The Plush Pouf

I've seen poufs (floor cushions) popping up everywhere! Want to make one? I designed a pattern several years ago, then rewrote it for Shannon Fabrics (June 2013) - and made it out of their Cuddle fabric. It's about 17" tall with a 28" diameter and is filled with polystyrene beads.

What makes this pouf special? I created an inner pouf with a zippered closure so you can refill it with beads when it deflates a bit (which it will). And the outer pouf is more like a slip cover that you can change whenever you want!

I've written about it - part one, part two, and smaller foot stool. 

Here's my friend's cat on the smaller foot stool. I made this for her - her birthday is Flag Day!

And here's a smaller foot stool that is on my porch.





There are three zippers (one on the inner pouf and two on the outer pouf), so you need to be comfortable with sewing zippers. But they are worth every second it takes to make! BTW, I used some bean bag beans from Fairfield World. The smaller the diameter of the bead, the less they compress, so don't skimp.

Have fun!

Boat Pillows

It was a beautiful evening on Keuka Lake! I made these pillows for the boat....makes things just a little more comfortable! Here's what I did:

Cut my Shannon Fabrics Terry Cloth (nice stuff!) to the size I wanted. This is a standard size pillow.

I marked the center points and....

...embroidered the anchor design (that I got from Embroidery Library).



I used polyester embroidery thread so it wouldn't fade.

Rounded the corners using my new favorite ruler from Creative Grids. Seriously, I cannot believe how much I use this ruler!

Added the piping. Love this foot!

Almost done! Next I cut poly-nylon-whatever fabric for the back. I cut up an old duvet cover that I got at Target...again, I wanted some fabric that could handle the sunlight. I didn't have regular plain white fabric, so I used what I have!










Rather than buy a pillow, I purchased a package of pillow protectors and filled them with some stuffing from some old pillows and a package of Fairfield Fiberfill Poly-Fil. The Poly-Fil is a lot nicer than what was in the old pillows, but I didn't have enough to fill two pillows.


Once I was done, I shoved the inserts into the pillow covers. I then washed both in my front loader washing machine....then dried them to fluff up the fiberfill. Just like new!








I made two pillows and will probably make a few more!

Happy Flag Day

Happy Flag Day and Happy Birthday to my friend Alysa! What a great day to be born. 

Last year I made her this little American flag-inspired foot stool. It ended up being a little Cat-In-The-Hatish...which isn't too bad, because her cat loved it!


Want to make a bigger version of this? Download my free Plush Pouf pattern. Just head over to Shannon Fabric's My Cuddle Corner!

Cuddle Confident: Sewing Plush Fabrics

Check out my recent Sew Mama Sew post on sewing plush fabrics!

Cuddle Travel Tote

I just finished up a guest blog project for Shannon Fabrics - and am giving away two goodies! One is the free pattern for this travel tote! And...the other? A chance to WIN the travel tote. Just head on over to My Cuddle Corner for more information!

Are You Getting Too Comfortable?

I was sitting in a department meeting this week (I teach at a local university) and we were discussing the fact that our classes often push students to think in ways that make them uncomfortable. The specific class we were talking about was one on how the media shapes our reality. It got a little heated when one of my colleagues said that he lets students know that they can leave if they aren't comfortable with the topic...and about five of us (me included) interrupted by exclaiming, "We teach college! It's our job to challenge them and to make them uncomfortable!"

I don't teach media-related courses, but I do teach the class that no college student wants to take: public speaking. So yes, the nature of the course is to be uncomfortable, to recognize that feeling, and to get through it. I'm fun but stern - and my students know that I will guide them through it. When they say, "I'm nervous." I reply, "You and everyone else. You can start now." It's amazing to see them transform over the course of the semester. And when we are done, most exclaim, "It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be!" So being uncomfortable forces them to grow. Welcome to life.

So what does this have to do with sewing? How many of us out there are getting too comfortable with our sewing? We make 100 versions of the same thing. We stick with what we know. We avoid trying new fabric or a new technique. We are totally comfortable with being comfortable.

I can's say that I ever been described as "comfortable." I've lived in five states and traveled to fourteen countries. So yes, I push myself out of my comfort zone. I've done the same with my sewing. A few years ago I proclaimed that I wasn't a quilter. I now quilt. And there's been a pay-off - every time I sew, I use techniques I've learned from my quilting friends. I wasn't into making clothes...until...I took a class on sewing knit fabric. It's transformed my sewing. And a few weeks ago I made a tote bag out of Shannon Cuddle (plush fabric) and faux leather - two completely different fabrics. The tote is awesome (the free pattern will be available for download sometime in the next few weeks) and I learned a lot about those two fabrics!

Here's my take - don't be afraid to try something new and possibly screw up. In higher ed, we refer to mistakes as "teaching moments." Something can be learned from every adventure; so explore all that sewing and quilting has to offer. You might like it and you might not, but I truly believe that we all get something wonderful out of being uncomfortable!

Sew Mama Sew Pet Bed!!

I think I hit the big time! My pet bed pattern is now available for download at Sew Mama Sew! YAY! And don't you just love the Shannon Cuddle? Super soft. So soft that my cat actually loved posing for the picture!

Be sure to head over to Sew Mama Sew for the free downloadable pattern!

Cuddle Travel Tote: Don't Be Afraid

I've been playing around with fabric over the past few days - fabric that I don't work with too much. One is Cuddle (from Shannon Fabrics) and the other is faux leather. I've been able to get a handle on the Cuddle, but the faux leather was a different story. 

I like working with different textures because it adds dimension and a sense of style. I'm still tweaking the pattern - I want more faux leather to show. Once I'm done with this, the pattern will be posted on Shannon Fabric's My Cuddle Corner.

BTW, the faux leather wasn't difficult to work with! So don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. What sewing fear have you overcome?!

The Cuddle Composition Book Cover - FREE PATTERN!

If you are a little nervous about sewing a plush fabric like this beautiful Cuddle from Shannon Fabrics, I recommend starting with this project! 

The Cuddle Composition Book Cover involves just a little fusing and a little sewing. Because I've included interfacing in the project, the Cuddle won't stretch and shed as much as it usually does. This is why it's a great project for anyone!

To access the free pattern, visit the the Shannon Fabrics blog, My Cuddle Corner! Once you make one, add your pictures to their Facebook page!

Want more Cuddle Patterns? Check out the Beach Ball, The Cuddle Cube, and The Plush Pouf!

Have a great day!

The Plush Pouf Free Pattern

The Plush Pouf measures 18" tall with a 28" diameter

When I had my studio, one of the most popular sewing classes I taught was pouf-making! I designed this pattern with an eye toward practicality. Most pouf (patterns) don't include a zipper, which can make refilling and cleaning a problem.  And some are stuffed with fiberfill, which flattens. This FREE PATTERN is for making a pouf that is zippered and filled with bean bag beans! 

The one above is made from Cuddle (Majestic) by Shannon Fabrics. Yes..stretchy, plush, minky cuddle! I've made several poufs (as have my friends) out of home dec, but this fabric was a game-changer for me. It's beautiful. And the contrasting faux leather/vinyl band is the icing on the cake. 

I'd rate it an intermediate to an intermediate+ because Cuddle can be tricky to sew, which makes putting in the zipper a bit more work. I think it's worth the effort!

Are you ready to give it a try!? You can read more about it and download the FREE pattern on Shannon Fabric's My Cuddle Corner blog!

You can purchase Shannon Fabric Cuddle at local quilt shops and online at Fabric.com

Cuddle Beach Ball!

I've been playing around a bit more with the Shannon Fabrics Lagoona Cuddle. While I was on Pinterest, I spied this cute beach ball pattern from The Purl Bee! I found my next project!

Like some of you, I often approach patterns a bit differently because I want things to sew together easily. So I downloaded The Purl Bee pattern, cut out the medium sized beach ball, and made some changes. Here's what I did differently:

I traced the pattern on to the smooth side of some Pellon Sheerweight fusible interfacing. I used a Sharpie Fine Tip permanent marker.

Then I fused them to the Shannon Cuddle. I put a dot at one end so the direction/nap stayed the same.

I cut them out and laid them so all the dots were at the top.

Using a 1/4" seam, I sewed them together, two at a time. A walking foot makes this process go quickly. Also, make your stitches longer - like 3mm.

Then I sewed two together. I did pin - which I normally don't do. But it really helped keep things aligned. Remember...dots at the top!

When you sew them together, start at the seam at the top.

Line up the seams at the bottom then sew down until you reach the seam. And always backstitch!

 You'll end up with these.

Join them together (dots at the top). And start sewing from the top. As you approach the bottom, line up your seams and continue sewing all the way around, stopping when you are about 1" to 1 1/2" from where you started.

Turn right side out through the hole.












 

And stuff. Firm. Fairfield Polyester Fiberfill is the best - it doesn't get bunchie!

Using a ladder stitch, sew the opening closed. I love the ladder stitch!

And now on the top of the beach ball. I found a wine glass with a base that was about 2" - I have a collection of these wine glasses from wine tasting events on Market Street in Corning! YUMMY!



I placed the glass on the smooth side of my sheer weight interfacing...

...and traced the base with a mechanical pencil. I did a rough cut. DO NOT cut out the circle - you don't need to! YAY!


You'll need FOUR pieces of interfacing. I originally only cut two - but changed my mind and cut two more.

I fused four pieces of interfacing to the back of four pieces of Shannon Fabrics Silky Satin Solid!



Satin can fray a bit, so this is why I fused interfacing to all four pieces.

Put the satin RST and pin. Then sew RIGHT ON THE LINE that you drew.

This is a bit of a pain, but I sew a few stitches, needle down, lift the foot, rotate, sew a few stitches...etc. Always backstitch when you begin and end. SEW ALL THE WAY AROUND!

NOTE: You can see here the one side didn't have the interfacing. I fused it on afterwards.




Slice ONE side of the fabric. Trim off excess (so you have about 1/4" seam alowance).

Turn right side out through the slice.

Using a turning tool (like a knitting needle), flatten your circle and press.

VIOLA! See how great the front looks! And no one will ever see the back!

Pin to the top of the beach ball with the nice side up (obviously!).

Sew the circle to the beach ball. I worked the needle through and in between the seam area. It hid my stitches.

DONE! Now repeat on the other side!

This would be really easy to make into a "taggie" just by randomly adding ribbon. Here it is with my three Cuddle Cubes!





Be sure to LIKE Shannon Fabrics on Facebook!

The Cuddle Cube! Free Pattern!

OK, I don't have kids or grand kids, so when Ellen at Shannon Fabrics sent me this adorable Lagoona Cuddle by Dana Brooks, I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. I am working on a purse for Ellen (!) and might make myself a beautiful Cuddle Scrunchie Scarf. Then I got the news! My niece announced that she was pregnant and expecting a baby girl! So I went to work on these cute Cuddle Cubes! 

The main problem that most Cuddle beginners make (including me!) is dealing with the stretchy nature of this fabric. It's also a bit fuzzy - but nothing that a good vacuum and a lint roller can't handle! But the lovelies at Shannon Fabrics have some provided us with a series of Cuddle Tips and Tricks! 

And...I've added one of my own tips: fusi-knit fusible tricot interfacing! 

So on to the pattern! I've made it easy - with very little pinning!!

There are three sizes: 4 1/2", 3 1/2", and 2 1/2". I've provided instructions to make the big Cuddle Cube (final measurements 4 1/2" square) because it's the easiest to make. Once you've mastered the pattern, the smaller ones will go together quickly.

OVERVIEW: Because of the nature of Cuddle, I cut my squares 1" bigger, fuse interfacing, then cut them down to size. This reduces shedding and curling, and minimizes stretching.

SUPPLIES:

• 6 - 6" squares of Shannon Fabrics Cuddle
• 6 - 6" squares of Fusi-Knit interfacing (or any lightweight fusible interfacing)
• 12 - 4 1/2" pieces of satin and/or grosgrain ribbon (or any non-toxic ribbon. I avoid painted ribbon.)
• Fairfield Polyester Fiberfill
• Hand sewing needle
• Walking foot
• Schmetz 80/12 or 90/14 Universal needle
• Fabric marker

DIRECTIONS:

CUT, FUSE, and MARK:

1. Cut Cuddle fabric and interfacing. 

2. Determine the stretch of the fabric and interfacing. Each stretches more in one direction. Place Cuddle WRONG side up with stretch going vertical. Place Fusi-knit on top with stretch going horizontal. Follow manufacturer's directions and fuse from the BACK of the Cuddle. 

By fusing the stretch in different directions, you've stabilized the fabric!



3.  Cut Cuddle to 5" squares.

4.  Place each square wrong side up and mark the middle on the back of each piece. I put them on my mat and mark a bunch at once.

5. When you are done, the back of each should look like this:



















SEW!
All seams are 1/4"! Backstitch when you begin and end seams.

1. Fold ribbon in half (WST) to make a loop. 

2.  Using the following layout, place the ribbon on the RIGHT side of the Cuddle so the ends of loop are on marks. Your ribbon should extend about a 1/4" off the fabric. Pin ribbon in place, then baste using a 1/8" seam.

3. Using a fabric marker, write the corresponding number on the back of each square. This makes things less confusing! 

4. With RST, sew #2 to #3, then #3 to #4 as shown. Make sure you backstitch!

A walking foot makes this go a lot easier! You can also extend your stitch length to about 3 mm.

5.  With RST, place #1 on top of #2 as shown. Note the placement of the ribbon! Line up at marks.












 
6. Sew along the edge as shown (with #1 on top). STOP with your needle down when you are 1/4" from the end of #1. Your needle should be near or in the seam that joins #2 and #3.





7. Make sure your needle is down and lift your presser foot.





 





8. Take the lower left corner of #1 and rotate it so that it lines up with the bottom right corner of #3. Line up your marks. Fiddle and fuss with it a bit. 

NOTE: once you've rotated #1, it should extend 1/4" below #3!

9. Continue sewing until you are 1/4" from the end. Stop with needle down, and rotate #1. Fiddle and fuss a bit and line up marks. Everything should line up (it will NOT be 1/4" longer!).






10.  Repeat for #5 - I found it easiest to place #5 on top of #4 with ribbon on the top and the right side. Double check placement. With RST and #5 on top, sew #5 to cube. 

When you are done, it should look like this!



Only one side to go!







11. With RST, place #6 on any of the side pieces, lining up and pinning at one of the mid points. This will be where you start sewing. TIP: I place a pin on my marks, so when I rotate, I line up the pins - this is easier than trying to find the marks.

12. With #6 on top, start at the mark and sew around the cube, stopping and rotating as you did before. 

When you rotate the last turn, take a few stitches and stop and backstitch. 



13. Turn right side out through the hole. 

14. Stuff with Fairfield Polyester fiberfill. It should be firm.

 
15. Using a ladder stitch, hand sew opening closed. 


Here's the tiny one-it's 2 1/2" square! Be patient when making these. Once they are stuffed, any wonkiness goes away! 

To make other sizes, cut Cuddle and interfacing 5" (and fuse. Then cut down to 4"). To make the smallest size, cut 4" and fuse, then cut to 3".


Want this in PDF? Download the free pattern in my Craftsy Pattern Store!

Want to learn more!? LIKE Shannon Fabrics on Facebook!

You can purchase Shannon Cuddle on Fabric.com! 

UPDATE: And be sure to check out the Cuddle Beach Ball I made from the free pattern at The Purl Bee!