Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas Cards!

So, a few weeks ago, I did that Christmas Card design giveaway....and I had 6 people enter.  So because I love you and because I love to do it...I decided I'd design a Christmas card for everyone who entered!  (Marci, I didn't lie to you, I drew a number first and it WAS yours...then I decided to do everyone!)
So I'd like to show you what I've designed this year.
My own family's card
The card I designed for my parents
Our good friends the Johnsons
My beloved Romania girl Michelle
My nice blog follower Rachel
My dear old roommate Stacey
AND...still waiting for pictures from Marci and Mandy!  :)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Burp cloth tutorial and template

These are some easy peasy burp cloths that make great baby gifts.  They go with the reversible bibs I've also posted.

You will need:
Flannel
Thread
Template

First of all, here is the template.  I would trace it onto a folded piece of tissue paper, then unfold it and pin it to two layers of flannel (right sides together), then cut. 
(hard to see, but there is the tissue paper pattern pinned to the flannel)
Simply remove the pattern piece and repin the two pieces of flannel together, and you're good to go.  Cuts a couple steps out that way.
Starting on one of the straight edges and using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew all the way around, leaving about 1.5 inches open.  Trim your seams down to about 1/4 inch, EXCEPT at the open seam, Then carefully clip the curves (pies out of outer curves, snip inner curves) as needed:
Then turn the whole thing inside out through the 1.5 inch opening.  Use a pen or a ruler or even your shears (provided they have blunt ends) to help push the curves out.  Then press to help it hold its shape, and pin the open seam closed.
Now, if your sewing machine has any decorative stitching, it's time to shine. I chose a green thread with a curving stitch to match my monkey bibs. Again, using the presser foot as a guide, sew all the way around. Make sure you are sewing close enough to the edge to close up that 1.5 inch open seam.
And you are done!  Here's my burp cloth with its matching bib:
I like to roll them up and tie them with raffia and a note.
Easy peasy cute gift!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Baby Girl's Sweater Dress, Shoes and Headband

I had an old sweater I hated.  And I've seen lots of people turn old sweaters into cute sweater dresses for their girls.  So I decided to try my hand at it.
Before
After


Because every little girl needs a matching headband

And shoes...
(I do not recommend making shoes out of stretchy squishy old sweaters unless you are not a perfectionist!  Pattern for shoes here.)