Gift Ideas

Embroidery templates: Thinking outside the box

January 14, 2018 By Gaynor Marshall

I’m sure that like me, you try to get the most out of your creative purchases. We all like added value especially when we work hard for our money. So, when I designed my embroidery templates I was keen to explore other ways to use them. Of course you can use these creative suggestions for any templates that you may already have.

More than just embroidery templates

Alfie, Ethan and Sophie are such cute little characters, I immediately thought they’d look awesome appliqued onto cushions and of course hoop art.

The images can be used as they are but I decided to enlarge them slightly.

The simple shapes of the embroidery templates lend themselves perfectly to the technique of applique and of course they can be further embellished if you wish.

Ethan Whale: easy cushion

I traced around Ethan onto some Bondaweb and ironed this onto my chosen fabric. For my little panels I used 8″ squares of cotton fabric. You can use any size for your projects though, it’s entirely up to you.
I then cut Ethan out and ironed him in place on the white panel.

Using some white thread, I machine stitched around the outside of Ethan close to the edge of the fabric. I used the normal foot on the machine and took my time, taking care around his tail. I did this a couple of times. Don’t worry if you wobble a little with your stitching, no one will see.

I used the same fabric on the reverse of the cushion. Simply stitch the front and back panels together, leaving a gap for turning and then stuff with toy stuffing. Hand stitch the seam closed to finish and enjoy! A simple yet effective little, decorative cushion.

Sophie Elephant: bordered cushion

As with Ethan, I used Bondaweb to applique Sophie onto the white cotton fabric.

I chose a purple mini polkadot fabric for her ear, and I picked out the green in the fabric to stitch the ear close to the edge of the fabric. I also used this colour to stitch around Sophie.

To make the border, I chose the same fabric I had used for Sophie, and cut 4 strips that were 1.5″ wide and long enough to border the main panel.

Stitch the border strips on the top and bottom first, and press in place using an iron.
Do the same on the remaining two sides and trim away any excess.

I chose to use some of the purple mini polkadot fabric for the reverse. Cut to the same size as the front panel and sew together as before.

Alfie Giraffe: appliqued hoop art

This is the simplest project, but I think it’s still as striking and definitely fun.

Follow the steps above to applique Alfie onto the cotton panel.

This time I used a gorgeous turquoise thread to outline Alfie, using the same method as above.
I placed Alfie in a 6″ hoop, and gathered the excess fabric at the back. A quick and easy piece of original art. Bespoke and personal, a unique way to decorate your home.

Wildlife Friends

I hope you like these projects, and if they inspire you to create your own, why not share them on Instagram using #gaynormdesigns, I’d love to see them.

Until next time…

Make a dreamcatcher

November 26, 2017 By Gaynor Marshall

Make a dreamcatcher following my simple step by step instructions.

Read about the history of the dreamcatcher and how you can create your own using a few simple items.

Once you have learnt the basics you can be as creative as you wish with the embellishments you have.

Think outside the box, dreamcatchers make great Christmas tree ornaments too.

However you decide to use yours, have fun!

What is a dreamcatcher?

A dreamcatcher is a wooden or metal hoop decorated with a web of cord or sinew and decorated with beads and feathers.

Traditionally, dreamcatchers were hung on the cradleboards of newborns. They were intended to protect them from bad dreams while they slept and to entertain them when they were awake. The bad dreams were caught on the web and evaporated with the first rays of the morning sun. The good dreams passed through the small hole at the centre of the web and into the sleeper below.

Through their consistent oral traditions the Ojibwe have ancient stories about the dreamcatcher, how it “came to be”, why it is used and how it should be made. They are credited with creating the earliest versions.

It is worth noting that the traditional methods of creating dreamcatchers can no longer be followed exactly as Government laws forbid the sale of feathers from sacred birds and the use of deer sinew for the webs, therefore modern alternatives have been sought.

Where should I hang my dreamcatcher?

Modern babies sleep in cots or cribs so they can be hung on the wall above these, or in the case of older children and adults they can be hung over their beds. In this position it can catch any “bad dreams” in its web, and allow “good dreams” to pass through the small central hole and into the sleeper below.

Are the colours of the dreamcatchers significant?

Colour symbolism does play a key role in tribal culture with regard to many things, however, the colours used in most modern dreamcatchers are for decorative purposes only.

What do the feathers represent?

A feather placed in the centre of a new baby’s dreamcatcher represented the breath or air. As it danced in the wind it was a source of entertainment.

The feather of the owl would be used for wisdom (a woman’s feather), and the feather of the eagle would be used for courage (a man’s feather). Their use would not necessarily be restricted by gender, but the user would be aware of the gender properties they were invoking.

Make your own dreamcatcher

Materials:

wooden hoop
approx. 5m cord
selection of beads
feathers
ribbon
glue

Instructions:

(NB: These instructions are for right-handers so left-handers may want to reverse the directions when weaving.)

Take the cord and tie a knot at the top of the hoop.

Begin to weave the first part of the web as shown below. A variety of looks can be achieved by varying the number of points you use to attach the web to the hoop. Some people have specific reasons for the number of points they use. For example, in honour of Spider woman 8 points would be used to represent her 8 legs.
The entire first row should be loosely woven.

Now continue to weave the web attaching it to the thread this time. As you tie these hitches you should begin to pull each stitch in the web snugly, but not tight.

Continue around the web tying a hitch and pulling tighter each row. You may start adding a bead or two along the way, until you are down to a small hole in your web.

Alternatively, you may just add one bead in the very centre of the web.

At the point you want to finish your web, tie a double half hitch knot over the middle of the next section. Pull tightly.

Attach feathers and beads to the centre of your dreamcatcher, by threading on the desired selection of beads. Secure using a double knot.

The feather can now be pushed through the beads and secured with a dab of quick-drying clear glue. Any excess cord or visible quill tip can be trimmed once the glue has dried.

Additional feathers and beads can be added around the edge of the hoop in a similar way.

Firstly, take two or three lengths of cord, approximately 30cm each and attach as shown.

These cords may be attached at the mid-point, lower quarter and/or the bottom point. The choice is yours.

Thread on the beads and feathers and secure and trim as before.

The finished length is also a personal choice.

Thread on the beads and feathers and secure and trim as before.

Take a piece of cord or ribbon approximately 40cm and tie at the top of the hoop. You can now hang up your dreamcatcher.

Always supervise children when crafting. Dreamcatchers are NOT toys.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you are inspired to create your own dreamcatcher please feel free to share using #gaynormdesigns over on Instagram.

Until next time…

Gaynor xx

Creative uses for machine embroidery.

November 5, 2017 By Gaynor Marshall

Design your own fabric using decorative machine embroidery!

I’m sure you’ll agree, beautiful fabric is one of lifes’ necessities…erm…ok…luxuries; the colour, the texture, the feelings it can evoke, the endless creative possibilities. You’ll also be aware of how expensive good quality fabric can be. I’m not trying to talk myself out of my surface design job, but I want to share a quick and easy way to create gorgeous, unique fabric using only plain fabric and thread.

Decorative Machine Embroidery.

Your sewing machine is a fabulous tool. A very, under-used tool. Most of the time, the only stitch we use is the straight stitch; much needed and very necessary when sewing seams, but not the only one available.

Even if you have an entry level sewing machine, it will have a good handful of utility and decorative machine embroidery stitches. Have a look. If you create a stitch library you will be able to see at a glance the array of stitches available to you.

I have designed a number of projects suitable for using any of the stitches you have on your machine. Use them to create home decor items, either for yourself or to give to a loved one or friend.

Projects.

1. Pincushion

The first project I want to share is a pincushion. Very simple to put together but very stylish and no one anywhere will have one the same style.

I wanted to create a 6″ (15cm) finished pincusion. I cut 2 squares of main fabric and two squares of lining measuring 6.5″ x 6.5″ ( 16cm x 16cm approx.). You don’t have to use lining fabric you could use stabiliser, thin wadding or anything you have to hand for the inside.

Using two contrasting colours makes a bigger impact.
For the turquoise side I used a bright pink thread and for the green side I used a turquoise thread. I find the best thing to do is to draw a straight line with an air erasable pen so that your first row of stitches is straight. It doesn’t matter whether you start at the edge of your fabric or the centre, I prefer to start in the centre and then space the rows evenly either side.

You may choose to sew a random selection of decorative embroidery stitches, or you could mirror them to create a further interesting design feature.
Once both your fabric pieces are complete, place them right sides together and sew them together using a straight stitch, remembering to leave a small gap for turning.

When you have turned the pincushion out and you are happy with the corners, stuff it firmly with toy or craft stuffing. The trick when stuffing anything is to use small pieces until it is firm and evenly filled.
Hand sew the gap using a ladder stitch.

I also rotated the fabric pieces, so that on one side the stitches ran top to bottom and on the reverse they are side to side. Another design feature for a totally bespoke pincushion.

2. Scissor Keeper

The instructions for making scissor keepers is almost identical to those for a pincushion. The only difference, apart from size, is you need to add a piece of ribbon or cord before you stitch the two pieces together.

For reference my scissor keepers measure 2″ x 2″ and 3″ x 2.5″ finished sizes (5cm x 5cm & 7.5cm x 6cm approx). Add 1/4″ (1cm) for the seam allowances.

Carefully tack / baste the ribbon in place before stitching the outer pieces together.

These handy little notions can be made in a variety of sizes for different scissors and can even be used as keyrings.

3. Hoop Art.

Use fabric in an embroidery hoop as a modern style of wall art.

These clever little inventions lend themselves perfectly to home decor. Arrange them in groups of varying sizes to add interest to a plain wall.

To crate your own hoop art, choose the hoop size you wish to use and stitch your fabric. Make sure the piece of fabric you use is big enough to fit inside the hoop.
Trim the fabric piece by using the inner hoop as a template and fix onto the frame.

Display proudly on your wall!

4. Wall Art.

Another idea is to stitch a panel of fabric using decorative machine embroidery stitches and display in a box frame. I created a simple design by using one stitch in the centre of the panel and then I mirrored the outer stitches to form a balanced design.

Use more than one colour and see the different effects you can achieve. A rainbow of colours would look stunning.

I hope you enjoy creating your own fabric using the decorative machine stitches on your sewing machine. Feel free to share photos of your makes using #gaynormdesigns over on Instagram, I’d love to see them.

Until next time…

Gaynor xx

Drawstring Bags: Make Your Own

October 3, 2017 By Gaynor Marshall

I don’t know about you, but I love drawstring bags. They are so handy. They can be made in all sorts of different sizes and used for so many things; from toiletries to toys and everything in between. Use them as party bags for the kiddos or as a gift bag for a friend.

Use Your Stash

The bag I have designed is simple but depending on your choice of fabric it could look very elegant indeed. It could be embellished with buttons or embroidery stitches. In fact, the only limit is your imagination.

You don’t need any particular fabric either, so raid your stash and let’s start making.

The first thing is to decide how big you would like your bag to be. What are you going to use it for?

I decided to cut my fabric 10″ x 8″ (25cm x 20cm) approx. This gives the bag approx dimensions of 9″ x 7″ (23cm x 18cm).

I used the edge of the foot as a seam guide.

Materials to Make Your Drawstring Bags

You will need:

main fabric
lining fabric
matching thread
ribbon or cord approx 5 times the finished width of your bag
sewing machine (optional) as these bags can be stitched by hand if preferred

Method:

Once you know the size you would like your bag to be, cut 2 pieces of the main fabric and 2 pieces of the lining fabric. I cut mine 10″ x 8″. You may like to press the fabric at this stage.

Pin the main fabric to the lining pieces, right sides together.

Stitch along the top edge of the fabric pieces carefully.

Press the seam allowances open.
Take both pieces of fabric and place these right sides together, lining to lining, main to main, carefully matching the seams and pin in place.

Before we can stitch the pieces together, we need to mark the openings for turning the bag the right way out and also where we want our ribbon/cord to be.
Leave a gap of 3-4″ in the seam of the lining so that the bag can be turned inside out easily.

Mark points on both side seams approx 1.5″ (4 cm) down from the top line of stitching and then 1″ (2.5 cm) below that. This will be where the ribbon or cord will be threaded.

Stitch all the way around the edge of the fabric, remembering to leave gaps where indicated. Reinforce the stitches at the sides of the gaps with a couple or reverse stitches to strengthen them.
Before turning your bag out, trim the corners to allow them to sit neatly.

Carefully turn the bag right sides out. Make sure you get into the corners for a neat finish.
Now handstitch the gap in the lining with a simple ladder stitch.

Ease the lining into the main fabric and press gently making sure all of the seams are neat.

After you have pressed the bag, and you are happy with the lay of the lining, top stitch close to the top edge.

After making sure the side seams are lying flat inside, stitch two lines all the way around the bag from the points marked at the seams. It may be easier to draw lines across the fabric for this, but make sure you can remove them easily afterwards.

Take the ribbon / cord and cut two pieces as shown below.

Using a safety pin, thread one piece of ribbon from one side, thread all the way around and bring it back out at the same side. Knot. Repeat from the other side with the remaining ribbon.

Press well…et voila! You have a gorgeous, bespoke, drawstring bag! To close, pull on both ribbons/cords at the same time.

These little drawstring bags are so easy to make, you’ll be making them for everyone! Have fun and if you take any photos I’d love to see them, just use #gmdesigns on Twitter and Instagram and I’ll take a look.

Until next time…

Gaynor xx

Mini Bunting Make Your Own

October 3, 2017 By Gaynor Marshall

Creating a string of pretty bunting is easier than you think.

For years and years the only time you saw bunting was at country fairs or in town centres. I’m not sure who brought it into the realm of everyday useage but I for one am happy they did!

Adding a splash of colour

Bunting is such a simple way to add a splash of colour to any occasion; a garden barbeque; a baby’s nursery; a milestone birthday; a modern kitchen; a festive message. The possibilities are endless, as are the ways to make it.

I thought I’d show you a how to create a string of mini bunting that would look perfect in baby’s room hung across a bookshelf or a window frame…or indeed anywhere you choose!

This mini bunting is another great stash buster as the amounts of each fabric are really small.

What You’ll Need:

patterned/feature fabric
plain cotton for the reverse of your feature fabric
4 different plain cottons
bias tape approximately 165cm/65″ long
thread

Each flag measures approximately 11cm x 11cm (4.5″ x 4.5″) including a seam allowance of 0.5cm or 1/4″. I used my 1/4″ foot.

For the feature flags (those with the pattern) you will need 3 flags for the front and 3 plain for the reverse.

For the plain flags you will only need 2 of each colour.

Method

Cutting Out:

The first step is to create a template. A thin piece of card is easier to work with but if you are careful paper would be fine. Place the template on your fabric and draw around it.

You’ll need two of each of the plain colours and 3 for the patterned fabric and 3 for the back of those. To make the most of your fabric, place the template as shown in the image below. Please remember, if your printed fabric is directional (like mine) you need to ensure you cut out the flags with the print going in the same direction.

Sewing Together:

Taking each flag in turn, place right sides together and stitch down the long sides, starting at the top, pivot at the point and stitch back to the top.
Top Tip: Start sewing a little way in from the top of the flag. This prevents the fabric getting stuck in the feed dogs.

The next step is to trim the excess fabric at the points and a little off the seam. This helps to create a sharp point when the flag is turned right side out.

Carefully turn each flag, right side out and press.

Trim the ears at the top of each flag and you are now ready to attach the bias binding.

Adding the Binding:

Mark the centre of the bias binding with a gentle crease and attach the first flag (a patterned one). I find Wonderclips are a great alternative to pins for making bunting.

I spaced my flags approximately 4cm/1.5″ apart, alternating them as I did so.
Stitch close to the edge of the bias binding making sure to catch both sides.
Turn over at each end and stitch down.

If you make any of your own bunting, feel free to share any photos over on Intsagram using #gaynormdesigns I’d love to see them.

Until next time…

Gift Ideas

More than just embroidery templates

Ethan Whale: easy cushion

Sophie Elephant: bordered cushion

Alfie Giraffe: appliqued hoop art

Wildlife Friends

What is a dreamcatcher?

Where should I hang my dreamcatcher?

Are the colours of the dreamcatchers significant?

What do the feathers represent?

Make your own dreamcatcher

Materials:

Instructions:

Decorative Machine Embroidery.

Projects.

1. Pincushion

2. Scissor Keeper

3. Hoop Art.

4. Wall Art.

Use Your Stash

Materials to Make Your Drawstring Bags

Method:

Adding a splash of colour

What You’ll Need:

Method

Cutting Out:

Sewing Together:

Adding the Binding:

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