On a rainy Whiskey Pines Weekend I did a little DIY with my mom and friend Moediz. We sat around the kitchen table during and made these cute little picnic weights. Unfortunately, my sewing machine broke down early into the process - so we had to sew everything by hand. Nonetheless, it took all day - but I love the outcome!
What you need:
- Assorted fabric & lining scraps (4 1/2' squares)
- All-purpose thread
- Vinyl scraps (3" square)
- Polyester fiberfill
- Embroidery floss
- Hand embroidery needle
- Removable fabric marker
- Play sand
- Paper scrap
- Tape
- Spoon
Steps: {allow for 1/4" seam allowances}
1. Draw the shapes onto a piece of paper to make the pattern for each weight + the base - but if you want the free patterns, you can find them, here. I drew my own.
2. With wrong sides together, stich two weights, leaving a 2" opening.
3. Roll the paper scrap into a funnel shape; tape. Fill the opening with sand, using the funnel and a spoon. Install the machine zipper foot onto the amchine, and then stich the opening closed.
4. Thread a hand embroidery needle with two strands of embroidery floss. Embroider the faces in the picture above - or make your own like I did!
5. Install the standard machine foot onto the machine. With right sides together, stich the cat perimeter, leaving the lower edge unstiched and a 2" opening along one side edge for turning.
6. With right sides together, pin the vinyl bottom perimeter to the lower edge; stitch. Turn the cat right side out through the side opening. Place the weight inside the bottom. Firmly stuff the cat with fiberfill.
7. Slipstich the opening closed. Pinch the cat to evenly distribute the sand and fiberfill.
8. Host a wonderful picnic and use the weights to hold your blanket down!
Friday, July 27, 2012 at 12:00PM 
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