Category: Crafts

Patriotic Projects

In this previous month I worked on a few patriotic projects and wanted to share them on my blog.  I love the colors red, white and blue and usually have them decorating my home for the months of May through August.  The colors just seem to fit my summer mood and go with the holidays of Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.

The first project was a star garland that I made.  It was super quick and easy.  I was at Pier 1 back before Memorial Day and found these cool grapevine looking colored stars.  I used some of my red, white and blue yarn and strung them to make a mantel garland.

Stars Garland

The next project I made was a wreath for my front door.  I was at Michaels back in May and saw this tied fabric garland and decided I could make my own and use up some of my fabric scraps.  I then used the fabric garland on a wire wreath that I first covered in burlap ribbon.  I had a few of those stars leftover from my garland project and took some jute twine and tied them to the wreath.

Patriotic Wreath

Below are the photos of the steps to make the wreath.  I used a glue gun to secure the burlap after wrapping it onto the wire wreath and I also put a little glue on the fabric garland after wrapping it around.  To make the fabric garland I used jute twine and just cut 4 to 5 inch pieces of fabric about a half inch wide and tied it to the jute.  It was a great way to use up some leftover fabric in my stash.

Twine Fabric Scrap Garland

Step to make RWB wreath

The last project I made were fabric coasters made from 1 1/2 inch wide strips of fabric.  This is another great way to use up some of your stash.  To make these coasters you will need:

  • a sewing machine
  • 1/4 inch presser foot
  • thread to match project
  • 1 1/2 inch strips of fabric
  • 2 1/2 inch strips of fabric for binding edges
  • 6 inch squares of fabric for backing
  • 6 inch squares of warm and natural cotton batting
  • rotary cutter
  • quilters ruler

The first step is to lay your  6 inch square batting on top of the wrong side of the 6 inch square of fabric. coasters step 1

Then you will lay your first strip of fabric wrong side on batting and right side up – then place your 2nd strip on top of that strip right sides together and sew using a 1/4 inch seam – it is helpful to have a 1/4 inch foot for this step.

coasters step 2

After sewing the strips together onto the batting and fabric backing you will press them and continue to sew strips in this manner covering both sides of batting.  After a final pressing use a ruler and rotary cutter to square off all your edges.  You will have a piece that looks like the photo below – front and back views.  This called quilt as you go strip piecing.

front and back view of strip coasters

The final step is to attach the binding.  For this I used a 2 1/2 inch wide strip pressed in half and sewed it to the wrong side of the coaster with the raw edges even.  Since there were no curves in this coaster I did not use a bias edge binding, just a straight strip.  You can probably google how to make and attach quilt binding for a better explanation of how to do this.

coaster sewing bindingAfter sewing the binding to the wrong side you press it over the raw edge to the right side of your coaster.  You may want to clip the corners a little.  I like to pin it in place before sewing.  Also, you will need to miter the corners by folding them in and pressing them in place.  I then sewed around the folded edge of the binding using a narrow zigzag stitch.  Photos below are of the finished coaster.

Patriotic Coasters

Patriotic Strip Coasters

I like to use these coasters outside on my patio and in my kitchen and living room.   They are super simple and quick to make if you have all of the supplies on hand – they make a good housewarming gift, too.   You can also use this same process to make a matching potholder by using a larger square of batting and backing fabric – like 8 or 9 inches.  For potholders you may want to use the thermal fleece type of batting so they are more heat resistant and even use 2 layers.  I have also used 2 layers in the coasters if you want them to be thicker.  If you decide to use 2 layers you may want to use a walking foot to sew the strips down so they don’t shift.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my projects and get inspired to make something patriotic for the summer season.  If you have any projects you have currently made I would love to hear about them – click on Leave A Reply and tell me about them.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

May KAL – Knit Dishcloths

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I participated in another KAL (Knit Along) for May with my facebook knitting group.  This month the project was for knit dishcloths.  I have knit one or two in the past and also crocheted a few but never really got into making them.  Well, that all changed this month because I have been cranking out these dishcloths regularly for the last two weeks.  Let me tell you they become addictive to make and are so much fun.  I really like the fact that they can be knitted in a day or two and you feel like you have accomplished something that is useful.

Another fun (and addictive) thing about knitting these dishcloths is going to the store to pick out the yarn.  I made all of mine with the LIly Sugar and Cream yarn.  There are so many fun colors, prints, stripes and ombres to choose from at Hobby Lobby and Michaels.   So, I now have a new stash of the cotton yarn for dishcloths.

Below are some photos of the dishcloths I recently made.  I am also including the pattern link to some of them as there are tons of free patterns all over the internet and on Ravelry for dishcloths.

Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth knitted by Kimberlees Korner

 

This pattern for Grandmother’s Favorite Dishcloth is very easy and fun to knit.  It is knit on the diagonal and you increase to a certain number of stitches and then go back and decrease for the other side.  I have knit two of these so far – both only took a day to make of just knitting here and there or while watching an evening TV show.  You could also make it larger by adding more to your increases if you wanted a baby blanket or a lap throw.   My finished dishcloth was approximately 9 inches by 9 inches – a good size.  I believe I knit this one on size 8 needles.  The link to the pattern is here:  Grandmother’s Favorite Dishcloth Pattern 

Waffle Knit Dishcloth made by Kimberlees Korner

 

The one above is the Waffle Knit Dishcloth  <click on link for the free pattern.  This is another one of my favorites and I really like the yarn I knit this one with which I think was called natural stripe.  This one I knit on a size 7 needle and with 40 stitches.  I really like the size of this one, too.

Knitted Dishcloths book  Kimberlees Korner

 

When shopping for more cotton yarn a couple of weeks ago I came across this cute dishcloth book from Leisure Arts at Hobby Lobby.  There are 16 different dishcloths in this book and so far I have knit three of them.  I like the book but I have had to adjust my needle size down and even lower my stitch count to get the cloths to be more square.  The first two I knit were more rectangles than squares – which is okay but it said they were to be square.  I also tend to knit with a slightly loose stitch so that might be another issue.  I really like the book a lot and below are a few of the designs I knit from it:

2 knitted dishcloths from Kimberlees Korner for May KAL

 

Knit dishcloth from Leisure Arts book made by Kimberlees Korner

 

The two in the top photo I sent to my mother-in-law as I thought the colors would go with her kitchen and she likes green.  The bottom one in the browns and tans I kept for our kitchen as my counters are kind of that color.

Stars Dishcloth made by Kimberlees Korner

 

I really like this little red, white and blue one and knitted it in a star stitch pattern.  It is another free pattern I found on Ravelry – Star Stitch Dishcloth.  This one is a little small – only about 7 by 7 inches but I like it.  I got it done in time to use for Memorial Day weekend so I am saving it for that.   The pattern is a 4 row repeat and very easy to do.

Almost Lost Dishcloth Pattern

 

Cotton Dishcloth used as a table decoration  Kimberlees Korner

The pattern above was for a flower type of design called the Almost Lost Dishcloth Pattern.   You can click on the highlighted text for the pattern from the Simply Notable blog.    It was a lot of fun to knit and very simple, too.  I made this one in a day.  I decided to use it as a table decoration under my flower arrangement for now.  Maybe after Memorial Day and the 4th of July I will use it as a dishcloth.  This one was knit in the Lily patriotic print cotton yarn which I found at Michaels.

Petal Dishcloth made by Kimberless Korner

This other flower dishcloth was called the Petal Dishcloth.  It was very similar to the Almost Lost pattern but with a few extra stitches so it is a little bigger.   It is fun to use a flower shaped dishcloth versus the traditional square one.

I am enjoying knitting, and using, all my new dishcloth designs.  These dishcloths are also great for an on the go project since they are small they are easy to take with you and take out and work on if you have to wait somewhere.  They also make great gifts and I plan to knit more up and set them aside to have some available to give away.  One thing I have noticed with them though is that they work a lot better after they have been washed a couple of times.  They kind of need to be broken in and then they wipe off your counters and wring out better.

What projects are you currently working on?  I have started another project for a shawlette for an Art Yarns KAL.  I had wanted to start it sooner but the yarn I ordered for it was on back order and I just got it a couple of days ago.  I will be sharing that in June when I get it finished.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Crochet Yoga-Pilates Strap

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If you do yoga or pilates then you know that sometimes there is a need for a strap or belt for some of the poses or exercises.  Basically this is a long piece of sturdy fabric.  I have a really old purple canvas type of belt that I believe came with a yoga dvd I bought years ago.  I decided it would be fun to crochet my own – this is what I came up with:

Crochet Yoga Pilates strap pattern   Kimberlees Korner

To make this strap you will need cotton yarn – 2 skeins, and a size US K crochet hook.  I just used some leftover yarn from other projects so you will not need the whole 2 skeins – this is a great project to use up some yarn you have laying around.  I have written up a pdf pattern that you can download with directions on how to.  Click on the highlighted text to take you to the pattern.  Crochet Yoga or Pilates Strap Pattern from Kimberlees Korner

I really like how this strap turned out and have used it a couple of times in the past week or two.  It is super easy and fast to crochet.  The cotton yarn makes this yoga strap nice and soft and washable, too.  It would be a great gift for any person you know that does yoga or pilates.   I have a few people in mind that I will be making some for as gifts.

Here are some of the exercises you can do with this strap:

Crochet Yoga Strap Exercises  Kimberlees Korner

There are lots of other exercises you can do, these are just a few to give you an idea.  This strap is also a great stretching and flexibility tool which is what I was using it for in the photos as I did this after doing a cardio and ab workout.  I normally do yoga or pilates without my shoes on.

I hope you enjoy the pattern.  I am currently working on a couple of new knitting patterns that I will be sharing soon.  What projects are you working on?

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

 

Lace and Garter Infinity Knit Scarves

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Lately in addition to my craft and sewing projects I have been knitting a lot.  These lace and garter infinity scarves are one of my most recent designs that I have finished.

Pink Lace and Garter knit infinity scarf from Kimberlees Korner

Infinity Scarf knit by Kimberlees Korner

I really had a lot of fun knitting these by changing the stitch pattern and the yarn from a solid color yarn to a multi color yarn.  The pink one above can also be worn over the shoulders as a little mobius wrap.  The green version is a lot longer and can be wore long or doubled for warmth.  I just love accessories that can be worn different ways.

The pattern for these is a design of my own that I will be adding to my etsy shop soon and on craftsy.  The scarves themselves will be added to my gift collection.

Another knitting project that I am currently still working on is a shawl for a KAL through a knitting group that I belong to on facebook.  KAL stands for knit along, I believe.  I have never participated in one of these before and decided that I needed something new and different to challenge me with my knitting.  When I first saw the pattern called Nymphalidea – which is available free on ravelry (if you click on the highlighted link it will take you to the pattern) I was not sure I would be able to tackle it as it looked “involved”.  But one of the other ladies in the group assured me that once you got going it was pretty simple and it is.  If you can knit, purl, knit two together and yarn over you can make this shawl.

I am still working on my Nymphalidea shawl – below is a photo of progress I made on the first day of starting it.  I am much farther along now and I will share my finished shawl in the next week or two on my blog.  Some of the ladies in the group have finished theirs and they are just beautiful.  I can’t wait to see how mine will turn out.

KAL project Nymphalidea shawl April 2014  Kimberlees Korner

I have also started a new crochet project that I will be sharing a short tutorial for (if it turns out) on my blog soon.  What projects are you currently working on?  Click on Leave a Reply and let me know.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Simple Burlap Easter Wreath

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This wreath idea was something I came up with after seeing all the fun and pretty spring and Easter wreaths on pinterest.  I have actually had this 4 inch roll of burlap ribbon that I got at Hobby Lobby a couple of months ago and it was time to use it for something.

Burlap Easter Wreath  Kimberlees Korner

This wreath is super simple and easy to make.  I think you can easily make one in 45 minutes or less.  Here is what you need to make one:

Supplies:

  • 1 wired frame wreath whatever size you choose – mine was smaller as I wanted it for the back door that we go in and out of a lot
  • 1 roll 4 inch wide burlap ribbon
  • 1 package small plastic easter eggs
  • 1 chenille stem to fasten bow
  • glue gun

Step 1:  Wrap burlap around wire wreath, overlapping edges as you go – glue at back when get to where you began to secure

Step 2:  Glue plastic eggs onto burlap in desired areas – leaving an open area where the burlap overlaps for your bow

Step 3:  Make a bow with the burlap ribbon and secure to wreath with chenille stem – do this where burlap is glued to cover

Step 4:  Glue a plastic egg in middle of bow to hide chenille stem- you could glue more than one if you wanted to

That’s it – you are done – find a place to hang your new wreath and admire it!

Note:  For hanging purposes you may not want an egg in the top center – mine is hanging a little off center because I glued one there – but it doesn’t bother me.

Burlap Easter Wreath  Kimberlees Korner

Below you can see a better view on the door of the size and how small it is.  I didn’t want a really big wreath because we go in and out this door to our patio a lot.  Also, for the purpose of storing the wreath I think this will fit in my Easter storage box that goes in the attic.

back door Easter egg wreath made with burlap  Kimberlees Korner

I hope everyone is having a great start to the second week in April.

Kimberlee

Deco Mesh Olympic Wreath

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As I mentioned the other day in my post, Crochet and Knitting Olympic Style, I have been on an Olympic craft spree lately.  This past weekend I created this really fun wreath from a wire wreath frame and deco mesh that I bought at Hobby Lobby.  This is the easiest project and can be made in less than an hour.

To make a wreath like this you will need:

  • 16 inch wire wreath frame
  • 1 roll 21 inch wide deco mesh
  • 1roll 5 1/2 inch wide deco mesh
  • 1 roll wire edge ribbon
  • pipe cleaners to match your deco mesh
  • scissorsSupplies needed to make deco mesh wreath  Kimberlees Korner
  1. Wrap 21 inch deco mesh around frame using pipe cleaners to secure every 5 or 6 inches leaving the mesh kind of full to hide the pipe cleaners.  When you make it all the way around to the place where you started overlap the beginning a little and secure to the back the end – you will have to cut the deco meshMaking Deco Mesh Wreath  Kimberlees KornerPipe Cleaners to secure Deco Mesh to wreath frame   Kimberlees Korner
  2. Use the 5 1/2 inch wide deco mesh in between the previous wider layers – this layer I just secured at the beginning and end with pipe cleanrersWrap another layer around with 5 1/2 inch deco mesh
  3. Make a bow with your wire edge ribbon – (I am not the greatest bow maker so I am not going to tell you how to make your bow).  Secure bow to wreath using a pipe cleaner or some type of floral wireDeco Mesh Olympic Wreath  Kimberlees Korner

That’s it – All Done!  Super EASY!  I really like how it turned out and I have had it up all week to show my Olympic spirit.  I will also be able to use it for other holidays like Memorial Day and 4th of July.    I have quite a bit of the deco mesh left so I figure I can use it to make another wreath or decorate my patio out back for the holidays I just mentioned.

I am thinking this deco mesh would also make a fun St. Patricks Day wreath.

I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial on how to make this fun wreath.  Please follow me via bloglovin, email or RSS to receive future updates on other craft and sewing projects.  The icons are in the sidebar.

Have a great day!Deco Mesh Olympic Wreath  Kimberlees Korner

Kimberlee

Linking to:
The Olympics, Oh Link Picks Linky Party and Medal Ceremony with Learn Like A Mom, P is for Preschooler, This Ole Mom, and Mice in the Kitchen

Crochet Cowl – Infinity Scarf

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I recently stumbled upon a facebook page called Frayed Knot by Jonna and learned about a crochet challenge.  The challenge is called the Design Wars Challenge .  The challenge is to create a crochet item using Red Heart With Love yarn.  I decided to design a new crochet pattern for a cowl, or infinity scarf, since I happen to have one skein of this yarn in a deep purple color.  Here is the design I will be entering in the challenge:

Crochet Design Wars challenge entry  from Kimberlees Korner

I really like how my pattern turned out and it can be worn long or double wrapped for warmth.  Crochet Cowl  from Kimberlees KornerThe yarn is a worsted weight acrylic yarn and very easy to work with.  I plan to have the pattern available soon in my etsy shop and on craftsy.  I was so excited about finishing it and  I wanted to get it entered in the challenge and share it here on my blog first.

This challenge is for the whole month of February and you can click on the link above to learn more about it if you are interested in entering.

What crochet or knitting projects are you currently working on?  I am crocheting a new infinity scarf that is in Olympic USA team colors.  I got inspired to make something red, white and blue after the opening ceremony and seeing their cool sweaters and hats that they wore.  I have been working on it the last few nights while watching the games.  I hope to have it done in the next few days and share it on my blog soon.  Be sure to subscribe to my blog via bloglovin, email or RSS to receive future posts.  You can find the icons in the sidebar.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Crochet Cape Project

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Recently, I finished this crochet cape project.  I made this cape for my grandmother for a gift for her this Christmas.  She is in her 90’s and somewhat sedentary these days since she suffered a stroke and broken hip back in April.  My mother mentioned to me that she was going to need some things to wear around her to keep her warm this winter as she lives in Michigan, where it is cold in the winter.

Crochet Cape with Ruffle yarn edging by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

Back of Crochet Cape from Kimberlees Korner

I crocheted this cape using Homespun yarn from Lion brand in the color spice.  I love the colors of the Homespun as well as how soft and warm it is.  I really like to crochet and knit with this yarn in the winter months.  The lower edge of the cape features a ruffle yarn as the trim.  The yarn is from Patons and called Pirouette.  I like how some of the ruffle yarns coordinate with the Homespun yarn so well.  I have also made a crochet scarf using the ruffle yarn as just an edging and knit a wrap using the ruffle yarn just on the edge and the Homespun yarn as the base of the wrap.

Ruffle yarn edging on cape by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

This pattern is something I designed on my own.  I do have the pattern available in my etsy shop if you are interested in crocheting one yourself.  Click on the highlighted word etsy to take you to that link.  

I made my grandmother a lap throw several years ago that I crocheted in different colors to go with her couch.  She says she loves it and uses it all the time.  I am hoping she will like this cape, too.  It is always nice to hear when people are using the things you made for them.

What gifts are you crocheting or knitting for people this Christmas?  Click on Leave a Reply and tell me about them.

Have a great day!

 photo dbaf2cd4-dd2b-49d6-8838-f9aff3fe3cbb_zpsca4b926e.jpg

Cork Tile and Denim Project

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I got the idea for making this project from pinterest.  Here is my pin for the project.  The project is just an image and does not link to any site or instructions.  I thought this was a really cute idea and a great way to organize some things so I made two of them.  I am using one on a wall behind my desk and the other on the wall behind my sewing machine.

denim pocket and clothespin wall organizer project by kimberlee from kimberleeskorner.com/blog
denim pocket and clothespin wall organizer project by kimberlee from kimberleeskorner.com/blog

The photo above was the first one I made.  That is the one I am using on the wall behind my desk to hold notes and the pocket holds important info like bills to pay, etc.  I was able to clear a basket off my small desk that was holding some of these things and now I have a lot more usable desk space.

This project is so quick and easy to make.  You will need:

  • cork tiles – 12 x 12 (I got mine at Hobby Lobby)
  • old jeans – cut out the pocket
  • clothes pins
  • glue gun
  • washi tape (optional – for clothes pins)

Basically you just figure out where you want your pocket and clothes pins to go and glue them down with a glue gun.  You can put the washi tape on the clothes pins after you are done if you want to add some color to them.  I guess you could also write on them with permanent marker if you wanted to label them.  I chose to hang the first one I made so I cut a strip of denim and glued it to the back of the cork board.  I used a small cup hook on the wall to hang it with.

cork tile and denim pocket project 2 by kimberlee from www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
cork tile and denim pocket project 2 by kimberlee from www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog

The one above here is the second one that I made and I am using that on the wall behind my sewing machine.  This one is very basic.  I think the clothes pin clips will be nice for holding pattern instructions or photos of ideas I have to inspire me.  The pocket can hold smaller items like a seam ripper, seam gauge or pencils and pens.  This one I chose to use the sticky back squares the cork tiles came with and put it on the wall.

Below are the photos of my projects hanging on the wall in my sewing – office room.  The photos are not great due to the fact that this room needs better lighting – something I am going to be working on changing soon – and also both areas where the cork tiles hang I have a shelf above that area so it gives a shadow.  It gives you the basic idea of how I am using them though.

corkboard denim pocket project hanging on the wall  www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
corkboard denim pocket project hanging on the wall
www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
corkboard denim project - second one made for sewing area  www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog
corkboard denim project – second one made for sewing area www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog

 

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Lace Knit Sleeveless Tunic

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I finally finished the knit sweater I started a few months ago.  I got the first half of it knit pretty quickly but lost momentum on the second half.  Too many other ideas and projects got in the way along with family life.  I am sure most can relate.

navy lace knit sleeveless tunic knit by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner
navy lace knit sleeveless tunic knit by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

I designed this sleeveless knit tunic myself using a lace stitch.  The tunic is very comfortable to wear and looks good layered over a tank.  I think it will also look good as a fall or winter sweater worn as a vest over a long sleeve shirt.

The stitches used for this are:  knit, purl, yarn over, slip slip knit and knit 2 together.  I think any advanced beginner to intermediate can knit this sweater.  The sweater is knit on size US 10 needles so it works up pretty quick – if you don’t stop working on it and do 3 (or more) other projects in between like I did.

The pattern for this sweater is available for purchase in my etsy shop.  The pattern is a digital download and is available immediately after payment clears.  Click on the highlighted etsy link to take you to my shop or there is an etsy icon in the sidebar as well.

back of navy sleeveless knit tunic by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner
back of navy sleeveless knit tunic by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

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