Mamas*Little*Treasures

"Flutter Flower" Applique Tutorial by mamas*little*treasures

Flutter Flower

Applique Pattern and Tutorial

by mamas*little*treasures

 

Here’s a sweet way to brighten up a spring day!  Inspired by the gorgeous Ginger Blossom line of fabrics by Sandi Henderson, this appliqué pattern is just perfect with any of the Ginger Blossom fabrics.  Or any fabrics at home in your stash!  I’ve been working on creating little projects that you can do using scraps of fabric you already have on hand, and something that you could finish up in an afternoon while the kids are napping or off at school. So, if you are wanting to tackle a small project to get started sewing, or if you are just looking for a simple, fun, quick and easy project . . . . this is perfect for you! 

You can find the complete tutorial, including directions and instructional photos, on the "Flutter Flower" Applique Tutorial page.

 
  

 

Monday Morning Checking My List

You know, even though I don't always post my TO DO list  here on Mondays like I had originally planned, I still HAVE a list . . . . . somewhere.  Usually in my head.  And, along with that list in my head are many well-intentioned plans.  For instance, I had several blog posts planned (in my head) last week, but then I got busy with my newest project and the days just flew by!  So, I thought I would share with you what is going on around here that has kept me from my blogging. 

A few weeks ago I "accidentally" connected with one of the women who posted a comment here on my blog.  We emailed back and forth a few times and I sent her one of the ebooks that I was offering to my readers.  Then we started talking about different things, such as the "Wardrobe Refashion" website, and then I discovered that she had started a website where you could purchase eBook patterns for quilts and other kinds of crafts / projects.  Well, of course then we talked about having some of my eBook patterns on that site . . . . and then one thing led to another, and I found out that she also had an online women's magazine.  She was the Editor-in-Chief and had several other editors / writers, but she needed some help with marketing the magazine.  

The magazine is called Ruby for Women, and has been around for about a year.  There are six issues per year and they are available through a subscription, or can be purchased as single issues.  That sounded like a fun project that would get me connected with other women who share common interests, and I also have had many opportunities to learn a little bit about online marketing . . . . . so that's what we decided to do!  But then, suddenly, everything sort of got kind of mixed up when she emailed me and told me that she could no longer continue on as Editor-in-Chief and was wondering if I would consider helping out with the WHOLE project!  Well, I had to think about that - but since I do LOVE to write and create, and work with other women, I decided that this just might be what God has for me right now. 

I've been working from home since October, and my online adventures are doing quite well.  But here is another avenue for me to pursue in following my dream of working right here at home.  These girls really need me!  Of course, they need their mama   ;o)   But we are working on reading and math basics, and that really requires my attention in the afternoons.  Working away from home is just not for me (if I can avoid it - and still find a way to help out financially around here!). 

The next issue of Ruby for Women is in the final stages of editing and will be available next week.  I will post a link here so you can see what I've been up to for the past several weeks.  But I am not going to stop writing my eBooks!  I've got several planned and ready to put together.  As soon as this next issue of Ruby is out the door, I'll be back to the eBook writing project.  And I'll definitely share some of my new creations with you all!  Thank you so much for your continued support.  I've been so encouraged by the response I always get to my new designs. 

I will be posting the tutorial for doing a gathering thread with a zig-zag stitch either later this week or next week . .. . .I promise!  Sometimes it takes me a bit longer to get all these little projects finished than I anticipate - I guess some days I still think I'm Wonder Woman   ;o)   But eventually I do get them finished!  So, for now, maybe take a peek at the Ruby for Women blog that will be updated with additional projects, give-aways, challenges, and other opportunities for you to share your crafty little self!  And one more thing . . . . . if you have a poem, or an idea or something you would like to share with me for the Summer issue of Ruby for Women, just leave me a comment.  Let's chat about it!  Have a happy Monday, Nina

Finish up those ruffles . . . . . but don't wait for me! (Ruffle tutorial Part 3)

Here is the final part of the ruffle tutorial.  In this part we will see another way to finish your ruffles, either on the hemline of a skirt, top or pants, or if you have a garment that has a front or back opening where you cannot use one continuous ruffle that connects end-to-end.  This is actually the simplest way I have found to finish off a ruffled pant leg or hemline, because it does not require that you match up the ruffle ends to create a finished edge. 

I have used this technique on capris, especially cute when making a curved hemline, as well as on a little crop top that buttons in the back.  This would make a nice finishing ruffle even for pillows or pillow cases, totebags, aprons, or any other project you are working on that you want to embellish with ruffles. 

Once you have your ruffle-strip made (see part 1 of this ruffle tutorial), mark the center point of the ruffle-strip and the center point of the garment or item where you want to stitch the ruffle.  Match up the centers, raw edge to raw edge with the ruffle facing the OUTSIDE of the garment, and then pin the ruffle to the garment all the way around, or from one side to the other, leaving about 1" - 2" of ruffle-strip free.  

At the center-back seam (or the inner side seam of capris or pants), curve the ruffle-strip DOWN, away from the garment and towards the seam allowance.  Make sure the raw end of both sides of the ruffle are completely below the seam allowance, and match them up as closely as possible.  This is where you have much more latitude in placement, which doesn't require perfectly matched ends.  A little overlap is not a problem. 

Complete stitching the seam between the garment and the ruffle, catching in both raw ends of the curved ruffle-strip. 

Finish the seam either by serging or by using a zig-zag stitch to overlock the raw edges.  Press seam towards the garment, and top-stitch 1/4" from seam line. 
 

This technique works quite well for finishing a top that has a front or back button closure, simply by curving the ruffle ends into the fold of the button placket.  In this case, I curved the ruffle ends in between the inner and outer layers of this reversible crop top.

 

  Here are a few more pictures of garments that I have made using this ruffle technique . . . . it just gives you more options for finishing up those twirly, girly things that you love to make!

  

Wardrobe Refashion: Since I'm doing it anyway . . ..

One of my online friends has reminded me of the website Wardrobe Refashion, and I'm thinking it will be fun to jump into the challenge this winter and see what I can come up with.  Seems it is all about taking something that you already have hanging in your closet, or something that you purchase from a thrift shop, and making it into something else . . . . or at least making it into something different than it's original condition.  And since I love to do that kind of thing anyway, this should be lots of fun!  I suppose this could work with shoes and purses, hats, coats, jackets, skirts, and sweaters as well as dresses and slacks.  How about jeans?  I have several pair of jeans that I've been wanting to rip up, shred, paint on, stitch on, and generally deconstruct and then recreate into something brand new and wonderful.  Guess I better get started because this just might take me the rest of my life! 

I'm also feeling very domestic these days - perhaps it is the limited opportunities I have for getting outside when the temperature is hovering close to zero.  But I've got all kinds of plans for painting and fixing up the inside of our little cottage, and I want to do things like make some pretty pillows for the couch, maybe a coordinating tablecloth for the dining room, kitchen curtains, and perhaps do some fun decorating in the bedrooms.  I know the girls want me to paint their bedroom, so we could find the color they want and then find some coordinating fabric to make curtains, a comforter, and pillows.  Then we can find some fun and funky wallhangings, or maybe make something original, get their closet organized, clean out and sort the clothes in their dresser drawers, organize their books and toys. . . . they what will I do with myself?  After all that I'll probably be too exhausted to do anything else for a while. 

And who said that stay-at-home moms don't actually DO anything all day?  Not this mama!  And all of that is in between doing the laundry, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, cooking, and sweeping the kitchen.  Oh, and keeping clean sheets on the beds.  And homework.  Well, you get the picture.  Besides that, I have an online business to run, which seems to do much better when I actually pay attention to it once in a while.  So much for wondering what I'm going to do with the rest of my life! 

The "Mommy and Me" apron eBooks are on their way, so be sure to let me know if you want me to put you on the list and I"ll send one out to you, too.  Next week I have a couple of other projects and tutorials in mind to share with you.  It occurred to me that there might be some beginning seamstresses (I HATE the word "sewers") who want to try making button holes but perhaps don't have a button hole attachment.  I used to make all of my button holes by hand, and it can still be done if you don't mind doing things the "old-fashioned" way!  Have a wonderful Friday and a blessed weekend, and please be sure to send me pictures of any of your completed projects that you've made using any of my eBook patterns or tutorials.  I would love to share them with the world!  Chat soon, Nina

Finishing those ruffles! Ruffle Tutorial Part 2

Once you have this whole, long strip of ruffled fabric, what are you going to do with it?   If you decide to purchase a ruffler foot, you might want to check out the kind that creates the ruffle and attaches it all in one step.  I've never used that kind, but sure hope to try one soon!  So, if you are still operating (as I frequently do!) about 3 steps behind all of the technological advances of the minute, here are a couple of ways to finish off your ruffles and attach them to your garment, or whatever you happen to be making. 

If I am working with a strip of ruffle that I have created using the "old-fashioned" technique of running a gathering stitch close to the edge of my fabric strip and then pulling up the threads to gather it up, I have found that it works quite well to start by stitching the ends of my fabric strip together to make one continuous circle of fabric / ruffle, BEFORE you fold the strip and run the row of gathering stitches all along the edge of your fabric strip.  You will only do this IF you are going to be attaching your ruffle to a garment at the hemline.  (IF you are going to be using your ruffles as surface embellishment, there is no need to make the circle of fabric) 

Stitch the ends together and finish off the seam either by serging the raw edges or finish with a zig-zag stitch.  Fold and press the strip of fabric and then proceed with the next step.

Run the long running stitch (stitch length of  5.0 on a scale of 0.0 - 5.0) all the way around the edge of the strip, leaving about 6' of thread at the beginning and the end of your stitching to pull up for the gathers. 

Determine the middle front, middle back, and each side of both the garment hemline and the fabric strip and mark with pins.  With right sides together, pin the strip to the garment at the middle front, middle back, and each side. 

Pull the gathering stitches up evenly all the way around this seam line and pin to hold in place.  It is fairly simple to adjust your gathers to make the ruffle fit precisely into the space you have on the garment hemline.  Pin all around, adjusting the gathers so that there are no puckers or bunches or gathers all in one place, making it as smooth as possible all the way around.

 

 

Stitch all the way around, connecting the ruffle strip to the garment hemline. 

 

Make sure all the gathers are even, then stitch again.  Serge the seam, press toward the yoke, and top stitch all the way around the skirt yoke. 

If you are using the ruffled strip as surface embellishment, use the same technique without stitching the ends together to make a circle, and pin the ruffle in place, matking the mid-point on the ruffle and matching it to the mid-point on the garment where you want to place it.  Match up both ends of the ruffle to the ends of your placement, adjust the ruffle gathers, and stitch in place.  Simply turn under the ends of the ruffle and stitch in place to create a finished edge on both ends, or if you are using a raw-edge ruffle, then just leave the ends as raw edges, as well.  It's OK to experiment and try new and different techniques . . . . you might discover something wonderful! 

The finishing technique that I use for attaching ruffles that I have created with the ruffler foot is a bit different, because the ruffler foot will not create a ruffle that is exactly the length that you need it to be . . . . usually!  So there's a trade-off.  You get wonderfully consistent gathers on your ruffle made with the ruffler foot, but I had to figure out a different way to "complete" that circle of ruffle to go around the hemline of a skirt, dress, or pant legs.  Of course, if you are using this ruffle for surface embellishment, just pin a length of your ruffled fabric strip in place and sew it on.  Again, either finish the ends by turning under, pressing, and stitching a narrow hem on either end, or simply leave them raw-edge for a different look. 

However, if you want to use your ruffle made with the ruffler foot on a hemline, here's a technique that I have found that works great:  Use the procedure for marking the mid-point on your ruffle and on your garment.  Starting in the middle (mid-point of ruffle and CENTER FRONT of garment), pin the ruffle all the way around to the CENTER BACK on both sides of the garment. 

Measure the length so that there will be an overlap of approximately 1” and cut off the excess.  Open out one end, and press under as shown to make a finished edge.    Insert the other end of the ruffle into the folded end, pin and top-stitch closed.  Be sure that the edges are even and that you catch both the front and the back folded edges of the ruffle end when you stitch it closed.

 

You can now complete stitching the ruffle to the garment hemline.   Stitch the ruffle to the garment a second time, completely around the circumference, and finish the seam between the ruffle and the garment hemline, either serged or with a zig-zag finish all the way around.  Press this seam toward the garment, and top-stitch approximately 1/4" from the seamline on the outside of the garment, just above the ruffle. 

 

If you are just learning how to do ruffles, this can be a bit tricky at first, trying to figure out exactly how to measure and match up the ruffle to the garment, and there are probably different or even easier ways to finish a ruffle that has been made with a ruffler foot . . . . . actually, I just thought of another way to finish it off, that I can share with you tomorrow . . . but I have found this to be really quite quick and easy after you have done it a few times. 

 

I made lots of mistakes the first several times I was working with ruffles created with the ruffler foot, but you quickly discover how it will work best for you.  I'm one who doesn't mind just giving it a good guess, stitching it on, and then learning what was right or wrong and ripping out the stitches and starting all over again if it's wrong.  I know not everyone is comfortable with that, so I've tried to give fairly precise measurements if that is more comfortable for you.  I also know that there are probably other ways to finish off a ruffle, that might even be easier, but I have always been pleased with the results using this technique, and for me having a beautiful, finished project is very important. 

 

 

So, give it a try and let me know if you have any questions and please be sure to send me pictures of your finished masterpiece!  Now I'm on to finishing up that eBook for making the "Mommy and Me" aprons so I can get it out to you all by tomorrow (well, that's the plan, anyway!)   ~~ Chat soon, Nina

Ruffles are (frequently) a girl's best friend! Ruffle Tutorial Part 1

Back before the CPSA legislation went into effect, I used to make all kinds of ruffly, twirly, girly dresses, pants, jumpers, pinafores, tops, and even ruffled and appliqued jeans.  That was great fun, especially since I had been doing that kind of sewing for many years, and I was also sewing for our two girls anyway.  I discovered that there were lots of other moms and grandmas who liked to buy all that feminine stuff for their own little girls.  Eventually I decided to write up my ideas and designs into eBook patterns so that instead of ME doing all the sewing, I could help other moms do the sewing themselves.  That has been great fun and quite successful, with several of my eBook patterns available for purchase at YouCanMakeThis.com   

Now that there are all of the legal hurdles and obstacles to overcome if one wants to continue to design / create / sew items for children under 12 years old, I just can't be bothered with all of that bureaucracy . . . . so, since I love to write my eBooks and apparently there are a few moms out here who want to learn how to make some of my designs, that will be the best way for me to pursue my love of designing and sewing - and of course, I LOVE to write and chat with anyone who wants to learn how to sew for their children!  One of the questions that I have gotten fairly frequently is on the topic of making those yards and yards of ruffles that everyone seems to want to put on everything. 

I have put together a simple ruffle tutorial, but of course, it will depend completely upon the type of sewing machine you have.  If you have been a seamstress for very long, you probably either have a machine that has a specially fitted ruffler foot, or you have purchased a generic ruffler foot for your machine.  Or, perhaps you have learned how to do ruffles without a ruffler foot . . . . so this tutorial is really for anyone who is a beginner at making ruffles and just doesn't quite know where to start. 

The old-fashioned way that I have always made ruffles is to run a long, running stitch down the length of the fabric that I want to make into a ruffle.  The easiest way to do this, I have found, is to cut a length of fabric TWICE as wide as you want the finished ruffle to be, plus 1/2" for seam allowances, and the length should be approximately 1 /2 - 2 times the length of the finished ruffle you want to create. 

Now, for simplicity, I typically just cut a strip of fabric off of one end of my fabric . . . . . unless I need a REALLY long ruffle (which you will need if you are putting a ruffle all around the hemline of a dress or skirt, for instance) in which case I will cut two or three strips of fabric off of the end of my piece of fabric, DOUBLE the width I want for my finished ruffle, plus the seam allowance of 1/2".  So, that would look like this:  One strip of fabric, approximately 5" wide and 42" long (typically the distance ACROSS the end of a piece of fabric), would make a finished ruffle approximately 2" wide by 21" - 30" long (with 1/2" seam allowance taken from each side of the strip when folded in half lengthwise).  OR, two or three strips of fabric, each 5" wide and 42" long, stitched together end-to-end to make one, long strip, approximately 4" wide and 84" - 126" long. 

Then, fold the strip of fabric in half, lengthwise, so your strip is now 2 1/2" wide, and press.  Of course, if you want a wider ruffle, just make your strip wider by the measurement you want added, just be sure to keep the 1/2" seam allowance for each side of the folded strip.  Now, it depends on whether you want a finished edge ruffle or a raw edge ruffle when you decide where to begin your stitching! 

If you want a finished edge ruffle, you will stitch along the RAW edges (folded together) of your strip, with a running, straight stitch (often called a "gathering" stitch), with the setting on your machine for the longest stitch available.  On my machine, that is a length setting of 5.0 on a scale of 0.0 - 5.0, and "normal" being 2.5 - 3.0.  Run this row of stitching all along the length of your strip of fabric, approximately 1/4" from the RAW edge, from beginning to the end of the strip. 

It is helpful in the beginning if you run TWO rows of stitching along the edge of the strip of fabric, very close to each other but not touching, so that when you pull the gathering stitches up to create the ruffle, you will have a "back-up" thread to pull in case one of the threads breaks.  Eventually, however, you should be able to do this technique with just one row of stitching . . . . when you get a feel for how firmly you can pull on the threads without breaking them!  If you are doing a VERY long strip of fabric into a ruffle, you might want to start and stop the gathering stitch at the end of each section of your strip.  That way, you are more likely to be able to pull the stitches into a ruffle without breaking them. 

Or, if you want a raw edge ruffle, simply reverse the placement of the rows of the long, running, gathering stitch, and place the stitching 1/4" from the FOLDED edge of the strip of fabric.  Then, once you have your  row(s) of gathering stitches running all along one edge of your folded strip of fabric, be sure to leave a few inches of thread on either end for pulling to create the ruffled effect you are looking for.  You can create ruffles that are just slightly gathered, to ruffles that are generously full, or you can create ruffles that are tight and almost "curly" simply by adjusting how closely and tightly you pull the threads. 

It is helpful to tie the threads together on one end, then pull the threads from the other end until you get the look you want, and then adjust the fullness to accommodate the garment to which you will be stitching the ruffle.  That is one major advantage to doing ruffles the "old-fashioned" way.  You can adjust the length of the ruffle to fit whatever you are working with when you create ruffles this way. 

Using a ruffler foot is so much easier and quicker, but you will get a uniform "gathering" on your ruffle (which is a good thing!) but the finished ruffle might not be exactly the length that you need for your garment, and then you will just need to finish the ends differently than you will when you gather your ruffles using this "old-fashioned" technique.  Of course, this really isn't the OLD "old-fashioned" way to make ruffles . . . . you can also make them by running a long, gathering stitch all along the edge of your strip of fabric by hand-stitching, but using the machine for your gathering stitch really does work great! 

You can also do a double-edge ruffle by using the same technique, but stitching your long, running, gathering stitch down the MIDDLE of a strip of fabric.  You could even layer two or three strips of fabric, run the stitching down the middle of the layered strips for a really full double-edge ruffle.  It really just depends on what you are making and the look you want to achieve.  The finished edge, folded fabric ruffle is perfect for trimming the hemline of a skirt, jumper, or dress, or even the hemline of a t-top or blouse, and the hemlines of the legs of jeans. 

The raw edge, folded fabric ruffle is cute for embellishing items along a seamline or down the front of a blouse, or perhaps even down the outer leg seam of a pair of jeans.  Another way that I want to try the double-edge ruffle is on a hemline.  I think it would be a fun addition to a skirt, instead of the more traditiional, finished edge ruffles.  In this picture, I have used the double-edge ruffle along the neckline of a top and then brought it down the front.  I then used the folded, raw edge ruffle (made from a lightweight polyester fabric so it will not ravel or fray) to make a double-rosette that I attached just below the double-edged ruffle at the neckline. 

Now, if you want to use a ruffler foot, it is important to get one that is made for YOUR machine.  My first ruffler foot was a generic make that was made to work on most any machine, and it did a great job.  But I wore it out!  The generic type is not very expensive, and can be purchased at a fabric store or online sewing store.  When I got my Bernina machine, I purchased the ruffler foot that was made specifically for that particular machine and it was much sturdier and easier to attach than my first one. . . . . . but I have now worn that one out, too!  So, I'm in the market for a new ruffler foot! 

The ruffler foot is a little gadget that attaches in place of the regular presser foot on your sewing machine.  The simple version (because I'm not a sewing machine expert or a mechanical genius) is that you run the your folded strip of fabric through the ruffler foot and a little lever pushes another little doo-dad at various intervals, causing a small fold of fabric to slide under the needle when it comes down, thus creating a tiny tuck in the fabric.  This can be set to "tuck" every 12 stitches, every 6 stitches, every single stitch, and so on, depending on the type of ruffler foot you have. 

The tucks, or little gathers, are very uniform and this process is very quick and easy . . . . until your ruffler foot breaks, and then you have to revert to the "old-fashioned" method, like I have been doing for the past two weeks since mine just kind of went on strike.  Here are some links to places you can purchase a ruffler foot, but you might want to give the "old-fashioned" technique a try, just in case you ever have to use it! 

Ruffler Foot:  Home Sew, Inc.

Ruffler Foot:  Nancy's Notions

Ruffler Foot:  Joann's Fabrics

So, there is a quick look at some ways to create all those ruffles.  Later this week, I will post the tutorial for finishing off the ends of your ruffles, both for the ruffles you make with the ruffler foot as well as for the ruffles you create using the "old-fashioned" technique.  Just remember, there are a million and one different ways that seamstresses have been doing these kinds of things over the centuries, and this is just what has worked for me.  I'm sure the professional designers and those who create the couture designs for "Project Runway" might frown on my down-home, "I figured it out myself" techniques, but if you are wanting to sew for your family and don't have the time or the opportunity to go to college to learn how to make a dress for your 4 year old . . . . the simple little tricks that this Mama has been using for a long time really do work quite well! 

Please email me if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer and help you figure out whatever it is that you are working on.  I'm off to finish up the eBook on making those fun little aprons, so come on back later this week so you can make an apron for yourself and maybe one for the little one at your house.  Chat soon, N

 

 

 

Monday Morning: This Week's Projects

Monday Morning update:  I'll be making a couple more of these "Mommy and Me" aprons this week, and then writing up the eBook . . . . . so if you are interested, please leave me a comment and I'll get it out to you as soon as it is finished.   This project will also be included in my eBook, "Handcrafted Happiness," that I am currently working on.  I'll keep you posted on the other projects that will be included in that eBook! 

Later today I will be posting a short tutorial on ruffles. I've received a few requests for information about different techniques for making all those gorgeous ruffles that we all love so much.  I know that there are probably as many different techniques as there are seamstresses out here in the big world of home sewing, but I always love to help beginners in any way that I can.  Especially if you are just learning how to sew and want to make fun, simple, and beautiful clothing for your children or yourself, I am so inspired to offer a word of encouragement. 

 

Off to the studio for the morning, but please check back for the ruffle tutorial, and let me know if you want me to send you the eBook on the "Mommy and Me" aprons later this week.  Have a blessed and productive Monday, and we'll chat later    ;o)  
 

We're almost out of time, but we can still get this finished!

Am I the only one out here who really loves to make gifts, buy gifts, and give gifts . . . . but there just never seems to be enough time, energy, or money to do it all?  This year I decided that it would be fun to make a little something to send to all the grandbabies.  All 10 of them! So, in addition to trying to figure out all this new-fangled stuff that the girls want (DSI?  What the heck is that?  And just exactly HOW did we raise kids, who actually survived, before we had all these doo-dads to entertain our babies and keep them safe???) . . . . I am working on a little project that is fun, simple, and best of all it fits my budget.  Which is pretty small this year, considering the months of unemployment around here. 

So as I was staring at my stash of fabric, I suddenly remembered that I had a bag filled with plain white t-shirts that I bought last year when they were on sale.  And then I remembered that I also had quite a bit of flannel that I had also bought last winter and just didn't have the time to work on.  My little brain started thinking about the sweet  jammies I made for the girls a couple of years ago.  That's when I decided just what I was going to make for all the grandbabies.  Well, they're not ALL babies.  Two of them are 6 years old, two are 5 years old, two are 4 years old, one is 3 years old, one is one year old, and two of them are just a little over a month old.  That does make 10, doesn't it?  Four boys and six girls. 

I pulled out all of the t-shirts and found just about all of the sizes.  Just need to buy a couple more.  And then I started going through the flannel and have just about enough different designs for both boys and girls of various ages.  I think I'll be able to do this project without investing too much more money, but at least I'll be able to invest lots of love and time, and hopefully let them know that they are loved.  And while I'm out in the studio working on each little pair of jammies, I  can say a prayer for that baby that God will protect them as they grow up. 

So I just wanted to share this idea with you, in case you are looking for a last-minute, quick and easy Christmas gift for a little one in your life.  If you received the "Learn to Applique" ebook last week, just use that same technique to apply any design you cut out of some flannel fabric to the front of a plain white t-shirt. 

Then, using any pattern you might have in your collection (or buy a basic pants pattern) to make a super-quick pair of jammie bottoms to match.  I finished up a couple of pair of jammies yesterday afternoon out in the studio. 

Here's what you will need:

Grammie's Jammies

*  1 - 2 yds flannel fabric (depending on the size you are making)

*  1 plain white long-sleeve t-shirt in the size you need to make

*  Sewing machine

*  Scissors

*  Matching thread for sewing and stitching on the applique design

Follow the directions in the applique eBook (or leave a comment here and I will send it out to you!) by cutting out a simple design from your flannel fabric.  Iron on the fusible interfacing to the inside of the shirt, and iron on fusible web to the back of your design.  Press securely in place on the front of the t-shirt, and using an applique stitch (wide, tight zig-zag stitch), stitch all around each of your designs. 

Then, following your pattern for children's simple elastic-waist pants, make your jammie pants in the matching fabric.  Insert the elastic in the waistband, hem up the jammie pants, and there you go! 

Super-dooper simple!   Be sure to leave a comment here if you want me to send out the "Learn to Applique the Simple Way" eBook to you.  And have fun making more holiday gifts from your home, your hands, and your heart!

PS you might want to put each child's initial on the jammie top, at least if you have as many to make as I do, so I can remember which pair of jammies is for each one of the little ones   ;o)  

PPS you might also want to consider making the pantlegs of the jammies a couple of inches longer than needed right now.  That way the pantlegs can be rolled up a turn to make a cuff, and then as the child grows, they can unroll the cuffs and the jammies will still be long enough.   

 

Busy mamas create wonderful holiday memories

Just a quick note to let you all know that I'm working my way through all of your posts and sending out the eBook patterns and tutorials just as fast as I can!  Thank you so much for your wonderful response and your kind and encouraging words   ;o)  I do need to finish up the next project that I will be posting and would really like your input on another idea . . . . please let me know if you would be interesed in learning how to make this sweet little Gingerbread Baby outfit.  It is super simple, and could even be made up as a paper doll on a heart for Valentine's Day.   For now, however, I'm finishing up the Christmas table runner design that could also be used to make pillows or a wallhanging to bring lots of holiday cheer to your home this Christmas!  I'll be back later this afternoon and send out more of the teacup pincushion, stickpin, and applique eBooks.  Thanks again for your incredible response! 

More holiday crafts on a budget with this FREE Applique eBook Pattern!

On this third day of December, we are all twirling 'round and 'round thinking about the fun projects and activities we have on our TO DO list for the holidays.  As I try to find ways to slow down and really enjoy this special season of the year, and actually be able to focus on the true meaning of our Christmas celebrations, I have found a few ways to keep me on track.  It is so easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by all of the advertisements that bombard us with messages about the many new gadgets we "need."  Especially for those of us who have been hit hard by this year's recession, it can get downright discouraging.  And who wants to be sad and depressed during this most joyous time of the year? 

One of the ways that I have been able to combine my creativity with my budget-conscious, frugal lifestyle is to refashion items that we either already have, or by taking thrift store treasures and upcycling them into something new.  I know, that doesn't work for everyone   ;o)  but there might be a few times in our lives when we don't have many other options, so it is kind of fun to beat this challenge!  You know, as moms, we can do just about anything we need to do to make life "happen" for our families if we don't give up in exhaustion. 

So, in an effort to bring a bit of sunshine into the frequently cloudy days of worry that come to all of us, especially during the holidays, I'm going to be offering a few FREE tutorials for craft and gift projects that you can make for your family.  Actually, there are several sewing and craft projects that will be fun and frugal, but I have also pulled out some of our favorite traditional recipes for holiday goodies that I will be sharing here over the next few weeks.  And before you know it, we will all have a delightful, simple, and wondrous Christmas, without all the guilt of overspending or the anxiety of how to give a meaningful gift to those we love. 

Don't let the television or the mall tell you what you "need."  And let's try to help our children remember the TRUE meaning of the holidays .... gifts are fun, there's no doubt about it, and in many ways we can emphasize the idea of gift-giving as a symbol of how much God has given to us . . . .but when we get all caught up in the giving and getting, it just creates way too much anxiety.  Especially for moms, since we seem to be the ones who worry about it the most! 

Here's a little project that is really easy to create,  and you can make it out of scraps of fabric and trims (sometimes I even use fabric from clothing that the kids have grown out of) and a plain, white t-top or a pair of too-short jeans.  New or already in the dresser drawer . .. . or pick one up at the thrift shop in town.  The only equipment you will need is an iron and a pair of scissors, and your sewing machine.  Simple!  

Here is the supply list: 

*  Scraps of fabric 

*  Scraps of fusible web (to adhere your design to the garment while stitching) 

*  Matching or coordinating thread 

*  Various scraps of ribbon, rick-rack, lace, etc. 

*  A selection of buttons or beads  

*  Scissors, sewing machine, iron

Just take a minute to post a comment below and I will email you the complete eBook pattern that includes the instructions for learning to applique onto a t-top, or jeans or whatever you want to stitch your design on to, as well as  pattern pages for additional holiday designs.  This eBook is a complete applique pattern, 28 pages total.  

I am offering all of this FREE to my readers, as a way of saying "Thank You" and as a way, hopefully, to encourage you to make the most of the holiday season, even if you are in the midst of financial struggles as so many of us are.  

PS Here's another way you can use the FREE applique patterns in this eBook!  Just stitch your favorite design onto the bib of a pair of too-short overalls and stitch on a twirly skirt!  Have a wonderful Thursday and celebrate the JOY of the season   ;o)