tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492701373259678662024-02-18T18:36:43.544-07:00Growing In StitchesChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-56705343164886558302012-03-10T20:38:00.009-07:002012-03-10T21:00:58.788-07:00Christmas Round Up: Cat in the Hat Quilt<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">It's March, and I'm finally getting around to blogging the last of my Christmas sewing projects. Better late than never, I guess. In sticking with our very Seussy Christmas, I made a Cat in the Hat quilt for the Monkey.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz1ZKk_3SVV3CW66PN5cW0j12l-A3qtCEUvXMalrVORTQ7iuC57opENMgom3tsSZoRf0t2ljtnJi__LNOys3hxm0VYvPydKfhEUUFmbM0arbNvBc3pU7fF0qJ-8mfKOO3JLmf_-ZzHW9V/s1600/quilt.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz1ZKk_3SVV3CW66PN5cW0j12l-A3qtCEUvXMalrVORTQ7iuC57opENMgom3tsSZoRf0t2ljtnJi__LNOys3hxm0VYvPydKfhEUUFmbM0arbNvBc3pU7fF0qJ-8mfKOO3JLmf_-ZzHW9V/s400/quilt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718479305705268130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I found some Cat in the Hat panels fabric, similar to the Grinch panels fabric I used for <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2012/02/christmas-round-up-grinch-fabric-book.html">Baby Brother's Grinch book</a>, and turned it into this little quilt for the Monkey. I cut out the panels, and used the fun polka dot fabric for the border. The green Dr. Seuss character fabric provided a nice contrast for the back.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMJVeJt14mu30UmeUiPEL4oyzr-xYLDbBojcId26RBGunSmAGPveTn9YBN9w9F2iBTq1P9FNdfdfk81c8sbjBOFl2MgTAC6csi6gkcnSrUCGkB4TfLEPBn4x3P2-oYmcjcWNFwtYImjxq/s1600/quilt3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMJVeJt14mu30UmeUiPEL4oyzr-xYLDbBojcId26RBGunSmAGPveTn9YBN9w9F2iBTq1P9FNdfdfk81c8sbjBOFl2MgTAC6csi6gkcnSrUCGkB4TfLEPBn4x3P2-oYmcjcWNFwtYImjxq/s400/quilt3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718479487367720210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">The quilting was very simple. I stitched in the ditch around each panel, and added a little stitching around the shapes or letters in each panel. Some plain red binding finished off the quilt nicely.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIGx8UDc5ct0TjsAVkn3fNsFvkKRiUSinlrT7vRlMmCkN5-P0-4Cw3ATZ5h1VpC7NIiojySTD1TbLSwiJwzEY3cMV-c9JF7IsDsCymcMjBM-voCiYKk90yqe6jfOvJT1tUwv6XlQlOir_/s1600/quilt2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIGx8UDc5ct0TjsAVkn3fNsFvkKRiUSinlrT7vRlMmCkN5-P0-4Cw3ATZ5h1VpC7NIiojySTD1TbLSwiJwzEY3cMV-c9JF7IsDsCymcMjBM-voCiYKk90yqe6jfOvJT1tUwv6XlQlOir_/s400/quilt2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718479394875054722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>The Monkey likes pointing out the different Seuss characters on the back of the quilt.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I was planning on making this a wall quilt, but the Monkey kept saying he wanted a Cat in the Hat blanket. So I left the hanging sleeve off. He's slept with the quilt almost every night since Christmas. It makes me happy to see how much he loves it!</div><div style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNwweyR0Gxn4HThjUtmLxL61SYbiFXKhhviNRI_cX2DFK2Sa4TzCxLTDkefEpc1t1QAixTlB_7xoFSNu9vagwsaun5lO-eW-_AhtoEPpx1AxGczu4Rr2VE6wLFQBeczlCkRK9MRLKNwfH/s1600/quilt4.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNwweyR0Gxn4HThjUtmLxL61SYbiFXKhhviNRI_cX2DFK2Sa4TzCxLTDkefEpc1t1QAixTlB_7xoFSNu9vagwsaun5lO-eW-_AhtoEPpx1AxGczu4Rr2VE6wLFQBeczlCkRK9MRLKNwfH/s400/quilt4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718479566204742098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=growinginstitches.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Mp9p_YeTfJQ%2FT1weoXf8I6I%2FAAAAAAAABLQ%2F345mttbBjLI%2Fs1600%2Fquilt.jpg&description=Cat%20in%20the%20Hat%20quilt" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-79315580974191271572012-03-08T21:33:00.021-07:002012-03-09T20:52:43.347-07:00Tutorial: Felt Leprechaun Hat<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><u><br /></u></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8JL-RAjfMlhD-BzR3XFbalXgjisKkb-1i32hcIrNNylseUUZA1Oh4myv1A_TaRifMYPCYM5vMs2yjuP2svrWtbylS0U-59uBWC9MUuRlV4RAYH0aFwxrObdEIFg2cmmzFZMQ802ggfhg/s1600/hat1.jpg"></a></span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I grew up in an Irish family, so we've always had fun celebrating St. Patrick's day. The Monkey has been looking forward to St. Patrick's day for a while, regularly asking me if it's here yet, and telling me that he's "celebrating being Irish." So I wanted to make him something fun to help him celebrate. This felt leprechaun hat was just right.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><span><span style="font-size: 16px; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8JL-RAjfMlhD-BzR3XFbalXgjisKkb-1i32hcIrNNylseUUZA1Oh4myv1A_TaRifMYPCYM5vMs2yjuP2svrWtbylS0U-59uBWC9MUuRlV4RAYH0aFwxrObdEIFg2cmmzFZMQ802ggfhg/s400/hat1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751019109668738" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: center; "><span>Little Leprechaun</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; ">Before you get started, figure out how big you'll need to make the hat. Measure the circumference of your (or your child's) head. This will help you figure out how big to cut your pieces. And keep the following formula in mind: circumference = pi x diameter.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; ">In my case, The Monkey's head is ~18.5". </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">18.5 = 3.14 x diameter</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Diameter = 18.5/3.14 = 5.89"</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I rounded up to 6" to make measurements easier</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b>Supplies:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYenz4mhnKUD_Vf73AcoFC5W7frscyLNLOWgODO3mI0QZ_RELdze_7X-nCknYjNu3Gd-yVSeU_tbHkweZvtMSyxmYdY2-Q-8ctHzMxs-CBgzCyV_72BPRCFGoa28E12Yw-rLf6oh_DrOJ9/s1600/supplies.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYenz4mhnKUD_Vf73AcoFC5W7frscyLNLOWgODO3mI0QZ_RELdze_7X-nCknYjNu3Gd-yVSeU_tbHkweZvtMSyxmYdY2-Q-8ctHzMxs-CBgzCyV_72BPRCFGoa28E12Yw-rLf6oh_DrOJ9/s400/supplies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717759239861601778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>Green Felt -- 3/4 yard</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>Black Felt -- 1/8 yard</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>Yellow felt -- 8 x 11 sheet</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>Green, Black, and Yellow thread</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>Basic sewing supplies</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>(This hat was made to fit a toddler. More yardage may be needed for a larger hat.)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><b>1.) Start by cutting all your pieces.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFngmW7j2fYgnH65767LsJj-OMx19qGtzIJAV63Vd1Qc33XaUrrwzTB2M1heiq39uv_xzUT0Sa7jMJSsV24W5hX9m9t_Nf4butZ2cw0nZiNx6WcSyWO-EmDcFCkjtNkDIOzJv2R1bSO-uZ/s1600/hat18.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFngmW7j2fYgnH65767LsJj-OMx19qGtzIJAV63Vd1Qc33XaUrrwzTB2M1heiq39uv_xzUT0Sa7jMJSsV24W5hX9m9t_Nf4butZ2cw0nZiNx6WcSyWO-EmDcFCkjtNkDIOzJv2R1bSO-uZ/s400/hat18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717752586719337186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span><b>From the green felt, cut:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><span>2 x 12" diameter circles (If your head diameter is more than about 7", you'll want these circles to be a little bigger)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Cut a circle from the center of the 12" circles that is the diameter of your child's head. (Based on my calculations above, I cut my circle to be 6"). Save one of these circles to be the top of the hat.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Rectangle that is 12" x (circumference + 1" seam allowance). My rectangle was 12" x 20".</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>From the black felt, cut:</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Strip 4" x (circumference + 1" seam allowance). My strip was 4" x 20".</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>From yellow felt, cut:</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">4" x 5.5" rectangle</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>2.) Make the brim</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhgFDq2yuGHq_7hVuBig-X2HLFwImzgF2zDdb51Wg2_GYdtSVqL_WdHceNAUqYirLBuz1YrJRSg46NYzE1AbYIay4XwNPOYBWlHsH5sFx6hqWst0cCXxc4buKqcoss-AsHEMZdjJm6l_F/s1600/hat17.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhgFDq2yuGHq_7hVuBig-X2HLFwImzgF2zDdb51Wg2_GYdtSVqL_WdHceNAUqYirLBuz1YrJRSg46NYzE1AbYIay4XwNPOYBWlHsH5sFx6hqWst0cCXxc4buKqcoss-AsHEMZdjJm6l_F/s400/hat17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717752450510697506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a>Sew the two large circles together with about a 1/4" seam allowance. Turn through the holes in the center and press seam flat. Baste center circle edges. Set the brim aside.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>3). Make the buckle</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Start by grabbing your yellow rectangle.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMsOFJnJFNE3hr2-lTHddkEbipIEZSmHxo6kYMQLMGKHRRWlPfBg2Lz6Gcq0Kf7U4hRODLWVvJiSMr9aeAejy1Llw4-44I7pPSI2KGw2DwKK2kzSh7ZN9JI5CLvSR14rnRhjsB_uU6zZ3/s1600/hat16.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMsOFJnJFNE3hr2-lTHddkEbipIEZSmHxo6kYMQLMGKHRRWlPfBg2Lz6Gcq0Kf7U4hRODLWVvJiSMr9aeAejy1Llw4-44I7pPSI2KGw2DwKK2kzSh7ZN9JI5CLvSR14rnRhjsB_uU6zZ3/s400/hat16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717752343481189602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Mark cutting lines about 3/4" in from each side, and starting about 3/4" from the top and bottom. Cut slits into your rectangle along these lines. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHV_14g-zCGq6k3Xf6f_GgUDUb0gQ1AxgTvQ1JVdlrTgxXJldZThHqsZso8x_4brZa4qZqUdiA0-GUlOUIzTWAu4Vmgb4xMY-ZevnUo6FWxlu0a_xYd-fwFWH8Lg8ekn50-lBne6zJ5TM/s1600/hat15.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHV_14g-zCGq6k3Xf6f_GgUDUb0gQ1AxgTvQ1JVdlrTgxXJldZThHqsZso8x_4brZa4qZqUdiA0-GUlOUIzTWAu4Vmgb4xMY-ZevnUo6FWxlu0a_xYd-fwFWH8Lg8ekn50-lBne6zJ5TM/s400/hat15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717752255651034114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Thread your black strip through the slits, and center the buckle on the strip.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxo1iSzERGNKFA27n5LNsfXhTh2kXEDmpWDipdoMl5lDZDS2BSy8PKSq18yc7Tpx4QljO-q-ZI6T9luvLPby4JUcNacz74gW0rn810R5ehDwbSkdCFFtVkcZCS-IEm4dzD1trsxFvkSIM/s1600/hat14.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxo1iSzERGNKFA27n5LNsfXhTh2kXEDmpWDipdoMl5lDZDS2BSy8PKSq18yc7Tpx4QljO-q-ZI6T9luvLPby4JUcNacz74gW0rn810R5ehDwbSkdCFFtVkcZCS-IEm4dzD1trsxFvkSIM/s400/hat14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717752166531312594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a>Place the belt and buckle on your green rectangle with the bottom of the buckle about 1" up from the bottom of the rectangle, and pin in place.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC3T_BZzk93YlSCfxQ9KGimeWu5oxOSpIjj3Mg2ZbQAoh-V_60cEQkuP_ddrhyphenhyphenXU7Mb3MU5V6wbvo13XBIKMwFcICDIbG8_x7wOnUV7N2PMUmrbYb5TZaZ6YpiVE0YE2ESK57U2Pe-gml/s1600/hat12.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC3T_BZzk93YlSCfxQ9KGimeWu5oxOSpIjj3Mg2ZbQAoh-V_60cEQkuP_ddrhyphenhyphenXU7Mb3MU5V6wbvo13XBIKMwFcICDIbG8_x7wOnUV7N2PMUmrbYb5TZaZ6YpiVE0YE2ESK57U2Pe-gml/s400/hat12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751991010086402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Stitch the belt in place. You probably don't absolutely need to stitch the buckle down as well, but I did. I thought it would reduce the chances that it would get caught on something and rip off.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>4) Now it's time to make the hat</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Fold rectangle in half, right sides facing, and stitch up the side with a 1/2" seam allowance.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYEx-xZbliZZRHX3MXRa5Q7sAJhdvsKh-vSG6Vd9SGaFoV3RMrBg-Vh6J1yQchhlYiaA0i5eMwRwCbHHAD6CeeOrl5LXmf44Iz4szgExadvzJJWDrzh61bWh310oOy8qKZp3k1cxvf-IH/s1600/hat11.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYEx-xZbliZZRHX3MXRa5Q7sAJhdvsKh-vSG6Vd9SGaFoV3RMrBg-Vh6J1yQchhlYiaA0i5eMwRwCbHHAD6CeeOrl5LXmf44Iz4szgExadvzJJWDrzh61bWh310oOy8qKZp3k1cxvf-IH/s400/hat11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751895178728306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Turn right side out and admire your handiwork :-)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCnwcUh9aMPOVklsRbqpTpduUMr3VeO7oEMHjouf88m5qwjqI9c6JiQFP0SYJfHycwR-_9z7ydW-7IRIFt4xT_i-NcC1FiDz790EoWVctvLY41Urxx-oG8KhSfRso4HUMhqedbh1Ncdm3/s1600/hat10.jpg" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCnwcUh9aMPOVklsRbqpTpduUMr3VeO7oEMHjouf88m5qwjqI9c6JiQFP0SYJfHycwR-_9z7ydW-7IRIFt4xT_i-NcC1FiDz790EoWVctvLY41Urxx-oG8KhSfRso4HUMhqedbh1Ncdm3/s400/hat10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751821700146178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Now it's time to put the top on the hat. Begin by using a needle and thread and making a long running stitch around the edge of the top of the hat.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwaQ-pUb0EyQ_u2IXoFecsJN9vWR6841a11CUOPy8FSxYhHsH2t8E82MqCG010s-kDXGkdT4g8rg5JbhATWK6mmV5RRI-adhWB-hI7X3cVxc0gqAPpjFHrYnOUQEzFCypmcgY7VEWTPYv/s1600/hat9.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwaQ-pUb0EyQ_u2IXoFecsJN9vWR6841a11CUOPy8FSxYhHsH2t8E82MqCG010s-kDXGkdT4g8rg5JbhATWK6mmV5RRI-adhWB-hI7X3cVxc0gqAPpjFHrYnOUQEzFCypmcgY7VEWTPYv/s400/hat9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751722369919618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Once you have a running stitch all the way around, you will be able to tug on the "tails" of the thread to gather the top of the hat. The top of the hat will probably not match the circumference of the circle exactly, so this little gathering technique will allow you to adjust the size of the hat to fit the circle. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitefV5_SmywVhB0w1zV4s9jB2wJF5Z3D-WTc55bDXVqlJiJOZQIsyyJgdr1PY9joIydRkwulr70pRNMbxL2zu76yjLMYaT_tJzHpdSXCJe1ed-EJAGY3WCbysxEpshnryK4YnmiAjch-8h/s1600/hat8.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitefV5_SmywVhB0w1zV4s9jB2wJF5Z3D-WTc55bDXVqlJiJOZQIsyyJgdr1PY9joIydRkwulr70pRNMbxL2zu76yjLMYaT_tJzHpdSXCJe1ed-EJAGY3WCbysxEpshnryK4YnmiAjch-8h/s400/hat8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751535106818962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Pin the 6" circle (that you cut from the center of the brim) to the top of the hat (right sides facing) and stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH5Yd-twrkl0lBwaZuuj3YHk20e2AMH1TwHdtChJit3IGUJPUh7RfKD1ieyxn72XEPxBlZ63e_Txrr_gSVGtLJI3HJcPvgIq3JcZUZLsmid5-4ieS9uyeD-AmwRswu0OXZH6Y2uBbhF-z/s1600/hat7.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH5Yd-twrkl0lBwaZuuj3YHk20e2AMH1TwHdtChJit3IGUJPUh7RfKD1ieyxn72XEPxBlZ63e_Txrr_gSVGtLJI3HJcPvgIq3JcZUZLsmid5-4ieS9uyeD-AmwRswu0OXZH6Y2uBbhF-z/s400/hat7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751462384759314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Now the top of the hat is done, and is ready to be attached to the brim.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>5) Attach the top of the hat to the brim</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">With right sides facing, pin hat to center circle of brim.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG-IZl_iLy2b1H6Exmtkb5VcEWshuu69FKUWAUwSm09yBfyWGI-LrG8fJoIQx7vs_3Wxo6M4NxlEuHzOALQSQXecis_F7L7lidi71mqYcsia9vVPrFn6_X7eCJDw1MaukzIQQQ_Rua7XJ/s1600/hat6.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG-IZl_iLy2b1H6Exmtkb5VcEWshuu69FKUWAUwSm09yBfyWGI-LrG8fJoIQx7vs_3Wxo6M4NxlEuHzOALQSQXecis_F7L7lidi71mqYcsia9vVPrFn6_X7eCJDw1MaukzIQQQ_Rua7XJ/s400/hat6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751388878936050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Stitch in place with 1/4" seam allowance.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><b>6) Enjoy your hat!</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">The Monkey loves his new hat! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjEyZNFOibhrxyyI_U-mzCEtKpdZDqfo5X8UwBhxrnQRojjyHFNv48yc5vdBaSmUkCwxIutqmoO9d-T-hWgsrT3hAbzw3h5YU-9djl-OoMDkGizi3t7SX677jxRQCmiYew344WA2SAcfG/s400/hat2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751083040017986" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " />He's been wearing it everywhere, and has told me he can't wait to wear it on St. Patrick's day. And since the first attempt at this hat was too big for the Monkey, there's one for Grandma too<span style="font-size: 100%; ">. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmfki1NiWJqwdJaVhqsqFhaNetZBUujlp02q9mub5AP-ZDqG0EKsUa0JGTQ2h7dp-NNR1ned3lPoqdAURq2UwwPgL1Wt1LvOuh2ehUVMrnZiXZsAl8-FGXihSL9j_pbdgwtjAPCmdx8dz/s1600/hat3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmfki1NiWJqwdJaVhqsqFhaNetZBUujlp02q9mub5AP-ZDqG0EKsUa0JGTQ2h7dp-NNR1ned3lPoqdAURq2UwwPgL1Wt1LvOuh2ehUVMrnZiXZsAl8-FGXihSL9j_pbdgwtjAPCmdx8dz/s400/hat3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717751167937935682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=growinginstitches.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-UBoD3KQGvTU%2FT1mIQggo14I%2FAAAAAAAABHg%2F49Mwv7ojGdk%2Fs400%2Fhat1.jpg&description=Felt%20Leprechaun%20Hat" class="pin-it-button" layout="horizontal">Pin It</a><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br /></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-78935708772090723222012-02-19T20:44:00.012-07:002012-02-19T21:18:57.789-07:00Christmas Round Up: Grinch Fabric Book<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Because I'm a slacker (or rather, because I am too tired to blog after a day of chasing two boys around), I still have a few Christmas gifts I haven't blogged yet. One is the taggy fabric book I made for Baby Brother. <div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cCJ0MHuZepMVta7PtmTkUTlIC9UJqR4gwTodROf9TzAz3lRK912fYiu3YQREc4qQCHmH40yE7xaQxdPzRs8fyIKU_pLxQmKkbiqM9890Iy0QdERBgWTI-FC6_bEScXTBKeVddjQIPKJK/s400/grinch7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060166294196642" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div>We're <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-round-up-cat-in-hat-pajamas.html">big</a> <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/08/party-favor-bags.html">Dr. Seuss</a> <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/06/dr-seuss-curtains.html">fans</a> in this house. As soon as I saw this<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=5341219225835341&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=56660&Parent_Ids="> Grinch panels fabric</a> at Whipstitch, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. Sewn together with some batting and ribbons, it would be a wonderful little taggy fabric book for baby brother.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLT_xsLNBSQ9_kc1PgTMVjShyphenhyphenBWpQEIos9oJWfKdEZiAzzo3Jy3-n58mXwLugr-hX8d7Go7KMa8JaTnY37_y9DIDvCfvEAbMTaLIst9hzYnyi7BtVPCnLwbYg4mxfNpBCM0arr14gU26d/s400/grinch6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060086932825810" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>The fabric condenses the story of the Grinch into ten "pages." <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0dmFPtUl0L-wKGF9NUlLwHZHp4nSaMDseLZ0lqKwDa0yDG4CHxgAdLBDQ8La9VvlUUoTLGPmjZLziy-Ee0TE7pfjWo7Evcsy1FgWl4sT7ZRuaCX03ow0ZsLgODTBZoKnxA5Ey5fExpwB/s400/grinch5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060013709071490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>To make the book, I sewed on the tags, and used fusible fleece to give it a little more "poof."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdidXka-0yf_NLGRmr_ZZBcWyJcTtnhmujNqI5N3C8KCLxIKdbEZorzR7uFHF6ASHeO81ipanHrhbBhfN3vjh4c6-1HmtuFjnnkNMyjW9k1dMiwGql0uveaMgIuDVgyALgXdhcHif6IyU2/s1600/grinch3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdidXka-0yf_NLGRmr_ZZBcWyJcTtnhmujNqI5N3C8KCLxIKdbEZorzR7uFHF6ASHeO81ipanHrhbBhfN3vjh4c6-1HmtuFjnnkNMyjW9k1dMiwGql0uveaMgIuDVgyALgXdhcHif6IyU2/s400/grinch3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711059850957083442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Not all the panels were the same size. So I sewed the narrower panels onto a larger piece of fabric to make the page work. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgQ5cb8Na0QPEBgyhKay5Kcg3cbZjKy8mBLpGkHCU3Pjzm_iIVHuz7r0W5Jb1qNI4m0HBiM0E3vp-MIbL-4KhCYclRqRuYQCxeaUMVSlfCxuZGdI1gW4Cg1Bi4o8EjSORiRfVBs8_V9vk/s1600/grinch2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgQ5cb8Na0QPEBgyhKay5Kcg3cbZjKy8mBLpGkHCU3Pjzm_iIVHuz7r0W5Jb1qNI4m0HBiM0E3vp-MIbL-4KhCYclRqRuYQCxeaUMVSlfCxuZGdI1gW4Cg1Bi4o8EjSORiRfVBs8_V9vk/s400/grinch2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711059764851559762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>I found some Christmas tree fabric in my stash and used it to bind up the book.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mjPQLAw_gvCaMnVZSgxZYHld38DZFLgRJc1GKUE8daHK-Y2zuHCVXhIo3m93eVfH1vRegJK02GL0aKzll0X-dYKU8QHaDQgMM7soCr6qfaPbdeRQPNAGKnJS_YNvNaLuUCYWRq7QgOv_/s1600/grinch1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mjPQLAw_gvCaMnVZSgxZYHld38DZFLgRJc1GKUE8daHK-Y2zuHCVXhIo3m93eVfH1vRegJK02GL0aKzll0X-dYKU8QHaDQgMM7soCr6qfaPbdeRQPNAGKnJS_YNvNaLuUCYWRq7QgOv_/s400/grinch1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711059628634983874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>The bulk of all the fabric and batting was more than my sewing machine could handle. But Suzanne at Hip Stitch set me up with a good machine in the sewing lounge to finish up this project.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcar5WZfXaPVkSPUGJGqAEOwych0ZTuoLy9p6NLqzmPpb49LqcwcH2mMBPX6ZjoPZWxBEI6fIDhYrDSwf891v7_Da-UoIFv0iH4kYA4XVSqteJMXlCTaRMXmULCmxexNyCvu6sKa1M5vE/s1600/withbook2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcar5WZfXaPVkSPUGJGqAEOwych0ZTuoLy9p6NLqzmPpb49LqcwcH2mMBPX6ZjoPZWxBEI6fIDhYrDSwf891v7_Da-UoIFv0iH4kYA4XVSqteJMXlCTaRMXmULCmxexNyCvu6sKa1M5vE/s400/withbook2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711060359593113394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Baby Brother approves :-)</div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-44458099183835491252012-02-17T20:20:00.016-07:002012-02-17T20:59:45.267-07:00Tutorial: Adding Long Sleeves to a Short Sleeve Shirt<div style="text-align: center; "><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">When posting about the great <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-tie-shirts.html">Valentine's shirts</a> I made for the boys, I tried to find a link to the tutorial that inspired my short-sleeve-to-long-sleeve conversion. I searched and searched, but google completely failed me! So I figured I'd make my own tutorial. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJqXYAq1zymaX4rEe2Pj7nnxX5aciKGfQm18Y-EqaKJyZ_lzy3lUENVQi37afAvpPTcVC7o4hnlUFXEp9-2pw7V4js8aqW8zqx1ax_yKqHO2-teaq8rAtRFKa-AvwqEYa4b_lOaO8twtK/s1600/liamshirt.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJqXYAq1zymaX4rEe2Pj7nnxX5aciKGfQm18Y-EqaKJyZ_lzy3lUENVQi37afAvpPTcVC7o4hnlUFXEp9-2pw7V4js8aqW8zqx1ax_yKqHO2-teaq8rAtRFKa-AvwqEYa4b_lOaO8twtK/s400/liamshirt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710310468238983106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>The layered tee is a pretty popular look for kids these days, and it is actually a pretty simple conversion. </div><div><br /></div><div>To start, grab an old t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt that fits your kid.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGDTBn4P5itfQJm-QbP3vs27OfLPXQNawVTIy2Y32QllYo3au6W8TbObdMDQvKD49dW3IiZmM7V2RA3GdxSTcTbEmOLyBSr4kxYh4stTlRRACFVD9-FtbjSCTwm9-htT71iKxbfhdo9Sz/s1600/tutorial9.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGDTBn4P5itfQJm-QbP3vs27OfLPXQNawVTIy2Y32QllYo3au6W8TbObdMDQvKD49dW3IiZmM7V2RA3GdxSTcTbEmOLyBSr4kxYh4stTlRRACFVD9-FtbjSCTwm9-htT71iKxbfhdo9Sz/s400/tutorial9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710311679849232466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Lay the long sleeve shirt on top of the old tee, with the sleeve hem even with the bottom hem of the shirt. Trace the sleeve onto the tee, adding 1/2" for a seam allowance. I learned the hard way to also measure the width of of the short sleeve you will be sewing the long sleeve into. You want to make sure the long sleeve is not too narrow or too wide, or it will make it much more difficult to sew in. (I trace all the way up to the shoulder. You don't actually need it that long, but I found it helps line the sleeve up correctly. You can cut off the extra material later).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqHh-Gdf_Aw01FWSiyiGkZHXT2S9p9uYGGVdX9DXhgNpRY9kg3XjBn5kEYZ3l4S1bUMDEZpyL3pY197gWIDSo5xMjTHkZE8pM17J9LNybiyKPXjRQtG7ZJVirYCS7n1Z4_6MrxxsRh6Qn/s1600/tutorial7.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqHh-Gdf_Aw01FWSiyiGkZHXT2S9p9uYGGVdX9DXhgNpRY9kg3XjBn5kEYZ3l4S1bUMDEZpyL3pY197gWIDSo5xMjTHkZE8pM17J9LNybiyKPXjRQtG7ZJVirYCS7n1Z4_6MrxxsRh6Qn/s400/tutorial7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710311407131712562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Cut the sleeves from the shirt. If you fold the shirt in half, you can cut both sleeves with one cut.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEiCGHT8EYdDp9O1dMH7ZrbXKV_69gzg1lQhDud8OTXqMJtN8xoDz2DZMuMp57Y7IsetXgH26Dah3AgnQWKglMf11bQFCFVjGWUvyrSPLmzNjTWrh1b3HbtpFfOus17dkq_9aC1rNWH_l/s400/tutorial6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710311318096693714" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Pin sleeve with right sides facing, and stitch up side. Knits can be kind of finicky to sew. I've had success stitching with a strait stitch on the seam allowance, the using a zigzag stitch just inside the seam allowance. Then trim the excess fabric to the seam isn't too bulky.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER0kXJvoGg4OlpxFvdx4nIvrIK-eqYKKZmcKopFrAuLCacBIN6vf49Xzb-SGVSgRc4P-V1CZoAUKuRlPkjtVP22iatV4uijOsyJBXrFO6Ikz8MWhkG83Hljv9fr603KCfdq8-hwdXLUaL/s1600/tutorial4.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER0kXJvoGg4OlpxFvdx4nIvrIK-eqYKKZmcKopFrAuLCacBIN6vf49Xzb-SGVSgRc4P-V1CZoAUKuRlPkjtVP22iatV4uijOsyJBXrFO6Ikz8MWhkG83Hljv9fr603KCfdq8-hwdXLUaL/s400/tutorial4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710311095851259058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br /></div><div>Turn the sleeve right-side-out and pin inside the short sleeve of the shirt. Make sure to line up the seams of the two sleeves, and center the shoulder of the long sleeve on the shoulder of the short sleeve.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKDw6nFrC56pC-sq3Dqj4AuqHWoXPzYaTm2MeqpPycZByPd729oRC-6C-2_h3T8unLjdBrudDYI1Btft5vmFRVDZp0fGu2ugsyykjKcUtcAe0nKc4NVSHe98Kc6fN8z_I11P2MHEdOdkx/s1600/tutorial3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKDw6nFrC56pC-sq3Dqj4AuqHWoXPzYaTm2MeqpPycZByPd729oRC-6C-2_h3T8unLjdBrudDYI1Btft5vmFRVDZp0fGu2ugsyykjKcUtcAe0nKc4NVSHe98Kc6fN8z_I11P2MHEdOdkx/s400/tutorial3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710310996307548354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Next, stitch the long sleeve into the short sleeve shirt, stitching along the serged seams of the sleeve. This just allows you to hide the stitching better.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlDez6m_8-xatZgPquyeR_p4HQVNapBVBWHLVtU2WemBI3C8yTwyj-2wtF4Kj5wceXcCDBqrJtDUCEwm-SpFRNKkDE4N-kxUt5sKUVltwNY6quXg-PD80KLDnkCAXiAP2YINbTk1LtLuM/s1600/tutorial2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlDez6m_8-xatZgPquyeR_p4HQVNapBVBWHLVtU2WemBI3C8yTwyj-2wtF4Kj5wceXcCDBqrJtDUCEwm-SpFRNKkDE4N-kxUt5sKUVltwNY6quXg-PD80KLDnkCAXiAP2YINbTk1LtLuM/s400/tutorial2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710310890294081394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Again, I used a straight stitch, then used a zigzag stitch just outside the stitching. After zigzaggint, trim the extra material just outside the zigzag stitching.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhFuVNYnNYJFeZsKOICIg90x7KnLKsANEoxhl_fygeoRRO0Su47EsvC6aYEEoIu4MOBAAFeU9MEotjztGvpL-Sskt1tGCi5GW4Rr6LxY8cfo-zs3pKBCQVuHSOFHMnm7g2aOK3cLqbpcx/s1600/tutorial1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhFuVNYnNYJFeZsKOICIg90x7KnLKsANEoxhl_fygeoRRO0Su47EsvC6aYEEoIu4MOBAAFeU9MEotjztGvpL-Sskt1tGCi5GW4Rr6LxY8cfo-zs3pKBCQVuHSOFHMnm7g2aOK3cLqbpcx/s400/tutorial1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710310812302859698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Turn the shirt right-side-out and you have a great looking layered t-shirt! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9n3SCoDNJ0mg-JIhU4K0ldIBW5NLdWW0xfQjaKl6B0ky9lF0l6f-CvTlP9Z3N02xU9lxK82B7tXQM9gYR5YSEaSHU-iE2YaMPdtwnYxok_pIY3DudRjSRolKPwh-WgPfbBqO-z0GaMqq/s1600/shirts.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9n3SCoDNJ0mg-JIhU4K0ldIBW5NLdWW0xfQjaKl6B0ky9lF0l6f-CvTlP9Z3N02xU9lxK82B7tXQM9gYR5YSEaSHU-iE2YaMPdtwnYxok_pIY3DudRjSRolKPwh-WgPfbBqO-z0GaMqq/s400/shirts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710310686296657170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a> It's not only a fun look, it's also a great way to extend the life of some of your kids short-sleeve shirts. They can wear them for another season before growing out of them! </div><br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=growinginstitches.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2LSqFc0XD1c%2FTz8ZmLvrGMI%2FAAAAAAAABEQ%2FWd9XWOYGVec%2Fs1600%2Ftutorial3.jpg&description=Adding%20long%20sleeves%20to%20a%20short%20sleeve%20shirt." class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-63598910715268432762012-01-28T20:55:00.009-07:002012-01-30T21:27:43.589-07:00Valentine's Tie Shirts<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Valentine's Day is around the corner, and I wanted some cute shirts for the boys. I love little boys shirts with ties on them, and thought a tie shirt with a little heart cut out of it would make for a cute Valentine's shirt.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2n3CaqUqJWbBqXUYXZpoSFACuxF5a3cdrJWKG90LJzeEgYpNaZ17vjpGbQeqTovEHXaHg8oBTuc1AQ-1nGsT7ETNfcBzM1j3IZQFMvW2y2nJaeCL1TrBZ-HZWjeXdTc2ten2z21m3ICs/s400/ties3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702899059898422754" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">I looked all over for a plain red long-sleeve shirt for this project and couldn't find one. I was about to give up when I remembered reading a blog post (which I didn't bookmark and can't find now) with a tutorial for turning a short-sleeve shirt into a layered-look long sleeve tee. So, I grabbed one of my old t-shirts and cut some sleeves out of them to sew into the short sleeves.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjtTDt_JY8517tn5fzVWvQ8vIqpN3p1l3mXD_sJgtvtfDd2-4tbXd5vJL-e_QxgDVzdPBYkkJlXDbjbSHslV-xYjx_ol2OtPuMXu4mxyMatbdUXoMq00yQw6ZpdM4h-HWEuU6lrZp6-QO/s400/ties.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702898873601489154" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>I used my Silhouette Cameo to design and cut the ties, and ironed them onto the shirts with fusible interfacing. Then zigzag stitched around them. Quick fun project, and the boys look cute in their new shirts.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_t_gRmdeO4QbhjDaoU5DdN2STLsN9FL9BkGeiqI1A09t8RPzwP-UrfHpmD4cWG6yIHUzhWUXtWK05PXtJzwuu_UOv9tHegx3VcwH8mxwfbXFfHJ2p2xb83pF1R8aJylmPQV6U3x-vntk/s1600/ties5.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_t_gRmdeO4QbhjDaoU5DdN2STLsN9FL9BkGeiqI1A09t8RPzwP-UrfHpmD4cWG6yIHUzhWUXtWK05PXtJzwuu_UOv9tHegx3VcwH8mxwfbXFfHJ2p2xb83pF1R8aJylmPQV6U3x-vntk/s400/ties5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702899215110874002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a>Of course, just 'cause you dress them up, it doesn't mean they'll behave! Boys will be boys!</div><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgrowinginstitches.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F01%2Fvalentines-tie-shirts.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7Z90r2QTpsI%2FTyTEes8nleI%2FAAAAAAAABCw%2FrptrTTur52s%2Fs400%2Fties3.jpg&description=Valentine's%20Tie%20Shirts" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-83567382512852618512012-01-25T22:05:00.003-07:002012-01-25T22:19:28.031-07:00Fabric Box Dresser Organization.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">For the sake of my craft space (and my budget), I won't buy fabric unless I have a project in mind for it. If I find a fabric I like, I will do whatever I can to think up a project to justify the purchase. That's how The Monkey ended up with these cute boxes to help organize his dresser.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirH3C8BLs9WTrMEcyZu5HWLv2u0RoP7Q0AfBjes7Ij_NuxigRI9Wa7Akocsg0ppvHoSURT-knGCyO8VOmYJVuIqP9wphpe_g164A94L07ogYvNG1ib1hcE5f6HiMTyoiRGHgUc9kAEfqmM/s400/boxes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701802567260254242" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>I fell in love with these fabrics the first time I saw them at Hipstitch. I made several trips to the store before I finally bit the bullet and bought them. I turned them into little boxes to put in his dresser so his socks and underwear don't get lost among all his pajamas. Yeah, I know, quite a stretch to justify the purchase of these fabrics.</div><div><br /></div><div>I roughly followed <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/09/kitchen-storage-fabric-box-tutorial.html">my own fabric box tutorial</a>, with a few modifications. I didn't need quite as much structure in these boxes, so I used fusible fleece instead of a heavy-weight interfacing. And rather than sewing the lining in inside out and turning the boxes, I placed the lining in the box, wrong sides together. Then bound the boxes with some red grosgrain ribbon I had in my stash.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51CPvleKOWbulcEA3xcbogyTkg5nygqICGOdAPkuLHgfm3W0a45uil1_UwQyOtST1p-EJ3wl8L8GuM2VtRlqyv65uAHaiuOCo7cQvToZuCUK-Od5yWxInRspGy7hxxKuAvGhH-daC7j1J/s400/boxsinuse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701802660239362226" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " />I love the way they came out. And now there are no more complaints from The Monkey that he can't find his socks when he gets dressed in the morning!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-61128137720685305592012-01-06T20:21:00.007-07:002012-01-07T22:08:05.529-07:00Christmas Round Up: iFlirt<div>Baby Brother is quite the flirt. He loves to smile and babble at people, then coyly turn and bury his head in my shoulder, only to look up and grin again. It charms everyone he meets. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0yeRXeRD9gB4VmMTi5NgElnYz_VOj8kmWwJh9kF05KV0iXc7t5N1_TQkAd8gy86p92iRPGTRJ7TewFC-Yg3OpQSg4JglBcPV7ia0BTjwU5hwXbhl1tq4s3Y9cVEt_UgUWda1npnUUxnz/s400/iflirt1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694725952608351074" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>After watching him flirt with all the other passengers and flight attendants on a trans-Atlantic flight, I joked that I needed to find him a shirt that says "I flirt." And as soon as I said it out loud, I knew exactly what I needed to do.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XAGXX3yMAxW8KoyYvDLpULscGV6Mtw9sUrjdgd1iuH54NQVjqluQasE_fStyopt_GFNiqoWEHcAwzw8JnyXseKiFlcpMjuQZsyufXk109UCp98HITDJRvva4zWw_qI1tUFMCoROrDRsB/s400/iflirt3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694726114955387282" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>We're big Mac fans around here, and I thought iFlirt, a play on the i-everything from Apple would be really cute. I wanted white letters on a black shirt. When I went looking for a shirt to use, I found this black turtleneck a la Steve Jobs, and it was perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrt3ffj_fndxO3-VDDR5aoKiB5NjrCVYw8qzmRNBa6MyAEtSxEe1w7XZHYIjGfDa3EEu9A1AsKvJRC1p519HW4IqcIehj9wBakp7jImOU-4Ahi7EIkKO6AjvrzWkk0rVetFPYL6ohz-Ny/s400/iflirt5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694726283970249314" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>I found a font that is very close to the font Apple uses for iPods, iPhones, iPads etc. and traced the letters onto fusible interfacing. I cut them out of the fabric/interfacing and ironed them on to the front of the shirt. It was a quick, simple project, and I love the end result. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn36P7C_af33cXkVHE1YfphWPDHGq9MsHJF1QxPZlMEABFNX6HNGeHJ3D0vlFqU1FrICxUt-qaBVQdiH7mb4DDr7taieiqfPH7wJg_BYWIhqmtR8iiXS9W1G_xrd-kneUIXkPe3lhu1LPP/s400/iflirt2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694726031966830962" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0yeRXeRD9gB4VmMTi5NgElnYz_VOj8kmWwJh9kF05KV0iXc7t5N1_TQkAd8gy86p92iRPGTRJ7TewFC-Yg3OpQSg4JglBcPV7ia0BTjwU5hwXbhl1tq4s3Y9cVEt_UgUWda1npnUUxnz/s1600/iflirt1.jpg"></a></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-56304528599251968092011-12-31T22:18:00.006-07:002012-01-17T22:18:37.778-07:00Christmas Round Up: Cat in the Hat Pajamas<div>The Monkey<a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/06/dr-seuss-curtains.html"> loves anything Dr. Seuss</a>. Especially the Cat in the Hat. I found some great Cat in the Hat flannel when I visited one of my <a href="http://whipstitchfabrics.com/">favorite Atlanta-based fabric shops</a> last fall. I knew right away I had to get some to make pajamas for The Monkey.</div><div><br /></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU4t1TIfcsrTrkxYVFd5eI5aDl2jilSaDeRSK-YtWESMGqIhxjVxTHvFxQfqV4q15CnyLts42Qz253NSd-P7ugI5Pp2-OHLta-bDdrPskZqcqV0Gv2QNMCWGGl8GUC5DGQZXUz9PSTaad/s400/catpjs2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528797984883522" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>I decided to keep it simple and just make PJ pants, and get a simple white tee-shirt for the top. After buying the tee-shirt, I had a brilliant idea: jazz it up with the Cat in the Hat's signature bow tie (or Tie Bow as The Monkey calls it). </div><div><br /></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG8jhFzdlut5lRqxCwVBRyeF24ALm-JErCdFp7i8RGsoj5dEUzM0lRwKV6D6ubyydj_O7-qPHs2wGqSWyZ7LXZpnw2hFdxxMNEqYZ4HsKBXd83ZI5_X-XIK8aeEIMY2xf6ZfhPTWo5lGx/s400/catpjs1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528732753562930" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " />I printed out a picture of the bow tie, scaled to the size I wanted it, then played around with the shape a bit to allow for the pleats. I wrapped the center piece around it to appear as if it were "tied." I used fusible interfacing to tack it to the shirt, then stitched it on to secure it better.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdn9GQH5KKGycKfklgpXdS5Im55ZZzzZt8gPCJ0dcjld3IryRgSIJWpte5VZcmsgV5gT_V5LjmbsRzM-5FjscFQ7LmpATukGaFxKOZFgurkLWxmGc2Tm7G_wVVh02TEuIsGVnpCWvrEJuG/s1600/catpjs3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdn9GQH5KKGycKfklgpXdS5Im55ZZzzZt8gPCJ0dcjld3IryRgSIJWpte5VZcmsgV5gT_V5LjmbsRzM-5FjscFQ7LmpATukGaFxKOZFgurkLWxmGc2Tm7G_wVVh02TEuIsGVnpCWvrEJuG/s400/catpjs3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528984320023074" /></a>He LOVED his new pajamas. He put them on right away, and wears them several nights a week. And it warmed my heart when he gave me a hug and said "Thank you for my Cat in the Hat jammies! I love them!"ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-60547325025960882072011-12-31T21:43:00.012-07:002012-01-04T21:29:29.259-07:00Christmas Round Up: Super Hero Cape and Mask<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68JjxBSWIA_G3E1l0BIZvmFYp_lGqCtM817EaL390uZ-l10avS72mIBfwus7rzOSgQhjs2kfH_J9ZLfeJ08PeIxG_ZYpT8lj8vOv0OXyFIriPlTJbqyvHLolQgywsrd4qnOhNMpJRMUJA/s1600/superhero2.jpg"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As soon as I came across <a href="http://jensownroad.blogspot.com/2011/10/superhero-cape.html">this blog post</a>, I knew I had to make a Super Hero cape for the Monkey.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgP6LznIhH78jJx-LkXoyBv5cShQYR0skQYqkf6aDyk38OI5z86wWGi7fRUljDNF8kFr3WnafGZpuRrM8LLwQWh9us_41Fyf7anYscSwRwhPJ7BbjqSBnDbdtPKx6hfSnQ64SFJdk589G/s400/superhero8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528384964699202" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><div><br /><div>I have a stack of old t-shirts in my craft room that have been waiting to be turned into projects. I also have lots of felt sitting around in my fabric stash. So I had plenty to pull from to make this cape. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeusg3eiWogcrn8DgvC_w0vDwe8liwznBmlxcq0XOyzWbJl150QBE8RYrHrNiDPPuFGt70VzVy-2FnDCTgyn3E3wrtb4CHIFew6QY3dcBmz39E2oYWv-M24GbQv0kCvM9zXnGzjQILNMd/s400/superhero9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528472593749122" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; ">After cutting out the cape pieces, I found a Superman logo online, and used it as a template to make the "S" for the cape (since the Monkey's name begins with an S). I decided to go with blue and yellow because I didn't want it to be an exact replica of Superman's. The tee-shirt I used to make the cape was an old college shirt that had the name of the school up at the top. So I covered it with the blue and yellow stars around the collar. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNldINjQ2g_GzwywQoOZvvR6xPu2Y_-r_1cppzXgAxhJ_QAj6FdcnfeXdJJyFMQIAH7hggPTJSUbdbG5lv-SWhWqvyeAXdeLso4S0mHFJZLnjVP3VdP8-v8mxg7kkkqvIcvJG29xrvmYbv/s400/superhero7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528221643826482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; ">He had a Super Hero cape that one of the church nursery volunteers made for him, but he always needed our help to tie it on. Since this one attaches with velcro he can put it on himself!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; ">After making the cape, I came across <a href="http://www.swankypress.com/blog/2011/07/diy-tutorial-superhero-mask/">this post</a>, and realized every Super Hero needs a mask! So I quickly threw together a mask to match his cape.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZATeQMHAZP1i0zO5A5vhdfN7krkFV4lXJH-x-tVkPbS43T32KYQEzsKsqt1CUEYJJji3Brm78jqORjpfNlPVcZNgig_W3mdqUGS7l471yALKqaCK4oF-HGREMpx13jJy8iCs_MTPt3G3/s400/superhero5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528013858797314" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; ">After opening presents Christmas morning, we took a walk to the park to run off some energy. The Monkey insisted on wearing his new super hero outfit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf0nd5pheoqAHiQamwn1_ZbohWiFF5_t6feAfYpr7YA9nJzT-qHeQKxkM6Emt0BtM1JcyPpya-tmD4y30gUX9JXNvL-sJKGLgPjsUJ0WOoMHdUbWqXzTo1gndnfIBCPaxidehQdf2J6v-/s400/superhero4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692527923777546962" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " />Blast off! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxK142M9uXP9NvEf2WkGCCdAJGfHoEEa8iuVNvoXKxZ0owIDAp8Ul7oaUBytoIYGt_wCAvNzVBwIJdxPrrLSnV9LAyv8CvcfOAuJsVUSGU4SKlTdDiHHQ1PU6gAhpHJ_htPuAijsL2uvW/s400/superhero3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692527821702941090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-75659108309962002022011-12-22T21:06:00.002-07:002011-12-22T21:10:38.452-07:00Christmas Sewing for Monkeys<div>I've been working on Christmas gifts for The Monkey and Baby Brother.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01okVanC650vgu3ECv-pDpA7gjmqrK96jZi01Lesx8nlewXsGLQEYV9_iFfI61BUxeg6vRv1SPEg2pTcWTVWI1V8IIX1Sf0CFhEewkxc-4_3ogtFhA-RMMwp17cr_eNgfvIGmk5zmV4CU/s1600/gifts.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01okVanC650vgu3ECv-pDpA7gjmqrK96jZi01Lesx8nlewXsGLQEYV9_iFfI61BUxeg6vRv1SPEg2pTcWTVWI1V8IIX1Sf0CFhEewkxc-4_3ogtFhA-RMMwp17cr_eNgfvIGmk5zmV4CU/s400/gifts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689170564816853666" /></a><br /><div>The Monkey will be getting the Cat in the Hat Quilt, Cat in the Hat Pajamas, and super hero cape and mask. The fabric taggy Grinch book and the iFlirt shirt are for Baby Brother. More on these projects after Christmas when I can get some better pictures of them. Til then, Merry Christmas! (Or Happy Hannukah! Or Happy Solstice! Or Happy December!)</div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-11665251016543487912011-11-30T21:07:00.018-07:002011-12-01T22:09:45.774-07:00H & L's Wedding Quilt<div>My cousin H got married recently. H and I (and my brother and her sister) pretty much grew up together. She's awesome. One of those people that lights up a room the second she walks in. Knowing that H & L love homemade gifts, and that they met in an environmental education program, I wanted to make them a wedding quilt using all (or mostly) fabric from my stash.</div><div><br /></div><div>A<a href="http://elevenstitches.typepad.com/"> friend of mine</a> once made a crossword baby quilt, and knowing that H and L both love puzzles, I had to steal the idea. I envisioned a traditional looking crossword puzzle, brightened up with a colorful border or orange and green (their favorite colors). The quilt came out even better than I pictured it in my head!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD15R72iqDnxI_pSmth3PNZ1a_Lv2V5sn7ohFEDx1WanxENvkVyy1qO7-PwArdgJb9_XIYazceZFCrBE3VjrN2y8wEaFwZYOtXD30x5MTlKkWzI9Bav_JRBPzPUdz98Bl1lKUfjj17SPzH/s400/quilt1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681007210174987426" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>I read through H & L's wedding website, paying particular attention to the "how we met" stories to pull words for the crossword puzzle. Then plugged them into an online crossword generator to get the layout. I had to tweak the layout a little bit to make it fit into the size I wanted, but for the most part, I let the computer do all the work. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XIrPGIoVs11TcQ6UsSwtfJ021gEcH0W986CsVwESapLnj7x4KIzZ1cfVEZR_lsia4CSTBoZWNJcFmuxA2bQ5k8eMFlERqDfihRA3Bp89Xc1GcKUJMtCeimFA70d-DcDH_rTWR5Ytk-DP/s400/quilt11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681008386522539122" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>The vast majority of the fabric was pulled from my stash (though I had very little orange, so I had to buy some of that). I thought that having the main field completely black would be a little too much, so I scattered in some white-on-black prints to break it up a bit. I think it was able to keep the feel I was going for, without it being too dark.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because it was all squares, this quilt was very easy to strip-piece. The puzzle is made up for 2.5" squares, while the border is 5" squares. The letters were appliqued using fusible interfacing. I found a font a liked and printed out an alphabet the right size to trace onto the fusible. I adhered the fusible to the black fabric, cut out the letters, then ironed them on. Finally, I finished them off with a zig-zag stitch along the edges.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcgwjnfulfxMqeXzekh-rHN_DRRgbjNKmBj03a5dKb1gxuVeIRr9NzChe6xPo30kIhw7VwFiwBCG29CYZ_NioiWPvC3f3V9gIMlbbkjy1tGhqm6ShRykCc5u3oeS8SEO7OsaiJXsvLBnf/s400/quilt5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681007697895625106" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I found this orange fabric with trees on it, I knew it was the perfect backing fabric for this quilt. H & L love nature and the outdoors, so I wanted to incorporate that into the quilt. The green trees brought that element of nature, and the orange allowed me to keep it with the color scheme of the quilt.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6Z71_t64FqbtyeaWoNWABPno7x0pA3nY7henB-Fd0rUzMQrNluYoUvMA6yAJbhw_EB9X63RYL5Ek6bPcflRo0Y4elrr6HSkSKkSWcjRzXpjeC7gY5n1qyifVCow4NkxnqJ1nboa3qctI/s400/quilt7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681007999891687746" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>I knew that this quilt was an ambitious project, especially with <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/06/another-little-monkey.html">a newborn</a> in the house. So to make it a little less insane, I opted to tie the quilt, instead of stitch it. I found some orange and green embroidery floss in my stash and tied it up. I like the little bits of color the floss adds against the black background.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hyGCdW22DM2A7wvnJgJ3VL-DatwDXMfPle2njZwU1zWC5pTX77iO2O0wW0r_ThDShnRmRcw1y5mhGY5rlx1Gifs1qiT5_oHlu7io7qaUCqJOcgTqejAJbwFIIxr-tUmyYmIUI12zESux/s400/quilt4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681007576683297714" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div>With a simple, black binding, this is a quilt I can be proud of!</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked H & L to open the gift at the wedding, because I wanted to see their reaction. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCuvOX0x5CPiCYP3A_UW4OHeXFN5NuFGkJUjz4TLGlWvUcFjA49EWxOf72NDWDtHKwNj38IhDK9pm9ZSsGerih3PpbnSTZbMvieg2dRlenXhgmlrY6ANn6fRrPp7grCPtcG8yDKIo4TLv/s400/firstlook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681006785492881986" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First peek at the quilt</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaZWBCmT0Di4DI9lU1cN-_Gh8TJ1OKfvVnl0ORSC6ympTTrP3PMB3VmfHxOpVas0iEM0ZwSAJPAzACOecnHrG7cws0TYwutxGdKE72XkDWS-FPsUHP6UvofdhYWxzTT7zjjK98q_Hjlp0/s400/puzzle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681007016311770658" /><div style="text-align: center;">Taking it all in</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">H & L loved the quilt. And I LOVED making it for them. I hope it will be well loved and well used throughout their marriage. Congratulations H & L!!!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCuvOX0x5CPiCYP3A_UW4OHeXFN5NuFGkJUjz4TLGlWvUcFjA49EWxOf72NDWDtHKwNj38IhDK9pm9ZSsGerih3PpbnSTZbMvieg2dRlenXhgmlrY6ANn6fRrPp7grCPtcG8yDKIo4TLv/s1600/firstlook.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-19268848939421441602011-09-19T21:50:00.029-06:002011-09-21T21:32:57.232-06:00Patchwork Penguin Baby Blanket and Plushie<div>Some friends of ours are expecting a baby next month, a little girl. I wanted to make something fun, and decided that a nice monogrammed taggy baby blanket would be just right. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BU-BnR71hBb2bOUDOrDz4JsyeVK4Rar3R07Sktj8iPRHgFz56c-O5_Q_UwSu62Igqd5N7djdN1B52GEMP46j-K6WLCD8KIsuqR_JLAPDeviWFPLyVvco9CRkTuO50ZB2zXwKKmaJ3siI/s400/penguin12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654661270418504162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div>I love making taggy toys for babies. From the very beginning, the Monkey has loved the tag on his little stuffed dog, Spot. When he was younger he would suck on it. As he grew, he started playing with it and putting his fingers in it to hold it close as he sucked on his fingers. In fact, Spot's tag got so much love that it fell off, and the Monkey said he didn't like Spot as much without the tag. So I made spot a new tag with some soft satin ribbon. There's just something about tags that lots of babies seem to love.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTWH7iMFuUauz65uaVRqfcJ4eG4ZNO9Dp1YApOBDIEJrFflSNzhFnoHh8wpQHe7h9mC22Tz8-VM8Z-WtevHv1IVxcxgiMxKeE_R14s_PZgcx9lwmUCZCtukmKSK53sW7lDGBlMU7wcLLW/s400/penguin9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654660955701460626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I figured a taggy blanket could provide warmth over a car seat, be a good tummy time floor mat, and also be a good toy, with all the tags to pull on, suck on, and twiddle.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvCbAtJJ7Wxnhql2mBujoOH18rXXnrn8uIXQPmJfV1eMjPFCHilCL4bl4av4TlBk9OXxp_9WdX5iM7ZK0vg9M8FFrPKNGbvHDxhj9Bx8hSfTSf6CJJ6UAW_Hi92n9hFm6uDILJGJQTYGo/s400/penguin5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654660557307036306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I wanted the blanket to have a patchwork feel to it, and I wanted a mixture of fabrics and textures. I also knew the mom-to-be dislikes pink as much as I do. So I walked into JoAnn's looking for some really cute, fun, not-boyish, not-pink fabrics. After loading up my cart with a bunch of different things, I found this wonderful patchwork penguin fabric. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was a winner!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnmrXBPcvtbSwTs3w3AkKRaqHGO5ih8XfLymweFdFRHS3fggobWzwqii9Uvd88AlYgQJueirN7RTcAWVGtqVDTGC8MFlOjBe_o21-kvHjdxS0yI3dGwUWucnd5T2sv8xVH_AQeixZ7xmz/s400/penguin3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654660352460887666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div>The fabric included some woven cotton, some flannel, and some nice soft minky. And since it was already pieced together, it saved me from having to patch something together myself. With such a fun patchwork fabric on one side, I felt a nice, simple, coordinating solid flannel would make for a good backing. After finding the off-white flannel, I found the black ribbon with white polka-dots and knew I had everything I needed. I pulled some solid black fabric from my stash and some nice fuisible to monogram the blanket.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_gv6sl17dZwUce67S_iwxC_ReAJG1YSJMx3oCDNEs-y2O96RITyCGm7WZ2V_3EOJSHxkNmx36fb6eAsU1FWmmbkMqVBaWBgJtexgrcutgxYOfov8ePNm-FPP56BGlNVfl-MAPqeRS75x/s400/penguin15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654661627435805986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>When I went to the cutting table, I discovered that there was just over a yard left, and the remaining end-of-bolt 15" would be half price. I couldn't pass it up! That was just enough to make a couple of plushy toys! </div><div><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4dcCaAF87Rjo3PjbTtpTwdlgo3iCZbeNGC58h8WEBnXTQN888EDnDAh-sBTArH3JZVwiNx5Wu0HPGXSw3XQ_FUexd0Svyy8ewMtHZSP7wSUUbgicpIeWdsjlstoC0LCR1jxabH0is2wR/s400/penguin2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654660244392522850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I free-handed a penguin shape and cut it out of the fabric. I pulled some orange fabric out of my stash and made a diamond for the beak and free-handed some feet. I then stitched it up, stuffed it, and closed up the opening, and I had a cute little penguin plushy to go with the blanket. (There was even enough fabric left that Baby Brother got a penguin too!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW2dMn_V7nnKzDkNAociO2AkINL4Km916CA_wYEHp9a2BPBkXnZPvaecgV6k8qariEzm0nLjoR4DeMjYTV8RUEJQAjR9B2v9nt32rxyikjCQqW6XianSbJeZhPwICaphy4NpxepEP8ilp/s400/penguin14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654661493517149522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a fun project, and the blanket with matching plushy made a great gift for a special little girl.</div></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-86984646325563442822011-09-19T21:50:00.011-06:002011-09-20T22:03:54.638-06:00Ring Sling<div style="text-align: left;">I love baby carriers. I carried the Monkey in my <a href="http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/">Ergo </a>from the time he was big enough to fit in it until I got pregnant again with Baby Brother. We'd use it to walk the dog every morning. And it made travelling so much easier!</div><div><br /></div><div>When baby brother was born, I got a <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/">Moby</a>. I love how close and snug I can carry him in the Moby. Especially when he was itty bitty. There were times I even slept in the Moby because it was the only way Baby Brother would sleep. But as much as I loved carrying him nice and snug in the Moby, it took a long time to get on properly. And sometimes it didn't work right the first time and I'd have to start all over. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I wanted a carrier I could get on quickly, and wear comfortably. For those times when Baby Brother was fussy and needed to be held right away, but I needed my hands to play with the Monkey. Or do dishes. Or cook dinner. I started checking out ring slings, but didn't want to pay $85 for essentially a piece of fabric and some rings. So I decided to make one.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5by4Q1GINpiRKOc_IHQVXc_TO1yOPVSEOdxv-W50S3p9xsef_M9hGDESlwULtpGgyToeLCAJZjVtB3-FYBu7ONkKYsmVL2dwmc6IDc8F08KNkbYb6KF5tLc8Vh1fZ2EsObqWXRj3oMeMi/s400/sling2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654651667095160434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>There are <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling.html">lots </a><a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/no_sew.html">of </a><a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/fabric.html">tutorials</a> <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/reversible.html">for</a> <a href="http://haydee-everythinginitsplace.blogspot.com/2008/05/ring-sling-tutorial.html">making</a> <a href="http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2008/05/pleated-ring-sling-tutorial.html">a</a> <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling_pleat.html">sling</a>. I read through tons of them then got to work. I chose a cute little puppy fabric in a heavy weight cotton, and lined it with a coordinating gingham. I ordered some rings <a href="http://www.slingrings.com/index.php">online</a>. Then followed the instructions for one of the pleated sling tutorials. I was almost done with the project when my sewing machine (which was badly in need of repair) gave out on me. Fortunately, Suzanne at <a href="http://www.hipstitchabq.com/">Hip Stitch</a> let me spend a few minutes on one of her machines to finish up the project. And while I was there, another customer/friend came in to chat. Turns out she used ring slings for all of her kids, and gave me a few pointers on how to use it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3beDFNLPpl1IFFvTfKau4hQCPNfBo7AG9hQn3NkJENiRdD8foqZX8jG00yDWMX-YudfTBQ5C6RuiR0rbu6IheNKyGnRjL8mmHyTYhs9Gnlfm5PeEezelThaQwhWElY20drNFfikeI1ib/s400/sling1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654651546791747474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Look how cute and cuddly he is snuggled in there! This sling has been wonderful. So easy to get on and off, and Baby Brother is happy and content held tight against my chest. It's been a life saver on many occasions. And I like having a one-of-a-kind sling for my little guy. I've gotten lots of compliments on it, and love wearing him in it.</div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-414217601898256272011-09-17T20:57:00.028-06:002011-09-18T21:28:57.819-06:00Kitchen Storage: A Fabric Box Tutorial<div style="text-align: left;">Last Christmas, Santa brought the Monkey a kitchen, and lots of food to go in it. He loves his kitchen, and is actually rather particular how it's "organized" (Gee, I wonder where he gets *that* from...). So, I decided to make some boxes for him to put his food and kitchen stuff in.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3U7g_0srbp8b-sGD2G5kL8mzqhTAqEvfuaYL6ZcMU30wTDcvSQK9aU2iVuucfj77MdZpPoBjBiZr0rtPevfhjvwGDILBOOWsXP9fyQE8xj_sFdbb8ejiz_H-HxIxr3TjYo1YGKtYWX2k/s400/box23.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653530958523533330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I knew I wanted food-related fabric, so when I saw this fruit fabric at JoAnn's I couldn't resist. It was even on sale! The Monkey picked out the cherries, grapes, and bananas for his kitchen boxes. For the lining, I found an old canvas curtain I'd saved, figuring it would make its way into a craft project sooner or later. It was perfect for this project.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there are many different fabric box tutorials out there, I figured I'd throw my own into the mix. So, here goes...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Materials:</b></div><div>Outer Fabric</div><div>Lining Fabric</div><div>Stiff, heavyweight interfacing (I used fusible, but you don't have to)</div><div>Needles, thread, sewing machine and other sewing essentials</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Determine the size of your box. Then, from the outer and inner fabrics and interfacing, cut panels the size of your box plus one inch. (For example, my boxes were 8"w x 10"d x 9"h. So my box had a base of 8" x 10", two sides of 8" x 9", and two sides of 10" x 9". So I cut a base of 9" x 11", two sides of 9" x 10", and two sides of 11" x 10".) It's not as confusing as it sounds.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcgCS9ooGglvjgYXbfUsV-G0hYdg_gecxAe8PJL4D8DDOav9Y98vsXy2zdiIpjAcKciBVmtXyGPDcN75i-ukRUuvdShCkcEoePijfICD4RgzmX-WW1QPzZfVs7MO9Cqkc_6IMBXv9HOqe/s400/box1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653528414252922258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Base and sides cut from outer fabric, inner fabric, and interfacing)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >2) Fuse (or baste) outer fabric to interfacing and set aside.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJTnvlZ3Hq0WpbdIfFRjHgs3sUNxAQKnDylhwwW5jF0i8buy78c_JFASnH5Adn7L6B7UiECdYaXA62MCy0HPrMxIDsABXjgq1MdC1ekj8VWMx660vX6GNNtdHP8Ed34yAsJYEvyke38k-/s400/box3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653528597575707826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >All fused together</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >3) Take your lining fabric. With right sides together, sew sides together, leaving 1/2" seam allowance. Stop sewing 1/2" from the bottom edge of the box. (This will become important later). Press seams open.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vUmlFWvz3kX4HiWS-Oiqty28BdokF2PZcc_Xz6q8Z3Rd0eRUVKxCHrF4mLaBPWtCBZCf5zpeVrPV82lTcNwdBMeO0umtyiE58Eb7Um4usvFUSqX_0aK2Vh5gYOp_XrcJ_sAmoXnrfnBP/s400/box4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653528705991426146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div>Fold in half and sew ends together, leaving 1/2" seam allowance, and again leaving 1/2" at the bottom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDii8OqzJsJCvachGPH5ELuZicQ_TX7PYD7yXOfmqB-hxvfkodNjkw6bm87d8pFhW0Es2pm0pbLpmmVGJg-lsSBqLSC8ymhEgqmnaZeW-1YT_vHP_WHDmh4Ql_kanRugOoJM8b8OjdE6T/s400/box5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653528783306231618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Look, you have a bottomless box!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >4) With right sides together, pin the base to the sides. This is where that 1/2" you left at the bottom comes in. Start sewing, with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving 1/2" at the beginning and end of the seam.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjry8eXRSNZ1Ydd8C_i7e11UamE1w2Ut2jpEedcxyf0zN2F__ZSN9DrI3PF4Ucu48VMcf27GdYzk1sRPiKiVsT580l3Yge1vqCmc7wKkS_jQDjGD4fRdcgd2PUg39xHt2cTRQ3Pw4t0VE9z/s400/box6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653528931226402194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Getting ready to sew, starting 1/2" in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Sew each side of the base to the sides in the same way. The 1/2" you left on each seam will make it much easier to maneuver the corners of the box. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishVkaDtAHg0DOlCav9cfOKAXp4qgcW0HqdEf2APwI6B3N0wPeofaGM1d6HIm4p51X1cL9ckTNGuoqoFUQAL6F2EQcs2ESl6Q8RN9qUWxtQlTeVsiPLw5Dhx5yjRDOAX5AZ4MHoGYZ7Bd7/s400/box7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653529099850661026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Look, you have a box!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Repeat the process with the outer fabric/interfacing. Turn box right side out.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1Ln1xjPxCqc8Y1pFGXhN0GiNfJcdkOTzVKEPVG8mpOciMRrUv14e8g0VgXLh2c9Ryd1_b3OioGjkLfBq8PJ2rLJsEf5DOzD8G_NznqjQby0THwu-9Vd9rYolQYvvrzomMAZKRDUvbh-6/s400/box8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653529270322924930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Look, now you have TWO boxes!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">5) Here's where it gets fun. Place outer/interfacing box inside the (inside-out) lining box. Make sure side seams are aligned, and pin. You may have to do a bit of pulling and tugging to get seams and edges to line up.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUDcJILdiJvvORe5JpcppiBvYuvf0sloBnB4blfNC8U-8OQXmdesXtgb0MnKZJ4xPd2u2fG6QG0XyZF5TUCFcaXFF0N1cPVKViTYliUj0oKk5X1vpmVNp8Yv4xDHbKmyfqMWkzFtPzT5u/s400/box9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653529381681501538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >6) Stitch around top edge with 1/2 seam allowance, leaving 5" - 6" open. Reach in through opening and turn box right side out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdumdU6yb1SS_dJqJQW4QSqsFyZlQV5zkwn2RhHezaYnQRt_BveAF2KQX6eUkxQRgkErZV4g8-kx5wlnNNHZJ7hng-9XGU2RTkd68oEWQgMbf45cdkM0Lt1-fvlL9c7gC8vtLuiEASWSJ/s400/box10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653529471876291810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Your Box is almost done!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >7) Tug lining down a little and top stitch around the edges. This will keep the lining in place and close up the opening you used to turn the box. Top stitch again about a 1/2" away. You can match your thread to hide the top stitching, but I thought it would be neat to use a contrasting thread and use some decorative stitching to jazz it up a bit. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfZQ2XVxTwD6XWnKkAnCekN00Ri_vaxYu4NKpjTKICwHSxokkJTeK6BvuKzOvgT8nTeeuijplvvB72PxHOKIHv5koQq1hkW3KxCWflA_57lgYI9RaR2o0_q1QZHLwEEMkc5OI1sKuUyV0/s400/box12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653529733736352834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>You're done! Enjoy your box!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l6lQY72iqgCoGOhluBD0Iouk690xM7dPAWrhigsSv7Eu3sYXFTv1AvSlmcunlPThdkK1_PMFv-Pxwj489hoV3UDwhYvGNm_PBq4xKgky9p1XnH94Jx15als0INFNWS2kjkjvW8_cMMpR/s400/box18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653530369712066562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >This is how I intended the boxes to be used.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBJtFKV9oWyVU6lwlCggW3vn29ZOTgoOnChj9fWhhv-PnyqAy-jpm-EJYHfbLIvgbHiDfptBHCKhXcIx3UDMBplKKqgmZo2uJzh63hXPLwuW4wzUtealChl1Fph8YQxNdIohmJ8KOvRuw/s400/box15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653530106273770322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">But this is how the Monkey likes to use them :-)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-15823849924673959782011-09-10T21:24:00.002-06:002011-09-10T21:31:19.600-06:00Trick Or Treat Bag<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); "><div><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); "><div class="post-body entry-content"><div>(I wrote this post in October of 2009, but with Halloween coming up, I thought it might be a good time to repost. Once the Halloween fabric goes on sale this year, I'll be picking some up to make one of these bags for Little Brother. Enjoy the pictures of the Monkey as a little 15 month old!)</div><div><br /></div><div>We took the Munchkin trick-or-treating this year, and I wanted to make him a bag for the occasion.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggXwLOcPawbXHsr8hMWEeLzcbX1Hq7O48MwkmJQMPOg59PaGVqREgzUVZqWCcpUBoYU6deMU05_ZUWErkcFpxBzQZF_r6fOiJv3Iu9yKrE3xcgCKLmfv7hcfpxqrKTErVmP4h6i_Whws/s400/withbag.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400058468880038578" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">You will need:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">--primary (outside) fabric</div><div style="text-align: left; ">--liner fabric</div><div style="text-align: left; ">--applique fabric</div><div style="text-align: left; ">--fusible web</div><div style="text-align: left; ">--iron</div><div style="text-align: left; ">--sewing machine/needle/thread/other sewing basics</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">How much of each fabric you need depends on the size of the bag you want to make. I bought a yard each of the orange fabric and the black skeleton liner fabric, and was able to make three bags, measuring about 9 1/2" x 11 1/2."</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">1. Determine how big you want you bag to be. I decided that 10" x 12" was about the right size and the numbers were easy to work with. Cut primary and liner fabrics to measure the width of your bag (plus ~1/2" for seam allowance) x two-times the length of the bag (plus ~1/2" for seam allowance).</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj3Jfd0dvIk4jUqBMzgQK2u_yZGcxpH_mtRMiNBJqeE2qDDpDWoazUEUPHUs2J33uKZM2REzbGwErBKDSU5FBWQG9jXAxUSMenodQF-xAMCi4eyUGJ7GBiUyonGegiMnumLjGDlrSfC0/s400/fabric.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400069163020345458" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Here are my primary and liner fabric, cut to 10" x 24" and then folded in half to measure 10" x 12"</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">2. Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides facing, and sew along the outside edges of the fabric, leaving 1/4" to 1/2" for seam. When sewing the liner, leave a hole at the bottom corner of one side (In the picture below, you can see the orange fabric sticking out of the hole at the bottom of the liner).</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobc0kIROUXuzBq-4E1MxASJAhU01EGTaB9ituYjhkN75mlLU2Uf0l6OIT0T9Pwg1VD2buuFdp9G9cgnWcbaB5oKPAX_Z8cKx6vIQ2LpRiAWdDTyj6VS_XMps5fWarbWMCkWtiMM1CzBE/s400/bagandlining.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400069924710885746" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">3. Turn liner right side out (leave outside of bag inside out). It might help to iron the liner at this point to crease the bottom and flatten the seams. Place the liner inside the bag, so that the right side of the liner (outside) faces the right side of the bag (inside).</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_grtuK5PcWkZF9gRe-Y6_7Zkt7P2oIY-NlqzjGJzYvM-OEQBvDSpA6yEJTa22-pSldNHPNHz1QUfr8KE447Y_JicozKKzpjek15dRQC1WbNLpbnaO4HJL0IfXep5jui3NqWRvU7Km-U/s400/readytosewlining.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400070891355550546" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">4. When placing liner fabric inside of bag, line the seams up as best you can (This is where ironing the lining fabric really pays off. When it's flat and well shaped, it's much easier to slip it into the bag). Sew lining to bag along the top of the bag, leaving 1/4" to 1/2" seam allowance.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">5. This is where the magic happens. Reach into the bag and pull the bag and liner out through the hole in the bottom of the liner.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlmhYdyaMhmQBdXLoqsiQfnNKp38eP5sKCwY-IdnzeWbHEK6J_ts8LEqftPAcRhPbH8JAvSGi27kHI0-tQnIas4-RabBswMb4dX_HMhKxlCeJFeCHC8FUA6REMjov3pUlcmPtm4G53i8/s400/insideout.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400072304136638034" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">6. When you are done turning the bag inside out, sew up the hole in the bottom of the lining, then insert the lining back into the bag. Iron the bag to flatten seams and shape the bag. You now have a lined bag.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4CrsyvV0N7i3y85nasmzug7H-l_3azKobIW7eqNY3D-TVD6FTzfBapD7IBCibu8iZht4nJvWk1nl6HDGPQ2nKyFcwuYlrJsFqgNTP2E7JSmna__ndYI631JqK_id5e03RiyptDD_Rhg/s400/sewnbag.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400073018653584498" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">7. At this point, use the fusible web to applique whatever design you like. I chose this happy Jack O' Lantern Face. (Follow instructions on whichever fusible web product you are using to complete this step).</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO0a4k40KKocI3pQ9TZvKNckzQntefKOeDtE_OtNkaFKbcffoRnq1vF-6c7cDRAhH3yXpkSw6GY4aVImmRE3tuiqZPAcbwZPy1ug-vyOXZvNcB66-t1gU1javoBe_IEDKIbpLc06CeOw/s400/face.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400073559020492418" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">8. Now it's time to make the handles. 1) Determine how long you want your handles to be. Cut the fabric equal to the length of the fabric x 4 times the width. My handles were 14" long by 1" wide. 2) Fold strip of fabric in half, and iron to press crease along center of the fabric. 3) Unfold fabric, and then fold edges of fabric into center and press creases into fabric. 4) With edges folded in, fold fabric along center crease, and you have your handle!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCdKRNRomSLpar1Nc4ovnwW7lz4FiMAfLvBXJEH50Aj39RNHVf6kj1T4bC-KerO7TzYUXDv4Y5CcUb1QadZUsPxdmnSDfxSxP9I6zEAXGjHG7hFwpS0g_1gBnkriWA2Ggtb9WrtazD7c/s400/mosaic254c425679c09a92aecde8a2159059824b20e0cb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400074202834184338" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">9. Determine handle placement and pin handles to bag. Sew handles onto bag using a criss cross pattern to add extra stability. Don't forget to keep the back of the bag away from the sewing machine! You don't want to sew the bag together when sewing the handles one. We'll just pretend I didn't learn that one the hard way ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijilWByX7pDblOPKYxkwRZXBuLu_FElb4wIDfjEUiVaUDBhhtibgJ64BcnWI7rC5eGoEU4QWUO7WDQtXzuEx_5Izi-aX2zREHadZMxD28KcDOf1RFzHb9hyVjKWs8nUjFPEEIfrpKCENs/s400/mosaicac67fb32f868f70f3dd7cae7d42588e2f795b458.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400074276730314834" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Now your Trick-or-Treat bag is finished. Hand it off to your favorite little Munchkin and enjoy your Halloween!</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI278qCmW9ggKvMC94ci_Kf_BpnpU0r1RT8LrrCpgq256uoLFElaRXKhq1N47O4ecbaAFFFTJ8EvDux_mByuodMNfjqVgb2IbjS1zKYjgSbCa-srcwcve5-qafj2T-ki3T9KlAuUll9MM/s400/trickortreat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400076292575189090" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div></div></span>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-28893574261225981162011-08-10T21:07:00.008-06:002011-08-10T21:30:15.418-06:00Silent Auction Sewing<div style="text-align: left;">A member of our church will be leaving later this month for South Korea as part of the <a href="http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/yav/">Presbyterian Church (USA) Young Adult Volunteer</a> program. However he is responsible for raising the money necessary to get him there (and back). The church has been holding a variety of fundraising events for him, and one of the last ones is a talent show and silent auction. I don't have much to offer for the talent show portion of the evening, but I figured I could put together a few things for the silent auction.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Apron and Pot Holders</b></div><div>
<br /></div><div>I decided to make an apron with matching pot holders. The apron is an <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a> pattern, made from a Michael Miller fabric I found in my stash. I can't seem to remember what it's called. I've made a few of these aprons already. I LOVE them. They pattern is pretty simple and I just think they're so cute! </div><div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF95Mp_Oz4LB0wgAH08VS7tmvswqg-ERCY5Qdf-aXqEM4oymL7JJzz2rAIJGk47Q87VtE2nE3z9kYtvOvDtJ4SryzM5pdaTb5AVwyBridixkdjS4hIVXCGbhmRLA43zCibgsV8B2DEglYJ/s400/apron1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639432007304156562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>Potholders are another quick, easy project. I thought it would be fun to make some to match the apron.</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xHrk4bSuXKqMqvvNHqLWkr_5YrMgf1GoUVZQGQf6hU0z8XOdDVsrPI-EoZbn0GK4-LM44X99ZC8KE2U00N3GEymP_oM1xfJaS0lWfgUmm2qnvN8Njd4xhoePfdZmpzSdyHKHMOVa8WgG/s400/potholders.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639432918610107234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div><b>Taggy Cubes</b></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Since I already had the fabric for these cute little baby toys already cut, it was nice and quick to just sew them up and stuff them for the auction.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvyqk8NE6RVLRVFoU_YWZyoIWz4qWR9Q-tQ3107wGhmZRwCJFs10AYmC6LAgqPEsj1ovCwIEFqZPj6MZowFsKFCN6-F0NqdcIsLlK3i6eMttcskveP7418WrmOZCa6hRAr3TRb9O2vXXO/s400/cubes2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639432821797230978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>I love the sock monkeys. As soon as I saw this fabric, I knew I had to make some baby toys out of them. They're nice and soft, and have bells in them for added fun. And as you can see, they are Baby Brother approved!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGvf_kfMQlmNEFUiP_WtbQnF3FAPiIMsGB-hd3DHqEdRPcoCall69zhtDKZwXO_WYxk5j7Bu62VijWp2ZVJhxIDxvxIqHiZalvSEHjrMN_SUiP96KbWfGSpYwry8ObDB2xrllUEPoNXlJ/s400/withbaby.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639433003864242002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
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<br /></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-1002003353878839122011-08-06T20:07:00.003-06:002011-08-06T21:54:57.895-06:00Party Favor Bags<div>A couple of weeks ago, The Monkey turned three. I still can't believe it. He's growing out of toddlerhood into a little boy. Given his love for all things Dr. Seuss, we had a Cat in the Hat themed birthday party. Mostly, we just had his friends over to run around in the sprinkler and play in the kiddie pool, but we made Cat in the Hat invitations, and the cake (which I forgot to get a picture of) was the Cat's hat.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUcQ_LDND3YRl0FCTWwh7QvTtWM7bRy9nU6_0Ai-IC7i-PE4lW4b7fPmLU730NXEQWyBrRtS6SU8RDQkKkMUTBAWzxEj2I_ditsfitaEaMOFJCduIQjj10kGT7nnG1RVHcF5M4MSmuQK1/s1600/partybags.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUcQ_LDND3YRl0FCTWwh7QvTtWM7bRy9nU6_0Ai-IC7i-PE4lW4b7fPmLU730NXEQWyBrRtS6SU8RDQkKkMUTBAWzxEj2I_ditsfitaEaMOFJCduIQjj10kGT7nnG1RVHcF5M4MSmuQK1/s400/partybags.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637932247121398594" /></a>I hate the idea of single-use plastic goodie bags that would just end up in a landfill somewhere, so when I saw some left over red and white felt in my stash, I decided to make the bags myself. They were quite simple to make. <div><br /></div><div><div>Cut strips of fabric 2" wide and 6" long, and sew strips together. Fold in half, right sides together, and stitch up the sides. Turn inside out. Cut slits along the top, 1" apart, with the first one about 1/2" in from the edge. Weave ribbon through the slits, and tie off in front. Voila! Cute little bag!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>(The felt I had was about 20" wide, so I cut my strips the full 20". After all 1o strips were sewn together, I cut them into three 6" bags. Saves a lot of time and effort).</div><div><br /></div><div>I filled the bags with some Dr. Seuss stuff I picked up in the dollar aisle at Target -- small notebook, markers, book mark, and silly band. I also picked up some Dr. Seuss pins, and decided they made a cute embellishment on the bags.</div><div><br /></div><div>These bags were lots of fun to make, helped tie together the theme of the party, and I like knowing there are fewer plastic bags making their way into landfills.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-22350785831907688792011-07-17T20:35:00.008-06:002011-07-18T20:49:44.725-06:00Big Brother<div style="text-align: left;">Last year, when we found out that the Monkey was going to be a big brother, I wanted him to mark the occasion with a new shirt that was as special as he is.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ2NIlRLmghKLJUUvHliasAmS3b2FeYDyLcGclWNsh2PJw2rIISk1k0EZGwMsND_YilVGL1SjYzlVtXhIYMDg3mBro0PGhEif8zSYjy7pNjAFPrfho6Fd6cPfjitbH79YI4TBrL1CBp6a/s400/bigbro1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630522000714275602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div>I scoured the internet and I just couldn't find what I was looking for. So I decided to make it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BfbujIEaVPAPTTjEI29ONjoILTI5rOZUpDPozCJg0EXV2fDJEmW7Vmr4E8-nv1uROS3Hp8mXtqh5hAEb4sByo12Ap1PYixFjpB2GpFpQV2SgDwzn1lmbaV0nWgnGjXowAmXq86rEj8NP/s400/bigbro3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630522114441813970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>It was quite simple. With a fat quarter and some fusible webbing, I transformed a plain white shirt into an adorable "Big Brother" shirt!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIrstsp8-l3LuOSB3pcODSDI0wGl-ZrXeWtH110pX0lDyc3tM7P-3f9zpQM7mzyeqqeDFr6DOQswJ9ALy_CHqSIPQIwjjn_nfdNPDuCRLByfJEgedK8i2Zx0zOgkosyCwBT16J09vPvw2/s400/bigbro2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630522232677594898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div>He loved his new shirt!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZPP14uW-oFr-p4hp21r5WHwcqiecBMI2qB06pVfLCJnl7OS8OY1UlKQUHBq2mORckAmBUypu9bwOD5UVhQstGgCIFbwk-69eT90rt6J0hK_p8ps2NOuyINDfkR9LrH-2xFhPFsSjEIwa/s400/bigbro4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630522475213670482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>Now that Baby Brother has arrived, the Monkey is a wonderful big brother!</div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-22590817015046507832011-07-12T20:28:00.027-06:002011-07-14T19:40:32.479-06:00Dishtowel Bag Tutorial<div style="text-align: left;">Three years ago, after the Monkey was born, I returned to work for a short period of time. Knowing I would be pumping, I wanted to find a good way to transport my pump parts to and from work that was more sanitary (and environmentally friendly) than a ziplock bag. I turned to Google and found a blog post about a little bag made out of a dishtowel. It was just what I needed. When I found out that a friend of mine was pregnant, I decided to make a set for her. Since each dishtowel makes two bags, I decided to make a couple different styles. One is more of a pouch style, the other more of an envelope style.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Start with a single dishtowel. I found this at Target. The friend I made this for likes red, and I loved the apples! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlm90w44s5k-vZvXDhYJ2b3VxJSARK5WZbWPJkojcLZOhQe10Mic8FXXvqplMnNYs_F0n04Cjoorwi8KlSuLdyWAWhu8S4OudNVm2NosQiyG8SJGgWldAEWP2ayelNJpYC3fjeZnyCbAM/s1600/dishtowel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlm90w44s5k-vZvXDhYJ2b3VxJSARK5WZbWPJkojcLZOhQe10Mic8FXXvqplMnNYs_F0n04Cjoorwi8KlSuLdyWAWhu8S4OudNVm2NosQiyG8SJGgWldAEWP2ayelNJpYC3fjeZnyCbAM/s400/dishtowel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628663769182412466" /></a><br /></div><div>2. Cut the dishtowel in half. I cut the hemmed edges off the towel first. It's not necessary, but it reduces the bulk in the seams. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIkSd1N2sAiwNYBOaZZlZEfWpZ2Vx2VZoRtnxTr72hrm4XjJp7z0PrSeZRK6Wg8blw9rvVMWtqbomtpYnuZYF_YKvrVAsojAycLi3xeNBa4nS-92HX4sCqlRkU0wFKz0vhPgCpZGuuR3p/s400/dishtowel2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628663888990086722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>3. Fold the top and bottom edge in 3/8" and press.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriuZGz73ZX8IXlMtDOKiUzH12OyOzit0M7RNB8kcG8JrrvO1sWFAnnI-jVrsE4LySJ_v2_lx0EXmdD0nmhFW-AwbKvSfPicUGVoPDChZM_4ONR44vJxje0V8I7KkQPw58cSKO3YtjJsnz/s400/dishtowel6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628664358099248274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><b>For Pouch Style:</b> Attach a strip of velcro to the inside (wrong side) of the top and bottom edge of the towel, overlapping the pressed hem. Velcro should be placed 3/4" in from each side, and as close to the edge as possible. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW68fIBe5UQguxJYmYk7NH_5JmEhyphenhyphencAY3TTEvbtkdrw6NKrq4jXAWj2paRLlwyodwqgBWjrZtA4pVCwRafYun4KEX80IeEAfLG8v3_8VFu4LBIYEmE2G6s-Ji6DeBuKBjMY4nFwLP88cB/s400/dishtowel9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628664699738826162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Velcro should align when towel is folded in half with wrong sides facing.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQlsQJySnqktfxNcFN7qtH2IY5ykMN2M1w328zBMHC0-s_pj4-CqpVBE8fCibj5r4MqDRKeecq96LrrceJVnj8zN_ZQj3ybHIaS3wzJlhJNyTcyztfgX42_nq1TzsEkBvCXqbdiXc0u0x/s400/dishtowel10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628664796023559410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>For Envelope Style:</b> Place one strip of velcro along the inside (wrong side) of the top edge as described above. The second strip of velcro should be placed on the bottom edge on the outside (right side) of the towel, 3/4" in and as close to the edge as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3wX1YlsoPyB_wSBUKXA8T2O_4sv-emRyYqEG-3a-z2whz-4ekgzpGh8l6w5kGYXnG8Ca7AXKsVoR7C32to8M97K1Wx3SOx3Xg7kD3z5uIuBQYrisbDR-jucJhXMC0TvmcRj-41p4fF2T/s400/dishtowel14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628665204246781618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">4. Stitch up the sides.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>For Pouch Style:</b> Fold towel in half with right sides facing. Pin, and sew up the sides leaving a 3/8" seam allowance.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XygPv814KRbPvyuBB5mHSirzkB-UpwiDny8S0DBzHDCrikzvxldcHZdkXfIDcSOmqM4tfXbhDD-Gx0MJaSVUw36LWZq2xqwPyYjtlX37DfNCl57m658daGq_PG_iyi0x-BXEJ6aQUvU1/s400/dishtowel11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628664877257192018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I finished off the edges using a zigzag stitch. It's not necessary, but it will reduce fraying.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMKlkoy82u31X96QIHZe7lnklWEKFtdjnKedLZjZQXsLcq9OdpkKhzXfNcJ11aZPXZMWqeBOYfUkB9dw5RAZ2QCOZVbCRIOezgbIu0J2Up7uR2afQ-HCwHpsBxau01Q896bjK29NSHk56/s400/dishtowel12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628664965601616434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>For Envelope Style: With right sides facing, fold so that bottom edge is about 1 1/2" below top edge. Pin and stitch up the sides to lower edge, leaving 3/8" seam allowance. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3Fo8ih6fLQfYSA61mEMpCqsMk2H1DxPWtqpBElcCc71aUyi4T22LId9oWX3h6Nbn3WSwQSVRn_75NNjJEaqlq54CHmaOEFJNURlVQ1PakblxzBMSAjcvlDn93Ik5zs58QYMAPYWO0AW/s400/dishtowel16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628665390206425330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">5. Flip right-side-out.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>For Pouch style:</b> You're done! Enjoy your bag!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>For Envelope Style:</b> You're almost done. When you turn the bag right-side-out, the edges of the envelope "flap" will be unfinished. Press the bag flat, and while doing so, press in the edges of the flap where they naturally turn in, about 3/8". Then top-stitch around the edges. You could jazz it up a bit by using a decorative stitch here. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCanuWJql-gWkJLybeedxeh3CLhrI4eUcmNm3NHkdRGc1unpTQJWtUYFsnDHYG2ie3KYxKtBZdsSm_xlpLQGY9HJqBZ7pAZVSIkIhc_-mGGz8GRd-7wrPrT6bFrzAF_dnCg1pGpJYeiIr/s1600/dishtowel17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCanuWJql-gWkJLybeedxeh3CLhrI4eUcmNm3NHkdRGc1unpTQJWtUYFsnDHYG2ie3KYxKtBZdsSm_xlpLQGY9HJqBZ7pAZVSIkIhc_-mGGz8GRd-7wrPrT6bFrzAF_dnCg1pGpJYeiIr/s400/dishtowel17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628665479943887202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></div><div>You're done! Now you have two bags for the price of one dishtowel. These bags worked great for my pump parts. They're machine washable, and since you get two out of a single towel, I always had one to use if one was in the wash. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaTWgwZ0SXnKBPGsw4VqDyf1S_B-JdfjHCRrt5m74KgaUnqFMrj0KDIXkgzTxxnkcQNb7d5WOO1q_m2zvvi0Hi9xMo_AXUyZG_Yor65NX4Q8kQWC23vjvpyy_6g7aMuOH3dSoCOzHjzbU/s400/dishtowel20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628666742617848850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div>They're also the perfect size to hold a diaper, a few wipes, and maybe a small bit of hand sanitizer and diaper ointment for a quick diaper change kit. Or, if like me, your diaper bag doubles as your purse, you can put your wallet, keys, phone, etc. in it so they don't get lost in the depths of the diaper bag. I'm sure there are many other uses as well! I love these bags and they're such a quick and easy project!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> </span></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-82717474922435736522011-07-03T19:24:00.003-06:002011-07-03T20:26:05.513-06:00Whale Nursing Cover<div>After <a href="http://kristenzahner.blogspot.com/">my cousin</a> posted some pictures of some nursing covers she'd made, I knew I had to make one to use after baby brother was born. I never used a nursing cover when the Monkey was little. I usually just found a quick out-of-the-way place to feed him. But, I knew that this time around, I would be doing a lot more nursing in public, frequently while also trying to keep up with the Monkey. So I thought a nursing cover would be a good idea.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcv_QeACqPB4-J9yVO8BpAl5cHzJ3FbBa2AWuort4QGBbNCRwE7cdG6sfqH52deLu9U9Oa6Ij8Bn_SW4JMp7H6HwtAkSdKtQa0vz5zUEkYidZxAt5DAeJVnLahS7qhwSHVUWuGMx-Oym_/s1600/nursing+cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcv_QeACqPB4-J9yVO8BpAl5cHzJ3FbBa2AWuort4QGBbNCRwE7cdG6sfqH52deLu9U9Oa6Ij8Bn_SW4JMp7H6HwtAkSdKtQa0vz5zUEkYidZxAt5DAeJVnLahS7qhwSHVUWuGMx-Oym_/s400/nursing+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625302723060924082" /></a><br /><div>I'd been keeping an eye out for some good fabric, and as soon as this cute whale fabric arrived at <a href="http://www.hipstitchabq.com/">Hip Stitch</a>, I knew I'd found a winner!</div><div><br /><div>This was a super-quick, easy project. I easily finished it in an afternoon during the Monkey's nap time. The <a href="http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/01/diy-nursing-cover.html">tutorial</a> was well done and easy to follow. The only change I made was to use the <a href="http://www.warehousefabricsinc.com/blog/how-to-make-a-non-turn-strap/">no-turn method</a> to make the strap. I LOVE this nursing cover! It fits easily in the diaper bag, and has been to church, many restaurants, the zoo, the park, the store...all over the place!</div></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-3613226163729157642011-06-27T08:06:00.011-06:002011-06-29T21:39:56.571-06:00Yoga Mat Bag<div style="text-align: left;">Since I mentioned the yoga mat bag in a <a href="http://growinginstitches.blogspot.com/2011/06/lots-o-legos.html">previous post</a>, I figured I'd do a quick blog post about it. I made this bag a couple years ago. My mom loves yoga and goes to several classes per week. And I had this fun yoga fabric sitting in my stash, just waiting for the perfect project. Christmas was coming up, so I decided to make a fun yoga mat bag for my mom. Since I had enough fabric for two bags, I made one for myself as well :-)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWocRmh4dmDr1tv8-QnQUAlizwlL7sQoLV6DxNoSZVWZ1-YCcbwPIaIeeh3q3CLYybIBYaL77_xhVba1tUMiKzBiN_3lj_r6vAJ2lcV-Rpts5nvdTQYRnQ6PEbhpMrxXCOhdm9FRCEDTKo/s400/yogabag1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622742041538245714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div>I didn't take enough pictures while making this bag to post a full tutorial, but I can give the basic steps.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Supplies</u></b>:</div><div><b>Fabric -- </b>outer bag fabric plus coordinating lining fabric. Not all yoga mats are the same thickness. To figure out how much you need, measure the circumference of you mat, then add an inch or two so the bag isn't too tight, plus another inch for the seam allowance. Make sure you'll also have enough for the circle bottom of the bag, and enough outer fabric for the strap.</div><div><b>Interfacing </b>-- same amount as fabric. Using the fusible interfacing would be easiest, and make for a more polished final product, but I'm cheap so I used the regular kind.</div><div><b>Cording for drawstring</b> -- amount based on size of mat</div><div><b>Cord stop</b></div><div><b>Needle, thread, and other sewing essentials</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>General Directions</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Cut Fabric:</div><div>For bag body: Determine how big your bag needs to be to accommodate you mat. From outer fabric, lining fabric, and interfacing, cut a rectangle the correct size. You don't want the bag to be too snug around the mat or it will be difficult to get it in and out. Remember to leave enough room for a 1/2" seam allowance. </div><div>For bottom of bag: Determine the circumference of your bag, then calculate the diameter (C</div><div>=2pi x radius). Add at least an inch in <b>diameter </b>(more to be safe). You can always trim down seam allowances, but if it's too small, you're out of luck! Cut circle from outer and inner fabrics and interfacing. </div><div>Strap: Cut a strip of fabric that is four inches wide and about 34" long, depending on how long you want it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Assemble:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Sandwich the interfacing between the two pieces of fabric. Fuse or baste together.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoQrgMXGuCN7uq9f5J1_OKqo2X9U-vpKOr9g2uIaaxiDrCf73ETUtA_Y1TiFoUXFtUxBcD-U2JLMoH1NXlbI9LEAJvB8Sz7pg5o35U6lkMzUCMqjER7uaQZ7p97PXhXJuG3DSWCybNeB8/s400/process4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623088120871050482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>2. Make the strap. <a href="http://www.warehousefabricsinc.com/blog/how-to-make-a-non-turn-strap/">Here </a>is a really good tutorial. It even has pictures! Because the ends of your strap will be visible (unlike in the tutorial), simply finish them by turning the raw edges in 1/4" and hemming before top stitching the strap closed. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Attach the strap to the body of the bag. The strap should be placed about 4" in from the long edge of the bag. Pin one end of the strap 4-5" down from the top edge of the bag. Pin the other end about 2" up from the bottom of the bag. Sew in place, using an X shape for extra strength.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT1dBnP4wTuRAIxEGPjYVkv8YtGvgUQf-EtWicJerU2RYa_VkSL-1QrT8W-F8x91EN0AISLDPHnvT7oWqrTXq9od5guOf4YV99wD3oSFKc0i922KMgEqOBgV8JuVm8nvkEVy7kkQ5ihfK/s400/process6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623088312681014322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>4. Fold fabric in half vertically with right sides facing each other. Stitch up the side leaving a 1/2" seam allowance. Be careful to keep the strap away from the needle.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLnUh8VVMZmpK9qrudngfgZiauSXN2xXiiFAOvqSeYu4WBnPkcbCW9Ia6_FfBzyA7Ndvz8k6RkvxvVgL5koZvux-HNx6AMRqFohrVnhbhATGiSoz6RdDZfigj4tDFdSoWX6Uw7fG1Hqth/s400/process1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623087692292766082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Now you have an inside-out fabric tube. This seems to be where I stopped taking pictures. This is a good time to slip your yoga mat in the tube to make sure it fits. If it's a little too snug, rip out and re-sew with a smaller seam allowance. If it's too big, there's no need to rip, just sew another line and trim the excess fabric. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">5. Sew the bottom into the bag. Sandwich the interfacing between your two fabric circles. Fuse or baste together. Pin the circle into the bottom of the tube, right sides facing. Stitch together with a 1/2" seam allowance. If you made an oversize circle, trim the excess fabric in the seam allowance down to 1/2". Turn the bag right side out and admire your handiwork so far.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">6. Finish off the top. Turn the top edge in 1/4" and press. Now turn in another 1 1/2" and press. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">7. Make the drawstring casing. Mark two button holes about 3/4" apart, and vertically centered in the top 1 1/2". Unfold bag and make button holes. Refold bag on previously pressed creases, and top stitch closed. Thread your drawstring through the holes, put on cord stopper, and tie. Voila! You now have a yoga mat bag!! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rgZw63Hi6ogGZeKgmnoG1ozNmFPt-p2PVXAV0WjtDdnRHelzP2sWrb_pgXlDQzMh1F4JBGT434S8tv5kXCGA4VlDJUB0b98MPgQHWQIMhBw-dkjxRSWsVRdXED9myCYEQs1KenlcEjAl/s400/yogabag3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622742245875835282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I also made a small wrist purse, just big enough to hold my wallet, keys, cell phone, and gym card. It was quite simple.</div><div><br /></div><div>Supplies:</div><div>Outer Fabric</div><div>Lining Fabric</div><div>Interfacing</div><div>Zipper</div><div><br /></div><div>Figure out how big you want the pouch to be. Cut a rectangle that is equal in length and twice as long as you want the bag to be. Fold in half, with right sides facing. If you want, shape it by tapering in toward the top. Make a small strap, fold in half, and pin to the inside. Fold top and bottom edge in 1/4" and press. One side of zipper to each folded over edge and sew. Now, just sew up the sides, turn right side out, and you have a little purse!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VOMK6TysjeEXw95D2dllau1UUHb-fvc94QTdhsezdzOaBVQpRqtKVCWGRnX-oyAo2wM3exs_li1tDVVUssCoFWmQ4ajA6guTg_tzcx-jo7km-u-tBAP7tCu2cVNhmS1bGhoInGCWGA2z/s400/yogabag2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622742139304867378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Now you're ready to hit the gym.</span></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-20415079245814090212011-06-25T20:57:00.008-06:002011-06-25T21:35:56.235-06:00Dr. Seuss Curtains<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the beginning of the year, we moved the Monkey into a new room with a big boy bed so we could fix up the nursery for Baby Brother. We wanted to find a way to make the room special for him so he wouldn't be too upset about being displaced from his old room, but we're currently renting, so our options were limited. But with a window in the room, I figured curtains would be a good way to add some fun. The Monkey loves everything Dr. Seuss, so as soon as I saw this fabric at <a href="http://www.hipstitchabq.com/">Hip Stitch</a>, I knew it was just what I needed to make his new room a special place. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa6_yWdHMxF1JaZBm8YsMhBwCIttYJnZWPWwg01NzCDoY4zNcgsath-UVc8ofUmss3z_sWzqRRECv1m9jEf3LZEua_3wcKum4Sl22YbpLcqQbIBYLaPDTD2zx7fcPmJtWcgP_4BDi9jJj/s400/curtains1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622359092435986034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>While I played around with all sorts of design ideas for these curtains, Bryan persuaded me that simple was better, and he was right. Just a panel of the Dr. Seuss fabric sandwiched between a coordinating solid made these curtains just right. All the different Dr Seuss characters gave me seemingly infinite colors to choose from, but since the Monkey already had a blue comforter, I decided to pull the blue from Horton the Elephant. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWZQzJCInnA6YmgM8jIw1ryy0L5RXwgRA0ZkfNSIpfpJRLPPRRTM6xM3hqshlAaGM2Acd12iH1Th_0c0rsy_Oq_eHusnHAnauyiqHrthHq_zxrkIiFYHH1g7h6CgSG8SkUF7YX1C-tZy-/s400/curtains2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622359263017754994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>These curtains we're quite simple to make. I used the 44" length of the fabric for the vertical distance, and simply purchased a cut of fabric that was long enough to cover the width of the window. I purchased the same amount of the blue solid fabric and cut it in half to make the two accent panels. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX3YWvTXkgMwmG_AcPOKeOdL8CJLCxPyTNCyU-JaD4aI8nSdTRvbv9a3L6jiDejB2vXFoo7I8FT8dYd9zDZNyOJwKKZKgiPLR6g9VBspDdE5kfgwWwxUkmmfNAI58y6kK7H1Vkbqunhe6/s400/curtains5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622359431616272194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> Because it gets quite sunny out here in the Southwest, and because the Monkey sleeps better in a dark room (don't we all?), I lined these curtains with a blackout panel. Because most curtain liners are sold in standard curtain panel widths, it was quite simple to lay out the curtain over the blackout panel, pin, and hem. Voila! Perfect size curtain panel!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I'm really happy with how this curtain came out! It blocks the light really well, and adds lots of fun to an otherwise boring room. But the best part was seeing how excited the Monkey was when he first saw his Dr. Seuss curtains! He went right up to them and started pointing out all the characters. He settled in nicely to his new room, and he still loves his curtains!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU46hGwq-RJY5XUhKihO7hWRUyaivkJ0c4rYWeWySFC_uFHJKiTFiEmoJbIDk65SR18Oa1YtHxveSr713Z7OYdzTQIHIoCQMWKszJrxCowCS1wZX71nkxxya5ui0QtvjTDt1pn8u6ZYpsH/s400/room.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622359511993108178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div></div><div>He loves them so much, I went ahead and bought an extra cut of the Dr. Seuss fabric, just in case his room in our next house has more or wider windows.</div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-13748171866335947872011-06-23T16:28:00.009-06:002011-06-23T17:25:18.435-06:00Lots O' Legos!<div style="text-align: center;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Legos are a big hit in our house. Bryan and his brother grew up playing Legos together. In fact, we have a couple book boxes full of Legos from when Bryan was a kid that will eventually get passed on to the Monkeys. While the Little Monkey is still a little too young for Legos, he has lots of Duplo, mostly gifts from Bryan's brother. So when I saw some Lego fabric at <a href="http://www.hipstitchabq.com/">my favorite local fabric shop</a> and showed it to Bryan, he said "You should make the Little Monkey a bag for all his Legos!"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohmjmzDofAJmOHGsiGc7VdMMotaSY-7jxP-_b-qO0yY53GWkEkhPIeW2-mK6GxPGEdWZT5hoJ6QSQpndmRDKN78TG2tjN1VE-1p1SCsQU5_L6fb9eXVnQp4pE4u9FnnuMx-MghHKY4-u3/s400/5864874624_ab4ea1e50d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621548240452814882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> The fabric is a very heavy, almost canvas-like fabric, making it perfect for a bag that will hopefully be used for years to carry lots of pointy blocks. Bryan wanted me to make it big so that the Lego collection will have "room to grow." <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1erjDs187RehU7S13Im9qZaaBT31rCd4otwiuffYf5dqdW40eiJIILHPlc2f22xHv7i_otwsq4ekKjsmH9f7i6g0dfz-ufHTD9IpBN5W0qmBwHIyHtDd9QOR14DpDjFPaa084iLUkOnAk/s400/5864318015_6b1152f430.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621547773723345570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>With nothing for scale, it's kind of hard to get a sense of size, but this bag is about two feet tall. Maybe taller. I chose the heaviest weight interfacing I could find (for durability) and chose a red lining fabric and drawstring. All the different colored legos in the fabric gave me lots of colors to choose from for lining and drawstring, but something about the red spoke to me. Or maybe it's just 'cause I like red :-) I chose to do a drawstring closure because I figured it would be the easiest for the Monkey to open and close himself. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhephRh0T1PaW3F6yt6opuBDhokiozFW7klKf4c54SJgBZMP-lrtik6vnzOUfk3GOIIqdKYWXpSTXNMNWwnTbAAchEgHAN7IY1Hsmsa0rQ3ouGQyNSS1J6U55Ef9YAd5tzxEDAbAgFH5R/s400/5864319305_a578f7c937.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621548003381756434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>As is typical of me, I just dove right into this project without too much forethought. After all, how difficult could it be to make a bag? Let's just say there were lots of "learning experiences" in making this bag. </div><div><br /></div><div>Learning Experience #1: While circular bags are difficult (as I discovered making a yoga mat bag), ovals are even more difficult. Not only are the curves difficult piece and sew correctly, but the oval means it must be aligned exactly right to work. I think from now on, I will make square or rectangle based bags!</div><div><br /></div><div>Learning Experience #2: Make the button holes for the drawstring BEFORE finishing the top hem. Otherwise, you end up going through the whole hem and there's no place for the drawstring to go.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GvpG9H3r2tOqIgAXfYGz4hqmfT_j9e7_iyXtj14ifDrwWsqHQrITjf8Tw2sx9v7dT32I1UwvuDZLoYG5Q1rnsD7BWkz3Mb9X_Sha_aR38EX01sa8XTvgDsve6uiVfN0kApG29dYzmiIm/s400/5864318935_9ee3cf1989.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621547920409330274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Learning Experience #3: Keep seam allowances in mind when calculating how much fabric to cut, how much interfacing to cut, and where to place the holes for the drawstring. When it came time to finish the top of the bag, I remembered that the interfacing shouldn't be part of the drawstring pouch. So I had to cut down the interfacing to give me room to turn down the fabric the correct amount. Then, because I forgot about seam allowance when measuring for placement of the drawstring holes, I placed them a little too high. Fortunately, this did not ruin the bag, but it was a close call, and the drawstring track (Or is it a pouch? What do you call it?) is a little narrower than I wanted it to be. </div><div><br /></div><div>Learning Experience #4: Drawstrings don't have to be that much longer than the diameter of the bag when fully open. I used a little (ok, a lot) too much cord. Not a fatal flaw, just something to keep in mind for the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizzA_29mIECVS-5K6bZT1nrzcDsDl-cL7DD2-c1kewRBhijYSkUZ8Nt7b45g3NkRxVnh2iU2MkCi2riMfgRrvO6HKBAQ-VOtS4kqSXw5C7K7WAW22foC_6eQ5s_d3N6GIOA1d6pFMLpUe/s400/5864320227_d45ce70c78.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621548178711148946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">In the end, this was a fun project. I love the fabric. I learned a lot from making it. I loved the smile on the Monkey's face when he saw his new Lego bag. But I really love seeing it get used every day, and knowing that it will continue to be used for years.</span></div><div><br /></div></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-29752402679281926312011-06-22T20:33:00.007-06:002011-06-22T22:05:15.175-06:00Another Little Monkey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKddGe9S-OND4SAkMUzT7Yi5-3Y65U3A4EitLCgt2B7f9bQSW74Lnwefi3MDhDR7opfGYU13o6OVhAaxVp2mxPRXdYpuQJhfyLCcp5eEbPME2FP38A4IbwNVjSacgoAQhVsdjM5s_q63X7/s1600/liam4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1rVB5bkb1lJBZtmBt859PB-UJJURE2KVuUmEVr7evjgaumttnGIGHDRf0dmQxiKJ5WbDNC7sLzbokggZQMyQz5LmBMGjZl0-RJFSm8qhTI_gOxYqT8M5OyOYCNloUDtQhvgpfbTnPvKs/s1600/liam3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQPL9pqEInTYLtWYkbcfcsE8fHR9AWqvTnErPd0QI5thsKWOfwJH25gqDgW78CIk2r-2uMsihyphenhyphenZ2lwZ1099XV_EtN9pIF366MSHnSkfrHtBQ-ZcKInpXMMEXMgieiW9kvtf7e0x308LR5/s1600/liam2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREEB54cGteV8dZbKbm4-7pNrTFh7JVVLqidQgi8v-OIg_FBqF0Ucj0pF_3Je0fvbpivTiZK7rO33pqntvFSnJ_v4Mc7kwi5rsGOT2tOt4QJ93Cjig20lCclmfBTKbsovuICTOqZXCrjlX/s1600/liam1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></a></div>In April, we welcomed another little monkey into our family.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREEB54cGteV8dZbKbm4-7pNrTFh7JVVLqidQgi8v-OIg_FBqF0Ucj0pF_3Je0fvbpivTiZK7rO33pqntvFSnJ_v4Mc7kwi5rsGOT2tOt4QJ93Cjig20lCclmfBTKbsovuICTOqZXCrjlX/s400/liam1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621255075401018098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Born with a head full of dark hair, an olive complexion, and dark eyes, he's about as different from his big brother as it gets!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7LZh29ggVdkqIK8izziV8ZwCbAKY7OODL1ZGXTZDaQBIWa76Od3sfgFI_Ms-CY1JbCj6T5tfrwM5w_noX8a7Vb5ASzhhpT3FrFkys7CwZisHZZB-sBUu5dfb0s7Bwr5rby2G7UMelQev/s400/brothers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621254974567573410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>With a NICU stay, reflux, and colic, things got off to a rough start. But with mama's milk, time, and some meds, things finally started settling down. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQPL9pqEInTYLtWYkbcfcsE8fHR9AWqvTnErPd0QI5thsKWOfwJH25gqDgW78CIk2r-2uMsihyphenhyphenZ2lwZ1099XV_EtN9pIF366MSHnSkfrHtBQ-ZcKInpXMMEXMgieiW9kvtf7e0x308LR5/s400/liam2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621255190950030946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1rVB5bkb1lJBZtmBt859PB-UJJURE2KVuUmEVr7evjgaumttnGIGHDRf0dmQxiKJ5WbDNC7sLzbokggZQMyQz5LmBMGjZl0-RJFSm8qhTI_gOxYqT8M5OyOYCNloUDtQhvgpfbTnPvKs/s400/liam3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621255298606016274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Now, at two months, he's a happy, smiling, cooing little chunky monkey!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKddGe9S-OND4SAkMUzT7Yi5-3Y65U3A4EitLCgt2B7f9bQSW74Lnwefi3MDhDR7opfGYU13o6OVhAaxVp2mxPRXdYpuQJhfyLCcp5eEbPME2FP38A4IbwNVjSacgoAQhVsdjM5s_q63X7/s1600/liam4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKddGe9S-OND4SAkMUzT7Yi5-3Y65U3A4EitLCgt2B7f9bQSW74Lnwefi3MDhDR7opfGYU13o6OVhAaxVp2mxPRXdYpuQJhfyLCcp5eEbPME2FP38A4IbwNVjSacgoAQhVsdjM5s_q63X7/s400/liam4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621255427623599170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></div><div>So, that's why things have been quiet here. But now that things have settled down and we're all getting some sleep, I hope to post more frequently. I have quite the backlog of projects to blog about. And what seems like a billion projects waiting to be made...as soon as I get my sewing machine back from the shop!!</div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749270137325967866.post-86289283227769079432011-01-10T20:18:00.001-07:002011-01-10T21:15:40.365-07:00Clifford Suit<div>The Little Monkey loves Clifford. So when it came time to start thinking about Halloween, I asked him if he wanted me to make him a "Clifford suit." I got a very enthusiastic "YES!!!"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLfR5u4QwECdNAIY11768IXpthgTxPDZR7mOs1MYyY3dxEeCozQ-mlIzZPi8WgymYT3wJt6E77URSiHq4CkpJu81JttS42W3IArk1H1DqJC7bv04UC8a_2TMVE3nMUjzI_3k9sv9OR-X9/s1600/momandclifford.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Hv3uzCe2V9ijhyphenhyphenoQUcQOoGxGR4EGLALxS4e4UntWzs-ifkxL2fmO6zRWuc-yPXDqob2jjHw_JYBSI5OlZUSqkpnmpBPneRNZGA-MYlPjSTa60oEJnvo0aI3OoGnZ2Fhj2jVYbvnyQnP/s400/fullclifford.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560763682482027634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Clifford suit was my first attempt at sewing from a pattern. It was quite the learning experience!! I'm glad I started working on this early, because with all the trial and error (and there was LOTS of error), it took me several weeks to finish the costume.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first lesson I learned was the importance of choosing your fabric wisely. The fabric for this costume was super soft, and warm and fuzzy. It felt so good as I was petting it on the bolt at the fabric store :-) But when I got home and started sewing with it, I realized it was extremely difficult to work with. I still love how soft this fabric is (even on the back), making it very comfortable for The Monkey to wear, and warm enough that he didn't need a coat, even on a cool Halloween evening. But it was extremely stretchy, and the edges frayed quickly and easily when cut, making it difficult to sew. The fuzziness of the fabric made it difficult to see the stitching, so when I did have to rip seams because of all the errors (the worst of which was sewing the tail to the FRONT of the costume...Oooops!), it was almost impossible. On some occasions, it was actually easier to just rip the fabric next to the seam and re-sew than to try to find my stitching and rip it out. And it shed so badly I had to keep a lint roller on my sewing table to de-fuzz myself after each sewing session!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFjN_MrJhPTACkKA2koppsrgDIFNJaRUbD1JH3HKnvufaDaLfXJFwqpqDmqwYlFOaJKhThisfIKPJj48nlw3F6hEHiFGv8886Y0J-e1DZmVmwnOgNtdIz34ujCaNAiWXFgyNwRhMfjmdW/s1600/clifford.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFjN_MrJhPTACkKA2koppsrgDIFNJaRUbD1JH3HKnvufaDaLfXJFwqpqDmqwYlFOaJKhThisfIKPJj48nlw3F6hEHiFGv8886Y0J-e1DZmVmwnOgNtdIz34ujCaNAiWXFgyNwRhMfjmdW/s400/clifford.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560763590081410194" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The pattern I used was Butterick's 6695, and it was very a very forgiving pattern. Because of the elastic on the arms and legs, if the sleeves or legs were a little too long, it was no big deal. The elastic kept them from falling over his hands, or tripping him up. The body suit was roomy and generally shapeless enough that if it was a little too big or too small, it wasn't too noticeable. I had a little trouble with the hood, but overall I was really happy with how well the costume turned out. </div><div><br /></div><div>He loved wearing it out trick-or-treating, and we got lots of compliments from other trick-or-treaters, as well as the people handing out loot at the houses we stopped at. One teenager even stopped us and said that seeing The Monkey dressed as Clifford made her day. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a fun, though occasionally frustrating project. But I learned a lot, and it helped give me a solid foundation in pattern sewing that has opened up many doors for future sewing projects.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLfR5u4QwECdNAIY11768IXpthgTxPDZR7mOs1MYyY3dxEeCozQ-mlIzZPi8WgymYT3wJt6E77URSiHq4CkpJu81JttS42W3IArk1H1DqJC7bv04UC8a_2TMVE3nMUjzI_3k9sv9OR-X9/s400/momandclifford.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560763918399348706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>ChefSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13365291022787372989noreply@blogger.com0