Burlap Table Runner for a Turkey Tablescape

A few weeks ago, I was visiting my parents in Southern California,

 and jumped at the opportunity to go shopping at the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store 

by their house for the supplies for this project.

My head was spinning...I had so many ideas.

I saw burlap...

I saw yarn...

I saw gorgeous papers...

I saw ribbon...

I saw, well everything!
I had a vision (sort of)...and now  I had the supplies.
It all eventually came together with a

Burlap Table Runner

 for a Turkey Tablescape. (#turkeytablescape)

http://www.504main.com/2013/11/burlap-table-runner-for-turkey.html

CONTINUE READING

Waverize It!: Slipcovered Ruffle Wreath

A little bit ago, a lovely little package with a couple yards

of Waverly Fabric from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store  arrived on my doorstep.

This fabric sent me over the moon - gorgeous and fun and fabulous!

I had one million and one ideas for it...

and was only given one rule...Waverize It!  

CONTINUE READING

Valentine Love Banner: 14 Days of Crafting Love

For some unknown crazy reason,
I have the urge to go all out for Valentine's Day this year.
If you have been hanging out with me for any period of time,
you may remember that I have a disdain for holidays...
and I barely got anything up this Christmas....
but apparently the Love Bug has bitten me...
or my little girlie loves hearts and flowers.

CONTINUE READING

Make Your Own Fabric Gift Bags (Go To Patterns)

Gift wrapping is not my thing.
I put is off until the last minute and I do not like the waste it creates. Last year, I did create some pretty packages. This year, I started on some paper bows.  I wrap everything is recyclable paper (and yes, I do remove all the tape so I could recycle it) and I save all the tags and bows.

BUT...

This year, I am stepping it up a BIG NOTCH!

And making fabric...REUSABLE...Gift Bags!

I grabbed a pattern from Go To Patterns for Go To Gift Bags

This e-Pattern comes with:

a quilted wine bag

3 different sizes of gift bags.

and a bonus gift card wallet.

So, the pattern is totally easy to print out and cut out.
I can sew... but my sewing machine has seen better days, but even with that I made 4 gift bags in less than one hour (again, with a sad sewing machine!)!

Image: Go To Patterns

I love that these bags are easy to sew and you can keep them forever and keep reusing them. 

Plus the pattern is great to have for any occasion!

So, trust me..it is not to late...

head over and for only $7.00 (a special) you can grab this pattern

And give your gift in a gift!

 I am making a few more bags, personalized with the American Girl Doll's names!

 

 This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

disclosure: I received a pattern from Go To Patterns to test and make a gift bag.

I sewed it...I used it...it rocked. My opinion.

CONTINUE READING

The Monarchs Have Arrived: How To Make a Butterfly Skirt

Every year this little town of Pacific Grove, CA is host to the Butterfly Parade.

The parade welcomes the Monarch butterflies to the city, their winter home.

It also gives the elementary school children the opportunity to march in the parade dressed as lady bugs, sea otters, moon jellies, clowns, and patriots,

but the true attraction is the kindergartners all dressed as Monarch Butterflies.

It is a sight that even makes me cynical heart sing.

My boy walked in the parade 6 years ago, but this year it was my girlie's turn. She was so excited and wanted to wear something special. We also happened to be discussing Halloween at the same time...so like any good mother would do, I struck a deal.

With the hubby not working right now, the $100 fairy costumes were a bit extravagant...and I was trying tot talk her out of it...Then she wanted some new boots. The boots were only $20...so I had an idea...

"How about being a Monarch Butterfly Fairy for Halloween?"

Then you can wear the skirt for the parade...

and I already have the supplies to make the skirt...

so then you can get your boots.

Following me? I am not above wheeling and dealing with my kids!

I knew I wanted to make a skirt and then stumbled upon this AMAZINGLY CUTE idea on for a twirly butterfly skirt on The Train To Crazy. I pinned it and waited and then got sewing (sort of).

photo from The Train to Crazy

FIRST: I will direct you to The Train To Crazy for the tutorial. This is where I got the idea for this skirt and the tutorial is great. If you refer to The Train to Crazy and Made (see references below) you will see great photos. My intent here is to tell you what I did differently - this was not my original idea. 

I did make a few adjustments (because I always do) and I could do a tutorial for a circle skirt (I did make patterns in the fashion industry for 10 years)... 

BUT there is no point in reinventing the wheel.

Here are the supplies I used and the tweaks I made to the process. I had no intention of blogging about this so I took very few tutorial photos.

SUPPLIES

• 1-2 Yards of black felt  (about $6.00/yard). You can probably get by with one yard if you position the wings just right. My girl is 5 and has about a 19" waist. We had 9 wings on the final skirt. I could have added 2 more for more fullness...and still might.
• 1 yard orange felt or other fabric. I used some pre-cut yardage from Walmart
•  Heat N Bond (Ultra)
• White Puffy Paint
• 1 yard (or less) 2" Elastic
• Black Thread
• You will need a sewing machine (or sew by hand) and an iron/ironing board.

HOW TO:
1. Use the pattern and cut out 9 to 11 (or more as needed) wings from the black felt.

2. Cut manageable size squares of the orange fabric.

3. Follow the directions on the Heat N Bond and adhere it to the back side of the orange fabric.
 
4. Cut shapes out of orange (I just free-handed the shapes - they look best irregular anyway). I cut a few out, placed the on a few wing at a time and then cut more pieces to fit into the "puzzle."

5. Once happy, peel backing off the Heat N Bond and iron into place.
NOTE: I am not intending this skirt to be machine washed, so I am not concerned about the exposed edges or fraying, but the Heat N Bond adheres the fabrics really well and on other projects I have used this same method and had no issues. Appliqueing the pieces is also possible.

6. I did not make a circle skirt as a base to this skirt. My girlie just wore long bike shorts/leggings under it. This tutorial for a circle skirt from Made is excellent if you want to make a skirt, or for more directions in attaching the elastic, etc.

7. Layout your wings with each one overlapping the other by about 1/2". Run a basting stitch around the top of the wings.

8. Cut elastic 2" larger than the waist - 1" for give and 1" for seam allowance.

9. Sew elastic together, then fold elastic flat (see MADE tutorial) and stitch down each side.

10. Pin wings to the elastic. I pinned at center front and center back and then the sides. Then stretch the elastic and pin at the points in between.

11. Sew elastic to skirt wings - You need to stretch the elastic when sewing. I used a straight stitch and 1/2" seam allowance.

12.Trim threads and lay flat on a surface with the wings spread out. Depending on your wings, you may have to do this in multiple steps...

13. Use the puffy paint to make polka dots on the wings. My dots are not as opaque as I intended but I was in a time crunch (yep, I waited until the last minute). After accenting my wings, I went back and made a few of the dots larger. 

14. My dots were dry in about 6 hours and I had a super cute skirt for my girl.

Sorry I do not have a lot of photos but AGAIN, if you refer to The Train to Crazy and Made you will see great photos. My intent here is to tell you what I did differently.

The skirt was a huge hit with her and her friends. 

She twirled in it...

She ate cupcakes in it...

She marched and waved to the crowd...

  

 This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

CONTINUE READING

Sew! Farmers Market Bag

I LOVE going to the Farmers Market...
(and I also bring my own bags when I shop anywhere).
But you know what I cannot stand -
the fresh produce (especially the strawberries)
getting smushed in a bag as I walk around the market.
I wanted a sturdy flat-bottomed bag to keep my strawberries firm,
my lettuce crisp, and whatever else I come up with safe and fresh.

This is an idea that I came up with as a solution to one of my own "little" problems, but after a people saw it and loved it,
and I added a pocket - you can always use an extra pocket!

SUPPLIES

• About 1 1/2 yards (this gives you extra) Canvas, Denim, Duck Cloth (6-" wide) - I used a Drop Cloth. If you cut/place carefully, this pattern can probably be cut in one yard of fabric.
• 104" (approx. 3 yards) of 1" Webbing in coordinating color (OR you can make strapping with the fabric)
• 1/4" plywood (you cold easily use foam board or a heavy plastic but I really wanted a hard-bottomed bag, so I chose a lightweight (inexpensive) wood. CUT to fit bottom pocket (see #16 below)
• Optional: T-Shirt Transfer Paper and vintage graphic from The Graphics Fairy. Strawberry Label.

TOOLS

• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Heavyweight needle (denim)
• Matching or contrasting thread (and bobbin with thread)
• Pencil/Fabric Marker
• Large sheet of paper for making pattern
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Yardstick/Ruler/L-Square
• Pins

SEW IT!

***All seam allowance is 1/2" unless otherwise noted***
***I prefer to WASH fabric prior to cutting sewing for these bags."

1.  Make pattern on paper (I did it right on the fabric). Use the measurements in #2.

2.  Cut pieces according to measurements:

• Bag piece: CUT 1 on the FOLD. Make a rectangle 25 inches wide and 15" long. At the bottom of each corner, measure in (from side) 3 1/2" and measure up (from fold) 3". Make a "notch"/cutout on each side using these measurements.
• Facing: CUT 2. Each is 25" long and 4" wide
• Pocket: CUT 1. I used the edge of my drop cloth as the hem. (If you are adding a hem) Use a 1.5" hem. Cut pocket 9 1/2" x 8 1/2" (this measurement is with a top hem). Cut 8" x 8 1/2" if using (already sewn) drop cloth hem
• Bottom Pocket: CUT 2. 19" long x 8" wide. Use a 1/2" seam allowance on the bottom of the pocket and a 1 1/2" hem at the opening.

3.  Cut webbing to be about 104" long - so there will be an overlap of the webbing of about 1" at the meeting point. Once cut carefully use a flame to seal the ends of the webbing so it will not fray.

4. Pin webbing to unsewn bag piece. The straps are placed 7 1/2" inches apart. I found it easiest to fold bag piece in half lengthwise  (to determine center) and then measure over 3 3/4" from center, placing "guide pins" (regular straight pins) all the way through the bag at this point. I placed pins about every 6".

5.On the bottom of the bag is a great place to start the strap/have the raw edges meet. Then pin the strapping onto the bag, making sure to only go through one layer, but using the straight pins (from #4) as a guide. Continue placing/pinning straps until you reach the original starting spot, overlap 1". NOTE: I stopped my straps (i.e. they are not sewn all the way to the facing) at 2" from the raw edge of the fabric (what will be 1 1/2" from the top of the) sewn top of the bag.

6. Remove the guide pins and open the bag. The straps should be pinned and equally distributed on both sides of the bag.

7. Place the pocket; press pocket over 1 1/2" and top stitch a hem (if you are not using the finished drop cloth hem), then fold up 1/2" on the bottom and top stitch that too. With bag laying flat, measure down (from raw edge) 3" place pocket straight across at that 3" point (pin if you need to to secure) - YOU NEED TO TUCK RAW SIDE EDGES under the strapping and pin to secure while sewing. The pocket gets sewn to the bag as you sew the strap.

8. Sew strap on, beginning at the pin/starting point (the bottom of the bag). Stitch close the the outside edge; at the 2" mark, stop, turn and sew across; stop. Turn, go across again to be able to continue down the length of the strap; continue sewing until you go all around and come back to the original start point. You will secure the pocket into place as you sew here.

9.  Fold bag with right sides together and stitch sides together. Now you can serge them (if you have a serger) or press and top stitch the seam, facing toward the back.

10.  Lay bag flat, right sides together and then at the corner "notches" fold to match up to sew them together.

11. Sewing facing side seams (short, 4" sides) together. Either overlock/serger the bottom edge of the facing of flip it up 1/2" and top stitch a hem. With right sides together, match up facing to bag and stitch at 1/2" (typically 1/4" is fine for a seam like this, but I like 1/2" for these bags).

12. Flip bags, press and top stitch at the top of the bag. I actually used a zig zag for the top stitch - just for a "style-thing." Contrasting stitching would look great too.

13.  I decided to define my corners, so I folded the (imaginary) side line and tacked for about 1" at the top of the bag.

14.  Trim thread/strings and press bag to prepare for decoration.

15. Print out graphic from the computer onto Transfer paper - be sure to use mirror image if there is writing/text. Apply the graphic to the pocket using instruction from the transfer paper. (you could apply the image prior to sewing...but this way you can make sure it is straight and exactly where you want it on the sewn product)

16. To give the bag the stability and the flat bottom, sew your bottom pocket pieces together - you should have a pocket that measures 17" long and 7" wide with an opening on one side (kind of like a pillow case) with a 1 1/2" hem.

Cut your 1/4" plywood to be approximately 16.5" x 6.5".


Tuck the plywood into the pocket. Now you can easily remove the wood when the bag needs to be laundered! 

Ta-Da!
All done...

Now let's shop!

NOTES/OPTIONS:

This bag has a stiff bottom, but the rest of the bag is "slouchy" or "relaxed." It suits my needs just fine. You can add Craft Weight Pellon (Fusible) to make the bag stiffer or line it with pockets, similar to the picnic basket. You can also add velcro to the center and sides to give it better closure if that is something you desire.

 ************************

 I made up a fold-away picnic basket a couple of months ago. This bag is similar

(but simpler to sew) and is inspired by the picnic basket.

 ************************

Originally shared on Skip to My Lou
Don't forget to enter the PSA Essentials Giveaway!

CONTINUE READING

I Built An Ottoman...and You Can Too! GIVEAWAY!

I have commitment issues with furniture,

but once I make a commitment, it is for life!

I have wanted an ottoman forever...
what held me back...who knows?
I mean it is crazy...it is not a huge investment,
I like the way it looks, hubby likes the way they look...
but still, I did not purchase one...
seriously this has been going on for years.

Fast forward....to January, when I was in Los Angeles for the Craft and Hobby Association Show I saw a company called The Upholstery Studio, and was so excited! Through their brand Home Decor 1-2-3 - they have kits to make your own headboards, benches, cornice boards...and ottomans! I thought I can totally do that! I am finally going to get my ottoman!

Since then, I have received and built my own ottoman using the complete kit provided by The Upholstery Studio via The DIY Club.

 Three other DIY Club ladies also made ottomans.

You should check them out they are fabulous! They are also so different and full of personality!

The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade and Ottoman Tutorial

Its So Very Cheri: I Made A Utility Cart Ottoman and You Can Too

Whisperwood Cottage: How We Made Our Own Tufted Fur Ottoman...and How You Can, Too!

AND, OVER AT THE DIY CLUB, WE ARE GIVING AWAY ONE OF THESE FAB KITS!!!!

I received two ginormous boxes from The Upholstery Studio (all that batting and foam takes up space), and I will be honest, I was intimidated. What have I done? HOWEVER...I opened the directions, read through them (I really did!) and looked at the pieces and tools, and it all made perfect sense.

The Ottoman Kit comes with detailed directions, and even an instructional video (I just used the written directions). This is my first EVER built from scratch piece of furniture and my first EVER upholstery project. So, if I can do it, you can too!

I am not going to walk you through step by step, but just highlight the major points (all of the directions are in the kit). EDIT: Again, this post is to show you (quickly) the basic steps to make an ottoman and how it is possible even for a first-timer...this is not meant to be a tutorial to make your own.

TOOLS/NECESSITIES

The Ottoman Kit comes with everything you need to build this ottoman from the ground up including upholstery supplies and upholstery tools...except

*I also used a drill for the screws (I started with a screw driver and have a huge callus to prove it)

*I also used a staple gun

*Sewing machine and thread, scissors, pins...BUT Diane at In My Own Style has a great NO SEW ottoman upholstery tutorials

*Fabric. I was having issues committing to a fabric...and the selection where I live is pretty dismal...and I like to feel a fabric before I use it, so mail/online ordering was out for me on this project. BUT finally, I made a decision. Now I know this is not original, but I used drop cloth. HERE'S WHY:

1 -It is Neutral - I want my ottoman to fit in either the living room or family room or even as part of the outdoor room on the deck.

2 - It is durable and easy to clean (kids, enough said)

3 -It is easy to cover with another fabric - a slip cover - without any print, etc. showing through.

4 -My sewing machine is on the fritz and I did not have to sew a hem...just cut my skirt to use the hemmed edge of the cloth as the finished edge!

5 -I like it!

Here's a quick rundown of the process:

Lay out all wood/structure pieces out so I had an idea of what I was aiming for

Marked screws positions, using the template and screwed the frame together according to the directions.

Apply bending board to the sides, using glue and staples.

Add webbing. Using the staples and the webbing stretcher (I have a new love for upholstery tools), I added the webbing to the ottoman top...first horizontally and the wove it vertically. The webbing stretcher is essential - pulls that webbing so tight!

Apply burlap over the webbing and secured into place.

Apply tack strips

Apply 1" foam to the center and then a larger foam on top using 3M Adhesive spray. (that orange "stuff" is the spray!)

Once in place apply Dacron over the top...this smooths the edges of the foam, and gives the ottoman foam a great shape.
***There are options for this step...used the black fabric in my kit. More details are in the ottoman instructions.***

EDIT: So, it looks like a lighter color should have been used in this step...and I think I made a boo-boo in my process (got my fabrics mixed up a bit...BUT the black does not show through the heavier fabric...AND, hey it is my first time, so I am giving myself a pass.

Apply fabric to the top of the ottoman. Determine your style and add tufts or pleats or gathers as you desire (there are specific direction with the kit, but I chose to do my pleats this way as a "style thing"). Sew welt (use could use purchased trim or nailheads, but it was easy to sew). Apply welt to the ottoman using tack strip as guide.

Attach skirt. I chose to pleat my skirt with a certain style as well (the directions call for a 4 piece flap type skirt - which is more tailored).

• I did a box pleat in the center of each longer side and 3 matching pleats (matching to the top pleats) at each corner.
• I pinned my skirt first to make sure I liked the look.
• When applying the fabric, staple at the centers of the ottoman vertically and horizontally first, evenly distributing your fabric (I basically folded mine in half, pinned half (the fold) to one side of the ottoman and the other half (fold) to the opposite side.
• I did the same thing for the other direction. Then your fabric is basically, evenly distributed all over the ottoman.
• Once happy with the look, I marked my staple line with a pencil; flipped the skirt; positioned it into the correct place and secured with staples.

(This is a pen mark, just so you can see it - use a pencil, lightly)

Lift skirt (I flipped my ottoman over on a table) and apply batting to the sides of the ottoman using spray adhesive. Apply a layer of Dacron over the batting securing on the underside of the ottoman. EDIT: Dacron is also applied to the underside of the ottoman.

Attach casters - I may add bun feet later, but like the functionality of the casters right now. EDIT: Dacron is also applied to the underside of the ottoman.

Gorgeous!

My kids think it is so cool I built this...and I think my hubby is still amazed I did it without his help!

This is a basic oval ottoman from The Upholstery Studio Ottoman Collection 1.

I really wanted to try the storage ottoman..but I was a chicken....BUT, after completing my first upholstery project, I am confident and ready to go for it! And maybe, who knows...the couch! Now...you want to amaze your friends and family, we are giving away one of these complete kits at THE DIY CLUB!

Have you ever tried upholstery? Any tips?
Go ENTER to win your own Ottoman Kit at The DIY Club
You can win the complete kit and tools to make your own!

Disclosure: Some products have been supplied to me via The DIY Club. See my complete disclosure by clicking "Disclosure" in the Navigation Bar.

CONTINUE READING