Wrapping Paper and Cushions

Hi, Pam from Threading My Way...

I saw some fabulous ideas for wrapping presents over at Hopeful Threads. One of my favourites, was Kristy's idea of using a pillowcase instead of wrapping paper.

I used this tutorial from Flower Press to quickly make up a pillowcase. Using the tutorial meant I didn't have to spend time measuring an existing pillowcase. I wanted the pillowcase to be suitable for wrapping a Christmas present, without being too Christmassy, hence the colours I have chosen. For me, the hardest part of making the pillowcase, is making sure the fabric is cut accurately as rectangles. Once that is done, it takes no time at all to sew the pillowcase.

Pop the present inside, tie it up and you have a present within a present. There's nothing to throw away, as even the ribbon can be used again.

I've made a sewn card to go with this present. It's going to be put inside an envelope, before it goes under the Christmas tree. I just wanted to show you the pillowcase with matching card.

What's inside the pillowcase you ask?

Two patchwork cushions for my Mum. I used this tutorial, which I found on The Crafty Christmas Club,  by Too Many Pastimes. This was my first time attempting patchwork, so I'm rather pleased with how they turned out, even though the corners don't match perfectly.

Not so long ago, I shortened a tablecloth for Mum. The patterned squares in the cushions are made from the offcuts of that tablecloth. I hope Mum likes them.

Progress...

Hello lovely crafters its me Stevie from Beebee's Vintage Dress my progress has been slow of late, however I had a surge in energy this week and me and Piemaker managed to make 3 big jars of chilli jam, Chocolate sugar crunch and the mix for Clementine Truffles.

I have also made a pillow for my aunt which I forgot to photograph, and soaps for everyone using the melt and pour method! They are glittery and everything!

I also found this cute little notecard online and put it in a frame for my chocoholic cousin

Thats it so far but hopefully there should be a little bit more to come!

I'm well on my way...

I'm off to a flying start - I'm so loving all the ideas of peoples christmas gifts on this blog.   So glad its up again this year.

Mine are as follows:

Strawberry jam for all the primary school teachers (12 bottles but only 8 teachers) so a few left over for who knows who.   Labels were downloaded from this site: merrimentdesign.com.   They're so NICE !

Place mats for a couple of little girls I know.   One of them loves purple, the other loves green.   I just made them up as I went along, perhaps I'd make them bigger the next time.  Oh well, live and learn!

A make-up brush roll for their mum.  Another one I made up as I went along.   I mean, how hard can it be?  Shown here with scissors and a pencil because I didnt want to contaminate it with my dirty brushes!

And for the same mum, a crocheted tea cosy, again my own design.

And look !   I'm making vanilla essence too thanks to this post, and a more comprehensive one on her blog too many pasttimes.  Thanks so much for the information  I'm loving it - this is only 2 days old and already smells like the real thing.   This was my first time ever with a vanilla bean too.  I just bought a 4 pack off ebay and I was away.  Used two for this, stuck one in the sugar storage container and have another one left for who knows what!

and lastly is a personalised pillow for a few other kids.
I've interfaced fabric and cut out the letters.  Grabbed some bright lime green flannelette from stash.   Now I have to sew them on.

Playing with placement on an old pillowcase.  I'm not sure what I'll do !  (probably the arch? - comments or hints would be great!)

So I'm pretty pleased with progress so far.   But keep those posts coming, because I can always use a bit more inspiration!

lore
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