Handmade Holidays – THE DOMESTIC DIVA'S DISASTERS™

Nov 30, 2009

Martha Stewart’s Sewing-Themed Christmas Decorations

Dear Martha: Sometimes you are just so creative! I have to say I was quite impressed with the sewing-themed Christmas decorations (Whimsical Workshop) I recently spotted at my local Kmart store in NYC. Who would have thought to use a sewing tape measure with balls of yarn as tree garland? Too clever!

Not to mention your other garland of grosgrain ribbon, spools of thread and lots of button! Ingenious!

Love the mini wreath made with spools of thread and tied with a sewing tape measure!

I giggled when I saw your sewing basket ornament complete with knitting needles!

Loved the Button Christmas Ornaments, too!

And that flocked velvet ribbon with images of stitching and buttons—too cute!

However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I realized my sewing room is PINK, Black and White. Seriously, I dislike anything RED for Christmas. The Chartreuse Green I can live with, but not the RED.

Looks like I’ll have to make my own sewing-themed decorations for my Pink sewing room. But Martha, thanks for the inspiration!

Filed Under: SEWING · Tagged: craft, craft room, craftroom, CRAFTS, decorating, domesticdiva, handmade, Handmade Holidays, HOME, RAMBLINGS, sew, SEWING, sewing machine, sewing room, sewing studio, sewingroom, thread

Oct 19, 2009

A Few Quick Christmas Sewing Ideas

By thedomesticdiva · 6 Comments

Can’t believe Christmas is right around the corner! Here’s a few things to make for the holidays!

I love this method to making stockings! How clever!

What a quick and easy project. All you have do is be able to sew a straight line.

With an embroidery machine, you can personalize it~

These socks are simple to sew. I’ve made dozens over the years.

Check out this quick Crown Tutorial by Jessica Levitt. Also be sure to take a look at her gorgeous new fabric line, Timber.

Need a gift for your favorite Shutterbug? How about this neat Patchwork Camera Strap?

Love this easy Laptop Sleeve tutorial! I really need to make one of these for Marielle.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Filed Under: SEWING · Tagged: craft, craft room, craftroom, CRAFTS, decorating, embroidery, fabric, fabrics, fabricstash, handmade, Handmade Holidays, serger, sew, SEWING, sewing patterns, sewing room, sewingpattern, sewingroom, sewn, tutorial, tutorials

Jan 15, 2009

Christmas 2008…Wishing For a Miracle

By thedomesticdiva · 8 Comments

Somehow I forgot to post this the day after Christmas (guess I was just a tad distracted, you think?)

December 26, 2008

Christmas was so different this year. I’m so glad it’s over. Usually all the holiday ceramics I made years ago bring me joy.

I went through the motions. Never finished shopping or decorating. Didn’t really cared that my presents were without handmade bows and calligraphy gift tags. Or that I didn’t buy all the gifts I had set out to purchase.

The tree had stood undecorated for two weeks until my daughter decorated it on Christmas Eve.

Christmas decorations were place randomly around the house hoping to add Christmas cheer.

My heart was breaking each and every minute of the day.

There were no gifts under the tree until Christmas morning, because I waited until last minute to wrap them.

All I would think about was if a Christmas Miracle (a new kidney) would come in time…

Would my prayers be answered before it was too late?

Although I did not feel hopeless, the reality of Marielle’s health became more than I could bear…

But I kept it to myself. I didn’t want to make my loved ones worry anymore than they already were.

I forced myself to keep conversation light and smile so everyone would continue to think I was strong…

The stockings were hung haphazardly on the stairs…

Never did put a single Pink Christmas Light on the outside of the house. I did, however, manage to put my 2 foot angels in the front window…

I did get Marielle an embroidered stocking to match her Pink and Zebra bedroom…

And she got my Pink Christmas Tree which was “supposed” to go in my Pink Sewing Room. The things us mothers sacrifice for our children…LOL.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Perhaps next Christmas will be brighter for me.

Filed Under: kidney, kidney transplant, SEWING, transplant · Tagged: calligraphy, domesticdiva, embroidery, embroidery design, handmade, Handmade Holidays, HOME, kidney, kidney transplant, RAMBLINGS, sew, SEWING, sewing room, sewing studio, sewingroom, transplant

Dec 31, 2007

Sew, it’s the Diva’s Top 20 and some FREE FABRIC…

By thedomesticdiva · 3 Comments

THE DOMESTIC DIVA’S DISASTERS’

2007 TOP 20 POSTS

Sew Wonderful Gifts for the Crafter

A Month of Christmas Holiday Gifts to SE

SEW Many Christmas Ornaments

SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE – PART V

Not your Mama’s Apron Strings

SEW Easy Drawstring Gift Bags

SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE – PART IV

SEW Creative Christmas Holiday Gifts

SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE – PART I

Sew Just Warm Those Toes

Handcrafters’ Holidays Blog Meme

THE SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE BEGINS NOW

SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE – PART II

SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE – PART III

Stick a Pin in It…Sewing Pincushions

SEW Comfy Pillows

Baby Blankets are SEW Easy to Make…

Sew, It’s Time for Totes

SEW Cold

SEWING ROOM ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE – PART VI

FREE FABRIC

Today’s the last day to Name My Serger–Win Free Fabric! Post your name suggestions by midnight tonight (Eastern Standard Time).

Lots more in store for you in 2008! Hope everyone has a Happy New Year’s Eve!

With friendship,

Lisa

Technorati Tags: contest,freefabric,free fabric,fabricstash,fabric,sewingroom,sewing organization,sewing tutorials,tutorial,handmade holidays,handmade,sewing,sewing machine

Filed Under: SEWING · Tagged: contest, craft, craft room, craftroom, declutter, fabric, fabrics, fabricstash, handmade, Handmade Holidays, ORGANIZING, sew, SEWING, sewing organization, sewing patterns, sewing room, sewing studio, sewingpattern, sewingroom, sewn, tutorial, tutorials

Dec 14, 2007

Handcrafters’ Holidays Blog Meme

By thedomesticdiva · 6 Comments

Be sure to check out the complete month’s list of CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT TUTORIALS HERE

Sew Mama Sew’s Handcrafters’ Holiday Blog MEME

Gifts

Do you have a favorite gift that you love to give? Ok, don’t laugh…my favorite gift to give is a P-TOUCH LABEL MAKER. As one who is obsessed with organizing, I want everyone to join me in my madness. I give them to grandparents, teachers and coaches. It’s always a hit!

If you’re making gifts this year, what are you making? ummm… I only have to make 40 pairs of pajama lounge pants for the children in my family. Guess I had better get started.
Do you have any good stories about handcrafted gifts you’ve given or received? nope.
Do you have any great gift compilation ideas (a grouping of gifts just perfect for certain recipients?) How about:

For the New Seamstress – Sewing Box or Basket filled with Scissors, Seam Ripper, Thread, Fabric Fat Quarters, Pincushion, Needles, Threads Magazine, and a Needle Case.

For Mom – Basket filled with an Antique Tea Pot, Tea Cozy, Handmade Napkins, silver Teaspoons, Antique Tea Cups and an assortment of English Teas.

For the Teen – Basket filled with a subscription to Teen Magazine, Lounge Pants with matching Tank Top, Diary and a Marabou-topped Pen.

For the New Baby – Basket filled with a Handmade Blanket, Pillow, Onesie, Rattle, Diaper Covers, Burp Cloths and Bibs. All items can be embroidered with the baby’s name or monogram.

For the Teacher – Basket filled with personalized Stationery, fancy fountain pens, Address Book and Journal.

For the Dancer – Monogrammed Dance Bag filled with a Handmade Tutu, Journal, Hair Clips, Hair Bows and Knitted Leg Warmers.

For the Co-Worker – Large Fabric Box filled with a handmade Ceramic Planter, Paper White flower bulbs, Personalized Stationery and nice writing Pens.

For Grandparents – Digital Picture Frame, Handmade Photo Frame with picture of grandchildren’s Artwork, and a personalized set of Coffee Mugs.

Name one thing on your personal wish list: HP Color LaserJet printer
Do you make and sell things that would make fantastic gifts? I have a boys’ clothing line…Downtown Joey. I sell on both EBay and Etsy.

Traditions

What is your favorite family holiday tradition? The week before Christmas, my family and I go into the city (NYC) just 20 minutes from our home in Staten Island. First we stop at our favorite restaurant, The Palm, on the East Side. Then we head over to see the tree at Rockefeller Center along with all the store holiday displays on 5th Avenue. It’s so beautiful!
Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up? As Mr. Diva is Italian, we now enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas Eve Seafood dinner–lobster, clams, crab, calamari and mussels along with lots of pasta. Growing up in an Irish household, we pretty much enjoyed steak and potatoes…LOL!
What do you love most about the holiday season? Decorating.

What do you like least about the holiday season? Putting away the decorations…LOL. That and bratty children who never seem to get enough no matter how much you buy them.
Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year? Yes, my surrogate father, Mr. Z…actually, he was my childhood friend’s Dad who looked over me for many years. We shared the same birthday.
What is your favorite holiday food? Broiled Lobster stuffed with Crabmeat and Filet Mignon with Caramelized Onions.
Do you have a great recipe to share? No…but I can give you the number to some great restaurants here in NYC…LOL!

Wishing all the girls over at Sew Mama Sew and fellow crafty bloggers a wonderful holiday!

Technorati Tags: childrens boutique,cooking,craft,crafts,custom boutique,domesticdiva,ebay,fabrics,fabricstash,food,handmade,handmade holidays,sew,sewing,sewingpattern

Filed Under: SEWING · Tagged: childrens boutique, cooking, craft, CRAFTS, custom boutique, domesticdiva, EBAY, fabric, fabrics, fabricstash, food, handmade, Handmade Holidays, sew, SEWING, sewing patterns, sewingpattern, sewn

Dec 1, 2007

A Month of Christmas Holiday Gifts to SEW: Aprons, Bags, Ornaments and More

By thedomesticdiva · 20 Comments

Technorati Tags: easy gifts to sew,sew gifts,sew ornaments,easy ornaments to sew,handmade holidays,handmade ornaments,craft,sew,sewing,sewing pattern,sewing patterns,craft patterns,easy to sew christmas ornaments,christmas ornaments,felt christmas ornaments,sew felt ornaments

EDITED TO ADD:

Ultimate Handmade Holiday Master List 2008 – click here

I want to take this opportunity to personally express my gratitude to the lovely divas, Beth, Kristin and Lauren, over at Sew Mama Sew for their month long sewing inspirations! You girls ROCK!

If you’ve enjoyed their Handmade Holidays, hop over to the Sew Mama Sew Online Store and show your love!

Aprons

Sew Mama Sew – Day 1 – Aprons

Additional Apron Tutorials

Pincushions

Sew Mama Sew – Day 2 – Pincushions and Pins

Additional Pincushion Tutorials

For the Home

Sew Mama Sew – Day 3 – For the Home

Additional Sewing for the Home Tutorials

Lunch Bags

Sew Mama Sew – Day 4 – Lunch Bags

Additional Lunch Bag Tutorials

Tote Bags

Sew Mama Sew – Day 5 – Totes

Additional Tote Tutorials

Blankets for Baby

Sew Mama Sew – Day 6 – Blankets for Baby

Additional Baby Blanket Tutorials

For Your Purse or Pocket

Sew Mama Sew – Day 7 – For Your Purse or Pocket

Additional Purse Tutorials

Whimsy

Sew Mama Sew – Day 8 – Whimsy

Additional Whimsy Tutorials

Fabric Ornaments

Mama Sew – Day 9 – Fabric Ornaments

Additional Ornament Tutorials

Ties and Belts

Sew Mama Sew – Day 10 – Ties and Belts

Additional Ties and Belt Tutorials

Reading and Writing

Sew Mama Sew – Day 11 – Reading and Writing

Additional Reading and Writing Tutorials

For the Table

Sew Mama Sew – Day 12 – For the Table

Additional Tutorials for the Table

Placemats

Sew Mama Sew – Day 13 – Placemats

Additional Placemat Tutorials

Kids’ Clothes

Sew Mama Sew – Day 14 – Dress the Kids

Additional Kids’ Clothes Tutorials

Booties, Slippers and Socks

Sew Mama Sew – Day 15 – Warm Those Toes

Additional Booties, Slippers and Socks Tutorials

Gifts for the Crafter

Sew Mama Sew – Day 16 – Gifts for the Crafter

Additional Gifts for the Crafter Tutorials

Purses

Sew Mama Sew – Day 17 – Purses

Additional Purse Tutorials

For Baby

Sew Mama Sew – Day 18 – For Baby

Additional Baby Gifts Tutorials

Tech Gifts

Sew Mama Sew – Day 19 – Tech Gifts

SEW Creative Christmas Holiday Gifts

By thedomesticdiva · 3 Comments

Sew Mama Sew finishes up a month of Handmade Holidays with Day 30 – Gift Compilations. Get over there and check out everything!

To finish off the Handmade Holiday tutorials, here some ideas for gift tags…

My Longest Year’s Luggage Tag

Husqvarna Viking’s Name Tag

Singer’s Gift Bag Tags

The Purl Bee’s Fabric Gift Tags

Julie Ree’s Fabric Backed Gift Tags

Creative Needle’s Gift Tags

Sewing Web’s Fabric Gift Tags

Martha Stewart’s Gift Card Holders

Unique Re-Tiques’ YoYo Tags

Little Things’ Reusable Gift Tags

Sew News’ Machine Embroidery Tags

Crafty Suzanne’s Tags

Crafty Pod’s Metal Tags

Hewlett Packard’s Custom Gift Tags

Martha Stewart’s Gift Tag Ideas

Now that you have your gift tags made, it’s time to wrap up those beautiful handmade gifts. Here’s some ideas:

Martha Stewart’s Fabric to Gift Wrap Tutorial

More Advice from Martha Stewart

Martha’s Gift Bag Ideas

and even more Martha…LOL

Martha Stewart’s Bread Gift Wrap Ideas

Wrap Art’s Creative Gift Wrap Ideas

Martha Stewart’s Gift Card and Money Wallets

Martha Stewart’s Sewn Paper Stocking Gift Card Holders

Bella Dia’s Pom Pom Tutorial

Martha Stewart’s Gift Topper Idea

Aprons

Sew Mama Sew – Day 1 – Aprons

Additional Apron Tutorials

Pincushions

Sew Mama Sew – Day 2 – Pincushions and Pins

Additional Pincushion Tutorials

For the Home

Sew Mama Sew – Day 3 – For the Home

Additional Sewing for the Home Tutorials

Lunch Bags

Sew Mama Sew – Day 4 – Lunch Bags

Additional Lunch Bag Tutorials

Tote Bags

Sew Mama Sew – Day 5 – Totes

Additional Tote Tutorials

Blankets for Baby

Sew Mama Sew – Day 6 – Blankets for Baby

Additional Baby Blanket Tutorials

For Your Purse or Pocket

Sew Mama Sew – Day 7 – For Your Purse or Pocket

Additional Tutorials

Whimsy

Sew Mama Sew – Day 8 – Whimsy

Additional Whimsy Tutorials

Fabric Ornaments

Mama Sew – Day 9 – Fabric Ornaments

Additional Ornament Tutorials

Ties and Belts

Sew Mama Sew – Day 10 – Ties and Belts

Additional Ties and Belt Tutorials

Reading and Writing

Sew Mama Sew – Day 11 – Reading and Writing

Additional Reading and Writing Tutorials

For the Table

Sew Mama Sew – Day 12 – For the Table

Additional Tutorial for the Table

Placemats

Sew Mama Sew – Day 13 – Placemats

Kids’ Clothes

Sew Mama Sew – Day 14 – Dress the Kids

Additional Kids’ Clothes Tutorials

Booties, Slippers and Socks

Sew Mama Sew – Day 15 – Warm Those Toes

Additional Booties, Slippers and Socks Tutorials

Gifts for the Crafter

Sew Mama Sew – Day 16 – Gifts for the Crafter

Additional Gifts for the Crafter Tutorials

Purses

Sew Mama Sew – Day 17 – Purses

Additional Purse Tutorials

For Baby

Sew Mama Sew – Day 18 – For Baby

Additional Baby Gifts Tutorials

Tech Gifts

Sew Mama Sew – Day 19 – Tech Gifts

SEW Let’s Make Some Fabric Boxes

By thedomesticdiva · 5 Comments

Sew Mama Sew is nearing the end of their Handmade Holidays. Today is Day 29 – Fabric Boxes!

Jennifer Paganelli’s Sis Boom Boxes

J. Caroline Creative’s Fabric Covered Takeout Boxes

J. Caroline Creative’s Hatbox

My DIY Project’s Fabric Covered Shoebox

Singer’s Velvet Covered Box with Embroidery

Fairfield’s Junk Trunk

HGTV’s VIDEO How to cover CEREAL BOXES w/ Self-Adhesive Fabric

Hancock Fabrics’ Tall Textile Boxes

Husqvarna Viking’s Mini Boxes

DIY Network’s Crafty Fabric Box

Waverly’s Fabric Boxes

Cut Out and Keep’s Felt Boxes

Simple Sewing Project’s Patchwork Fabric Covered Gift Box

Sew News’ Fabric Boxes

Simple Sewing Projects’ Small Box

Husqvarna Viking’s Bunny Box

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Quilting Arts’ Little Treasure Box

3M’s Decorative Boxes

Erica’s Little Buckets

DIYnamite’s Fabric Bucket

The Sanguine Stitcher’s Basket Tray

Twisted Sister’s Fabric Covered Tin Box

DIY Network’s Fabric Covered Shaker Box

Sharon Kennedy’s Small Fabric Boxes on DIY Network

Frieda Anderson’s Frankenbox on DIY Network

DIY Network’s Chinese Takeout Box

La Belle’s Fabric Box

La Belle’s Fabric Covered Boxes

DIY Network’s Fabric Covered Cardboard Trunks

Mary Ann Hoffman’s Fabric Styrofoam Box on DIY Network

Carol Duvall’s Fabric Covered Foam Board Box

Carol Clasper’s Fabric Postcard Box

Lerna Eng’s Fabric Origami Boxes

Sarah Bradberry’s Upholstered Fabric Box

Craft and Fabric Links’ Fabric Covered Basket

Linda Johansen’s Holiday Box w/ Template on HGTV

Elna’s Serger Memory Box

Martha Stewart’s Origami Nesting Boxes

Squeak Machine’s Gothic Boxes

Happy Sewing!

Filed Under: SEWING · Tagged: craft, CRAFTS, fabric, fabrics, handmade, Handmade Holidays, HOME, sew, SEWING, sewing patterns, sewingpattern, sewn, tutorial, tutorials

Nov 28, 2007

SEW Easy Drawstring Gift Bags

By thedomesticdiva · 10 Comments

Sew Mama Sew has got it in the bag…Day 28 – Drawstring Bags! Head on over there for some inspiration and the rest of their Handmade Holiday tutorials!