My Secret Ingredient

End of Summer Ruffles

 

 

 

 

I just have to share the results of a couple of free hours and some really special fabric scraps from one of Riley Blakes summer lines.

Pinwheel Hair Clips

I know summer is almost over...and while I know many of you are already in the throes of "back to school"...there is still plenty of warm weather ahead and lots of opportunities to continue to wear light summer clothing and these DARLING pinwheel hairclips.

Little Lauren Dress

I was looking for a pattern to make a simple summer dress using some of the many darling cotton summer fabrics available right now. This fabric I had from the Riley Blake Sugar and Spice collection was just meant to be a dress with a ruffle.

Whooo's the Cutest Owl Hat

A photographer friend of mine who takes pictures of newborn babies at the hospital asked me if I would maker her some prop hats for her photos.

Emergency Candles

Candles are a priority to have in the event of an EMERGENCY, especially one that results in a power outage. Unless you have a generator that can provide light for several days...it makes sense to make sure that you have plenty on hand.

Making your own is the most economical way to ensure that you do....(I can't believe the cost of candles, even at the discount stores!!!) And...it can be done EASILY without special tools and skills. A few simple ingredients that you can order online and a couple of hours is all you need to save yourself a TON of money.

Earbud Keychain Tutorial

I don't know how many of you have teenagers that you supply earbuds to but it can get completely out of hand. Aside from the CONSTANT use, they way they are carried, all tangled up in a front pocket or thrown into a purse with who knows what else....they rarely make it a month or two. Tired of constantly loaning mine out to replace those that have had the wires bent and frazzled, I was thrilled when I saw Erin Erickson's Circle Zip Earbud Pouch on Pinterest. What a great Easter Present I thought, kind of self serving I know, but practical non-the-less.

I got started right away with scraps of fabric I had on hand. Come to find out, I can't sew in a circle. I mean, I really CAN'T sew in a circle. I practiced on many of my favorite fabrics only to end up throwing them away frustrated at the outcome. This would not necessarily be a big deal except I was going through quite a few zippers in the process (thank heaven for Joanne's coupons). Determined to have these genius pouches as gifts.... I set out to modify the pattern to accomodate my limitations. This is not unusual for me, as most recipes are just a starting point....so apparently are patterns and step by step tutorials.

I know I can sew in a straight line and I can make a MEAN SQUARE, so that was my chosen shape. The only other changes I made were using fusible interfacing (which Erin mentions even though she demonstrated batting) and making the pouches slightly smaller. I actually love the slightly puffy look of the batting as opposed to the interfacing, but with the smaller size, the thinner pouch was more usable.