Polka Dot Boy

This boy is looking remarkable happy considering he just got home from the doctor after being diagnosed with his first ear infection!

Must be the super cute boy version of Rae's Snowblossom Hat. She posted a great tutorial for this hat which she did for her little girl, embellished with some beautiful flowers.

Here's my boy version of her hat. Don't you love this picture....it looks like he's doing an ad campaign for his yogurt.



I sewed this hat in literally 15 minutes, which is a testament to Rae's great tutorial. I did make a few little changes....I can't help myself.

I didn't want to have a seam in front (and it's one less seam to sew) so instead of the width of each of the 4 fabric (2 for inside, 2 for outside) pieces being:

(Head Circumference + 1")/2

I had 1 piece of fabric (1 for each side that is, inside and outside) with a width of:

Head Circumference + 1/2"

This way I had one long piece of fabric that I sewed into a tube and put the seam in the back of the hat. The rest of the instructions I followed, but didn't cut the top into petals, just did a regular fringe.

I also used a cream colored interlock for my inside instead of fleece. The goal was to make it less bulky, which it is, but the downside is that the interlock slips away from the fleece, so it peeks out more than a fleece lining would. I could have done an edge-stitch all the way around, but I was worried it would stretch it and make it rippled looking.

I do love this fleece. Unfortunately, one of the few boy prints I could find. We need a Celebrate the Boy fabric shop. Any takers?

Anyway, another great tutorial from Made-by-Rae....and very easy too! Thanks Rae!

Fabric Flower Tutorial

I'm getting ready for a craft fair this weekend and wanted to make something that would make a simple cute gift. I've looked at a number of fabric flower tutorials and came up with my own version that borrows a little bit from each. It's VERY easy. Here's what you need:

Some kind of synthetic fabric....I used a polyester/nylon blend
embroidery floss
thread and needle
candle
fabric stiffener (optional)

I first made a pattern since I was going to be doing this many many times. But really, all you need are 4 (or a few more or less) circles that are different sizes.

Next, hold the edge of the fabric above the flame, really in the heat rather than the flame. If you get too close, the fabric will burn, or maybe even catch on fire! Please, be very careful!!

You can see how the edges just curl up. There are a few burned spots, which I think gives it a little texture.

When all your pieces are "ruffled" lay them on top of each other and secure with a simple stitch in the middle.

Next, fold the flower in half and very carefully make 2 small cuts on either side of securing knot, on the bottom of the flower. The cuts need to go through all layers.

Now, we're going to use the embroidery floss to make the stamen, or center of the flower. It's fun to experiment with color here, so be creative.

Cut a piece of embroidery floss about 18 inches long and another that's about 3 inches long. Hold the longer piece between your thumb and forefinger and wrap it around your finger about 15 times (or until you use up all your thread).

Take the shorter piece and thread it through the center of the loops you've just made on your finger.

Tie the shorter piece in a knot to secure the loops, leaving about equal length of thread on either side.
Now, with the loops in the center of the flower, feed each of the ends of the shorter piece of floss through the 2 holes you made in your flower, and tie them in a knot on the bottom to secure the stamen.

This is what the top should look like. Now, you can either leave it like this, which is kind of a neat look, or you can cut the loops.

If you cut the loops, make sure you are cutting in the center. Now you can trim them up or leave them long, whatever you prefer. I found that spraying some fabric stiffener on the center especially gave the flower a more flowery finished look. If you spray the center, and then kind of rub the threads with your fingers, the threads loosen up and have a more natural look.


There you have it! So fun and so easy! And again, this is not an original idea. There are many other flower tutorials out there. I put a few ideas from others together for my own spin on it.

I made my flowers into headbands, barrettes and pins. But you could do a lot of different things with these. Maybe even a smaller version made into a ring. Have fun and send me a picture or leave me a comment if you make some.

Cleaning out the Stash

Over the past year or so, I've dedicated more and more time to sewing. With all the amazing blogs and craft books, I've felt so inspired. But I've learned one thing about myself, I'm a bit scattered and find myself dabbling in different things. I get bored with a project quickly and can't stick to one thing. As a result, my sewing space is full of bins and shelves of different kinds of fabrics and supplies. So, I've decided that I NEED to clean out a little and work with what I've got and try try try to not buy too much new stuff. It's really hard....but so far so good. Here are a few things I've worked on.

I started my craft fair life sewing a simple tunic jumper dress. It's a very fun and easy project, but needed an update. So I added a box pleat to the top and made this cute dress from some red corduroy on my shelf from last Christmas. I especially like the polka dotted facing.

I made another version with a more summery fabric and decided to add a decorative button tab. Can you tell I love polka dots!

Since I've discovered re-purposing, anytime I hit the thrift store, I usually return with armfuls of sweaters for felting and shirts for making shirts for the kids etc. Another new item I've discovered is making onesies from old T-shirts. I love that you can find colors that you might have a hard time finding in a fabric shop. And the elephant applique is really fun!

With all the destashing, I did treat myself to a little bit of new fabric. I bought a yard of this heart print on sale with the intention of making a tunic for my 4 year old, but was also feeling the onesie inspiration. I've got the tunic cut out and should have it sewn up soon....unless I get distracted by another project.....

And now for the shameless plug. All these items are for sale in my esty, shop: www.zaaberry.etsy.com. Click on over and take a look!