Headbands

headband tutorial

I've had several questions about the headbands I make. I decided to try a "how-to" post complete with picutres and wordy instructions that will probably not make much sense. I'd welcome some comments on this. Please tell me if these instructions are clear and understandable or if I should make changes. The photography is poor, but this is as good as it gets here. Thanks for your help!


1. Cut 2 strips of fabric (I use flannel. It "sticks" to bald baby heads and holds better to hair). The strips should be approx. 14" long (maybe 16" for an adult although 14" works fine) and 1 1/2" wide at the ends and about 2" at the middle. Also cut 2 pieces of ribbon (I use sheer, but for this illustration I've chosen a darker color) approx. 12" long.


2. Place one piece of ribbon on the right side of one piece of the headband.

3. Place the 2nd headband piece over the first with right sides together. The ribbon will be in the middle of the 2 pieces now.

4. Stitch along the outside edge of the headband on 3 sides making sure to secure the ribbon to the headband. Leave one end open. Now the "fun" part- carefully turn the inside of the headband out.

You should have something that looks like this now:


5. To finish the open end, turn 1/4" of the edge toward the inside of the headband. Stick the end of the 2nd piece of ribbon into the headband and stich the end closed. With this stitch the end will be finished and the ribbon secured.

6. Topstitch all the way around the headband and ta-da.... DONE! See- this even fit mommy's head! (to see more click here)

Apron

Sundress

I've been waiting to post about this dress so that I could get better pictures, but that might take tooo long! I've been neglecting this blog! This was the skirt that I turned into a sundress for Ella. First, I cut the waistband off of the skirt. Second, I opened up on side seam and cut about 4 inches out of the skirt so that it wouldn't be as full. Third, I sewed a piece of elastic around the top of the skirt and another piece the same length about 6 down. This became the empire waist of the dress. The fourth step was to add pink grosgrain ribbon for straps at the top (not pictured) and around the waist to tie in the back. I also added a section of crocheted lace at the front of the waistband.

making something with this...

This is an old skirt of mine. I love it. I have never found the right top to wear with it though. I can't stand the thought of getting rid of it. So, I've been thinking about a pilliow, a dress for Ella, hmmm.... the possibilities. Any suggestions?

Tea towels

I'm thinking about doing a tutorial on making rag quilts. Does anyone care about that or would that be a waste of my time? I'd love your feedback. I haven't done much sewing lately, I've been busy addressing wedding invitations for Mark and Amy.

A few months ago I bought several yards of vintage fabric at a thrift store. It was only a couple of dollars. It was a great find! I love the colors and the fabric is perfect for tea towels. I finally got around to making a few. I'm going to sell them at the Calico Barn this next season. I have enough fabric to make several cute sets of towels and napkins. I may even make a few aprons. I really like how they turned out and they are perfect in my kitchen! uh, oh. I hope they make it to my inventory list!

Baby quilt

I've decided to re-join the Calico Barn this next fall season as a crafter. I have sat out the past 3 seasons to let life happen (Jason finishing school, adding Kate tot he family, buying and fixing our house, the move, etc...) I need to have $1,000 worth of merchandise by mid-August, so I'm anxious to get started! It's been hard for me to keep up with the demand (NOT because of my great product- just because of the high traffic at the store). This time will be different though. I have help! My friend, Amy S, and I are going to make this a joint effort. She is knitting some very cute baby hats and helping me with my stuff whenever she can.