The Buttercup Skirt: A Tutorial

About a year ago I picked up a  remnant at Joann's;  it was this darling yellow floral fabric, but I only had about a quarter yard of it.  There are only so many things that you can do with a quarter yard of fabric, and this project is one of them (alright, so this used two separate quarter yard cuts, but still very little fabric).  I call it the buttercup skirt.

This little skirt has two layers, and a very slight paper bag waist. I made a 0-3 month skirt, and I'll give you my dimensions, but you could easily adjust the pattern to fit your little one.  The pattern is really simple.

Materials:

2-1/4 yard pieces of material

16" of 1" elastic

Coordinating thread

12 inches of ribbon

Fray check

Sewing supplies

30 minutes of uninterrupted time

Springtime Appliques with Free Templates

Are you all busy with springtime projects?  The warmer weather has been giving me the itch to bust out my bright fabrics, and sew up some springtime projects.  I still haven't tackled any Easter outfits for the boys, and I've yet to start any spring tops, but I did manage to whip up a few springtime appliques for some simple knit burp cloths.

Meet my friend Mr. Rabbit.  Isn't he sweet?  I think that he'd be absolutely adorable on a dribble bib, or onesie.

I used up little bits of knit that I'd been storing.  I love the little embroidered details on the eyes and carrot.

Here's his friend Peep. To celebrate the season, how about a free printable applique template. Here's the Springtime applique link.  

Feel free to use the templates for freezer paper stencils, appliques, or card making.  Please just remember that my templates and tutorials are for personal use only.  Please do not sell items made from my templates or tutorials without permission.

You can find more information about working with knit appliques here.

Thanks for reading.  I'd love to see any projects you make with the template.  Please feel free to upload finished projects to my flickr group!

Technique Tuesday: Scallop Edge Stitching

This week's technique is the scallop stitch.  Many of you probably have this stitch built into your machine.  It is a satin stitch that forms a shell like shape.  I'm not one to use decorative stitches all that often, but this particular stitch can add a really interesting finish to a hem or raw edge.

The technique requires basic materials.  My machine came standard with a monogramming foot; this foot has a bit wider opening to accommodate the wider stitch. You will also need a sharp pair of scissors for trimming the scallops.  Spray starch, an iron, and tear away stabilizer can also be helpful. 

The Crayon BoxPleat Skirt: Tutorial Part 3

Here are the links for the previous tutorial posts: Part 1, Part 2.

We are going to finish up the skirt today-Wahoo.  I'm probably as sick of typing up this tutorial as you are of seeing it pop up in your reader. The finished product is going to be well worth the work, and the good news is that there aren't any mathematical formulas in this section of the tutorial. Now, let's get on with it.

The Crayon Box Pleat Skirt: Tutorial Part 2

Today we are going to tackle the box pleats on our skirt.  In order to do so we need to determine the spacing measurements between pleats.  This skirt has six box pleats total, three on the front, and three on the back.  We want the spacing between each pleat to be equal.

To determine our pleat spacing you need to know your low waist measurement.  We will use 33" as an example.  Your low waist measurement should be the finished circumference of the skirt when pleats are taken in, at the bottom of the waistband.

Low Waist Measurement/Number of Box Pleats=pleat spacing     33"/6=5.5"


Because our skirt is sewn with two side seams, two of our pleat spacing segments will be on a seam.  We will be marking our pleats prior to sewing our side seams, so we need to divide our pleat segment by two and add a seam allowance to figure the spacing on our seam pleats.

Pleat Spacing/2=Side Pleat Spacing                   5.5"/2=2.75"

Side Pleat Spacing+Seam Allowance=Final Side Pleat Measurement  2.75"+.625"=3.375" (or 3 3/8")

The Crayon Box Pleat Skirt: Tutorial Part 1

 So today I have a skirt to share with you.  It is a pieced box pleated skirt, with tuck details on the waistband.  I've had this fabric in my stash since early winter, so it isn't as bright and cheery as I'd like for spring, but you could literally have up to five different colors of fabric blocked together in this skirt-use every color in the crayon box if you'd like.

 The best part about this project, is that I am going to give you the formula to make your own, perfectly fitting skirt.  No pattern, just math.

My skirt is high waisted, and the hem hits me a couple of inches below the knee.  You can easily adjust the length of the skirt to fit your body type.  I was just in the mood for a skirt that would keep me covered  while seated.

Materials:

1 1/2 yards of main fabric-I used a polyester suiting in medieval blue (Joann's)

2/3 yard of contrast fabric.  Calla Green

Coordinating thread (both blue and green)

7-9 inch invisible zipper (main fabric color)

Sewing supplies (including measuring tape, marking pencil).

Technique Tuesday: How to Sew and Serge a Blind Hem

I've been working on a little project to share with you, and it involves sewing a blind hem.  Now EVERY time I sew a blind hem, I pull out my machine manual, and try to interpret their horrible diagrams.  A blind hem is really quite simple, but for some reason prepping my materials is always a little bit of a mystery to me.  

Well, I did some research, and worked out a few kinks that I frequently run into, and I think that I finally understand how it works. 

Sneak Peek Saturday: Green and Blue

I've had a difficult time finding my sewing groove lately. Since our last illness Clark thinks that he needs a constant playmate, and Miles thinks that he needs to be held all of the time. I love to do both, but unfortunately it doesn't leave much time for anything else.

We've also had some more springlike weather.  What is it about the first few weeks of Spring?  I am filled with a desire to sort through every closet and cupboard, wash the walls, clean the carpets, and paint the walls.  It is time for some spring cleaning. Even with my desire to dejunk, I haven't managed to do too much of it (though I did wash some walls and sort through a couple cupboards). 

So as of late, my sewing has taken a backseat to other aspects of life, but I am excited to tell you that I should have a tutorial ready for you next week, maybe Wednesday. It involves some yummy Calla Green and Medieval Blue suiting that i picked up at Joann's in December.  It's been a project that I've been trying to work out since then.  I can't wait to share it with you.

Have a happy St. Patrick's Day, and a fantastic weekend.  Is there any corned beef and cabbage on the menu at your home? 

International Quilt Day, and a Contest

So, I've made a few quilts in my day, but nothing spectacular.  However, I know that many of you are quite skilled in the quilting department.  I just had to share the news about the Barn Quilt Design Contest that Accuquilt is hosting.  There are going to be some fantastic prizes.  Prizes?  Did I perk your interest?  As far as prizes go, how about a a $1,000 shopping spree and trip to Omaha NE for the winning design unveiling?  The runner up will be winning a $250 shopping spree. So go on, show off that fantastic quilt that you spent months working on.  
Here's a bit more information about the contest:

Key Dates to Remember

Contest Entry Dates: March 16th – April 9th 

Winner Announcement: AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Paducah, KY (April 25-28)

Unveiling Date: June 22nd

How to Enter: No purchase necessary to enter, entries submitted via the “Submit Your Entry” button on the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt landing page:http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt

Prizes

Grand prize winner will receive a prize package consisting of:

- One (1) $1,000 AccuQuilt Shopping Spree ($1,000 value)

- Round trip airfare for themselves and a friend from winner’s home and transportation to Omaha, NE, for an unveiling ceremony for their design on the AccuQuilt offices. 

- Two (2) tickets to the 2nd Annual Let’s GO! Quilt Retreat in Fremont on June 20-21, 2012 for themselves and a friend. 

- Three (3) night hotel stay (one room for three nights). 

- Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. 

One runner up prize winner will receive a prize package consisting of:

- One (1) $250 AccuQuilt Gift Certificate 

- One (1) ticket to the 2nd Annual Let’s GO! Quilt Retreat in Fremont on June 20-21, 2012.

The top one hundred (Top 100) quilt block designs will be selected by a panel of AccuQuilt’s management from among all eligible entries received. Each of the 100 winners will receive a prize package aggregate value of $25 consisting of:- One (1) $25 AccuQuilt Rewards Points ($25 value)

Also, did you know that International Quilt Day is this weekend?

AccuQuilt and TheQuiltShow.com have teamed up to give you the ultimate experience for International Quilt Day! 

Join us March 16-18, 2012 as we celebrate all things quilting!

*Visit TheQuiltShow.com community for FREE and watch more than 100 shows hosted by Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims featuring the Top Quilting Teachers in the world

*Explore classrooms, unique tutorials, inspiring slideshows, and much more

*Enter the contest to win amazing prizes from companies you know and love—here a sampling of the prizes you can win:

• A BERNINA 550 sewing machine (yes! a new machine!)
• Gammill's Deluxe Chair—perfect for sewing at any machine
• Fantastic assortment of books from AQS Publishing, plus a 1-year membership to American Quilter's Society
• A selection of inspiring quilting books from C&T Publishing
• AccuQuilt's GO! Baby die cutting machine, GO! Value Die, GO! Birds die, and a 6x12 Cutting Mat 
• Bundle of 41 fat quarters from Ricky's Blended Solids collection, compliments of Red Rooster
• Box of silk threads from Superior Threads
• One of five DVDs from Why Quilts Matter
• One of five Stitched: The Movie DVDs

Plus, you'll have exclusive access to an episode of Why Quilts Matter, Stitched: The Movie, and many other sources of excitement and creativity in The Quilt Show community. Simply click here to get started. Enjoy, and we look forward to celebrating with you!  

Shamrock Ribbon Applique Shirt

Source

Alright, this is not my project, but it was inspired by one of my past projects. I had high hopes of getting around to making some St. Patricks Day shirts for the boys, but it simply hasn't happened.  So I'll share someone else's instead.


While on pinterest yesterday, I saw that someone had pinned this cute little shamrock onesie.  I thought that the technique looked familiar, so I jumped to the source to see if they mentioned my blog or linked back.  Fortunately they did.  I love finding things online that were inspired by my projects, especially when they link back.

Do you remember my Layered Ribbon Christmas Tree Onesie? Well, if you don't you can go and check it out.  

The shamrock onesie is from the Ribbon Retreat blog.  The funny thing is, that I actually purchased all of the ribbon from my Christmas Tree Onesie at the Ribbon Retreat.  Which reminds me, I need to add them to my favorites page.

Caramel Apple Popcorn

I love candied popcorn.  It is an easy treat, that satisfies a sugar craving. Best of all, most recipes are gluten free. I love a soft caramel popcorn, and recently decided to mix up my favorite recipe, by adding an extra ingredient...

...apple cider mix.  I added two packages of apple cider to this caramel recipe.  It added an extra layer of flavor.

I added the drink mix in the beginning, so that all of the sugar granules would fully dissolve.

The result was delicious.  This recipe may be more appropriate for the fall, but I don't care.  I'll eat caramel apple popcorn any season.

I had some left over caramel from the popcorn, and drizzled it over vanilla bean ice cream, it was fantastic.

Technique Tuesday: Heirloom Stitching with a Wing Needle

One of the aspects that I love about sewing is that there is always more to learn.  As I was looking through my sewing machine manual recently, I decided that it was time to see just what my sewing machine could do.  There are many stitches and features that I simply don't know how to use, or understand their application.  So, I'm planning on exploring some of the different techniques that my sewing machine has to offer, and sharing them with you.

I'm in no way an expert, but maybe we can learn together, and give each other the confidence to try new things.

Wing needle and my machines monogramming foot.  I picked up the wing needle at a local quilting store. 

One of the abilities that my sewing machine has is to do some heirloom stitching.  I really know very little about heirloom sewing, so this is my starting point. Fortunately, if you can change your sewing machine needle, and stitch settings, you can create this stitch.

The heirloom stitches that my machine offers are sewn using a wing needle, sometimes referred to as a hemstitch needle. The sides of the needle are enlarged, and as the needle passes through the fabric multiple times, it creates a lace-like effect. The decorative effect is perfect for decorative hems and tablecloths.  It is best suited for thin to medium weight fabrics.

My sewing machine offers nine different stitches that are compatible with the wing needle.  I don't know about all machine brands, but I know that the brother that I owned before my current model also offered this stitch.

I tried  out all of the nine stitches, and this was by far my favorite stitch.  It is an eight pointed star...or flower...stitch.  I can see how it would be really sweet paired with some pin tucks and lace on the bodice of a dress.

My manual also has a bit of information on drawnwork.  I'm a bit more intimidated by this, and need to have the right fabric before attempting it.  Apparently with drawnwork, several threads are removed from the midsection of the fabric prior to stitching.  We'll save that topic for another day.

So, have you ever done any heirloom stitching?  If so, what have you used it on, and do you have any tips to share.  I'm thinking that a sampler dress is going to be in order.  

Local Favorites...for my Idaho readers

As I've been re-working my blog design I decided to add a few of my favorite local places to my Favorite Places page.  I know that there aren't many of you that are South East Idaho locals, but I thought that there might be a few.

You can find a few of my favorite fabric shops, along with a link to the gift bazaar where I sell a few of my things.

 I've been re-stocking some of the scarves, and added more spring-like scarves to my booth. For those of you that want to make your own scarves, you can find the links for both the circle scarf and the shirred scarf on my tutorial page.

 Are there any locals out there?  I'm just curious.  I've been thinking of organizing a local crafter/blogger meet up, and wondered if there was any interest.  Let me know if your local and interested.  I'd also love to know what your favorite fabric and supply shops are.

It's A Pirates Life For Me: Mustache and Eye Patch Template

Yesterday we celebrated my husband's birthday.  Normally we don't get too fancy with our birthday parties, but as Clark is getting older, he seems to enjoy them more and more.  To make my husband's big day a bigger deal, I let Clark choose a party theme.  He chose a pirate party.

My husband is a kid at heart, and was more than willing to participate in our pirate bash....which really just consisted of some pirate props, and fancy jack black soda.

To celebrate in style I made some pirate party hats, using Simple Simons pattern.  Rather than do hand stitching, I attached a skull and cross bones with felt and a bit of heat and bond fusible web.

Isn't this the cutest little pirate you've ever seen?

To my surprise, Miles didn't mind wearing his pirate hat one bit. He seemed to get a kick out of our costumes.

I also fashioned some simple felt pirate mustaches for the occasion.  They were quite simple to make.  Each mustache consists of two pieces of felt, and enough elastic to wrap around the face at the center of the mustache.

I first cut out one layer of mustache, layered it on top of the second  and stitched along the sides of the mustache.  I added a couple of lines of detail stitching in the center.

I then cut away the extra felt from the back layer, and trimmed all of my threads.

I then formed a loop with my elastic, zig zagged it shut, and attached it to the center of the mustache with a zig zag stitch.

Ta da....completed pirate 'stache.  These could also be attached to a small dowel or skewer if you didn't want to wear the mustache.  

I also made some simple eye patches for the party.  I cut out two pieces of felt, and a piece of elastic that was large enough to wrap around the head snuggly, and attach on either side of the eye patch.  I then pinned the elastic in place, and stitched the layers of felt together, securing the elastic as I stitched.

Some super simple and quick pirate party props.  My boys loved them.  Here's a template for the mustaches and eye patch.

Miles...Five Months

I don't know how it happened, but Miles is now five months old.  I love babies.  I love watching them learn and grow.  Miles seems to have learned a lot in the past month.

 He's decided that it's okay to roll over.  He has found the joy of toys, and passing them from one hand to the other.  He loves blowing raspberries, and...

 he is now really good at sitting up on his own. He's my big little guy.

Pintuck Top Tutorial

 Sometimes when I'm working on a project I'll jot down notes on a paper, you know, just in case I decide to write up a tutorial. When I started this maternity dress in the summer I thought that I'd share a full tutorial with you.  Well, half way through the project I realized there wasn't time, and I rushed to get the dress finished in time for a wedding.

I did however, have some photos and notes from the making of the bodice.  So seven months later, I'm sharing a few tips on creating the pintucks on the top, and finishing off the arms and neckline with elastic trim.

The bodice of the dress is basically a cropped cap sleeve top. You can find my notes and instructions on creating a cap sleeve t-shirt here.  I pulled out my go to cap sleeve pattern, and cropped it below the bust, resulting in an empire waisted dress.

I then pulled out my ol' taylor's chalk, and began marking where I wanted my pintucks to sit on my front pattern piece.  Basically,  at the neckline, the pintucks sit 3/4" apart, at the bottom they flare out to be 1 1/2" apart.  The center pintuck is 4 1/2" long, the two to the side are 4", the two further out are 3 1/2" long, and the outermost pintucks are 3 " long.

Now I don't have any decent photos of the actual sewing of the pintucks, but I'll do my best to explain the process.

You will pick up your fabric, and fold the fabric along once of your pintuck marking lines.  Make sure that the wrong sides of your fabric are facing each other when the fabric is folded.  At this point it would be helpful to put a pin at the bottom of your pintuck  to indicate where your stopping point is.

Begin stitching at the top (neckline) of your tuck.  Stitch very close to the fold of the fabric, no more than 1/8" away from the edge.  When you get to the bottom of your pintuck you will then slightly alter the direction of your stitching line, so that you stitch off of the folded edge.  Backstitch to secure stitching, and clip the threads very close to the fabric.  You will repeat this step for each of your pintucks. When the fabric is unfolded a teeny tiny tuck is left.

 I used this same technique for the pintuck sunburst top, with an additional two pintucks on each side.  It is a really subtle embellishment that dresses up a plain top.

After finishing the pintucks, I sewed the front and back bodice pieces together at the shoulder seams.  I then serged the raw edges of the neckline and the arm holes.  I then measured the circumference of the neck opening, and the length of the sleeves.  

I then cut my elastic trim so that it was 3/4 the length of the sleeves and the circumference of the neck.

To attach the elastic trim to the sleeves, you will first want to find the center point of your elastic trim. Pin the right side of the elastic trim to the right side of your bodice pieces at the shoulder seams. Now stretch your elastic trim and pin the trim ends to the ends of your sleeves.  Stretch your elastic trim, and pin in along the length of the sleeve, taking care that the fabric and elastic are evenly distributed.

 Stitch down your elastic trim close the edge of the elastic (closest to the decorative edge. Once your trim is stitched in place, turn the trim toward the wrong side of the material and press.  Topstitch along the length of the sleeve, 1/8" away from the edge.

You will use this same basic technique to add the elastic trim to the neckline, the main difference being, that you will need to stitch the trim into a round prior to attachment.

*I guess if you really wanted to, you could attach the trim to the neckline prior to stitching both shoulder seams.  You could sew one shoulder seam, measure the length of the neckline, find the center point on the neckline, and then distribute the elastic trim.  

Once your trim is attached, you can then stitch the side seams of your top, and add a skirt to the base if you wish.