Pom Pom Placemat Purse

Hit the 99c store for colorful, round placemats perfect for making these taco-shaped summer clutches!  At first I wasn't quite sure how this was going to happen, but stitching on the zipper was actually quite easy!  The key is using a separating zipper and making sure it measures 1/2 way around the placemat.  Once the zipper is stitched in, the design is all up to you.  I opted for colorful yarn pom poms and a very funky tassel for the zipper pull,  but you could paint, stencil or embroider on your bag....It's easy to personalize them for your own style.  I know you already have a million ideas, too!  

Just have fun and remember to Make Your Mark!

Julie showing off her new bag!

Mama's got a brand new bag!

Taco-rific! 

Watch how to make it here!

STUFF I USED

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Round Placemat from Dollar Tree

Colorful Yarn

Clothespins

Sewing Machine

Separating zippers

PattieWack Pom Pom Maker and Tassel Maker

HERE'S HOW

1.  Separate the zipper and stitch 1/2 of it around 1/2 of the placemat

2.  Tuck the excess toward the inside of the back and stitch down

3. Zip the other side of the zipper to the stitched half for placement

4. Match the ends so that the zipper matches

5.  Starting at the end, tuck the excess and stitch the other half of the zipper to the 

other half of the placemat

6. Use either a matching zipper or contrasting zipper...Up to you!

7. Wrap the pom pom maker about 75 times and then tightly tie the middle of the bundle

*I made 5 in 5 different colors for this bag

8.  Clip the ends and remove from the pom pom maker

9.  Trim the longer pieces to make a perfectly round ball shape

10.  Wrap the tassel maker (with 5 different colors of yarn) about 15 times

and then tie a knot at the very top

11.  Tie more yarn around the neck of the tassel

12. Clip the bottom and remove from the tassel maker

13. & 14.  Glue the pom poms along the edge of the bag with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse and clamp 

in place with clothespins while they dry

15.  Tie the tassel to the zipper pull

16.  Wear in style and let everyone know you made it!

 Style in the BAG!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Funky Patchwork Pillows

Every time I see a funky crazy quilt or patchwork garment, I think of  the song

 "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton.  It used to make me cry when I was a kid, but that's another story.  It might be sole reason I never toss my scraps no matter how small.  Well, since my scrap box was exploding, it was time to use them up and honor the lovely Dolly with a project.  I had a blast making these pillows and reminiscing about all of the fun projects they were used in over the years.  Remember to use even the smallest scraps for your projects...Oh, and always Make Your Mark!

 Color blast!

I even got to use up some old doilies and lace scraps that have been  hanging around for years!

Watch how to make them here!

My Inspiration!

STUFF I USED

Trim scraps (like pompom, ric-rac & fringe)

Poly-fil Pillow Stuffing

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Scrap fabric

Iron & ironing board

Buttons

18" x 18" fabric squares

Sewing machine 

PattieWack Tassel Maker

Colorful yarn

HERE'S HOW

1.  Cut and piece your scraps onto an 18" x 18" fabric square

2.  When you're happy with your design, photograph it with your phone so you have a reference

3. Iron your pieces so they are completely flat

4.  Carefully glue the pieces down one by one making sure all edges are secure

5.  Add various trim scraps to give it some dimention

6.  Place another 18" x 18" square on top and stitch around the pillow leaving a 5" hole

*The hole is so you can turn it right side out and add your stuffing

7. & 8.  Turn your pillow right side out and stuff it with Poly-fil (my favorite stuffing)

9.  Pin the opening together and stitch closed on your machine or by hand

10.  Make a tassel for each corner by wrapping several different colors of yarn around a tassel maker at the same time

11.  Stitch a colorful button on each corner

12.  Tie a tassel to each button and you're done!

My funky trio

Happy Summer!