Tech Sleeve

I made this sleeve for my sister using this tutorial from Dog Named Banjo Blog. Since the original tute is for an iPod Touch, I made some modifications to fit a Kindle Touch. In the event you need one, here are the measurements:

14 3/4" x 6 - one of each for lining and exterior. I happened to use the same fabric.
14 1/4 x 5 1/2 - batting (i used instead of fusible fleece) to back the lining fabric.
14 3/4 x 6 - pellon fusible webbing for exterior to stiffen it up.
2 x 3 - one of each for lining and exterior flap (which I fused 1 piece with webbing)
sew on Velcro

Measurements for an iPad 2 are as follows:
20 3/8 x 8 1/2 - one of each for lining and exterior
20 3/8 x 8 1/2 - 1 to line the interior fabric
19 7/8 x 8 - pellon fusible webbing for exterior fabric
3 x 3 - one of each for lining and exterior flap (this time I sandwiched batting)
sew on Velcro

Succulents

Here's a easy way to add a little green for those of us that do not have a green thumb. Succulents are low maintenance plants that are a beautiful accent anywhere at home or in the office. I saw some at the gardening center in glass containers that looked very modern. It's easy to replicate the same feel with found items at home.

I used a glass container from an old candle. After the fact, I realized it's better to lay down an inch of gravel or aquarium stones to help drain the soil. Then transplant your succulent, that's it! I bought mine for $2.99 and got 2 plants in one container.

 

Instead of Cards

What a great idea!  I have another baby shower to go to this weekend.  I think that's my 6th year to date!  It was requested that in lieu of cards, to give a book and write your well wishes inside.  That way the child would have something of permanence to enjoy.  The only down fall is you really can't get popular books, in fear of the child getting duplicates.  So I hope no one else go this one:

Hippie Chic

I made these wrapped bracelets using the tutorial on Honestly WTF. Since I was out of town and couldn't find the supplies listed, I modified my materials using hemp cord instead of waxed linen, 2mm cotton cord instead of Greek leather, and plastic bead trim instead of ball chain. Looks just as great for a fraction of the price! I'll be trying out the rhinestone version for some extra bling.

Making a bow hair clip

Make pretty preppy pinwheel bows for hair clips or head bands.
Supplies:
5/8 in ribbon
3/8 in ribbon
aligator hair clip
hot glue gun
fray check
measuring tape or ruler
cardboard or cardstock



First create your bow template. I made mine 3 in wide and 2 1/4 tall. Then cut a slit in the middle. I just drew a line down the middle to guide my cut.

Clip the end of your ribbon on the template and wrap.

When wrapped around creating 2 loops on either side, clip in place and cut the ribbon.

Stitch in the center of the ribbon using your slit as a guide.

When you're done, it should look like this.

Slide off the template.

Pull the thread tight and it will create a bow.

Wrap the thread around the center to hold in place.

Tie off the thread and you'll have a bow looking like this.

Using the 5/8 in ribbon, tie a simple knot.

Hot glue the knot on the center of the bow, covering the thread.

Attach the bow on to a clip with a dab of hot glue.  I pre-wrapped mine with the 3/8 width ribbon so the metal is covered to protect the head.

I just put a bit of hot glue to attach and wrap the knot over the top of the hair clip to secure.

Give yourself a pat on the back for making a beautiful timeless hair accessory for that special little girl in your life.

Here are samples of some others I've made:

Yo Yo

At the suggestion of my cousin, I tried making a yo yo flower clip with some scrap ribbon.  I used 2 different sized ribbons and stacked them on each other to create a little more contract and dimension.  I also used button to finish it off and a tail to give it a little more flair.  I am pleased with how it turned out.  The inspiration came from this head band worn my Piggie during her Janie & Jack shoot a couple months ago.

Fine tuning the jeresy knit bow

Okay, after tinkering a little bit more with what I had...I think I'm finally happy with what this version.

I'm working with a BIG roll of jersey knit that's 1.5 wide. I've cut them down to: 1.5 x 3 strips. 

Feed a needle through each strip back and forth...with strip overlapping the last.

When completed with last strip, pull thread tight so you cinch the pieces into a bow.

Wrap your thread around center a couple times, secure and tie off.

Take another strip 3/4 x 2 and tie a knot to cover your thread. You can either hot glue in place or sew the seams.

For a fuller bow/flower - use more strips. This is what 4 strips of fabric will produce in fullness. I wouldn't use less than 4 for jersey knit because your bow will look sad and wilted.

I guess you can use other fabrics to create the same effect. I'll try and report back.

Re-usable snack bag

You’ve seen them at all kinds of retail stores from the big boxes to the boutiques. Why pay a small fortune for one $3 - $8 (depending on the store), when you can make your own for a fraction of the price with your fabric scraps?

My first set of bags were made with cotton fabric and zip loc bag lining. Then I made some with canvas lining…they’re great for pretzels and crackers. Then I found some waterproof nylon at the discount fabric store. What you need:

5 x 10 fabric

5 x 10 lining fabric (zip loc bag, fabric, or nylon)

4 1/2 in Velcro

Serge your short ends of fabric and liner together with right sides facing each other

Turn inside out and sew Velcro on each end with zig zag stitch. I just eye ball center the Velcro.

Fold in half with fabric facing each other on serge up the sides.

Turn inside out and you’re done!