TUTORIAL: Monogrammed Christmas Ornaments - Guest Poster - Rebecca from Klar Family Blog

We hope you are enjoying our Sew Crafty Christmas event! So far have 6 Giveaways going on right now! Have you entered? See below so you can WIN!

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Today's Guest Poster is Rebecca who happens to be one of my best (and craftiest) friends! Rebecca just started sewing - literally about 2 months ago - and she hasn't stopped since! Every time I walk into her house there is a new project cut and ready to sew or a new outfit on her children (sibling outfits that coordinate). She's amazing! She has made her curtains, a valance, monogrammed pillows, linens, handtowels, appliqued clothing and t-shirts and even sewed herself The Women's Ruffle Collared Cape. It was her first sewing project for herseIf! Can you believe it? 

I know crafty and creative when I see it and Rebecca is definitely top-notch! Wait until you see what she made for you today!

Take it away, Rebecca...

Well, hi everyone!  I'm Rebecca  from The Klar Family

blog.  I'll go ahead and confess, because it will

be glaringly obvious soon enough -- I don't have a

sewing blog ... and I've never even done an online sewing

tutorial.  Let's just say I'm a beginner :)  BUT, I've

always been interested in all things crafty and I recently

started sewing. 

I'm lucky enough to have Jenny as a sweet friend and neighbor who has

been encouraging me along the way as I learn to sew.  (She

literally taught me what a bobbin is and how to change it.  And

she met me on the sidewalk with her button jar when I made the first

dress for my baby girl.  I was so surprised by my dress success

that I hadn't planned ahead by buying buttons and I didn't want to

wait to run to the store!)

I'm always amazed by the creative things Jenny whips

together, and of course, I was just thrilled to
pieces when she asked if I'd do a post for her Sew

Crafty Christmas!!  So, here we go~

Monogrammed Christmas Ornaments

There's just something about a monogram that reminds me of traditional

elegance.  I love to give monogrammed items as a gift, because I

think they add a thoughtful personalized touch. 

Wouldn't these look pretty tied to the top of a present??

Time to get crafty! 

Before you start, gather up fabric scraps and trims.  Your scraps

should be about 5" x 5", depending on your preferred ornament

shape.  You'll also need ribbon to use as ornament hangers and

any tassels or trim you have from leftover projects.

Step 1: Monogram a fabric scrap for the front of your ornament.

If you don't have a monogramming machine -- no problem!  You can

applique letters or a design onto your fabric scrap with double stick

fusible web.  I recommend Steam-a-Seam 2.  Just follow the

instructions on the package, and voila!  Your own applique! 

Step 2: Cut out the front and back of your ornament to the same

size.  I did simple squares, rectangles, diamonds, and circles,

but I suppose you could get fancy and do any shape you

like.  Go for it!

Step 3:  Pin your trim in place.

To do this, you place the top piece of fabric right side up and

arrange your trim on the ornament, facing
INWARDS.  This way, your trim will hang down

after you sew the edges and turn it right sides out.  You have to

think ahead...

Next, place the other piece of fabric on top, and pin the trim in

place.  Make sure everything is pinned right sides
in!  This will make a fabric sandwich, with the

trim in the middle. 

Step 4: Time to sew!  Sew along your pinned edge, using the

presser foot as your guide.  Make sure you leave a 2"

unstitched opening to turn your ornament right side out.

Step 5: Use the opening to turn your ornament right side out. 

If you want to go for a precise look, this is the time to use a

wooden tool or chopstick to gently poke the corners of your

squares or diamond shapes from the inside so they are nice and

pointy.  If you prefer a softer look, you can skip this.

Now, stuff your ornament with poly-fil and get ready to stitch closed!

Step 6: Carefully turn down the edges of the unstitched opening and

pin closed.  Sew the opening closed by hand or with your sewing

machine.  If you use your sewing machine, you may chose to top

stitch all the way around the perimeter of your ornament to give it a

more uniform look.  I didn't do that this time, but I think it

would look nice.

Step 7: Hang your ornaments on the tree and admire your work!

Doesn't it make you feel all merry and bright~

Happy Holidays!!

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