I need something new to sew
 

I need a break from dolls and quilts and garments. I'd like to make some fabric crafts or crafts that use either fabric or paper or beads, or a combo of all three, but that are also useful or have purpose.

I've looked around my house and other than curtains, can't come up with anything that fits this but I think curtains would not be the best thing to market on the side. And I'd like it to be something different, unlike a tote bag or purse.

What's popular? There are tons of patterns for aprons and doll clothes - are they really that in demand?

Any ideas?

Pot holders?

Nylon scrubbies?

Pillow cases?

Those thread catcher - pin cushion combos?

Clothes line wrapped baskets are fun and people love them. Also the shaped fabric bowls made with timtex (which is the same stuff in the brims of baseball caps. A stiff interfacing). Locker hooked coasters, hotpads, and rugs are also crowd pleasers.

I just got a pattern from Sewing with Nancy catalog to make kindle rests. They prop up the reader so you don't have to hold it. There are three sizes to make long with other projects.
peace

I just got done making placemats and napkins from some reproduction vintage tablecloth fabric and a Manhattan handbag out of the scraps from a jacket.

Heading towards Christmas - how about ornaments? The folded stars using the styrofoam balls are nice. and I think are fun to make. I always love to see how a change of fabric makes each one unique. For my family I made a set of 4 matching ones, even though for myself I liked all the different ones. Mine are over 15 years and still look great. There are a lot of different ornaments to make. Now they have the pine cone shaped - so I may consider trying it.

I also liked making beaded ornaments. My favorites were the snowflakes. And also crocheted the snowflakes - there is a large variety of snowflakes. And a friend turned me on to making crocheted angels too. They were great fun - I bought so many buttons and small bows to use for their bouquets. And buying lace for the ornaments - such fun, my favorite being the gathered lace.

i'm doing epp 3/4" hexes it's alot of fun.
took a 2 week break due to sore fingers and made a bunch of wash/dish cloths

hmm...interesting ideas...Christmas is less than 6 months away...

lynnie - I saw your hexies and grand as they are, I would not have the patience for that! I do hope you post it finished.

My daughter makes the fabric wrapped clothes line bowls - says that they are very easy. She sells them at an artisan market (consignment) and cannot keep enough in stock. She makes them large and small, the small ones are usually used as a Key bowl - you throw you keys in it. HTH