Make a Doorstop

1. Cut 19cm x 24.5cm of floral fabric and back it with fusible interfacing. Go to www.sewmag.co.uk and download the templates, then cut out all the appliqué pieces onto various printed fabrics and arrange them as pictured; sparingly use acid-free glue stick to hold the elements in place if preferred, but remember to let it dry before sewing.

2. Stitch in place using navy thread. For the top of the lighthouse, add a plain cream arch, followed by a smaller piece of yellow material, then top both with silver net fabric. Add cotton lace to the large cloud and two buttons to the lighthouse windows.

3. Create two side panels in striped fabric measuring 10cm x 24.5cm and stitch each one to either side of the lighthouse panel, right sidesfacing and using a 1cm seam allowance. Cut a back piece from the same fabric, then stitch it to one of the side panels in the same way. Iron all seams and top stitch.

4. Cut two 10cm x 19cm panels from the striped fabric for the top and bottom. From blue floral fabric, cut a 5cm x 50cm handle and back with interfacing. Fold it in half wrong sides facing and turn the raw edges in, then sew along both sides and down the middle using navy thread. Stitch the ends to what will be the top panel.

5. To sew the doorstop together, start by stitching the top panel onto the front, right sides together, then carefully work your way around, attaching it to the sides and back. Top stitch the seams and sew to close the side seam. Repeat this for the bottom panel leaving one end open for turning.

6. Turn right side out and firmly fill with toy stuffing, making sure to avoid lumps and bumps. Sew a fabric bag slightly smaller than the bottom of the doorstop and fill it with small stones or rice for weight. Stitch it closed and place inside. Close the opening to finish.

Sttich a Sign

1. Cut a 14cm x 21cm piece of striped fabric and stitch a 9.5cm x 16cm piece of star print fabric in the centre. Set aside.

2. For the fish, cut a 7cm x 13cm piece of interfacing, then iron small rectangles of floral and stripe fabric onto it. In navy thread, stitch a scallop shape down the right hand side of each fabric scrap, then trim each one close to the stitching.

3. Cut out a fish in chambray and lay it onto the star fabric, arrange the fish scales as shown, then stitch down. Sew an eye using a scrap of lace and stitch the words ‘Gone to the beach’. Iron on the reverse.

4. Trim 18cm x 24cm of wadding and dark blue backing fabric. Lay the backing wrong side up, followed by the wadding, then the front right side up and pin. Turn the backing piece over twice by 5mm onto the front and pin, taking care to mitre the corners. Sew all the way round, catching a piece of ribbon at the top to hang. Stitch around the fish and star fabric to finish.