Learn How to Make an Appliqué Fall Pumpkin Snack Mat / Mini Placemat / Mug Rug with Pocket

We're learning to sew another snack mat today to make your coffee, tea, and snack time more fun. Today you'll learn how to make your own appliquéd pumpkin snack mat / mug rug / coaster with a pocket for a napkin and cutlery (or a snack). Keep it at home to decorate your table, take it to work to make your lunchtime feel even more festive, or send it in your child's lunchbox to make your child's school lunchtime feel even more special. You'll even get the directions on how to make the cute little 7" x 7" reversible cloth napkin! 

For this project you will need:

• fabric scraps for the applique
• fabric for the front, back, pocket, and napkin
• cotton batting
• paper-backed fusible web like HeatnBond light
• pencil
• fabric clips or pins
• iron
• sewing machine and matching thread
• basting spray or powder
• scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, cutting ruler
• walking foot or free motion foot
• pumpkin templates from pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Click to get your copy of the pattern today!

The written pattern contains step-by-step how-to directions, photos, link to the video tutorial, and the printable pumpkin template to make a snack mat measuring approximately 8 ½” x 12” with a 7” x 7” reversible cloth napkin. 

Looking for other mug rug/snack mat ideas? Check out these other projects!

And be sure to watch the appliquéd pumpkin snack mat/mug rug/mini placemat video tutorial to see how we put it together:

How to Make Your Own Pennant Flag Bunting - Quick and Easy Sewing Project

Today we're making a pennant bunting banner with triangle flags. Choose your own fabrics and get ready to decorate for your parties and holidays with this quick and easy sewing project idea. At 9'-10' long you can quickly decorate the nursery, wedding, or even your patio or camper in no time at all. And it's a perfect sewing project for beginners with only straight stitching required! 

Along with your regular sewing supplies, for this project you will need:

• fabric for the flags
• fabric for the hanging ribbon
• cotton batting
• pinking shears or pinking blade
• triangle template or template from the pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Click to get your copy of the pattern today!

The written pattern contains step-by-step how-to directions, photos, link to the video tutorial, and the printable template to make a pennant flag bunting measuring 9'-10' long. And since it's a digital download, you'll be able to get started today!

Looking for other bunting patterns? Check out my other projects here!:

Check out the pennant flag bunting video tutorial to see how we put them together:

Make Your Own Pumpkin Drink Coasters - Fun Fall Fabric Project for Your Home

It's another fall decor sewing tutorial day! Today we're making fabric pumpkin drink coasters. They go together in no time at all and coordinate with last week's pumpkin bunting project. These cute pumpkin coasters are a perfect craft project for your Thanksgiving home, too! Makes a set of four coasters measuring approximately 5" x 5".

Along with your regular sewing supplies, for this project you will need:

• fabric for the pumpkins
• fabric for the stems
• cotton batting
• pinking shears or pinking blade
• pumpkin template from the pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Now available in my Etsy shop as a digital PDF  pattern with step-by-step how-to directions, color photos, link to the video tutorial, and a printable pumpkin template. Click to find out more!

Looking for other holiday coaster ideas? Check out other projects here!

Be sure to watch the pumpkin coaster video tutorial to see how we put them together:

Shop even more instantly downloadable sewing and crafting patterns in my Etsy shop, DebsDaysDesigns.

 Need specific product recommendations? Find the supplies I keep in my sewing room at www.debsdays.com/2018/04/sewing-and-crafting-supplies.html

Make a Cute Appliquéd Scarecrow Mini Placemat with Napkin - Fun Fall Sewing Project

Ready for another fun fall sewing project? Use up your fabric scraps and some of your festive fabrics to make coffee, tea, and snack time more fun with this cute scarecrow mini placemat sewing pattern. You could even make your child's lunchtime more special by sending it to school with them in their lunchbox for a holiday treat. You'll even get the directions on how to make the cute little 7" x 7" reversible cloth napkin! With the snack mat measuring 8 1/2" x 12" it's just the right size for all those fun fall snacks and beverages. 

For this project you will need:

• fabric scraps for the applique
• fabric for the front, back, pocket, and napkin
• cotton batting
• paper-backed fusible web like HeatnBond light
• pencil
• fabric clips or pins
• iron
• sewing machine and matching thread
• basting spray or powder
• scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, cutting ruler
• walking foot or free motion foot
• scarecrow templates from the pattern

Click to get your copy of the pattern today!

The written pattern contains step-by-step how-to directions, photos, link to the video tutorial, and the printable scarecrow template to make a snack mat measuring approximately 8 ½” x 12” with a 7” x 7” reversible cloth napkin. 

Looking for more holiday mug rug/snack mat ideas? Check out these other projects!

Be sure to watch the scarecrow video tutorial to see how it's done:

DIY Individual Cutlery Holders from Fabric - Quick and Easy Sewing Project

Today we're learning how to make our own handmade cutlery pouches from fabric with this quick and easy sewing tutorial. Get ready to spruce up your dining room and kitchen table for summer, spring, fall, winter or even your holiday season by making your own homemade decorative (and reusable!) fabric utensil holders. It's a great project for beginners with only straight stitching required and makes a nice gift, too.

Along with your regular sewing supplies, to make four cutlery holders measuring approximately 4 1⁄2” x 11” you'll need:

• 2 contrasting fat quarters 
• cotton batting

Now available in my Etsy shop as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos, printable templates, and link to the tutorial video. Click to find out more!

Looking for something else? Check out some of my other kitchen sewing and crafting projects!

Be sure to watch the cutlery holders video tutorial to before you get started:

Happy sewing!

Handmade Quilted Christmas Tree Ornaments from Fabric Scraps - Quick and Easy DIY Holiday Decor

Need a way to use up fabric scraps AND make something for your Christmas tree? Whip up these quick and easy homemade decorative Christmas tree ornaments in no time at all! These simple handmade quilted Christmas tree ornaments are made from fabric scraps and strips and felt or batting. It's a great easy holiday sewing project for beginners and the #1 sewing tutorial on debsdays.com three years in a row!

Along with your regular sewing supplies, for this project you will need:

• fabric scraps
• backing fabric
• felt or cotton batting
• pinking shears
• ribbon
• Christmas tree templates

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Click to get your copy of the pattern today!

You'll be able to make handmade Christmas tree ornaments in no time at all with the step-by-step how-to directions, photos and printable templates in this instantly downloadable PDF sewing pattern.  

Looking for something else? 

Check out some of my other Christmas sewing and crafting projects!

Be sure to watch the Scrap Fabric Christmas Tree Ornaments video tutorial to see how quickly we whip up these cute ornaments:

Make Your Own Homemade Pumpkin Bunting Banner - Decorate with Fabric Pumpkins

If you're looking for another fun fall project to decorate your home, try this quick and easy project. It's a fabric pumpkin bunting! These cute pumpkin wall decorations are a perfect craft project for your Halloween and Thanksgiving home, too. The bunting measures 3 - 4 yards so you can quickly make your home look like it's ready for the fall season.

For this project you will need:

• Cotton fabric for the pumpkins and loops
• Cotton batting for the filling
• Iron and ironing board
• Scissors and pinking shears
• Fabric clips or pins
• Clothesline cord or jute
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting ruler
• Cutting mat
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Printable templates from the pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Lin C. used the pattern to make her own pumpkin bunting. Adorable!

Quilt shops even use my pattern to make a bunting for themselves!

Click to get your copy of the pattern today!

You'll be able to make a stylish hanging garland with fabric pumpkins in no time at all with the step-by-step how-to directions, photos and printable templates in this instantly downloadable PDF sewing pattern. 

Looking for other holiday and seasonal buntings and garlands? Check out some of my other tutorials:

Be sure to watch the Pumpkin Bunting video tutorial:

How to Make an Appliquéd Jack-O'-Lantern Snack Mat/ Mug Rug with Cloth Napkin

Ready for a fun Halloween sewing project? Use up your fabric scraps and some of your festive fabrics to make coffee, tea, and snack time more fun with this cute Halloween mini placemat sewing pattern. You could even make your child's lunchtime more special by sending it to school with them in their lunchbox for a holiday treat. You'll even get the directions on how to make the cute little 7" x 7" reversible cloth napkin!

This FREE downloadable pattern has step-by-step how-to directions, photos, the printable template, and link to a video tutorial. With the snack mat measuring 8 1/2" x 12" it's just the right size for all those fun fall snacks and beverages.

For this project you will need:

• Fabric scraps for the appliqué
• 8½” x 8½” front fabric
• 4” x 8 ½” pocket fabric, cut 2
• 11” x 14 ½” backing fabric
• 11” x 14 ½” batting
• 8” x 10” paper-backed fusible web (like HeatnBond Lite)
• Pencil
• Fabric clips or pins
• Iron 
• Sewing machine and thread
• Basting spray or powder
• Optional: Walking foot or free motion foot
• Two 7 ½” x 7 ½” contrasting fabrics for napkin
• Always helpful for sewing: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and cutting ruler

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Click here to get the pattern with printable templates - for FREE!

Looking for other mug rug/snack mat ideas? Check out our other projects!

And be sure to watch the Halloween Jack-O'Lantern Snack Mat video tutorial:

Looking for more snack mat patterns? Be sure to favorite my Etsy shop as I have many more coming in the next few weeks!

Shop even more instantly downloadable sewing and crafting patterns at www.etsy.com/shop/debsdaysdesigns

 Need specific product recommendations? Find the supplies I keep in my sewing room at www.debsdays.com/2018/04/sewing-and-crafting-supplies.html

A Little Cabin in the Woods

 So here was my thinking on how best to clear my head and brighten my attitude…

• Get out of town and hunker down in a cabin in the mountains.
• Work, work, work and sleep, sleep, sleep.
• Keep uber safe by bringing my own of everything - food, dishes, towels, and pillow. And lots and lots of Lysol spray and Clorox wipes.
• Stay away from everyone at all times - see no one and speak to no one.

As with all plans, pieces didn’t come together perfectly…

• Mountains? Mountain tourist town will have to do.
• Work, work, work? Frustratingly yes. With sucky wifi it took twice as long 10 times as long to do anything.
• Sleep, sleep, sleep? From hours upon hours a day sitting in a hard wooden chair huddled over the computer my back and hips said no way.
• Keep uber safe? Yep. 
• Stay totally away from people? Yep. Only left to drop Etsy orders at the post office which required no human interaction. 

Welcome to my little cabin in the woods in the tourist town in the mountains.

Unfortunately, the week is already over and it’s time to go back home…with a mind just as cloudy as the skies.

A Second Home So Far Away

As I mentioned the other day, when we get our sprinklers blown out we know it’s time to go on a cruise. But for the second year in a row here we are, still sitting at home. I shouldn’t be so mopey about it but I am. With 88 cruises under our belt and over 600 days at sea, the ship has been our second home and the crew our family. And we miss it. And them.

So the other day on our cold and cloudy day I tried to keep myself busy - and my mind occupied - by working on Christmas projects. Even played some Christmas music. But in my mind it was just too early so I had to switch to something else.

Fall projects. Unfortunately, even fall sewing hasn’t gotten me out of the missing-my-second-home funk.

Appliqué didn’t cure my ills.

Time to try something else.

Living in Two Seasons Instead of Four

We used to have two seasons in this house, Christmas and not Christmas. I realized this morning when my mind was spinning at about 4 AM those seasons have changed. We now have sprinkler season and non-sprinkler season. 

Sprinkler season means we stay home, garden, and tend to the lawn (and the weeds). Non-sprinkler season means it's time to bring out the suitcases, the passports, and get ready to head out for a long cruising adventure. Get those sprinklers blown out and we are outta here! Even though the sprinklers did their part yesterday, we won't be doing ours. Because of the health of us, the country, and the world we'll have to wait a bit longer. Thanks to Princess Cruises' easy-to-initiate COVID cancellation policy we have a nice chunk of money just waiting for us when we're healthy and strong enough to use it. (During non-sprinkler season, of course.)

So on this cold and cloudy forty degree day instead of dreaming of snorkeling I guess I'll be moving into the non-sprinkler season Christmas season. 

Christmas projects, here I come.

Soon-to-be snowman and Santa mug rugs.

Carry Your Vaccine Card in Style with a Fabric Cardholder

If you've had your Covid vaccination somewhere in the United States, you know they issue you a paper card with all the information on it. Nothing laminated, nothing sturdy, and certainly nothing small enough to fit in your wallet. As important as the vaccine card is becoming, and with many places requiring original proof of vaccination to just get in the door, you need to keep the card on hand and safe. You want to be able to quickly find the card inside your bag or purse and have it protected in a vinyl pocket so you can show it without needing to take it out of the case. And you want a cardholder to be stylish and fit your personality.

Which is why I've been sewing vaccine card holders these last six months. I'm getting close to the 3,000th card holder sewn (whew!) so you aren't the only one wanting a fun and stylish way to keep the vaccine card on hand. 

If you need a vaccine card holder, or

you know someone else who could use a card holder, or

you're looking for a way to encourage someone to get vaccinated, or

you need a cute gift idea, or

you are looking for items to sell at holiday bazaars,

the time is now.

5 star rated? Check.

Over 100 fabric choices available for men, women, teens, and kids? Check.

Coupon code just for my blog readers? Check. 

Use coupon code DEB15 at checkout to receive 15% off my handmade vaccination card covers or vaccine card holder sewing patterns in my Etsy shop. 

Click on the photo or use this link to buy your stylish vaccination card holder today!

How to Make Handmade Bookmarks from Fabric Scraps - Great Last Minute Gift Ideas Sewing Pattern

If you are looking for quick and easy ways to use your fabric scraps, or need a quick little gift for a book lover, check out this week's 20% off sewing pattern. It's a four pack pattern bundle of some of my most popular bookmark patterns! 

You'll get written step-by-step directions, photos, templates, and links to the tutorial videos. Remember to add NEW20 to get an extra 20% off the pattern this week.

Click this link or on the image below to get your instantly downloadable patterns now!