tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52598055381463401612024-03-06T00:21:25.683-08:00Strawberry BlondThe Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-77525254208412024122011-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:002011-09-22T10:36:18.071-07:00Dinosaur Mittens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXTfaSiNFJXYB00I_MHe8dSV1GEm-TdbH3VSZc2-fvyL85IbsB3GoQwQCpd11pOWW05Es4adsnFPDeX_42FV4zjs_7vbBtYE-BaOUiL5V2ppT2hgD7qe9GfJYj2Qp-faQQhvFWvHCHO4/s1600/P1110544.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXTfaSiNFJXYB00I_MHe8dSV1GEm-TdbH3VSZc2-fvyL85IbsB3GoQwQCpd11pOWW05Es4adsnFPDeX_42FV4zjs_7vbBtYE-BaOUiL5V2ppT2hgD7qe9GfJYj2Qp-faQQhvFWvHCHO4/s400/P1110544.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655226191330685298" border="0" /></a>I made these little dinosaur mittens for my nephew's 2nd birthday. I'd seen something similar - shark mittens on <a href="http://www.whatilivefor.net/2010/11/shark-mittens.html">What I Live For</a> (through <a href="http://homemade.tipjunkie.com/">TipJunkie</a>). I actually had some light green fleece leftover from another project so I thought I'd make dinosaur mittens instead. And I added elastic in the wrist to help keep the mittens snug. <br /><br />These are really simple to make. They only took me 45 minutes. Now that I've made one pair I could probably do it in 30. If you want to make some of your own here is what you will need:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNhvLH9YgQXMmc5AOu-8jh7kVIPNP9SN80oQV-5KN-N5sVD2Rjk0Km7op5_QF8YoNcsaB70C2JO6aNiu5Av6XF4FoCmwNXfCmR8hX4RGuRMjYwG3Tx1YmdPkWuWvm-tqWXyk70L-gd6Q/s1600/P1110520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNhvLH9YgQXMmc5AOu-8jh7kVIPNP9SN80oQV-5KN-N5sVD2Rjk0Km7op5_QF8YoNcsaB70C2JO6aNiu5Av6XF4FoCmwNXfCmR8hX4RGuRMjYwG3Tx1YmdPkWuWvm-tqWXyk70L-gd6Q/s400/P1110520.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655227431858086226" border="0" /></a><br /><ul><li>1/4 yd green fleece</li><li>scraps of green and white felt or fleece</li><li>1/4-inch knit elastic</li><li>2 black buttons (mine were 1/2-inch wide for size 2T mittens)</li><li>green and black thread</li><li>graph or plain paper and a pencil</li></ul><br />Start by tracing around your child's hand on a piece of graph or plain paper:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28RbHuSWTE2NVFoHvOzl_vD5CMAYeqX8M5Jz9qTaRSxH_dEIrRFVANyjxTcR8FMSsROX2rcUy-jdycwe4_wRsFZ88K1vuC6ZMe_aCOCegKfEHO8rf_Yc5O416mwu5565hahzkHeMyzwc/s1600/P1110546.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28RbHuSWTE2NVFoHvOzl_vD5CMAYeqX8M5Jz9qTaRSxH_dEIrRFVANyjxTcR8FMSsROX2rcUy-jdycwe4_wRsFZ88K1vuC6ZMe_aCOCegKfEHO8rf_Yc5O416mwu5565hahzkHeMyzwc/s400/P1110546.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655226184765234066" border="0" /></a>As you can see I'm only loosely tracing the hand. This is to allow for the actual volume your child's hand will take up in the mitten. From this we will add a seam allowance:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU3Ixs2m0LuI28Zl3Ynh3iFBzUpHaZAJg1BYb7DE44RldD6vIE4HJbdJxrqVfwrMlELHqS9kCvvnjHIZdz-wUAOyXDGLHPORh3qEEAkeVsXPT6kjM6oo11n5B426ma4-H1gys3uR61qQ/s1600/P1110521.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU3Ixs2m0LuI28Zl3Ynh3iFBzUpHaZAJg1BYb7DE44RldD6vIE4HJbdJxrqVfwrMlELHqS9kCvvnjHIZdz-wUAOyXDGLHPORh3qEEAkeVsXPT6kjM6oo11n5B426ma4-H1gys3uR61qQ/s400/P1110521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655226187865740226" border="0" /></a>The wavy line represents where the child's wrist is and where the elastic will be sewn in. From that wavy line I know I want a 1-inch finished cuff, so I've added 1 1/2 inches to allow for the cuff and it's 1/2-inch seam allowance. Everywhere else I'm just using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Cut out your pattern and pin it to your fleece. Cut 4 (2 sides for each mitten):<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXTfaSiNFJXYB00I_MHe8dSV1GEm-TdbH3VSZc2-fvyL85IbsB3GoQwQCpd11pOWW05Es4adsnFPDeX_42FV4zjs_7vbBtYE-BaOUiL5V2ppT2hgD7qe9GfJYj2Qp-faQQhvFWvHCHO4/s1600/P1110544.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfFWzmqG5lt4cnOOSXMkipDp0VFpgBfiEyoAdcNMovZwfJxMNFC9T7lATZhVQlPYn5rpzyzXK04qXUbWtizNoVngB7bexiiUnVPVZEugVYjGzOj_H1IJucqweV439VhIGAy538Szn_00/s1600/P1110522.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfFWzmqG5lt4cnOOSXMkipDp0VFpgBfiEyoAdcNMovZwfJxMNFC9T7lATZhVQlPYn5rpzyzXK04qXUbWtizNoVngB7bexiiUnVPVZEugVYjGzOj_H1IJucqweV439VhIGAy538Szn_00/s400/P1110522.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225852870418194" border="0" /></a><br />Now fold over the cuffs 1/2 an inch, wrong sides together (if your fleece has a wrong side) and stitch down:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTocXTQ2eNCZgLddwqE0OsYqszTXH3ZGvwGHWrEN4Ban4wC9IGRKakVWwG7K0nAGEgL0FU2Y1Onqf5FYhFXdoBUsdfZ0lEFuk1-6_EljmUTHoHjAar8HLGGAZ-sy9GeLcRXavLkO8E28/s1600/P1110525.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTocXTQ2eNCZgLddwqE0OsYqszTXH3ZGvwGHWrEN4Ban4wC9IGRKakVWwG7K0nAGEgL0FU2Y1Onqf5FYhFXdoBUsdfZ0lEFuk1-6_EljmUTHoHjAar8HLGGAZ-sy9GeLcRXavLkO8E28/s400/P1110525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225847372512226" border="0" /></a><br />Now we'll add the elastic. Following the wrist placement on your pattern, start by tacking down the end of the elastic on the wrong side of the fabric with a few stitches with your machine. You will want to use a medium zig-zag stitch and long stitch length (I used 4) to allow for stretch. Start stitching across the mitten while simultaneously pulling on the elastic:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhafJTzS8i9oCra2Ed0dIh2hWKxg6eShX4TGDH2Yp60nEKeOgbv2dZLms-xNZzmFpZEUyvYtSdS0JFI9IayyRNcT6VxVHyh_PE3IfPBkusCnFYrqR56-dduA1UkE-YIiwvxwOtN_PIj4/s1600/P1110526.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhafJTzS8i9oCra2Ed0dIh2hWKxg6eShX4TGDH2Yp60nEKeOgbv2dZLms-xNZzmFpZEUyvYtSdS0JFI9IayyRNcT6VxVHyh_PE3IfPBkusCnFYrqR56-dduA1UkE-YIiwvxwOtN_PIj4/s400/P1110526.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225845368321698" border="0" /></a><br />This creates the gathers and will allow the elastic to stretch around your child's wrist and stay snug:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhxt1GE0wSSUEPDLZeP9jxRHWb8mWW5hCIwCGEPbY5CuXm6ToQuvlMbVNrbeVtcgEnBOytcrvNRJhBfeDurEKNROCCHeKfR0yZyxHln9Jah9GhKgcqCchqv83O0ogT-cRA9WcclvE3EM/s1600/P1110527.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhxt1GE0wSSUEPDLZeP9jxRHWb8mWW5hCIwCGEPbY5CuXm6ToQuvlMbVNrbeVtcgEnBOytcrvNRJhBfeDurEKNROCCHeKfR0yZyxHln9Jah9GhKgcqCchqv83O0ogT-cRA9WcclvE3EM/s400/P1110527.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225847075366546" border="0" /></a>Do this for all 4 pieces. <br /><br />Now we'll add the button eyes. Decide where you want your buttons to go:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKRq_OHZHd1C1e3-yCwUBBanOBEjHIdfvOubj6bJfSk3dow9C8kHz37Oh3U6gOQgVyX_7IbMbsnLY_KR9a4iYfLes3vWht2t1lTGY-LlVvhrCz5dwrmoZrbTMrZ_bKqwQYz7tek_UbzI/s1600/P1110528.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKRq_OHZHd1C1e3-yCwUBBanOBEjHIdfvOubj6bJfSk3dow9C8kHz37Oh3U6gOQgVyX_7IbMbsnLY_KR9a4iYfLes3vWht2t1lTGY-LlVvhrCz5dwrmoZrbTMrZ_bKqwQYz7tek_UbzI/s400/P1110528.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225842732994210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfFWzmqG5lt4cnOOSXMkipDp0VFpgBfiEyoAdcNMovZwfJxMNFC9T7lATZhVQlPYn5rpzyzXK04qXUbWtizNoVngB7bexiiUnVPVZEugVYjGzOj_H1IJucqweV439VhIGAy538Szn_00/s1600/P1110522.jpg"><br /></a>Since fleece is a fairly loose material, I don't recommend knotting your thread. Instead, pull your thread through the button, leaving a long tail behind it on the wrong side:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LNIQxQWcnDzGclRNEp_11ODxR_aDlH8894yk2ymI4SdISoXovpGyKlqm9bu0yBOJM7SjZpyOP4Jhm0PwCu_23vQlGLPnl2Bx2cCagjjJhIBdr9fSAeOe7pDFwlzNFlNvZSUD_WTECXs/s1600/P1110529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LNIQxQWcnDzGclRNEp_11ODxR_aDlH8894yk2ymI4SdISoXovpGyKlqm9bu0yBOJM7SjZpyOP4Jhm0PwCu_23vQlGLPnl2Bx2cCagjjJhIBdr9fSAeOe7pDFwlzNFlNvZSUD_WTECXs/s400/P1110529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225376024398482" border="0" /></a><br />This way you can tie the loose ends together when you are done stitching on the button:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdd-6acktCfM8qqPQmZ8Zy3aF18QhCmvgoAi8qi6cfeHa-45O0TcaCCabLzJQ7mLV__cqOly2H39dwnfN4DexKSXeos8KyuGXPllKslJPaJhisAi7B6Sp-Al6piWqlG4hvGpXfKuYwrU/s1600/P1110530.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdd-6acktCfM8qqPQmZ8Zy3aF18QhCmvgoAi8qi6cfeHa-45O0TcaCCabLzJQ7mLV__cqOly2H39dwnfN4DexKSXeos8KyuGXPllKslJPaJhisAi7B6Sp-Al6piWqlG4hvGpXfKuYwrU/s400/P1110530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225378881594402" border="0" /></a><br />MAKE SURE you are stitching your buttons to two opposing sides: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx8YiI0PL7sjdJlORctA6Ow3fJLsX8LYcQ6JcduUXHHT8uhCMCczaDcJZQwDmM_YT2UCvdRDnN2LviZDFRU-f4tQfoL_g5vWnTjhTAB4nspEGfLMa4YRBeBbcVrHsZ-M08Wmuv_nDhUU/s1600/P1110531.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx8YiI0PL7sjdJlORctA6Ow3fJLsX8LYcQ6JcduUXHHT8uhCMCczaDcJZQwDmM_YT2UCvdRDnN2LviZDFRU-f4tQfoL_g5vWnTjhTAB4nspEGfLMa4YRBeBbcVrHsZ-M08Wmuv_nDhUU/s400/P1110531.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225373773434850" border="0" /></a>You don't want two left- or two right-handed mittens!<br /><br />Now for the trim. For my dinosaur ridges I cut out two pieces green felt, 1/2" x 4" each. If you are making mittens larger than a 2T, you may want to increase the length. Then I cut zig-zags on one side of each piece:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOTzdNd2z8emHgzQz5sRg6Paiq-kYCgwlZ1HN0Vg9C-SaqisWHVp1bYdYXOBdK8kFLv__ZqkcwaoQ6wq4xtqtlCb6Wqpwj6oNZw6Du2kKOLtkIE4Bk6qgVjvZTDiVaa7OwXYFFw1nZwk/s1600/P1110532.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOTzdNd2z8emHgzQz5sRg6Paiq-kYCgwlZ1HN0Vg9C-SaqisWHVp1bYdYXOBdK8kFLv__ZqkcwaoQ6wq4xtqtlCb6Wqpwj6oNZw6Du2kKOLtkIE4Bk6qgVjvZTDiVaa7OwXYFFw1nZwk/s400/P1110532.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225372504328386" border="0" /></a>I did the same for the teeth, cutting 1/2-inch wide pieces, zig-zagging, then trimming to fit the thumb and forefinger. You will place the trim with the flat side facing out like so:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LlrYNtp9R5C4Hw7bzdPmiSE65_cBABpKcKEDgR-YhfSf2P0kBEGpKE-3HStq0T33fbJ8dejjvbnXzLBr1q8-y7Sei_Ej616xCSLjHqCiiOBZxFD1XyUAYojmpygNbzuyjgBSR4tlEQQ/s1600/P1110533.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LlrYNtp9R5C4Hw7bzdPmiSE65_cBABpKcKEDgR-YhfSf2P0kBEGpKE-3HStq0T33fbJ8dejjvbnXzLBr1q8-y7Sei_Ej616xCSLjHqCiiOBZxFD1XyUAYojmpygNbzuyjgBSR4tlEQQ/s400/P1110533.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655225367737947122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LNIQxQWcnDzGclRNEp_11ODxR_aDlH8894yk2ymI4SdISoXovpGyKlqm9bu0yBOJM7SjZpyOP4Jhm0PwCu_23vQlGLPnl2Bx2cCagjjJhIBdr9fSAeOe7pDFwlzNFlNvZSUD_WTECXs/s1600/P1110529.jpg"><br /></a>Now pin your mittens right sides together with the trim sandwiched in between:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aLzQU95j2Yvx7Mq1n6NpmlABEJBNqTFflroOHesz7PVOVQ-wln3_r-8t-brEO3F4IG3xAwtzd5rRCWbKW6nVowbfmgP044803TFNzEX7ESqKh9Ml-1r4qRzq-LibVt96ZT_8RIKxbQA/s1600/P1110535.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aLzQU95j2Yvx7Mq1n6NpmlABEJBNqTFflroOHesz7PVOVQ-wln3_r-8t-brEO3F4IG3xAwtzd5rRCWbKW6nVowbfmgP044803TFNzEX7ESqKh9Ml-1r4qRzq-LibVt96ZT_8RIKxbQA/s400/P1110535.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655224990546595714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcS9Ds1Mr5xl-304TquYj84i_sJIXPFNPsyHLI0PEU3h_nl1hpMeYMRmvmGiNbEcFGun1qLrK1eOzJ-AR1HM_Rh_pmkCDMPScxDrTVyr8CoLc5zM5fBOmBhmdtP0ApLWmGBvieUPHgoM/s1600/P1110537.jpg"><br /></a>Stitch all the way around the outer edges with a 1/4-inch inseam. You will want to reinforce the crook of the thumb and forefinger - just stitch over it a couple of times:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakxJVnTBQ8FB3ZDKPTt2V7nmXkddn97RGo9wpoWYvepmjENzcZXGnAespxno1mgR4iF11h4K3jngehiCPoD9Drhy6GxhWAC5fyvOydXFRKKrHJjj7EIkiF6EqYBwn2DpJXZGniKc8IDI/s1600/P1110537.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakxJVnTBQ8FB3ZDKPTt2V7nmXkddn97RGo9wpoWYvepmjENzcZXGnAespxno1mgR4iF11h4K3jngehiCPoD9Drhy6GxhWAC5fyvOydXFRKKrHJjj7EIkiF6EqYBwn2DpJXZGniKc8IDI/s400/P1110537.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655224985582752098" border="0" /></a><br />Now you will clip into that crook almost to the seam allowance:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4EjlIh09lZRM3JOf0BznxWeRhuXiCmRWxjQoc5_KjWwlROR8ASVvy6o_QoVMjahvtZUAY6qXSzNCjf6D0GoV-_HacG6gxWs5egm5WC3eRmBnZoRypmKlKRF9nECqYC1ICdR0QKUtMHw/s1600/P1110538.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4EjlIh09lZRM3JOf0BznxWeRhuXiCmRWxjQoc5_KjWwlROR8ASVvy6o_QoVMjahvtZUAY6qXSzNCjf6D0GoV-_HacG6gxWs5egm5WC3eRmBnZoRypmKlKRF9nECqYC1ICdR0QKUtMHw/s400/P1110538.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655224981310192306" border="0" /></a>At this point I also like to trim the seam allowance to about 1/8th of an inch so there's more room for fingers and thumbs.<br /><br />Turn right side out and ta-da!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O61H-pX7y80rJOeZY1uOniKZy4F8_j8i8lri0Pwr_G_yAEOrXpmQmsTT1DqWoFFZLwSIAq8kV9_laMZDy6D6_f_69q0JJznwH6kp-UjDCVX8PIIIVykGIOXCyQhb2TS-Ry0JCbUnI20/s1600/P1110545.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O61H-pX7y80rJOeZY1uOniKZy4F8_j8i8lri0Pwr_G_yAEOrXpmQmsTT1DqWoFFZLwSIAq8kV9_laMZDy6D6_f_69q0JJznwH6kp-UjDCVX8PIIIVykGIOXCyQhb2TS-Ry0JCbUnI20/s400/P1110545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655224977733720082" border="0" /></a>You have a very cute pair of dinosaur mittens! If your teeth or green ridges look a little wonky, you can trim them down if necessary. I had to trim the teeth just a little after sewing myself.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aLzQU95j2Yvx7Mq1n6NpmlABEJBNqTFflroOHesz7PVOVQ-wln3_r-8t-brEO3F4IG3xAwtzd5rRCWbKW6nVowbfmgP044803TFNzEX7ESqKh9Ml-1r4qRzq-LibVt96ZT_8RIKxbQA/s1600/P1110535.jpg"><br /></a>Please let me know if you end up making a pair yourself!The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-27722866356982293712011-06-18T22:21:00.000-07:002011-06-18T22:38:32.457-07:00"Russian" Tote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl8pGzTVoPPGP9f7ppt6A3idVrg75rSURPQuOGrIVtWdkv6fENiYowQPKgV2bnpGFle4a41eEZaGO33S3U39hteJVHp_kWmgTeExQkb0RUYw4H_SypwxlCW-IjY-E0jab6PmnRi0Ts9o/s1600/P1100725+%2528600+x+450%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl8pGzTVoPPGP9f7ppt6A3idVrg75rSURPQuOGrIVtWdkv6fENiYowQPKgV2bnpGFle4a41eEZaGO33S3U39hteJVHp_kWmgTeExQkb0RUYw4H_SypwxlCW-IjY-E0jab6PmnRi0Ts9o/s400/P1100725+%2528600+x+450%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619796883173191570" border="0" /></a>My littlest sister (who's as big as me and not so very little anymore) recently had a birthday and she was overdue for a handmade bag from me. I struggled with what pattern/style to go with and finally settled on the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2011/03/241-tote-pattern.html">241 Tote pattern</a> by <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/">Noodlehead</a>. My sister prefers bags with longer handles so she can wear them across the chest, so I lengthened the handle, but otherwise followed all the directions. It has a magnetic closure and two inside slip pockets. <br /><br />The matryoshka doll fabric is made in Japan but I ordered it from Korea. Go figure. My sister likes blues, greens, and purples and spent a summer in Russia a couple of years ago, so it seemed appropriate. <br /><br />The pattern is definitely not for the beginner. Lots of curved seams that can be difficult to wrangle. I had to pick them out more than once. And the fabric requirements are a bit misleading. But once it's done, I think it's a cool bag - one that I would use myself. If you decide to make one yourself, be sure to use a 50% off coupon when buying the woven interfacing because that stuff is a rip-off. And you will need more than the 1 1/2 yards called for. I'd get at least 2 if not more.<br /><br />Now I'm working on a diaper bag for my other sister who had twin girls back in November. I'm always on time, I am. Anyway, I'm hoping I can finish it before I leave to visit Georgia again (and before my sewing machine decides to crap out on me - it's starting to sound suspicious). I've designed the whole thing myself, which was probably a bad idea since I've had some fits and starts with the thing. Lots of seam ripping and cursing under the breath. But what I've made so far is darn cute and has me excited to see it finished.<br /><br />Wish me (and my sewing machine) luck!The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-72444993883375863642011-05-08T13:16:00.001-07:002011-05-08T13:39:16.715-07:00Mother's Day<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-_liLibhyphenhyphenIjtaL7ybX94viXvQgX926XvTwxPkQIcmIN3NDdOdFt7wXZ3ROzFYZM2jPJ3lxJkS8Lh3d1rEiwMcAKmKvxdA7o75N3jxYMeRR-5gcU05OnxnSJC7ovqEgd22KAvUApoT2c/s1600/P1100601+%2528600+x+450%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-_liLibhyphenhyphenIjtaL7ybX94viXvQgX926XvTwxPkQIcmIN3NDdOdFt7wXZ3ROzFYZM2jPJ3lxJkS8Lh3d1rEiwMcAKmKvxdA7o75N3jxYMeRR-5gcU05OnxnSJC7ovqEgd22KAvUApoT2c/s400/P1100601+%2528600+x+450%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604442243750603090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!</span><br /></div><br />I decided to make matching outfits for Caralie and myself for Mother's Day. I found a super cute floral Swiss dot on sale at Joann that was light and breathable but not too sheer. I made a simple peasant dress for myself by (majorly) adjusting a pattern from Simplicity and then made a matching skirt and hair clip for Caralie:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvTw1RyYaSQ59rMvuB3Fvl9I4bmAxAFr5-I__YcuHpfpqqrtOwPrFoaDb0mvc-eq6z93BlWZrL_zg70mszdgEXPRRCpXhhClFJ8O1ptDuIE8diuUv83sPJPcDwoJds1xHCMRfVfa3pBQ/s1600/P1100597+%2528448+x+600%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvTw1RyYaSQ59rMvuB3Fvl9I4bmAxAFr5-I__YcuHpfpqqrtOwPrFoaDb0mvc-eq6z93BlWZrL_zg70mszdgEXPRRCpXhhClFJ8O1ptDuIE8diuUv83sPJPcDwoJds1xHCMRfVfa3pBQ/s400/P1100597+%2528448+x+600%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604442237137193938" border="0" /></a>Those are pine cones. Caralie insisted we each hold one for the shot. I thought it was silly but this ended up being my favorite picture (even though my posture's not great and the dress is draping funny).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTrJh1y0IbozGzT6uisVE_vWdd1Ni1Lkk0tqCAZwGEgwvp4Mf7Y7F-zx3Hn1DhcIk88_1dE3OakekHEoKxUb2BDEM1zQiKAx4GV2AMHWo-ioMUgldnE9rLXFC1L964W9hv-2GmnU68so/s1600/P1100609+%2528450+x+600%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTrJh1y0IbozGzT6uisVE_vWdd1Ni1Lkk0tqCAZwGEgwvp4Mf7Y7F-zx3Hn1DhcIk88_1dE3OakekHEoKxUb2BDEM1zQiKAx4GV2AMHWo-ioMUgldnE9rLXFC1L964W9hv-2GmnU68so/s400/P1100609+%2528450+x+600%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604442238716745010" border="0" /></a>This little skirt is super easy to make. You can find a great tutorial by Dana on <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-simple-skirt.html">MADE</a>. All it took was a half yard of 58" wide fabric, elastic, and thread. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPhbcQinW7MqLqPTk6JKAwRaDSrLaPS6MxorbLAwhJyNLIDHjaW8QuSnvFDCjfXsd0uRIjzzLq71CGODkWb18m6GgHjeOH_7DPYhdLQa7e35j2ZXAQ03767wjZRBHDavEMbVceKJN6wU/s1600/P1100616+%2528450+x+600%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPhbcQinW7MqLqPTk6JKAwRaDSrLaPS6MxorbLAwhJyNLIDHjaW8QuSnvFDCjfXsd0uRIjzzLq71CGODkWb18m6GgHjeOH_7DPYhdLQa7e35j2ZXAQ03767wjZRBHDavEMbVceKJN6wU/s400/P1100616+%2528450+x+600%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604442234108219730" border="0" /></a>The hair clip came together thanks to a tutorial from Disney at <a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2011/05/no-sew-fabric-flower-tutorial.html">Ruffles & Stuff</a>. I used <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2864&PRODID=prd2992">Fray Check</a> to keep the fabric circles from fraying but I think it would look cute with frayed edges as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHdQfZWCAHIuQ0dakpm4UPZWAdjoPHwOFLHfeWvvqk_OiGbidzf03s1rCdhnZ6PH9uVNxjtFz-r6zXEZa_sSTkqUMHQwf0Zfsd0ENgQ2ZXiPw3uCHkfUBCQhqcu_8g-KHJkzL1aQf2qw/s1600/P1100606+%2528600+x+450%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHdQfZWCAHIuQ0dakpm4UPZWAdjoPHwOFLHfeWvvqk_OiGbidzf03s1rCdhnZ6PH9uVNxjtFz-r6zXEZa_sSTkqUMHQwf0Zfsd0ENgQ2ZXiPw3uCHkfUBCQhqcu_8g-KHJkzL1aQf2qw/s400/P1100606+%2528600+x+450%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604442230791945026" border="0" /></a>I made my hair clip with a sheet of hot pink felt and some hot glue. I LOVE the look of this thing! It's tedious but not to the point that I wouldn't make another. You need to give yourself a good hour or even two to put it together. I found the tutorial on <a href="http://news.holidash.com//2010/04/23/mothers-day-corsage/">Holidash</a>. I'm going to make another one in purple for Caralie and then maybe I'll make a couple more for myself in aqua, royal blue, and gray. You could even use different gradations of color for each row of petals.<br /><br />Anyway, it's been a LONG time since I've made something. I've been a little burned out from our move and the prospect of moving again in another month or two. I still owe my sister a diaper bag and her twins are 6 months old now. Yikes. That's my next project to tackle.<br /><br />Hope you all enjoy this special day. Call your mom!The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-60843265268214780492011-01-14T07:53:00.000-08:002011-01-14T08:10:34.874-08:00Ruffled T-Shirt Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyy1-MKQepGEnVqyNTDziJmWR071BuzBdaj6BTdAR1YpzzAe4IqgXfMN837l92JoPn0NB2Vc0nxuAcTAZ5XB91LSpoIpKF4Hww-YAoiYVdoRKHsHZivF6_CJTy7g5VLcCGk7eGkr0SoE/s1600/P1090535+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyy1-MKQepGEnVqyNTDziJmWR071BuzBdaj6BTdAR1YpzzAe4IqgXfMN837l92JoPn0NB2Vc0nxuAcTAZ5XB91LSpoIpKF4Hww-YAoiYVdoRKHsHZivF6_CJTy7g5VLcCGk7eGkr0SoE/s400/P1090535+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562070761069510002" border="0" /></a>We are moving so my daughter has started at a new school. Since she is coming in in the middle of the school year, all they had left of their school T-shirts were larges and extra larges. Caralie is a small, at best. Luckily I had seen a tutorial on <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/">Make It and Love It</a> for <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/11/re-purposing-long-sleeved-tee-into.html">converting a t-shirt into a ruffled dress</a>. I loosely followed the tutorial since I had to do some major overhauling of this thing:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRulS0JxZ7PlXlbGBhfaRkjP3lgilB4IefkpHa6Zml3vUkZkjq2EeDyroiLk2bsU5zGZ_1Nj1PDR06fPKjiWcUPDGwiw8YTWvV1suJPpVvm-Ms1XK-CJ2PokEyufgDu-2mCt14usdHUY/s1600/P1090521+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRulS0JxZ7PlXlbGBhfaRkjP3lgilB4IefkpHa6Zml3vUkZkjq2EeDyroiLk2bsU5zGZ_1Nj1PDR06fPKjiWcUPDGwiw8YTWvV1suJPpVvm-Ms1XK-CJ2PokEyufgDu-2mCt14usdHUY/s400/P1090521+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562070751342270754" border="0" /></a>She could've worn it as a nightgown it was so big. I ended up cutting out the sleeves, taking it in significantly, and refashioning the sleeves just to make the t-shirt portion fit right. The shirt was still super long, so I cut off about 7-8 inches off the bottom to use as the lining for the ruffles. I bought 1/2 yard of heather gray jersey at Joann and cut it into 5 1/2 x 60 inch strips. I hemmed the strips, sewed them into a round, then gathered them and stitched them to the lining. I think it turned out pretty cute:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD_sHqrUTtEajbJMegH5SYsEBr6p9-TI6HWcI4DCfA9oY1QCWgIazQFm3tcYOufH0ya5z8erzas_x-V0m6X8i6jMFJOT0pXGCce9l0AGrwbcQ5mCCRstgSoe2XGvfv403z1A5Yiij9gM/s1600/P1090531+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD_sHqrUTtEajbJMegH5SYsEBr6p9-TI6HWcI4DCfA9oY1QCWgIazQFm3tcYOufH0ya5z8erzas_x-V0m6X8i6jMFJOT0pXGCce9l0AGrwbcQ5mCCRstgSoe2XGvfv403z1A5Yiij9gM/s400/P1090531+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562070747322488802" border="0" /></a>Caralie had gone to bed before I'd even fixed the sleeves, so she was completely surprised when she woke up in the morning to find her new t-shirt dress:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo2k_xsbMFybkjXO7mdY7K7sS5AAgNzjHycLaCCB8OU6QQku-K6uxpZHI4xw3gt3pmYaI6SQuiXutWhaUaedso4k_A9RTrTTObAblQ5VIVqzv03-JIwWxFvK0v5KGdl0QreDKjc2L82Y/s1600/P1090536+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo2k_xsbMFybkjXO7mdY7K7sS5AAgNzjHycLaCCB8OU6QQku-K6uxpZHI4xw3gt3pmYaI6SQuiXutWhaUaedso4k_A9RTrTTObAblQ5VIVqzv03-JIwWxFvK0v5KGdl0QreDKjc2L82Y/s400/P1090536+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562070739648630690" border="0" /></a>She was very happy with the results and told me that I am the best mommy in the world. That <span style="font-style: italic;">almost</span> made it worth sewing with knits. I am not converted to knits like everyone else in blogland. At least they are forgiving and hide a multitude of flaws.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kIAC8l4-M7mVROx8oyq5hjgw_dvUFHZx1mE976j4Tcox5E09X7TEp71g-CCeJJe4tHaPrMPq9nsv48PE52WK1viomEwvONv2KJgDRqcWNis5lShvOx6lhPSNK2B7Ypf76TXNWTihmNM/s1600/P1090537+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kIAC8l4-M7mVROx8oyq5hjgw_dvUFHZx1mE976j4Tcox5E09X7TEp71g-CCeJJe4tHaPrMPq9nsv48PE52WK1viomEwvONv2KJgDRqcWNis5lShvOx6lhPSNK2B7Ypf76TXNWTihmNM/s400/P1090537+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562070735820760658" border="0" /></a>Now I just need to make a matching hair accessory with the scraps.<br /><br />Maybe.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-667028310146300452010-11-15T19:53:00.001-08:002010-11-15T20:16:56.685-08:00Twin Baby QuiltsNow that my sister has had her baby shower (not to mention her girls!) I can finally show you the quilts I made for my nieces.<br /><br />They both look like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzdfQaL5lYt5JFdNzQx46tlyy8uTlQ-TERa-0xhBTPwX1jow2D8N4L2hGFLenwIchB6hv-4qw5q236swDP1nUfCRB_02PcVpobuK-VXfNhYUVuVH2ElYN8lW9P5cJDLHtQolvWir8FLY/s1600/P1090079+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzdfQaL5lYt5JFdNzQx46tlyy8uTlQ-TERa-0xhBTPwX1jow2D8N4L2hGFLenwIchB6hv-4qw5q236swDP1nUfCRB_02PcVpobuK-VXfNhYUVuVH2ElYN8lW9P5cJDLHtQolvWir8FLY/s400/P1090079+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539991010837236002" border="0" /></a><br />You'll notice there are 3D yellow flowers in the top right and bottom left corners. I made each quilt the same but made one with yellow flowers and one with pink flowers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldqmqrgqSiVE-WcdyqbfX8WqZQT-7PSEL-eQjqh4IIDXnSxWvHdwnbDGQ7fk0s_kNfFMoKhqNvnD3xm2FTCMdo0Ah_9oRwrFEO1g1n5f4-dAIGKMoazV3Me2E_7IhfXIWYyuSWT5S_LI/s1600/P1090077.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldqmqrgqSiVE-WcdyqbfX8WqZQT-7PSEL-eQjqh4IIDXnSxWvHdwnbDGQ7fk0s_kNfFMoKhqNvnD3xm2FTCMdo0Ah_9oRwrFEO1g1n5f4-dAIGKMoazV3Me2E_7IhfXIWYyuSWT5S_LI/s400/P1090077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539991006903978882" border="0" /></a>That way they could tell their quilts apart from the front. The yellow flower one is backed in yellow snuggle fleece and the pink flower one is backed in pink.<br /><br />They each have jumbo white rick-rack as a border in the front:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNoycsWY42sINt82Lnr29dAWFt5CPYyBx720IeM8Kr7DTxRZx-SqAZoC6frn4be39ra5oLiNfaHRgtdRykQIrBJqajuyPBWc38pyfyb79VaXu6K2WAGcpfnZD9K6Gx6shUFn6GfXpk4g/s1600/P1090070.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNoycsWY42sINt82Lnr29dAWFt5CPYyBx720IeM8Kr7DTxRZx-SqAZoC6frn4be39ra5oLiNfaHRgtdRykQIrBJqajuyPBWc38pyfyb79VaXu6K2WAGcpfnZD9K6Gx6shUFn6GfXpk4g/s400/P1090070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539990998195662786" border="0" /></a><br />The fabric comes from the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=98311152315983&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=42100&Parent_Ids=">Lucy Fun Flowers</a> collection by <a href="http://www.lakehousedrygoods.com/">Lakehouse</a>. I just love the happy, bright colors. The fleece was thick enough that I didn't have to use any batting. And I followed the tutorial for machine binding found <a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/quilt-along-series-adding-binding-finished-edge">here</a>. If you are interested in trying to make a quilt, the <a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/10-week-basic-quilt-along-series">Basic Quilt Along Series</a> at <a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/">Make and Takes</a> is a great start. It's written by Amy of <a href="http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/">Diary of a Quilter</a> and she is a great teacher! Quilting is really not hard once you get the hang of it and I encourage even novice sewers to give it a try. Make a table runner or a small wall hanging first so you don't get overwhelmed. <br /><br />For these quilts I adapted a pattern that came with my new <a href="http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMM&Product_Code=8022&Category_Code=R">Flying Geese Ruler</a>. I basically cut it in half and then added borders.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-49205932817013250362010-11-02T11:10:00.000-07:002010-11-02T11:31:11.742-07:00Halloween Costume: Part III - the Finale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fxFVDmljMjJtE4Lqha0mxmOpAw2AYhn9aY5GWa4cbdiusgVqYHqU3qjdQnTnIomnXQrjC2vNmYtmkSJkUJ_-gP4WX0x0co4NjrVEmr-GSD8DBo02y3gepUR-lWFkc4xcbqAeMRjVMIg/s1600/P1090026.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fxFVDmljMjJtE4Lqha0mxmOpAw2AYhn9aY5GWa4cbdiusgVqYHqU3qjdQnTnIomnXQrjC2vNmYtmkSJkUJ_-gP4WX0x0co4NjrVEmr-GSD8DBo02y3gepUR-lWFkc4xcbqAeMRjVMIg/s400/P1090026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535019389513431682" border="0" /></a>Hermione Granger is finally complete! I spent the entire afternoon and evening of the Thursday before Halloween making her wizard robe. I used McCall's pattern 3789:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHvRwgYjAqzNNm63W0emRdqctxPqWebKhjHQm4ZUa2YpbuZmmSLw52DQeLvcJHsCBk0Ri7GRcdYF3oh5uaSPA8zc-I7AmQWQdsvJVIBr4RJJa5gYDNqSXbAwIzYlU5Sc_XsBCAJgerE8/s1600/mcc3789.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHvRwgYjAqzNNm63W0emRdqctxPqWebKhjHQm4ZUa2YpbuZmmSLw52DQeLvcJHsCBk0Ri7GRcdYF3oh5uaSPA8zc-I7AmQWQdsvJVIBr4RJJa5gYDNqSXbAwIzYlU5Sc_XsBCAJgerE8/s400/mcc3789.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535019387249770626" border="0" /></a>We did View B but I changed it up a bit. I didn't add the hood and I made it one piece in front (you can't tell from the pattern's photo, but the front of the robe is open). It took a little thinking on my part - something I don't enjoy, ha ha. But it turned out great and "Hermione" is happy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF_uATcCSrF9eL9MsTsbqdzrCrUKdvwP9xfHJahzO34T4FUqYLarDh8YQdFJyF23i4-k7pDzlgfn0iTcHscrV5hA0DKAdLOxsKMPRu9rU1QynCwmSZB0BO0W7ldzZnS6Z3tVL5f4R7Dg/s1600/P1090027.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF_uATcCSrF9eL9MsTsbqdzrCrUKdvwP9xfHJahzO34T4FUqYLarDh8YQdFJyF23i4-k7pDzlgfn0iTcHscrV5hA0DKAdLOxsKMPRu9rU1QynCwmSZB0BO0W7ldzZnS6Z3tVL5f4R7Dg/s400/P1090027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535019384193610482" border="0" /></a>Although she could also pass for a choir girl or a federal judge....<br /><br />But for us, it's Hermione Granger with a purple wand and pink glitter shoes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsDcI60GrkC9NADb8FQnEXcrDnKGqiWCDYlTAW71QACDerrAtt57klGNpIQXD-bpsx-f2OiPvye3yprs4kGhXPY832BGN09SitJZ_et2qoYK7JrQXmYAlnjC11Yo585gkHVkijNFOCk0/s1600/P1090029.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsDcI60GrkC9NADb8FQnEXcrDnKGqiWCDYlTAW71QACDerrAtt57klGNpIQXD-bpsx-f2OiPvye3yprs4kGhXPY832BGN09SitJZ_et2qoYK7JrQXmYAlnjC11Yo585gkHVkijNFOCk0/s400/P1090029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535019377752493538" border="0" /></a><br />(And her personal copy of Hogwarts: A History.)The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-41281332801393086732010-11-02T10:27:00.001-07:002010-11-02T11:10:32.135-07:00Halloween Costume: Part II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVHuT6cPl_31DiH9HkgAI2J4kP5Wx9CmewYeNH8V35Tr7vk28QuX95VCUXkmo4OgN83sTG6elkqAjZ-B4Xr8OYhHR66AQznwxlyOQ7sE7NbgddU1gBE5BnojTQvqk_eBw9VrWkIlEXHM/s1600/P1080947.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVHuT6cPl_31DiH9HkgAI2J4kP5Wx9CmewYeNH8V35Tr7vk28QuX95VCUXkmo4OgN83sTG6elkqAjZ-B4Xr8OYhHR66AQznwxlyOQ7sE7NbgddU1gBE5BnojTQvqk_eBw9VrWkIlEXHM/s400/P1080947.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010903156864706" border="0" /></a>Hermione needed a Griffindor tie for her costume. Unfortunately, Harry Potter is not as popular commercially as it once was so it was impossible to find gold and maroon striped fabric to make the tie. I had to get creative.<br /><br />I ended up purchasing a half-yard (more than I needed) of maroon cotton sateen and a spool of gold grossgrain ribbon. I figured I'd adhere the ribbon to the fabric to make stripes. Yes, I'm crazy. But it did work. Here's how I did it all:<br /><br />I started by following the <a href="http://sewingin-nomansland.blogspot.com/2010/07/all-tied-up-little-tie-and-bow-tie.html">Little Tie Tutorial</a> from <a href="http://sewingin-nomansland.blogspot.com/">Sewing in No Man's Land</a>. I made my pattern on a piece of wrapping paper, cut it out and then pinned it to the fabric:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVHv55OiJZhT2cpxJ8eRV3kE_MR3Sj3cLtZ6gJLjXFy8Pnsh7LcNZff5ahktteKKxcS-ceh_yymik8UeVAZqVvp1GF6dc6mZ0kcMi7Q1XmQOf7KgI1Jkxm9_66-iOj2Ugb_KxLNfbC3c/s1600/P1080787.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVHv55OiJZhT2cpxJ8eRV3kE_MR3Sj3cLtZ6gJLjXFy8Pnsh7LcNZff5ahktteKKxcS-ceh_yymik8UeVAZqVvp1GF6dc6mZ0kcMi7Q1XmQOf7KgI1Jkxm9_66-iOj2Ugb_KxLNfbC3c/s400/P1080787.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010895149810210" border="0" /></a>I ended up cutting it out with pinking shears to prevent any fraying. Now it was time to make the stripes. I cut a bunch of strips of Heat N Bond the same width as my ribbon:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3thXurm84A86cqF32BP5i6zpEGtQAwdoRRLMoMbYDQiam7f1F9kJdBik8DvTuzbcf2CpGQ5ln-wPs3YyPYM_NnHwM8xK1pOyaYtse62G9FiUwg8q1IMEJDuqtLMc31Y8O5tEEka8V9tM/s1600/P1080789.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3thXurm84A86cqF32BP5i6zpEGtQAwdoRRLMoMbYDQiam7f1F9kJdBik8DvTuzbcf2CpGQ5ln-wPs3YyPYM_NnHwM8xK1pOyaYtse62G9FiUwg8q1IMEJDuqtLMc31Y8O5tEEka8V9tM/s400/P1080789.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010699269132658" border="0" /></a><br />Then ironed them to the fabric:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDgJP8M_ZXWdBkCiSBf6zOO1GMyy0m9OtPxzzZsqVNX9w9wO_UBV_feiEDkRNsuonM0AwF4OIsw2EaZBvp_36MSqANsJi1ipT9Jt0DN-ufoGmTnvpvkga-qNw64EIrsnm4Rh2bb0BXFA/s1600/P1080790.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDgJP8M_ZXWdBkCiSBf6zOO1GMyy0m9OtPxzzZsqVNX9w9wO_UBV_feiEDkRNsuonM0AwF4OIsw2EaZBvp_36MSqANsJi1ipT9Jt0DN-ufoGmTnvpvkga-qNw64EIrsnm4Rh2bb0BXFA/s400/P1080790.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010692465063586" border="0" /></a>I cut off the excess so I wouldn't gum up my iron and ironing board. Then I removed the paper backing and ironed the ribbon on. For some reason I didn't take a photo...? Anyway, it was time to hem the bottom of the tie. I deviated from the tutorial and simply folded over the bottom, pinned it:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj44n4PdFrWVBErVzzrTIFJITj-x9Mt4j4tXpWoWDo-ail0FOyDNwG-ICNjlmSiC6eJkRkXtvKwOYpxmdBEeWCSq_0a6XrUY6k1kYtKlg8iyPfKLUDcSUFlFHPmwWfL2VhMztb0tBClNQ/s1600/P1080791.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj44n4PdFrWVBErVzzrTIFJITj-x9Mt4j4tXpWoWDo-ail0FOyDNwG-ICNjlmSiC6eJkRkXtvKwOYpxmdBEeWCSq_0a6XrUY6k1kYtKlg8iyPfKLUDcSUFlFHPmwWfL2VhMztb0tBClNQ/s400/P1080791.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010689225229506" border="0" /></a><br />and sewed it together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhJXFqEcvAKzWK1j-VUDBbB3fMZz4DmoVmVaDorDNssAMWhEFFHAp0WvUHIcP3ojuCB9_y1XSOSHhdy3QTh0YpZtzOadK3bafivaovOR8Cb3B1P-_MhKHVhVm5XO8KRxGS8ccHP0YNuM/s1600/P1080792.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhJXFqEcvAKzWK1j-VUDBbB3fMZz4DmoVmVaDorDNssAMWhEFFHAp0WvUHIcP3ojuCB9_y1XSOSHhdy3QTh0YpZtzOadK3bafivaovOR8Cb3B1P-_MhKHVhVm5XO8KRxGS8ccHP0YNuM/s400/P1080792.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010683382706946" border="0" /></a><br />I did the same thing on the other side and then turned them right sides out and pressed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId8fNf_BR6mKG9qU7ND57cSRe_-cN9UTxrjJQPQ69H1TZ4CK_BZ8dhjct1f9nDp4Nl3lfT6gDk9c2GfmvZx-5t_ltrfjGfmzzv6aoWVtp-l4JFsliQ46vYThzIzOLPYyRAyzh-MfljCs/s1600/P1080793.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId8fNf_BR6mKG9qU7ND57cSRe_-cN9UTxrjJQPQ69H1TZ4CK_BZ8dhjct1f9nDp4Nl3lfT6gDk9c2GfmvZx-5t_ltrfjGfmzzv6aoWVtp-l4JFsliQ46vYThzIzOLPYyRAyzh-MfljCs/s400/P1080793.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535010676670097026" border="0" /></a><br />The next step was to sew the back seam:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6UbHg607it4SpxKkFxofz7yffiChprqnfBAJiSvYCcWfrEAaFAiv7TEwC8iqi4RpbMaqhnjS12yxmpcSsYEgRk9DHFbA05TbZlNDRI-posamWANc-XA2CTawd5J4Bszwj5dzVx98orY/s1600/P1080794.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6UbHg607it4SpxKkFxofz7yffiChprqnfBAJiSvYCcWfrEAaFAiv7TEwC8iqi4RpbMaqhnjS12yxmpcSsYEgRk9DHFbA05TbZlNDRI-posamWANc-XA2CTawd5J4Bszwj5dzVx98orY/s400/P1080794.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005997137835490" border="0" /></a><br />Then turn it right-side out and press:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-x2xs5s7gQo1Ao6YnM3JG3f24SiLLJ-tkyw_VVDhl51FFkblkELfx7SPQ8mJX7Mg1PaoswJdY5_8RlxcDDoe0aI9mNGAjztY-5QtUU6I6wEpMoheXvK9zYL11kM5BLqdQFCR4pzP1i0/s1600/P1080795.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-x2xs5s7gQo1Ao6YnM3JG3f24SiLLJ-tkyw_VVDhl51FFkblkELfx7SPQ8mJX7Mg1PaoswJdY5_8RlxcDDoe0aI9mNGAjztY-5QtUU6I6wEpMoheXvK9zYL11kM5BLqdQFCR4pzP1i0/s400/P1080795.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005992873651202" border="0" /></a><br />Then, following the tutorial, I made a neck band with a strip of the sateen and some velcro. I followed the instructions for turning the tie, but because my fabric was so stiff with the ribbon, I didn't get the look I was going for:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykYMrGTW7wxoSh1wgpvoVBo9H8yNau9anT-O0x5_J4YzKG0VlcQBN6hZo8AynucYxD72gwBYM_FOdKj9Pq60luvM8jVMeAn-MZLJnTltASIkKZYyG7qVfkq6KagCQnQIqWzVx088HbZg/s1600/P1080796.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykYMrGTW7wxoSh1wgpvoVBo9H8yNau9anT-O0x5_J4YzKG0VlcQBN6hZo8AynucYxD72gwBYM_FOdKj9Pq60luvM8jVMeAn-MZLJnTltASIkKZYyG7qVfkq6KagCQnQIqWzVx088HbZg/s400/P1080796.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005989750278754" border="0" /></a>No neat little knot at top. So. I scrapped that idea and did this instead:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEY-_yp00u75MlPQ4vrktSUkFsqbZkPmagYvoteO0jcRG7kgFxBZ6d6guKXUPACi5HPA5jbbhQM5ouSKgPoAELHVR0m03VtSf-0lw2Y4ghi0xjHHBCes62eBF58k1FjkH7DrQMElAfS8/s1600/P1080939.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEY-_yp00u75MlPQ4vrktSUkFsqbZkPmagYvoteO0jcRG7kgFxBZ6d6guKXUPACi5HPA5jbbhQM5ouSKgPoAELHVR0m03VtSf-0lw2Y4ghi0xjHHBCes62eBF58k1FjkH7DrQMElAfS8/s400/P1080939.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005986170553522" border="0" /></a><br />Gasp! I just cut up all my hard work! But it's okay. I took that middle section and turned in the raw edges like so:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6xE4OkV_TEcbA5yjMlBLBJrq6wKozDISJV6xmOy4hUJLahZjTUMjK2FkH1VGIpC3v_N_JgPrAgrs8J4tfD3acfjzfv_1jHXV4OJHLwVA8w-shHpprXrq2nJJG_K7_f-Sj5qS04buPdI/s1600/P1080940.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6xE4OkV_TEcbA5yjMlBLBJrq6wKozDISJV6xmOy4hUJLahZjTUMjK2FkH1VGIpC3v_N_JgPrAgrs8J4tfD3acfjzfv_1jHXV4OJHLwVA8w-shHpprXrq2nJJG_K7_f-Sj5qS04buPdI/s400/P1080940.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005981712686322" border="0" /></a><br />Then I threaded the neck band through it and tacked it in place with a few stitches:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPqHYH10x5oPhZstrn7mPH2BW9c9PkPns88ValXUSemhyphenhypheniqczNLP6SBJcY-4xA7rKaEWckBwEnAY1bmEOK3fV_mjijuGJ0oxqB1jMXn4R8SrnrOyd_aSMHpobJJZDXzAAKNTXKzOv-cU/s1600/P1080941.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPqHYH10x5oPhZstrn7mPH2BW9c9PkPns88ValXUSemhyphenhypheniqczNLP6SBJcY-4xA7rKaEWckBwEnAY1bmEOK3fV_mjijuGJ0oxqB1jMXn4R8SrnrOyd_aSMHpobJJZDXzAAKNTXKzOv-cU/s400/P1080941.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005690660776642" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaK2HCC78bHutrZTL8480K2qFPjvyz_zwvX1w2hMZtz7zEUec9n5f2-VvmJFvsWE8RD-qUWTlA4LoHxk_t9upKKB-cZ-tOww_HMpGmuu9HP9oAOEgTK4Yp9SqubfkLXJsV7nR_RLAQqQ/s1600/P1080942.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaK2HCC78bHutrZTL8480K2qFPjvyz_zwvX1w2hMZtz7zEUec9n5f2-VvmJFvsWE8RD-qUWTlA4LoHxk_t9upKKB-cZ-tOww_HMpGmuu9HP9oAOEgTK4Yp9SqubfkLXJsV7nR_RLAQqQ/s400/P1080942.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005685412085138" border="0" /></a><br />Then I turned it over and tacked the tie at that back center seam:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaK2HCC78bHutrZTL8480K2qFPjvyz_zwvX1w2hMZtz7zEUec9n5f2-VvmJFvsWE8RD-qUWTlA4LoHxk_t9upKKB-cZ-tOww_HMpGmuu9HP9oAOEgTK4Yp9SqubfkLXJsV7nR_RLAQqQ/s1600/P1080942.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaK2HCC78bHutrZTL8480K2qFPjvyz_zwvX1w2hMZtz7zEUec9n5f2-VvmJFvsWE8RD-qUWTlA4LoHxk_t9upKKB-cZ-tOww_HMpGmuu9HP9oAOEgTK4Yp9SqubfkLXJsV7nR_RLAQqQ/s400/P1080942.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005685412085138" border="0" /></a>And folded the bottom in half and tacked that in place:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1rJHxC2Oq6OJD4dkKslFxtEsnu94RwRvZU3rf61oRHtG_wGSuhd1fxY3FLH4A6Z7Pa3WklLXOgmAHFBlmvRRLd1SDWEeiuGZXZ3tHdKFXF7RxugqraockeCzt0OJIAn3ww6-05W3jtE/s1600/P1080943.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1rJHxC2Oq6OJD4dkKslFxtEsnu94RwRvZU3rf61oRHtG_wGSuhd1fxY3FLH4A6Z7Pa3WklLXOgmAHFBlmvRRLd1SDWEeiuGZXZ3tHdKFXF7RxugqraockeCzt0OJIAn3ww6-05W3jtE/s400/P1080943.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005673784154658" border="0" /></a><br />And when you turn it around you have the illusion of a windsor knot:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYAh5kgxP8B2byvsiAEBC16WUXkNQFpIvPgP3sDWh6mgRAAb4XCzqlBuWFMe81x5cN1emWNaLccqyRPpXbn4s6fxPFc5317N_kW1niHsxDwbEDtS-ycee16VBaumed6NMGrJl50nKFig/s1600/P1080944.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYAh5kgxP8B2byvsiAEBC16WUXkNQFpIvPgP3sDWh6mgRAAb4XCzqlBuWFMe81x5cN1emWNaLccqyRPpXbn4s6fxPFc5317N_kW1niHsxDwbEDtS-ycee16VBaumed6NMGrJl50nKFig/s400/P1080944.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005664770938578" border="0" /></a><br />Much better!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfKIsWWEn14dUXCby2_36tniTn0qXOFy9G_A7o82I37lSg2FcuvvL7HABYFb5sGkNmx-nwAzATcx3xZdTeJ6wWP-41NwFX4aV7bl75SHYf87gx_zzvRSV2n2lXok3Nc3QHMvTH0tJgUQ/s1600/P1080947.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfKIsWWEn14dUXCby2_36tniTn0qXOFy9G_A7o82I37lSg2FcuvvL7HABYFb5sGkNmx-nwAzATcx3xZdTeJ6wWP-41NwFX4aV7bl75SHYf87gx_zzvRSV2n2lXok3Nc3QHMvTH0tJgUQ/s400/P1080947.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535005659684097218" border="0" /></a>The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-17432489563140978832010-10-13T23:21:00.000-07:002010-10-13T23:37:29.279-07:00Halloween Costume: Part IThis year Carlie wants to be Hermione Granger (from the Harry Potter series) for Halloween. I need to make her a wizard robe, a Griffindor tie, and a magic wand. I also couldn't help but think a Hermione costume wouldn't be complete without a copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">Hogwarts: A History</span>, since she quotes from that book all the time. So I made one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlSGqpHIciZoXTcUHBT8IKSzHjRyDBk00U08_0FnHfcNI_-tZ4r9xzD4d4mQggT0ekNs4DmyW-W5tMJWvaeilnvp0SMFG2zCgT1vlaZPVY31Vlw9ZHJfTouxrjTz2Pp5c3EbhNsk5VN0/s1600/P1080774.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlSGqpHIciZoXTcUHBT8IKSzHjRyDBk00U08_0FnHfcNI_-tZ4r9xzD4d4mQggT0ekNs4DmyW-W5tMJWvaeilnvp0SMFG2zCgT1vlaZPVY31Vlw9ZHJfTouxrjTz2Pp5c3EbhNsk5VN0/s400/P1080774.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783422674928898" border="0" /></a>I was lucky enough to find a paper mache book (the hollow kind) at Joann and some black corrugated paper in the scrapbook section:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K8IE8aY16n36ACb4pa1MjcUNgUmP-nv_KLuqMA4stcXHxK1nZebbvp0bbqxvsQv7-3_AmmYRnZZn2iy2OjRStP5CC18MlLV0LUPPRlOfUggrlwFqFhV0Kuc2l-6IYdmRaQj1549T8iQ/s1600/P1080766.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K8IE8aY16n36ACb4pa1MjcUNgUmP-nv_KLuqMA4stcXHxK1nZebbvp0bbqxvsQv7-3_AmmYRnZZn2iy2OjRStP5CC18MlLV0LUPPRlOfUggrlwFqFhV0Kuc2l-6IYdmRaQj1549T8iQ/s400/P1080766.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783425221414706" border="0" /></a>I painted the book black with acrylic paint. I dry-brushed gold paint onto the corrugated paper to give the impression of gilded pages. I also painted gold accents on the spine and outer corners and then penciled in the title:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAVrOrvfth4heGg6CKTQBrLih7DY5_mj3MdH6GLlrjKI__X38D3sq-5ZueqHH-xHB0r-pqwPZ5Hh1pHqloZyN2zNkWV6oo_x5QzSfNpDOhBAXZ5uO2JkKmVHW19086u2d-KPbXKVMoU4/s1600/P1080767.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAVrOrvfth4heGg6CKTQBrLih7DY5_mj3MdH6GLlrjKI__X38D3sq-5ZueqHH-xHB0r-pqwPZ5Hh1pHqloZyN2zNkWV6oo_x5QzSfNpDOhBAXZ5uO2JkKmVHW19086u2d-KPbXKVMoU4/s400/P1080767.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783290281087266" border="0" /></a>I had to open an MS Word document and use the Old English font to get the look I wanted. The "H" is really difficult so I Googled "Old English H" and found a simpler version. Then I used a gold paint pen to fill in the letters:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenLjAUWE_oS8El_BqzkDepRE3x-jzXNRncK0VUaumKNKgQTFSK80qkP7Ulg4opC16Hly0DUu2HIMRU3nxOsn05ZUG9tctfWcNwJNKgUOp327djfBIo-k74nMwBd75AzQg6Qwy2hS-DiI/s1600/P1080768.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenLjAUWE_oS8El_BqzkDepRE3x-jzXNRncK0VUaumKNKgQTFSK80qkP7Ulg4opC16Hly0DUu2HIMRU3nxOsn05ZUG9tctfWcNwJNKgUOp327djfBIo-k74nMwBd75AzQg6Qwy2hS-DiI/s400/P1080768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783286785891074" border="0" /></a>Then I measured and cut out strips of the corrugated paper and hot glued them to the sides:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R4NRw4dZCLyS74OGBcX8TmKGfrAjsMhQNibA-LR0G7bPWA7lnPDkppQzcFv74Hzjjor5jimnk6qcKhWTXZTxAzh3wRh2aJ3Tb1BJgUjYp73fgmChi3I68ypZ2Trky6tTo6UfcFXu84A/s1600/P1080770.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R4NRw4dZCLyS74OGBcX8TmKGfrAjsMhQNibA-LR0G7bPWA7lnPDkppQzcFv74Hzjjor5jimnk6qcKhWTXZTxAzh3wRh2aJ3Tb1BJgUjYp73fgmChi3I68ypZ2Trky6tTo6UfcFXu84A/s400/P1080770.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783281607140834" border="0" /></a>You can see it's just a hollow form:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB_AkUD8mfryBhJSa79_ZioOp8sz1syfauokd_R-pO7mOBnCRiyDKjHfwCOcPriLJJK_yB6_-HshJzKALCrbsd6DXONiYi6dlsfS1cNmGLIq4QqALxZtr138LqzJFHHNNf5sHvn6EBdk/s1600/P1080772.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB_AkUD8mfryBhJSa79_ZioOp8sz1syfauokd_R-pO7mOBnCRiyDKjHfwCOcPriLJJK_yB6_-HshJzKALCrbsd6DXONiYi6dlsfS1cNmGLIq4QqALxZtr138LqzJFHHNNf5sHvn6EBdk/s400/P1080772.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783282870036674" border="0" /></a>Good for storing Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans or some Chocolate Frogs. And since it's made of paper and hollow it won't be too heavy to take Trick-or-Treating. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ1DjioF4xE_SSQs34Z2w8VC_YquhCDFQkvVzdlMZApAR6A030a-ZKqb_gn4heEw2tOprL5dfUPAZyi0ac8-dIsStQRUSVJ221eEVCx1qpYae_YC0H_nj2Zn1jA88CIQOliKE50EQIlU/s1600/P1080774.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ1DjioF4xE_SSQs34Z2w8VC_YquhCDFQkvVzdlMZApAR6A030a-ZKqb_gn4heEw2tOprL5dfUPAZyi0ac8-dIsStQRUSVJ221eEVCx1qpYae_YC0H_nj2Zn1jA88CIQOliKE50EQIlU/s400/P1080774.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527783278568879362" border="0" /></a>Yes, I'm insane. For some reason I get a kick out of creating stuff like this. You know, pointless, non-income-generating stuff. Ha ha! But at least now Hermione will be complete.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-21437701026198241992010-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:002010-10-06T08:48:24.562-07:00Spider Puffs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0w7OsvIbhdo1ZPH15ZmhFnV3WxXzzDFxbBtsWjnnjwfJAiBY7_lY3iy2fqdjTcEcwgveUu1oG6eckQ2i1qpmIC0sk07uR7r64F0LlL2BNbRebKr7oV1M9oexCap-M-i5JTzWToYzfRw/s1600/P1080697.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0w7OsvIbhdo1ZPH15ZmhFnV3WxXzzDFxbBtsWjnnjwfJAiBY7_lY3iy2fqdjTcEcwgveUu1oG6eckQ2i1qpmIC0sk07uR7r64F0LlL2BNbRebKr7oV1M9oexCap-M-i5JTzWToYzfRw/s400/P1080697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524955001227734530" border="0" /></a>I made these cute spider puff clips for Caralie to wear this month. I saw something similar at Target and figured I could make my own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W2d0ajlqjeY_Ceu8J-kf5Kkp5rNLipgoNG_YhHYYL3_OFB_rYVFhHsSNAqxLfXOVcUFLgdaYrAYo4YK8x52C1SU-knxnTu_PayvoccrpLt51P-EyWn18aH3IzyEh3UnRW8AmR39Nqo0/s1600/P1080726.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W2d0ajlqjeY_Ceu8J-kf5Kkp5rNLipgoNG_YhHYYL3_OFB_rYVFhHsSNAqxLfXOVcUFLgdaYrAYo4YK8x52C1SU-knxnTu_PayvoccrpLt51P-EyWn18aH3IzyEh3UnRW8AmR39Nqo0/s400/P1080726.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954806938805922" border="0" /></a>The googly eyes are hysterical. And I even gave them their own bows so they could be "girl" spiders. Here's a list of materials needed if you want to make your own:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBf8jJxnVEUJoStkenwtpAc_NYbam1x9l_-ZUx244-Nf_w1OEVLaVwDSYRDJzCBUO4My0wExOizUuKu1fIebz-Fz7JOsXoA9uvMEApaFXijawKifePG_7wCeoLJnW8joTqHWWYx9lA6lg/s1600/P1080682.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBf8jJxnVEUJoStkenwtpAc_NYbam1x9l_-ZUx244-Nf_w1OEVLaVwDSYRDJzCBUO4My0wExOizUuKu1fIebz-Fz7JOsXoA9uvMEApaFXijawKifePG_7wCeoLJnW8joTqHWWYx9lA6lg/s400/P1080682.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954282090545602" border="0" /></a>Super-stiff black glitter felt<br />2" black pom-poms<br />googly eyes<br />light-colored chalk<br />alligator clips<br />4" of 3/8-inch wide black grosgrain ribbon for each clip<br />scissors<br />hot glue and glue gun<br />skinny purple ribbon for bows (if desired)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 1:</span> First draw legs on a piece of cardstock. I based my legs around a quarter-sized circle as seen below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IEIZvC4zd4QxLh9-38S3NU5bd8lnCXJQUFmnqq5R50UggXvV-bfq_7ZyBAG0PddfnGKrWLM9fUF5ayYUr9Y4yaDazqXHXUgmX_ioLzknp54ZP_LejgSH5LDfce_3UbE0FyVxu24DmsA/s1600/P1080698.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IEIZvC4zd4QxLh9-38S3NU5bd8lnCXJQUFmnqq5R50UggXvV-bfq_7ZyBAG0PddfnGKrWLM9fUF5ayYUr9Y4yaDazqXHXUgmX_ioLzknp54ZP_LejgSH5LDfce_3UbE0FyVxu24DmsA/s400/P1080698.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954047450204114" border="0" /></a>Cut out the legs and place on matte side of felt. Rub with chalk:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOC0TaBqq64JsrEW3GmNKD91Nv_uqHq7gM_3L-r1sxzUUlzS2ojPV5gx2XD2BahcDWSqlgete2kZuW4rvPpE44zDwIbqflQJswW-dyDE2eLVBHUQoZtqf2ommvrUq8Pps_NPItQ68ohM/s1600/P1080680.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOC0TaBqq64JsrEW3GmNKD91Nv_uqHq7gM_3L-r1sxzUUlzS2ojPV5gx2XD2BahcDWSqlgete2kZuW4rvPpE44zDwIbqflQJswW-dyDE2eLVBHUQoZtqf2ommvrUq8Pps_NPItQ68ohM/s400/P1080680.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954275635057762" border="0" /></a>Cut out felt legs:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf5YhuQGMNB6CtuUGPsysOYAtQKTruLpPpFGCCr41h5t6AYv1cRWeUW2KXAnOmUqzyKa_46-PPxoeVycDjo9MYdHhM3DTBN3IVQpvGXU7L6g8X1R14V8eAYgVb3FQldx8bFVj12MKuno/s1600/P1080681.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf5YhuQGMNB6CtuUGPsysOYAtQKTruLpPpFGCCr41h5t6AYv1cRWeUW2KXAnOmUqzyKa_46-PPxoeVycDjo9MYdHhM3DTBN3IVQpvGXU7L6g8X1R14V8eAYgVb3FQldx8bFVj12MKuno/s400/P1080681.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954043018195154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 2:</span> Hot glue pom-poms to legs (glitter side up), then hot glue googly eyes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHuGx_KJyP7ylvHJFJTzDmxYL5iJncis9gTDzylhrXxep8XUJSqAHQn2p1fSIlJyQfNZoh4gllhswv1tMQY_fxNyuLXtlY0Fr31wA55aNaFjiwlzjI8wHjbHhOEcam6h_CwqLrmPik48/s1600/P1080691.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHuGx_KJyP7ylvHJFJTzDmxYL5iJncis9gTDzylhrXxep8XUJSqAHQn2p1fSIlJyQfNZoh4gllhswv1tMQY_fxNyuLXtlY0Fr31wA55aNaFjiwlzjI8wHjbHhOEcam6h_CwqLrmPik48/s400/P1080691.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954026451453346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 3:</span> To make ribbon-covered clips like the ones above, hot glue one end of ribbon to bottom of clip as shown and wrap around hinge:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_YA_3zNSJgt773xAiuwB7ZPoA_Kh6Obc7-PnlF5Q4_jEqWZnNZRXrK8HcLvmUqYUnq3TckcFjYmLqmImOypwU9lZUAI0lmdYzX2_GY0AglySf73K2OZLJVcr2eeoTX-HMoY7Y_TsiGY/s1600/P1080683.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_YA_3zNSJgt773xAiuwB7ZPoA_Kh6Obc7-PnlF5Q4_jEqWZnNZRXrK8HcLvmUqYUnq3TckcFjYmLqmImOypwU9lZUAI0lmdYzX2_GY0AglySf73K2OZLJVcr2eeoTX-HMoY7Y_TsiGY/s400/P1080683.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954037883250034" border="0" /></a>Now glue ribbon down to top of clip and wrap under and glue to the inside:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL7uZjKZ1WDqnguDA4UMUv5w-fr34K8HxU31p11b2KDSo22ToEL59aIW6LpH__swd4wgahPHj-xmo5QRtbdQzQMtXfX02wyNq4dXzbUoAsXy6McJkVePQXkOjuy_j6_BkWyivscZre6o/s1600/P1080690.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL7uZjKZ1WDqnguDA4UMUv5w-fr34K8HxU31p11b2KDSo22ToEL59aIW6LpH__swd4wgahPHj-xmo5QRtbdQzQMtXfX02wyNq4dXzbUoAsXy6McJkVePQXkOjuy_j6_BkWyivscZre6o/s400/P1080690.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524954028054137090" border="0" /></a>This gives the clip a little more grip in the hair.<br /><br />Now glue clip to underside of spider:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_rtytP0cb9AE7xuPsuU85EP1IZWyIldKb6nQBXoi8PRQvwgiKAe8CJXbY5XJvwiMyIsNH1ahlkVhAA7NemIBQ87tGEkhebZQUYRPIfeUkQqpkihuRjdhpIqNC6zd67tWc-4NVShPssA/s1600/P1080693.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_rtytP0cb9AE7xuPsuU85EP1IZWyIldKb6nQBXoi8PRQvwgiKAe8CJXbY5XJvwiMyIsNH1ahlkVhAA7NemIBQ87tGEkhebZQUYRPIfeUkQqpkihuRjdhpIqNC6zd67tWc-4NVShPssA/s400/P1080693.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524953767397953698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 4</span> (optional): Make tiny bows and glue to spiders:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pfrm1V0baVIQ0rQNQ4yFXKAJv65qO1236cHCg5M8ZMBHEjkEHgWgyjM87OLLduFqF8Rec49Lc5dtpX3EhFLZxjoO6j6pdIccHTRfh3745e1Iw_UxzZDFDV7DSlRpeuZg5h8XmmpLbTo/s1600/P1080697.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pfrm1V0baVIQ0rQNQ4yFXKAJv65qO1236cHCg5M8ZMBHEjkEHgWgyjM87OLLduFqF8Rec49Lc5dtpX3EhFLZxjoO6j6pdIccHTRfh3745e1Iw_UxzZDFDV7DSlRpeuZg5h8XmmpLbTo/s400/P1080697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524953753662875570" border="0" /></a>Now you have some cutie-patootie spider puffs!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmDdGyQuBXvCsmIsZeDRcTH7-5ndb6OECarPtOSEAGyYVoHyk1XVT1hQkiLa57jvkC9WF8oFu08P29o4UYBmwp99ED_8UxgU0pN10IxA1eJ6ScMOVwMSZ18ISGamwpydZ5rHbh5KCmP8/s1600/P1080726.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmDdGyQuBXvCsmIsZeDRcTH7-5ndb6OECarPtOSEAGyYVoHyk1XVT1hQkiLa57jvkC9WF8oFu08P29o4UYBmwp99ED_8UxgU0pN10IxA1eJ6ScMOVwMSZ18ISGamwpydZ5rHbh5KCmP8/s400/P1080726.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524953748275694034" border="0" /></a>Caralie was so excited to wear these to school today. They even stayed put when she twirled around in her new Halloween skirt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b7tcDjPXrJyGNeOj4NbuFJvDEHwyqftGPJzxLV3Sxq7lsY-obrefHdYaVbJre6-8rmH9QbX93lZ4oYyXETsyUrGnOzm4dLNL6fAslD3b0thoVi85I5rg4qEiIjcZXl-Xa9D9UPe08iw/s1600/P1080728.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b7tcDjPXrJyGNeOj4NbuFJvDEHwyqftGPJzxLV3Sxq7lsY-obrefHdYaVbJre6-8rmH9QbX93lZ4oYyXETsyUrGnOzm4dLNL6fAslD3b0thoVi85I5rg4qEiIjcZXl-Xa9D9UPe08iw/s400/P1080728.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524953745349255538" border="0" /></a><br />I'll post about that skirt later. I made it using the <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-circle-skirt.html">Circle Skirt Tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">MADE</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WBYPJh5aSmTZAP8jKEyKFVNUtI3BN2FLkLqijmFQ-q7zZmBADnY0rM2tp_o28WxtGZiDn6c2XTtVGkqrflGtMyhARF3nrn0DbsqvjQCALA2jsD0_7CAmOIzEjqQ5qDNXgHQHAET8fD0/s1600/P1080730.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WBYPJh5aSmTZAP8jKEyKFVNUtI3BN2FLkLqijmFQ-q7zZmBADnY0rM2tp_o28WxtGZiDn6c2XTtVGkqrflGtMyhARF3nrn0DbsqvjQCALA2jsD0_7CAmOIzEjqQ5qDNXgHQHAET8fD0/s400/P1080730.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524953737237070370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">HAPPY OCTOBER!<br /></span></div>The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-82710863889839383092010-09-22T21:10:00.000-07:002010-09-22T21:31:17.400-07:00Desperation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQnAqHglfJ0rFgTisCnd4qoiubIRyNCnFfVq9NnHjEg0w6fEiUM6zu5hGM6Yktisdh-nud-kWMTI6NBcglZh89kRIEyDgtZ2mC43Kb58c2TY1PdW3PxCAkwGwQ8vtdVO-RRaOJMevX8c/s1600/P1080601.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQnAqHglfJ0rFgTisCnd4qoiubIRyNCnFfVq9NnHjEg0w6fEiUM6zu5hGM6Yktisdh-nud-kWMTI6NBcglZh89kRIEyDgtZ2mC43Kb58c2TY1PdW3PxCAkwGwQ8vtdVO-RRaOJMevX8c/s400/P1080601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519956744855923698" border="0" /></a><br />I live in the desert of Arizona where summer lasts at least 6 months. Some people like this. I do not. Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons (because I've never lived in Wisconsin) and I don't get to truly experience either in this area. Yesterday was the "first day of autumn" technically, but it sure doesn't feel like it here. It's not even on the horizon. So I took matters into my own hands.<br /><br />I bought the two candles seen above. They are the cheap $3 candles from Wal-mart and I LOVE THEM. The one on the right is called Mulled Cider. At first I thought I somehow managed to buy the only candle without a label, but then noticed the other candle says "Easy Peel" and realized that such a directive was most likely irresistible to a certain 6 year old. I bought a Pumpkin Spice candle last year and used up every last drop of wax, so I was glad to see they still carry it. They also have one called Warm Apple Pie that is delicious (I got it last year, too).<br /><br />I'm surprised that such a cheap candle can have such an effective scent, but I'm not complaining.<br /><br />Also on my list of Currently Can't Live Without This and What the Heck Did I Do Before This Came Along:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5e-pZGpi1Eriob-f5vKp89f92P0fK1-LoUWEWcU8cpHtTsayYZKsA8iA6g2SErFK1gzrqyc1WVlaJBKwuByt3BAKdtkKH4Wmm4xErBhaIxGQAJoqSTsaq8DWV3S7J165qkKXJakVDKo/s1600/Caramel-Kettle-Crunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5e-pZGpi1Eriob-f5vKp89f92P0fK1-LoUWEWcU8cpHtTsayYZKsA8iA6g2SErFK1gzrqyc1WVlaJBKwuByt3BAKdtkKH4Wmm4xErBhaIxGQAJoqSTsaq8DWV3S7J165qkKXJakVDKo/s400/Caramel-Kettle-Crunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519959395729051394" border="0" /></a><br />Blue Bell Caramel Kettle Crunch ice cream. If you are local, check Albertson's. Vanilla ice cream with caramel popcorn (and, yes, it's crunchy!) and a caramel swirl. This was brought to a family birthday party recently and I was instantly converted.<br /><br />This ain't half bad either:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYhT1uev_J5bgPWbVM7Rpj4IkEs6fYL3ObOhuJCXfyD-La6XmiEwSf9rc0fOC12HRiXHSR4LalsMx0e1xcim7u30v0Pxy4WfJeDCrsK1E7QtangqR6nkU_uKCj0cqKy7d94D2TUXqEhE/s1600/edys_sc_smores.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYhT1uev_J5bgPWbVM7Rpj4IkEs6fYL3ObOhuJCXfyD-La6XmiEwSf9rc0fOC12HRiXHSR4LalsMx0e1xcim7u30v0Pxy4WfJeDCrsK1E7QtangqR6nkU_uKCj0cqKy7d94D2TUXqEhE/s400/edys_sc_smores.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519959388893269250" border="0" /></a><br />Crappy photo, but delicious ice cream! Too bad it's a limited edition flavor. I hate it when they do that. It's chocolate ice cream with marshmallows, chocolate bits, and a graham cracker swirl. And it's slow-churned, meaning less fat and therefore downright healthy. In a sugary sort of way.<br /><br />So go get some of this fabulousness before Fall really is here and it's too cold for ice cream. Then go light a candle and think of me.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-66674397455631337492010-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:002010-09-23T17:20:53.110-07:00Fun Fall Craft Link!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7GygXyCUZWgki6D1qOqKo6D3c1Py60G7ZrOfQG3iC73tK5bGi07eZInRNp8tKiMGVkZk5FLCI4dKxuFnLEjo9ug5szWYNXAWde_CWJ4HHefJVZNir8Wg1aes44V_puvG2nmH_ovphEA/s1600/wax+fall+leaves.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7GygXyCUZWgki6D1qOqKo6D3c1Py60G7ZrOfQG3iC73tK5bGi07eZInRNp8tKiMGVkZk5FLCI4dKxuFnLEjo9ug5szWYNXAWde_CWJ4HHefJVZNir8Wg1aes44V_puvG2nmH_ovphEA/s400/wax+fall+leaves.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518464297645183234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">It's Fall!!! (Somewhere.)</span><br /></div><br />I found these today on V & Co.'s <a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/">blog</a>. Click on the link for a tutorial for making fall leaves with crayon shavings and wax paper! We've all done it before, but it's nice to have a refresher course so you don't gum up your iron. I think these look fabulous and considering Fall is my favorite season and I don't get to enjoy it here in <s>hell</s> Arizona, I'm making these (maybe tomorrow!) with my daughter so I can at least <span style="font-style: italic;">pretend</span> it's here.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy summer, but I'm a firm believer that summer should last no longer than 3 months (hello, 6+ months in AZ!!) and should never get over 100 degrees in a dry heat or 85 in a wet heat. Does anyone know where that blissful nirvana exists? You know, the place where it only snows in December for Christmas and then stays above 45 for the next 2 months? If you find it, let me know. I may even pay you a finder's fee!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">****************UPDATE***************<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AM2-KSGl-KNMnMiUAUsY4jXFvBLRCYZF-eFbyl8gmVKBKShSjHQsRGhhhLCQz9S7xlkQq7T5yqiD0Jjo0RzKqpyPcXaSh2T6xfWFnL8zANw7hl0l0kp8snE5JaC39fjQ7GjQKGqi7vk/s1600/P1080626.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AM2-KSGl-KNMnMiUAUsY4jXFvBLRCYZF-eFbyl8gmVKBKShSjHQsRGhhhLCQz9S7xlkQq7T5yqiD0Jjo0RzKqpyPcXaSh2T6xfWFnL8zANw7hl0l0kp8snE5JaC39fjQ7GjQKGqi7vk/s400/P1080626.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520265670556607474" border="0" /></a><br />Since making these myself, I have a few helpful hints:<br /><ul><li>Instead of using your ironing board, place several sheets of newspaper on your kitchen counter top. You'll have a flatter surface and the newspaper will absorb the wax. I didn't want a waxy towel - not sure how to clean that.</li><li>Your iron needs to be at least as hot as the Rayon setting to get the wax to melt appropriately to spread it around.</li><li>Use a new paper towel with each batch to avoid getting a waxy build-up on your iron.</li><li>Have fun mixing all different colors. Our favorite leaves were a mix of violet red, peach, spring green, and metallic gold. I also did one that was orange and violet that I like as well.</li><li>I ended up making my own leaf template that was a little simpler so that my 6-year-old could cut it out easily. It's only about 3-4 inches across. And I like it!</li><li>We found that the simplest way to shave the crayons (after scraping them with scissors - no fun) is to use the sharpener in the back of a 64-count box. Just open the bottom and pour the shavings onto the wax paper.<br /></li></ul>Now go make some of your own if you haven't already!The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-43000307056325162392010-09-17T01:22:00.000-07:002010-09-17T01:44:26.062-07:00Bridal Shower GiftsI had a bridal shower to go to last weekend. Being the masochist that I am, I decided to <span style="font-style: italic;">make</span> the gift. Aprons are popular right now and I had seen a tutorial for making oven mitts that I wanted to try.<br /><br />I stopped at my local quilt shop and bought some Amy Butler "Love" fabric (<span style="font-style: italic;">totally appropriate</span>) and some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warm-Company-Batting-Insul-Bright-Insulated/dp/B000YZ7CQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1284712571&sr=8-1">Insul-Bright</a>, which is the stuff you line hot pads and oven mitts with. My guess is they have it somewhere at Joann's as well. <br /><br />After more work than I had originally planned, here is the outcome:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAxJVGzQY5YvqZ_E0RTWsGg1fOjg_puKTIpe4F4DCWNpTTEfxYFp95qgVxY-CeBcg-WB3gAwaiYNbbDMcYk-wZ9YzDFibBJtjQsuOg9wd5okvBwjNTd_Sq9flzL6TV2MQkkTXLeN4Yck/s1600/P1080569.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAxJVGzQY5YvqZ_E0RTWsGg1fOjg_puKTIpe4F4DCWNpTTEfxYFp95qgVxY-CeBcg-WB3gAwaiYNbbDMcYk-wZ9YzDFibBJtjQsuOg9wd5okvBwjNTd_Sq9flzL6TV2MQkkTXLeN4Yck/s400/P1080569.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517795088654440994" border="0" /></a>Super crappy photos taken just before wrapping the gift. I made these late at night and spent the next day driving all over creation for the Valley of the Sun Quilt Shop Hop and then came home for 5 seconds to wrap the gift and then head to the shower. I was beat. And in no mood to take decent photos with artistic angles.<br /><br />Here are the oven mitts:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-osqD4NcKpeinL_DUAf7NNIePMsmwWrpn2vvE2NY8jD4TN6uTtAuCMbGp4Lhou1CMTE4_HfFM9jLkB925VxInWuDVK01hxFhjekKYv-HGdBKo-DZIMNRPL_4w_u_2vGFJQpaly70HT_U/s1600/P1080571.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-osqD4NcKpeinL_DUAf7NNIePMsmwWrpn2vvE2NY8jD4TN6uTtAuCMbGp4Lhou1CMTE4_HfFM9jLkB925VxInWuDVK01hxFhjekKYv-HGdBKo-DZIMNRPL_4w_u_2vGFJQpaly70HT_U/s400/P1080571.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517795085958880466" border="0" /></a>I love them! I wanted to keep them <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> the apron. You can't tell from the photo but the apron pockets are lined in the red dot from the oven mitts. And I used what was left of the green dot to bind the mitts. I found the <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/09/26/oven-mitt-pattern/">tutorial</a> on <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip to My Lou</a> through <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/">Cluck, Cluck, Sew</a>'s blog. It's pretty darn simple. The most time-consuming part is machine quilting the layers together. I just did diagonal lines, nothing fancy.<br /><br />I used Simplicity pattern <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1514-aprons.aspx">2555</a>, view A, but lined the pockets and made them smaller. I used 1 yard of roses for the apron, facing, and oven mitts; 1/2 yard green dot for the pockets, ties, and binding on the mitts; and 1 fat quarter of red dots for the pocket lining and oven mitts.<br /><br />Together all the fabrics just make me feel happy and I hope she loves them as much as I do.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-15563909029544958612010-09-08T15:36:00.000-07:002010-09-08T16:10:30.467-07:00Making Patches Look DeliberateI bought Caralie an outfit on clearance at Carters while I was in Georgia. It was a solid pink knit top with polka-dot brown shorts. Only when I got home to Arizona did I realize there was a hole in the shirt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsf9g5QCFkUiZUta2AQ5NHhoWDUFnqPD3nTovzPf5_jFRqwEvgbT0UK55J4NA4ZJVmWKbmAf2KwdDuDihVRHf8_57sH2Lzjle76N_cvOMb2eljZcKP9JbcoMax6lD1TgPx6V1N6IfK9k/s1600/P1080555.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsf9g5QCFkUiZUta2AQ5NHhoWDUFnqPD3nTovzPf5_jFRqwEvgbT0UK55J4NA4ZJVmWKbmAf2KwdDuDihVRHf8_57sH2Lzjle76N_cvOMb2eljZcKP9JbcoMax6lD1TgPx6V1N6IfK9k/s400/P1080555.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675953084625458" border="0" /></a><br />It's small and in the bottom-right of the front. I was seriously annoyed, but knew there was a solution. I would just sew a patch over it. Since so many children's clothes have embellishments these days, I knew I could make it look like the patch was <span style="font-style: italic;">meant</span> to be there by adding more than one and artfully arranging them.<br /><br />You can buy pre-made patches and embellishments but I chose to go the cheap route and make my own. Since the coordinating shorts were brown and had colored polka dots, I figured I'd make brown and white hearts with some scrap fabric I had. To help keep the patches in place as I sewed, I used Heat n Bond:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCFwSZM6RpDaK1Ai5bfUiRdo4PxmA_UsPeHBj7T4DaZnwwYnudSrXUtw0g0X7oLth36ZB0JJj8Icxjt0drUPduxisCZD9NSPPJWBLbnLlBq9OAWbUjkj4V2jNrz_wRwEyFGusvu110HI/s1600/P1080561.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCFwSZM6RpDaK1Ai5bfUiRdo4PxmA_UsPeHBj7T4DaZnwwYnudSrXUtw0g0X7oLth36ZB0JJj8Icxjt0drUPduxisCZD9NSPPJWBLbnLlBq9OAWbUjkj4V2jNrz_wRwEyFGusvu110HI/s400/P1080561.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675974476800498" border="0" /></a>You can buy it in a roll ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyl4j9YodR4sb_YiogURZgzu4O96C-0inJmx3TdjrjFfopd461IXNFkoDOx43kt511FGO78LWbEGSi5czZPP_T3O1MaKaRRZhyphenhyphenv8h_DiHCB9Zb2HXTfNWshZEreMxbcDLFUoiczLVP1E/s1600/P1080562.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyl4j9YodR4sb_YiogURZgzu4O96C-0inJmx3TdjrjFfopd461IXNFkoDOx43kt511FGO78LWbEGSi5czZPP_T3O1MaKaRRZhyphenhyphenv8h_DiHCB9Zb2HXTfNWshZEreMxbcDLFUoiczLVP1E/s400/P1080562.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675961516706018" border="0" /></a>... or you can buy it by the yard at any fabric store. Joann usually has the rolls in the notions section and the yardage behind the cutting counter. Use a coupon!<br /><br />MATERIALS NEEDED FOR MAKING PATCHES:<br /><ul><li>matching or coordinating cotton fabric (scraps are fine)</li><li>Heat n Bond</li><li>matching or coordinating thread</li><li>pencil and paper<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 1:</span> Make your patches shapes. Draw them, trace them, or print them on paper. I cut out two sizes of paper hearts:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mA50PAy3u74TD1aSJMpJZn3e8XZHYi9n8ubwvTQyketj9ZZHSbhka092K7ro6ZaQ3MRqwrl5KlvShwsZIUWQnl9nUkjdZcKDEcw_tRlWi8GKhEvD8VD5FskaILiQmL7xwuZ7kLwtiMM/s1600/P1080556.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mA50PAy3u74TD1aSJMpJZn3e8XZHYi9n8ubwvTQyketj9ZZHSbhka092K7ro6ZaQ3MRqwrl5KlvShwsZIUWQnl9nUkjdZcKDEcw_tRlWi8GKhEvD8VD5FskaILiQmL7xwuZ7kLwtiMM/s400/P1080556.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675778934170018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 2: </span> Trace shapes onto the smooth side of Heat n Bond. Keep in mind that the patch will be the reverse image of what you trace, so if you are doing something directional like a letter, make sure you trace it backwards. Iron Heat n Bond to <span style="font-style: italic;">wrong side</span> of patch fabric:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EI2_-29nN_K8aPVgAMy9NaO_wKNEzgiKBDPlqcNpYoi06b8i76Gn4ncJn22KzzALsFp3q5WLeRmxqhtig3p2TlV97zXz7AwVex-zUEY00DyZRqJhslvVoE-Xabc4l11-eVhr9QTPPB8/s1600/P1080557.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EI2_-29nN_K8aPVgAMy9NaO_wKNEzgiKBDPlqcNpYoi06b8i76Gn4ncJn22KzzALsFp3q5WLeRmxqhtig3p2TlV97zXz7AwVex-zUEY00DyZRqJhslvVoE-Xabc4l11-eVhr9QTPPB8/s400/P1080557.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675773960558434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 3:</span> Cut out shapes and peel off backing paper. Place shapes on clothing, adhesive side down, and arrange how you want them. Iron in place:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQs-g6iv5-okXWlbi6TruUqUNxdhlYkvb1U1VvBFKSNDY92tlYd_Q7OMLBiqZj2m4sPfe2jf_BVK7hIdNpFYIElwpd5yIOvVdz6g24VyUAUE4HyFNvCvAorprvfuRE7VqpB6_vD2DdQI/s1600/P1080558.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQs-g6iv5-okXWlbi6TruUqUNxdhlYkvb1U1VvBFKSNDY92tlYd_Q7OMLBiqZj2m4sPfe2jf_BVK7hIdNpFYIElwpd5yIOvVdz6g24VyUAUE4HyFNvCvAorprvfuRE7VqpB6_vD2DdQI/s400/P1080558.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675755067366082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 4:</span> Zig-zag stitch around outer edges of patch:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Iz8Aapt1inlG6UhdBLeA-kS7tyPVTyQ4U5zMw_V2NTDwotEvIhdeh1u_lIQkRXB1-usYsvP_sU6T7l7ajeDAH9bPJLWfj0-AEaHCP2SHLnxRt5jS1wgIgxyWY4LAg8x_UBPzpt-auxU/s1600/P1080559.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Iz8Aapt1inlG6UhdBLeA-kS7tyPVTyQ4U5zMw_V2NTDwotEvIhdeh1u_lIQkRXB1-usYsvP_sU6T7l7ajeDAH9bPJLWfj0-AEaHCP2SHLnxRt5jS1wgIgxyWY4LAg8x_UBPzpt-auxU/s400/P1080559.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675742997106770" border="0" /></a><br />When doing curves, it's best to go slow and pivot, with the needle down, every few stitches. Also, if you are stitching on knit like me, be gentle and try not to stretch the fabric as you sew. For these hearts I used my machine's 3rd zig-zag stitch size and a #2 stitch length:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDm5oFtVro7UVSeK1NwaQzgiphlZfHrWysIvZb1KBEStEX0sCIsJRmrx7iSKJi8qrTh-lsIANKa1jowpaC3z-OD-vUVR6bq3TPcMpASWfAGfe349Y3eSMfCdrqelAqmkuR_Fr4iuXs6k/s1600/P1080563.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDm5oFtVro7UVSeK1NwaQzgiphlZfHrWysIvZb1KBEStEX0sCIsJRmrx7iSKJi8qrTh-lsIANKa1jowpaC3z-OD-vUVR6bq3TPcMpASWfAGfe349Y3eSMfCdrqelAqmkuR_Fr4iuXs6k/s400/P1080563.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514681708103277026" border="0" /></a><br />However, I started and ended each heart on a #0 stitch length and made a few stitches to help the thread stay in place.<br /><br />Once all the hearts were stitched in place, I was done:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsosiHfNI8CUJNggG0ypX5FzNxvdPyb27aRHLdJYqZn5JqxMiv85gtaNOjc91nFfcCj23Y80VsD0781bLqwpRcPgPbGOEQzlhHTED6AF2DSalXHxxtlaRj8MUMg3OWsDiFSg4vpQof78/s1600/P1080560.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsosiHfNI8CUJNggG0ypX5FzNxvdPyb27aRHLdJYqZn5JqxMiv85gtaNOjc91nFfcCj23Y80VsD0781bLqwpRcPgPbGOEQzlhHTED6AF2DSalXHxxtlaRj8MUMg3OWsDiFSg4vpQof78/s400/P1080560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514675725001761810" border="0" /></a>It only took 20 minutes and that was because I let Caralie do the tracing for me and I was also taking photos of my steps. And I actually like the outfit better this way! I'm considering sewing on some colored buttons with the hearts, but it might be too much. What do you think?The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-54604797664830121232010-09-03T23:04:00.001-07:002010-09-04T00:33:48.374-07:00Make an iPod Armband<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAduq7GCBEsGP1caQ7-fspmTbwPud9kGJAm_ifvYRennSin3FDu4VWDz_SgY_f7NhBuCDFdcyqYHttowNZdtRbewMM92CIOm3WSJD-YsRswIpggemou_7wju3ZhNMSpVroVk0uuBo0eMc/s1600/P1080465.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAduq7GCBEsGP1caQ7-fspmTbwPud9kGJAm_ifvYRennSin3FDu4VWDz_SgY_f7NhBuCDFdcyqYHttowNZdtRbewMM92CIOm3WSJD-YsRswIpggemou_7wju3ZhNMSpVroVk0uuBo0eMc/s400/P1080465.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936319155463026" border="0" /></a>My sister gave me an iPod Nano for my birthday this year. She also gave me her old armband so I could wear the Nano while exercising (yeah right) or sewing or cooking or whatever. Eventually the Velcro closures peeled off (they had been glued on) and I figured it was time to buy myself a new armband. Until I had the idea in the middle of the night (don't you love when that happens) that I should just <span style="font-style: italic;">make</span> one. Duh.<br /><br />So that's what I did, as you can see in the above photo. My sister also included one of those little clearish-plasticky-holder-thingies to protect the Nano as you can see in the above photo.<br /><br />On the back there are two slits so you can wear it on your belt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAMwM1m-yoFsRdHGockEIR2g-pDZ0mptHpChe2aK-Rl4Hpgou0TgrJsUdQw_zaLP0pPMopVhy-8F6r9JdS8aXBuG2DY1rvaxP0JK9BMVvluXEONtYvxzs9RN3H8_x4fRSLSjSoCUaAyg/s1600/P1080456.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAMwM1m-yoFsRdHGockEIR2g-pDZ0mptHpChe2aK-Rl4Hpgou0TgrJsUdQw_zaLP0pPMopVhy-8F6r9JdS8aXBuG2DY1rvaxP0JK9BMVvluXEONtYvxzs9RN3H8_x4fRSLSjSoCUaAyg/s400/P1080456.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936303985808418" border="0" /></a>I figured I just needed to make an adjustable armband that had a small ... attachment ... that would slide through the slits and could be fastened down for security. And while I was at it, I thought I'd share my steps so you can make one too, if you are so inclined. This fits an iPod Nano, but I don't see why it wouldn't fit another size model.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please don't make these to sell, this tutorial is shared as an opportunity to make one for yourself or as a gift. This is a project for an intermediate level sewer.</span><br /><br />Here are the necessary supplies:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqjyjHIBE5I_AGXGMNXIBWvBGkkL9Pzq7y-KpH21zupqqHssfIH7nuzERgykuHtG2qvEs9vt6vUIOrVXGiG2kG6ak-R5FygiBjBcPRVHm4OmUDvUSSY7jZwC4Dwo9pUJtqKTkn113Oyg/s1600/P1080449.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqjyjHIBE5I_AGXGMNXIBWvBGkkL9Pzq7y-KpH21zupqqHssfIH7nuzERgykuHtG2qvEs9vt6vUIOrVXGiG2kG6ak-R5FygiBjBcPRVHm4OmUDvUSSY7jZwC4Dwo9pUJtqKTkn113Oyg/s400/P1080449.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936300858285554" border="0" /></a>fabric (I used a fat quarter but you don't need that much - dimensions are listed below)</li><li>fusible fleece (I use Pellon 987F - buy it with a coupon at Joann's, it's often behind the cutting counter)</li><li>matching thread</li><li>6 inches of 3/4-inch-wide Velcro</li><li>iron and ironing board</li><li>needle for hand-sewing<br /></li></ul>The easiest way to cut out the fabric and fleece is with a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and self-healing mat but you can certainly just do it with scissors.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 1: </span>You will cut the fabric and fleece into two pieces, each:<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCQR8dgE4eUciAai8Noo0bQ-bDbfuyMftRhnQiOApJxisLZXvG9nUQEjEbACDvOgTWjuos2bj5s4mO_bcm4xidNFajBjdsq6OxSHBDLlvmbYAtm0fhS1np3_zTlVu-fOhYzpYxIj0vlo/s1600/P1080441.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCQR8dgE4eUciAai8Noo0bQ-bDbfuyMftRhnQiOApJxisLZXvG9nUQEjEbACDvOgTWjuos2bj5s4mO_bcm4xidNFajBjdsq6OxSHBDLlvmbYAtm0fhS1np3_zTlVu-fOhYzpYxIj0vlo/s400/P1080441.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936103876063378" border="0" /></a>Fabric piece A: 5" x 15" *<br />Fabric piece B: 4" x 3.5"<br /><br />Fusible fleece piece A: 4.5" x 14.5" *<br />Fusible fleece piece B: 3.5" x 1.5"<br /><br />*Now, I have skinny/wimpy arms, so you may want to add more inches to the length of Fabric piece A if you have bigger biceps. If you do, <span style="font-style: italic;">add the same amount</span> to the length of Fusible fleece piece A as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 2:</span> Iron fusible side of Fusible fleece piece A to the <span style="font-style: italic;">wrong side</span> of Fabric piece A**, leaving 1/4" all the way around. This is leaving room for your seam allowance:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBCePILBlCAiXicH5bhYnKQRMk0FJD8k2u39Vf80r7N5Altwib5Xr96WzTKOU4xEOjSa_Ejmy08tkygCe04wB-P7eKQt9qLPPJ9zwZOK1IK0YVqGygUMwrppd6oFH1LNVhfQ0hVMozrA/s1600/P1080443.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBCePILBlCAiXicH5bhYnKQRMk0FJD8k2u39Vf80r7N5Altwib5Xr96WzTKOU4xEOjSa_Ejmy08tkygCe04wB-P7eKQt9qLPPJ9zwZOK1IK0YVqGygUMwrppd6oFH1LNVhfQ0hVMozrA/s400/P1080443.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936099320092402" border="0" /></a>**To do this properly, place the fleece on the fabric and adjust for seam allowance as stated above, then carefully flip it over so the fleece is on the bottom and the fabric is right-side up. Then you can fuse it in place with your iron on the "Wool" setting (following the instructions that come with the fleece).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 3: </span> Fold Fabric piece B in half lengthwise, right sides together:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWhvFR9N_vlQUvGDNX9YCNzuoTU3RjhhxI4Aw6MP6sCDzFcmBbrjpKXXUPoSnoEmnNu_iBslju3ZOIc4eAeJDcKhsy9DU3ZvkmTABvzE7HrCIp3Jd2g3nOCRj2BeosBdYlYfrValTgj4/s1600/P1080447.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWhvFR9N_vlQUvGDNX9YCNzuoTU3RjhhxI4Aw6MP6sCDzFcmBbrjpKXXUPoSnoEmnNu_iBslju3ZOIc4eAeJDcKhsy9DU3ZvkmTABvzE7HrCIp3Jd2g3nOCRj2BeosBdYlYfrValTgj4/s400/P1080447.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512954825501090754" border="0" /></a>Now iron Fusible Fleece piece B to Fabric piece B as stated above, with one side of fleece lined up with fold in Fabric piece B and 1/4" around the remaining three sides:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBunDgFwiDLO1H8E7wqlt8wGwwHlPZ1JYuqgFjIGMTVYLf91_OKWTOdCwwnopG28NR3Py_jHCkq9mOnyqbxFL77ZJ9SMTP3JRcxwiTJJK5Xhe5zFse5QwHjgS6X3Bp5rqtwJSoZyxPX0/s1600/P1080448.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBunDgFwiDLO1H8E7wqlt8wGwwHlPZ1JYuqgFjIGMTVYLf91_OKWTOdCwwnopG28NR3Py_jHCkq9mOnyqbxFL77ZJ9SMTP3JRcxwiTJJK5Xhe5zFse5QwHjgS6X3Bp5rqtwJSoZyxPX0/s400/P1080448.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936082411867842" border="0" /></a>(The above photo was blurry, so I added red lines to show the placement of the fleece. The side without a red line is the fold.)<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 4: </span> Fold Fabric piece A in half lengthwise, right sides together, and pin, marking a three-inch opening for turning:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw9kgIDX0aZ51TcxI45WtqvMPuMzmIKiuT1hy-MHNbFjSaI9fFabTAjkVBoVC1TDFq9b6NNzBDqgE7bsg4h1NIGWAF0xInUub1muJ40iSfRe-cGOFuCcgTZpeLM7WAm8BqXc_daHGwXY/s1600/P1080452.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw9kgIDX0aZ51TcxI45WtqvMPuMzmIKiuT1hy-MHNbFjSaI9fFabTAjkVBoVC1TDFq9b6NNzBDqgE7bsg4h1NIGWAF0xInUub1muJ40iSfRe-cGOFuCcgTZpeLM7WAm8BqXc_daHGwXY/s400/P1080452.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512936076370162722" border="0" /></a>The opening will be in the center where the two double-slid pins are, above. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stitch around the unfolded edges except at 3-inch opening. Repeat for Fabric piece B, leaving a 2-inch opening for turning. Clip the corners:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKf9YRoUSofSALtGiI0qG2gVBnYFr71eZuzxx9cq5BGwa0E_XNk_0vJ2tRD_-egfu9-HUW6kt_CqgEEDL5B2lH3pXDDfFKXoqxsuVnIxagw-yCyistwkPV9DxA9m5nCLs3wfxYrMJEYs/s1600/P1080453.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKf9YRoUSofSALtGiI0qG2gVBnYFr71eZuzxx9cq5BGwa0E_XNk_0vJ2tRD_-egfu9-HUW6kt_CqgEEDL5B2lH3pXDDfFKXoqxsuVnIxagw-yCyistwkPV9DxA9m5nCLs3wfxYrMJEYs/s400/P1080453.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935841265973570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />STEP 5: </span> Turn both strips right side out. You can use the tip of a pencil or your scissors to coax the corners to a point. Just do so carefully so you don't poke a hole in the fabric. Press flat:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmqZWA1jUQJz22ktzrbM6kbY9zuwer4p0lGCo329Jk8xj7rfnCJTumb3eYNtYFGsDCzCr6I2I2uoU0XjDKnSd3Qi6XZimO1G_DZ_Oy-0BMktk6lmk0R8oC4h-Qq5rzfz5KZv3Pv0qUaE/s1600/P1080457.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmqZWA1jUQJz22ktzrbM6kbY9zuwer4p0lGCo329Jk8xj7rfnCJTumb3eYNtYFGsDCzCr6I2I2uoU0XjDKnSd3Qi6XZimO1G_DZ_Oy-0BMktk6lmk0R8oC4h-Qq5rzfz5KZv3Pv0qUaE/s400/P1080457.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935833670406754" border="0" /></a>Using needle and thread, hand-sew both openings shut. On your machine, top-stitch around each strip with a 1/4-inch seam allowance:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-xRO5RdJA9uuxB5tHJDRxZsTrWkNRy3DBXPtMN2Y7l0eNDqGoSanXNUHAaYVCntDrFtNiRCdz7Zog55uWriwU5BjEInxJxSOl3VajUdRRdYnrSDqHPzcV_BzUc9VJXB0QDjqat43Jdk/s1600/P1080458.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-xRO5RdJA9uuxB5tHJDRxZsTrWkNRy3DBXPtMN2Y7l0eNDqGoSanXNUHAaYVCntDrFtNiRCdz7Zog55uWriwU5BjEInxJxSOl3VajUdRRdYnrSDqHPzcV_BzUc9VJXB0QDjqat43Jdk/s400/P1080458.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935825644200290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 6: </span> Cut Velcro into 1 set of 5 inch strips and 1 set of 1-inch. Pin rough side of 5-inch Velcro to one side of larger strip A as shown below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGlf_lvRsZK5QyxNjxhBEu8yzofwwArmTHb_XVQvHSWWXCRjJSqmDeBhHJbhyfp5KIkYEsEnlIbi8e4uatPNXTI34ATE-M9pfUuidJ9SjBXa0jKdpygXEb96A-0YTP1M1WyxbrJn7p2I/s1600/P1080459.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGlf_lvRsZK5QyxNjxhBEu8yzofwwArmTHb_XVQvHSWWXCRjJSqmDeBhHJbhyfp5KIkYEsEnlIbi8e4uatPNXTI34ATE-M9pfUuidJ9SjBXa0jKdpygXEb96A-0YTP1M1WyxbrJn7p2I/s400/P1080459.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935822530497074" border="0" /></a>Stitch in place by stitching around edges of Velcro. Pin and stitch soft side of 5-inch Velcro to the opposite side, opposite corner as shown below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqIiAbYanmkBq4R7EWWfBdEdUhAEizVUIM-jVOOsOfQEIljftQd9B3GDD2pdaRZs2fxaVgP9nQgDmDTnuBe9Uoy4rHGvHr1vLi-uPQ-FbN3CtqEYSm_KFJSbGiN-5_yZQUZKM373JNBs/s1600/P1080460.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqIiAbYanmkBq4R7EWWfBdEdUhAEizVUIM-jVOOsOfQEIljftQd9B3GDD2pdaRZs2fxaVgP9nQgDmDTnuBe9Uoy4rHGvHr1vLi-uPQ-FbN3CtqEYSm_KFJSbGiN-5_yZQUZKM373JNBs/s400/P1080460.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935818240548690" border="0" /></a><br />Pin and stitch soft-side of 1-inch Velcro to one end of small strip B as shown:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZT3qnoKxN-fK4q2ERRlk50mX6uU4UxNMOz-dl93au58nHK-B2QOD1ZUfgIWYpCE2cMFoGZF78gY-BndyrzZT6yEnrAMDU3Nz-WeTCtfBb0gCGlJqUJCPKmlXNQ2GkSidLftRJ08B9FA/s1600/P1080461.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZT3qnoKxN-fK4q2ERRlk50mX6uU4UxNMOz-dl93au58nHK-B2QOD1ZUfgIWYpCE2cMFoGZF78gY-BndyrzZT6yEnrAMDU3Nz-WeTCtfBb0gCGlJqUJCPKmlXNQ2GkSidLftRJ08B9FA/s400/P1080461.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935513316178338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 7:</span> With rough-side of Velcro face up on the large fabric strip, pin small strip B Velcro-face down in center of large strip A:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViZh76pZxdyjtF7KgNI_Zih_toS4FxBYAB1A7yB_vB0EWKciGOwmTaBnI8anx169cJiQJ438kSloeXow9LSCm6ByUdHrJTRjIR23-nzcQtaNcd3pl-F9sa7_w5uDtfCvJUCWMoFis63A/s1600/P1080462.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViZh76pZxdyjtF7KgNI_Zih_toS4FxBYAB1A7yB_vB0EWKciGOwmTaBnI8anx169cJiQJ438kSloeXow9LSCm6ByUdHrJTRjIR23-nzcQtaNcd3pl-F9sa7_w5uDtfCvJUCWMoFis63A/s400/P1080462.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935507802057506" border="0" /></a><br />Stitch down <span style="font-style: italic;">only</span> smaller end of small strip B that <span style="font-style: italic;">does not</span> have Velcro underneath:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptL8xssHpqQw4v9YWeZ6acEdggQBTfyovTK8PKDRvd1hiKGrAwbUFmvA_Ob_9fhJeHsBLRvJKjdtYDDVmydYDDonrUH641sggCPZGBt649Xnbp4PFOGex2fw10gOq77HggIlADC6RXBY/s1600/P1080463.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptL8xssHpqQw4v9YWeZ6acEdggQBTfyovTK8PKDRvd1hiKGrAwbUFmvA_Ob_9fhJeHsBLRvJKjdtYDDVmydYDDonrUH641sggCPZGBt649Xnbp4PFOGex2fw10gOq77HggIlADC6RXBY/s400/P1080463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935504030730898" border="0" /></a><br />With small strip A as a guide, pin and stitch rough-side of 1-inch Velcro to larger strip, so the two match, as seen above.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEP 8:</span> Add the iPod!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgrx3sV59X2u01zhzhk55m6wsGvR9AFm2xs1DcuZ0MpDERtYmjqBhkd_rasjSirC96ZqXOUErd4vITAXtnf-k967qRMisMNWRxqCKyuOzp51PrdK1ol99HdsaRO-QZD5NfjLKVrGtFj0/s1600/P1080464.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgrx3sV59X2u01zhzhk55m6wsGvR9AFm2xs1DcuZ0MpDERtYmjqBhkd_rasjSirC96ZqXOUErd4vITAXtnf-k967qRMisMNWRxqCKyuOzp51PrdK1ol99HdsaRO-QZD5NfjLKVrGtFj0/s400/P1080464.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935496691111506" border="0" /></a> Secure the iPod with the Velcro tabs, fasten the band around your arm, and off you go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqONkQk3jbEKJisquHzra5nWM19i_BRLjAfUhyVGpouR4tXGihS_BGF_FXv_bS0uJ_Ic_J9A0v2OGLsRMcV9wvmGAYFF4FQ2Z1VZYZksVBOY5RZXSvm7JXPwb8FNoar4PCwy6stk-J8I/s1600/P1080465.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqONkQk3jbEKJisquHzra5nWM19i_BRLjAfUhyVGpouR4tXGihS_BGF_FXv_bS0uJ_Ic_J9A0v2OGLsRMcV9wvmGAYFF4FQ2Z1VZYZksVBOY5RZXSvm7JXPwb8FNoar4PCwy6stk-J8I/s400/P1080465.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512935490831037202" border="0" /></a>And when your armband gets all sweaty and nasty from exercise (or if you get food on it while cooking) all you have to do is remove the iPod and throw it in the wash! Just make sure to close all the Vecro tabs so it doesn't get caught on your clothes.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-66537241925947968862010-08-26T08:09:00.001-07:002010-08-26T09:33:41.618-07:00The Dress That Wasn't Meant to BePlease forgive me if I sound like I'm tooting my own horn here, but isn't this the cutest little tunic top?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb7cB6Hjjf5zYVhXg9AuKiMOuSGzW-Idakt7uxKWrcVzpzb4-kdxGoQ_nujCNTLVeeHd7VrR8T8ddzR4JRP7pRxUGlzhf_wrohhoD3fY1a_8H9FYIjSjQKrBmG6QYUS-IHhoZ-XYTMo0/s1600/P1080410.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb7cB6Hjjf5zYVhXg9AuKiMOuSGzW-Idakt7uxKWrcVzpzb4-kdxGoQ_nujCNTLVeeHd7VrR8T8ddzR4JRP7pRxUGlzhf_wrohhoD3fY1a_8H9FYIjSjQKrBmG6QYUS-IHhoZ-XYTMo0/s400/P1080410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736556923740178" border="0" /></a>Who would've guessed that a little top could cause so much drama? I worked my butt off trying to make that thing work last night. Read on for the story (prepare yourself - get a snack - it's kind of long):<br /><br />It all started earlier this summer. I found this cute London Lawn by Moda fabric for 40% off at a local quilt store and decided it would make something for Caralie:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWSL_dbsv167EbNrrNdrEJUA1bVBHhC5-aK_dxn30Y4KCYhk8h886I-iw-tIMwj2_XvDGCs0P5hla1kzr9r6WNRwacQEtY-y8HVKWzIl6li7CiimAq-_7qIU-efl1xZyCi5z0nG1Cc3w/s1600/P1080412.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWSL_dbsv167EbNrrNdrEJUA1bVBHhC5-aK_dxn30Y4KCYhk8h886I-iw-tIMwj2_XvDGCs0P5hla1kzr9r6WNRwacQEtY-y8HVKWzIl6li7CiimAq-_7qIU-efl1xZyCi5z0nG1Cc3w/s400/P1080412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509738802976926562" border="0" /></a>Not sure what I would use it for, I bought 1 yard of the pink and a fat quarter of the blue. That was mistake #1. <span style="font-style: italic;">Always buy more than you think you need.</span><br /><br />A month or two later, I decided I would make a dress out of it and bought this pattern from Simplicity for 99 cents from Joann:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjVSp34s59zPmvYTazccLVSPzkMRIluUOLVJAaaWEJGhnnNAka7mSFM_7Dav7IkjGlGhulE4J8RLQThWd2ZsTGwaVolvhCQnzVJ0XnSaYt0aV1EcgW4q6BaeCgx9wt1BqfPhVg1krtKk/s1600/2377.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjVSp34s59zPmvYTazccLVSPzkMRIluUOLVJAaaWEJGhnnNAka7mSFM_7Dav7IkjGlGhulE4J8RLQThWd2ZsTGwaVolvhCQnzVJ0XnSaYt0aV1EcgW4q6BaeCgx9wt1BqfPhVg1krtKk/s400/2377.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509737045182142322" border="0" /></a> See, I thought I would make the pink dress in the top left corner (dress A) and use the blue for accent. However, the pattern calls for 1 and 3/4 yards of fabric. How much did I have? That's right. That was mistake #2. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span>But in my happy and blissfully ignorant creative mind I figured I could just manipulate the pattern placement and still get what I wanted. Ha ha.<br /><br />Fast forward to 4 pm yesterday. I remember that picture day at the school is the next day and have the brilliant idea that I'll make the dress for Caralie to wear! It's a simple enough pattern, it shouldn't take long at all. La la la la la.<br /><br />I lay out my pink fabric and manage to squeeze out what (I think) I need. Hooray! I'm so clever. Those pattern makers don't know what they're talking about.<br /><br />Then I get down to sewing. It's not long before I realize that I actually cut out two bodice backs instead of a bodice back and a bodice front. Mistake #3. Oh no! What am I going to do? Don't panic, let's just lay the bodice front pattern piece on one of the backs and see if it will still work. Miraculously, with a couple of cuts, it works. <span style="font-style: italic;">Whew</span>, I think, <span style="font-style: italic;">that was a close one.</span><br />Ha ha.<br /><br />(Insert making and eating dinner here).<br /><br />I complete the bodice top with sleeves. and sew on the first blue accent. Then I grab the piece for the skirt.<br /><br />Oh crap. I was supposed to cut <span style="font-style: italic;">two</span> skirt pieces, not one. And all I have left of the pink fabric is a 6-inch strip. Mistake #4. I consider admitting defeat and pray that the quilt shop still has some of the fabric left (doubtful). I have to notify Caralie that she won't be wearing her new dress tomorrow after all. She is sad, but sees the look in my face and tries to console <span style="font-style: italic;">me</span> as I put her to bed. As she says her prayers I am filled with a frantic new idea. What if I run to Joann and find a coordinating fabric? Then I could make the tiered version of the dress (dress C)!<br /><br />I look at the clock: it's 8:35 pm. Joann closes at 9 pm. I grab my purse, pattern, and fabric and motor over to the store as fast as legally possible. I get there with 15 minutes to spare and head back to the cotton calico section. Serendipitously, there is a bolt of pink polka-dot fabric just sitting on top of a row of quilting fabrics, waiting for me. It's the same pink!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPURWyIp0AQ249al2kVYJxZoZ2tmC6xsyq72v9NKak799cab1oK0bcQqHM8ySYI7Sx4dSezzoHfOH53cVXBzuDuoFxLhdOQ_Jbdz1G0_KrQTmTJrE5Dsa0-61JncyEvDTiXHPYQBzh47E/s1600/P1080413.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPURWyIp0AQ249al2kVYJxZoZ2tmC6xsyq72v9NKak799cab1oK0bcQqHM8ySYI7Sx4dSezzoHfOH53cVXBzuDuoFxLhdOQ_Jbdz1G0_KrQTmTJrE5Dsa0-61JncyEvDTiXHPYQBzh47E/s400/P1080413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509747353691116098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Miracle fabric!!!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This time there is no questioning authority. I buy 5/8 of a yard just like the pattern says and walk out quite content with this turn of events. After a quick stop at the grocery store to get my husband some tortilla chips, I return home and lay out the fabric.<br /><br />I pin the relatively small pattern piece for the tier and think, why on earth do they ask for so much fabric? Whatever. I'm not complaining. I cut the piece out.<br /><br />Then I need to cut the second tier out of the original skirt piece. It just barely fits. Another miracle. I gather this piece and sew it to the second tier.<br /><br />Hmm, it doesn't look as full as I thought it would be... I hold it up to the bodice and what do you know? Mistake #5! I was supposed to cut <span style="font-style: italic;">two</span> pieces for each tier, not one! Have I seriously made this mistake a <span style="font-style: italic;">second</span> time? And, Oh no! I <span style="font-style: italic;">still </span>don't have enough of the pink floral!<br /><br />(Insert weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.)<br /><br />At this point I am completely beside myself. And then I succumb to the despair.<br /><br />But not completely. Somewhere in the back of my mind a tiny thought is forming that warns me not to give up. Okay, so my attempts at making a dress have been a failure to say the least. But who's to say this has to be a dress? Why not a tunic top?<br /><br />(Cue heavenly music and angelic singing.)<br /><br />It's 11:30 pm but I don't care. I pick out the stitches and pin the second tier to the bodice and sew with my heart on my sleeve and ... it worked. It actually worked. And it's cute.<br /><br />But not cute enough.<br /><br />Go ahead and laugh at me. I blame it on battle fatigue, but I seriously thought the top needed something more. And I think pockets would do it. Cute little gathered pockets. Only I don't know how to make cute little gathered pockets. So I Google and find <a href="http://www.uniquepatterns.com/education/sewing-insider/75">instructions. </a><br /><br />I loosely follow the pattern and instructions (I never learn) and about 45 minute later, it's finally complete:<br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfbMoNjRi4_UTQOLsDqZugzp5IAYZL_hn6fIBfZ6jUondSg-LOgBLdqwTjGcw1rKl03Gfh9Bu-Yil3eGcTlOsX2whfgtZT_wYoolsdq2GInHbRVRtyeQ6V-Jfpjj5liZ5coagUbPzUMc/s1600/P1080400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfbMoNjRi4_UTQOLsDqZugzp5IAYZL_hn6fIBfZ6jUondSg-LOgBLdqwTjGcw1rKl03Gfh9Bu-Yil3eGcTlOsX2whfgtZT_wYoolsdq2GInHbRVRtyeQ6V-Jfpjj5liZ5coagUbPzUMc/s400/P1080400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736552318922354" border="0" /></a>My sweat and tears have finally paid off. I am so happy I could cry. But I'm not done torturing myself, because I decide I need to make a matching hair clip. It's close to, if not already, 1 am and I'm going to make a fabric flower, darn it!<br /><br />I've seen them all over the web, though I first saw them in this <a href="http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/410551.html">pattern</a>. But I made my petals rounded:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbMe8vz3eJCZ9R-mgZ0JZKM4YRg-MpOPO_CTFguPZJhOXl7GnM8RK9Ff6WeN6hN3aIcA_b8vsUllxpHafXT178JqfIwLl-sgGh1FwPj3Q1LFV2YSNk8bl8w-mutBNhdiZg8GsurgqXk0/s1600/P1080401.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbMe8vz3eJCZ9R-mgZ0JZKM4YRg-MpOPO_CTFguPZJhOXl7GnM8RK9Ff6WeN6hN3aIcA_b8vsUllxpHafXT178JqfIwLl-sgGh1FwPj3Q1LFV2YSNk8bl8w-mutBNhdiZg8GsurgqXk0/s400/P1080401.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736436746661346" border="0" /></a>You can find a similar pattern/tutorial <a href="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/pink_paper_peppermints/2008/06/rounded-petal-fabric-flowers-31-crafty-flowers-in-31-days--day-23.html">here</a>. It actually came together very easily and quickly but I was too tired to take photos of my steps, so I'll do a tutorial the next time I make one. Which will probably be soon because, heaven help me, it's so CUTE!<br /><br />Caralie was ecstatic when she woke up. She gave me a big hug and thanked me and that was enough for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhgTBub70o52nZqqY0TplACUkrx5AhIAiT6i1D3GSh12_6QppiXF8VsL0QOC4fusxC7_pyK-CM-Ks136KZbLnep_QjaqBbhUuYA0Ho52c5r2EJXjnHKZXagMnEscFDkVsrrcnGLb6-m0/s1600/P1080402.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhgTBub70o52nZqqY0TplACUkrx5AhIAiT6i1D3GSh12_6QppiXF8VsL0QOC4fusxC7_pyK-CM-Ks136KZbLnep_QjaqBbhUuYA0Ho52c5r2EJXjnHKZXagMnEscFDkVsrrcnGLb6-m0/s400/P1080402.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736458021968642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW3BCqmM6qS30gijetVkHAqnhmEDO52nd4VqyccoKyykEKKAumYaHRrYprq1oZlsxaID5F_0GS0xONrO4W46v8die7FNm_xMgsJoUOXX2QRe_U9cF2cGj97w21ncwIT98M93uW8Jlfl0/s1600/P1080406.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW3BCqmM6qS30gijetVkHAqnhmEDO52nd4VqyccoKyykEKKAumYaHRrYprq1oZlsxaID5F_0GS0xONrO4W46v8die7FNm_xMgsJoUOXX2QRe_U9cF2cGj97w21ncwIT98M93uW8Jlfl0/s400/P1080406.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736445500572338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNXaIHmC0WMJ4org7ZDuPoq4v7KMm3POccIuad3rEgvsrXWmLFuwjcEyv5eN8E0O-C_vvK5hmk6JUImCxMsRrHNIAjoupol57e9pQpb3Tyjspbyqv8h5ssvSQQE0srIV98U-FD48H6TM/s1600/P1080407.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNXaIHmC0WMJ4org7ZDuPoq4v7KMm3POccIuad3rEgvsrXWmLFuwjcEyv5eN8E0O-C_vvK5hmk6JUImCxMsRrHNIAjoupol57e9pQpb3Tyjspbyqv8h5ssvSQQE0srIV98U-FD48H6TM/s400/P1080407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736439058343122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7MSJc7I-HUMUjrRScDwqpmOx9GgB92KUzoZokn1h0zw0cdlYIjFhnX7nZf5z8MBY9uBjcFOxb4zYnM97KXkgthdP3QAqAnIX4gsmYUXuaX1e-sQf1aVB0mQBENqPPgqzhSAYrqbaKdw/s1600/P1080403.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7MSJc7I-HUMUjrRScDwqpmOx9GgB92KUzoZokn1h0zw0cdlYIjFhnX7nZf5z8MBY9uBjcFOxb4zYnM97KXkgthdP3QAqAnIX4gsmYUXuaX1e-sQf1aVB0mQBENqPPgqzhSAYrqbaKdw/s400/P1080403.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509736430189958786" border="0" /></a>Now she's all set for picture day and I'm praying she doesn't get all hot and sweaty before the deed is done.<br /><br />As for me, my eyes are bloodshot and I feel like I've been hit by a bus. I'm going to take a nap.The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259805538146340161.post-47551549993862628212010-07-11T00:14:00.000-07:002010-07-11T00:49:03.240-07:00How it Got StartedMy mom-in-law, Cindy, and I often talked about opening our own Etsy shops and selling handmade items. It would be a nice creative outlet, flexible, and a little income wouldn't hurt. Problem was, I had no idea what to make.<br /><br />I've made several bags and quilted totes as gifts and figured I could come up with my own pattern for something like that, but I was hoping for some variety so I wouldn't become bored.<br /><br />This May I was invited to a baby shower for my friend Kristen and I decided to make her some boutique-style bibs. I had a pattern from the <a href="http://www.twiddletails.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=133&products_id=567">Spring 2010 issue of Quilts and More</a> magazine. At one of my local quilt shops I found some cute, modern fabric and got started. I ended up making her 3 reversible bibs (with velcro closures - I have since moved on to snaps):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3gOWPw-FI0g-aIses4jPZtAjcR8I1mzyWwu4Ec0jhhEwarBDkPssQdLcRS5OV0ZgOR6dpwCKPE2EVf24M3OSmuSLKPRaU1XKNaXQtM5b2J26OX4x4V9F6L_NPFqI5ht6JFXYQ7LJTBE/s1600/P1070584.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3gOWPw-FI0g-aIses4jPZtAjcR8I1mzyWwu4Ec0jhhEwarBDkPssQdLcRS5OV0ZgOR6dpwCKPE2EVf24M3OSmuSLKPRaU1XKNaXQtM5b2J26OX4x4V9F6L_NPFqI5ht6JFXYQ7LJTBE/s400/P1070584.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492544133562373794" border="0" /></a>Sorry for the crappy, flash-washed photos!<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRl2HiSQgvCQRrbok1nMCULMZNF_coYKHwBxoibbsh-kKg7nhFrMoUWlvvBVVy5IGWXpCQq_QunZCExWqw8V-H7DhSM-F43qy3Ad3I0piUO0cF9OLLz0gzli8VPCKPaXxmSK5iTufiFk/s1600/P1070585.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRl2HiSQgvCQRrbok1nMCULMZNF_coYKHwBxoibbsh-kKg7nhFrMoUWlvvBVVy5IGWXpCQq_QunZCExWqw8V-H7DhSM-F43qy3Ad3I0piUO0cF9OLLz0gzli8VPCKPaXxmSK5iTufiFk/s400/P1070585.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492544126235928514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9k3bMzwCjaamJ63tnDlgF7gzMNmYBvioCQ4LFnlTlRvFKNUa5ETbUkuLB7vQmXPoGSZjlcvJda85h5aL27qi7fKmuhXdktW9DW02ePhG9PXQIOSlF6o2iO_pYLtXy2CITadW_nduAAQ/s1600/P1070586.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9k3bMzwCjaamJ63tnDlgF7gzMNmYBvioCQ4LFnlTlRvFKNUa5ETbUkuLB7vQmXPoGSZjlcvJda85h5aL27qi7fKmuhXdktW9DW02ePhG9PXQIOSlF6o2iO_pYLtXy2CITadW_nduAAQ/s400/P1070586.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492544118343532994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLN6ZB2Ib7PLfS26t_O3lm69rESZ7Yw3zqb76dA3IfbnFa3dQON-l8l2L40-grjKJdqqKdaDZmHkY57DW8XNuEGstxg-Gv7QVhTENEb6T-cpI_toYvmHU7FtGFhA1HwjZ7CVVBtBivmo/s1600/P1070587.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLN6ZB2Ib7PLfS26t_O3lm69rESZ7Yw3zqb76dA3IfbnFa3dQON-l8l2L40-grjKJdqqKdaDZmHkY57DW8XNuEGstxg-Gv7QVhTENEb6T-cpI_toYvmHU7FtGFhA1HwjZ7CVVBtBivmo/s400/P1070587.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492544112546102130" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone at the baby shower really liked them and that got me to thinking...maybe I could sell bibs on Etsy? I did a little research and found that many of the bibs on Etsy appeared to be poorly made. I figured I could make a better product and offer it for the same price.<br /><br />Flash forward to this weekend and I've finally stocked my shop. No sales yet, but I'm not freaking out. If I don't have any sales in a month or two, then I'll let myself worry.<br /><br />Personally, I hope this thing kicks off because, so far, I am enjoying working with so many different fabrics and making these things. I'm also doing the quilted totes that I mentioned before and will probably branch out into other things as well (I must be a little ADD). I have the materials to make several baby quilts and will get to those soon, as time allows. <br /><br />It's hard in the summer when the kiddo is home all day and needs attention. I have days where I focus most of my time on sewing and then I have days where I don't sew at all. Some days we sit and watch reruns of the Power Puff Girls and never get out of our pajamas! Pathetic, but enjoyable.<br /><br />I have other personal projects that I am working on or have completed that I will be posting here soon. <br /><br />Well, that's it for now. If you wish to check out my shop, you can click on the Mini Etsy on my left sidebar and it will take you there. I'll be back soon!The Tall Girl Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17974733411264382125noreply@blogger.com0