant and luxurious, and are a safer bet as far as gifts are concerned.

You'll Need:

• fleece in 2 colors
• good scissors
• masking tape
• a tape measure or ruler

How To:

Note: The total length of the scarf shown here is 123cm (50"), enough for a child to wrap around twice, but adult length is generally around 165cm (66"). The width I used is also wider than most scarf widths, but it looks nice with this style to have a bit more width, as the scarf looks particularly great folded over width wise. Measure the length and width of an existing scarf that you love and use that measurement!

1. Cut rectangles of fleece, mine measured 31cm x 37cm.(12.5"x 15")  For this scarf I used two blue rectangles and two lavender rectangles, for an adult size add on panels according to desired length.
2. Place a strip of masking tape across each block 8cm ( 3.25") from the bottom, do this on both ends of block.
3. Using a pen or pencil and a ruler, mark even intervals of roughly 2 cm (3/4") across width of tape.
4. Using the guides you've marked on the tape, cut fringe on each side of block, stopping at the edge of the tape. (One can certainly eyeball this part, but the results will not be nearly as neat, it's worth the few extra minutes to measure!)
5. Now for the fun part, place one blue square next to one lavender square and simply tie the fringe together with double knots, making sure to tie the knot in the same way each time. How easy is that?
6. Join all the squares and you're done. Amazing right?

While this scarf looks decidedly feminine, a male version might use darker colors and have longer rectangles, namely fewer tied spots and thus a bit less "frill". Stay tuned this week and next, for a few more scarf ideas, a hat or two and much more. Stay warm and have fun whipping up some last minute gifts that everyone will be crazy about!