Fingerless Gloves Pattern/Tutorial

I like to knit but my skills are limited and it doesnt matter how hard I try at extending them I draw blank when I read the pattern. Give me pictures and I would work it out but put it in abbreviated long sentences and I get lost, completely. So I stick to straight lines and the occasional increase/decrease but it stops there.

Now when looking for gloves for the wee man I couldnt find anything. He says ” No worries mum, you can knit me some.” errrr… no son I cant (no such thing as cant I hear hubby in the background say). So off I go for a search. I came up with nothing for tutorials/free patterns that I could figure out, but in looking at a pic I figured I could make something similar.

These gloves are easy peasy lemon squeezy. A great pattern for any knitter starting out.

Fingerless Gloves Pattern

** Size 7 needles or 4mm

You could win the gloves made for the pattern: head here!!!

Orphan/ Apron Dress Costume Tutorial

It has certainly been the month for making costumes and I can foresee that I will be putting my hand to many more in the future. This latest costume has been made for my daughters dance performance at the end of the year (talk about being organised). After coming up with zilch tutorials I decided to make one up of my own so as always I am not a pattern maker and I try to explain things as easy as I can but if you have any queries please leave a message below and I may be able help out.

The pattern provided is for approx 6-8 year old (depending on chest size) but you can increase or decrease as needed (info in pdf file).

Sewing level: easy to moderate

 

Easy Mermaid Costume Tutorial

I am not generally one for leaving things to the last moment but on this occasion I was making this mermaid costume a day before the party. What saved me the most was the fact that the fabric didnt fray, no hemming required and I used an old t-shirt, a half made top. So it really only took a small amount of time to make and then glue on some embellishments.

My daughters response the next day “Awesome, Awesome, Awesome”. Thumbs up.

If I hadnt left it to the last minute I would have put together a better tutorial but it is pretty simple.

So first off the top.

Get an old shirt and unpick a 4 inch (10cm) gap right underneath the armpits on both sides. With your chosen mermaid fabric (I think mine was lycra, non-fray) cut a rectangle with a width of 10cm and the length of the tshirt plus 1/2 inch (1.5cm) for seam allowances on both sides. In the center of the rectangle I ruched it by using a gathering stitch and pulling the thread till it bunches up. Turning the shirt inside out I place the rectangle inside and pinned to where the gaps are (make sure the sparkly side is facing the right way). Sew the gaps closed. Turn right way out and then I sewed the ruched section to the shirt and glued on a fancy button.

That part done!!!

Next the skirt.

I just used the width of the fabric off the roll (112cm or 44inches) folded in half and the lenth of my daughters legs to her ankles plus the elastic casing (2in/5cm), sew down the open edge. Then I measured the lenth to where I want the shortest part of the skirt to sit plus 2in 5cm for the elastic casing and cut out the arc (on the folded edge) to a width to where I will place the tail fin (11in/ 29cm).

Fold over the casing at the top for the elastic and sew down, leaving a gap to insert the elastic. Measure your childs waist and take 1 inch off for the elastic measurement, insert in the skirt, check that it fits right and then sew together.

The Fin.

With the width of the bottom of the skirt draw out desired fin shape (x2) in the lyrca and 1 with either felt or fleece again no fraying. Sandwich the felt inbetween the lyrca with the good sides of the lycra facing out and pop in some ribbon as the holder (tip: if right handed put the ribbon on the right side of the tail and then the same if left handed. It has to do with how the skirt hangs when on the arm. This tip I discovered after I made it). Pin three layers together and zig zag stitch them together. Pin the fin to the skirt (watch where the ribbon goes) and sew together. I top stitched that seam so it sat flat at the back.

To finish I put a button at the top near the elastic so when they have had enough of the skirt hanging off their arm they loop it to the button (up there for thinking hey!!)

Voila!

Now using the scraps and a bit of tulle you can make a lovely head piece to go with it.

I hope this was easy enough to follow. Got any questions dont hesitate to ask.

Bec

xx

Fabric Flower.

With one day to go to a friend’s wedding I thought I should perhaps put a little colour into my outfit. I liked the idea of putting something in my hair but where to start. Google images. It is the place I go to for inspiration on a desired project. I suppose it is a bit like pinterest but I have yet to delve into yet another cyber outlet that can otherwise consume more of my time.

Anyways in my trawling through the photos I came across this tutorial on a flower collar by Katiedid. Very cute indeed.

I turned this great idea into a hair clip.

I ended up using light weight jersey, put a circle of felt on the reverse with a hair clip to attach. I am also thinking of adding a brooch pin. 

I am really pleased with how it turned out. As I had left it to the last minute to make I needed to make it right first time. In the end the wedding was beautiful and I wish the happy couple all the best in the future.

 

Easter tutorials

Only three weeks to go before easter. Time goes way to quick. I have yet to start organising the chocolates and decorations.

Here is some tutorial inspiration I found. Click on the links.

1. Quick Sock bunny (gotta love the quick part, and too cute)

2. Fabric eggs.

3.  Garland

4. Embroidery Easter eggs

5. Carrots 

6. One for the kids from I love crafts: The chicken or egg

7. Egg tree

Back to school tutorial round up!

With school soon approaching us it is time to get organising and preparing the wee ones for the year ahead.

Here are some great tutorials that will help you on your way (click on the picture).

My Skort Tutorial

Back Pack

Library Bag

Pencil case tutorial

Art Smock

Lunch bag

 

Skort Tutorial

The ‘Back to School Skorts’.

My little miss is not a fan of wearing shorts, yet as with most little girls they have yet to learn to sit like a lady. I had a search at other tutorials on the net but I was yet to find the right skort I had in mind. So off to the the drawing board and after a few failed attempts I ended with a working pattern.

Skort Tutorial pdf

I would love to see your end results or a review of the pattern so leave a link/comment below.

Happy Sewing!!

* I found that doubling your hem stops it from rolling up.

More great Christmas Decoration Tutorials.

There are so many great tutorials out there to make your own decorations. They can be inexpensive and great to make with your loved ones.  Here are a few more to inspire you this christmas.

1. Glass ornament tutorial 

2. Christmas felt ornaments

3. Christmas Advent calendar

 4. Paper christmas tree.

5. Christmas Bling

6. Fabric christmas tree

7. Fabric ornament ball

8. Candy wreath

9. Bird Tutorial

10. Christmas stockings

Super quick Bolero Tutorial.

I love love this super cute Bolero that gives you that little bit extra over the shoulders and also giving you funky layered look.

Once you draw up the pattern I swear it takes only 5 mins to sew up, thats if you are using a jersey stretch material that doesnt require hemming (always a bonus)

Here is my beautiful niece modelling the bolero.

I only bought 1/2m to make this but liked it so much that I went back and bought more. Perhaps great christmas presents for the ladies in your life.

 

So where is this pattern I here. Well after scrolling through endless tutorial I found it at Modest Prom. They show you how to draft up the pattern using boxes making it easy enough for even the novice to give it a go. It is well worth taking the time to draw it up as you will be asked by your friends to make them one as well.

Cute, Cute, Cute. What can I say. A must make this summer.

Are you thinking of Christmas Decorations yet??

With only seven weeks to go my mind is beginning to think about decorations, especially if the venue is to be my place. As usual I want to save money and make my own but I think I end up spending more in supplies than if I was to buy pre-made. BUTTTTT Handmade is so much nicer and so unique that I embrace it.

So where to start, hmmmm. Table decorations.

I am looking along the lines of buying some tall (or even different heights) glassware from the thrift store and putting sticks in them. Then hanging a few ornaments on them. Similar to the picture below but changing the eggs to perhaps baubles. I always find that you cant put too much on the table as then you have no wear to put the food, so I thought something bulky uptop will give more table space.

Add a few candles, some crackers (sorry I havent yet attempted to make yet) and a colourful runner and voila perfect.

I also like the idea of hanging tissue paper pompoms above the table, wonder if I could incorporate the two. Perhaps I could just fill the glassware with christmas coloured lollies, gee the kids would love that, me too infact.

Pom Pom Tissue Tutorial

I was also looking at making some bunting but not sure in between sewing christmas presents and Mellebug wares that I would have the time. I loved this idea, very different to the norm.

11 Modern word banners and tutorials

For me I think I will be attatching tree decorations to string, simple but effective. You could also spell out “christmas” using these cool decorations made by Jac&Skeet. They would look sweet hanging above the fireplace (pity we dont have one).

Jac&Skeet on Facebook.I have been looking into making my own wreath and I came across thisI went and bought the wire loop at spotlight for $2 (cheap!!) and have made a start. Will most definently show you the finished product.Whats next?A little bit of recyclingPaper ornament tutorial

.I have been looking into making my own wreath and I came across this.

Fabric wreath tutorial

I went and bought the wire loop at spotlight for $2 (cheap!!) and have made a start. Will most definently show you the finished product.

Whats next?A little bit of recycling Paper ornament tutorial

Paperback christmas tree tutorial

Scrap christmas ornament tutorial

This is super cute, feltey christmas tree tutorial by Julia Crossland

Felt tree tutorial

There are stacks and stacks and stacks and stacks of great tutorials for making your own tutorials. I could sit here for hours browsing them all but really not an option with two buzzing bees circling me wanting to play.

If you are not a maker dont dispare, there are heaps of gorgeous handmade decorations all ready to be delivered to your door. They are all made with love,  most often  in someones lounge room (like me).

Check out places like Madeit, Etsy and even on facebook.