Quick and Easy Spaghetti Straps

When it comes to sewing, one of my least favorite aspects is turning tubes.  Small, tight tubes can be especially tedious and frustrating.  Today I have a quick trick for you that can help make the process go much faster.

It is especially helpful if you have multiple tubes to turn, like in this sailor's knot headband I made for my niece.

First off, it is a technique that uses an overcast serger.  So, if you don't have one, it is just one more reason to add a serger to your wish list.

You'll need a serger, and a large eyed needle.  That's it.

To sew your tube, you'll serge over the raw edges, with your right sides of your fabric facing each other.   You want to make sure that you leave a long chain on the end of your strap. I'd recommend a chain that is at least six inches.

I used a basic three thread overcast stitch.  A four thread would work as well.

Once you've overcast your edges, thread your chain into the eye of your needle.

 Insert the needle into the tube (same end as the threaded chain). Feed the needle/chain through the entire length of the strap.

As you gently feed the needle/chain through, the tube will turn right side out.  Easy as that.

 In no time you can sew up several straps for your summer sundresses.

DIY Adjustable Elastic Suspenders

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Recently my husband told me that I needed to have a baby girl so that I would stop accessorizing our boys.  I don't really think that there is anything wrong with accessorizing boys,  it is just a bit more limited.

I love suspenders, and couldn't resist making a pair for Clark out of this striped elastic that I found. I made them adjustable, and I made them large, that way he can wear them for a long time to come.

Do you want to make your own? Tutorial below the jump.

Free Pattern and Tutorial: Baby Dribble Bib Bandana

Accessories for little boys are limited, and after three boys, I am feeling the need to accessorize. Pair that with the fact that he's constantly dribbling down his chin, and this is a perfectly satisfying quick sew.

You've probably seen bandana dribble bibs before, but I happen to think mine are the cutest (yep, I said it).  These little bandanas cowl at the neck, and have a fun closure that looks like it's tied.  So adorable. No matter which way the bandana shifts, it still looks cute.


Want to make some?  I've got a tutorial and free pattern for you today! Don't want to make your own?  I just listed a second set of baby bandana bibs in my etsy shop, get them while you can.

Materials
1/3 yard exterior fabric (I used a soft cotton flannel from Riley Blake's Sasparilla line)
1/3 yard lining (I used a sweatshirt fleece, but a knit, terry cloth, or flannel would all work)
Coordinating thread
Seam Ripper
Iron
Button Hole presser foot (optional)
Printable Bandana bib pattern (Personal/Non-commercial use only)

Cut out your pattern pieces, and tape together matching up triangles.

Fold your fabric in half, and align the pattern with the fold to cut out your bandana pieces.  Repeat with lining fabric.

Place your exterior and lining pieces right sides together, and pin in place.  Mark the area to be left open (see pattern) with  a marking pencil, or different colored pins.

Sew around your bandana, starting and stopping your seams according to the pattern markings. The pattern allows for 3/8" seam allowance.  You should be left with an un-sewn area for turning your bandana right side out.

Clip the three corners of your bandana, making sure not to clip through your seam line.  This will reduce the seam allowance bulk, and make for sharper points on the finished bandana.

Reach into the un-sewn portion of the bandana, and pull the material right side out.  Make sure that your points are nice and sharp at the corners.

Press with a hot iron, making sure that the open edges of the bandana are turned inward.

Topstitch around your bandana, 1/4" from the edge. This should secure your un-sewn area.

On one tie end of the bandana, fold the tie in half.  Measure four inches from the tip of the tie and mark.

 Adjust your button holing foot to allow for a 5/8" button.  Attach the button hole foot to your machine, and adjust machine settings. (Read more about sewing button holes)

 Line up your button hole foot with the 4" mark, sew your button hole.

Ah, a thing of beauty.

Use your seam ripper to open up the button hole.

Your finished bandana should look like this.  The tie end opposite the button hole will be pulled through the button hole to secure the bandana.

So cute, right?  If you're button hole is too large, the tie could slip too far, and make the bandana too tight.

 Tie around your favorite little cow poke, and catch those rascally dribbles.  They'll keep your dear ones dry, and make them absolutely irresistible.

Buy your own set of red and grey bandana bibs in my etsy shop (SOLD OUT).  Check out my Dribble Bib-danas for sale in my Etsy shop!

Sharpie Decorated Plates and Mugs

 I have a perfect last minute project and gift idea for you. Sharpie decorated mugs and plates are easy to personalize for anyone, or any occasion.  Best of all, anyone can do it.  

Basically, you start with a blank white plate, mug, or bowl; and decorate away.  Regular colored sharpies are used to add the details, and then heat set in the oven. 

Clean and dry your plate.  Remove all paper labels from the back of the plate. You can then free hand your favorite image, or use some stickers and a stippling (dotting) technique to create a fun look.

If you mess up, no big deal.  Perfection is overrated, and a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol will remove the sharpie before it is heat set.

I picked up some alphabet stickers at the dollar store, and they were really fun to use. Place the stickers where you want the, start adding dots close together, and then space them further apart as you work you way out.  When your done stippling, carefully peel away the stickers. If there is any residue left behind from the stickers, bust out the rubbing alcohol.

Once everything is all decorated, pop them in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes, and  allow them to cool in the oven. If you remove them prior to cooling the ink will smudge.

Fill your mug with some hot chocolate, top your plate with cookies for Santa, and call it a gift.  Super easy!

All of our mugs/plates were picked up at the dollar store.

We've washed our mugs in the dishwasher without any problems.

Tutorial: DIY Fold Over Elastic Hair Ties

Fold Over Elastic (FOE) hair ties are everywhere.  You can find them on Etsy, Forever 21, American Eagle, and even Walmart.  They are cute, colorful, won't damage your hair, or leave a crease in your hair when removed.  Unfortunately, they are also horribly overpriced. 

I've slowly been packing up my hospital bag in preparation for this little baby.  The idea of being able to pull my hair up during labor, and let it down afterwards for some photos is super appealing (even though I'm going to be a hot sweaty mess). So, I made up several sets of these elastic, and gave some to my expectant sister in law as well.

Do you want to make some for yourself, and the whole neighborhood?  All you need is some fold over elastic, which you can find at most craft stores. I purchased mine from The Ribbon Retreat.  I was able to pick up several fun colors and prints for much less than at Joann's. You will also need some craft scissors, and a lighter or candle for heat sealing the ends.

 

So pretty.

Measure out 9.5 inches of elastic, and clip.

You can tie a couple of different kinds of knots, a simple overhand knot will work, and will allow for a little bow like ends...

...or you can tie a side knot.  This is the knot that I see most frequently. Whichever knot you choose, you'll want to keep the ends about an inch long. After you've tied the initial knot, give the tail ends a tug to tighten the knot, and then pull on the loop end to tighten it even more.  Your knot should be quite secure after tugging.

Angle off the tail ends with your  scissors.

Place the tail ends near the flame of a lighter or candle to heat seal the ends.  Sticking them IN the flame is not necessary, or the best idea.  You'll burn the elastic, rather than seal the ends.

Nice and sealed to prevent fraying.

Now gather up your favorite color combinations, and put them together for easy gift giving, and a pretty presentation.  My Sister In Law received a pretty set along with a bottle of dry shampoo, because new mamas don't have time for showers or curling irons.

Thanks for reading.  Love this idea? Don't forget to pin it.

Tutorial: Bib Onesie

I love baby onesie.  They are so practical for little babies, and they can be awfully cute as well.  A plain white onesie on a baby is plenty cute, but add a little lace, and a few well attached buttons, and it's irresistible.

This little bib onesie was made to accompany a box pleat baby skirt.  and wasn't difficult to make.

You'll need:

Baby bodysuit
Scrap of fabric ( I used a knit)
Fusible sewable web (I used wonder under)
1 yard or so of trim
18 inches of matching piping
3 small buttons
Coordinating thread

3-6 Month Bib Template for Carter's Bodysuit

First, you'll want to make a template.  This can be done by placing a piece of paper over top of the onesie, and carefully transferring the shape of the neckline to the paper.  You'll also want to feel out where the shoulder seam, and envelope neckline are, so that you can shape the bib to fit nicely under the overlapped pieces.  Decide how far down you want the bib the extend, and how wide you want it to be.  Extend the upper tabs of the bib up, to extend up beyond the shoulder fold by about an inch.  These little tabs will slide in between the neckline, and fold to the other side.

 At this point I fold my paper in half, and cut out the shape of my bib, making it symmetrical. 

Apply a layer of fusible web to the wrong side of the main bib fabric.  Cut out the bib.

Turn the bib piece over, and position four lengths of lace trim on the bib front. I left about an inch and a  quarter in the middle of the bib for button placement.  Pin the trim in place, and stitch down to the bib.

Attach piping.  To do so, you can align the raw edges of the piping with the raw edges of the bib piece.  Stitch close to the piping stitching line.  If needed, you can use a zipper foot to work around the bulk of the piping. For a more detailed look at attaching piping, visit my piped pocket infant skirt tutorial.

Turn the raw edge of the bib/piping under so that it is hidden beneath the bib.  Position the bib on the onesie, and using a hot iron, adhere to the bodysuit.

You will tuck the tabs inside the envelope neckline, and press.  While you're at it, trim that obnoxious thread on the trim of the bib. Stitch along the piping/bib seam, the neck tabs, and around the neckline, to secure the bib to the shirt.  I recommend using a ballpoint needle to do this.

Once your bib is securely attached, position your three buttons, and using a needle and thread, or your sewing machine, attach the buttons to the onesie. You're done. (Learn how to attach buttons with your sewing machine).

Next, add an adorable box pleat baby skirt to go with it.  

DIY Leather Bookmark Tutorial

Another simple leather scrap project for Father's Day.  My husband is an avid reader, and being on summer break, he's catching up on his hobby.  I thought some nice leather bookmarks might be appreciated, especially since there is usually a junk mail envelope, or receipt holding his place in his current read.

These are super simple to make.  No photo tutorial for this one, but I think that you'll do just fine without.

Materials: 
Leather scraps (upholstery weight-not too thick)
Thread
Leather Sewing Needle

 First off, you need to cut two right triangles of equal size.  Mine are about 2 1/2 inches long on the right angle sides.  The hypotenuse (the diagonal), will be longer.  Just make sure that the square sides are equal in length.

Next, this is optional, stitch along the hypotenuse edge of each of your triangles.  This is purely decorative, but I can't resist.

Next, place your leather triangles wrong sides together, and back tacking the start and finish of the stitching lines, sew the pieces together.  I stitch 1/8" away from the raw edge of the leather.  You can lengthen the stitching length if you'd like.  Contrasting thread is always a fun touch with leather as well.

As with sewing any leather project, I recommend using a non-stitch presser foot.  You can also reduce the amount of tension/pressure on your presser foot, to help the leather slide under the presser foot.

Slide the book pages into the open hypotenuse edge, and mark your place in your favorite book.