Tag Archives: Sewing

Tutorial: Crocheted Lace Bib Necklace

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Please excuse this break in my coverage of the baby sister‘s graduation week, but I got a call from my producer at ABC yesterday asking if I would come in this morning to do a segment. They had a last minute cancellation and needed to fill the slot with “something great.” Que: Me! Well. Que my really great craft. I feel more like a blundering fool every time I’m on TV. But oh well! It’s fun.

So welcome to any new readers who found me via Good Things Utah! I’m Krista, a photographer, writer, and sometimes publicist/marketer. This site is where I share my pictures and words. Sometimes it’s about my work. Sometimes it’s a craft. Sometimes it’s about my roommate or my family. Sometimes it’s about my dating life (haha, jk. Those posts, like, never happen. But when they do … they’re pretty great.). Sometimes it’s my thoughts on my faith. And always it’s me trying to make sense of this life I’m living.

Today–it’s about how you can make your own Crocheted Lace Bib Necklace.

I made these necklaces to give as favors at the bridal shower I hostessed for my baby sister last week (more on that soon!). They are seriously so easy and take maybe 30 minutes to make. I’ve decided to give a few away, so you can enter to win one by signing up on the email list over there on the right column. I’ll draw three names Friday morning–right before I give my total attention to the day-long coverage of the Royal Wedding (Is anyone else as excited as I am?! Gaah!).

But if you just want to DIY…here’s how:

Supplies // 1 crocheted lace doily . 1 necklace clasp . 1″ wide strip of cotton fabric (1/2″ longer the center width of the doily) . 14″ of necklace chain . Needle n’ Thread . Iron . Scissors . Sewing Machine (optional)

1 // Begin with a small crocheted lace doily.

2 // Cut the doily across the center.

3 // Cut a strip of cotton fabric 1″ wide and 1/2″ longer than the width of your doily.

4 // Fold sides of fabric strip in about 1/4″ and iron. Then fold strip in half lengthwise and iron again.

5 // Place the unfinished edge of the doily inside the folded fabric strip. Pin in place if needed.

6 // Sew along fabric strip edge, being sure to catch the doily in your stitches. (Can be hand or machine sewn.)

7 //  Hand-stitch 7″ of necklace chain to each side of “bib.”
8 // Attach necklace clasp to ends of chain. (May require jump rings depending on sizes of chain links and clasp.)

All done! Easy right?! Lemme know if you have any questions!

And don’t forget to enter to win one by signing up on the email list over there (on the right near the top).

paper & lace

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The baby sister graduates from college next week. But when I look at her, I think, impossible.

I suppose it’s the age gap between us that makes my memories of her more vivid, and because I have such concrete visions of her childhood, it’s confusing almost that somewhere in the last 20 years, she grew up.

She also gets married in four months. Four. Months. So. Next week has been dubbed “Maurer Mania.” And between a gazillion trips to the airport for pick ups and drop offs, college commencements and convocations, one mother’s birthday, one Easter Sunday, one family concert (email me if you’d like to come), ogling Laela, Kaycie’s first session at the temple, and wedding dress shopping, we also have a bridal shower scheduled.

Can anyone say “party planning”? Ooo! Pick me! Yes m’am. That’s right. I’m pre.tty excited.

To start? All you need is a little paper and a little lace and you’ve got yourself the beginnings of what some might call: a shindig.

(how to: 1. print invite info on cardstock of any color and trim, leaving about an inch on left side. 2. layer different sizes of coordinating/contrasting papers that match the wedding colors–align left. 3. cut a piece of lace 3-5 inches longer than the length of the invite and place at top. 4. sew down middle of lace with an elongated stitch, pushing the lace into the needle to create the lacy ruffle. 5. mail in a coordinating envelope.)

Tutorial: Flannel Heating Bags (Great Neighbor Gift Idea!)

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Good Morning! I’ll be on Good Things Utah today at 10 a.m. (ABC4–Salt Lake City) demonstrating an idea for neighbor Christmas gifts — Flannel Heating Bags.

If you’re finding me through GTU … Welcome! Grab a cup of cocoa and browse around a while. My blog is a big ‘ol mishmash of crafting, photography, life, and faith. If you’d like to be on the mailing list, you can sign up over there on the right. I send out a periodic email with extra ideas, thoughts, and tidbits that you can’t get here on the site. You can also find me on Facebook. p.s. I’m really glad you’re here.

So … the flannel bags. They’re inexpensive and can be easily made in all different shapes and sizes. Plus, it’s a gift your neighbors can enjoy beyond the holiday season. Here’s the simple tutorial.

Supplies
Fabric (flannel or heavy cottons work best) . uncooked rice . herbal tea bags (chamomile or peppermint) . sewing machine & thread

Steps
1. Cut two pieces of fabric in the size/shape you want.
Soothing eye pack: 4 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
Mini hand warmers: 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Relaxing neck wrap: 6″ x 18″
Bed Bag: 9″ x 13″

2. With right sides together, sew 1/2″ seam around all four sides, leaving a 3 to 4″ opening for turning.

3. Turn right-side-out and fill 1/2 to 3/4 full with uncooked rice.

4. Cut open a few tea bags and pour into bag with rice. *Note: Do not use lavender as lavender will burn in the microwave.

5. Turn open seam in, pin together and top stitch the opening closed.

6. Move the bag back and forth between your hands to evenly mix the tea and rice together.

7. Tie with a ribbon and instruction card for gifting.

*Instruction Card
To enjoy this soothing heating bag, simply place in microwave and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful with heated bag. Do not place directly on skin if too hot. Heat longer or shorter if needed. Reheat as many times as you like.

Tutorial: Custom Placemats

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To finish off the custom tablescape I designed for Thanksgiving, I made a matching placemat to go with the napkins and table runner. It’s a simple design, and I love what it adds to the finished look. Like I always say … It’s all about presentation, presentation, presentation.

Supplies

2 pieces of fabric measuring 14 1/4″ x 18 1/4″ (although you can certainly increase this depending on the size of your plates and table) . 1 piece of contrasting/coordinating fabric measuring 14 1/4″ x 4″ . lightweight fusible interfacing (14 1/4″ x 18 1/4″) . sewing machine . thread . pins

Steps

  1. Iron long sides of contrasting fabric strip under 1/4″.
  2. Pin strip to placemat top 4″ from left edge.
  3. Stitch in place along long sides 1/4″ from edge.
  4. Iron fusible side of interfacing to wrong side of placemat top.
  5. With wrong sides together, pin placemat top to placemat bottom.
  6. Sew 1/4″ from edge, leaving about 3″ open for turning.
  7. Trim corners, being careful not to cut seams.
  8. Turn right-side-out and iron flat, making sure to iron under your opening for turning.
  9. Topstitch 1/8″ from edge along all 4 sides.

Tutorial: Cloth Napkins & Napkin Rings

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I love cloth napkins. Love them. And I plan to use them for all my family meals. You know … as soon as I have a family to cook meals for. But that’s beside the point. The point, is cloth napkins. In my opinion, they make table settings look extra lovely. Which should always be the goal. Lovely meals. Lovely presentations. Lovely time spent together around the table.

Plus, using them means less paper waste in the landfills. And it’s so easy to just toss them in with the loads of laundry you already have to do. It really takes no extra effort to use cloth napkins.

OK. I’m off my soap box now. Here’s how to make your own so that you can customize your tablescape to the desired look you want. They’re SO easy!

Cloth Napkins

(makes 4 napkins)

Supplies

1 1/4 yards of fabric (44/45″ wide) . scissors or rotary cutter . sewing machine . thread . iron

Steps

  1. Wash, dry, & iron your fabric.
  2. Cut four 21″ squares.
  3. Fold raw edges of each square over 1/4″ on wrong side of fabric and iron in place.
  4. Fold again 1/4″ and iron.
  5. Sew 1/8 of inch from edge along all four sides of square.

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Matching Yo-Yo Napkin Rings

(makes about 7 rings)

Supplies

1 foot of coordinating fabric (44/45″ wide) . scissors or rotary cutter . sewing machine . needle . thread . matching button or bead . fabric glue

Steps

  1. Cut one 12″ x 3″ strip of fabric and one 7″ x 3 1/2″ strip of fabric.
  2. Fold the short ends of the 12″ strip under 1/4″ (on wrong side) and iron in place.
  3. Now fold the same strip in half, lengthwise, with wrong sides together.
  4. Hand stitch (over, under, over, under) along raw edge, close to edge, pulling and gathering to create the round yo-yo.
  5. Close yo-yo by stitching ends together. Set aside.
  6. Take the 7″ strip and fold in half, lengthwise, with right sides together.
  7. Machine stitch 1/4″ from raw edge to create a tube.
  8. Turn tube right-side out and iron flat.
  9. Overlap raw ends of tube 1/4″ and sew together to create ring.
  10. Turn seam to inside of ring and iron to one side.
  11. Using fabric glue, attach the yo-yo to the ring at the seam.
  12. Glue button or bead to center of yo-yo.
  13. Allow to dry before using.

So Sew! Week 4 Project: Orange Neck Cuff

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To whom it may concern (or to anyone still reading this blog):

I know. My project is late. And I hate excuses. Hate ‘em. But here they are …

I’ve been sick.

And extremely tired.

And supremely overwhelmed.

I’ve also been in a slump.

A slumpy slump.

And am just trying to deal.

Don’t worry. I’ll pull it together. I the meantime, I’ve been avoiding life and working on this …

My orange neck cuff. It’s an orange chiffon base, ruched with a button snap closure in back and two pink rosettes on the side. It looks lovely with a simple sweater and jeans combo. Although I’m partial to the way it completes the “demin jacket / upsweapt hair” look. It just adds a little something special, if I do say so.

Be sure to check out Melissa and Sandi‘s final projects, as well as all the other goodies in the Flickr pool.

And that concludes the So Sew! Challenge. I had a wonderful time creating projects based on inspiration words and I particularly loved collaborating with Sandi and Melissa. They are such fantastic women and I am inspired by their creativity and outlooks on life. Thanks ladies for playing along.

Much love to all of you.

xo

So Sew! Week 4: Inspiration Word

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Well it’s our final week of the So Sew! challenge and I have had so sew! much fun. It’s been crazy at times, but I have felt the boundaries of my creativity pushed and have really enjoyed coming up with new ideas using the inspiration word. I’ve also been super grateful to get to know Melissa and Sandi a bit better. They are such talented women and I am in awe of their creativity. Be sure to check out their sites (M’s & S’s) and see what they’ve been up to.

For this last week, Melissa chose the word and seeing as Halloween is right around the corner, she picked a perfect one. The word is …

ORANGE

Good luck with your projects and happy sewing! Don’t forget to upload them to the Flickr group and while you’re there, feel free to browse around at all the other fantastic projects (particularly Lisa’s darling circus scene from last week).

xo

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So Sew! Week 3 Project: Under the Big Top Tank

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Well Good Morning! And happy Friday! Do you have any fun plans for this weekend? Frit and I are hanging out with her sisters and mom tonight and tomorrow while the men are off hunting. We’ve got dinner at (our favorite) Sego Lily Cafe tonight and then a Zumba class, brunch, and an afternoon matinee planned for tomorrow. Methinks I’m going to fall in love with Zumba.

But anyhow! Welcome to any new visitors who found me through Good Things Utah. If you’re interested in having me make your child’s monster, just send me an email and I’ll get you more details. If you’re interested in watching any of my other segments for Good Things Utah, click here. And finally, all Halloween Trick-or-Treat bags will be on sale next week in my shop for $5. Just sign up on the mailing list (over there on the right, near the top) to get the discount code.

And now for my So Sew! Challenge Week 3 project. If you recall, the inspiration word was CIRCUS…. As I was thinking about what I wanted to make, I came across a vintage paper doll playbook, circa 1980, starring Raggedy Ann and Andy.

Inside it’s filled with all sorts of circus-y goodies and darling illustrations, but the page that caught my eye was the one with a red and white striped Big Top Circus Tent. As soon as I saw it, I knew what I wanted to sew.

And so … here’s my project. My “Under the Big Top Tank.”

I used a red & white striped polyester fabric and a simple McCalls pattern. As I began sewing I got a little worried it looked a little pirate-y, but I think the bow and biased neck binding help alleviate that.

And I’m not sure yet, but I think I might want to redo the bow. Bigger and floppier. ???

What do you think? Either way … I’m super happy with it. And I think it’s pretty darn cute if I do say so!

Be sure to check out Melissa and Sandi‘s fantastic projects! And stop by the Flickr pool to see what other readers have been working on this week. And don’t forget to tune in on Monday for the new inspiration word and our final week of the So Sew! Challenge.

Have a fantastic weekend!

xo

So Sew! Week 2 Project: Linen & Lace Wrap Skirt

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This week the inspiration word was JUXTAPOSITION, which means: placing things side-by-side. In art this usually is done with the intention of bringing out a specific quality or creating an effect, particularly when two contrasting or opposing elements are used. The viewer’s attention is drawn to the similarities or differences between the elements.

View Melissa’s Project . View Sandi’s Project

As I thought about this word this week, I simultaneously watched, with thorough enjoyment, the changing of the seasons here in Utah. I took a morning walk on Monday and paid close attention to the leaves and trees and colors and textures. And of course the sky.

When I finally sat down to create something, I knew I wanted my project to reflect what I’d seen in nature, and so I began pairing different combinations of fabric together in my mind. My initial plan was for a heavy linen and lace, but I couldn’t find the right linen so I “settled” on a brownish-plum tweed-like fabric that I wound up loving so much more than the linen I’d hoped to find. It’s sturdy and soft, rich and warm–perfect for fall, and so close to the colors of the leaves on our tree out front.

Then to find the right lace. Lace–because, to me, it looks like the fall sky with its delicate, but crisp, airiness. I think the juxtaposition of the tweed and lace in this skirt is the perfect representation of everything Autumn.

I used the wrap skirt pattern found here as a starting point and modified it slightly when sewing the side seams and, of course, when I added the lacy strips to the hem. Now I just need to find a light blue cardigan set and some tall brown boots to wear with it!

Don’t forget to check out Melissa’s fantastic pillow with its sea of juxtaposed ruffles and Sandi’s lovely autumnal cloche. To see other projects inspired by the word JUXTAPOSITION, visit the So Sew! Flickr group. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

xo

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So Sew! Week 2: Inspiration Word

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I had so much fun last week dreaming up a project inspired by the word “polka-dot!” I’ve never crafted using “inspriation words” before, but it’s made for a really interesting process–one that I think I’ll continue to do even after this challenge is over.

And now we’re on to week two. And this one’s a thinker! Our word is …

JUXTAPOSITION

The dictionary lover in my is super excited. The seamstress in me is a leeetle bit nervous! :) But I’ll give it my best shot and I hope you will too. Be sure to upload your projects to the Flickr group and while you’re there take a browse through some of the other projects. There were some really cute ones last week! I loved the colors in the patchwork pillow created by Catherine’s Attic and Torjo45 used such fantastic fluttery fabric for her polka dot flower necklace, oh and the ruffly pillows by Lisa–I DO love me some ruffles!

And don’t forget to take a peek at Sandi’s Magical Musical Tutu and Melissa’s free download from last week if you haven’t already!

See you back here on Friday!

xo

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So Sew! Week 1 Project: Polka Dot Baby Shoes

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Our week one word was POLKA DOT, which was perfect because I’ve been in love with a particular fabric combo as of late that includes a black and white damask, a yellow/orange micro-patterned fabric, and … a purple polka dot fabric! Combine that with the fact that my sister is due with our family’s first grandbaby (my first niece) in just three short months and what do you get? A perfect storm, I say. A perfect storm for some baby sewing!

And so I present:

my Week 1 project / baby shower gift for my sister / hot little number for baby Laela’s 6 month birthday!

I used Heather Bailey’s Bitty Bootie pattern with a few modifications.

It was so simple and the result was too cute. (If I do say so.)

I have a feeling Laela just might acquire a closet full of shoes before she even arrives. (Start ‘em young is what I always say.)

But how could I stop there. I mean. A girl needs a new outfit to go with her new shoes! If Laela learns nothing from me besides this simple fact then I will have done my auntie duties well. And so I give you–the dress.

This was a bit more time consuming as I drafted the pattern myself as I went along. But I’m in love. In love with the itty-bitty collar and that eensy-weensy rosette. I’m in love with the frayed double ruffle (not to be confused with a double rainbow) peeking out the bottom. And land sakes I am in love love with this fabric combo! Crazy I know. But I am really digging the totally-random-but-totally-works quality of it.

So there is my Week 1 Project. Be sure to check out Sandi and Melissa‘s projects too! (Cheryl had to back out last minute, but her space will be filled shortly.) One of them involves a freebie [!] and the other involves lots of ruffles and lots of lace [swoon!].

And don’t forget to upload YOUR project to the Flickr group. I’ll be selecting a few of my faves to show here on Monday when I announce the Week 2 word. Until then … have a fantastic weekend!

xo

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Tutorial: Trick-or-Treat Bag

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While this particular tutorial features a bag with bat silhouettes against a yellow moon, it can be easily modified to showcase the Halloween creature of your child’s choice. But whatever your applique, you can be certain this simple trick-or-treat bag will hold a motherload of delicious goodies!

Felt Trick-or-Treat Bag
Supplies: purple felt*, yellow felt*, sparkly black felt, scissors, sewing machine, thread, bat template. *Be sure you chose a durable, heavy-weight felt. I do not recommend using the inexpensive pre-cut felt for the actual bag. It is flimsy and will not hold up well. It is fine, however, for the appliques.


Instructions:

1. Cut two 14″ x 18″ rectangles from the purple felt (Bag). Cut two 3″ x 22″ strips from the purple felt (Handle Straps). Cut one 10″ circle from the yellow felt (Moon). Cut three bats from black felt using the bat template as a guide.

2. Place the yellow circle on one of the purple rectangles five inches from the top and centered between the sides. Stitch in place, close to edge.
3. Place bats on the yellow circle as desired. Pin in place and stitch close to edge.
4. With right sides together, sew a 5/8″ seam along sides and bottom of purple rectangles.
5. (Optional Step) Pinch bottom corners so that the seams touch and are even (almost creating a triangle). Sew perpendicular to side seam 1 inch from sewn corner. This will create a “boxed” bottom. Trim close to seam.
6. Fold top edge down one inch and lightly press in place. Fold over again and pin in place. Sew 1/4″ seam around top rim edge.
7. Fold handle straps in half length-wise and sew closed close to edge.
8. Pin one strap to each of the top rims, with edge of strap 3 inches from side seams, and end of strap 1 1/2 inches from top rim.
9. Sew each handle in place with a rectangle where the strap overlaps the bag. Reinforce by sewing an “x” inside the rectangle.
10. Trick-or-Treat!

Other applique templates:

Click Here to Download the Frankenstein template

Click Here to Download the Cat & Bat Silhouette templates

Click Here to Download the Pumpkin template: Pg 1 & Pg 2

Additional Ideas:
1. Make it extra fun and mix up your felt colors!

2. Use your imagination. You could applique witches, ghosts, the word “Boo,” your child’s name, polka-dots, stripes, etc. You could even applique a “mini me” version of your child’s costume. There are so many options!

3. Tie bows or ribbons to the handle straps or sew buttons.

4. Instead of sewing your applique, use an iron on transfer to print an image from your computer.

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