Weekend Project - Mouse Pad Making!

Whilst sitting at my computer, mouse in hand, trying to think of my next project, my eyes gazed down to my tatty old rubber mouse pad. Perfect. 

Ive been looking for a quick and simple project to use up my scrap fabric. A mouse pad will be perfect. 

Here's what I did:

Materials: 

scrap fabric

Piece of felt

Pins

Iron

Sewing machine

Step 1: Gather the scraps you wish to use. These can be either co-ordinating, random or just a single piece. 

Step 2: Cut your piece of felt to the desired size and shape of your mouse pad- who says they have to be squares? Why not try a heart or flower shape? 

Step 3: Pin the scraps together (patterns facing inside) and sew leaving minimal seem. 

Step 4: Unfold and iron piece flat. 

Step 5: Lay the right side down on felt. Sew around the edges leaving a gap of about 3cm. 

Step 6: Cut excess fabric off. 

Step 7: Turn in the right way and iron flat again. 

Step 8: Zig zag stitch around the outside of your mat, making sure to fold in the open edge. 

Step 8 Ta Da!!!! Your very own hand made mouse pad!!! 

Completely easy and would make a cool gift for Father's Day, Mother's Day, or a gift around the office!! 

Why not make one this weekend! 

Weekend Project- Chilli Garland

So a little while back I told you all how overrun with chillis we are in our house! Yes we have millions of chillis. I have been handing them out to family, friends, neighbours - anyone that will take them really!

 

I used a whole batch for some awesome Sweet Chilli Sauce, and now as the chilli seasom is finishing up, I thought I would make a Chilli Garland with the last lot from the trees - yes Trees, my plants are HUGE.

 

So this will be my first post in my new Weekend Projects series. Here's how I did it!

 

First I filled my bowl with an assortment of the chillis. Red- green - and orange, and all the shades inbetween.

 

 Then I used some embroidery thread and needle to string them all together

 

I like to thread randomly. The colours are amazing. They are so autumn-y!

 

And finally I have strung it up in the garden. It looks great as it spins in the wind! I know technically a garland is usually draped, or a circular shape - but I'm still going to call this a Garland as that sounds better than "Hanging Thing"!! 

**** BIG hint..... Don't touch your face whilst threading the chillies!!! And be sure to wash your hands well after! 

Here's some others I made as well. These ones are with some herbs from the garden. These smell so devine! 

  

 

So this weekend why not make your own garland? Maybe a herb or flower one?

 

Have Fun!