Child's Apron Tutorial FINALLY!

Sorry for the lull this past week. I got a fun case of food poisoning/bug that kept me on the couch or in the bathroom for a few days and it's taken about a week to feel normal again. I started this tutorial before I got sick, so it's taken me several days to actually finish sewing these.
I love tutorials that are versatile. It's like two in one. This is one of them! You can use these steps to make a half apron or a full apron! I love both!

Let's get started!

Supplies:
*1/2-3/4 Yard of fabric for bottom layer, waistband, and ties
*1/2 for top layer and bib part
*Iron and Ironing board (Sometimes you can fudge and skip the ironing part, but with this you can't. It would look so wobbly and it would not lay right, so get ready to iron...a lot.)
*Basics- Sewing Machine, thread, pins, tape measure, rotary cutter and mat (not mandatory, but makes things go faster.)

Step 1: Let's start by cutting all your pieces out. This apron is perfect for scraps of fabric. That's exactly what I used, so my measuring was a little interesting. But you can make it work however you want. For the bottom piece: I made these for my nieces who are 8 and 6. I took their measurements of their waist and based everything off of that. Both had a waist of 25". So your bottom piece needs to be Half of that measurement+6" for a gather. Mine came out to 18.5", so I rounded it up to an even 20". Then determine the length you want. Mine was 10.5", keep in mind that you will have to hem it so give yourself your seam allowance, mine was 1/2".

The top layer needs to be smaller than the bottom. Make the top 3" shorter than the bottom layer and 1.5" shorter on the sides. So mine was a rectangle of 9"x17".

If you are making this a full apron (you can do both with this tutorial!) determine how wide and long you want yours to be. It depends on where you want the waistband to sit, if you want it more of an empire waist, then make your bib shorter, if you want the waistband to sit lower then make it longer. As you are going to fold over the top of your bib by 3", allow the extra fabric. Mine ended up being 11"x10". Don't forget your seam allowance!

Now for the ties and waistband. For the waistband you want to cut 2 pieces that are 3"x however long your measurements are. I wanted mine to be well behind the back, so it went all the way around, so with my measurements I made it 22". You can just rip your fabric for this, it saves time.

For your ties in the back, cut 2 2"x however long you want them. I like to have the girls' aprons tie in the front, so it has to be long enough to wrap around them. They ended up being 45" long.

For the necktie, cut it at 2"x 35-40"

Remember to iron all your fabric after you cut it so you start off with clean lines.

Step 2: Fold the bottom layer in half. Use a cup to trace at the corner and cut around your curved edge.

Step 3: Do the same for the top layer, fold it in half but with this one you will make a half circle. I just eyeballed it, but if you have a method you like, go with that.
Step 4: Now for the bib. I had to line my bib part because the fabric was too thin. Iron your sides to finish the edges. I did a half inch, then I folded the raw edge in and ironed the edge. This creates a clean hem. (If you want to make a half apron, skip this step and move down to Step 6)
Step 5: Now fold your bib piece down 3" and iron it flat. This is going to be the place for your necktie. Stitch across the raw edge.
Step 6: With most aprons you finish the edges before you put it all together, that's what we do next. As this is a curved edge, either use a rolled hem foot on your machine or if you're like me and couldn't find your foot without waking a child up, just go slowly and make a loose twist on the bottom. This takes some patience. Just go slow and just make sure your raw edge is folded under so you can't see it. You will have to iron your pieces after you finish to get them to lay flat as they might want to curl a bit, but it actually looks cute.

Do this with both the bottom and top layers. If you want, you can add lace trim after your hem is done.

Step 7: Make a gathered stitch on the top of your two layers. Gather both pieces to the desired length you want.
Step 8: Fold your bottom layer, top layer and one piece of the waistband in half. Once you find the center of each piece mark it with a pin, chalk, pen, anything that will stand out for you. Lay the two layers on top of each other, with the center marks lined up. Lay your waistband on top of your two layers, center mark lined up, and pin it to your layers, right sides together. It's easier to start from the center and work your way out.

Step 9: Stitch the three pieces together. Once done, iron your waistband up, making a clean line. Continue to iron the fold of the waistband extending out to the ends.

Step 10: Find the center of your bib, by folding and marking, just like the others. Line the center with your waistband center. Pin them together and stitch along the edge of the bib. Iron flat after you make your stitch. Continue to iron the fold of the waistband extending out to the ends. (If you are making a half apron skip to next step)

Step 11: Take other piece of your waistband and place it on top of the bib on the back side of your apron. Lay it so that the wrong side is facing you. Pin it to the bib/waistband raw edge of your apron and all the way out to the ends of the front waistband and stitch. Iron your waistband up.

Step 12: Iron the waistband down, so the raw edge is pointing down, using the same seam allowance you used with the front waistband. Pin all the way across from the front waistband, over the layers on the bottom, and to the other side of the waistband. This creates a clean, professional look to your apron. Iron after you stitch them all up.
Step 13: Sew your ties together. Fold each in half, right side together, and stitch up the raw edge. Take a safety pin and turn each inside out. Iron flat. With the waist ties, tuck one end in on each piece and stitch it closed. With the necktie finish both ends.

Step 14: Tuck in your waistband pieces and put your waist ties in the opening and pin in place. Stitch both sides closed. (If you're making a half apron, this is your last step!)

Step 15: Take a safety pin and string your necktie through the opening on your bib.

And that's it!!!!!!
I also made a second one for my other niece so they could have aprons together and play house. I love how they both turned out and it really will be something that they will use for a very long time!
Just so you guys know, it has taken me all week to get this tutorial finished! Both of my kids are sick this week, I am incredibly sleep deprived, and I'm a bit sluggish because of all the things I've been staying up late to make. I'll post pictures tomorrow...hopefully, of all my creations that I've made so far. I only have a handful left to make, but they won't take me much time to do, so I am way ahead of schedule than I was last year! Hope you all are enjoying your season!

Giant Costume Post

Another year has gone by with costume making madness. This year I made a total of 4 costumes. Only one was for my family though. Let's get started with the cuteness!

Little Miss Sassy Pants decided to be Rapunzel a long time ago, so I started thinking of how to make it. I used the same format as the Versatile Shirt for the top. Just a tub with sleeves. Add some rick-rack, lace trim and some ribbon and you have a Rapunzel top. I also wanted to make her a tutu to make it extra fufu-ey! (Yes, that is a word)

I just straightened her hair (which makes her look like a teenager :-( ) and she was good to go!

Good thing I have a friend with a bridal shop as this is the dress I cut up to make the top. This dress would've fit her as is....whoever is this small is abnormal! The center piece of the top with the darker purple is from a bridesmaid alteration I did and kept the scrap fabric.
Now, my older sister conned me into making her and her husband's costumes. The only reason I agreed was because she supplied me with an endless amount of Diet Dr. Pepper and came over to help pin and iron seams and cut all the pieces out. Plus she asked me about 3 weeks in advance, which is very out of character for her as she usually calls about 3 days before she needs stuff done. They went as the Princess Bride and the Dread Pirate Roberts. Here is her hubs sporting the shirt I made. She did the sash and head piece (with fabric I had lying around).

And here is Princess Buttercup. The dress weighed about 47lbs as it was that stretchy velour stuff and was a bit of a pain to sew with as it kept shifting. Luckily I have my new machine as it took a fraction of the time to make than it would have with my other machine!

And the newest member of our family was festive as well. Here is baby Emma sporting her new little hair pretty I made for her. She is about 5 hours old in this picture. Baby and mommy are healthy and happy and I have gotten to sniff her squishy baby head a few times and it has been heavenly.

Now, I know that last year I made my son's costume too, but this year, due to all the other projects, and his particular interest in the Transformers, I got a screaming deal on his costume online and had to just buy it. We planned on making his Bumble-Bee costume out of boxes and foam, but decided that he would not be able to walk and that I just didn't have the time. He was very popular with all the little boys out there Trick or Treating. Plus, this is the only Transformer that he can actually say. So, win win.

No, I did not dress our dog up, but I had to share a nice little story with you all. Our dog decided to bust out of this joint and go on an adventure alone. On Friday night we were making pizzas and were in the midst of craziness and all of a sudden we realized that our dog was not inside. We searched everywhere and he was gone from our yard. Plus, it was cold and raining at that time as well. Trying to look for a black dog, in the dark, in the rain is almost impossible. We searched for hours, cried, called his name outside, cried some more. Then my husband decided to go look again, got the flashlight, and was going from the backyard and I heard something knock on the front door. I opened the front door and was greeted with a soaking wet, tired and cold dog that was wagging his tail so hard that his legs were shifting on the ground. We still don't know how he got out, but we are so thankful that he came home safe.

I hope you all had a safe and happy Halloween!

Candy Corn Hair Pretty Tutorial

Being in a festive mood, I decided to make my daughter and soon to be niece some festive hair pretties. These were super easy and fun to make!

Supplies:
*White, Orange, and Yellow fabric cut/torn into strips
*Felt or fleece for the body
*Sewing Machine
*Needle and Thread

Step 1: Cut 2 fleece or felt into a rounded triangle, one for the body and the other to hold your hair clip. I did two sizes. One for my 4 year old and on for a baby (That should be out any minute.. like, she's in the hospital on the OR table.)

Step 2: Cut/tear your fabric into strips of the same width. They don't have to be the same length, just need to be long enough to get ruffled and fit on your triangle. I made mine freakishly long, because it's easier to cut things off than to not have enough.

Step 3: Take your needle and thread and do a gathering stitch down the center of your strips. Do it to all three strips.

Step 4: Place them onto your triangle, overlapping the fabrics. You will pin these down and stitch on the top of the orange strip and then the yellow. This holds your fabric down so there aren't any holes.

This is before I pinned them and stitched them onto the triangle.

Step 5: After you have stitched your fabric strips down, flip your triangle over and stitch around your triangle, getting as close to the edge as you can get.

Step 6: Trim your extra fabric all the way around the edges. Then glue the second triangle you cut out onto the back, adding your alligator clip.

Add a little bow on the top and clip it onto your hair! I mean your kids' hair.I also made this little candy corn dress for baby Emma to go with the hair pretty. She has to be festive looking for her first Halloween!

Have Fun!

Preparing for Baby

Not mine! No no! That ship has sailed. But my sister-in-law, my husband's only sister, is having baby #2 tomorrow. Oh how I love babies. I cannot wait to sniff her little head. I've been working on this project for a few months now. I know, shouldn't have taken that long, but that's what happens when you have so many projects and alterations to do.

Apparently I'm the car seat lady. Which I'm ok with. Especially when I have such great fabrics to work with and a new machine to use! This one is from a vintage sheet set that my sister-in-law has had for a few years, but never knew what to do with it. Must have been divine intervention that she didn't use it in all that time because she was destined to have a little girl!
The brown is the fabric that I bought to recover those wing back chairs I got last summer. I never even got a chance to do that project because when we moved our garage around the chairs had become home to more spiders than I could even count, so we took them to the dump. I don't do bugs.
I just love how this turned out and to be honest I was a little emotional when I finished it. This is the car seat that brought home both of my babies and now it gets to bring home one last bundle of joy. I will post pictures when I can of baby Emma!

What's Been Happening Here

Well....yeah, I've been on a little break, dealing with life in general. I assure you that I have not been idle all that time. Here are a few of the things I've made since last we talked:

Freezer Paper Stenciled Shirts for my nephew. I made him a mustache shirt for Christmas and he has worn the crap out of it. Not because he likes the design, but because he thinks the mustache is a French Fry. So he got yet another "Chip" shirt.

Another thing that has happened is a little bit of a side business. It's kind of funny, I went in to drop off a few bridesmaids dresses at the shop that I do alterations for and there was a bride in picking up her dress. This bride asked my friend if she sells custom garter belts, which she doesn't, so my friend looked at me and said, "You want to make a custom garter?" It was pretty funny. This was the first one I did. I used the stretchy lace (so not to have the sausage-link-leg-look), some vintage blue ribbon, some fabric borrowed from a dress I did and some other vintage bits that I had lying around. What's not shown on here is the little pendant that I made with the Boston Red Sox logo in it, filled with Dimensional Magic (have you tried that stuff? It's AMAZING!) So this bride got her "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something Blue" all in her garter. She loved it and it was fun to make for her.

If you are interested in a custom garter belt, just shoot me an email! I would be happy to share more info with you.

Upcoming projects: a Rapunzel Costume, an Optimus Prime Costume (made from boxes and other things we can find), maybe a Princess Bride Costume, and a crap load of other alterations and maybe a veil tutorial (because I'm pro at them now! Only took a few tries, several yards of tule and lots of Diet Dr. Pepper.)

P.S. I got my NEW MACHINE!!!!! I will do a whole post on it later but let me tell you, it's amazing!

Fall Is Here!

Yes, I'm still here. Just been a little busy, have been having issues with my eyes (which makes blogging, reading, sewing and anything else a little difficult to do), trying to get caught up on all my family projects that have been put to the side with all the alterations and of course cooking, cleaning and being a mom and wife. Put all that together and sorry ladies, but blogging is not that high up on my list of priorities, it used too, but then I got burnt out and broke. Lol

Any-hoo! Here is a fun video for all your scarf lovers! My mother-in-law sent it to me and I am so jazzed because I LOVE scarves in the fall and winter! Enjoy!

Getting His Craft On

So, as you can see I have been a little MIA as of late. I wish I had some fun fabulous excuse, but the reality is that I have been helping a friend with her bridal shop in doing dress alterations and I have just been a smidge busy with those. Maybe I will do a fun tutorial for you so you can learn how to take in a formal dress with boning. I'm pro now! Lol Or not.

Any-hoo, my cute little husband was watching one of his gaming forums and they had a tutorial for making gaming t-shirts using bleach in a spray bottle and a cut out design. I didn't have the heart to tell him that that particular idea has been around in blogland for some time now and that mom's have been making these for a long time. But I let him think that this gaming sight (which probably got the idea from a woman) had an original idea. But he was so cute in making them that I had to take pictures to show that a man can make things too.

Step 1: Get your shirt, line it with cardboard, cut out your shape and place it on your shirt

Step 2: Take your spray bottle with 1/2bleach 1/2water and spray over the top of your design.

Step 3: Remove your paper design and let your shirt "cure". After it is dry wash alone or with any other shirts you may have created as usual.

Here is another shirt he did. He was so proud.

And that's it! Now he has 2 shirts that he is very proud of and that don't have holes in the armpits, that's what I'm most excited about. Hope you all are having a great day!