Catherine's Wheel and more

 

Easy to make Catherine's wheel ornaments using just 12 - 2.5" squares of fabrics and a padded pillow center measuring 3" diameter to attach the folded squares to.  Fold each square corner to corner, then again and again so you have the raw edges on one side only.  This is the side that is attached to the pillow.  Straddle the triangle over the edge of the pillow and tack in the center through to the other side.  I usually tack it there twice.  Move on  to the next triangle alternating colors if that's your desire.  Adjust each point so they are fairly equal distance from each other.  Tack the center well.   Add a button to hide your tacking stitches and attach a hanging string inside one of the straddled edges.   Sometimes I use a small dot of hot glue to secure the inside triangles. I've been busy this year with making small ornaments and projects to use up my scrap stash.  Seems like I make more scrap in the process.  

Turn a fabric hexagon into a folded star ornament by cutting out a hexagon twice the finished size needed.  Mark the center of the hexagon and the centers of each straight edge.  With a needle and thread knot through the center of the hexagon and pull thread through each center mark of the straight edges.  Pull tight and push down slightly.  This will pull up the hexagon and you'll have petals that will be folded downward and tacked into the center.  Tack each one down into the center point and attach a button or bead to cover your stitches.  

These mug mats are easy to make up.  Sew strips to a square foundation in your color choices.  Add some details to their face.  Use stitching to embellish the beards or features.  Square up add some batting and a fabric backing.  Quilt and embellish with buttons or embroidery stitches.  These are so cute and went together fast. 

Every Christmas I try to make ornaments or useful items like mats for my table.  It gets me in a cheerful mood and brightens up my décor.    

Happy Christmas and happy sewing.  :o)