Remember these patterns are free and I have put them here for you to enjoy. I have not been able to offer free patterns with extensive directions or yardage requirements. Most of these projects are small and with some preparation and planning you should be able to successfully estimate the amount of fabric you will require.
Juniper Owl
It is so fun to see all the variety and personalities of these crazy monster stuffies posted and shared online. There are plenty to find and give you inspiration on Pinterest. This stuffie is one I created for my granddaughter. I’ve also made some stuffies with a zipper pocket for notes and I’ve made sill ones with square bodies and skinny arms and legs. Making these are a great way to use up fabrics in your scrap stash. They do not take much time at all to sew up. I used HeatnBond to add the layers, the eyes, or other appliqued fabric. I first created a front fabric base that I added layers, eyes, beaks, hearts, strips of fabric, or other items of interest, such as buttons or tags. I used various textures to add interest. I dropped my feed dogs to do the rough edge stitching around anything appliqued, such as eyes, beak, or other shapes.
You could easily make up your own design and personality for a stuffie, but if you want you can start by using my owl pattern.
Adorable Chicken Pincushion
I have a made so many chicken pincushions for myself and others. It seems to be a hit for my sewing friends. I have had some on hand to celebrate the acquisition of a new sewing machine or to signify an accomplishment in someone’s sewing journey. I love the shape of this pincushion because I find it easy to grab or return a pin to the cushion. Whatever colors you use will change the character of the cushion! The one pictured here is a sweetie! You can enlarge the size of the square block to adjust the size.
I use sand in my cushions. I have sifted beach sand using a fine kitchen sieve, washed it until no dirt is in the sand, and then soaked in a mild bleach solution to remove any unwanted smells. I let the sand completely dry before using. The fabric and the stitching have successfully held the sand without leaking. I avoid slamming my pincushions to avoid any dust or sand to escape or cause damage to the seams. Our sewing machines would not do well to have any sand or dust getting into their working parts.
I often use these heavy little cushions to weight my fabric to avoid movement, such as slipping off my cutting table, when I am cutting.
Primitive Tree Skirt (Pine Tree)
About a three years ago shopping in northern Minnesota, cabin country, I spotted inspiration for this small tree skirt. This little skirt can be used year-round depending on the fabrics you use. I have mine under one of those adorable four-foot tall artificial pine trees that I leave up and lit with mini lights all year. This skirt measures about twenty three inches in diameter.
I’m sorry I don’t have a photo of the skirt placed under my tree.
Country Star Topper
Upcyled Mittens
I began making these mittens about ten years ago. I have made over 200 pairs. I’ve done many impromptu mitten classes for friends and I have taught mitten-making classes for Community Education. I currently sell my mittens in the Huckberry Shop on Superior Street in Duluth, Minnesota. I’ve seen these mittens sell for $35 to $60 a pair in Duluth and the Minneapolis area.
I have three big storage tubs full of felted sweaters and precut mittens with plans to make many more pairs. The price of wool sweaters in the thrift stores has increased over the years as more people are making up-cycled mittens. Finding interesting buttons that don’t cost a great deal is also a challenge. I have found antique stores will sell vintage buttons for a reasonable price. It’s always exciting to find a sweater with lots of perfect buttons that can be used for the mittens. I have been known to buy a sweater not suitable for mittens (cotton or acrylic) that has 8 – 10 great buttons….harvest the buttons and throw out the sweater.
This mitten pattern is free for you to use for your personal use.
Traditional Tree Skirt
Nearly thirty years ago a neighbor gave me her hand-written directions for making an easy, but beautiful Christmas tree skirt. She had made many, many of these lovely skirts. Depending on the fabric you use and the quilting techniques or designs you stitch, the skirt can look retro or more modern. You can make the squares smaller than the pattern to produce a smaller tree skirt. Have fun playing with this pattern.