Friday Favorites No. 480

Is your stash holding up to your sewing and crafting time? I’m picking up an order on the curb today from my local quilt shop. It’s not that I’m out of fabric yet, but I want to support local where I can right now, and they had some new prints and tools I intended to buy but hadn’t gotten around to yet. I need them to still be around when I can go actually wander the aisles again!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

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This garland from Olivia Jane Handcrafted is a great scrappy, no-sew project.

Who couldn’t use a scented stress ball right now? One Essential Community has just the project for us.

This is a good tutorial from Sew Very Crafty, and I can’t believe how perfect the fabric is!

This is a BIG deal. Every class on Bluprint is free from today through April 9th. EVERY class. You do have to register with the site, but only with an email address. The catalog of classes they offer is huge, with over 1300 to choose from. Want to learn a new craft? Hone some skills? Take them up on this offer.

I finally saw real, live fireflies for the first time last summer. They were fun to watch, but not remotely as cute as the ones on this quilt from Pen and Paper Patterns.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Sewing from your Scrap Stash

How are you doing? The current situation has been rough on everyone, but I hope you’re getting in some sewing and crafting time.

For a variety of reasons, I was away from my sewing room for too long, and when I walked back in yesterday it was a relief. The brightness and inspiration I find in there almost always makes me feel better. All I did was cut pieces for a mystery quilt, but that was enough to settle my brain a little. I can’t control what’s going on in the rest of the world, but what happens in that room is all mine.

Since restocking fabric might not be an option for everyone right now, I searched through my projects to see what could be made with scraps. I also tried to confine these to things that can be made without unusual hardware or supplies. I hope you find something here that inspires you!

Embellished Kitchen Towels

Curvy Fabric Gift Card Holder

Four Patch Drink Coasters

Fabric Pentagon Bowl

Fabric Cuff Bracelet

Flip Flop Covers with Ruffles or Flip Flop Covers with Flowers

Tiny Fabric Easter Basket

French Braid Mug Mat

Quick Fabric Corner Bookmarks

Quiet Book of Colors

Mickey and Minnie Coffee Cozies

Quilt-As-You-Go Table Runner

Patchwork Heart Pincushion

Fabric Shoelaces - see an alternative to the tips near the end of the post

Pennant Banner Coffee Cozy

Wonder Woman Mug Mat

Buffalo Check Mug Mat

Bargello Placemats

Pinwheel Square Mini Quilt

Oval Mug Mat

Hair Scrunchies

Hexagon Mug Mat

Crumb Quilt Mug Mat

Fabric Pinwheels

If that’s not enough to keep you busy, check out all of my other sewing tutorials! Stay healthy my friends!

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Friday Favorites No. 479

We’re about to enter into one of the most stressful spring seasons in recent (and even not so recent) memory. Here’s hoping you’re all staying safe and healthy, and that maybe you’ve been able to finish some projects!

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These little cubes from Life Sew Savory would make great gifts for teachers. File this one away for teacher appreciation week or the end of the school year, because they’ll both be here before you know it.

These cake toppers from Aunt Peaches look so fancy, but they’re pretty simple to make.

Any kid with a baby doll would love this bassinet from Sew Simple Home.

This combo from All People Quilt would be great to have on hand for sleepovers.

Does anyone else see Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web on this wall hanging pattern from Annie’s Craft Store?

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Fabric Baskets

I love a project that accidentally leads to something else. I don’t know what it says about me that I have so many that have gone that way, but there it is. In this case, the big basket was the goal. The little basket was a happy accident.

The large basket measures about 12” long, 8” wide, and 12” tall. The small basket measures 5” long, 3” wide, and 5” tall. My baby granddaughter can sit in the big one. Ask me how I know. 😉

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

To make these fabric baskets you’ll need:

• Flex Foam single-side fusible stabilizer

• 1/2 yard or two fat quarters for outside of basket

• 1/2 yard or two fat quarters for lining

• 8 x 4 1/2” fabric for handle

• this pattern template for the large basket (there is no template for the small basket)

The pattern is larger than one sheet of paper, so you’ll need to assemble this one. I added marks that should make it easier to line the pages up.

Cut the following for the large basket:

• 2 basket template from fabric for the outside

• 2 basket template from fabric for the lining

• 2 basket template from Flex Foam

• 8 x 4 1/2” from fabric for handle

• 7 x 3 1/2 from Flex Foam for handle

Fuse the Flex Foam to the wrong side of the outer basket pieces. Fuse the Flex Foam to centered on the wrong side of the handle.

Clip the two outer basket pieces right sides together. Stitch the straight sides and across the bottom with a 1/4” seam (used throughout this project).

Flatten one lower corner so the seams are right sides together. Draw a line perpendicular to the corner, 4 1/4” from the very tip. The line should measure 8” long. Pin the layers together.

Stitch along the line. Repeat on the opposite corner.

Trim off each corner 1/4” from the seam. Don’t throw those corners away! Set them aside and I’ll show you what happens to them in a bit.

Repeat the entire process with the lining pieces, except leave 6” unstitched in the seam on the bottom edge.

Turn the lining right side out. Don’t bother poking out the corners. Place the lining inside the basket so they’re right sides together. Pin the raw edges together. Stitch from the upper side edge of the handle end to the other. Don’t stitch across the top of the handle ends. Repeat on the opposite side.

Turn the handle ends right side out first by pinning a safety pin into the seam and pushing it through tot the bottom.

Turn the remaining basket right side out through the opening. Push out the outer corners.

Hand stitch the opening closed at the bottom of the lining.

I tried pressing the seam between the outside and lining in order to flatten it out for stitching, but with the foam in there that proved pretty ineffective. Instead, roll the seam between your fingers until the lining is fully inside and clip or pin in the place.

Topstitch around close to the edge. Stitch across the top near the raw edges of the handle ends.

Measure 4” from the side seam to the corner. Pinch the corner at the top and clip or pin. Stitch across the corner, about 1/4” from the point, through all layers. Repeat on the other three corners.

Fold the long edges of the handle to the wrong side over the edge of the foam. Press.

Fold the handle with right sides together width wise (short ends together), keeping the long edges folded. Stitch 1/4” from the short edges.

Turn right side out. Center the seam and press.

Tuck the handle ends inside the handle by 1 1/4” on each side. Clip or pin. Stitch close to the ends of the handle.

Add additional rows of stitching on handle as desired.

The large basket is finished. So what about that little one? Grab those pieces you clipped off the corners of the outer basket and lining. I just couldn’t bring myself to toss them.

If you’re just making the small basket, these are 4 1/4” squares, sewn right sides together on two sides, and there’s Flex Foam applied to the outer pieces.

You’ll also need a 4 x 8” piece of fabric from one of the scraps for the handle.

Pin the outside pieces with right sides together on one edge. Sew together. Use the same flatten-draw-sew technique to box the corners that we used on the large bag, drawing the 2 1/2” line 1 1/2” from the tip.

Do the same with the lining, except leave 3” open (not on the seam) in the first step. Turn the lining right side out.

Fold the handle wrong sides together and press. Fold the edges into the fold and press again. Stitch near both long edges.

Pin the handle inside the basket with the ends centered over the front and back seams.

Pin the lining inside the basket on top of the handle with the edges even.

Stitch along the edge. It’s easier to do that from the inside of the bag due to its small size. Turn the basket right side out through the opening in the lining.

Hand stitch the opening in the lining closed.

Push the lining into the basket. You can either roll the seams like we did on the large basket so it’s completely inside, or leave about 1/4” to the outside like I did here. Either way, topstitch near the seam.

Pinch and stitch the corners like the large bag, or leave them as-is for a more rounded look.

Large or small, now all your basket needs are covered!

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Friday Favorites No. 478

Tomorrow is the big day - flying from coast to coast with a six-month-old. Everyone cross your fingers for us!

I thought we’d stick with the green theme for my favorites today. Maybe it’ll bring us a little luck on this Friday the 13th! Do you have any crafty shenanigans planned for next week?

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These cups from Desperately Seeking Gina crack me up. Something about all that bushy facial hair!

So, now I want an Easter basket myself, but only if it includes this dragon from Hooked by Kati.

These frogs from Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons would be fun to make with kids. Or without.

Nourish and Nestle has an interesting method for making decorative moss balls.

Have you seen any of these digitally printed flowers, like this one from Fat Quarter Shop, after someone has skillfully quilted them? I’ve seen several that were amazing!

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Pinch Proof Projects

I’m getting ready to leave on another trip to Washington D.C. this weekend. I have one more scheduled for May before my husband comes home in June. The TSA and I are on a first name basis at this point.

I’m traveling with my daughter and baby granddaughter this time. The little one has an adorable outfit she’ll be wearing for St. Patrick’s Day, which got me thinking about how many projects I’ve collected here that might be holiday appropriate.

It would be a stretch to call some of these specifically St. Patrick’s Day crafts, but it was fun to dig through the archives thinking about green and rainbows. Maybe you’ll find something new to you here!

Lucky Printable Banner

Dammit Doll

Oval Mug Mat

Temperature Starburst Hoop Art

Shamrock Barrette

Fabric Hexie Earrings

End of the Rainbow Mug Mat

Kermit the Frog Magnetic Bookmark

Sunflower Table Runner

Robin Hood Hat

Rainbow Coffee Cozy and Mug Mat

Yoda Bag

Fabric Origami Jumping Frog

French Braid Mug Mat

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Friday Favorites No. 477

I walked into Target this week and the first thing I noticed was mannequins wearing bikinis. That got me thinking about sewing clothing. Have you ever sewn swimwear, jeans, or other clothing with a high-dive difficulty level? I learned to sew on mostly clothing, but I hated it. With a baby in my life again, I’m considering a few simple dresses for her, but the inevitably adorable swimsuit she’ll be sporting this summer will probably come from that very same Target. I know my limits.

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

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This cute garland from Merry About Town looks like it takes a fair bit of yarn, but it would be perfect for spring parties.

I’ve never found a happy solution to storing my roll of batting in my sewing room. This one from Happiest Camper looks perfect!

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Rhonda Chase Design on Instructables has the perfect earrings.

Can you believe this wreath from My 100 Year Old Home is made from pinecones?

I think chickens must be popular again, because I keep seeing them everywhere. This table runner from Annie’s Craft Store is fun.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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End of the Rainbow Mug Mat

The calendar flipped to March and suddenly I was in the mood to make something for St. Patrick’s Day. Of course I immediately thought of green, but a little leprechaun whispered in my ear, and ended up with this End of the Rainbow Mug Mat!

To make this you’ll need:

• fabric scraps in rainbow colors

• black or grey fabric for the pot

• fabric for the back

• fusible fleece

• gold embroidery thread

• these pattern templates

Cut out one of the pot and each of the rainbow pieces.

Transfer the embroidery design to the pot.

I don’t mind the black pot here, but next time I’ll probably go with grey or even the metallic gold I have in my stash. The reason I used the black was that I really wanted to try out my new white pen.

I ordered some Sakura Gelly Roll pens in the Fine size, and they’re amazing! You can just trace the design over a light box, using a light touch, and it comes out very crisp and clear. I’ve been looking for a good solution for embroidering on dark fabric, and this is it.

It doesn’t iron away, and doesn’t smudge like chalk. This is just to show you how unaffected it was by my hands rubbing over it while I stitched.

Anyway, back to the project. Embroider the Lucky design using a backstitch. I used a thick size 8 perle cotton, but something smaller would work too.

Stitch the rainbow strips together in order with 1/4” seams (used throughout this project). Press the seams toward the green.

Lay the rainbow right side down over the the pot, which should be right side up. The short edge of the rainbow should be centered and even with the upper edge of the pot. Stitch together.

Press the seam toward the rainbow. Trim the upper edge to even up if necessary.

Use the assembled pot and rainbow as a template to cut the backing. Make sure to place it right side down on the fabric so they’re opposite each other.

Place the backing pot on the fleece right side up, with the fusible side of the fleece facing up as well. Cut out.

Fuse the fleece to the backing pot. Lay out, right side of the fabric up. Place the front pot over the top, right side down.

Stitch around, pivoting at the corners. Leave 2” open at the bottom edge. Your stitching line should look roughly like this:

Clip off the outer corners and clip into the inner corners. Don’t be afraid to clip a little extra from the seams near the corners so they’ll be sharper.

Turn right side out through the opening. Push the edges and corners out with something pointy. Press, turning in the opening.

Topstitch near the edge of the rainbow with white or other color thread. Switch to black to topstitch the pot.

Don’t you feel luckier just looking at this? Imagine how you’ll feel when your mug is sitting on it!

If you want to go all in on the rainbow theme, make yourself this matching coffee cozy!

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Friday Favorites No. 476

My daffodils are blooming and we’ve had several sunny and almost-warm days this week. I’m ready for spring! I’m finding myself drawn to the brighter colors and flowery projects. Now to just narrow them down to a number I can actually make before the season is over!

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These beeswax bowls from The Empress of Dirt are pretty, and I’m sure they’re especially so with a little candle lit inside.

It’s amazing the extra flair a little piping can add to a project. Hey There Home shows you how it’s done.

We’re planning a permanent guest space in our home we’ll be building in Montana, and I think this luggage rack from Honestly Designed would be a great addition to it.

I have a wire headband that I bought at Pike Place Market in Seattle, but it’s just plain black. Thanks to Ladyface I can make one myself a colorful one!

This rainbow thimble from Fat Quarter Shop is big enough to hold a few sewing or crafting supplies, and will bring a little sunshine to your space!

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Crinkle Bee Baby Toy

My granddaughter, at six months old, has an obsession with all things that make a funny noise. Crinkly sounds are a particular favorite. She’s also developing her ability to grab things, and in an effort to make that something besides my hair, I decided she needed a bee buddy. It was definitely a hit.

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here.

To make this crinkle bee baby toy you’ll need:

• food packaging to use for crinkle material (cereal bag, chocolate chips, etc.)

• yellow cotton fabric

• black-on-black cotton fabric

• white or grey Cuddle or flannel fabric

• white cotton fabric

• solid black cotton fabric

• black and white cotton print fabric

• black embroidery thread

• white embroidery thread

• fusible interfacing

• pattern templates, printed and cut out

To start, cut:

• 2 - white fabric eyes

• 2 - interfacing eyes

• 2 - solid black fabric irises

• 2 - interfacing irises

• 4 - Cuddle or flannel wings

• 2 - black and white fabric stingers

• 2 - 2 x 2” black and white fabric antennae

• 4 - 1 1/2 x 6” yellow fabric stripes

• 4 - 1 1/2 x 6” black-on-black fabric stripes

• 2 - 4 x 6” yellow fabric stripes

• 1 - 1 1/2 x 2” yellow fabric loop

All seams are 1/4” unless noted otherwise.

Beginning with the largest yellow piece at the top, sew the yellow and black stripes into two sets as shown. Press the seams toward the black.

Use the oval pattern template to cut two bee bodies.

Use the same pattern to cut the food packaging. When I was selecting this material, I walked through my kitchen crinkling plastic bags like a crazy person. The one that had the best sound was a bag from Pirate Booty. The thing I didn’t consider was that it was easily torn. When I sewed it into the bee, the needle puncturing it was enough to just shred it. Select something that you can’t easily tear with your fingers, like a cereal bag. I also altered the way it’s inserted into the bee. Crisis averted.

Stitch the two wings with right sides together, leaving about 1 1/2” open on one side. Turn right side out. Push out the seams with something pointy. Topstitch near the edge.

Stitch the two stinger pieces with right sides together, leaving the top edge open. Turn right side out. Press.

Before you decide the stinger is too small, know that my granddaughter noticed it right away on the finished product, and spent lots of time tugging on it.

Fold one of the antenna with wrong sides together. Press. Fold both edges into the center and press again. Unfold everything and hold with the folds vertical. Fold the upper edge to the inside 1/4” and press. Refold the previous folds and press one more time.

Stitch close to the long sides. Repeat with the second antenna.

Follow the same process to fold the yellow loop, but don’t fold the one edge under 1/4”. Stitch long sides.

Stitch the interfacing eyes and irises to their matching fabric pieces with the fusible side facing the right side of the fabric.

Trim the seam to just over 1/8”. Carefully cut a slit in the center of the interfacing only. Turn right side out through that opening.

I’ll be honest here, those little irises are a pain in the neck to turn, but I had two things in mind here: babies love faces and this toy needs to be safe. I wanted to be able to sew them down securely. If you’d rather use a different method, I wouldn’t blame you, just make sure it’s baby-friendly.

Transfer the mouth embroidery design to the bee face. These pens are my favorite way to do that. Stitch the mouth using the black embroidery thread and a back stitch.

Place the white eyes on the face (remember you’ll still need to sew a 1/4” seam around the edge later) and press in place. Stitch around close to the edge.

Place the black irises where you’d like on top of the white eyes. I auditioned them in every possible position before deciding. Press in place. Stitch around close to the edge. Add a knot using the white embroidery thread to each iris to give the eyes a little reflection and life.

You can see how wonky the edges of these eyes are, especially the irises, but the baby doesn’t care, so neither do I.

Lay out the bee, face up. Fold the yellow loop in half. Pin it at the center top of the head with the loop to the inside. Pin the antennae about 1” down on each side with raw edges even.

Stitch over each about 1/8” from the edge.

Place the stinger at the center on the bottom, with the stinger to the inside. Stitch 1/8” from the edge.

Place the wings on both sides, about 2 1/2” down from the top with the wings to the inside. Stitch 1/8” from the edge. The points will stick out as shown below.

Ordinarily I would have pinned all of these pieces along with the back and sew everything at once, but this adds an additional row of stitching, making this even more safe.

Lay the bee back over the face with right sides together. Pin or hold together with clips. With the thickness of the wings inside, I found the clips easier.

Stitch 1/4” from the edge, leaving about 3” open on one side.

Turn right side out. Press, turning in the open edge 1/4”.

Slide the crinkle layer in through the opening.

Flatten the plastic as much as possible inside. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s larger than the space inside at this point, but that’s fine.

Stitch around near the outer edge of the bee. If you’re concerned that enough of the plastic wasn’t caught in that stitching, sew a couple of horizontal rows within the yellow strips.

You can machine wash your bee, but I’d hang it to dry, and don’t iron it. Her dad was glad to see the loop at the top, because they’ll be able to hang it from some of her floor-time toys.

Handing this to my grandbaby was extremely satisfying. She grabbed the antennae, rubbed the soft wings, and pulled on the stinger. She loves the eyes, and the crinkly noise. Her dad covered her face with it, and she giggled hard when he pulled it away. It was worth it all for that! 😍

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Friday Favorites No. 475

People complain about the weeks in early January, after the holidays are over. The weather is blah, there’s nothing happening, the holiday high has crashed. But for me it’s now. That month between Valentine’s Day and the start of spring. I’m fully sick of the winter weather by now (usually just cold rain here) and I’m ready to go outside. I guess I need to just suck it up and head to my sewing room!

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I don’t have a Kindle, but I do like reading books on my tablet and phone. This pillow from Hearth and Vine would make that a little more comfy.

Do you want a beard? Thanks to jesseratfink on Instructables, you can have a beard.

I like the design of this bench from Her Tool Belt. My front porch needs this.

Fandom in Stitches always has something fun going on, and this quilt block is no exception. What’s up doc?

As we add more birthdays to our family, I’m thinking I need this cute way to track them, from ShoobyShackCrafts.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Crafty Staci's Tenth Anniversary Giveaway

Being the calendar queen I am, I’ve known for some time now that the tenth anniversary of my blog was coming up. I debated with myself on a few different ideas for celebrating. I considered getting sponsors for a giveaway or two, but that felt a little impersonal. I’m not against that idea ordinarily, but I wanted this to be special.

I decided I still wanted to do the giveaway thing, but directly out of my own pocket. From me to you. I can think of no better way to say thanks to all of you who let me make this fun thing my job.

By now you’re probably wondering what the giveaway will be, exactly. Here’s the deal: there are five prizes involved and the winners will be drawn at random. The first person drawn will have first choice of which thing they’d like, the second next choice, and so on until all five are claimed.

The first prize available is a copy of the pattern I’m currently working on. This one is going to require a bit of patience. My plan is to release it in March, but April isn’t out of the question. It’s a big one, and I’m very excited about it.

Here’s the quilt it will make (before it was quilted). It’s called Months of Mugs, with a seasonally decorated mug to celebrate each month of the year. I can’t wait to get this out into the world!

Did you happen to see the poster floating around social media at Christmastime that looks like the one in this photo? It’s mine! I’ll let you choose the size for this prize.

Next up is your choice of any two sewing patterns currently available in my shop. You can either select a PDF download or I will mail the printed patterns to you. FYI, the Reversible Pie Carrier is the most popular, and my new Pinwheel Table Runner is really taking off.

The last two prizes are for the bravest among you. The daredevils. If you select one of these, I will send you something I’ve made. You won’t know what you’re getting until you receive it. It will most likely be something you’ve seen on my blog. Or maybe more than one thing. You’re rolling the dice with this one.

Now for the rules. I’m afraid due to shipping this one is open to residents of the United States only. Because I don’t want to leave anyone out, leave a comment in the regular comment section below (not the widget) if you live elsewhere (let me know where) and I will hold a separate drawing for two of my PDF patterns for one international winner.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget and comment below to let me know what your favorite tutorial has been here on Crafty Staci. If you click "I commented" where it says "Leave a blog post comment" be sure to actually comment on the post.

It’s that simple. One entry per person.

The giveaway will close at midnight on February 25, 2020. I will start contacting winners the following day. If I don’t receive a response within three days, I will draw a new winner. Please make sure your email address is correct, and that you check it!

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Friday Favorites No. 474

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you spend it out doing something romantic, or in working on your favorite crafty project, I hope your day is great!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

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I have to admit, I love letterboards, and I never thought of making one. Thanks to Always Expect Moore for the tutorial.

I feel like if I’m ever going to feature something called Hidden Rainbow Unicorn Bath Bombs (great punk band name BTW), like these from Left Brain Craft Brain, it’s going to be on Valentine’s Day.

Remember when I said a couple of weeks ago that I was phasing out recipes from my Friday Favorites? But I also said they’d pop up once in a while? These deep dish cookies from Gluesticks looked too good to pass up, and are a great idea if you’re really pushing it to the last minute today.

This sweet quilt from Moda felt perfect for today, but it wouldn’t have to be confined to Valentine’s Day. Hugs and kisses are year-round!

I love the slightly shiny roundness of these buttons from WildflwrButtonStudio.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Top Crafty Staci Projects - 10 Year Anniversary!

I told you last week that I started this blog on February 13, 2010. Well, I actually went back and found Post Zero, and it actually happened on the 12th. That means that today is literally the day!

It was surreal reading that first post again. No photos, no projects, just me stumbling through an explanation of why I was doing it. Like I needed to justify it somehow…to myself, I guess.

Here’s a photo from the first project I posted, which was on the 13th. Not even sewing or a craft (but delicious, and definitely the best thing I published that first month)!

This started as something I would do as a hobby. I honestly didn’t think it would last long. I would run out of ideas, or get bored, or realize I was yelling into a void. None of that happened. My little baby seed started to grow, and the more it grew the more I wanted to nurture it and the more interested I became.

Which brings us to today. This blog, in combination with the creative adventures it has spawned, is my full time job. More than full time, if I’m being honest. What you can’t see from there is all the failed projects, unfinished ideas, and me running around with my hair on fire trying to meet deadlines. Would I give it up though? Nope. I still love where things are headed, and I have ideas I haven’t even explored yet!

To celebrate today, I’d like to share my top ten most popular projects from the last ten years. These span the decade, and landed here for a variety of reasons. Don’t think this is the end of the celebrating though. Come back next Wednesday for some surprises!

#1 - Fitted Sheet Corner Anchors

Who would have guessed such a utilitarian thing would make it to number one? I guess everyone else has the same sheet-corner-popping issue that I did. I’m happy I could help.

#2 - Craft Show Vendor Apron

I made somewhere around a million of these and sold them online and in local craft shows to vendors, teachers, and makers. I was sewing them in my sleep. I still go to shows sometimes and see people wearing them.

#3 - Reversible Coffee Cozies

This little project enlightened me to the power of Pinterest. Go there and type in “reversible coffee cozy” without my name or anything, and you’ll see this very photo. Nine years after I first made it.

#4 - Quick Fabric Corner Bookmarks

This simple little project has made the rounds. It’s been published in a magazine, and linked to from lots of other sites. I even demonstrated how to make them at my quilt guild recently. I also send one of them out with each paper pattern that’s purchased from my shop or on Etsy.

#5 - How I Prepared for my First Craft Show in 12 Days

The popularity of this post just confirms for me that others have the same panic when they begin the craft show circuit that I did. I’m glad I shared this experience, and I sincerely hope it’s helped someone else.

#6 - Galvanized Tub Sink

This one might be on the list because others want to make a sink like we did from a tub, but I tell my husband it’s because everyone wants to see photos of his muscular arms. Go ahead and look…I’ll wait.

#7 - French Braid Mug Mat

Of all the mug mats I’ve made, this one is apparently the top. I do like it, but I can’t really explain that. I was just thinking about making another one though, so there must be something to it.

#8 - Printable 2019 Planner

I started making these planners for 2017, but it took off in 2019. Obviously this one is no longer good for anything but flashbacks, but I do have a new one for 2020.

#9 - Robin Hood Hats

This project was for a little guy who’s a grown man now. When he was home on leave to pack up the last of his stuff in October, this hat finally made it into the trash. After nine years, most of those still hanging on his wall, we decided it had a pretty good run.

#10 - Key Fob Wristlet

I still make these all the time, and in fact this reminds me I’m due for a new one!

Don’t forget to check in next week for more fun anniversary stuff!

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Friday Favorites No. 473

Next week is a big one for me. I’m leaving on Wednesday to fly to Washington D.C. to spend a few days with my Valentine. I have a segment on Afternoon Live on Monday. But there’s another big event related to my Crafty Staci space here…it’s my 10th anniversary! Yep, February 13th marks one decade since I hit “publish” on my first post. I have a couple of fun things planned to celebrate, so stay tuned!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

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I love the high-low cut of this skirt from Bonnie and Blithe. It’s reversible, if you can find double-sided fabric.

This garland from Lily Ardor was intended for Christmas time, but I think it would be pretty anytime in the right space. You could even swap the stars out for hearts for Valentine’s Day.

The giant cross-stitch is so cute on this sign from Dukes and Duchesses.

I have two books to talk about this week. The first is this guide to making your own t-shirt quilt from my friend Marie Anderson. I have a stack of t-shirts and her book, ready to give this a try. (Be sure to read the foreword! 😉)

How fun would it be to give the gift of a quilt with a matching card? This book from Annie’s Craft Store shows you how it’s done.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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No-Sew Llama Coffee Cozy

When I came back to Afternoon Live, I told the producer I’d like to focus on projects that don’t involve sewing, but use fabric. And yes, I’m considering felt to be fabric. That has proven to be a little challenging, but I was pretty excited when I came up with this one!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

This idea came to me watching one of those kids’ cooking competition shows. They were supposed to be making llama cupcakes, but they were all struggling with it. Don’t ask me how I got from there to coffee cozies - it’s all a blur.

To make the llama coffee cozy you’ll need:

• felt

• cardstock

• black Sharpie

• hot glue gun or craft glue

• llama coffee cozy pattern

Print out all the pattern onto cardstock. Cut out all the pieces. I like using cardstock because it makes them easier to trace, but regular paper will work in a pinch.

Trace all of the pieces onto the felt using the black Sharpie. Use a light sketching motion to avoid pulling on the felt. You’ll need to flip the inner ear over and trace a second. You can ignore the giant mass of flowers and leaves in this photo. It turned out to be WAY too many. I used one flower, one center, and four leaves.

You’ll also need two pieces 3/4 x 1 1/2” for the eyelashes.

Cut out all of the felt pieces. Cut just inside the black line, then flip the piece over so that’s the back, in case a bit of the line remains.

Fringe the eyelashes by cutting along the long edge about 1/8” apart, and stopping about 1/4” from the opposite edge.

Hot glue the inner ears in place inside the ears.

Start gluing the first eyelash by dabbing a bit of glue on the inner corner. Place that about 3/4” below the inner edge of the ear.

Add glue to the rest and curve it up toward the ear as you stick it down. Repeat with the second eyelash.

Glue on the heart nose.

Using the Sharpie, draw on a double-umbrella-handle mouth. Remember the light sketching motion.

Glue the center into the flower. Glue the flower and leaves down near the ear.

Set the cozy aside until that glue has either cooled or dried completely, depending on which kind you used.

Wrap the cozy around a paper cup so it overlaps comfortably - not too tight and not too loose. Glue the overlapping parts, making sure not to glue it to the cup. Slide the cozy off the bottom of the cup.

Since I’m using this for my television appearance, I couldn’t go with only one! To make one like this for Valentine’s Day, cut the ears off the pattern, and add two hearts, one larger than the other. I love the red embossed felt!

This one I made by cutting a large flower, a smaller circle, which I cut notches around, and adding a circle for the center. The leaves on both sides are the same as the llama pattern.

My five-month-old granddaughter actually let me trace her hand for this one, and was fascinated watching me cut it out! I added a small heart, and cut the cozy itself taller at the top, following the same curve, to fit her hand.

If your felt is a little thin, you can make it with two layers. I cut the white second layer just a bit taller at the top and bottom so it would show. When you glue the two layers together, space out vertical rows of glue so it will still bend around the cup.

Last but not least, I thought I should have one that was a little more grown-up. For this one I simply glued a row of buttons down the front.

These would make fun Valentine gifts for your kids’ teachers or coaches. This is also a good idea to hang onto for Mother’s Day! 😉

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Friday Favorites No. 472

I’m making a little change to Friday Favorites this week. For a long time now, this feature has included five items, usually three to make, one to buy, and one to cook. Those numbers vary a little sometimes, but the categories and the total number don’t change. Well, I’m deleting the cooking part.

I’ll still share five things, and food will probably pop up once in a while, but it won’t be a regular thing. That just means one more space for something crafty!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

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Look at this little otter face! Make your own with the instructions from The Friendly Red Fox.

These placemats from Picture Box Blue are really unique. I can’t say I’ve ever had a meal over blueprints, but I like them.

This hidden desk from Ana White is so smart. This would be great for a small space.

There are always a few stragglers on the new calendar train. If that’s you, this DIY version from A Crafted Passion is a good option.

Despite all the admiring I’ve done, I’ve never actually bought a quilt kit. I can definitely see the advantages, especially when the colors are as carefully selected as this one from Fat Quarter Shop.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Patchwork Heart Pincushion

Can someone who sews have too many pincushions? Asking for a friend. Seriously, sometimes I feel like I’ve stashed them all over my house in case of some disaster, kind of like flashlights or something. You know, a disaster that can only be solved with sewing pins.

Side note - if you’re curious where those little gingham embroidery scissors came from, I ordered them here, and they’re one of my favorite things in my sewing room right now!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

Since I’ve made myself yet another, wanna join me? To make this one you’ll need:

• cotton fabric (I used five red and white prints and five red-on-red prints)

• fusible fleece

• your choice of pincushion filler

From the cotton fabric, cut 30 squares that are 1 1/4”. As I mentioned, I used ten fabrics, so I cut three from each. Later you’ll also need a piece for that back that’s at least 5” square. Don’t cut the fleece yet.

Lay out the squares in a heart-ish shape, as shown here.

Stitch the squares together into vertical rows.

We’re going to trim some of the corners, so keep in mind that this is the shape you’re aiming for. Anywhere you see a red triangle is a piece you’ll need to trim.

Find a ruler with a 1/4” mark (on a couple of mine the first 1/4” of mine is frosted - this one is made just for working with 1/4”). Starting with the upper right square, place the ruler diagonally with the 1/4” mark even with the upper left corner and the edge even with the corner at the seam on the lower right. Trim off the corner. The photo explains it better:

Repeat the same process with all the triangles shown on the chart. The edge is always at the seam and the mark at the loose corner. You should end up with this:

Sew the rows together, making sure to match up the seams. Press well. You can trim off the bits of the seam allowance that are sticking out if it bugs you, which I did right after I took this photo.

Use the newly-formed heart as a pattern to cut out a matching backing piece from the fabric and the fleece.

Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of the backing fabric. I added the fleece to help stabilize the heart so it would hold its shape.

Stitch 1/8” from one long straight edge of the patchwork heart. This will keep the rows of stitching from popping out as you turn and stuff it.

Pin the heart front to back, right sides together. Stitch around with a 1/4” seam, pivoting at the corners, and leaving 2” open on along the straight edge you just stitched in the previous step.

Clip off the corners and clip in at the upper center. I found it was easier to see the stitching (and not accidentally cut into it) from the fleece side.

Turn the heart right side out. Push out the corners so they’re sharp.

Stuff with your filler. If you don’t have them already, these hemostats (or forceps) are really helpful with stuffing. You can grab the filler, hold it tight, and put it exactly where you want it.

Pack the filler in until you’re happy with the density. I like my pincushions stuffed pretty firmly, but not so much that I can’t get it closed.

Hand stitch the opening closed, add pins, and find a new emergency pincushion location for it!

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Friday Favorites No. 471

I’ve been working on testing a new pattern this week. It’ll be the first quilt design for my shop, and I couldn’t be happier with the way its coming out. There’s a different block for each month, each one seasonal. I can’t wait until I can show you!

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

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Make decorative spools that look like they’ve been around forever with this tutorial from Home Stories A to Z.

A little fringe adds interest to this tote bag from So Sew Easy.

This giant Scrabble board from Jen Woodhouse would be fun to play, but also great decor for a rec room.

Okay, so they’re not really donuts, but these healthy treats from Hello Wonderful would still be fun to eat.

My daughter, granddaughter, and I went to a craft show before Christmas. It’s a big one locally, and it seems to grow every year. I bought a jar of this lemon poppyseed coconut honey spread from Beeingkind, and yes, it’s every bit as good as it sounds. I also bought a jar of the coffee flavor for my son. Spread over a toasted English muffin…yum.

You can find these, and my previous Friday Favorites, on my Crafty Staci’s Friday Favorites Pinterest board!

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Padded Laptop Bag

Before I left for my trip to Washington D.C. last month, I bought myself a new laptop computer. I knew my husband would be working part of the time I was there, so I wanted to be able to as well. The problem was, I didn’t have a padded bag the right size to carry it in. I wanted something that would only hold the laptop and the charging cord, so it would stay small enough to slip inside my larger carry-on bag. Luckily, it was a problem I could solve.

This bag fits a laptop that measures 13 x 9 1/8 x 3 /4”, which is called a 14”. The bag itself finishes at 10 x 14 1/2”.

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy and point of view, click here. 

To make this bag you’ll need:

• fabric for the outside

• fabric for the lining

• Flex Foam (single side fusible foam)

• medium weight fusible interfacing

• 12” zipper

• 16” zipper

From the outer bag fabric cut:

• two 11 1/2 x 15 3/4” bag body

• one 8 1/2 x 15 3/4” outer pocket

• two 1 1/4 x 3” zipper ends

• one 7 1/2 x 10 1/2” pocket inside bag

• two 3 1/2 x 13” handles

From the lining fabric:

• two 11 1/2 x 15 3/4” bag lining

• one 8 1/2 x 15 3/4” outer pocket lining

From Flex Foam:

• two 11 1/2 x 15 3/4” bag body

• two 1 1/2 x 13” handles

From fusible interfacing:

• one 8 1/2 x 15 3/4” outer pocket

• two 1 1/4 x 3” zip ends

• one 7 1/2 x 10 1/2” pocket inside bag

Fuse the Flex Foam to the wrong side of the inner bag lining and the center of each of the handles.

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the outer pocket, zipper ends, and pocket inside bag.

Lay zipper ends with right side facing down on each end of the 12” zipper. Stitch 1/4” seam across the ends. Press outward. Trim each end as needed so that the entire piece measures 15 3/4” long.

Lay the outer pocket right side up. Add the zipper, face down, with the upper edges even. Top with the outer pocket lining, right side down. Pin the edge well. Stitch 1/4” from the edge using a zipper foot.

Pull the lining up and fold it back behind the pocket. The zipper should be at the top. Press the seam. Top stitch near the edge of the seam, below the zipper.

Draw a line across one outer bag piece, using a removable pen, 2 3/4” from the top edge.

Pin the outer pocket upside down on the outer bag, with lining side facing you and upper edge of the pocket along the line you just drew. Stitch 1/4” from the line, toward the zipper.

Fold the pocket down over the bag. Press the seam down. The bottom edges should be even. Top stitch close to the upper seam, near the zipper. I forgot that step, so my zipper tries to curl a little when it’s open.

Fold the handles lengthwise with right sides together. Stitch 1 /4” from the long edge.

Turn the handles right side out. Press with the foam flat and the seam centered. Top stitch down both sides of each.

Pin the ends of the handles 4” from each side of the bag front and back. Stitch 1/8” from the edge to hold.

Pin the 16” zipper right side down on the upper edge of the outer bag that now has a pocket. Make sure the pin heads are to the outside. Don’t worry if the zipper overlaps the bag.

Pin the lining right side down over the top. Stitch 1/4” from the edge with a zipper foot.

Fold both the lining and outside away from the zipper and press the seam. Top stitch near the seam, flipping the handles up so they don’t get caught.

Fold the pocket for the inside of the bag lengthwise with right sides together. Stitch 1/4” from the edge, leaving 2” open at the bottom.

Clip the corners. Turn right side out and press, turning in the opening. Place the pocket on the remaining lining piece, centered side-to-side and 3” from the top edge. Stitch close to the sides and bottom.

Lay out the remaining outer bag, right side up. Pin the loose zipper edge right side down, even with the upper edge. Pin the bag lining right side down. Stitch 1 4” from the edge.

Open out the outer bag and lining. Press the seam and top stitch close to the zipper.

Unzip the zipper at least halfway. Pin the two lining pieces right sides together. Do the same with the outer pieces. Make sure the edges of all layers are even.

Stitch around 1/4” from the edge, leaving 5” open at the bottom of the lining.

Lightly clip the corners. Turn right side out through the opening. Stitch the opening closed by hand or machine. I usually just zigzag over the edges. Who’s looking in the bottom of your bag?

Stuff the lining into the bag and it’s ready to fill.

What I love about this bag is that I can put it into my larger bag for travel, but it’s also cute and sturdy enough to use on its own. I’m ready for my next trip!

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