DIY: Business Card Case

Not sure about you, but my business cards tend to end up dented and sad in the bottom of my bag. Sure, I place them carefully in a side pocket, but that never quite lasts. So, for my latest project over on Oh My! Handmade, I'm teaching you how to make a felt business card case - and, really, how could you resist any project with polka dot felt and colourful elastic? See you over there!

DIY Fashionable Hearts

Heart Sweater - Design, Dining & Diapers  / Heart Tote - Say Yes To Hoboken
Heart Elbow Patches - Honestly WTF / Heart Print Jeans - my little secrets

Don't limit your love of hearts to Valentine's Day. Hearts don't have to be cute - they can be fashionable! Craft up one of these DIY heart projects and you can wear your heart on your sleeve (literally) all year round!

DIY Felt iPhone Sleeves

Stitch up a stack of wool felt cases for the iPhone-carrying members of your gift list. Or make one for yourself. Simple construction, clever function! You can even choose how many pockets to make.

Join Marisa over on Poppytalk for the tutorial.

DIY Felt Monogram Ornaments

Felt Monogram Ornaments make the perfect gift - or gift topper! Who doesn't love receiving a personalized gift? 

Marisa is sharing the step-by-step tutorial over on Design Mom today.

DIY: Monogrammed Christmas Stockings

Join Marisa over on Oh My! Handmade Goodness and learn how to make your own Custom Monogrammed Christmas Stockings! There's still time to make your family a matching set this holiday season.

DIY: Fabric Accessories

Here's a trio of fun fabric DIY's to freshen up your Spring look!

Bobby Pins - Christina Williams

Ruffle Tote - Parasol Co.

The T-Shirt Necklace - Whole Living

(We still have a few fabric selections available on Omiyage.ca or check out our Etsy shop for some fabric combo packs!)

Crafting for Japan

There are a couple of interesting Japan initiatives popping up which will let you get involved in a more hands-on way - if you're so inclined.  Click for more information!

Sunshine Squares - Susan Weinroth 

Quilters Newsletter is collecting Quilts for Japan in collaboration with Patchwork Tsushin in Japan.

Chloe & Mieko - Pink Fig Design

Create a t-shirt for a child in Japan using this pattern by Chelsea of Pink Fig Design.  You can read more about Chelsea's motivation here.  Or join a sew-along for this project on Living with Punks.

For both of these projects, the organizers have contacts in Japan who will ensure the crafted goods will make it into the hands of those who need it.  If you come across any other projects like these, please let us know in the comments, on our Facebook page or via Twitter.  Thanks!

Guest Post: Crafting with Zakka Flair

Pincushion Cuff - Keyka Lou

Join me over on Whip Up this morning for a guest post all about zakka and some great sewing tutorial links!  

A Quick DIY Gift...

Looking for a quick and useful DIY gift?

Look no further than our chopstick / utensil wrap:

Find the How To here!

It's the perfect accompaniment to today's special on Ukihashi "the restless chopsticks".  Use a piece of elastic and a button when gifting this to the man in your life. Try velcro for kids.  And remember, the key to this simple DIY is fabric choice - check out our selection of Japanese cotton fabrics on Omiyage.ca!

Make Your Own Furoshiki

As we looked at yesterday, a furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloth) can be both beautiful and functional.  Whether you're looking for a lunch bag alternative, a eco-wrapping technique or simply want to inject a lovely bit of Japanese culture into your everyday, the furoshiki is for you!

Making your own furoshiki, really couldn't be easier!  There are only 2 difficult steps - the first is deciding which fabric to make your furoshiki from, the second is deciding which size to make.

For our version, we turned to a lovely Japanese print picked up a few years ago in Japan (sorry, we don't stock this one and don't even know who made it - if you know, please let us know!)

Having only a half metre cut, we went with a 50cm x 50cm furoshiki.  This size is perfect for wrapping around your bento / lunch or other smallish things.  If you're looking to wrap a wine bottle (or 2), or to make a furoshiki that can double as a bag, you'll want to make something closer to a 100cm x 100cm version. 

To make your furoshiki: 

1. Cut a square of your desired fabric. (Or just use a fat quarter, should you have some of those lying around looking forlorn!).  You'll want to choose a fabric which is thin (easy to tie) yet strong. 

2. Finish the edges.  You can serge, go with a rolled hem (depending on your fabric, I s'pose) or do as we did and do a simple hem with beveled corners.  Check out this tutorial for more specific instructions on those corners.

3. Give it a good press and you're good to go!  (I said it was easy!)

Otsukai tsutsumi - basic wrap

4. Have fun trying out all sorts of different wrapping styles.  You can refer to this handy guide or even check Youtube where you'll find furoshiki demonstrations.

Yotsu musubi - 4 tie wrap (2 hidden!)

Don't forget to check out our selection of fabrics (and Shinzi Katoh bentos) on Omiyage.ca.  We think you could make some fab-u-lous furoshiki out of our Kokka Giant Strawberries:

Or for something a little more traditional, why not some of our Maiko prints:

And if you're looking for that perfect gift, why not whip up a matching furoshiki and chopstick / utensil wrap (tutorial here)?!

Happy sewing... and wrapping!

Inspiration: Patchwork

via Whip Up

via Apartment Therapy

Film in the Fridge

Pink Penguin

P.S. - Follow that last link and you'll find a tutorial to make your own patchwork wristlet!

September is Time for Quilting

And it's September (though the weather outside may still be August-y)!  Seems like this was the fastest summer on record.  But I must say, yet again, that I am ready for Fall.  Yesterday, I was even overcome by the need (the NEED!) to knit something.

But what's really been on my mind lately?  Quilting.  Now, I'm no quilter, but I can't shake the thought that it's time to learn.  Maybe with something small - for that baby boom I was talking about a couple weeks ago.  While I contemplate it a little more, feast your eyes on these delicious looking quilts.

Polka Dot Quilt via Whip Up

Lovely Teal & Yellow Quilt - Kirin Notebook

Tokyo Subway Map Mini Quilt - Oh Fransson!

Are you a quilter? 
What do you love about it? 
How did you get started? 
Please post links to your quilting projects in the comments - we'd love some more inspiration!
What Japanese (quilting or otherwise) fabrics would you like to see Omiyage.ca carry?

P.S. - Love that Tokyo Subway Map Quilt?  There's a Tokyo Subway Map Quilt-Along on Oh Fransson!  And it's for a big version (a 1600 tiny square version to be exact.)

DIY Fabric Book Cover

I just stumbled upon this easy project, and thought "Aha! Another perfect project for our Japanese fabrics.  Perfect timing for our sale!"

An step by step tutorial on creating a fabric book cover!

Check out the tutorial on Zakka Inspired.

Check out Omiyage.ca for Japanese fabrics... and a selection of Japanese cotton fabrics on sale for 24 hours only!

Make Your Own Pencil Case: Project Round-up

Back to school simply wouldn't be back to school without a fabulous new pencil case filled with unchewed pencils and pens which actually write!  A pencil case is a great little back to school DIY - it's quick, doesn't use a lot of materials, and is something that'll actually get used - a lot!

So, we've taken a look around the internet and picked our 5 favourite pencil case tutorials.  Happy stitching!

Cute round pencil case via ikat bag.

Image: ikatbag

Compact pencil case.

Image: Bits and Pieces

Embroidered pencil case.

Image: Orange Flower Sketchbook

Zakka bunny pencil case.

Image: Amaretto Girl

Zakka inspired pencil case. 

Image: Noodlehead

How about you?  Do you have a favourite pencil case pattern?

More Sewing for Baby!

Today we're back with some more baby project ideas from around the web.  We thought we'd try to inspire you with a little fabric love too.  So, without further ado, a collection of sweet baby sewing projects matched up with fabrics from Omiyage!

Give this sweet rick-rack blanket from Prudent Baby a retro Scandinavian vibe with our Red Riding Hood print from Kokka (available in yellow too). While you're visiting Prudent Baby, take a peek through their archives for all sorts of great project ideas - for sewers and non-sewers alike!

After making our first pair of baby shoes, and being overwhelmed by the cuteness level involved, this might just become a sweet go to gift!  We're loving all the baby shoe patterns that we've come across, but these seem the most practical!  Found on The Long Thread, pattern from Maked, these little shoes are reversible (oh, the possibilities!)  Wouldn't they be great in one of Omiyage's elephant prints (available in blue/white, grey/white and natural/pink)?

And let's not forget about Mum!  How about this cute diaper bag disguised as a messenger bag?  Tutorial found on A Mingled Yarn, via Tipnut.  We think this would be fab in one of our Woodland prints from Kokka.  Find them in the Omiyage Fabric section!

Or even this great changing pad clutch?  Tutorial found on Small Fry & Co.  Wouldn't it be super cute in one of our Apple Prints from Kokka.  Available in 3 colour ways in the Omiyage Fabric section.

Do you have any fabulous ideas or go to gifts for baby showers, babies and mommas to be?  This book is on our pick-up list for even more great ideas!  How about you?

Chop Chop: A Clever Little Wrap

We promised you a little project.  Using up scraps from yesterday's apron.  And what a clever little project it is!  Can you guess what it is?

Need a clue?  This sweet little wrap is the perfect accompaniment to your sushi to-go!

Why a chopstick case, of course!  Carry your own chopsticks with you and say no to the disposable kind.

And these aren't just any chopsticks.  Say hello to Ukihashi, "the restless chopsticks" from +d.

Ukihashi's special angled tips ensure they never touch the tabletop, and that you won't need a chopstick rest!  Find them in the Dining section on Omiyage.ca

Then again, we aren't all chopstick lovers, are we?  Don't worry, this clever little case will fit your fork, spoon and / or knife.  Forget plastic, take your own utensils when you do take out!

Want a case of your own?  This project is oh so simple and fast!  We made ours out of Kokka Glittery Animal Damask fabric and brown bamboo jersey with a piece of ribbon to tie it all up.

Visual learner?  Check out this picture tutorial (in Japanese) on how to make 2 cases from two 30cm / 12" squares of fabric.  Otherwise, read on:

1. Cut two right angled triangles out of your desired fabrics.   The equal sides (what does one call those sides?  Umm, not the hypotenuse!  Or is that too math-y?) should be about 30cm / 12" long.

2. Pin the two triangles together, right sides facing in.  If using ribbon, fold in half and pin folded end to the centre point of the triangle.  Ribbon should be sandwiched between the two pieces of fabric.  (You want the folded part to end up on the inside after stitching.)

3. Stitch around outside of triangle.  Leave a large enough space in the sewing to turn triangles right side out.

4. When stitching is complete, turn right side out.  Press.

5. Hand stitch opening in triangle.  Press.

6. Fold in the corners without ribbon.  You'll probably want to measure your chopsticks while doing this to make sure they'll fit in the finished product.  (Ours is 9" / 23cm wide with corners folded in). Press, pin and sew the corners down.

That's it!  Simple and fast and stash-busting to boot!

We think this case would be a great way to wrap up a special pair of chopsticks as a gift.

A little too feminine for you?  Forget the hot pink ribbon, try a simple elastic loop and button, a leather lace or even just velcro.

Any Occasion is an Apron Occasion!

Around here, we like to celebrate the little things... and the not so little things too!  When a member of the family had her kitchen totally redone, we knew that a little kitchen-warming gift was in order.  Sort of a Happy New Kitchen gift, if you will!

Around here, we are also firm believers in the power of a good apron!  We think everyone (well at least every woman) should have a beautiful apron that makes her feel good.  The kind of apron you're not embarrassed to be seen in by the postman.  The kind of apron that makes you feel like that domestic goddess you kinda sorta long to be.  Perhaps an apron to match your kitchen, or maybe one to match your eyes, or maybe simply an apron in your favourite colour!

Handcrafted (sounds much posher than homemade, doesn't it?) aprons have become our gift of choice when attending a bridal shower, or a housewarming, so a Happy New Kitchen apron seemed like the perfect thing for this occasion.


I know, I know!  Enough rambling, on to the eye candy...

A simple apron using our Kokka Glittery Animal Damask in brown.  Traditional print with a bit of a surprise!  We love this shape for an apron, it keeps the apron womanly without ruffles and other fiddly bits.  D-rings are used for the neck strap for easy adjustment. Extra long ties allow you to secure this apron in the front (our preference) or in a lovely big bow at the back. We used 1 metre of the Kokka Animal Damask and have a smidge left over for another little project!

 

The same apron in a lovely Ikea canvas print. (We do love Ikea fabric, perfect for aprons and so affordable!  Check out the fabric section next time you're in an Ikea; the selection isn't huge, but there's usually some interesting patterns available).  This time we've added some chunky lace trim and some buttons.  Simple additions take this apron up a notch.  We've stitched the neck strap right on and sewn on the buttons - purely decorative.  But oh, how decorative they are...

Gotta love a good button!  These lovelies (and the lace) were found at our local Fabricland and their subtle but special design are the perfect accent to this apron.

And of course, we just had to make a mini version too!

The same pattern with a few special details all her own.  From a teeny pocket for tiny treasures to a more traditional style of lace trim.  And even...

A secret inscription!

Inspired to make your own apron, for yourself or as a gift?  Here you can find a round up of apron tutorials from around the web.  Here's a blogger full of apron love. Don't be afraid to mix and match and play until you find your own perfect pattern!  And if you love that Kokka Animal Damask as much as we do, you can find it in Omiyage's fabric section (with lots of other fabulous Japanese fabrics).