Rag Quilts

I love quilts, but  they are very time consuming, and I like quick projects. My problem was solved when I discovered rag quilts! They are sewn with the raw edges out, so you can machine quilt sections on a regular sewing machine, then piece them together. This not only reduces the time involved, it saves a ton of money on paying to have your quilt long armed or hand quilted.

This was the first one I made. I found the pattern in a quilt book at Michaels. I have very limited sewing knowledge, so I was very pleased with the outcome of this quilt.

 This pattern required an applique square. I had never tried this before, but my machine had an applique stitch programmed on it, so it was fairly easy.

 I spent about $75 just on the material for this, but I had a certain color and fabric in mind, and had to go to the big name fabric store to get most of the fabric. Most of it was $5 per yard (yikes).

My sewing machine has a quilters foot. This means that it is free floating and you can move the fabric in any direction. This is how I achieved the meandering pattern, and ivy patterns you see here. The patterns are quilted on these strips before you piece them together, you can not do large sections on a regular machine (that's where long arm machines are used).

This is the back of the quilt, you use the same fabric on both sides when you do your sections, then the quilt looks the same on both sides. You do not use batting on rag quilts, but trust me, this quilt is very heavy.

Here is the backside of the floral block, a result of the applique pieces.

After it is all pieced together, you fringe the raw edges in quarter inch widths. Then you wash 

and dry it in your machine to get the frayed look.

This quilt took me 2 weeks to complete. That was working around my work schedule and 3 kids.

 It's still my favorite blanket in my house.
For your first try, you will want to practice your quilters foot on some scrap pieces, to get the feel for it. If you don't have a quilters foot, you could do straight lines through your blocks, but they won't look as fancy.

 The second quilt shown below was done with my regular sewing foot. I just criss crossed every other  block, and used a program stitch on the largest setting for the alternating blocks.

Here's a rag baby quilt. These are very simple and can be completed in about 3 hours.

I like to use flannel on baby quilts. It's super soft and frays really fun!

This is the reverse side, and the side you will want to lay the baby on, 

because the fringe will lose threads for a long time.

Here you can see the criss cross stitch in the blocks.

Again, this was all done on my machine. The swirly stitch is pre-programmed. 

These make great baby gifts in a pinch! I found the flannel on sale at Jo Ann's, and I stocked up. 

This quilt  only cost me about $4.00 to make.

Old World Basket

I have been wanting to rehab some of my out dated baskets. Since I'm into the shabby chic look, I searched Pinterest for some ideas. I found several people using this product called Gesso to create a foundation and chunky paint feel. I bought mine at Michaels, but I'm sure most craft stores have it. You will find it in the paint isle.
 I'm sure you have old and dated baskets around the house. I have plenty. Most of them have a dark look or country theme, because that's what was in when I bought them. Well, time to give them new life!!

 Here's the original basket...very 'country' looking. First I used straight Gesso, and watered down Gesso to give it an over all coat. Next I randomly brushed some grey craft paint over most of the basket. Then I went back and added more Gesso in areas, for that old peeled paint feeling.

 This is the same basket after I used a little creativity.

 I used an antique brass fleur de lis, added some gesso, teal and black paint. Then I sanded some edges and detail to reveal the brass in spots.

Here you can see where I used a heavier amount of Gesso in spots to give it a more old paint look.

Here is the finished basket. I'm not sure what will go in it for good yet.

This was a pretty simple project. I have about 5 other baskets I'm planning on finishing in a similar fashion.

I purchased the paint, gesso and fleur de lis at Michaels. This basket makeover cost me about $2, a bottle of gesso runs around $7, but I have plenty of it left for numerous other projects.

Small Touches

Recently I found this old metal candle stick at a refurb type store for $6. It was painted solid green, but I loved the detail on it, and just knew I could make it better!

I grabbed some white craft paint, and put on about 4 coats (that damn green was hard to cover).

Imagine my disappointment to find a $1 price on the bottom of this rusty piece :(

I could have saved $5... hahaha

After the white was dry, I rubbed on some black to reveal the detail, and add some scuff marks.

Kind of like a reverse sanding effect. I just love this piece...I originally bought it as a xmas gift, but after I refinished it, I decided it needed to stay at my house.

Here's another quick tip. I took a plain flame-less candle and wrapped some burlap ribbon around it. Then I stuck on 3 paper flowers I made from pre-punched flowers and button shaped brads.

You can buy all this at Michaels, AKA my second home.

Shut the Box game project

When I was little, I use to love to play this number game at my Grandma's house. I never knew what it was called, but it was a gambling game, that we would just play for fun. I decide I wanted my own, but I also wanted it to look shabby chic, and be able to add to my decor as well. So I got creative, raided the craft store for possible solutions, and I finally finished it! BTW, the game is called 'shut the box', it was brought to this country by Englishmen, and it was definitely a gambling game.

The object of the game is to roll the dice and flip up numbers that equal the dice shown. You keep rolling and flipping till you have run out of options. The player with the smallest total left is the winner. (this can be quite addicting, and I find myself playing 'solitaire' a lot)

This is the closed box. It may look really complicated, but I am the queen of short cuts and simplicity!!

supplies: wooden file box from Michaels

              scrap book paper & tissue paper

              thick wire hanger

              mod podge

              felt piece

              jewelry beads

             generic Jenga game from the dollar store

             paint, stencil sponges, & stamps

             drill & drill bit

First I used mod podge and torn tissue paper to line the inside and outer edges of the lid, then I used a black and brown combo paint to paint the outer sides & edge. Then I used a sponge and gently brushed the inside edges and the creases in the paper. Then I used stamps with brown paint.

For the top of the lid, I used a sheet of scrap book paper, and cut out other embellishments from scrap book paper. I used the paint again with the sponge to burnish the edges and surface. I created the label using the French translation for 'shut the box'. Added the stamp in the corner, and voila! 

You guessed it, more scrap book paper. But I wanted and 'old world' look, so I crumpled it all up before I used the mod podge to glue it on. Then I used the paint and sponge again to burnish, I also used the same paint to paint the bottom of the box. I purposely streaked it on, for a worn look. 

For the inside walls, I also used scrap book paper, it's dark brown with a faded damask pattern. Then I glued down a piece of felt, and stamped it.

OK, here's where it gets a little tricky. I used the generic Jenga pieces, and painted them with cream craft paint. Then I sanded the corners and edges, for a worn look. Next I brushed on a green/grey paint combo for texture. Then I burnished it with the dark brown paint. After they were dried, I drilled holes through the sides slightly larger than my hanger rod. After the holes were safely drilled, I used mod podge to glue on the numbers (cut out from scrap paper). Then (my husband) drilled holes in the sides of the box, being careful not to go all the way through. I cut the hanger to the perfect length and strung on my number blocks and beads.Inserted the rod into the side holes, and it's finished!

Now, as far as the amount of carpentry work, this was simple....but don't let me fool you, with all of the detailed touches and steps, it took me a full day to create this. I am very happy with the turn out, and I play it quite often. I can't wait to have company so we can try it out, and seeing how it cost me less than $10 to make this, I should win that back in no time! :)