Finally completed this stash-buster crochet project - work in progress #2

This is what my stash buster project now looks like, after I started it in 2013.  It has now become a throw blanket.  I thought it would be a scarf, but then thought maybe it will be better used as a blanket, as I ended up using all my 8 ply acrylic yarns.  It is truly a muti-colour blanket.

Crochet granny square blanket

Crochet granny square blanket

Sewing up a kindy mat for prekindy class

Materials used:

polyester filling for the pillow insert

Polyester wadding from Spotlight

Cotton fabric - home decor range, Winnie The Pooh designs

The blanket fabric was re-use of old bedlinen, flannel fabric.

The kindy mat carry bag was sewn from recycling old bed linen.

Measurements:   approximately 45" length x 20" width

check this out for where I got my inspirations, though mine looks really homemade.  

http://sewlikemymom.com/nap-mat-tutorial/

Granny Squares crochet blanket

Crochet a colourful granny squares blanket using join-as-you-go motifs method

Crochet shell patterned scarf for a toddler using cotton blend 8 ply yarn

I think I found this free pattern on Ravelry website.  Supposed to be a one yarn scarf. But I used more than one ball of yarn.

It measures around 4" width x 53" length.  I used lime green and off white colour yarns.  It feels really nice around your neck.  My little girl loves wearing it.

This is the source of the scarf pattern, real easy to make. Do try it. 

http://www.examiner.com/article/easy-one-skein-scarf-to-crochet 

One yarn neck warmer using 4 ply soft baby yarn

I think I found this free pattern on Ravelry website.  Supposed to be a one yarn scarf. But I used more than one ball of yarn.

I used a single pale pastel pink colour baby yarn and a small button for fastening around neck.  Acrylic and nylon composition.  4 ply, size 3mm crochet hook.  It feels really nice around your neck.  I love wearing it during the cooler months.  Sometimes I used it as a headband around my head to keep warm.

This is the source of the scarf pattern, real easy to make. Do try it. 

http://www.examiner.com/article/easy-one-skein-scarf-to-crochet 

Sewing a pillowcase dress 3T size

This is a quick 1-2 hour sewing project depending on how experienced and quick you are.  This is one of the first try I had sewing a pillowcase dress using new pre-washed cotton and poplin fabric. 

Start with 44" width cotton fabric, cut a length of 24-26" fabric if you do not want to add a floral hem at the bottom of dress.  Final length is around 22-23".

For straps, I think I used 44" for one single strap, so I cut two 44" length x 3"width to make a narrow strap.

It is made to fit three year old child.

Beginner's sewing project. I did not serge the seams, instead I fold the fabric by 1/4" once, iron it and fold it again 1/4". This way, all my seams are enclosed.  

Some useful sites to follow are: 
http://sewlikemymom.com/easiest-pillowcase-dress-ever/

To have arm-holes cut out, try this site:

http://asmallsnippet.com/2010/09/pillowcase-dress.html

Sewing project: ipad bag

iPad bag or case
http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com/one_shabby_chick/2011/01/an-ipad-cover-tutorial.html

I started mine off as a trial and error sewing project, but thought I share what I found online that resembles most what I did.

Materials used:

All-purpose foot
Sewing machine - Singer 160 and matching colour thread
allow 1/2" seam allowances each side
Actual iPad with plastic case measures approximately 8.5" W x 10.5" L x 1.5" thickness
Outer fabric and inner fabric used - same style and print, 4 pieces of 12.5' x 8.5" or
2 pieces of 25" x 10.5" inner lining (Fabric used was Filligree Textiles Pty Ltd, Noah's Ark uncoated Decor fabric. 100% Cotton
Flap:  2 pieces of 10.5" x 5"
Batting for flap: 1 x 10.5 x 5"
Pocket:  2 pieces blue poplin fabric 7" x 9"

Elastic loop - 8cm
Button - 2-3cm diameter
Batting - cut to same size as the outer fabric and inner lining
I allowed 2" extra for seams and bit of room
Inner pocket:  1 piece of 10.5" x 10".

As it turned out, the pocket was not quite centred.  But, quite roomy to contain earphones, power plugs etc.