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Honestly, I've actually been published a couple of times, and for some reason have never shared. But this time I promised myself I'd post it...
See how it's all pixelated? That's because it's a crappy cell phone picture. Who cares? I'm published! This is a Sew News special issue that comes out once a year and has a bunch of cute sewing tutorials (mine included, ahem - did I say turn to page 76 yet?).
Here's my oldest, modeling my project for me. It actually takes me back a little...
When I saw these garlands on the Land of Nod website I knew I'd bumped into an easy craft that would turn out cute enough to actually use as decoration. 10 sheets of felt and a bag of tiny clothespins later...
I was actually prepared for the possibility that this particular Christmas project would be a bust. Every Christmas season I wander the aisles at Michael's with ideas from 14 different Christmas magazines in hopes of finding fun things for the kids to do. And somehow usually my ideas never make it out of the craft bin, or they wind up completely lost on the kids altogether. This one was a winner in every category: Cheap. Fun. Easy-enough-for-a-three-year-old. Entertaining-enough-to-hold-their-interest. Pretty-enough-to-hang-up. The key ingredient, it turned out, was the Time To Do It. I am so glad I took time off this season to hang with the kids...
It was (fittingly) a snow day on Sunday. Daddy was on Guard duty out of town. The kids were bored (and I'd already played outside for my quota of 30 minutes in the cold).
And the activity lasted long enough for Daddy to join in when he got home:
Materials:
How to:
Evyn loves art. Her friend K loves art. I love doing art projects. Sounds like a regular art day is in order!
We had our first one last week. We made our own clay beads, then painted and strung them to make bracelets.
The girls loved making the clay dough:
1 cup salt
1 cup warm water
2 cups flour
We rolled them into balls and poked large holes with a skewer. It's important that the holes be a little exaggerated because the beads plump in the microwave (microwave on high about 2-3 minutes total, turning the beads over halfway through).
Once the paint dried, I took the beads outside and sprayed them with a gloss sealer to make them a little shinier. Whew that stuff is toxic!
The girls watched a princess move and read There's a Mouse In the House to each other while the everything finished drying.
Then, we strung the beads on a bit of Magic Stretch (we used 1mm but I would use something just a bit smaller) and called it a day!
We're already planning the next Art Day. With so many bloggy, crafty moms out there I have too many ideas to choose from!
Check these places out for some artsy sensory fun stuff:
Several of you have asked how I made Evyn's and Ashlyn's birthday linens, and I did promise a tut. So here you go! Dig into your stash or run to the fabric store to start putting your fabrics together. Don't make the same mistake I did; keep it simple - buy only three fabrics (one large scale, and two small) and as you're whipping this all up, be haphazard. It makes the project easier and the finished piece more charming.
This post will cover the party bunting (or "flags") and the table linens. Bunting first - those are the most fun, anyway. One finished bunting is 9 feet long. I like to have three in my set.
Materials:
To Make:
1. Fold each fat quarter of fabric in half (wrong sides together) to measure 22 x 9". Starch and press.
2. Cut five pairs of 6" x 9"-ish triangles out
of the folded fabric using pinking shears (see the handy diagram that someone else put together for me).
You
will have leftover scraps on the ends. Repeat cutting with other two
fabrics for a total of 15 (or so) triangle pairs. The starch should
keep each pair together. Remember: don't worry about precise measuring
and cutting of each triangle. Cut recklessly.
3. Leave each pair of flags adhered together and topstitch the two longest sides with a long stitch, using a 1/2" or so inseam. Sew hastily and admire the whimsy of your uneven stitching. Don't turn them inside out; that takes too long and the topstitching gives them character.
4. Pin the finished flags between bias tape, spacing them half an inch to an inch apart and leaving about six inches of bias tape on either end for hanging.
5. Topstitch the bias tape closed, catching the flags as you go.
To Dress the Tables:
Rather than tell you how to sew (or fabric glue) a straight line on four sides, I'll just share the basic dimensions of the pieces I use when dressing tables for a party.
I like to have linens for at least two tables - one long and one square. In total I use two twin flat sheets (white tablecloths) and three different fabrics (1 table sash and 2 square toppers).
It's not too late to give a handmade gift to your friend, daughter, sister, or mother-in-law. An actually-useful gift that I've given and made for myself several times now. I'm talking about the Girlfriend Wrap - a fleece blanket-slash-wrap thingy that is actually quite pretty.
This is about as simple as it gets: no talent, no creativity, no yarn-spinning ability required. Just a yard of fleece and a pair of scissors (or pinking shears or pinking rotary cutter - just use what you have).
To Make:
1. Lay out your fleece.
2. Cut up the middle, stopping 16 - 20 inches short of cutting it entirely in half (see diagram)
3. (Optional) Round the corners using a large cup or plate.
For this project I picked a thinner fleece with a sort of heathered pattern. These wraps are really useful around the house as a couch wrap, or perfect for warming up at a party without totally spoiling your outfit with a coat. They can be worn a couple of ways, as demonstrated here by my friend Amy (who loved this wrap so much I gave it to her for her birthday last week). It was bright out, so apologies for the blown-out pictures.
Here is another spin on the same design, made by my friend Sarah, who I gave one of these to a few years ago...
Anyway, this is truly Last-Minute Christmas. But things don't have to be difficult to be thoughtful and pretty. Roll this up with a pretty red bow and tuck in a packet of hot cocoa or coffee. She'll love it.
About the music: just for a few days, in the spirit of Christmas. And because I want you to hear Taylor Swift's version of Silent Night. Awesome.
If you're a serious paper crafter or someone who knows how to make great stuff, just skip this post; you already know how to do something light years more difficult and intricate in probably half the time.
But, for the rest of you, who like the look and idea of handmade touches but don't really have the materials or time to devote to it, here's a nifty little idea for you: easy peasy handmade notecards. I like to make these to accompany gifts I that I sew for friends, and they take me about 10 minutes.
I use a cheap pad of watercolor paper (you could use card stock), and cut it down to size. Here is a 4 1/2" x 6" piece:
Then I score it just under halfway down the middle with my special paper crafting tool - the rusty letter opener.
It makes a nice crease:
I cut a piece or two of fabric using pinking shears. Then throw it through the sewing maching on a zig zag stitch (if you've ever read my tutorials, you know how much I love The Zig Zag Stitch):
Done!
So here's the scoop: Between Evyn and Ashlyn, I have experienced several disappointing attempts at being SuperMom. Take breastfeeding - with Evyn, oh the pain! It was an awful mess that lasted five weeks until the nurse practicioner finally gave me permission to quit (she was gracious enough to see that I needed someone to actually give me permission). I cried for several days about it, as I had bought into the idea that I was somehow less of a mom if I resorted to bottle-feeding. But I eventually made peace with it, telling myself there was always baby number two. Then she came along. And I suffered the same exact setbacks as the first. This time I was more mature about the decision to quit, but I didn't do so without first beating myself up a bit (what self-described perfectionist doesn't flog herself regularly?). Then there was the cloth diaper experiment. I wanted to cloth diaper Ashlyn. I bought all of the gear for it, was even given some of the cutest little handmade diapers from my cousins. I was ready, willing and able. And doing pretty well with it. Until my postpartum meltdown, at which point the whole process went out the window.
Since the meltdown, I try very hard to stick to realistic goals and projects for myself. I haven't quit wanting to challenge myself as a mom. But I know when to quit while I'm ahead, and not let a failed attempt at something mean more than it really is. Let's call it SuperMom Lite.
One thing I've found very satisfying and easy to do with both my girls is make their baby food - something my mom did for me as a baby, and she was happy to introduce me to when Evyn turned six months old. A perfect SuperMom Lite project.
Four weeks' worth of food takes about as much work as making dinner for company one night. It's cheaper than the jars, and it's not complicated. In fact, here is the most difficult part of the entire process for me: figuring out how to get the food processor back into the box (um, yeah, I actually put it back in the box. Every time).
There are a few ways to go about homemade baby food. But I find making a bunch in advance and freezing it is the easiest for our family. Here's how:
Needed:
Ice cube trays (the dollar trays or these nifty ones from Fresh Baby - I use both) Steamer basket (only certain foods will need to be steamed) Food Processor Veggies and fruits of choice (here are some guidelines for food by age) How To:
Prep veggies and fruits as necessary (i.e. peel and cube sweet potatoes, dice pears, chop carrots) Steam if needed (fresh fruit generally doesn't need it and frozen vegetables can be microwaved). While one food group is steaming, start prepping the next group. This is also a good time to rinse out the food processor if you've already made a batch of something. Throw in the food processor and puree. If the blend is too thick, add a little of the steam-water until you reach the desired consistency. Pour into the trays. I use a silicon spatula to spread the mixture evenly. Freeze. Depending on the food itself, the cubes will be ready in about four hours. Pop into freezer storage bags, label, and toss into the freezer. Some notes:
One cube = approx. 1 ounce
I make 1-2 pounds of each food at a time and do about 4 different foods in a cooking session. This takes about 2 hours.
I started with sweet potatoes, broccoli, green beans, baby carrots, and squash. I have also done peaches, pears and applesauce.
On the road I have used jar food, and once at family's house I used their Magic Bullet to mash up whatever food was appropriate and available.
Start slowly. I started Ashlyn on rice cereal and tried solids within a week. She flat out refused. She just wasn't ready. I picked it up again three weeks later and it was smooth sailing.
Don't quit a food entirely just because your baby doesn't like it at first. Everything takes getting used to. Ashlyn loved the broccoli right away but it took four tries to get her used to the green beans. And now she eats it all like a champ.
Nitrates: I have done a little research on this and have concluded that, more importantly than worrying about nitrates in specific foods is testing private wells and paying attention to the age you start your baby on solids (nationally recognized associations recommend delaying to six months).
I find it endearing that my daughter thinks I can make anything for her out of a ball of yarn. Of course, I cannot. But I was happy to oblige her when Grandma came to town this week and bought her a Belle dress she's had her eyes on for several months (she has the patience of...of...of whatever animal has lots of patience--I swear sometimes I can actually hear my brain cells going to sleep).
She came home excited to finally have her dress but completely perplexed that she didn't have a pair of Belle shoes to match. I don't know about you but I abhor those plastic things they sell in the stores, so I decided to whip these up. I usually don't do anything quickly but I really did make these in about an hour.
These are quick, easy to personalize to any dress-up outfit, and even easier to tailor to your daughter's foot size. This pattern would easily fit a Toddler Size 9-10, but you can adjust for a longer foot by adding rows to this pattern, or for a narrower toe by adjusting hook size. The pattern starts in the round to form the toe, then works in rows to form the rest of the slipper.
Materials: Hook Size G, Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Bernat Cotton Tots)
Crochet the Basic Slipper:
Chain 2
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second chain from the hook; join with sl st
Rnd 2: ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in same st, 2 dc in each of five remaining stitches; join with sl st [12 st]
Rnd 3: ch 2 (counts as dc), 2 dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* repeat from * around; join with sl st [18 st]
Rnd 4: ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in each remaining 17 st; join with sl st [18st]
Rnd 5: repeat Rnd 4
Row 6: ch 2 (counts as dc); dc in next 16 st (stopping short of last stitch) [17 st]
Row 7-13: ch 2, turn; dc in next 16 st [17 st]
Row 14: ch 2, dc in same st; dc in next 15 st, 2 dc in last st [19 st]
Finish off: fold the slipper in half and whip stitch the heel closed
To Embellish:
With scraps of coordinating yarn, work a chain of sc around the top of the slipper. Add a simple tightly-knotted bow of yarn to the center (and hold your breath hoping it stays that way).
Done!
Okay, so now you've made an easy peasy swaddle sheet for your friend's shower and it was so easy you still have time to make a gift set. How about a burp cloth?
Note: I have included a sketch burp cloth pattern for your use. But I drew it on the fly so its not perfect. You can easily draw your own pattern if you don't like the finished shape of mine. Remember, your friend will love these finished pieces because you used your time and creativity to do them, not because they look like you bought them at Target. Homemade stuff is so much more love-able with a few imperfections.
Materials:
How To:
1. Fold a 10 x 14" piece of fabric in half (folded piece should look almost square).
2. Using a water-soluble marker, trace the pattern onto fabric & cut.
3. Repeat for coordinating fabric.
4. Pin cut pieces, RIGHT sides together. Clip slight "snips" or notches in the more curvy areas to allow the piece to lie more flat once turned inside out. Be careful not to cut too far into the seam allowance (where you will be stitching).
5. Using 3/8" - 1/2" seam allowance, stitch the pieces together, leaving a 2 1/2" gap on one short side (figure b).
6. Turn inside out and press. Topstitch around the entire burp cloth, sewing the open gap shut as you go.
You're Done! Now off to your baby shower...
This is my new favorite handmade gift to give at baby showers because they're easy, take less than an hour, and are the kind of gift my friends will actually get to use.
The first time I made one of these swaddle sheets to a friend she made fun of me --"Gee, do you think it's big enough, Crystal?" (we're good friends and we talk to each other like sisters--you know, rudely). I laughed back. I'd thought the same thing when my mom had made one for me a month earlier. I reassured my prissy friend. "You'll be thanking me. That thing is going to be more useful than you think." Sure enough, three years later when we met up at the beach for a mini-vacation and she now had a second baby in tow, it was in her bag.
In fact, it's the size and weight that makes this swaddle blanket very practical. It's most useful for swaddling when Baby (quickly) grows out of all the other napkin-sized blankets. But I've also found it useful as an infant carrier drape, a crib sheet in a pinch, and as a sort of curtain thrown over the side of the playpen when forced to sleep in the same hotel room as the baby.
This post is for the swaddle sheet, but if you have an extra twenty minutes, try the burp cloth and make it a set. Print a "How to Swaddle" diagram like this one and tuck it into your gift, or pair the blanket with the popular Happiest Baby on the Block book. Your friends will be so impressed with your creativity (unless of course, you've set the bar too high at previous showers by showing up with some intricately crocheted baby sweater or something).
Materials Needed:
How To:
1. Square off raw, cut edges of the flannel with your rotary cutter.
2. Clip the four corners as shown (figure a). Don't lob off the corners too drastically; we're talking 1/2" or so - just a nip. Another technique is to fold them down and press.
3. Fold each edge down approximately 1/2" and press (fig. b). [If you are worried about possible fraying, cut or fold the corners down a wee more and fold each edge down twice]. Your corners will appear mitered.
4. Using your machine's zig-zag stitch, sew close to, but not over, the raw edge. Do this for all four sides. Now zig-zag over the "mitered" corners (fig. c) and secure them with a backstitch. (Be sure to clip all loose threads as close to the fabric as possible to prevent winding around little toes and fingers.)
5. Applique: Using a cup or cookie cutter or some other object as a stencil, use a water-soluble marker to trace a shape onto the coordinating fabric ( I like to use a grouping of three different-sized circles). Cut and pin in place to the bottom right corner of your swaddle sheet - or wherever you think it looks best (if you happen to have quilt basting spray or stitch witch, this is also helpful in keeping your shapes down while you sew). Use your zig-zag stitch (isn't it handy?) to sew your shape in place. OR If you don't want to get this fancy schmancy, you can also use an iron-on applique. Just be sure to secure it with several stitches after ironing.
And you're done!
NOTE: Since writing this tutorial a few have commented on variations for sewing, including doubling up the flannel. One thing worth noting is that the practical thing about this blanket - particularly for swaddling - is its light weight. Doubling the flannel makes the wrap significantly warmer when swaddled.
If you don't prefer the hemmed edges and sharp corners, but you don't have a surger to make the overall appearance neater, try bias tape around the edges, as one commenter suggested.
