pentagon colorful fabric balls... tutorial

Yesterday I went to a two-year-old's birthday party. There were five little boys there all under the age of 5 and lucky for us adults we get along as well as the kids do. It was a remarkably enjoyable afternoon. I brought one of these fabric balls as a gift and quickly realized that it is not only a hit at our house but across the board- from the 1.5 year old to the older boys balls are hands down the favorite toy. This one is soft but still very playable so it can be kicked and thrown without too much concern about the whole house coming down around an active indoor afternoon of playing.

Below you'll find all the info about how to make your own! Enjoy, JM

What you'll need:

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printed pattern piece (below)

4-12 different scraps of fabric (preferably decor weight**)

sewing machine

iron

stuffing (preferably cotton or wool)
needle and thread

 seam allowance: 1/2"

**I found using a slightly heavier weight fabric made the balls much smoother and more substantial once stuffed, but I would think it depends on the size ball you're making. If you made anything smaller than my "small" ball quilting-weight should be just fine. Another option would be to use interfacing on any smaller scraps you had lying around to beef up the weight- and that way you could mix and match different weights of fabrics too. 

 

 my samples:

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large ball: about 7" across 
(the pattern piece 5" across at the widest point and 3" on side)

small ball: about 5" across

(the pattern piece 4" across at the widest point and 2.5" on side)

 Click on the pattern image above to pull up the full sized file, then just drag it to your desktop and print it at 100% on a piece on card stock for the larger ball or 80% for the smaller size. Re-size the pattern to create additional sizes. 


Cut out 12 or more pentagon pieces. You'll need to use at least 4 different fabrics in order to make sure no like pieces touch, but even that's a little tricky, I like to have at least 6 different fabrics. I cut out far more than 12, that way I could create the design as I sew it together.

With right sides together sew two pieces together using a seam allowance of approximately 1/2" (doesn't matter the exact measurement- just be consistent). Most importantly make sure you to start and stop your seam at dots marked on the pattern. There is no need to mark the fabric, but be sure keep it in mind while sewing.

Open your two pieces and...

place the next piece on top.

Sew the next two pieces together stopping as soon as it's met up with the first seam.

Open up the three pieces...

and fold the next two pieces with edges lined up and sew across, remembering to stop the seam at the mark on the pattern, not all the way across the piece.

These three pieces will not lay flat and as you continue to add pieces to this you'll begin to create the curve of the ball. Continue to work this piece until you've made the whole ball or...

sew six pieces together to create a half ball: one piece in the center and five- one off each side. By doing it this way it's easier to plan your overall design.

When fitting two halves together remember to fit each "point" into a "valley" where two pieces meet to continue the over all pattern.

Sew all but one (for the larger) or two sections (for the smaller) and turn the ball right side out. 

Stuff with cotton, wool, or kapok. Sometimes it can be difficult to find an alternative to poly-fiberfill but it's worth the hunt. Natural fibers are not just better for the child who's lucky enough to play with this hand-made toy and the environment, but they're also much healthier to work with. If you're having trouble with finding a source check out quilt batting, it's readily available in organic cotton and wool in most quilt shops. Just be sure to pull it apart as you stuff so that the work doesn't get too lumpy. It should be stuffed firmly but still have some give when squeezed. Hand sew the opening closed. Iron the whole ball after it's stuffed.

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 TIPS

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Consider sewing in tags, tabs, a twill tape "handle", or a noisemaker to make it even more playful and interesting for the little ones.

When fitting larger pieces together make sure that the edges of each pentagon line up and fold all seams away from the center. This insures that the pieces will fit together properly and with as little puckering as possible.

With this pattern puckering occurs when edges are over-sewn or seams are tacked down by stitches on the wrong side. To keep all the work as neat as possible try to have all seams met (but not pass each other) and keep seams "untacked"  like the image below:

CONGRATULATIONS YOU'RE DONE!

Three Pin Cushion Pattern...

Finally!
I've been working on this pattern for over a week and it's finally all finished. I'm so pleased with how it turned out. The PDF is packed with info including, 10 pages of easy to follow instructions, tons of images, 3 video tutorials made just for these projects, detailed material list and shopping guides, tips and how-to secrets, and of course all Pattern Pieces and details you'll need to make three simple and timeless pin cushions.

Depending on the success of this pattern, perhaps more are to follow?!
Check out all the details and order your own here.

recent project - foot mail

We're all still pretty sick here, but I've been meaning to post about this project Claude and I made last week...
We have so many friends and family who live out of state, so I try to send out little bit of mail whenever I can. This is the first "art" project Claude and I made together and it was remarkable how excited he was in seeing his foot on the page. In fact, I had to get the red stamp pad I used to ink his foot out twice. Each time I put it away he rolled across the room to grab it. Ohhh yeah, he doesn't crawl- he rolls everywhere. To finish the cards I just used pen and sepia ink to write out "hello" a letter on each toe. Such a simple but very sweet note to find in your mailbox. What could be better than a "Hello" from a baby?!

almost

The fact that I'm posting a photo with my misshapen toes is proof of my overwhelming excitement for my first pair of socks- which are nearly finished. This has been my evening project for the last two months- I keep trying on the one that's finished for inspiration to keep working. I don't know about anyone else, but knitting pairs of things is really hard for me. I finish one and can't help but feel like- "Ok, I know what that's going to look like- who wants to finish the other now?". Anyway... I'm feeling quite happy with these and even more happy that I'll be able to actually wear both socks very soon.
Here's the pattern which is just as easy as it's name implies, and the Finullgarn Yarn I used (in colors 4887 sea green and 406 wheat heather).

Kits!

I've had so many emails about kits, so I just wanted to post all the info here.
I'm just now unpacking from my trip and I'll begin sorting through my supplies and putting together new kits next week... I just have to procure a few extra items and tweak the instructions ... then they'll be all ready to ship!

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Snowman Clip Ornament Kit: $45
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Is there a greater joy than building a snowman? He stands throughout the winter as a reminder of a day well spent. In this project you’ll use the highest quality fabrics and materials to make an heirloom that will mark this season for generations.

What you'll need:

paper scissors, sewing scissors, needle nose pliers/hemostats, large* and medium sewing needles, felt glue, hot glue
(* special upholstery needles available for $4... I use these all the time and supplied them for the workshop. While they are not mandatory for this project, they're really hand for this and soooo many other situations.)

What's included:

Instructions with detailed images, felted & dyed 100% wool felt, cotton chenille stem, excelsior stuffing, pin eyes, red nose, candy cane and bottle brush tree, vintage ornament clip, black card stock, waxed & heavy sewing thread, black & colored floss

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Bundle Up Birdie Shadow Box Kit: $38
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In the heart of winter, we all have to bundle up to keep warm. This little shadow box will be a sweet reminder that while it's cold outside, our little nest is always warm.

What you'll need:

1 or 2 decorative papers, 1 8.5”x11” solid card stock, glitter or mica, paper scissors, sewing scissors, pinking sheers, exacto knife, ruler, paper and felt glue, hot glue, foam brush or paintbrush, bone burnisher, hole punch, twig or small branch, sanding block.

What's Included:

Instructions with detailed images, 3”x4.25” paper mache box, patterns, 2 cotton pompoms, onyx bead eyes, 100% wool felt, black card stock, acorn top

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If you'd like to place an order for one or both of these kits, email me with your address and let me know how you'd like to send your payment. I accept paypal (send funds to jennifer@Jmurphybears.com), check, or money order. Shipping is $6- priority mail.
Thanks!

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How To: Fall Pin Cushion

I love making these simple Pin Cushions. They're perfect as a token of affection for a special seamstress in your life or (even better) for yourself. They're quick and easy enough to whip up and you'll be surprised by how durable and useful they are... I always need a place to hold my pins and needles!

Start out with two colors of wool felt. I prefer 100% wool to the wool blend because it holds up SO much better - and what good is a pin cushion if it's not going to wear well?!

Cut one circle out of each color. Any size will do but I like to start out with something around 5-6" in diameter. Fold the circle in half and cut it into two halves... fold each half again and quarter the pieces.


Sew the same edge of each of the four quarters together so you have four halves. I lay them out this way to insure I sew the correct edge- because there is no "right" side to felt it's easy to make an error in this step.


Pin the four halves together with the seams turned in opposite directions (so they'll lay nice and flat). Sew across.


Pin the two circles together with the seams turned in the opposite direction. I like to make them with the colors alternating or with them lined up - Either way it will look great (see samples for both versions).


Sew the circles together leaving an opening for stuffing. Turn.


Stuffing options: If you're planning on using this pin cushion, stuffing it with sand is the way to go. Fine sand like that used for sandblasting can be really nice and will continue to sharpen your needles with each poke but, it can also weaken the seams causing your pin cushion to spring a leak. I often opt for play sand (used for sand boxes). It's clean and the slightly larger granules are not quite as hard on your seams but alternatively not quite as good for your needles. Trade offs.
If you're planning on using the pin cushion more for show but still want it have utility, opt for a mix of excelsior and sand. This is the route I usually take. It's the best of both worlds- Heavy enough to feel substantial while being easy to work with.

I never stuff pin cushions with fiberfill or cotton. While it's so easy to use unfortunately it binds inside the pin cushion in a way that will not allow your pins and needles to push in with ease... now that's just no good. Who wants a non-functioning pin cushion?



With embroidery floss add all of your embellishments.


Making small decorative stitches around the center seam of the pin cushion also reinforces the strength of the seam. You can vary this look by employing any type of stitch you like.

Here are directions for a variety of simple stitches

and
more complex two color stitches.

You can add lots of embellishments to these basic forms. I love to add little felt pom poms, small cut circles, buttons, running stitches etc. ... there is no right way: Have fun!

Sources
Wool Felt:
Purl Soho sells small bundles

Sand:
Hardware Stores

Excelsior:
American Moss by Fiberex is sold at most craft stores like Micheals

Polka Dot Quilt Tutorial

I posted about the baby quilt I made some time ago and had so many people interested in how I made this polka dot quilt, I decided to share my pattern with you all. There are so many ways you could ad-lib with this basic pattern... I'm excited for you all to make your own. It's a little time consuming(those curves)but for those who aren't too fussy about it being perfect, it's an enjoyable quilt to work on. Each Square/Circle feels like a little accomplishment and before you know it, you have enough for a a whole quilt. Enjoy!

Below you'll find all the directions...
*please note... this is the way I made it and I'm no pro quilter- so if you can think of a better way to make your quilt, do so! I don't doubt there are countless ways this could be made "better"... but I'm just smitten with my version!

My 36" x 44" Quilt
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Background color approximately 1 yard
31 6"x6" scraps of different fabrics
Backing Fabric 1.5 yard
Binding 1/3 yard

Click on the image above to pull up the full sized file, then just drag it to your desktop and print it at 100% on a piece on card stock.

For each circle/square you'll need four of each piece: "background" and "circle". I wanted a fairly simple quilt which would be calming but visually dynamic, so I choose the same "background" for all the pieces of my quilt.


When cutting, depending on the size of the fabric I'm using, I'll either draw out the pattern directly on the fabric (making sure to cut off most all the marks) or I just pin the pattern on layered fabric and cut around. This second method is obviously much faster but creates more wasted fabric and doesn't work if you only have a little bit to work with.



Once you have all 8 pieces for one circle/square cut, iron or finger press each piece in half.

To sew the pieces together, I find it easier to pin the "background" piece on top:

1. Begin by lining up the press lines, and pin.
2. line up edges and pin each side
3. work the pieces together pinning until it seems to lay nicely
4. sew with about 1/4" seam allowance (I use the width of my presser foot as my guide)
   

Iron flat with the "background" folding towards the "circle" piece.


I'm not much of a perfectionist as you can see, so my pieces aren't perfect squares nor are they free from puckering... This might drive some people absolutely crazy. If you'd be one of those people, you might want to work on the pattern a little to get it just right, or cut down each square to be perfectly "square" before you move onto the next step.


Pin the seams together first. I don't worry too much if one end is longer then the other. If it is slightly to big on one side, I just cut it down once it's stitched. The most important thing is to line up the arching seams so you have a nice continuous circle once all the pieces are sewn together- fudge the rest.


Press both of the pieces in the same direction. Once you put right sides together the seams will lay in opposite directions.

Sew the last two pieces together and press... Viola, you have your first circle! Now, only a few more to go.

My finished Quilt had 31 circles.
7 rows-
4 rows of 4 circles
3 rows of 5 circles

I finished the edges with about 4-5" of the background fabric... I choose another polka dot for the backing fabric and used a organic cotton batting. Once the 3 layers were pinned together, I tied the quilt in the middle of each of the circle and quilted a few by hand for good measure. I liked the combo of the little yard balls and hand quilting for a baby- I remember loving those little yarn balls as a kid.

Best of Luck on your project...
Fin