Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2012

It's a Burlap Christmas...Stockings Galore!

I love Christmas!!!  It's my favorite holiday by far.  I love decorating for Christmas...but not in a tacky way. 

I also love burlap...but I think we've established that fact.  I've pinned so many burlap ideas...more than I could possibly accomplish, or store for that matter.  I want a burlap Christmas...well, Christmas decor at least.  So when I saw this beauty on Pinterest by Cry Baby Ink I knew I had my inspiration...as well as some fantastic ideas.

 
 
The Burlap Christmas obsession started with my tree skirt...seen here.  But that was just the beginning.  The next step had to be stockings.  I searched the Internet for stocking ideas.  I needed help constructing them, plus topper ideas...5 to be exact...or elements from several to make the ideal stockings for my taste.  Finally after months of planning (since last Christmas) I had everything I needed. 
 
Since I have 5 stockings to show I'll begin with construction of the stocking first, then I'll explain each stocking topper.
 

To start I took an old stocking that I liked the shape of.  I traced it on blank newspaper paper I had and added a 3/4 inch seam allowance (See #1).  I then cut out 10 stockings in natural burlap and 10 stockings in muslin.  (Two of each for one stocking.  See #2)

(Ignore the top for now...we'll get to that later)
 
To line the inside of the stocking I sewed one piece of muslin to one piece of burlap (right sides together) at the top (See #1).  Do this for both the front and back pieces.  Iron the seam allowance toward the stocking.  Then pin the front to the back, right sides together, matching the seams carefully and leaving about a 4" opening for turning the stocking (See #3).
 
(Keep ignoring the top for now...)
 
Turn the stocking right side out, then iron the burlap seams.  It takes some time and maneuvering to pull the seams out to iron.  The burlap was stiff and didn't want to cooperate all the time, but take the time.  It makes it look so much better.  Also, iron the lining where the opening is so that you can stitch it down.  Then of course stitch it closed (See #2).  Once it's closed shove the lining back inside the burlap stocking and work it along the edges all the way to the toe. 
 
(One more time...ignore the top...for now)
 
I learned something at this point...but it was on stocking #3...and it's a nifty tip.  I wanted to tack the lining to the stocking so that when we pulled out our gifts it didn't pull the lining out to.  The first two stockings I did this blind by putting my hand down in the stocking and hand stitching it.  It was very hard to do and I do NOT recommend it.  For some reason on the 3rd stocking I figured out that if I'd turn it inside out I could stitch the lining to the seam of the stocking and it was easy.
 
The word "DUH" we used in high school does come to mind...I can hear you saying it now!!!
 
So that's how I did it from then on.  And it was SOOO much easier!  Just hand stitch it...nothing fancy...in several different places (See #1).  To hang the stocking I took 3 - 15" lengths of hemp cord, tied it on the end then used my sewing maching needle to hold it while I braided it.  Then I tied it at the end and attached it by sewing it in on the heel corner.  I did this with 4 of the 5 stockings.  One of them I attached in the lining (See #1 & #2 below), but my sewing machine had a hard time with the thickness, so I stuck with hand sewing them after that.  It worked...we'll see how it holds up over the years...
 
That was the last of the Basic Stocking assembly.  I did the same with each stocking...now on to the toppers...the fun pretty part!!!
 


To start with I had to determine my measurements.  I used my self healing board with the ruler to determine the width and length of the toppers.  Then I cut burlap, muslin, ribbon and other materials for each of my toppers.  Then I had to press them all out nice and neat.  If you can't tell my main colors were cream, natural burlap and touches of red.  Each stocking had to have something of each of those colors.  The fun part was the red.  I just wanted touches of them in fun ways.

For the guys, I found an idea I liked for my husband at Style By Design that fit perfectly in the "theme" I was going for.  I loved the natural buttons with the pop of red on top and bottom.  Then I saw another one with buttons and pleats at Make It & Love It.  It just spoke Bubba (my oldest) to me.  Theirs had white buttons on white fabric.  I decided to do red buttons...that little POP again...instead of the white.  For my Hoss (middle guy) I saw one at Cozy.Cottage.Cute.  She has a great tutorial for a stocking, but I didn't follow it exactly.  For this stocking it has buttons and a pleated ruffle.

Are you seeing the pattern here???
 
Now that I've set the scene...here's what they look like.
 

I measured and pressed all the pleats in the muslin fabric.  I had measurements for this, but since this was the first one I did I've lost the measurements...so I have to wing this.  I think that I took the length I wanted the finished product to be x 3 then added 3/4 an inch for each end for seam allowance.  I believe the pleats are 1/2 inch deep with 1/4 inch between one to the other. 

Ok, my eyes aren't even focusing tonight so I don't know if this is accurate since I can't even see this picture clearly.  But look at #1...it shows the measurements on the pleats.  Sorry, I normally have more details...not tonight however.  Once I had all the pleats ironed and pinned on the side (See #2 & #3) I flipped it over to sew it.  Let me see if I can explain this right cause I don't have pictures.  I matched the stitching line on the bottom of the muslin pleated piece with the bottom stitching line on the stocking.  So the pleats would be face down on the stocking hanging towards the bottom of the stocking.  Stitch it then flip it up toward the top of the stocking.  This keeps the stitching from showing and gives a nice, crisp line you can press on the bottom.  See #4 how you can see the stitching underneath the piece?  Yeah, that's what I mean.  Then pin and stitch the top and sides of the piece in the seam allowance.

Was that as clear as mud???
 
 
I then sewed the piece together as I explained above.  After it was sewn together I added the buttons.  I do NOT recommend doing it this way.  I didn't think I'd know where to sew them without it.  It was a pain in the butt!!!  I'll explain how I fixed this on the other stockings later.  Anyway, I finished this off as I explained above and it was done!  This was by far the hardest one!  I was SOO glad to get it completed!!!
 
Next in line was Hoss' stocking. 
 

Remember I told you she had a good tutorial.  I followed hers, within reason, making a few adjustments.  She had hers go all the way around the stocking.  I just wanted it on the front.  So I halved her measurements, grabbed my masking tape, ruler and iron.  The tape is really handy keeping things in place.  I just recommend putting it below the stitching line.  It's easier to peel off (See #2 & #3).  I'll let her tutorial explain because she's much more detailed.


I added my POP of red with the buttons across the top.  Oh, remember I said this was the one I sewed the hanger into the lining.  Yeah, first and last time.  And just like that this one's done!

 
2 of 5...we're getting there!
 
Last of the guys was my hubby's!
 

Remember, his was the inspiration for the two boys stockings.  It had to have that POP of red at the top and bottom.  The red and natural are both burlap.  I zigzagged all the way around both pieces to keep them from fraying.  Then I sewed them down using matching thread.  Then I ironed under the long edges of the muslin and sewed it down right along the edges.


This time with the buttons I got smart!  I measured in from the edge of the stocking 3/4" for the seam allowance, added a little more and placed the buttons.  It was probably 1 1/4" from the edge.  It worked so much easier!  (I'm hearing another "DUH"!  You're saying it...don't deny it!!!)  You're probably asking why I worried about sewing these in now.  Well, let me explain...I didn't want the stitches coming through the lining fabric.  I wanted all the "yucky stuff" covered up under the lining.  Once I did the buttons I finished it off like I describe above and voila!!!


The boys' are DONE!!!
 

Now on to us Ladies!!!  This time I started with mine.


I started with a lacy white fabric I found at JoAnn's.  I loved the details, but it was white...VERY white!  So I tea dyed the whole piece (1/4 of a yard).  It turned out EXACTLY the color of my muslin.  PERFECT!  I ironed under on the bottom edge and sewed it close to the edge on the bottom and within the seam allowance on the top.  Then I used a piece of burlap that I zigzagged around just like my hubby's above.  For the POP of red I used a piece of red ribbon and sewed it right down the middle...I'm covering this up so it didn't matter if the stitching showed. 


I wanted mine to be very feminine so I strung some pearls on a thread.  I didn't want them in the seam allowance because it would be too thick, so I measured and was careful to not add too many beads.  Using a bead needle I stitched them down coming up and hooking back through about every 6th bead or so.  This ensures that it won't droop when it's hanging and that it stays on that line (Gotta camouflage it you know!)  Instead of buttons us girls have flowers.  So I attached lace, ribbon rose with some red beads as the center.  I finished it off and that's #4!

Finally...we're just about done!!!  Believe me, this is how I felt about this point!


I followed the same steps on my daughter's stocking as I did on mine to begin with.  Attached the fabric and burlap...BUT...they can't be exactly the same.  So with hers I used the red ribbon to make a rose for her POP of red.  It was so simple yet feminine, and after 4 stockings it seemed almost anticlimactic.  Hey, it works!


I sewed on the rose, finished it off and DONE!!!  Well...they're all almost done...there's just one more thing I wanted to add, but that's for next week's post!!!


So to recap...here's Mom & Dad's stockings.  They're the more elaborate ones...and the inspiration for the kids' stockings.


And here they all are together.  I cannot wait to see all these Treasures up on the mantle this year...for our Burlap Christmas!!!


Jennifer

Blogs I'm Linking Up With:



Sunday



Monday


Sew Chatty – Etcetorize: Make it Great Monday – Alderberry Hill: Make the Scene Monday

Boogie Board Cottage: Masterpiece Monday – Debbiedoo's: Newbie Party – Flour Me With Love – Holly's Stamping Addiction – Serendipity & Spice: Manic Monday Party – Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips Link Party – The Dedicated House: Make It Pretty Monday – Kathe with an E: You're Gonna Love It


Tuesday


Crafty Texas Girls: Cowgirl Up! Tuesdays – Elizabeth & Co.: Be Inspired – Homework: Today's Assignment - Be Inspired – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday's Treasures – Not Just a Housewife: Linky Party – Sugar Bee Crafts – Today's Creative Blog – The D.I.Y. Dreamer – Sweet Little Gals: Trendy Tuesday – Blueberry Craft & Hobby Time

Wednesday


The Trendy Treehouse: Create and Share – GingerSnap Crafts: {wow me} Wednesday – Southern Lovely: Show & Share – Clean & Scentsible: the Creative Spark – JAQS Studio: Made By ME – Family Home & Life: Wow Us Wednesday – White Lights: Wednesdays Whatsits – Cheap Crafty Mama: Pin it Win it Wednesday



Thursday


The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday – House of Hempworths: Hooking Up with HOH – Momnivore's dilemma: Creative Juice Thursday – Katie's Nesting Spot: A Crafty Soiree – Somewhat Simple: Blog Party – Fireflies and Jellybeans: Show Off Your Stuff Party – Delightful Order: Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party – The 36th Avenue: Show Me Extraordinary – 52 Mantles: Thursdays Are Your Days



Friday


Create <3 Craft <3 Love <3: Pomp Party – French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday – The Grant Life – Jennifer Rizzo – My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday – Serenity Now: Weekend Bloggy Reading – The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday – Stuff and Nonsense: Fridays Unfolded



Saturday


Classy Clutter: Spotlight Saturday – Funky Junk Interiors – Natasha In Oz: Say G'Day Saturday – Too Much Time On My Hands: Get Schooled Saturday – Tatertots and Jello: Weekend Wrap Up Party




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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Burlap...How I love thee!!!

Has anyone noticed the "new" trend???  Burlap!!!  It's everywhere on Pinterest and it's SOOO ABSOLUTELY COOL!!!  Who knew that this scratchy, neutral, used to be feed sack material material would be the best decorating stuff ever!!!  And I LOVE it!!! 

So last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas...when my Sis introduced me to Pinterest...I spent a ton of time looking at Christmas ideas.  I kept seeing burlap decor...tree skirts, ornaments, stockings, decorative balls, ribbons, flowers...soooo much burlap!!!  And I realized I wanted to make myself a burlap Christmas!!!  I decided to start with a tree skirt and stockings for this year, and then in future years add to the decor.  So instead of putting away my tree skirt I kept it in the hall closet (craft closet) as well as one stocking for a future pattern.  The future has come and the tree skirt is now made!!!

Remember a couple posts ago when I lamented being too busy to craft?  Well, crafting days are here again.  Remember this picture?


It's not calling my name anymore...well, some of it isn't at least.  It's now an awesome Burlap & Muslin Lined Tree Skirt...and here's how I did it!

I started off with my old tree skirt and a couple of yards of muslin.  I laid the tree skirt in half over the muslin folded with the selvages together and traced it with just a plain old ink pin.



I cut the half circle out (keeping it in the two layers of course) then ironed it to remove all those pesky wrinkles. 


I then cut up the center fold line to the middle of the circle.  I'd marked it using the old tree skirt that had a split up the center to go around the tree.  It made it a lot easier than measuring.  Use all the tricks you can!!!



I then used the muslin to measure and cut out the burlap.  I folded the burlap in half just like the muslin and used the fold as the center, then I cut up the center just like I did with the muslin.


 
I decided I wanted ties on my skirt to keep it together and keep it from being pulled out by kids or cats.  I wanted 2 different ties so it would be good and secure.  To do that I cut 4 pieces of muslin 9" long by 2" wide.  I sewed up one side and closed up one end.  Then using a knitting needle I turned them right side out and ironed them flat. 



I used about a 1/4 inch seam for the ties.


I sandwiched the ties between the burlap and the muslin in the opening I'd cut up the center.  I put the first set 3 1/2 inches from the rounded edge with the second set 3 1/2 inches in from the first set (make sure you measure it carefully on both sides so they will match up well when it's all sewn together).




Laying out the rest of the muslin/burlap I matched it up all the way around and then pinned it.  It didn't always match up exactly, but close enough worked well enough!  Since I've never sewn burlap before, and knowing how much fraying burlap does, I decided to use a zig zag stitch to sew the layers together.  Using the zig zag ensures the seam will stay strong no matter the material (at least that's my hope!!!)  I sewed it all the way around, but left about an 8" opening to turn it right side out.  Then I ironed it flat to get crisp edges and fold in the opening so I could top stitch it.


Here I used a 1/2 inch seam.


This is the top stitching.  I loved how the thread matched the burlap exactly...and I'd bought it separately for a different project!!!
Here it looks at this point...and where I stopped for the day (Thursday night).


This would be an awesome tree skirt at this point.  I've also seen an idea of stencilling a monogram on the burlap.  That would be cool too, but I wanted a more feminine touch to it.  So I made some muslin ruffles to add to it.  I've seen the ones with layers and layers of ruffles.  They're gorgeous, but honestly it's not practical in my house.  We layer the presents under the tree and so all that work and prettiness would be covered up.  Plus, the presents would end up like Jenga blocks...all over the floor in messy piles toppled by an uneven surface!!!  And I'm sure the cats would be eager to help the tumbling!  So, for me, one row of lovely ruffling works well. 

I decided to go with a fairly wide ruffle.  I cut the muslin in 7" strips.  It was a guess as to how many I needed so I went with 7 (the number of perfection...how can you go wrong!).  I figured if I had extra it would be put to use with stockings later anyway.  Once I had them cut out I ironed them all to get rid of the sharp lines.  But, this project isn't about a perfectly tailored tree skirt.  I wanted it to look shabby sheek (or something like that).  Perhaps it's vintage that I'm looking for...I'm just taking a stab at styles here and hoping I land on the right one.  So once the muslin was all ironed I grabbed it in my hands and ran it up and down one of the pieces to see how I liked it.  I wanted it randomly wrinkly and fraying on the edge.  Here's what I got...




That's it!!! And it was easy to get it that way.  Thankfully my oldest walked in at just that moment...and since it was so easy I put him to work!!!


Doesn't he look thrilled.  I might have given him the starting of a blister...maybe.  Too bad he had nothing to show for it today when he wanted to brag!  But he did an excellent job! 

Now that I had all the wrinkly yumminess I needed to baste the muslin so I could gather it.  I wanted it to gather down the middle so I had ruffles on both sides.  So I needed to baste straight down the middle.  I don't know about you, but my machine doesn't have measurements for 3 1/2 inches.  I find quite often that I need markings beyond what the standard sewing machine gives you...so I made them!!!  Sharpie and ruler and I had what I needed.  Why haven't I ever thought of this before???


Perfect!  I basted each piece at 3 1/2 inches, then began gathering the first one starting at the opening I'd made earlier.  Since I still wasn't sure how many panels I'd need to go the whole circumference of the skirt, I just decided to gather it till I liked the look.  Then I measured the next one off of the first, and so on.  When I started pinning the ruffle on I needed to make sure that I didn't catch or interfere with the ties I'd made, so I measured and lined up the middle of each ruffle 2 1/2 inches in from the rounded edge of the tree skirt.  I pinned on the first ruffle and realized that it ended up reaching a little over a 1/4 of the way around the first half of the skirt.  Having 7 panels I used wise deductive reasoning (or in other words a DUH moment) to figure out that I needed approx. 3 1/2 panels on the one side and it would come out at the end.  It ended up using about 6 and almost half of the 7th panel.  Yep, perfection...almost! 





The blue point is at the edge of the skirt.  So I lined the basted thread up at the 2 1/2" point and it made pinning it in the right place a breeze.  I love having the right tools for the job!!!
Once it was all pinned I sewed the ruffle on following the basted thread as close as I could.  With all that ruffling it's easy to get some of it caught under the presser foot, so I stopped when I removed each pin and used my hands to press and hold the ruffles down and sewed in between.  It worked great!


And suddenly the tree skirt I've been drooling over for months was done!!!  I can't wait to get the tree up this year and add this treasure to it. 





Hopefully soon I can get the stockings done...we'll see what the week holds!!!




Jennifer



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