Sew Much Ado

Ruffle Fabric Flower Headband

2012-05-24T06:30:00.000-06:00

I found this tutorial from Ruffle Fabric before Lola was born, and knew it would be perfect to use up some of my ruffle fabric scraps.

I used some pink ruffle fabric, pink tulle, and a gold button that I've had in my stash for awhile. The headband itself is made from fold over elastic that I purchased from My Sunshine Supplies on Etsy.

Small confession: I've always had a pet peeve of oversized headbands on little girls... I shamefully admit that I'm beginning to have a change of heart. The first of many, I'm sure!

Enjoy your long weekend - anything exciting planned?!

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-05-22T20:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to We Did It! Wednesday!

Here's how We Did It! Wednesday works:

1. Enter a link (specific blog post, not your homepage) using the Linky Tools below to something you made that you want to share. It can be something you sewed, crafted, painted, baked, or anything else you made that you want to share.
2. Try to check out at least one other link on the list (and I'm sure they'd love it if you left a comment too).
3. Post the We Did It! Wednesday button below to your post or sidebar to let others know your participating.

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Self Binding Receiving Blanket Tutorial

2012-05-21T06:30:00.000-06:00

Ever wondered how self-binding receiving blankets are made? They can be a bit confusing - until you've made one! It's a lot simpler than you may think, and you'll have one (or two!) made in no time.

Ready to get started?

Materials:
1.5 yard flannel for blanket back/border (make sure to pre-wash)
1.25 yard flannel for blanket top (make sure to pre-wash)
ruler

Cut:

flannel for blanket back/border: 42"x42"
flannel for blanket top: 36"x36"

Note: The sizes you cut your blanket top and back will determine your finished blanket size. In this case, pieces cut at 42" and 36" will give a finished size of 39". If you want to adjust your size, just remember that the finished size will be the median between the two sizes you cut (39" is 3" larger than 36" and 3" smaller than 42").

Also, the larger the difference between your the size of your two pieces, the larger the border will be. With the measurements in this tutorial, the border will be 1.5". If you want a larger border, you can increase the amount of difference between the two flannel pieces that are cut, and of course the opposite is true for a smaller border as well. One thing to keep in mind with a larger border is that the larger it gets, the smaller your finished size will be as well, which is one reason that I like to keep a 6" or less difference between the two sizes.

Directions:

1. Fold each flannel piece in quarters and mark center of each edge with a pin. Open pieces up and pin, right sides together, starting at centers and working outwards. Each end will be left with excess backing fabric.

Each corner should look like this:

2. Mark 1/4" in both directions by drawing a small square on each corner. Using these marks as your stopping and starting points, stitch along each side of pinned pieces using a 1/4" seam allowance. If you'd like, you can start stitching at center of each side and work outward rather than stitching from end to end, but if you've pinned well you shouldn't need to. Leave a 6" opening on the middle of one side to later turn the quilt right side out through.

3. Matching adjacent seams, fold one corner of the blanket as pictured. The excess backing fabric should form a 45 degree angle, and raw edges should match up, with the blanket front fabric tucked inside.

4. The next step can be tricky to visualize, so just make sure to follow the illustrations and you'll be fine! Align your ruler with the end of side seam stitching, forming a 90 degree angle with the folded edge.

5. Trace along ruler edge, marking 90 degrees from the folded edge to the end of stitching. Stitch along marked line from folded edge to end of side seam stitching.

6. Trim seam allowance to 1/4", removing excess backing fabric.

7. Press all seams and turn blanket right side out through opening.

8. Carefully press mitered corners in place. Press all four borders flat, being careful that they are evenly sized on all sides (it can help to put a couple of pins away from where your iron will be hitting to make sure everything will lay nice and flat).

9. Topstitch close to seams on all four sides of blanket, and stitching closing opening. Add a second row of topstitching if you prefer.

Great job! Admire your blanket and make some more!

The Mr's Work in Progress

2012-05-18T06:30:00.000-06:00

Joel's been busy working on a project for the boys that will hopefully be finished up this weekend.

I have to say that I'm not a woman that's comfortable with power tools. It doesn't make me feel tough to use tools, it makes me feel scared. The sewing machine is enough for me to handle, which makes me extra glad that Joel's so great when it comes to building things.

I'm happier to just tell him what I do or don't like, and let him take it from there. He didn't even make me do the sanding this time - pregnancy does have some perks :). I'm excited to show you the finished product very soon!

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-05-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Worth the Wait

2012-05-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

Eight days past my due date, our little Lola Bea has finally arrived. We are all healthy and happy and glad to be home :).

I can say that I'm now officially chop liver to Wyatt and Weston. They've found a new love.

Can't say I blame them :).

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-05-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

2012-05-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

We tried out a recipe Joel found on Pinterest recipe over the weekend, and I thought it was yummy enough to share (which isn't always the case with recipes I've found on Pinterest - do you agree?)! It's a fun version of cheesecake that's simple to make and would be great to take along to a summer barbeque.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars - original recipe here at Mr Food

Ingredients
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (16.5-ounce) rolls refrigerator chocolate chip cookie dough

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well mixed; set aside.
3. Slice cookie dough rolls into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange slices from one roll on bottom of a greased 9- x 13-inch glass baking dish; press together so there are no holes in dough. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over dough; top with remaining slices of cookie dough.
4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden and center is slightly firm.
5. Remove from oven, let cool, then refrigerate. Cut into slices when well chilled.

Self-Binding Receiving Blanket

2012-05-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

Doesn't Michael Miller make the best flannel prints? I think they're definitely my favorite flannels. I used a couple of my favorites to make this self-binding receiving blanket.

I love that you get to see both fabrics from the front - otherwise it sometimes feels like a waste to have such a cute print hidden on the back of a blanket, ya know?

I was actually planning on using the damask print for the back/border, but in my current state of mind (or lack there-of), cut the fabric out opposite. Now that it's done, I think I like it just as well though. Yay for happy mistakes :).

If you've never made a self-binding blanket before, they're a lot easier than you might imagine - I'll be sharing a tutorial soon so you can give it a try!

...And on another note, no baby yet - maybe I'll have some news for you on Monday if I'm lucky :).

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-05-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to We Did It! Wednesday! It's not really May yet, is it? That's the problem with having an April 30th due date - one day past the "date" and it's already a new birth month for the baby, which is fine with me, but still kind of weird, when I've had April in my head for so long. And speaking of baby, obviously she hasn't made her grand appearance yet :).

Also, thank you thank you thank you for the great response to our new pattern! It's nice to know that I wasn't the only one that was itching for a new diaper bag pattern, and I can't wait to see your bags to start popping up!

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Lola Bea Diaper Bag Pattern

2012-04-27T06:30:00.000-06:00

Tired of having to choose between a practical diaper bag or a stylish diaper bag? The Lola Bea Diaper Bag will bring you the best of both worlds - a bag that suits all your needs, and doesn't compromise on looks!

Bag Features:

2 exterior elastic pockets, customizable interior elastic pockets and a unique interior zippered divider pocket that separates the bag interior into two separate compartments!
magnetic flap closure
fully lined and interfaced with sturdy construction techniques
comfortable shoulder strap
finished dimensions: 14"x12"x5"

Included in this PDF pattern:

23 pages of detailed instructions plus 23 pages of printable pattern pieces (see cutting options below)
over 80 full color diagrams to guide you through each step
two options for cutting pieces:

using a rotary cutter and measurements provided (three pattern pages will need to be printed if using rotary cutter)
OR use printable full-sized pattern pieces provided - no need to enlarge

Recommended Experience Level: intermediate

Materials Needed:

1 ½ yd main fabric for bag exterior (54” wide home décor weight or 45” wide 100% quilting cotton recommended)
2 yd fabric for bag lining (45” wide 100% quilting cotton recommended)
4 ½ yd heavy weight fusible interfacing (20” wide)
1 yd fusible fleece (45” wide)
12” non-separating zipper
Magnetic snap
1 ¼ yd ¼” elastic
Sewing needle suitable for heavy fabrics - size 12-14 recommended
Optional: 1”x1” piece of plastic canvas for magnetic snap support

Pattern is an instant download PDF file. The download link will be instantly sent to the email address that is on file with your Paypal account, so please ensure that Paypal has your correct email address on file. You'll also have the option to download the file from a pop-up window that will appear immediately after your purchase. Either way, make sure to save the file to your computer for future use. Also please be aware that if you pay by e-check through Paypal, the payment will take 5-7 business days to process, and the download link will not be emailed to you until that time. Let us know if you have any problems or questions along the way!

Lola Bea Diaper Bag PDF Pattern - $9

Copyright Info: This diaper bag pattern is for individual use only. You may not copy or distribute this pattern to any individual or group. You may not produce derivative works of this pattern. If you would like to sell diaper bags made from this pattern, please email me regarding a Limited Commercial License.

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-04-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Tutorial: 3 Easy Burp Cloth Variations

2012-04-23T06:30:00.000-06:00

Handmade burp cloths make great baby gifts, and can be simple and fast to make. Plus, they're less expensive and much cuter than anything you'll find in a store!

Want to try 3 different variations to give a bit of variety to your burp cloths? These are all super simple methods, that even a first time sewer can tackle.

Materials for All Variations:

Flannel: cut 2 - 9"x16" pieces for each burp cloth

Rick Rack: 1.5 yard (for Variation Number 1) per burp cloth

Variation Number 1: Rick Rack Burp Cloths

1. Using a bowl (or CD, in my case), trace a curved line onto all four corners of each layer of flannel, and cut.

2. Place rick rack near edge of one layer of fabric (for narrow rick rack, I keep it about 1/8" from the raw edge, for jumbo rick rack, I let the outer curves of the rick rack hang off the edge of the flannel so I can keep the seam allowance fairly small - my Rick Rack Receiving Blanket Tutorial explains the technique in a bit more detail) and use a basting stitch to stitch the rick rack around all edges of fabric. I keep my stitches about 1/8" away from the center of the rick rack, toward the raw edges of fabric so that the stitches won't show when you stitch down the center of the rick rack in the next step. Let the two ends overlap and trim the excess.

3. Pin both pieces of flannel right sides together, matching raw edges. Stitch around all sides of fabric, 1/8" in from basting stitch sewn in step 2 (which should put your stitched along the center of the rick rack that is sandwiched in the middle), and leaving a 3" opening on one side.

4. Turn fabric right side out and press, also pressing raw edge of opening under. Topstitch close to edge around entire burp cloth, also stitching opening closed.

That's it, you're done!

Variation Number 2: Rag Edge Burp Cloths

(full Rag Edge Receiving Blanket Tutorial here)

1. Using a curved edge, trace and trim each corner of each layer of flannel into a curve.

2. Pin two flannel pieces wrong sides together. Using a narrow zig zag stitch (I keep my stitch length fairly short as well), stitch around all raw edges, 5/8" from edge (do not leave any space for an opening).

3. With scissors, make small slits 1/2" apart around entire burp cloth, close to but being careful to not cut into seam allowance.

Throw burp cloths into the washing machine and dryer. The cut edges will fray and become softer with each wash!

Variation Number 3: Serged Burp Cloths

1. Using a curved edge, trace and trim each corner of each layer of flannel into a curve.

2. Place two flannel pieces wrong sides together and serge around all edges. I find that keeping my stitch length on the short side helps when serging around the curved edges.

Whip up a few more!

Great job! Enjoy using your burp cloths with your little one, or make some to have on hand for gifts!

Burp Cloths, Check

2012-04-20T06:30:00.000-06:00

When I buy or order flannel for a receiving blanket, I always buy 1.5 yards of each print. It seems to be the perfect amount for a good sized receiving blanket, and leaves just enough left over for one or two matching burp cloths.

With all the single and double layer receiving blankets I've made lately, I had a big pile of fabric waiting to be made into burp cloths.

To save myself from burp-cloth-sewing boredom, I chose three different easy styles, and made a few of each. It's so nice to have that checked off of my to-do list and have the fabric out of my sewing room and into the baby's room. I'll be sharing a tutorial that gives a quick run-down for each of the three burp cloth styles soon!

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-04-17T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Rolled Fabric Flower Headband

2012-04-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

I made this little headband to go along with a baby gift the other day. Nothing too complicated or original, just a simple headband made out of size 18-24m nylon tights and a few rolled fabric flowers.

I wrapped it around some cardstock and it was ready to go! Now to make some for my own little girl - have I mentioned my headband anxiety? It's another one of those weird fixations that I've been dwelling on but have done nothing about. Maybe this is the week :).

Sneak Peek

2012-04-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

As you know, I have a couple of new patterns in the works, and since I think that I'll be ready to release the first before this baby comes (just over two weeks left now), I thought it would be a good time for a sneak peek! I've been dreaming up my perfect diaper bag for months, and think I've finally narrowed all the ideas down...

My very favorite part of the bag? The interior zippered divider pocket. It's perfect for all of my (AKA non-diaper/non-feeding/non-spitup) things and was the top of my "needed" list for a diaper bag. It also separates the bag interior into two separate sections, each of which are lined with elastic pockets.

I still have the task of naming the bag - I have a few ideas, but would love to hear your suggestions if you have any you'd like to share!

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-04-10T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Nesting

2012-04-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've noticed I've changed things up around this here blog. It was one of those things I've wanted to get done -and knew needed to get done- forever, but somehow the thought of having a baby soon and the months of decreased productivity (or maybe increased productivity is a better way to think of it) that follow a new baby helped me to actually get it done. I think I'm doing blog nesting. Hmm...

I wanted to freshen things up and simplify the look, in hopes that it will make things more convenient for you as you're reading or searching Sew Much Ado. I have to say a huge thanks to Kim over at 733 for help fixing the layout issues that I created through my own redesign attempts, hehe. I'm sure she had plenty of things to roll her eyes about, but she was so nice and quick to work with. She also took the social media icons that I designed and apparently read my mind to tweak them just how I would have wanted. They're now up by the header and hopefully easier for you to access.

There are a few more small changes that I'll eventually make, but for now I'm happy to have things cleaned up a bit - doesn't a blog redesign almost feel like redecorating a room? There's something so nice about a fresh start, even in the online world!

Fabric Bird Mobile from A Glimpse Inside via Pinterest

And, for the record, I've also been doing my share of the kind of nesting that I should actually be doing these days. I've got lots of baby projects to show you, along with a few tutorials, and am finally getting to the point of almost being able to imagine bringing a baby home and feeling prepared. I'm not usually a fan of mobiles, but I really love the one from A Glimpse Inside pictured above. Isn't it sweet? Ooh, and I will have peeks of a new pattern soon! I'm fairly excited about it and am crossing my fingers to have it available before the end of the month.

Have a great day!

Happy Easter!

2012-04-08T09:54:00.000-06:00

Silk tie dyed eggs from Our Best Bites

Happy Easter to you all! I hope you've enjoyed a wonderful weekend with family and friends and have been able to reflect on the reason that Easter is such a special celebration. I think I've gotten away with eating only one entire bag of Mini Eggs this year, which is normally unheard of (I surely made up for it with other treats, but I like to count the small successes :)). What's your favorite Easter candy?

Spring has seemed to finally arrived in Seattle this weekend, and I can't tell you how much I've missed the sun!

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-04-03T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Ruffle Fabric Peasant Dress

2012-04-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

When I started thinking about a blessing dress for our little girl, it didn't take long to decide just what I wanted. I knew I wanted something simple, but not boring, and still femine and beautiful.

I had some white ruffle fabric from RuffleFabric.com, and knew it would be perfect in combination with a simple pattern. As I've mentioned before, if you're looking for ruffle fabric, save yourself the time and buy it from Ruffle Fabric - they have the best selection and prices that you'll find online. Their website also has a list of links to projects using ruffle fabric to give you lots of good project ideas!

You can find my tips for sewing with ruffle fabric here, where I shared a free pattern for a ruffle fabric newborn diaper cover.

For this dress, I used my Infant Peasant Dress Free Pattern, with a few easy changes.

First, I didn't curve the neckline and top of sleeve as the pattern is shaped. I cut those curves straight across, to allow a nice even and straight edge to make the elastic casing without getting in the way of the ruffles.

It allowed the top row of ruffles to hang nicely over the casing.

I also added about an inch and a half or so to the hem, since it's more of a formal dress and won't be worn with leggings like I suggest in the original pattern.

One great thing about ruffle fabric is that it doesn't need to be hemmed. Just turn the last ruffle upwards before you cut, and trim the flat connecting fabric underneath. It doesn't get much easier than that!

Because of the drape of the ruffle fabric, I thought it might be awkward to have the elastic casing on the hem of the sleeves, so I left that out (and happily - I'll never complain about one less step), and the sleeves hang perfectly. Just FYI, I did trim some bulk from the seam where the sleeves, bodice, and sideseam all meet in the underarm area, and it helped with the bulk from all the ruffles.

I've been considering adding a white satin ribbon that could be tied in a small bow around the dress, but can't decide. What do you think? Should I leave it as is? As simplistic as I normally am, I think I'm leaning towards adding the ribbon, but could be easily swayed :).

I'll be sure to share pics of my baby actually wearing the dress! Four weeks till my due date - yikes!

We Did It! Wednesday

2012-03-27T20:00:00.000-06:00

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Faux Chenille Bunny Tutorial

2012-03-26T06:30:00.000-06:00

{In case you missed it over at U-Create earlier in the month...}

With a printable template, this faux chenille bunny is the perfect gift for any little girl, whether it's Easter or not! With both Easter and a baby girl coming arriving in our home next month, today's project is one that will get double the use - my favorite kind of project!

Ready to get hopping?

Materials:

8 12"x12" pre-washed flannel pieces - can be assorted colors and prints

polyfill stuffing

pins, scissors, and needle suitable for heavy fabric (size 14 works great)

Click HERE to download and print the bunny template.

Directions:

1. Print the bunny template using the link above. Ensure your printer is not set to scale before printing. Join template pieces along dotted line and cut along solid line.

2. Layer two sets of four 12"x12" flannel pieces on top of each other, matching all four sides. If you are using assorted colors or prints of flannel, alternate the colors and prints evenly as pictured.

3. Pin flannel layers together every few inches throughout each stack.

4. Using one stack of flannel, stitch from one corner to the opposite corner in a diagonal line. If you have a walking foot, use it! It will help to keep all four layers in place as they are fed through the machine. If you don't have a walking foot, you may want to reduce the presser foot tension slightly to help prevent slipping and stretching of the top flannel layers.

5. Stitch parallel to diagonal line, 1/2" apart from first diagonal line, and keep repeating until the entire 12"x12" flannel stack is stitched with diagonal lines.

6. Repeat steps 4-5 with second flannel stack.

7. With one flannel stack, cut in middle between each set of stitch lines, leaving the bottom layer uncut. If you have a slash rotary cutter, it will save a bit of time, but scissors work just as well.

Your finished stack will look like this...

8. Repeat step 7 with remaining flannel stack.

9. Trace bunny template onto uncut side of one flannel piece. Cut along traced line.

10. Flip bunny template over and trace onto uncut side of remaining flannel piece (both bunnies should be facing opposite directions). Cut along traced line.

11. Pin bunnies together with uncut sides facing outward, matching all edges. Stitch around raw edges using a 3/8" seam allowance, leaving 4" opening at bottom of bunnies.

12. Stitch again around raw edges using a 3/8" seam allowance for stability, leaving same opening. Trim seam allowance to 1/8", clipping close to any tight curves and corners.

13. Turn bunny right side out, ensuring all curves and ears are thoroughly turned. Using polyfill stuffing, fill bunny firmly through opening.

14. Turn raw edges of opening to inside of bunny and handstitch opening closed using a ladder stitch or other invisible stitch.

15. Now for the fun part - throw the bunny in the wash (with a load of towels ideally), and then into the dryer. The raw edges will fray and create the faux chenille look!

Your bunny will become softer and fluffier with each additional wash!

Add your bunny to your little princess' Easter basket, and let her enjoy her new cuddly friend all year long!

Instant Pattern Downloads Now Available

2012-03-23T06:30:00.001-06:00

Just a quick note to let you know that our patterns are now available as instant downloads! No more waiting - you'll automatically get the link to download your pdf pattern immediately following your purchase. You can read more details on each pattern's page. Realistically, I've normally had patterns emailed out pretty quick as it was, but no wait is better than a short wait, right? I hope you like the change as much as I do!

Have a great weekend!