Supplies Needed:
2 fleece/cotton squares that are 7" square
a 4" square of clear vinyl (at least 4 mm or thicker)
poly-pellets (can be found at craft stores...it's usually used for doll stuffing)
aprox. 30+ small items to fill the bag
How to Make the bag:
1. On the wrong side of one piece of fabric, using a ruler, find the exact center of the square. Using your ruler, measure out from the center and draw a line 1.5" from the center on all sides of the square (make each line about 3" long). Then using scissors or rotary cutter, carefully cut a long the lines to make your "window".
2. Center the vinyl over the window, on the wrong side of the fabric. You might find it helpful to use a bit of tape to hold it in place. Very carefully sew the vinyl to the fleece. *vinyl can sometimes stick to the sewing machine, so you might want to test it first. If you find it sticking, you can use a piece of tissue paper between the vinyl and whatever it is sticking to and just tear it away when you are done. I personally like to sew with the fabric side against the pressure foot but do whatever works for you. Be sure to double stitch to prevent anything from falling out! I do a straight stitch around the window and the go over it with something decorative.
3. If you haven't already, now would be a good time to gather all the little doo-dads, type up your "i spy" list and print it. If you have printer fabric, this is where you would do that on a 3 X 3 square.
4. Now that your front "window" square (and back "list" square, if you did that) are done, pin them together, wrong sides together and carefully sew around the bag, make a sem of 1/4"-1/2". Again, I like to double stitch.
5. Fill your bag with you objects, then start pouring the poly-pellets, a funnel is really useful here. I start with about a coup of poly-pellets and slowly add. Personally I like the pellets to fill the bag, to the top edge of the window, but it's all personal preference. You don't want to add so many that it's hard to manipulate the pellets and the objects (especially when you close it up).
6. When you are done filling, carefully shake everything to the bottom of the bag and carefully sew up your opening and then you are done!
Website
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Cinnamon Honey Butter
Recipe:
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. honey
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Whip the room temperature butter with whisk attachment for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar, honey and cinnamon and beat until completely combined and smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl and turn up speed and whip for a minute or two or until really light and fluffy. Yield: about 3/4 cup
Yummy. I had a hard time making it fluffy. Try whipping it longer.
Website
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. honey
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Whip the room temperature butter with whisk attachment for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar, honey and cinnamon and beat until completely combined and smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl and turn up speed and whip for a minute or two or until really light and fluffy. Yield: about 3/4 cup
Yummy. I had a hard time making it fluffy. Try whipping it longer.
Website
Texas Road House Rolls
Recipe:
4 tsp. active dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
2 c. milk, scaleded and cooled to luke warm
3 Tbsp. melted butter, slightly cooled
1/2 c. sugar
2 quarts all purpose flour (7-8 cups)
2 eggs
2 tsp. salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar; let stand until frothy. Combine yeast mixture, milk 1/2 cup sugar and enough flour to make a medium batter (about the consistency of pancake batter). Beat thoroughly. Add melted butter, eggs and salt. Beat well. Add enough flour to form a soft dough. Sprink a small amount of flour onto counter and let dough rest. Meanwhile, grease a large bowl. Knead dough until smooth and satiny an dput in greased bow; turn over to grease too (I used the dough hook on the Kitchen-Aid to knead for 4-5 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubles in size. Punch down. Turn out onto a floured board. Divide into portions for shaping; let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough into desired forms. Place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Baste immediately with butter. Yield: 5 to 6 dozen. Serve with Cinnamon Honey Butter
I halfed the recipe and it was enough. Use the whole recipe if taking it to someones place. Yummy, especially with the cinnamon honey butter.
Website
4 tsp. active dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
2 c. milk, scaleded and cooled to luke warm
3 Tbsp. melted butter, slightly cooled
1/2 c. sugar
2 quarts all purpose flour (7-8 cups)
2 eggs
2 tsp. salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar; let stand until frothy. Combine yeast mixture, milk 1/2 cup sugar and enough flour to make a medium batter (about the consistency of pancake batter). Beat thoroughly. Add melted butter, eggs and salt. Beat well. Add enough flour to form a soft dough. Sprink a small amount of flour onto counter and let dough rest. Meanwhile, grease a large bowl. Knead dough until smooth and satiny an dput in greased bow; turn over to grease too (I used the dough hook on the Kitchen-Aid to knead for 4-5 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubles in size. Punch down. Turn out onto a floured board. Divide into portions for shaping; let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough into desired forms. Place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Baste immediately with butter. Yield: 5 to 6 dozen. Serve with Cinnamon Honey Butter
I halfed the recipe and it was enough. Use the whole recipe if taking it to someones place. Yummy, especially with the cinnamon honey butter.
Website
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Grasshopper Mint Cookies
Cookie bottom:
1 Devil's Food Cake Mix (use any chocolate cake mix)
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
Mix cake mix, oil and eggs together (do not follow the directions on the box. Follow this recipe). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-9 minutes and no longer than that. You don't want them to be overdone. Let cookie completely cool.
Peppermint Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 Tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered milk
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring (optional-8 drops gave me a good color)
Mix together all ingredients (add more or less powdered sugar until you get the desired thickness). Spread over cookie. (I used my buttercream frosting recipe and halfed it).
Chocolate Topping:
2 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
3/4 cup butter
Melt chocolate chips and butter together in microwave at 30-second intervals, then stir and repeat until the chips are fully melted. Add a little to each cookie-I have found that it works best to use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate around. (this chocolate made a lot. I had a lot left over so maybe half it)
Really yummy and a big hit!
Website
1 Devil's Food Cake Mix (use any chocolate cake mix)
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
Mix cake mix, oil and eggs together (do not follow the directions on the box. Follow this recipe). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-9 minutes and no longer than that. You don't want them to be overdone. Let cookie completely cool.
Peppermint Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 Tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered milk
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring (optional-8 drops gave me a good color)
Mix together all ingredients (add more or less powdered sugar until you get the desired thickness). Spread over cookie. (I used my buttercream frosting recipe and halfed it).
Chocolate Topping:
2 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
3/4 cup butter
Melt chocolate chips and butter together in microwave at 30-second intervals, then stir and repeat until the chips are fully melted. Add a little to each cookie-I have found that it works best to use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate around. (this chocolate made a lot. I had a lot left over so maybe half it)
Really yummy and a big hit!
Website
Monday, March 5, 2012
FHE Ideas
The lessons go with the Children's Songbook unless otherwise indicated.
PRAYER
Song: A Child's Prayer #12
Activity: Use the prayer puppet. Talk about how you're supposed to pray. Have your toddler say the closing prayer.
DAVID & GOLIATH
Song: I Will Be Valiant #162
Activity: Tell the story of David & Goliath. make paper rocks and throw them at daddy.
AMMON
Song: Book of Mormon Stories #118
Activity: Have your toddler pretend to cut off arms (or use playdough)
TOWER OF BABEL
Song: Children All Over the World #16
Activity: Build a tall tower out of blocks or marshmallows and toothpicks.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
Songs and Activity: Go through the Articles of Faith songs #122-132
FAMILY HISTORY
Song: Family History#94
Activity: Go through pictures of grandparents, cousins, etc and practice saying their names.
MASTERPIECE MAKER
Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me #228
Activity: Watch Create (Mormon Message). Make things with playdough and snacks.
FAITH
Song: Faith #96
Activity: Talk about how faith is like a seed and needs nourishment to grow. Plant a garden or indoor plant.
ORGANIZE YOURSELVES
Song: A Young Man Prepared #166
Activity: Sort objects by color, shape etc.
GOSPEL ART KIT
Song: I Want to Live the Gospel #148
Activity: Have your toddler pick a picture from gospel art book. Then talk about the picture and point out things/people your toddler knows.
FORTIFY OUR FAMILIES
Song: Families Can Be Together Forever #188
Activity: Have a lego fort built. Knock it over and rebuild it.
JESUS CHRIST
Song: The Church of Jesus Christ #77
Activity: Print out The Story of Jesus Christ and have it ready to color and talk about.
LEHI'S DREAM
Song: The Iron Rod Hymn #274
Activity: Have a piece of string taped up around the house (or outside depending on weather). Hold onto it and follow the string.
REVERENCE
Song: Reverence #27
Activity: Cut out the reverent child and talk about what it means to be reverent and why.
HEAVENLY FATHER
Song: I Need My Heavenly Father #18
Activity: Trace your toddler's body on butcher paper (or chalk outside). Talk about how Heavenly Father has a body like us.
KEEPING COMMANDMENTS
Song: Keep the Commandments #146
Activity: Talk about how keeping the commandments keep us safe. Use toy animals and Legos to surround them and talk about how animals can't get into trouble because the fence keeps them safe.
NOAH'S ARK
Song: Follow the Prophet #110
Activity: Use the page from the quiet book to tell the story and name the animals.
OBEDIENCE
Song: Quickly I'll Obey #197
Activity: Play 'Mother May I', 'Simon Says'. Talk about how obedience to our parents keeps us happy and safe.
LEHI'S JOURNEY
Song: Nephi's Courage #120
Activity: Set up a tent in the living room "Father dwelt in a tent" and read the story.
TEMPLES
Song: I Love to See the Temple #95
Activity: Make Temples out of play dough
Activity #2: Go walk around the temple grounds
USING OUR TALENTS
Song: When Grandpa Comes #201
Activity: Draw pictures for grandparents
HEALTH CARE
Song: For Health & Strenth #21
Activity: Put together Humanitarian Aid Kits. Help your toddler put objects in the bag.
WORD OF WISDOM-HEALTH
Song: Healthy Wealthy & Wise #280
Activity: Create and do an obstacle course together or practice physical activities (e.g. jumping, running)
WORD OF WISDOM-FOOD
Song: The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden #237
Activity: Eat and name healthy snacks
FOLLOW THE PROPHET
Song: Follow the Prophet #110
Activity: Popsicle stick puzzle with picture of current prophet
GENTLENESS
Song: I'm Trying to be Like Jesus #78
Activity: Put your hand into a bag to guess and grab objects
JESUS CALMS THE SEA
Song: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus #57
Activity: Create a tempest in a bottle
JONAH & THE WHALE
Song: The Books in the Old Testment #114
Activity: Eat Goldfish/Whales
THE HOLY GHOST
Song: The Still Small Voice #106
Activity: Play the Listen Game
WISE MAN
Song: The Wise Man & the Foolish Man #281
Activity: Teach the song and movements
CHOICES
Song: Choose the Right Hymn #239
Activity: Play a game where you give them directions. You can have one parent be the good parent and the other give bad directions or just both direct the toddler.
BOOK OF MORMON
Song: Book of Mormon Stories #118
Activity: Teach the song and movements
MUSIC IN THE HOME
Song: Pick various songs
Activity: Play piano, maracas, teach how to conduct etc.
RAIN IN THE DESERT
Song: Rain is Falling All Around #241
Activity: Make rain in the tub or over sink
FISHER'S OF MEN
Song: I Feel My Savior's Love #74
Activity: Use magnetic fishing pole and rod to catch fish.
I SPY
Song: Two Little Eyes#268
Activity: Create an I Spy bag with object related to gospel or things your toddle recognizes.
NEPHI
Song: Nephi's Courage #120
Activity: Create floating boats and put them in the tub or go race them in a stream.
MANNA
Song: Follow the Prophet #110
Activity: Bake and eat bread
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
Song: Love One Another #136
Activity: Heart Attach the neighbor's house
TITLE OF LIBERTY
Song: The Books of the Book of Mormon
Activity: Create and wave around a homemade version of the title of liberty.
WORKING HARD
Song: The Things I Do #170
Activity: Create a Toddler Chore Chart
DANIEL & LION'S DEN
Song: Keep the Commandments #110
Activity: Chase your toddler around like a lion. Maybe have one parent protect them from the lions.
THE ARMOR OF GOD
Song: I Will Be Valiant #162
Activity: Dress your toddler in armor using kitchen utensils, paper, etc.
GOLDEN PLATES
Song: The Golden Plates #86
Activity: Color foil on cardboard like plates
Activity #2: Put together puzzle of Joseph Smith
ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES
Song: Choose the Right Way #160
Activity: Dominos
MISSIONARIES
Song: I Hope They Call Me on a Mission #159
Activity: Dress up as a missionary. Color and make your own tag.
*EASTER
Song: Easter Hosanna #68
Activity: Dye Easter Eggs
Activity #2: Make Resurrection Cookies
*RESURRECTION
Song: On a Golden Springtime #89
Activity: Resurrection Easter Egg Hunt
*BIRTH OF JESUS
Song: Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus $36
Activity: Act out the nativity
*THANKSGIVING
Song: Thanks to Our Father #20
Activity: Trace hands and make turkeys
*CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
Song: Have a Very Merry Christmas #51
Activity: Create a poster board with symbols of Christmas and have a cut out for each symbol. Have your toddler match the symbols as you talk about what each mean.
*YEAR IN REVIEW
Song: A Happy Family #198
Activity: Look at pictures from the past year and organize them.
Website
PRAYER
Song: A Child's Prayer #12
Activity: Use the prayer puppet. Talk about how you're supposed to pray. Have your toddler say the closing prayer.
DAVID & GOLIATH
Song: I Will Be Valiant #162
Activity: Tell the story of David & Goliath. make paper rocks and throw them at daddy.
AMMON
Song: Book of Mormon Stories #118
Activity: Have your toddler pretend to cut off arms (or use playdough)
TOWER OF BABEL
Song: Children All Over the World #16
Activity: Build a tall tower out of blocks or marshmallows and toothpicks.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
Songs and Activity: Go through the Articles of Faith songs #122-132
FAMILY HISTORY
Song: Family History#94
Activity: Go through pictures of grandparents, cousins, etc and practice saying their names.
MASTERPIECE MAKER
Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me #228
Activity: Watch Create (Mormon Message). Make things with playdough and snacks.
FAITH
Song: Faith #96
Activity: Talk about how faith is like a seed and needs nourishment to grow. Plant a garden or indoor plant.
ORGANIZE YOURSELVES
Song: A Young Man Prepared #166
Activity: Sort objects by color, shape etc.
GOSPEL ART KIT
Song: I Want to Live the Gospel #148
Activity: Have your toddler pick a picture from gospel art book. Then talk about the picture and point out things/people your toddler knows.
FORTIFY OUR FAMILIES
Song: Families Can Be Together Forever #188
Activity: Have a lego fort built. Knock it over and rebuild it.
JESUS CHRIST
Song: The Church of Jesus Christ #77
Activity: Print out The Story of Jesus Christ and have it ready to color and talk about.
LEHI'S DREAM
Song: The Iron Rod Hymn #274
Activity: Have a piece of string taped up around the house (or outside depending on weather). Hold onto it and follow the string.
REVERENCE
Song: Reverence #27
Activity: Cut out the reverent child and talk about what it means to be reverent and why.
HEAVENLY FATHER
Song: I Need My Heavenly Father #18
Activity: Trace your toddler's body on butcher paper (or chalk outside). Talk about how Heavenly Father has a body like us.
KEEPING COMMANDMENTS
Song: Keep the Commandments #146
Activity: Talk about how keeping the commandments keep us safe. Use toy animals and Legos to surround them and talk about how animals can't get into trouble because the fence keeps them safe.
NOAH'S ARK
Song: Follow the Prophet #110
Activity: Use the page from the quiet book to tell the story and name the animals.
OBEDIENCE
Song: Quickly I'll Obey #197
Activity: Play 'Mother May I', 'Simon Says'. Talk about how obedience to our parents keeps us happy and safe.
LEHI'S JOURNEY
Song: Nephi's Courage #120
Activity: Set up a tent in the living room "Father dwelt in a tent" and read the story.
TEMPLES
Song: I Love to See the Temple #95
Activity: Make Temples out of play dough
Activity #2: Go walk around the temple grounds
USING OUR TALENTS
Song: When Grandpa Comes #201
Activity: Draw pictures for grandparents
HEALTH CARE
Song: For Health & Strenth #21
Activity: Put together Humanitarian Aid Kits. Help your toddler put objects in the bag.
WORD OF WISDOM-HEALTH
Song: Healthy Wealthy & Wise #280
Activity: Create and do an obstacle course together or practice physical activities (e.g. jumping, running)
WORD OF WISDOM-FOOD
Song: The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden #237
Activity: Eat and name healthy snacks
FOLLOW THE PROPHET
Song: Follow the Prophet #110
Activity: Popsicle stick puzzle with picture of current prophet
GENTLENESS
Song: I'm Trying to be Like Jesus #78
Activity: Put your hand into a bag to guess and grab objects
JESUS CALMS THE SEA
Song: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus #57
Activity: Create a tempest in a bottle
JONAH & THE WHALE
Song: The Books in the Old Testment #114
Activity: Eat Goldfish/Whales
THE HOLY GHOST
Song: The Still Small Voice #106
Activity: Play the Listen Game
WISE MAN
Song: The Wise Man & the Foolish Man #281
Activity: Teach the song and movements
CHOICES
Song: Choose the Right Hymn #239
Activity: Play a game where you give them directions. You can have one parent be the good parent and the other give bad directions or just both direct the toddler.
BOOK OF MORMON
Song: Book of Mormon Stories #118
Activity: Teach the song and movements
MUSIC IN THE HOME
Song: Pick various songs
Activity: Play piano, maracas, teach how to conduct etc.
RAIN IN THE DESERT
Song: Rain is Falling All Around #241
Activity: Make rain in the tub or over sink
FISHER'S OF MEN
Song: I Feel My Savior's Love #74
Activity: Use magnetic fishing pole and rod to catch fish.
I SPY
Song: Two Little Eyes#268
Activity: Create an I Spy bag with object related to gospel or things your toddle recognizes.
NEPHI
Song: Nephi's Courage #120
Activity: Create floating boats and put them in the tub or go race them in a stream.
MANNA
Song: Follow the Prophet #110
Activity: Bake and eat bread
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
Song: Love One Another #136
Activity: Heart Attach the neighbor's house
TITLE OF LIBERTY
Song: The Books of the Book of Mormon
Activity: Create and wave around a homemade version of the title of liberty.
WORKING HARD
Song: The Things I Do #170
Activity: Create a Toddler Chore Chart
DANIEL & LION'S DEN
Song: Keep the Commandments #110
Activity: Chase your toddler around like a lion. Maybe have one parent protect them from the lions.
THE ARMOR OF GOD
Song: I Will Be Valiant #162
Activity: Dress your toddler in armor using kitchen utensils, paper, etc.
GOLDEN PLATES
Song: The Golden Plates #86
Activity: Color foil on cardboard like plates
Activity #2: Put together puzzle of Joseph Smith
ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES
Song: Choose the Right Way #160
Activity: Dominos
MISSIONARIES
Song: I Hope They Call Me on a Mission #159
Activity: Dress up as a missionary. Color and make your own tag.
*EASTER
Song: Easter Hosanna #68
Activity: Dye Easter Eggs
Activity #2: Make Resurrection Cookies
*RESURRECTION
Song: On a Golden Springtime #89
Activity: Resurrection Easter Egg Hunt
*BIRTH OF JESUS
Song: Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus $36
Activity: Act out the nativity
*THANKSGIVING
Song: Thanks to Our Father #20
Activity: Trace hands and make turkeys
*CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
Song: Have a Very Merry Christmas #51
Activity: Create a poster board with symbols of Christmas and have a cut out for each symbol. Have your toddler match the symbols as you talk about what each mean.
*YEAR IN REVIEW
Song: A Happy Family #198
Activity: Look at pictures from the past year and organize them.
Website
Monday, February 27, 2012
Onesie Dress
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
You will need:
a onesies, any size
1/3 yard fabric for dress
1/4 yard fabric for ruffle (really just a 3 inch width piece of fabric)
1/8 inch wide elastic, length depends on size on onesie
Step 2: Wash and dry onesie and fabric.
Step 3: Measure the onesie.
Put your measureing tape straight across the front, directly under the sleeves (mine measured 8.5 inches across)
Then measure the length, starting about where you measured the width (mine was 10.5 inches)
Step 4: Cut the fabric.
For the dress: You will need a long rectangle. Take the first measurement from Step 3 (8.5 in) and mulitply by it by 4 (34 in). This is the length of the rectangle.
Take the second measurement from Step 3 (10.5 in), minus 2 inches if you will add a ruffle (8.5 in). Cut the fabric to size.
For the ruffle:
Take the length of the rectangle for the dress (34 in) and multiply it by 1.5 (51 in). This is the length of the ruffle. The width can vary, but I find 3 inches (it will be 2 inches when done) to be a good size. Cut fabric to size.
Press torn edges.
Step 5: Sew side seams together on dress and ruffle.
(I prefer a 1/2 inch seam allowance, but anything will work).
Press.
Now finish the top edge of the dress and the bottom edge of the ruffle turning the rough edge under about 1/4 inch and then again, and stitching. (if you don't add a ruffle, you would finish both edges of the dress).
Step 6: Gather the ruffle and attach to the dress.
After gathering, pin the ruffle to the dress, right sides together, matching side seams and making sure to spread the gather evenly.
Sew in place. (This step is kind of a pain).
Finish the rough edge inside with a zig zag stitch. (This keeps it from raveling and just looks nicer.)
Step 7: Topstitch
This will make the ruffle lie flat and pretty. It also looks more official this way.
Step 8: Attach the elastic.
Remember when you measured across the front of the onesie way back in Step 3?
Take that measurement again (8.5 in) times two (17 in). Cut the elastic this length. Position the elastic on the wrong side of the fabric, just under the finished edge, and sew it on, pulling tight to stretch it as you go. (You can mark the halfway point of the elastic and the dress with some pins. I try to match these up as I am sewing the elastic so it will be even throughout the dress.)
Step 9: Attach the dress to the onesie.
Pin the dress to the onesie, making sure the top edge is straight. Sew in place. I used a small zig zag stitch directly over the elastic. Take your time on this step, and make sure the onesie is flat underneath.
Easy to do and can do whatever colors you want.
Website
You will need:
a onesies, any size
1/3 yard fabric for dress
1/4 yard fabric for ruffle (really just a 3 inch width piece of fabric)
1/8 inch wide elastic, length depends on size on onesie
Step 2: Wash and dry onesie and fabric.
Step 3: Measure the onesie.
Put your measureing tape straight across the front, directly under the sleeves (mine measured 8.5 inches across)
Then measure the length, starting about where you measured the width (mine was 10.5 inches)
Step 4: Cut the fabric.
For the dress: You will need a long rectangle. Take the first measurement from Step 3 (8.5 in) and mulitply by it by 4 (34 in). This is the length of the rectangle.
Take the second measurement from Step 3 (10.5 in), minus 2 inches if you will add a ruffle (8.5 in). Cut the fabric to size.
For the ruffle:
Take the length of the rectangle for the dress (34 in) and multiply it by 1.5 (51 in). This is the length of the ruffle. The width can vary, but I find 3 inches (it will be 2 inches when done) to be a good size. Cut fabric to size.
Press torn edges.
Step 5: Sew side seams together on dress and ruffle.
(I prefer a 1/2 inch seam allowance, but anything will work).
Press.
Now finish the top edge of the dress and the bottom edge of the ruffle turning the rough edge under about 1/4 inch and then again, and stitching. (if you don't add a ruffle, you would finish both edges of the dress).
Step 6: Gather the ruffle and attach to the dress.
After gathering, pin the ruffle to the dress, right sides together, matching side seams and making sure to spread the gather evenly.
Sew in place. (This step is kind of a pain).
Finish the rough edge inside with a zig zag stitch. (This keeps it from raveling and just looks nicer.)
Step 7: Topstitch
This will make the ruffle lie flat and pretty. It also looks more official this way.
Step 8: Attach the elastic.
Remember when you measured across the front of the onesie way back in Step 3?
Take that measurement again (8.5 in) times two (17 in). Cut the elastic this length. Position the elastic on the wrong side of the fabric, just under the finished edge, and sew it on, pulling tight to stretch it as you go. (You can mark the halfway point of the elastic and the dress with some pins. I try to match these up as I am sewing the elastic so it will be even throughout the dress.)
Step 9: Attach the dress to the onesie.
Pin the dress to the onesie, making sure the top edge is straight. Sew in place. I used a small zig zag stitch directly over the elastic. Take your time on this step, and make sure the onesie is flat underneath.
Easy to do and can do whatever colors you want.
Website
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Maxi Skirt
You need:
2 yards of knit/stretchy fabric (more depending on your height/size)
elastic thread for your bobbin
thread to match your fabric
Step 1: Cut the skirt portion. Make sure to check which way the fabric stretches. Think of this as just 2 big triangles. The width of the waist can be exactly your waist measurement (include 1/4 " on each side for s.a), or an inch or so less, depending on how snug you want it around your waist. Ether way, it's stretchy fabric and will be pretty forgivable. (mine was 17" when pregnant so both were 17")
The length of my skirt was 37 1/2 " long (I added 1/4" s.a to the top and 3/4" to the bottom of my desired finished length.
The bottom width of the skirt was 37" wide, so it had a nice big flare. Instead of having the bottom of my skirt go straight across, I gave it a slight curve. To get an even curve, fold your skirt in half long way when cutting it, that way it is equal on both sides.
Step 2: Cut out your waistbands. I knew I wanted a really thick waistband because I wanted it to fold over like a yoga pant. My waistbands were 17" wide and 10" long (keep in mind 1/4" s.a. on all sides). To visualize how thick the waistband will be, fold it in half width wise. I wanted my waistband to be about 5", so that is why I needed a 10" piece.
Step 3: Lay your waistband pieces right sides together and stitch up the sides with 1/4" s.a (meaning 10" long sides). You will want some stretch in this stitch, so I would use the zig zag stitch. A straight stitch would make it lay funny.
Iron your seams flat so that it will hang right when turned right-side out.
Step 4: Fold your waistband (now one big tube)in half all around, so that there is a fold on one end and the 2 salvage ends on the other side.
Step 5: With right-sides together, stitch up the sides of your skirt with 1/4" s.a. Use the straight stitch.
Step 6: Now it's time to attach your waistband to the top of your skirt. Here is where the elastic thread come into play.
Slide the top of the skirt up through the waistband with the salvage ends of the waistband pointing up. Match all the side-seams and the salvage ends at the top. Notice how the folded side of the waistband is pointing down.
Now when you open it up (it should still be inside-out), iron the seams down.
Flip your skirt right-side out. The waistband will now be able to be flipped down like a yoga pant. Now all you have to do is hem.
Try on your skirt before hemming. Pin up to where you want it and hem.
There it is! Very comfortable. Love it!
2 yards of knit/stretchy fabric (more depending on your height/size)
elastic thread for your bobbin
thread to match your fabric
Step 1: Cut the skirt portion. Make sure to check which way the fabric stretches. Think of this as just 2 big triangles. The width of the waist can be exactly your waist measurement (include 1/4 " on each side for s.a), or an inch or so less, depending on how snug you want it around your waist. Ether way, it's stretchy fabric and will be pretty forgivable. (mine was 17" when pregnant so both were 17")
The length of my skirt was 37 1/2 " long (I added 1/4" s.a to the top and 3/4" to the bottom of my desired finished length.
The bottom width of the skirt was 37" wide, so it had a nice big flare. Instead of having the bottom of my skirt go straight across, I gave it a slight curve. To get an even curve, fold your skirt in half long way when cutting it, that way it is equal on both sides.
Step 2: Cut out your waistbands. I knew I wanted a really thick waistband because I wanted it to fold over like a yoga pant. My waistbands were 17" wide and 10" long (keep in mind 1/4" s.a. on all sides). To visualize how thick the waistband will be, fold it in half width wise. I wanted my waistband to be about 5", so that is why I needed a 10" piece.
Step 3: Lay your waistband pieces right sides together and stitch up the sides with 1/4" s.a (meaning 10" long sides). You will want some stretch in this stitch, so I would use the zig zag stitch. A straight stitch would make it lay funny.
Iron your seams flat so that it will hang right when turned right-side out.
Step 4: Fold your waistband (now one big tube)in half all around, so that there is a fold on one end and the 2 salvage ends on the other side.
Step 5: With right-sides together, stitch up the sides of your skirt with 1/4" s.a. Use the straight stitch.
Step 6: Now it's time to attach your waistband to the top of your skirt. Here is where the elastic thread come into play.
Slide the top of the skirt up through the waistband with the salvage ends of the waistband pointing up. Match all the side-seams and the salvage ends at the top. Notice how the folded side of the waistband is pointing down.
Now when you open it up (it should still be inside-out), iron the seams down.
Flip your skirt right-side out. The waistband will now be able to be flipped down like a yoga pant. Now all you have to do is hem.
Try on your skirt before hemming. Pin up to where you want it and hem.
There it is! Very comfortable. Love it!
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