Baby Hats - TUTORIAL AND PATTERN

  After teaching another serger class today, I realize it's time to post a hat tutorial.  And the timing couldn't be better since  we are headed out to visit my sister in law this weekend who is expecting a baby girl in October.  What could be better than a trio of baby hats!

•  Download pattern: here
• Make sure to select "no scaling" when printing and check the 1 inch square guide.
• Any knit fabric will work, but 100% cotton is the best.  A old, clean t-shirt works great.
• Seam allowance is about 1/4 inch.  Personally, I just use the knife on my serger as my guide.  

The pattern includes 2 different top panels; one for a rounded hat and one for a knot hat.  If you cut some little half circles you can easily make the rounded hat into a eared hat.

These hats are pretty straight-forward and the construction is generally the same.  Sew around the outer edge of the knot hat and the cut edge of the hat bottom.

With wrong sides together, match raw edges of hat bottom and press.

Turn hat upper so the right side is out and press.  Match the raw edges and sew around.  You could leave the bottom unfolded, or fold it up.  Tie a little knot on top and it's done. 

For the rounded hat, fold it in half and sew along angled edge.  Do this for both pieces, then sew around the outer edge, with wrong sides together.  Turn to the right side and finish the same way as described for the knot hat.

For the eared hat, I sewed 2 little half circles, made a little crease and sewed them evenly spaced in between the 2 rounded hat layers. 

 There you have it.  One simple pattern, 3 cute hats. 

Baby Gifts

Lately the days seem to be flying by.  Not sure if it's because it's summer or just because that's life.  My oldest child is starting kindergarten in a few days and though I'm really excited for her, it's also a huge change in our life.  I can't help feeling like before we know it, it'll be high school graduation. 

So in the midst of all the changes, I haven't been blogging too much.  I have some posts planned, but I'm trying to just enjoy the last few days of having my little girl at home. 

I also started listing some backpacks in my shop again, which there has been high demand for with school right around the corner.  This cute turtle pack was a commission from my neighbor.  It's for her sister-in-law who is expecting a new baby boy in a few months.  Since it will be a while before he can actually use it, I added a cute little bib and washcloth set.   

I got the idea to package the washcloths from Dana's burp cloth tutorial.  Definitely gives the set a nice look.

Another friend is expecting a baby in early October, so I made some cute bibs using my Scrappy Baby Bib Tutorial and some matching washcloths.

 I love the colors and the way it all comes together.  Perfect little baby gifts.

Iron On Glitter Sheets - Product Review

I recently received a complimentary box of sample craft products from FashionArtProjects.com.

I was immediately drawn to these iron on glitter sheets. 

Talk about instant gratification! 

Because I'm a sewist at heart, I had to sew the shirts I applied these to, but you could just as easily use a store bought shirt and there would be no sewing involved.

Simply trace your pattern, cut it out, and iron it on.  That simple!

For my son's tank I used Rae's, Flashback Skinny Tee pattern and for my daughter's tank I used Crafterhours', Racerback Dress and shortened it to a top. 

Great patterns and a great product.

Girls Two- Piece Bathing Suit - Tutorial Update

 

If you haven't tried out my Girl's Swimsuit Tutorial, here's some extra motivation.  I'm going to show you how to take the one-piece pattern and make into a two-piece.

Download and print the pattern here

Take the assembled pattern and measure about 1.5inches from the leghole, and draw a line.  I did mine with the back and front together.

Cut and you should end up with pieces that look like this.

When you cut your fabric and lining, add an extra inch so you can turn the hem.

Follow the directions here for a one-piece suit.  Finish the bottoms and top with a 1 inch hem.  

And don't forget to add your finished suit to the Zaaberry Flickr Group. 

Where Does the Time Go....

I'm not sure if it's because it's summer or if it's because life is just busy, but I haven't been able to post all the projects I've been wanting to.  Here's what I've been up to in a nutshell.  I'm hoping I'll get to do a full post on each of these at some point....

After many years, I finally decided it was time to upgrade our playroom/office.  Here's what it looked like before.

 Since the kids were born, we've been using a bookcase for toy storage, and it's not very efficient.  And the walls are boring and not very cleanable. 

 It's a work in progress, but so far I've moved everything out, painted, made a new curtain and finally added a coat of paint and new hardware to a desk I coerced my husband into picking up from the side of the road.  We still need to make a trip to IKEA to buy some storage furniture and a few shelves etc.  I have a few fun projects in mind that you'll be seeing soon.

 I also did a little redecorating on my back, something I've been wanting to do for a while now.  It's a big year for me.  Turning 35 and my baby starting kindergarten.  What better way to celebrate than with some symbolism. 

 I got a whole bunch of oilcloth dirt cheap at a local fabric warehouse and have pictures for a tutorial for this great little pouch.  Hopefully you'll be seeing that soon, along with a quick tute on making the zipper pulls and side labels. 

I was asked to test out some fun craft supplies which included some really fun fabric spray paint.  More on that soon.

And lastly, don't know if you saw my bathing suit tutorial on Prudent Baby, but whoah, what an honor!  In celebration, on Monday I'll post how to take the one piece suit to a two piece.  Much more practical for little ones who go potty frequently.  And definitely more modest than the teeny bikinis out there.  Just not my cup of tea for a 5 year old.  

See you back here on Monday.  

Have a great weekend!

Cloth Diapers

I did a craft fair a while back where someone suggested I start making cloth diapers.  She said "you'll make a killing".  I wasn't really interested in "making a killing" so I kind of filed that idea away.  I didn't use cloth diapers for my kids, so the concept has always been somewhat foreign to me. 

 In thinking about what kinds of classes might be interesting to teach at Beehive Sewing Studio, I revisited the idea. 

Oh my goodness, not only are these easy to make, but also adorable.  They came out so cute, I almost wish we weren't officially done having babies.....not really.

I made an "all in one" type diaper.  It has a 6 layer flannel soaker sewn in under the fleece lining.  I put a layer of PUL (that waterproof diaper fabric you can now buy at Joann) under the knit outer.  For the blue one, the fabric and cool graphic came from a re-purposed shirt.  Can't get more environmentally friendly than that!  There's also an additional 6 layer flannel soaker you can add inside.

So what do you think?  Since I have no experience with them, do you think making these would make a good class? 

I'd love to hear what you think.

Serged Fabric Napkins and Some News

First, the fun news.  There's a new sewing studio opening up nearby and I've been asked to teach a serger workshop.  Beehive Sewing is a cool new concept.  They provide all the tools you need, you bring the fabric and ideas and get to work. 

I get to play with this amazing Babylock serger, which is making my old Janome nervous that it may get replaced soon.  

Teaching on this machine almost feels like cheating since threading is unbelievably easy and switching between regular stitching and rolled hem is as easy as turning a knob and removing a needle.

I was looking for an easy project for the class that would have broad appeal.  My ideas generally relate to kids and babies, which might not appeal to everyone, so my super-smart sister suggested fabric napkins. 

 I sifted through my scrap bin and whipped up a couple.  I LOVE the way these turned out.  So simple, yet so beautiful and practical.  And really doable for a beginner. 

I'd love some suggestions.  What would you like to see in a beginner serger class?

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

I'm so excited to be guest posting as part of Roselee of Jane of All Trades, Summer Salad Series.  If you haven't checked it out yet, it's definitely worth a stop over.  
When it's hot and muggy out, who wants to turn on the stove or oven?  The perfect reason for a summer salad.

Here's what you'll need to make my Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with a honey ginger dressing.

SALAD
salad greens
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1 log of goat cheese
1/2 toasted pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

DRESSING 
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon water
1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and crushed
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Slice the goat cheese into rounds.

Gently roll the rounds in the ground pecans.

Place on a plate and refrigerate while you prepare the dressing.

Mix the oil, honey and water in a measuring cup. 

Grind up your ginger.  I use a mortar and pestle, but you could also shred it. 

Squeeze the ginger in with the oil, honey and water.  Whisk in a little black pepper.

Toss the salad greens, strawberries, onions, and any leftover pecans with the dressing.

Top with the goat cheese rounds.  Pair it with a nice grilled chicken breast and you've got a great summer meal.  

Go check out all of Roselee's great summer salads here. 

What's your favorite summer salad?