Feeds:
Posts
Comments

2013 Strapless Dress Revolution … aka. $35 strapless dresses …

May 3, 2013 by robiedodson

Despite the crazy cold weather we’re having, I’m feeling pretty confident that summer is just around the corner.  I would love for my afternoons to be filled with linen ruffles, pique fabric with strawberries, and all kinds of new dress patterns.  I’m pretty sure  that my afternoons will more likely consist of water bottles and kid conflict resolution.

In light of that – I should probably cram as much sewing in this month as I can, right???!!!

$35 Strapless Dress Revolution…hollah!

Here’s how it’s gonna work:

All dresses will be this style. Some will have a matching sash if no coordinating fabric is available.

All dresses will be this style. Some will have a matching sash if no coordinating fabric is available.

Here are the rules:

1. Purchase HERE via the listing in my Etsy Parsimony Shop.

2. all dresses will be the style you see here.  Dress and matching sash.  You may request a coordinating sash…if possible I will accommodate, but not necessarily.

3. I pick the fabric.  You may give me some guidance (i love cool colors, no black please, etc, but I get to choose.  Don’t worry – I don’t like ugly fabric!)

4. yes, I’ll make it your size.

5. all dresses will be approximately 30″ from underarm to hemline.  This fits pretty much every size/height.  If you need it shorter, let me know.  I cannot, at this price make it longer.  But I still love you.  =)

If you’d like something more custom, please feel free to purchase one of the regular listings in my shop – I’d be happy to create something very unique just for you.  However, if you’d like a darling, versatile, breezy strapless dress for summer – I think I’ve got just what you need!!!

Offer good from May 2, 2013 – May 12, 2013.

PS: I reserve the right to end the sale sooner if my load gets too full.

LYLAS y’all!

Posted in dresses, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Yet another CRAZY EASY and WICKED FAST headband – a free tutorial

May 1, 2013 by robiedodson

Gosh y’all… how are you doing???  I’m sort of living in chaos right now, and I love it!

This post is going to be brief and to-the-point … I know, I know, you don’t believe me.  That’s fine.  I’ve earned your distrust.  However, tonight I’m serious.  I’ve been missing you and missing writing tutorials.  So, despite my chaotic chaos, I wanted to share with you the fastest, easiest headband I’ve come up with yet.  Know what else????

I. Saved. THIRTY DOLLARS!!!  $$$$$$$$

I was shopping lusting  browsing around Anthropologie the other day and I saw these gorgeous headbands.  But are you kidding me right now???  $32????  For something I’m going to put on my overprocessed, frizzy and most likely dirty head of hair?  I’m way too cheap smart for that!

So I ran out to Hancocks.  I found some embellishment ribbon on clearance for $2/yd.  Then, I made myself a cheaper…but I think just as fabulous version.  Judge for yourself…

Image

So, yes, it’s missing the rhinestones. If that’s important to you, you can pretty much buy a Bedazzler for the $29 you’re saving. I purchased the whole yard, but only used 23″.

Image

Besides a needle and thread, the only other thing you need is a pony tail elastic.

Image

It’s incredibly hard to photograph the back of your head by yourself… but what I’m trying to show you is that I used the length from the back of one ear, around the top of my head and over to the back of the other ear. Then give yourself a couple of more inches for the seams. I have a large head, so I used 23″.

Image

Now wrap the ribbon around the elastic forming a casing.

Image

As much as I hate saying this – the next step is to hand sew the casing closed. Maybe your machine can take the width of the ribbon. I’m jealous of you. If not…I can say with honesty that it only takes about 1 minute to sew each side. Repeat with the other side. (I love this photo b/c it shows how I’ve finally stopped biting my nails.  progress!)

Image

I used white thread so you can see it … I just used very simple but sturdy stitches. Nothing time consuming at all. The only real “trick” I used was making sure I had several layers of thread in my needle.

Image

Once you’ve completed the other side, you’ll end of with this little doozie. I love it. Fancy and Casual all in one.

And now for my feeble attempts at photographing the finished product on my head, all the while trying to make sure my craft room looks as clean and cool as possible.

Image

Image

Image

Okay  y’all – here’s the lowdown:

Time: literally THREE MINUTES!  (That includes hand sewing… crazy wonderful)

Cost: $2 … that’s a savings of $29.  Hurry out and get you some matching shoes with that money!!!

Try this….please!!!!

Posted in DIY, TUTORIALS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Honestly EASY lined Curtains – a free tutorial!

April 9, 2013 by robiedodson

I know you’ve heard the addage, “never trust a person who says ‘Trust Me!’”  And for the most part, that might be really good advice.  HOWEVER …. TRUST ME!!!  Today I want to show you how easy it can be to make LINED Curtains …I’ll even go so far as to add Pom Pom fringe and the project still remains EASY!  Trust me.  You can read it  in a creepy voice if you want, but I’m saying it as a true friend-to-friend-who-doesn’t-carelessly-use-the-word-EASY!

Here is what I'm talking about! I used Summer Totem by Anna Maria Horner for my sewing room.

Here is what I’m talking about! I used Summer Totem by Anna Maria Horner for my sewing room.  Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming so I didn’t clean up for you! (actually, I am lying about this…I had a housekeeper yesterday, so SHE cleaned up for you!  But from now on… trust me!)

Let’s get started, shall we?  Here’s a little something to keep in mind if you’re new to my blog.  Most of my projects are designed to be FAST, EASY and INEXPENSIVE.  This means that I cut corners where necessary and possible, and I don’t get bogged down with crazy things like “standard hem lengths.”  Let’s face it… who in the world will ever look behind your curtain and wonder if you used a 7″ hem or a 2″ hem…right???  You can save a lot of money and time by using small/short hems wherever possible.  This is casual sewing, for sure…but the end result looks the same…TRUST ME!!!  Let’s get going…

First you'll need your main (outer) fabric. There is no rule what kind of fabric you need - I love using quilting cotton because it's so soft and hangs beautifully. The downside is that it's only 44" wide - but that's never worried me. Measure how long your finished curtain will be. Then add only about 2 - 4".

First you’ll need your main (outer) fabric. There is no rule what kind of fabric you need – I love using quilting cotton because it’s so soft and hangs beautifully. The downside is that it’s only 44″ wide – but that’s never worried me. Measure how long your finished curtain will be. Then add only about 2 – 4″.

Then, cut out your lining fabric...I cut mine a little bit shorter than my outer fabric. Saves money! Something to note: it's way easier and faster to choose a lining fabric that is the same width as your outer fabric. This way there is no cutting down the length to make it narrower. All you have to do is cut the length. I used Symphony Broadcloth fabric.

Then, cut out your lining fabric…I cut mine a little bit shorter than my outer fabric. Saves money! Something to note: it’s way easier and faster to choose a lining fabric that is the same width as your outer fabric. This way there is no cutting down the length to make it narrower. All you have to do is cut the length. I used Symphony Broadcloth fabric.

Now place the two fabrics on top of each other with right sides facing ... like your making a pillow... align the top edge and the sides remembering that your lining fabric will be shorter than your outer fabric.

Now place the two fabrics on top of each other with right sides facing … like your making a pillow… align the top edge and the sides remembering that your lining fabric will be shorter than your outer fabric.

Now sew the top edge of the curtain together. Stitch all the way. As you can see here, the selvege of my outer fabric sticks out a little further than the lining. If this happens to you, just position the lining so that it's centered on the outer fabric. Make sense?

Now sew the top edge of the curtain together. Stitch all the way. As you can see here, the selvege of my outer fabric sticks out a little further than the lining. If this happens to you, just position the lining so that it’s centered on the outer fabric. Make sense?

Okay, now let's continue sewing this up like we're sewing a pillow by sewing down the two sides of the curtain. Begin about 5 or 6" down from the top and stop at the end of the lining. (You start further down so that you will have a casing for the curtain rod to go through.)

Okay, now let’s continue sewing this up like we’re sewing a pillow by sewing down the two sides of the curtain. Begin about 5 or 6″ down from the top and stop at the end of the lining. (You start further down so that you will have a casing for the curtain rod to go through.)

Now, hem the casing edges by pressing them inside and sewing a straight stitch.

Now, hem the casing edges by pressing them inside and sewing a straight stitch.

 

 

Here's what you'll get.

Here’s what you’ll get.

Now, go to the bottom of your curtain and fold in the last few inches of outer fabric that extend past the lining. (You may be wondering...I choose not to hem the lining because it takes time and is uneccesary. If you prefer a nice hem, you'll want to do that BEFORE sewing the sides...better late advice than no advice, right!?)

Now, go to the bottom of your curtain and fold in the last few inches of outer fabric that extend past the lining. (You may be wondering…I choose not to hem the lining because it takes time and is uneccesary. If you prefer a nice hem, you’ll want to do that BEFORE sewing the sides…better late advice than no advice, right!?)

Almost done y'all! Put the bottom of the curtain on your ironing board and press a small seam...about 2 inches. Sew that hem up!

Almost done y’all! Put the bottom of the curtain on your ironing board and press a small seam…about 2 inches. Sew that hem up!

If you're not adding fringe, then you're almost done...woohoo!!! All you need to do is sew a straight stitch across the top of the curtain about 5 or 6" down from the top ... I always make mine plenty wide so that any size curtain rod will fit through...and it also helps the curtain slide more easily.

If you’re not adding fringe, then you’re almost done…woohoo!!! All you need to do is sew a straight stitch across the top of the curtain about 5 or 6″ down from the top … I always make mine plenty wide so that any size curtain rod will fit through…and it also helps the curtain slide more easily.

You’re finished!!!! Unless……………… Like Me………………. You’re still wanting more!  Go for FRINGE!

I love this stuff. Especially bright yellow! It will up the cost of your project but it's so worth it...even for a cheapie like me!

I love this stuff. Especially bright yellow! It will up the cost of your project but it’s so worth it…even for a cheapie like me!

Before you sew, make sure you tuck the edge inside because this will really unravel on you otherwise. Simply start at the top, and with a wide zig zag stitch, sew it all the way down. Don't forget the double tuck at the bottom too!

Before you sew, make sure you tuck the edge inside because this will really unravel on you otherwise. Simply start at the top, and with a wide zig zag stitch, sew it all the way down. Don’t forget the double tuck at the bottom too!

You'll end up with a little something like this! (I can NOT describe how hard it is for a horrible photographer - aka. ME! - to take good photos in the daylight!)

You’ll end up with a little something like this! (I can NOT describe how hard it is for a horrible photographer – aka. ME! – to take good photos in the daylight!)

Another shot! Oh how these make me giddy! Don't you seriously want to sit down and sew something!?

Another shot! Oh how these make me giddy! Don’t you seriously want to sit down and sew something!?

Last shot ... feeling pretty good you've got the picture of how my curtains look!

Last shot … feeling pretty good you’ve got the picture of how my curtains look!

So there you have it.  It’s a little difficult to capture photos of every step – please email me if you’d like further instructions.  I am a true believer in handmade curtains … I’ll do everything I can to make that possible for you!!!

If you make some – please send me photos …. TRUST ME – I love them!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

robie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in DIY, For Home, TUTORIALS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Napkin Ring Knock-Off … thank you Crate & Barrel for the great idea!

March 19, 2013 by robiedodson

Every once in a while, that magic, life-changing event happens … you know the one I’m talking about.  The event where you have said to yourself, “I could make that”….and later on you ACTUALLY DO!  I haven’t experienced this sort of phenomenon much in my life, I admit, but how I cherish the memories (and the pieces) of when I have!!!

Let me tell you about this most recent happening …

We received a fabulous gift card to Crate & Barrel for Christmas.  I love this gift because it was the first time in a long time I didn’t feel like I was skipping school to roam around the store.  I was there LEGITIMATELY!  We had already purchased a rug online, so while I went to pick up my “ship free to store” purchase, I roamed around to figure out what to do with my remaining $60.

Isn’t it crazy how having NO money = I’M LICKING EVERYTHING IN THIS STORE BECAUSE I WANT IT SO BADLY.

Yet, having ACTUAL money = I CAN’T LET GO OF MY GIFTCARD. NOTHING IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.

Well, among several things … my heart was divided between chalkboard placemats and these darling Napkin Rings:

These are regularly $4 each... on sale at this moment for $3.15 each. Not expensive .. but say it with me, "I-can-make-that!"

These are regularly $4 each… on sale at this moment for $3.15 each. Not expensive .. but say it with me, “I-can-make-that!”

I mean really, aren’t these just so cute.  This photo from the store website doesn’t do them justice.  They’re large, burlap-looking, and so fresh and happy.  (I think these are actually hemp, but I like to pretend they’re burlap)

So, I took a picture, put it in my phone, bought some burlap.  Then I let 3 months pass by.  Then…. last night, the impossible happened.  I MADE THEM!

 

Here is mine. I am completely smitten. If it wasn't burlap, I'd lick it for sure!

Here is mine. I am completely smitten. If it wasn’t burlap, I’d lick it for sure!

Alrighty…for those of you who also like the looks of these, please read on for how to make them yourself!

Cut your strips. Mine were approximately 3" and I cut across the full width of the burlap. Remember - it's burlap! Don't overthink it or try too hard. Just cut that stuff up!

Cut your strips. Mine were approximately 3″ and I cut across the full width of the burlap. Remember – it’s burlap! Don’t overthink it or try too hard. Just cut that stuff up!

You'll also want to cut out felt circles whatever diameter you'd like your flowers to be. Mine are probably about 3"-4" in diameter. I used the lid to a container jar as my template.

You’ll also want to cut out felt circles whatever diameter you’d like your flowers to be. Mine are probably about 3″-4″ in diameter. I used the lid to a container jar as my template.

Now you're going to fold this in half and serge the two sides together. If you don't have a serger, use your overcast stitch ... or, worst case, a zigzag stitch. But come in closely ... you really should use a serger! (good excuse to return that shirt you borrowed from your friend with a serger!)

Now you’re going to fold this in half and serge the two sides together. If you don’t have a serger, use your overcast stitch … or, worst case, a zigzag stitch. But come in closely … you really should use a serger! (good excuse to return that shirt you borrowed from your friend with a serger!)

Your strips will look something like this.

Your strips will look something like this.

Now you're going to start forming your rosette. Have your glue gun ready, heated, and lots of extra glue sticks ready. You'll use about 1 stick per rosette. Start by tucking one end in just a bit and gluing. Now fold that over again and glue. Third, start tucking just a bit and glue. Fourth, begin wrapping and glue as much as you can.

Now you’re going to start forming your rosette. Have your glue gun ready, heated, and lots of extra glue sticks ready. You’ll use about 1 stick per rosette. Start by tucking one end in just a bit and gluing. Now fold that over again and glue. Third, start tucking just a bit and glue. Fourth, begin wrapping and glue as much as you can.

Now, put a HUGE dollop of hot glue right in the center of your circle. Place your rosette as it is right down in it an press. Hold it for long enough for the glue to secure to the burlap. From there, just place a line of glue, twist and stick the burlap. repeat until you get to the end of your circle.

Now, put a HUGE dollop of hot glue right in the center of your circle. Place your rosette as it is right down in it an press. Hold it for long enough for the glue to secure to the burlap. From there, just place a line of glue, twist and stick the burlap. repeat until you get to the end of your circle.

Clip your burlap, leave about 2".

Clip your burlap, leave about 2″.

Fold the tail in and in again then glue to the back of the rosette. All along the way, just glue glue glue. Wherever it needs it, GLUE it!

Fold the tail in and in again then glue to the back of the rosette. All along the way, just glue glue glue. Wherever it needs it, GLUE it!

And here is what you end up with! AAAHH. dreamy. Of course, you can do a million things with this... headbands, curtain tiebacks, wristbands, etc...but I'm making napkin rings, so keep reading for the rest.

And here is what you end up with! AAAHH. dreamy. Of course, you can do a million things with this… headbands, curtain tiebacks, wristbands, etc…but I’m making napkin rings, so keep reading for the rest.

Crate & Barrel used a small strip of hemp plus a dab of velcro for their version. SHUH, as if! That takes WAY too long. So, I got some rick rack. Cut it into 8 equal strips. I think it looks nice and farmhousey, which is what I'm going for in my home. You can use something fancier if you want.

Crate & Barrel used a small strip of hemp plus a dab of velcro for their version. SHUH, as if! That takes WAY too long. So, I got some rick rack. Cut it into 8 equal strips. I think it looks nice and farmhousey, which is what I’m going for in my home. You can use something fancier if you want.

Place a dab of glue right in the center of the back, then place the rick rack on it. Top it off with a heavily glued small felt circle. YOU'RE DONE! Hug yourself.

Place a dab of glue right in the center of the back, then place the rick rack on it. Top it off with a heavily glued small felt circle. YOU’RE DONE! Hug yourself.

Here is your new place setting ... compliments of YOU!!! Are you kidding me?!? i love these!

Here is your new place setting … compliments of YOU!!! Are you kidding me?!? i love these!

I am speechless. Okay, that's never true. But if ever oh ever I were to be speechless, it would be now!

I am speechless. Okay, that’s never true. But if ever oh ever I were to be speechless, it would be now! (Did you notice that by making these myself, I was able to get BOTH the napkin rings AND the chalkboard placemats!?!  It’s good to be a sewer… in this case, a gluer!)

And see how the tiebacks don't even show.

And see how the tiebacks don’t even show.

I hope you’ll make these!  You won’t regret it!!!  And seriously… they’re on sale for cheap.  I won’t judge you for buying them as long as you make the napkins they will hold!  =)

Here’s the breakdown:

TIME: I got lost in a conversation with the young gal that lives with us … but I’m thinking about 10-15 minutes each.  I easily made 4 in an hour, so probably even less.

COST: $3/yd for the burlap.  I bought 1 yard.  About $2.50 for the rickrack and I got all 8 completed with one package. So total cost for all 8 napkin rings…. $5.50!  A great saving compared to the $32 I would’ve spent on these in January!

That’s all I’ve got for today y’all … I’m about to make dinner and let’s just say there’s a reason I don’t write a cooking blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in DIY, felt, For Home, TUTORIALS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Swing Coat sale … $50!

February 5, 2013 by robiedodson

Hey y’all!!!

So, I created this little swing coat as an experiment … not sure what experiment, but I like saying that I conducted one.

It didn’t sell in the month I offered it, so I decided to keep it.  And I wore it.  And I love it.  Buuuutttttt… it’s not the right size for me.

Soooooo… if anyone out there in cyber land likes this swing coat/jacket, you can have it for $50!  Just email me for how to be billed.  (This is a final sale, no alterations or returns)

Size 8 / 10 . Fully lined bodice and skirt. Sleeves are only lined at the pleated cuffs. Machine was cold. Line dry.

Size 8 / 10 . Fully lined bodice and skirt. Sleeves are only lined at the pleated cuffs. Machine was cold. Line dry.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Creating a Cool Kid’s Room Part 2 – How to make a FAST and EASY coverlet

January 29, 2013 by robiedodson

Okay – for those of you who missed the last post – I’m working very hard to create fun and meaningful spaces for my kids’ rooms.  Starting with Owen because he’s my oldest… okay, who am I kidding.  I’m starting with Owen because I like his fabric more!

Here’s my starting point:

hey ... atleast the paint color turned out nicely.

hey … atleast the paint color turned out nicely.

Here’s what transpired first:

I started the room by making his bedding. My hope is that if all else fails, he can easily make his bed and have a nice looking albeit thoroughly trashed room!

I started the room by making his bedding. My hope is that if all else fails, he can easily make his bed and have a nice looking albeit thoroughly trashed room!

Yesterday’s post was about how to make the pillow case – super easy and super fast.  Today… let’s tackle that coverlet!

I have decided that I LOATHE duvets – especially for kids.  I’m sure you’re kids are the epitome of tidy and orderliness; however, mine inherited a few “other” qualities from me.  Hence, a coverlet instead of a duvet.  It’s lightweight but still warm.  Not as warm as a down comforter but a heck-uv-a-lot warmer than just a sheet.  Amen!?!

Here’s how to make it – a free tutorial for ya.

Please feel free to measure your bed... I, however, choose something more exact. I just place my fabric over the bed. Turns out this fabric is exactly the right width. Whew. Let's assume for the sake of this tutorial that yours is too. (If it's not wide enough, that requires an additional step or two - for another day)

Please feel free to measure your bed… I, however, choose something more exact. I just place my fabric over the bed. Turns out this fabric is exactly the right width. Whew. Let’s assume for the sake of this tutorial that yours is too. (If it’s not wide enough, that requires an additional step or two – for another day)

Then, use another scientifically proven method of measuring: put your finger where you'd like to cut your length. Then cut it. Impressed?

Then, use another scientifically proven method of measuring: put your finger where you’d like to cut your length. Then cut it. Impressed?  (don’t forget to cut it about an inch or two longer to make room for the seam allowances)

Next, you'll need to cut your back side fabric the exact same size.

Next, you’ll need to cut your back side fabric the exact same size.

You will also need some form of interlining/batting. You can use either an official form like shown here on the left, or you can use warm fabric. I chose to use some flannel that I had on hand. (This started out as Owen's duvet cover until I got tired of the print. Snaps to me for repurposing, right!?)

You will also need some form of interlining/batting. You can use either an official form like shown here on the left, or you can use warm fabric. I chose to use some flannel that I had on hand. (This started out as Owen’s duvet cover until I got tired of the print. Snaps to me for repurposing, right!?)

Now cut that interlining/batting to the same size too.

Now cut that interlining/batting to the same size too.

Now you're ready to begin assembling your coverlet to be sewn. Start with your interlining. Place it on the floor - it doesn't matter which side is facing up.

Now you’re ready to begin assembling your coverlet to be sewn. Start with your interlining. Place it on the floor – it doesn’t matter which side is facing up.

Next, add your top fabric with the right side facing up.

Next, add your top fabric with the right side facing up.

Then add your back fabric. My fabric is the same on both sides. If yours has a print, be sure to layer it on top with the WRONG side facing up.

Then add your back fabric. My fabric is the same on both sides. If yours has a print, be sure to layer it on top with the WRONG side facing up.

NOTE:  as you can see here, my back fabric is narrower than my outer fabric.  So, I layered the back fabric on top of the outer fabric with only one side lining up.  It will make sense in a minute – just be sure that you do this (instead of centering the fabric).  If your fabrics are the same width, then no problems – just line them up.

Now sew along the side that has all three layers. Again, you should have: back fabric on top wrong side facing up. Outer fabric in the middle with right side facing up. Inner lining on the bottom facing any way.

Now sew along the side that has all three layers. Again, you should have: back fabric on top wrong side facing up. Outer fabric in the middle with right side facing up. Inner lining on the bottom facing any way.

Now, sew the other side together - if your fabrics are different widths, just gently pull the back fabric over to the other side. Turn it right side out, and center everything like you see here.

Now, sew the other side together – if your fabrics are different widths, just gently pull the back fabric over to the other side. Turn it right side out, and center everything like you see here.

 

Now sew up both the short sides - leaving a large hole on one of the sides - just like you would a pillow. (hint: it's a good idea to pin extra well here. The fabrics are heavy and can shift without a good amount of pins. I hate pinning, so if I say you should pin, you should pin. just sayin'.)

Now sew up both the short sides – leaving a large hole on one of the sides – just like you would a pillow. (hint: it’s a good idea to pin extra well here. The fabrics are heavy and can shift without a good amount of pins. I hate pinning, so if I say you should pin, you should pin. just sayin’.)

Reach your hand inside, and turn the whole thing right side out. Yes, you should press the sides - then close up that hole. If you're one of those meticulous types, you can hand sew an invisible seam. I, however, just topstitch it.

Reach your hand inside, and turn the whole thing right side out. Yes, you should press the sides – then close up that hole. If you’re one of those meticulous types, you can hand sew an invisible seam. I, however, just topstitch it.

This is what the backside will look like. Oh how I love it!

This is what the backside will look like. Oh how I love it!

Now put that little darling on your little darliing's bed.

Now put that little darling on your little darliing’s bed.

It really is easy - I wouldn't lie to you!

It really is easy – I wouldn’t lie to you!

And don't forget to add the pillow ... and a coordinating $3 Ikea blanket.

And don’t forget to add the pillow … and a coordinating $3 Ikea blanket.

The options to embellish this thing are endless … I’d love to see what YOU come up with… especially if you make one with ruffles.  wink wink.

Cost: I used about 3 yards of each fabric.  The chevron fabric was $7/yd.  The orange flannel was $3/yd.  The inner lining flannel was $3/yd.  which brings me to a grand total of $39.  Not exactly cheap, but definitely a great price for customized and designer bedding.  If you count the 1/2 yard for the pillow and the $3 blanket, the grand total for this ensemble is $46.50.

Time: I am estimating this took about an hour.  A novice sewer will probably need about 2 hours to just account for checking and double checking.

I hope you found this helpful … I’ve got a lot more planned for this guy’s room … but I just might get distracted by something else first.  Like a new dress!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in boys, DIY, For Home, kids, pillow, TUTORIALS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Creating a Cool Kid’s Room – Starting with a Pillowcase – free tutorial!

January 28, 2013 by robiedodson

Happy Monday y’all!!!

Some of you may have noticed that my Etsy shop is looking more like a poor pitiful shop than an actual clothing store.  OH WELL!!!  I’m having such a great time getting my house in order that I don’t even miss creating new dresses…yet.

This weekend, I began the process of transforming my son’s room into something noteworthy.  In our last home, we kept adding kids so the rooms never quite became anything worth anything.  A quote from the first realtor to visit our old home and tour the kids’ room:  “Oh my.  Hmmmm.  This will have to change.”

Well – I am now determined for that to change!!!  Owen’s room is slated to have matching bedding, a curtained reading nook, curtains for his closet, and actually worthwhile things on his walls. (not that last time he had mis-matched girlie things on his wall, right!?  cough cough)

Image

Above is what I finished this weekend…. AAAAAHHH… it was SO fun!!  My son is only 7 years old so I wasn’t expecting much of a reaction to something as useless to him as fabric on his bed.  WRONG!!!  I was downstairs when he first saw it… I heard something that sounded like Super Bowl screaming coming from his room.  Then I heard, “MOOOOOM!!!  This is the Best Day Ever!!”  Be.  Still.  My.  Heart!  SEW worth it, right!?!

This has brought me such joy, I thought I’d spend the next few blog posts sharing with you how I upped the wow factor in his room.  I’ll share tutorials on easy pillowcases, easy coverlets, and easy fabric curtain panels.  I’m hoping that some of you will find these helpful!

Let’s start with the pillowcase… mostly because it’s fewer photos and that’s all I had time to download today.  (Apparently, the kids’ school thinks they need to be wearing “official” uniforms and not chevron fabric, so laundry has to be done.  UGH!)

Image

If you google “how to make a pillow case”, you’re gonna find all kinds of crazy patterns that take about 14 or 15 steps. Seriously!?! It’s a pillow case. It’s gonna get drool and vomit on it. Why spend a whole day making one!!! Here’s I do it: Grab a pillow case that you already own. lay it on top of the fabric that you want to use. You can see here that my fabric is narrower than the pillowcase I’m using for my pattern, but it’s okay. It’s okay because it’s close enough. If it were much narrower, I probably wouldn’t use it, but since it’s close – bam. I’m using that baby! (also worth noting: I’m able to keep the selvege edges as they are. There is no need to hem them on this fabric. If you need to hem up the opening edges, you’ll need a little bit more fabric than I’m using.)

Image

Be sure you match the folded edges together and the open edges together.

Image

Then cut out your fabric just a bit larger on the sides than your pillowcase pattern. We’re going to do a French Seam, so you’ll want to cut your fabric about 1/4″ or so bigger than you usually would … but just eyeball it. Pillowcases are very forgiving!

Image

A french seam is a seam that enclosed – meaning you can’t see the edges on the inside. It will make sense in a minute. I like to use this seam on pillowcases because they get a lot of laundering. The French Seams keep the inside of the cases nice and tidy. To do it – sew up the sides of the pillow case WRONG SIDE TOGETHER, I know, weird, and use a very narrow seam allowance.

Image

Now, turn your pillow case inside out and press those sides.

Image

Now you will do another seam down the sides. Be sure that your seam allowance it enough to fully encase the seam on the inside. If you do too small of a seam allowance, you’ll have fabric sticking out when you turn it back right side out. Now you have a French Seam Pillow Case.

Image

Since I’m not hemming the selvedge edges (aka: leaving the opening unhemmed), I needed to be sure to reverse stitch my seams extra well and clip those tails very well.

Image

This is kind of a whompy photo – but I wanted to show the inside so you can see the french seam. (at this point, I’m wondering why sometimes I capitalize French Seam and sometimes I don’t. Are you wondering that too?) Anyway, you can see the enclosed french seam on the right.

Image

When you turn it right side out and press the side seams – Here’s what you get!!! I love it. It was super fast … that makes me so happy!

Image

Coming next – how to make that easy coverlet! And I do mean easy!

There you have it y’all… how to make a very fast and easy pillow case!

Breakdown:

Time: I think this took me 15 minutes…and that was with taking pictures.  You CAN DO THIS!!!

Cost: pretty darn cheap.  I used leftover fabric from the coverlet … but lets’ see… I think I used about 1/2 yard of fabric, so for me – $3.50.  YAAAAAAY!

I hope you’ll make a million of these.  Be sure to invite someone over to spend the night just so you can offer them a brand spanking new pillowcase!

Posted in DIY, For Home, kids, patterns, pillow, TUTORIALS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Older Posts »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 705 other followers