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! 

 

 

 

DIY Table Runner

I saw this idea on Pinterest but my mom Debbie gets full credit for making it and making it even better than the pic I saw!  This could be a great project for Easter dinner - I can just picture a vase of tulips in the center!

Tape together pages of an old book, to the desired length and width. Use an edge punch on the sides of the runner.

Then add a small bow to both ends as an embellishment.

 End result - a fantastic, beautiful, inexpensive, disposable table runner!!  GREAT job on this table runner Mom!!

I ♥ You Because...Chalkboard

ADORABLE chalkboard that my sister Laura commissioned me to make for her Valentine's Day present to her fiance!  This would be a great anniversary gift, wedding gift or engagement gift.  It would also be awesome to make for your children!



Here's what you need:
chalkboard
heavy weight letter stickers (mine were called Thickers)
heart stickers (mine were 3D)
chalk
chalkboard eraser
   *This can be made for under $20.00!



While the stickers were still on their backing, I traced around them, to determine spacing.  (Don't worry, it can be rough (obviously))!  Once I had traced them, I found the center point.  When sticking the stickers onto the chalkboard, I started from the center and worked my way out.

 

 

 

 

 

All that is left to do is write your reason!

 



Burlap Christmas Garland

Super cute burlap garland on my mantle!

(Burlap is so in right now)

What you'll Need:

1 yard of burlap

twine

scissors

yarn needle 

3 ornaments (optional)

 Step One:  Cut the burlap into four inch strips. 

Tip:  If you pull out a thread four inches from the edge, it gives you a cutting guide.

 Measure your length of twine, however long you want it to be.  Cut it and tie a knot in one end. Thread your twine into your yarn needle and make large stitches. 

You'll find you have to push the burlap down to the knot.

 For a special twist, I added a 3 star ornaments spaced intermittently.

 Final Product!  A similar garland sells for $50.00 on etsy,

but without the ornaments, you can make this project for under $5.00!