Patriotic Decorative Towels

One of my favorite things to embroider are towels. I think decorative towels are a fun, subtle way to add a bit of whimsey to any kitchen (or bathroom). I found this cute star-studded towel in the Target Bullseye and I just new it would be the perfect backdrop for a patriotic themed towel.

Next, I was off to find a fun embroidery file. I found this cutie at CreativeFabrica. She is so sweet! Did you know they have TONS, I mean TONS of embroidery files? They do! I am a subscriber, so I can download as many as I want any time I want, but you can just buy one file, too. They are a great resource for so many digital files such as embroidery, SVGs, PNGS, Clipart, Patterns, Fonts and so much more! If you have the time, go take a look. I bet you’ll find a few things to add to your stash.

Once I found the embroidery file, I used my Hoop Master Mighty Hoop 5.5″ & fixture (my personal favorite size mighty hoop) and hoop to prep it for the machine and then it was super easy to load it on to the Ricoma EM1010 multi-needle machine. You can use your single needle machine as well.

I love to add decorative towels to the powder room and guest bathroom. I think they are an unexpected little touch that is definitely noticed and appreciated.

So grab the file and join me in the tutorial… let’s get started.

Grillfather Apron / Towel Set – FREE EMBROIDERY FILES!

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day Gift idea, I’ve got the perfect solution for you. How about a towel and matching apron like the one picture above.

Check out this denim option as well. I love the leather touches.

I found this cute denim apron in the Target Bullseye section for $5 and the black towels can be found at almost any department store (check the Dollar Tree, too). You could also add the smaller design to a hot pad for a complete set of BBQ attire.

I created this design in the Chroma Luxe software (free with any Ricoma Embroidery Machine). I used my Ricoma EM1010, but you can stitch these designs on a single needle machine, too. The towel design will fit nicely in a 4 x 4 hoop, while the apron design is a bit larger and requires a 5 x 7 hoop.

Hint: If you don’t have an embroidery machine, check out this SVG file and make it with iron on/HTV.

Want to know the best part? I am sharing the FREE digtial embroidery designs. You can get them by clicking HERE.

If you want step by step instructions, check out today’s video below.

 

Vaccination Card Pouch – In the Hoop Embroidery – FREE PATTERN!

This was an unexpected item to make, but also necessary. I now have a vaccination card that I need to carry with me. I wanted to make a simple, in the hoop project to not only protect the card, but that could also easily be added to my keyring, a lanyard or wherever else I may need to show my ID.

I used the Chroma Software that came with my Ricoma EM1010 Multi Needle embroidery machine to create this basic pouch. I love that with the software (free with any Ricoma embroidery machine), I was able to not only create an embroidery file for my Em1010, but also for my Janome 500e single needle machine. You will need a 5 x 7 hoop as the covid vaccination cards are 4″ wide.

The best part is I am sharing the file with you! You can get it for free by clicking the image above. I’ve made multiple formats, so hopefully, you can find one that works with your embroidery machine.

In the tutorial below you will find that I am going to walk you step by step through this project with both a single needle and a multi-needle embroidery machine.

Let’s get started:

Vaccination Card / ID Holder – FREE PATTERN (Cricut & PDF) Easy Beginner Sewing Project


I wanted to create a very simple card holder to put my recent vaccination card in.  I designed this very easy, but practical solution.  I used my Cricut to cut out the faux leather and felt.  If you don’t have a Cricut, keep reading, I’ve got a solution for you.


When I was designing the ID Pouch I wanted something that I could easily clip to a lanyard, my keychain or wherever I might need to show my proof of vaccination.  A simple swivel clip made it so that I could easily add and remove it when necessary.  I also wanted to be sure it would be secure in the pouch, so I added a simple Kam Snap.

I have a Cricut Design Space file to share with you.  If you have a Cricut, you can get the Design Space file by clicking HERE.  No Cricut? No worries, grab the PDF file HERE.  It’s super easy to cut by hand.

If you have an embroidery machine, I’ve got an In the Hoop Version coming right after this tutorial… stay tuned.  It’s so cute!

Sneak Peek: 

Now, for the step by step (non-embroidery) tutorial see below:

 

 

Ricoma Belt Hoop

This is the Ricoma Belt Hoop. It’s one of those tools you didn’t think you needed, until you used it. It makes stitching on anything like a belt, webbing, a sash, etc. so incredibly simple.

As you can see in the photo above, it is so easy to hoop strappy items. I didn’t even need to use stablizer since the cotton webbing is pretty stable on it’s own, but for good measure I just simply added a piece a tear away under the project. When I made the yellow one, I didn’t use a bit of stablizer.

I love how taut the strapping is with the hoop. I used the Ricoma EM1010 multi-needle machine. The only thing I needed to do was flip the left bracket over (watch the video for more info about that).

I thought these would make really cute luggage markers. No matter what color of suitcase I get for a trip, inevitably, someone else on the flight has one similar. Adding a simple luggage marker like these, makes it very easy to spot my bag from someone elses as the conveyor moves around.

They also make great keychains, bag identifiers and handles for bags and pouches. So many fun ideas. They are perfect to top off a gift basket, add as a gift tag or just to make someone smile. I think they would be adorable as a gift for graduation, someone getting ready to travel on a cruise or plane, neighbor gifts, mailman… I could go on and on.

So let’s get down to business and let’s get started.

I’ve also created the same project on the single needle machine. You can watch that tutorial here: Yesterday, I had a few request to show how to make the luggage marker / key fob key chain on a single needle machine, so I did a quick video making the same project on the single needle. Remember, you can almost always make the same projects I make on the multi needle with a single needle as long as it fits within your hoop (most of my projects are either 5 x 7 or 4 x 4) You can watch the single needle tutorial here:

https://youtu.be/ben4gWwHxOo

In the Hoop Card Guard/Gift Card Holder

I think today’s project is so sweet! Who doesn’t love rainbows and personalization? As soon as I saw this adorable project from Parker on the Porch I knew I had a make one (or five). They are just perfect for giving a gift card, keeping track of a school ID, lunch card or vaccination card.

I love the fact that she left room to add a name on the front. I used the Itch 2 Stitch Maze Bean Stitch to add personalizations to my card guards.

They stitched up beautifully on my Ricoma EM1010 multi-needle embroidery machine, but you can also stitch them up on a single needle machine. She designed them to fit in a 4×4 hoop which makes it perfect for most any embroidery machine. I used the Hoop Master Mighty Hoop (a personal favorite).

The Chroma Software (free with purchase of a Ricoma Embroidery machine) allowed me to add the name easily.

So, are you ready to make some of these adorable card guards? Let’s get started.

How to make a Dog Bow Tie – Beginner Sewing

My son and daughter-in-law love having bandanas and bow ties on their dogs. They asked me to make a few, so I thought while I was at it, I’d do a quick video in case you’re wanting to add a bow tie to your dogs collar.

They are super easy, beginner sewing friendly, and they take very little materials.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into the tutorial:

Sublimation Bottle Opener

Did you know you can sublimate stainless steel bottle openers? Not just any bottle opener, but these fun blank openers from Heat Transfer Warehouse.

I think they are great paired with a 6-pack of your favorite beverage as a housewarming gift and/or welcome to the neighborhood. They would also be perfect bachelor/bachelorette parties, Groomsmen gifts, stocking stuffers, football parties, and just fun to have one of your own.

Check out the video to find out how to create your bottle opener.

Customized Labels and Patches with the Glowforge

One of the most asked questions I get on my Youtube Channel is “where do you get your fabric labels?”. The answer is… I make them!

I use the Glowforge to create laser engraved labels on Cork Fabric. It’s a great way to promote your brand, create customized labels and or just add a fun touch to a project.

The Glowforge can be used for so many unique, personalized, custom gifts. If you’re interested in purchasing a Glowforge you can save up to $500 when you use this link.

Find out how I created these very unique labels in just a few very simple steps. There just might be a giveaway involved. 🙂

Over The Collar Dog Bandana – Beginner Sewing Friendly

You have no idea how many photos it took to get one that was even close to showing the cuteness of these over the collar dog bandanas. Let’s just say my dogs are not well trained!

As usual, this is a quick, easy and fun project. It’s very beginner sewing friendly (it’s all straight lines). They are very inexpensive to make, so they make the perfect Etsy shop product.

Seriously Brinkley? This is the best pose you can give me? 😉

I have a free downloadable PDF pattern for these adorable bandanas. One pattern includes all of the sizes from Small through Extra Large. If you’re not sure what size, watch the video and I will explain to you which size to chose for your furry friend. Wrigley and Brinkley are wearing Extra Large.

You can get the pattern by clicking HERE.

Watch the full step by step tutorial here: