Ruffled Tote Bag - SO CUTE!!

After my apron project (see here) I was excited to try another sewing project.  Since patterns, zippers, buttons, etc. still make me nervous, I decided to try another ruffle project -  a colorful, ruffled tote bag that I planned to give to my sister Jordan for her birthday (as long as it turned out ok!)

 

These ruffles are smaller than the apron.  I cut the fabric to 2.7 high and 27 in. wide (about twice the width of the tote bag, to add lots of ruffles).  At the fabric store, I asked for 4 inches of a bunch of fabrics - getting such a small amount made each one super inexpensive.  I ended up using 7 different types of fabric for this bag.  See my previous blog for ruffle instructions. 

 

Hem bottom and sides of each ruffle.

Then sew a wide stitch on the top.

Then pull the bottom thread to create the ruffles.

 

Then pin them onto the bag.

 

 

The hard part is sewing the ruffles onto the bag - that bottom ruffle is hard to get to!  It might have been easier to sew each one, as they were pinned.  I pinned all, so I could better control spacing though.  One tip I learned is to take off the storage tub on your machine, if you can, to create more room.

 

Then pin and sew your ribbon, covering the top messy seam.

 

 

Happy Birthday Jordan!  Enjoy it!!

 

 

Warning: This might not be the last project blog on ruffled tote bags!



Colorful Ruffled Apron

This is my first sewing effort and I am SO proud of this project!  I am not presenting these instructions as an expert, but as encouragement to other people who are new to sewing.  And I have to give a big THANK YOU to my mom for teaching and helping me with this project!! 

 

 

For this project you need:

a pre-made apron

5-6 different fabrics - 1/4 yard

coordinating ribbon

scissors

sewing machine

thread

pins

measuring tape

iron

 

 

On the wrong side of the fabric, measure 4 1/4 inches and mark with a highlighter (or fabric pencil if you are being technical).  

 

 

Then cut that strip of fabric.  My apron was flared, so for the bottom ruffle, I had to make two strips.  The 2nd from bottom I used 1 1/2 strips.  The rest I used just one strip and adjusted the amount of ruffles to make it longer or shorter.

 

 

Pin, then sew a 1/4 inch hem on the bottom and 2 sides of the strip.  After this step, iron the strip.

 

 

 

For the top, make a wide, straight stitch.

 

 

Then pull only one thread (the underneath one) to make the ruffles.  You have to scoot the ruffles to the center of the strip.

 

 

Then measure, pin and sew onto the apron.

 

 

You then repeat these steps for each ruffle.  Make sure each ruffle covers the the top of the ruffle below it.

 

 

 

After you finish your top ruffle, pin your ribbon to cover the top seam and sew it on, I used a zigzag stitch for this.

 

 

Each ruffle gets easier and the finished project is SO fun and colorful!!

 

 



DIY Scrabble Tiles!!

These could be used ANYWHERE in your home!  They would be cool for a wedding.  They obviously look fantastic in a classroom.  The possibilities are endless!  This photo shows my sister Laura's classroom at the beginning of the school year.

 

For this project, you'll need:

wooden squares (found at Hobby Lobby)

black paint

paint tray (I used a paper plate)

foam brush/paint brush with a precise tip

ball point pen

letter pages printed from this website:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/letters+scrabble+words+a%20z

 

 

 

I placed the printed letter on top of the wooden tile and traced around the letter and the small number, using the ball point pen, pressing hard.  It's difficult to see in the picture, but below is what it should look like.

 

 

Using your precision paint brush, paint around the edges, then fill in the center with the foam brush (or whatever seems to work best for you).  It does take a lot of concentration for each one.

 

 

The final product!

 

 

Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bag!

Do you have an old t-shirt that you love, but it doesn't quite fit anymore?  I ♥ diet Coke, but I never wear this tiny t-shirt anymore, so I decided to make it into a tote bag!



You'll Need:

a t-shirt

scissors

sewing machine or needle and thread

a bowl

 

Start by turning the t-shirt inside out.  Other instructions tell you to pin the bottom together, but I didn't have pins and wasn't worried about being precise and it was ok.  Then sew the bottom together.

 

 

Cut the sleeves off at the seam.

 

 

With the t-shirt inside out, put a bowl over the neck hole and trace a line.  Then use that line as a guide to cut.

 

 

Voila - tote bag!

 

Toys to Treasure!

 

 

This is an EASY way to re-purpose an old toy to make an expensive-looking decorative object.

 

You need:

a plastic toy animal (choose based on the size and shape)

high gloss white spray paint

*You can make this project for under $10.00!

 

I found this horse at Paramount Antique Store West for $3.00.  You can find these kinds of inexpensive toys at antique stores, craft stores, discount stores or even your own toy collection.  Put newspaper under the toy and go outside and follow the directions on the spray paint.  I think it took me 3 coats to get full coverage.

 

I planned to give this to my sister Laura for Christmas, but the final product looked so good in my dining room - I had to keep it!  Sorry Laura!