How-To: Ruffled Diaper Cover

Not your ordinary ruffled diaper cover...
but we re-purposed an old denim skirt!

I'm sorry to say I have no more babies in my home. My life has moved on into the 'Grandma' stage where I have the opportunity to spend quality time when it comes to the little people in my life. (As opposed to quantity time... 24-7. Where you feel like your brain is fried & you can't possibly think about creativity or adding something to your day that isn't absolutely imperative!)
Don't get me wrong... I did plenty with my four kiddos around. I chose to home-school (You think people look at you weird now when you say you home-school? Imagine how they looked at my husband & I in the late 1980's & early 1990's!),  I also sewed, tried to fix healthy food, did crafting on the side to make money (usually at Christmas-time), kept our home, baked goodies, etc. But most of what I did were things that were something I would have had to buy, if I didn't make it. Not usually crazy, just-for-fun stuff. So I feel like I can be a little more creative with my grandkids. I can waste time making things for them or with them that aren't necessarily something they need. Just something they may like. Or something I may like. Which brings me to todays project. Not a necessity, but certainly fun!



The Most-Beautiful-Baby-Girl in the
whole, wide world!! My only
grand-daughter, Genevieve Fey.

Out of five grandchildren, our youngest is the only girl! She is now not quite 10 months old. You can imagine how much fun I've been having making various little things for her! Before the birth, we started on her crib quilt with Mommys chosen theme: pale pink & mint with a bright red ladybug thrown in. Then I bought this great fabric to make a ladybug rug for her floor. I've made her tons of hair clips with little bows & other 'bling'. Made her a personalized stocking for her first Christmas (2 months old) with her nursery/quilt theme on it. Made her a few crocheted headbands of various colors. (Can't even remember the colors now!) But then I saw this diaper cover and knew I had to try it out!


My youngest daughter recently ripped this skirt while climbing out of a truck. I found it in her garbage can & I snagged it! Free fabric. Score! (She & her sister hate it when I dig through their trash & find things I think we should keep! On more than one occasion I will ask them about an item, and they will inform me that they 'thought they threw that away a long time ago'! Ooops!)

This rip is a little higher than I thought...gonna have to be creative... 

Anyway, I washed the skirt and put it with my sewing fabric for a later date. I knew there were lots of ideas out there on Pinterest that would show me how I could make good use of this bonus piece of fabric!  Then when I started this diaper cover project I thought, 'why not'? I can make more than one style & I really wanted to try the denim. So here we go.


I got my pattern & needed materials list from: http://katiejgibson.blogspot.com/2011/07/diaper-cover-tutorial.html .

Materials Needed:

1/3 yard fabric for diaper cover

1/3 yard fabric for ruffles

1 yard plus 6" of 1/4" elastic (I used 1 yard plus 6" of 1" wide, colored elastic instead, shown in later photos.)

First I cut the back panel away from the waistband & front of skirt,
leaving the side seams attached to the front piece.

    

Couldn't place my pattern here or
I'd lose my pocket.

This was a much better placement spot.
Time to start cutting.

I originally wanted to use the back exactly as it was, with the seam in the middle and the two pockets on either side. Turns out it would make the back piece much too wide, or it would have cut off the bottom far corners of each pocket. So I just decided to cut each back piece, making sure the pocket would be saved. Then I had to make sure I cut a bit extra down the middle where the fold would have been, since I would now need to sew a seam along this edge. There was also the problem of the rip, which I should have just sewn up first, then I could ensure I would have the correct width when done, but I did it the hard way. Oh well. Seems it turned out ok.



I cut each piece out, but not on the fold.
 (It wasn't possible.) 

Now I've got one of each. One front piece and one back piece. Next I used the back piece pattern to cut the next back piece. Again, making sure I saved the entire pocket, seams and all. I really didn't  want the headache of trying to fix a problem like that later, if it was un-necessary.



Here are the two pieces for the front & two
for the back laying beside each other.

After I cut the second back piece, I cut out the second front piece. Then I started sewing.


First I sewed up the rip, shown here in the pic to the right. (Right below the pocket.) Then I sewed up the back where the fold would have been, ending up with a back seam up the middle. Next I sewed up the front in the same way, creating a seam up the front middle.




My next problem was trying to figure out how to cover up this old paint splatter! I decided to add ruffles here, coming out of the pockets, instead of across the entire back, which would cover up the cute pockets I tried so hard to save!



This is a paint splatter that needs to be covered up!



I had some cute fabric that was already washed, dried & ironed. I cut 2 strips, each 10" x 2" long:

I sewed up the shorter ends of the strips with the right sides together. Then I flipped them right-side-out...

                            Next, I ran a 'gathering' stitch along the long, bottom edges...

     I pulled the thread & gathered the pieces until they fit into the pockets... Then I sewed them in.

For the edges I decided to use a colored elastic that was 1" wide. I just used a zig-zag stitch on it & stitched half of it onto the inside, pulling it as I went. (Half meaning 1/2" of the 1", as if there were an imaginary crease down the long center of the elastic. That crease should end up on the raw edge. Just as if you were working with bias tape.) Then I folded the other half of it up and over the raw edge and sewed onto the outside with a zig-zag stitch again, pulling the elastic as I went.

Ta-Da! All done! It didn't turn out exactly the way I had envisioned it... but I did cover up the paint! And I realized when I was done that this isn't the type of 'ruffled' diaper cover I was planning to make at all. Now I'll have to make another!

Mens Pajama Pants

I made these pajama pants for my husband, Kevin, with some fabric he chose at the fabric store! I was shopping for something else and he had come along as company for me, when he spotted this fabric. We were looking for fabric for my grandsons...for some little soft blankets they can carry with them, not a large one for their beds. My husband really wanted me to get this particular one for them. He loved it because it was super soft and the pictures of the reindeers were cute. So I went ahead and bought it. Little did he know it was for him!

I layed a pair of his pajama pants flat & traced it onto brown craft paper.

STEP 1: I got out a pair of pajama pants that fit my husband well & traced the front panel, the back panel & the pocket onto brown craft paper. I traced about 1/2 an inch around each piece for a seam allowance. I traced about 3 inches higher at the waist so I would have enough for a hem & casing for a piece of elastic.

STEP 2: I cut 2 pieces of the front panel & 2 pieces of the back panel.

STEP 3: I placed the two front panels with right sides facing each other & sewed the short edge together. (This would run down from the waist area to the crotch.) Sew the same short seam on the two pieces for the back panel.

STEP 4: With right sides facing each other, sew the front piece to the back piece at the inside leg seam, starting at what would be the bottom of one pant leg, going up to the inside crotch and down the other pant leg. (Starting and ending on the inside leg seam.)  You will now have an inside-out pajama pant that is sewn in the middle, but the outer leg seams are un-sewn.

STEP 5: With right sides together, sew up the outside seams. Fold top waist area over & sew, leaving an un-sewn section (maybe 1-2 inches) to insert elastic. Hem each pant leg.



I also added pockets since my husband likes pockets.



Retro Hair-Tie



My daughter, Abby, modeling the first hair-tie.

                                     
I love a lot of things from the 1940's and '50's.. dishes, appliances, cars, music,. even movies. But I'd have to say one of my most favorite things about that specific time period would be their style. Their clothing style.

I love the aprons, the classy way men dressed with their suits, ties with tie-clips, shiny shoes & hats. The womens' dress suits with all those fabulous accessories! (Hats, scarves, purses with matching shoes, jewelry and gloves...just to name a few!) We haven't even begun to talk about their hair and makeup...with those classic hair-do's that are becoming popular all over again!

Which brings us to today's project... a retro hair-tie inspired by all those things that made that era unforgettable.

Materials List:

Here's a better view of the top.

7" x 22" piece of floral fabric

7" x 22" piece of polka-dot fabric

Thread

Instructions:

STEP 1: Wash, dry & iron all fabric.

STEP 2: Cut one of Piece A from the floral fabric and one from the polka-dot fabric. (Scroll to the bottom for the pattern.)

STEP 3: Cut two of Piece B from the floral fabric and two from the polka-dot fabric.

STEP 4: With right sides together, sew up the left and right sides of Piece A. When done, you should have raw, unfinished ends on both ends.
 

  

STEP 4















STEP 5: Of the four pieces cut from Piece B (two floral and two polka-dot) place one of
each floral with each polka-dot.  With right sides together, sew each up the long sides to the point and back, leaving the bottom open. 

STEP 5

STEP 5 (Closeup)

 STEP 6: Turn all three pieces and iron flat.

STEP 6













STEP 7: Fold the open ends of Piece A (the longest piece) under 1/4". Iron. Insert the raw, unfinished end of one of the B pieces into one of the open ends of Piece A, making sure the floral print is on the same side. Pin in place. Do the same with the other open end of Piece A with the remaining Piece B.

STEP 8: Using matching or contrasting thread, topstitch 1/8" all along the four sides of the center piece, or Piece A, making sure to secure the edges of the two B Pieces into the stitching.

Pattern

 Notes about pattern: There are measurements written on each pattern piece showing the final dimension of each. Enlarge or reduce the pattern accordingly.



Apron for Valentines Day

I had so much fun making this for my daughter, Abby.
The pic on the left shows the bodice better while
the pic on the right shows off the waistband.

I bought each of my daughters an apron a few years ago and I still love the design. My daughter, Abby, has outgrown hers since it was a childs size. I saw these cute fabrics and decided to make her a new one for Valentines Day.

STEP 1: I cut the bodice as two triangle shaped pieces. The dark ruffle going across the front must be added first, then attach the ruffle to the small area on the top right. Then follow the stitching down the front to attach the two triangles to each other. Finish the edges of the two triangle pieces with a small turned hem on each side. Next I cut out the two neck ties. (2" wide x 20" wide. Cut 2) With right sides together sew one short end & down the long side. Turn right side out, iron, topstitch along edges. Sew one tie to each triangle top.

STEP 2: Next I worked on the waistband. First the left and right ties must be sewn, turned, pressed and top-stitched before the waistband is sewn. (2 1/2" wide x 25" long. Cut 4.) Then I cut the two pieces which make up the waistband, which are cut exactly the same and later will be sewn together as the front and back of the waist. (3" wide x 17" long. Cut 2.) I placed the waist pieces with right sides together and stitched only the left and right sides first, making sure the ties are sewn in at the left and right sides. Set aside.

STEP 3: Now I needed to cut out the top ruffle. (7 1/2" wide x 38" long. Cut 1 for top ruffle.) Then I sewed a small hem up the two sides and along the bottom. I ran a gathering stitch across the top, gathered the ruffle until it was the same width as the front of the waistband. With right sides together, I sewed this top ruffle to the front waistband piece. Now I cut out the 'under' layer. (12" wide x 20" long. Cut 1.) I sewed up the left & right sides with a small hem. Next I sewed the under layer to the front waistband, with the right side out, directly behind the top ruffle. (It will drape down behind the top ruffle, only stitched to the top ruffle at the waistband.)

STEP 4: Next, I cut out the second ruffle. (7 1/2" wide x 38" long. Cut 1 for second ruffle.) I sewed up all four sides with a small hem. I ran a gathering stitch about one inch from the top, pulling up the gathers to fit the width of the under layer. I then sewed it to the front of the 'under' layer, positioning it just where the top ruffle ends.

STEP 5: Now I cut out the bottom ruffle. (7 1/2" wide x 38" long. Cut 1 for bottom ruffle.) I sewed a small hem up the two sides and along the bottom. I ran a gathering stitch along the top raw edge, pulled up the gathers to fit the width of the under layer. Then I sewed the bottom layer to the very bottom of the 'under' layer, with right sides together.

STEP 6: Lastly, I went back to finish the waistband. If I typed the previous instructions correctly, the two waistband pieces haven't been sewn to each other at the bottom. Turn and press these bottom edges. Sew together by topstitching on the outside front of the waistband.

Sleep Mask

Quick & easy project. I LOVE mine! 

                                                                                                                                                                                   








I am an extremely light sleeper...with every little noise waking me up...every movement of the bed  startling me...and of course, if there's even the teeniest little bit of light....well let's just say I can be a little un-'bear'-able! (yes....I act like a moody bear being wakened too early from hibernation!)

So I thought about buying a light-blocking sleep mask to see if that might help (I already wear earplugs every night for the noise...the movement thing...well, I'm still working on that). Then I thought, HEY! I should just make one!

So I looked on-line to find a pattern and came across an awesome website, Prudent Baby, with a great down-loadable pattern and clear step-by-step instructions. (I win!) Check out their tutorial here.

I had great fun making one for me (the flowers) and one for my daughter (she's loves Super Hero stuff, so this fabric was perfect for her).  Here's to a good nights sleep!

Cupcake Pincushions

 Just before Christmas I saw this idea on a website. It was titled "Dollar Store Crafts". (I was already drooling!) Now if you aren't fortunate enough to live in an area that has a Dollar Store in it, I'm very sorry for you. Honestly, I am! I find more items in that store than I care to elaborate on! It's awesome.
Anyway, I had just been there and seen these cute little plastic ramekins in red or white. Three in a package for $1! I didn't buy them considering we have many, many ramekins in our house. Little did I know I could turn them into such a fantastic and useable item for my home!
I have the website address listed at the bottom of this page to 'give credit where credit is due'. I followed most of the directions there, except for the variety of  'frosting' colors and 'topping' options, as seen in my photos.
STEP 1: Purchase: ~Ramekins from the Dollar Store
                               ~Fabric for 'cupcakes'. I used felt & fleece
                               ~Polyester fiber-fill
                               ~ Hot glue
                               ~'Sprinkles' and 'cherries' etc...


Have fun when adding 'sprinkles' and special 'frostings'!

STEP 2: Cut out an 8" circle from your fabric. Here is where you will add embellish- ments: Any beads should be sewn on. Adding rick-rack?.. it should be hot glued on at this time. Stick on or flat hot-glued items can be added during STEP 5. Using a needle and thread, do a running stitch around the diameter of the circle. Leave the thread long at one end and gently pull the thread, gathering the fabric together, leaving a 1 to 2 inch opening.
STEP 3: Using the fiberfill, stuff the cupcake top. Make sure it's quite firm, or you won't have a very pretty cupcake top! Draw thread tight and knot.
STEP 4: Run a line of hot glue around the inside of the ramekin, close to the rim. (Doesn't need to be precise) Quickly place bottom of cupcake top down into ramekin, holding it in place for a few seconds as it cools.

Fancy 'swirled' chocolate frosting!

STEP 5: Hot glue 'cherry' to the top of the cupcake. Add any stick on or hot-glued embellishments at this time.


Web address for original pattern: http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/01/cupcake-pin-cushions/

Donut Pincushion!



A yummy box of pincushion pastries!!!

 Looks good enough to eat!....but I'm sorry to say, looks can be deceiving. But, hey, they don't have any calories....

Here's a super simple project for those of us who love our sweets but don't want the extra pounds!

STEP 1: Cut the round pieces of the donut from tan felt. Cut two, one for the top, one for the bottom. (Pattern below)


STEP 2: Cut one 'frosting' piece from pale pink felt.




Maybe try making a chocolate donut with chocolate frosting or....?

STEP 3: Stitch the 'frosting' to the top donut piece using a blanket stitch.

STEP 4: Add 'sprinkles'.....any pretty beads that look like 'sprinkles' to you!

STEP 5: Stitch top donut to bottom donut in the center of the donut, using a blanket stitch.  Start stitching top to bottom at outside of donut, using blanket stitch. Stop and stuff  'donut' at intervals, continuing around the donut, until entire donut is stitched and stuffed.

STEP 6: ENJOY!!!



Print 2 copies: One pattern for 6" donut and one for frosting.

 

Felt Cardinal

An easy and inexpensive Christmas ornament.

I'm fully aware that Christmas is just behind us, (...at least for a few months!) but I wanted to share a simple yet elegant idea, which of course, is ultra cheap!!! I came across it recently in an old Christmas craft book I own, so I can't take the credit for the pattern, although I did my own thing, as usual.


STEP 1: Print out the pattern below and cut the pieces from felt. I used felt squares (more like 8"x10", actually) from the craft store that were .34 cents each! (WooHoo!!) I shrunk the pattern slightly, so I got all 7 pieces from the same piece of felt! (I feel another 'woohoo' coming on....)

STEP 2: Stitch 'tummy' piece to left body piece, lining up 'tummy' piece right under birds beak, and stitching down & around towards the bottom of bird, ending just before the tail starts. (Refer to photo, below)  **Here's where I did my own thing: the original pattern says to sew on a machine, with right sides together (not a concern when working with felt), turn out...etc. I followed the original directions but it looked a bit funky.... so instead I placed the two sides together, with right sides out, and did a blanket stitch around the outside edges. I liked the end result much more, & it wasn't as difficult to turn out a nicer end product.


Attach the tummy piece, placing it as shown in the above photo.

STEP 3: Do the same with the right 'body' piece, ending up with the two body pieces, only attached by the common middle 'tummy' piece. 

STEP 4: Starting under beak, stitch up and around head, going about halfway down the back. I paused here to fill head with stuffing. Continue stitching towards tail, going around tail, stopping to add stuffing when necessary. (You can wait & stitch all the way around, leaving a small opening at the end to stuff bird, but you'll need a long, skinny object to push stuffing into small places, such as the tail. A chopstick works great.) Finish sewing up body once the final stuffing is done. 

Add beads as you stitch for a more elegant finished look.

STEP 5: Stitch a cute swirl pattern to two of the outside wings pieces, making sure they are opposite...I made up a pattern as I stitched. You can use a white colored-pencil or tailors chalk to draw a pattern, then if any of the white chalk isn't covered with your thread after you've finished, just use a damp cloth to wipe the remainder off. Beads can be sewn on at this time, while sewing on the swirl pattern. I ended up forgetting to do this!

STEP 6: Attach wings to each side of the bird. If it will be hung as an ornament, attach a thread hanger.



I shrunk the original pattern slightly, ending up with an 8" long bird.
(The left bottom piece looks like a different color, but it's not.  

PLEASE comment or send pics if you make your own! I'd love to see some variations in color or wing stitching pattern!