More holiday crafts on a budget with this FREE Applique eBook Pattern!

On this third day of December, we are all twirling 'round and 'round thinking about the fun projects and activities we have on our TO DO list for the holidays.  As I try to find ways to slow down and really enjoy this special season of the year, and actually be able to focus on the true meaning of our Christmas celebrations, I have found a few ways to keep me on track.  It is so easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by all of the advertisements that bombard us with messages about the many new gadgets we "need."  Especially for those of us who have been hit hard by this year's recession, it can get downright discouraging.  And who wants to be sad and depressed during this most joyous time of the year? 

One of the ways that I have been able to combine my creativity with my budget-conscious, frugal lifestyle is to refashion items that we either already have, or by taking thrift store treasures and upcycling them into something new.  I know, that doesn't work for everyone   ;o)  but there might be a few times in our lives when we don't have many other options, so it is kind of fun to beat this challenge!  You know, as moms, we can do just about anything we need to do to make life "happen" for our families if we don't give up in exhaustion. 

So, in an effort to bring a bit of sunshine into the frequently cloudy days of worry that come to all of us, especially during the holidays, I'm going to be offering a few FREE tutorials for craft and gift projects that you can make for your family.  Actually, there are several sewing and craft projects that will be fun and frugal, but I have also pulled out some of our favorite traditional recipes for holiday goodies that I will be sharing here over the next few weeks.  And before you know it, we will all have a delightful, simple, and wondrous Christmas, without all the guilt of overspending or the anxiety of how to give a meaningful gift to those we love. 

Don't let the television or the mall tell you what you "need."  And let's try to help our children remember the TRUE meaning of the holidays .... gifts are fun, there's no doubt about it, and in many ways we can emphasize the idea of gift-giving as a symbol of how much God has given to us . . . .but when we get all caught up in the giving and getting, it just creates way too much anxiety.  Especially for moms, since we seem to be the ones who worry about it the most! 

Here's a little project that is really easy to create,  and you can make it out of scraps of fabric and trims (sometimes I even use fabric from clothing that the kids have grown out of) and a plain, white t-top or a pair of too-short jeans.  New or already in the dresser drawer . .. . or pick one up at the thrift shop in town.  The only equipment you will need is an iron and a pair of scissors, and your sewing machine.  Simple!  

Here is the supply list: 

*  Scraps of fabric 

*  Scraps of fusible web (to adhere your design to the garment while stitching) 

*  Matching or coordinating thread 

*  Various scraps of ribbon, rick-rack, lace, etc. 

*  A selection of buttons or beads  

*  Scissors, sewing machine, iron

Just take a minute to post a comment below and I will email you the complete eBook pattern that includes the instructions for learning to applique onto a t-top, or jeans or whatever you want to stitch your design on to, as well as  pattern pages for additional holiday designs.  This eBook is a complete applique pattern, 28 pages total.  

I am offering all of this FREE to my readers, as a way of saying "Thank You" and as a way, hopefully, to encourage you to make the most of the holiday season, even if you are in the midst of financial struggles as so many of us are.  

PS Here's another way you can use the FREE applique patterns in this eBook!  Just stitch your favorite design onto the bib of a pair of too-short overalls and stitch on a twirly skirt!  Have a wonderful Thursday and celebrate the JOY of the season   ;o) 

 

 

Comments

[janelle ethridge]

What a great blog post! THanks so much!

[Annette]

I love that twirly skirt idea! I'm looking forward to the recipes!

[Andi]

I am so happy I have found your blog, it's wonderful. looking forward to trying out your ideas

[Mar Chaney]

I love that. You make me believe I could do this myself!!

[Nicole]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for the inspiration and encouragement! Have a beautiful week :)

[Darlene]

Thank you for your kindness and grace.

[Veronica]

What great ideas!!Loved looking at your site (first time here). Hope to redo some things with your ebook ideas.

[Angela B.]

Love your ideas! Looking forward to using some of your designs.

[Alexis]

Oh, it's delightful! I like your site, and thanks so much for the ebook!

[Greta]

Thanks for offering such a wonderful project! You have great ideas.

[Angela Neil]

What a great craft project for Christmas!! Thank you very much for the ebook!

[Ann]

I'm so glad I came to your blog through oneprettything.com. I love your ideas and can't wait to try them!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for offering this book. I love applique but have been scared to try it.

[Sheila]

How wonderfully generous of you!
THANK YOU so much for sharing
your fabulous directions/applique
patterns with us. Merry Christmas!

[Rosie]

I just found your blog. I love it. I can't wait to go back and read past posts.

[Lay Yen]

Thanks for sharing ! I have just found your blog from www.oneprettything.com. These patterns are great for the holiday seasons.

[[email protected]]

This is great. I'm looking forward to using it. Thanks so much!

[twogirlygirls]

i cannot wait to try this...thanks for sharing your great idea :)

[Jess Y]

Super cute.

[Dana]

This is precious!!!! I've been wanting to try some applique since getting a new sewing machine, and this looks like a perfect way to start!
Thank you!

[Alyssa Barnes]

Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to completing some of your projects.

[Debbie Diel]

Thank you so much! You have the true Spirit of Christmas! I love your Blog!

[Jenni]

This is awesome! I've been wanting to get complete instructions for projects like this! I just found your blog from One Pretty Thing. I'm looking forward to looking around.
Merry Christmas!

[Tara]

This is absolutely adorable! I have always wanted to start doing this but haven't! Merry Christmas!

[Lisa]

SUPER cute!! THANK YOU!