How to sew a Placemat pattern now available!

For all those DIY'ers out there that love to make it themselves, here is your chance to get a sewing pattern to make some of your favourite BonTons Pieces.

A favorite with the kids is my Set the Table Place mat. Encourage learning by doing.  It's a great gift idea so if you're looking for a handmade gift made by you, why not try it.

Available here on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/127769601/pdf-set-the-table-place-mat-how-to-sew?ref=shop_home_feat

Here's some feedback already received on the pattern

I’ve finished it!!! Yours was my first job for the week.  It looks gorgeous.  I will take some photos today and send them through – feel free to use them on your sites in you want.

I had no problems with the pattern – easy to follow

Basic Throw Cushion Tutorial

I love making cushion covers for my home. Here is a quick simple idea to recycle a button up shirt and turn in into something beautiful for the home.

You will need-
1 Button up shirt
Cushion
Embellishments

Measure the size of your cushion. Add 1/2 an inch to the size of your cushion to allow for stitching.

For the back of the cushion - cut 1 piece on the front of the shirt. Be sure to centre the buttons as this will be the cushion opening.  For the front - cut 1 piece from the back of the shirt. 

Embellish the front piece anyway you like or you could leave it plain if the shirt has a nice pattern.  I used a plain shirt so I added some fabrics from my scrap stash and appliqued some letters on it.

On the buttoned piece, stitch about 1 inch to the edge where the buttons are to hold the pieces together.
Unbutton some of the buttons.  Place the 2 pieces right sides together. Stitch all the way around using a 1/4 inch seam.  You can over lock or zigzag stitch the edges for durability.

Turn the completed cushion right side out through the opening. Insert your cushion. Button up.
Enjoy!

 From this Shirt, to this cushion

T Shirt Applique

Did you know that you can create a really cool looking t shirt by adding a simple applique.  I really love to do this for seasonal holidays like Christmas and Easter!

What you need
Plain coloured t-shirt.
Applique Template - Find an image that you like. There are loads of applique templates available for purchase if you wanted to try that. I personally love the designs from http://angelleadesigns.com/
Fabric for the applique
Vliseofix
Iron

What's next-
Get your template and trace it onto the paper side of the vliseofix. Roughly cut out the shape of vliseofix.  Iron onto the fabric you have chosen for the applique. Be careful to put the glue side down onto the wrong side of the fabric. Now cut the image out along the pencil line. Peel of the paper. Now you have a mirror image of the template.
Place the applique onto the t-shirt. Glue side down. Iron onto t-shirt.

Your almost done!
You can blanket stitch around the applique using coloured thread. You could also stitch the applique down using a sewing machine. There are loads of stitches available these days on a sewing machine, you choose!

Here's something I whipped up for a sports carnival! Go Kangaroos!