Hello Autumn

Page excerpt from A Cherokee Feast of Days ~ Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Fabric Bowl

   I sewed this fabric bowl using the pattern included in the Tilda book; Hot Chocolate Sewing. I used 100% cotton coordinating fabrics from several Tilda collections and a low loft fusible fleece as an interfacing.

Finished size measures 3"H, 5"W at the rim and 3" at the base of the bowl.  

In the book she provides two pattern sizes for the bowl; large and small, I made the small bowl.

This book is filled with over 20 projects. You can choose from quilts and softies, bags and dolls, pillows and purses. Autumnal motifs include reindeer, mice, apples, butternut squash, ducks, birds, houses and more. 

So grab yourself a hot chocolate and plan your next project!

Sunflowers

This field of sunflowers just up the road from us is a beautiful sight when they're in full bloom around this time of year.

They're such a joy to see. Sadly, their vibrant, bright, cheerful appearance will soon be gone, full bloom typically lasts only about 20 days. 

If you'd like to read about the amazing history of the sunflower you can visit the National Sunflower Association. 

'Native Americans have been using sunflowers for food and medicine for at least 8,000 years, cultivating them as early as 2300 B.C. They utilized sunflower seeds for various purposes, including making flour, snacks, and even medicinal applications.' Visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to read more. 

Boro Sashiko Tea Bag Wallet

Sewed this Boro Sashiko Tea Bag Wallet using  patchwork dobby weave Sevenberry Japanese cotton fabric and did a bit of sashiko stitching.

Used a natural coconut shell button 10mm (0.394") and simple small hair elastic for the closure.

It has four pockets for your teabags and could easily tuck in two more comfortably or include a couple of sugar packets. 

Measures approximately 3.5 x 4.5 inches. Open it measures 7 x 4.5 inches. 

Tea Bag Wallets

At my sewing machine again. Used an old template I made years ago and sewed several Tea Bag Wallets using up some of the sweet Tilda fabrics (Sunday Brunch, Sanctuary & Jubilee) from my stash.

A simple pattern that holds four tea bags You could easily tuck in two more comfortably or include a couple of sugar packets. 

I used natural coconut shell buttons that measure 10mm (0.394") and simple elastic hair bands for the closure.

The finished size measures approximately 3.5 x 4.5 inches. Opened, the wallets measure 7 x 4.5 inches.

If you'd like to make your own, check out Pinterest for a variety of DIY tea bag holders.

Cute gift for your tea loving friends! Convenient to toss in your bag! 

Flex Frame Pouches

A while ago I bought a bunch of these Metal Flex Bands that I finally used in sewing these cute little pouches, including a triangle/pyramid pouch. You'll often find these referred to as pinch pouches, squeeze coin purses, spring frame or snap top and I'm sure there are a few others.

For the black/gray pouch I used linen prints from Around The Bend Collection by Anna Graham. For the other pouches I used cotton fabric collections from Tilda.

The two boxy bottom pouches measure approximately 6 x 5 inches. The lined triangle pouch is 5 inches. 

 For the triangle pouch I was inspired by sewingtimes  where she offers an easy to follow tutorial. For the lined boxy pouches I was inspired by a tutorial here by neige where she provides a simple technique using only two pieces of fabric with the option of making these into drawstring pouches if you'd prefer. 

Mini Komebukuro

I was inspired to sew this Japanese Rice Bag after seeing a short video by Tendersmile Handmade demonstrating a simpler technique. I made a few modifications.

I pieced my outer fabric in a boro style using select cotton fabrics from my stash. The lining and cord casing is a solid color black dobby weave Sevenberry Japanese cotton fabric.

For the draw string I used two pieces of leather suede cording and added decorative colorful glass beads.

The bag has a 5 inch square base and measures 5.5 inches tall.