Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Monday, December 6, 2010

Owl Tree Topper, Houses, & iPhone Cases

This year we bought a brand new Christmas tree, and instead of the usual angel or star atop, I decided to make an owl. I got the idea from my oven mitts, which is the same type of pattern basically but in an owl shape instead of a mitt. I drew out the basic owl shape I wanted, along with the wings that I sewed and stuffed separate before sewing the whole thing together. On the front layer I appliqued big eyes and a beak, and also used these great "buttons" I had which were perfect for the eyes.

The front and back fabric are the same, and each have a layer of batting in between. The inside fabric is just a basic green polka dot, you don't ever see it- but I like that it is fabric and not just batting inside (then the tree branches won't snag the batting when putting it on the tree.) Before sewing inside out, I sewed some bias tape on the bottom so you don't have to turn the edges under, and it gives him a little more character. Since the owl wings had to be on the inside when I was sewing him, I just pinned them in place first so they wouldn't shift around when sewing. Turning him right side out was the most difficult because the bottom opening was a bit on the small side. If I make more of him, I will make it wider next time.

I made this bag just like my one with the three owls sitting on the branch, except used my houses design. I like to use the same fabric on the inside as I used for one of the houses so it all matches. Same with the pocket on the inside.



At the Holiday Market this year, I got several requests from people that wished the smaller wallets were big enough for their iPhones to go in. Originally I made the little owl purses for that, but not everyone is comfortable enough to walk around with a little owl hanging by their wrist, (I might be the only one that is.) So here are the few that I made.